Spot GPS or Connect?

[RUDY]

i know this could probably go into the "Geek" section but have a feeling more ppl will see it here than there..Does anyone know what is the real difference between the Spot GPS Messenger and the Spot Connect?...Both are the same price,seem to have same options...is the difference is that u can sync your phone to the Spot Connect and send messages from your phone?...Question is if u can customize message on the GPS messenger,why would u need the connect?...between the 2 which is a better one to get?Any info on either of these 2 is appreciated.Thanks

 

[ferniesnow]

i know this could probably go into the "Geek" section but have a feeling more ppl will see it here than there..Does anyone know what is the real difference between the Spot GPS Messenger and the Spot Connect?...Both are the same price,seem to have same options...is the difference is that u can sync your phone to the Spot Connect and send messages from your phone?...Question is if u can customize message on the GPS messenger,why would u need the connect?...between the 2 which is a better one to get?Any info on either of these 2 is appreciated.Thanks

I'm not that versed in the SPOT connect. What I doo know is that with the SPOT2, you can customize 3 messages (sort of); the OKAY message and the HELP message can have a little line (don't know how many words exactly) but something like the Elkford SnowCat is just fine and the same for the HELP. The 3rd message is a custom message that you set up before hand (and can't change until you are back at the computer). Something like "the Elkford SnowCat is fine but we will be delayed or we are okay but will be home late.

I don't use a phone in the bush and very seldom use one in civilization so the Connect would be no advantage to me. But saying that, I'm a little different when it comes to technology.....

 

[ren]

I am in the same boat and have been doing alot of research on personal locating devices. The reviews on the Spot and the connect are either really good or really bad. Its the really bad that worries me. This has lead me to this:
The reviews on this unit are very good. There is no activation fee but the only downside is that it has no replacable battery so when the unit dies (5 years) you have to buy a new unit. All in it is still cheaper that a Spot ad the reviews are more positive.

 

[ferniesnow]

I am in the same boat and have been doing alot of research on personal locating devices. The reviews on the Spot and the connect are either really good or really bad. Its the really bad that worries me. This has lead me to this:
The reviews on this unit are very good. There is no activation fee but the only downside is that it has no replacable battery so when the unit dies (5 years) you have to buy a new unit. All in it is still cheaper that a Spot ad the reviews are more positive.

As for the reviews.....I have found that peeps who don't like them are too impatient to figure them out; like they will leave them turned off, then turn them on and expect them to work right now! There is also the occasional "dead spot" where the signal can't find a satellite because of heavy trees or else there may be a mountain in the way.

I am much happier with the SPOT2 than I was with the original SPOT and have noticed less "dead spots" with more juice from the batteries. I use mine over 100 days throughout the winter and I don't see any problems.

As for the 5 years of battery power we will have mega technological changes within that 5 years and I don't see that as a problem. I see more of a problem buying from MEC and I will boycott that business forever for being so blatantly against motorized backcountry use. I will look for another supplier and edit this post later.

The supplier information on the FastFind website is not updated as they say there are no suppliers in Canada!

I did find this little tidbit however; The Fast Find is designed as a direct communication, to the 406 MHz Search and Rescue satellite system, its signal indicates that you are in need of urgent response and assistance.


That information makes this device quite a bit different that the SPOT2 or the Connect. With the SPOT2, you can let people know you are okay, you can let your buddies know that you need help (not an emergency), let them know that you will be delayed, and you can send a message to 911 to alert Search and Rescue. I would rather have all the options of SPOT2.......

 

[b_doornenbal]

If you are thinking of doing this I would not go with the connect because the unit looses most of it purpose (custom msgs) once your phone dies. I would either go with the regular spot or have a look at the Delorme Earth Mate GPS with SPOT, this is a great unit becuse it just runs on AA bats so you can use it all over

 

[fnDan]

I looked at the Connect and remembered the KISS theory. Keep it simple stupid.
One unit with batteries that last a heck of a lot longer than a cell. Plus, if it's me that needs help, I know my friends can operate the Spot2 easily and won't need a password to get in my phone.