The SPOT Gen3 is a personal GPS tracking and satellite messenger system that is designed to work with satellite-based communications and can be used for rescue, tracking and messaging where there are no mobile phone networks.
The SPOT Gen3 is 6.5 cm tall, 9 cm wide, 2 cm deep, and weighs under 125g. The pocketable device is rugged-looking and ready for a tough life outdoors. The device was designed to be vibration and condensation resistant, and can be used at temperatures ranging from -30 C to +60 C and altitudes from 100m below sea level to 6,500m above.
The power button is on the left side and there is a USB port on the back, with a rubber plug to keep water and grime out. There are five buttons on the front with symbols to describe their various functions: Help/SPOT Assist, SOS, Custom Message, Tracking, and Check In. Each of these has a corresponding LED that serves as confirmation when used.
The SPOT Gen3 GPS can be powered by four AAA batteries or through the USB connection using a power bank. The battery compartment, situated on the back, is accessible by unscrewing two small D-ring bolts on the back of the device.
The device can be tracked live on a smartphone app or the web portal powered by Google Maps. You can set the device to update its location every 10, 30 or 60 minutes and should you chose to buy the upgraded package, you can also set the location intervals to 2.5 or 5 minutes. Once you have activated your SPOT Messenger and set up your account, you can change your contacts and customize your message at any time.
To change tracking times, enabling/disabling movement alerts and enabling/disabling DOCK mode your device you need to connect it to your computer. Luckily the interface is very usable and easy to navigate. The device does not have to be connected to add contacts, link social media accounts or modify messages.
Functions
SOS function
The SOS button, for emergency use only, sends for help when you can’t by sending a signal and GPS location to GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center, who will contact local emergency services to organise a rescue. SPOT’s website claims 4,421 rescues and counting to date.
Spot Assist
Pushing the “Spot Assist” button will notify your contacts that you are in a non-life-threatening situation and need help.
Check In
The “check in” button lets friends and family know you are okay when out exploring the wilderness by sending a “I’m OK” text message with your current GPS coordinates or an email with a link to Google Maps to up to 10 pre-determined contacts. Your waypoint is stored in your SPOT account for later reference and can easily be integrated into a SPOT Shared Page or SPOT Adventure account.
Custom Message
This feature is used as a secondary OK message and functions exactly like your Check In message , but rather than just sending “I’m Ok” you can pre-program a custom message.
You can also have access to your waypoints in your SPOT account so you can review your route at a later date. Or link your SPOT account to SPOT Adventures and save a map of your adventures using your SPOT waypoints, and enhance the story with photos and a blog.
Tracking
Once you activate the tracking mode, SPOT acquires and sends your GPS coordinates to your SPOT account and, if you choose, Shared Pages. Creating a SPOT Shared Page allows you to share your GPS route with your friends and family easily in near real-time on the web through a personal link. You can make your Shared Page private or public. Upload your tracks to SPOT Adventures, a social portal, where you can set up a profile and blog with others sharing their SPOT Adventures.
On the Trail
In order for the device to have the best signal it needs to be carried with the logo facing up or out. I used the included strap and carabiner to attach it to the top of my Camelbak. I would prefered to have been able to carry it on my hip somewhere in order to get hold of it when things go pear-shaped. You also need to make sure it is strapped down securely otherwise it will flap around when the trails get technical and you’re moving around a bit.
Thankfully I had no reason to use the SOS or SPOT Assist functions. Using the “OK” and custom message functions worked exactly as advertised. I added my own number as one of the recipients and the sms message would come through in a couple of seconds from hitting the button. Testing the Google Maps link showed the coordinates to be very accurate – I would certainly trust them in a life-threatening situation.
What was immediately obvious was how much more comfortable my wife was with me setting off on my own when she knew I had the SPOT with me. In a way, the same goes for me. I felt comfort in knowing that should something go very wrong all I needed to do was hit a button and help would be on the way.
Verdict
Whether you are a Bear Grills wannabe or just your average weekend explorer, if you’re doing it on your own from time to time or going off the grid having a SPOT with you will undoubtedly be a source of comfort to loves ones and be an essential tool in case of an emergency. At around R200 per month (excluding device cost) for the base subscription, it certainly is a small price to pay. In a home where it will be used for more than just cycling or by more than one person it becomes quite cheap quickly. In our house my wife and I can share (she runs) and I will be able to use it when out motorbiking or when we’re on a 4×4 trip with friends in a remote area of our beautiful country.
Pricing at June 2016:
SPOT Gen3 Unit retail price R 2 995.00 Excl. Vat
Services (12 months):
- Basic tracking: waypoint every 10 minutes R 2 475.00 per year ($164,99)
- Unlimited – waypoint every 5, 10, 30 or 60 min: Basic tracking & ADD ON: R 750.00 per year ($49.99)
- Extreme tracking – waypoint every 2.5, 5, 10, 30 or 60 min) Basic tracking & ADD ON: R 2 250.00 per year ($149.99)
GEOS search and rescue R 300.00 per year ($19.95)
Subscription fees are charged in US Dollars only, so keep Rand/Dollar fluctuations in mind.
SPOT Trace
The SPOT Trace is intended to be used for personal and asset tracking. It is just under 7cm long, 5cm wide, and 2cm deep. As far as modern day technology goes, it is a very simple device with a single power switch and a pair of LED lights to show that the device is operating and has acquired GPS location. The device can pick up satellites through fibreglass, glass and fabric, but not through metal, which means you won’t be able to stash it somewhere in your car to use as a tracking device unless it is mounted correctly and has a view of the sky through the windscreen.
Various alerts can be set up, including for movement. The Trace will automatically send a text and/or email with your asset’s GPS coordinates when movement is detected. You can also view and track the device online via a web interface as well as through their mobile app.
It is MIL-STD-810F humidity rated; SAE J1455 vibration rated and waterproof to IPX7 (1 meter for up to 30 minutes) and can operate in temperatures ranging from −30 C to 60 C at altitudes from −100 m to 6,500 m.
The battery cover is held in place by two screws with the device powered by 4 AAA batteries. A standard micro-USB cable is included, providing a non-waterproof connection and also allowing firmware updates by connecting to a computer. Battery life is claimed to be three days in the absolute worst case scenario for tracking a device that’s constantly moving.
In Use
Ideally speaking, you will keep the device attached to your bike when when you leave it unattended. It can either go in a saddlebag or be attached somewhere on the bike as I’m sure most thieves will not notice it or know what it is for when they first grab your bike.
I found alerts came through quick enough to be able to react to most situations and in the worst case scenario you have the benefit of being able to track it online.
Alerts can be set for 5, 10, 30 or 60 min and I would suggest to set it to 5 min and then just make sure you keep an eye on battery life. No use having a device that only sends you an alert every 60 min when you really need it.
The Spot Gen3 and Spot Trace.
Verdict
For those looking for a device that will allow them to track valuables, and possibly be tracked, the Trace seems like a great option. It is not something that is easy recognisable (like a cellphone) and chances are it will go undetected for long enough in order for you to trace a valuable.
It is rugged enough to suit an active lifestyle without the worry of an expensive screen breaking or phone getting wet. For the adventurer, this is a great fit.
Pricing
Unit retail price R 1,995.00 Excl. Vat
Services (12 months):
- Basic tracking – waypoint every 5, 10, 30 or 60 min – R 1 800.00 per year ($119.99)
- Extreme tracking – waypoint every 2.5, 5, 10, 30 or 60 min – Basic tracking & ADD ON: R 1 500.00 per year ($99.99)
12-month service contract available as a monthly payment
Subscription fees are charged in US Dollars only, so keep Rand/Dollar fluctuations in mind.
Used one of these (orange one) for the Addo 100 Miler trail run earlier this year. Worked 100%. Was out in the wilderness for over 30 hours and the battery didn't run down.