Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: SPOT battery life
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dogwoodgirl |
Also I know nothing about them. Is there one that is better than another? All I really need is something that tracks my progress from one day to the next, and allows me to send a message confirming that I am still alive (LOL). I worry that I'll forget to send an OK message some night and get the EMS called but an overly anxious 35 year old, but I can try to get into some kind of routine I suppose. |
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billconner |
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boonie |
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OldTripper |
When he goes on a trip, he keeps the unit turned off and in a dry bag that is kept in a convenient location for ease of access. Periodically during his travels, he will get it out, turn it on for several minutes to give the GPS time to get a good fix on location, then send the "I'm OK" message. After the message is sent, he will turn it off again. I'm guessing by doing this it would take a very long time to run the battery down. Just a thought. |
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Jackfish |
I don't use my SPOT for anything other than our trip to Quetico (or the BW) so it sits in the drawer all year except for a week or two when we're using it. When the signal is sent, not only does it send an "I'm ok" message of your choosing that you program online prior to your trip, but it also sends GPS coordinates and a map so folks can see your location when the message was sent. If they have a map at home, they can see your SPOT message, then check the map to pinpoint your location. Don't forget... besides the cost of the SPOT itself, there's also a subscription for the service. Not crazy expensive, but it's an expense nonetheless. |
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JATFOMike |
I only had it on for about 15 minutes each evening to send those messages out. There is an annual fee of about $25.00 and then a monthly fee (several choices) depending on the plan you want. I chose the plan that is month by month so I am not paying any fees while it is sitting on the shelf at home not being used. I beleive that fee is $15.00 per month when you have it activated and that covers a 30 day period. you are limited to 15 texts or e-mails, however, you can preload 10 generic type emails such as "I am ok" which are free to send and unlimited. I also downloaded an updated weather forcast for my location every night. I synced my Iphone with it and typed up the texts from it (much easier) I carried an Anker power pack to keep my phone and headlamp charged and could also charge the inreach from it if I needed to.... Mike |
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butthead |
How to Choose Between a PLB and a Satellite Messenger Comps: inReach Mini vs SE+/Explorer+, SPOT Gen3, and PLB’s ACR PLB vs InReach A PLB is just emergency beacon built to international SAR specifications. More powerful transmitter, build quality, and with a longer battery life. Single point (purchase) cost no subscription needed with a 6 year shelf life between rebuilds (battery replacement). Priced between Spot and Inreach as a new unit, Spot and Inreach offer messaging or 2 way texting, and need a subscription to be purchased. If an emergency signaling device would work for you a PLB may be cheaper and longer lasting. I personally use a PLB, have for 15 years. butthead PS: Want to add another utility for any of the units. Any back country travel can take you out of cell phone range. Particularly the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains. I keep my PLB in my vehicle when driving across our beautiful USA. Routes like the "Dragon's Tail" and "The Million Dollar Highway" while not really treacherous are out of cell phone coms mostly and offer increased potential for an accident. bh |
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Wharfrat63 |
I had to charge it once. I brought a small ANKER battery for recharging. It was the size of a roll of quarters. Garmin has the ability to post these locations and a website for your family to watch your progress. Everyone that followed us thought it was cool and allowed them to "share" your trip. Wharfrat63 |
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scotttimm |
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Voyager |
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straighthairedcurly |
I have used it for more than 8 days without needing to change out the batteries, though I always carry a spare set. Be sure to use the high end lithium batteries, not regular alkaline batteries. |
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PineKnot |
Sent you an email via my gmail....I have a Spot Gen3 that you can have if you're interested.... Pineknot. |
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ockycamper |
On top of that you can subscribe for just the month, then suspend it again. Love it. |
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dogwoodgirl |
PineKnot: "dogwoodgirl, Got it- emailed you back, yes, I'll take it |