Kayaks 4U

SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker

GPS, VHF, Wallet, Cell Phone, Camera, Car keys, Why do I want to carry a SPOT?

 I’m out kayak fishing and the bite is on. I devised my float plan during normal conditions, but this is different. I think of the country song “I’m going to miss her” which is about fishing and not making it home on time. Reality sets in and I pick the cell phone up. NO SIGNAL. I could call the Coast Guard or Marine Patrol on my VHF but I think they might have a little problem when I ask them to call my wife.  

Enter SPOT, “satellite messenger” SPOT picks up your (GPS) coordinates and can transmits your position and simple message to your float-plan holder through a satellite network. The satellites relay the information to specific land-based satellite antennas around the world. The antennas can relay your message, as required, via:

• Internet,  
• Cell phone network,  
• Emergency call center
• All three, depending on the signal you choose to send.

SPOT maintains a network of communications satellites.

The SPOT unit sells for $149.99 at most kayaking, marine, and outdoor stores. The annual charge for the basic satellite service subscription is $99. That gets you the:

• Alert 9-1-1 emergency response to call for search and rescue (SAR) services;
• “SPOTchecking” function, which lets you send a notice to your contacts to tell them where you are and that you’re OK; and
• The ability to indicate your position and signal for help from friends and family rather than from SAR.

 Add another $49.99 a year, you can purchase the tracking upgrade option. With the tracking option, or “SPOTcasting,” SPOT will automatically send your location to your online SPOT account every 10 minutes. Folks at home can then follow your progress via Google Maps. To extend battery life, SPOT is programmed to run the tracking for 24 hours. You can reactivate, by pushing the SPOT OK button.

 Well it seems like I solved the problem of contacting the loved one when I’m late (which is quite often when it comes to kayaking). Now if If can only get her to use the computer, she can find me on Google Maps.  I hope this ties into Google Earth then she could watch me fish…

Paddle Safe,

Kayak1

 

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