Yesterday the FED EX guy dropped off a SPOT rescue beacon. I will be reviewing this device over the next few weeks. I will let you know what I think of it.
Packaging
Upon initial review the packaging is very impressive. With flashy pictures, and images the purchaser certainly gets the impression that this is a real serious piece of equipment.
Registering the unit
Once the Spot is out of the box you are directed to the companies web site. On the front page of www.findmespot.com you find a link labeled "Activate Unit". The next step in the process is to log the unit's serial number, and ID into the data base. You then enter your credit card number, and sign into a contract. As I read the contract I was surprised to see that a clause in the contract involves inappropriate activation. If the company believes that you are responsible for inappropriate use of the 911 feature they can bill your credit card over $400. With that cost in mind I don't think that I will be letting my neighbor kids take it out.
Once you agree to the contract you move on to the emergency contact set up. Each of the major features has a separate database of contacts who will be notified when you activate your SPOT. To do this you either enter an e-mail address, or phone number. This will allow spot to notify these people.
The Unit itself
The SPOT is about the size of an older model PDA. it is made of heavy duty blaze orange plastic. the device is ringed with a heavy rubber border. This border seems to provide a bit of drop protection, as well as a textured grip to hold on to the unit. The unit has four buttons, and four lights. The buttons are very straight forward, and easy to use, but on a first impression I find the lights to be a little confusing. As I get to use the SPOT I will let you know when I learn the ins and outs of them.
So, I got my spot. I set it up, and ventured out into my back yard. I turned on the spot, and sent myself an OK message. THe spot worked quickly, and easily. We will be putting this device through its paces, and we will see how reliable it is in the field.
