SPOT Satellite messenger (Observations on the Blinking Light)

As you know we have had the SPOT rescue beacon for a few weeks now. We have registered the unit, played with it, and tried to break it. During my short time with the spot I have learned a lot about its capabilities, and some of its weaknesses. As we continue to use and evaluate the spot on our adventures we will make note more observations, and pass them along to you.

Observations on the Blinking Lights

Each time I have played with the SPOT we have drug ourselves out to the wildest, most remote sections of Johnston Iowa. With clear skies, and good overhead clearance I turned on the unit. I watched as one yellow light blinked repeatedly. I pushed the OK button, and waited for the message to beam itself around the world, and into my cell phone. Once the button was pressed a single light began to flash incessantly. Unfortunately to my sharing nothing happened. Then, two lights flashed. Then, one light flashed, then a red light flashed. This light display reminded me of first contact in the movie close encounters of the third kind. I knew that the SPOT was conveying vital information about my ability to send my position to loved ones, but much like the time I tried ordering breakfast on the train platform in Paris I had no Idea what to do. I clipped the unit to my back pack, and headed off to my walk. About twenty minutes later, after I forgot all about the SPOT my phone chimed in. My position had been reported.

When I returned home form that jaunt I was able to reference the owners manual and determine that I had pushed the OK button to soon, and that the spot had not acquired a satellite signal yet.

This experience was interesting. I was initially frustrated that my signal did not come through right away, but I was impressed that even though I activated the unit with out satellite signal, the beacon was persistent enough to get my message out.

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[Brian Johnson]

Rescue equipment supplier specializing in rock climbing harnesses, stretchers and carabiners for safety and rescue operations.