Lately, I’ve been testing a new 7-ounce device called “Spot Messenger”. Watch the Guided Tour at…
Now let me first clarify — there’s no “affiliate” tag on the end of that URL. (The people who make these devices don’t even know I’m writing this.) So note that there’s no kickback in the works here. I’m referring you to this device as “one beggar telling another where to find bread.” What I *can* tell you is that, with very few downsides, this device is a hit. Exactly what does it do? Using GPS satellite technology, it first pinpoints your location to an accuracy of 20′, almost anywhere on the earth. Next, using GlobalStar’s Low Earth Orbit satphone network, Spot sends the equivalent of a text message back to its home base in Milpitas, CA, where the tech guys there have created sophisticated software that plots your location on a GoogleEarth map, then relays carbon copy messages to the people you’ve chosen to notify in your Spot online web account. You can designate cell phones to receive text messages or email accounts — Spot doesn’t mind either way.
Doug,
FYI, some of our pilots are using these for tracking purposes in case of a downed airplane. :) At one event last year if you bought the unit for $150 they threw in the 1st year’s subscription for free. Not sure if they’ll promote it like that next year or not, but if I was still flying, I’d get one for sure!
Blessings,
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