Hi Molly et al.,
I've been using a SPOT gen3 device for fieldwork and for recreation in Wyoming wilderness areas. My biggest issue is user error...if you leave the tracking device on, which is not necessary for sending emergency or non-emergency messages, you have to restart it after 24 hours. In general, I'm very happy to have the device; I cannot speak to the emergency feature, though, as I have never had to press that button. My SPOT has held up through freezing temperatures, in the rain, and in unfortunately close contact with a squashed bean burrito--the device was fine, the burrito was not. I hope that helps. Good luck! Reilly Reilly Dibner, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ruckelshaus Institute Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Wyoming Bim Kendall House, Rm 15 | 804 E Fremont St | Laramie, WY 82072 307-760-6189 | [email protected] ________________________________ From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news <[email protected]> on behalf of David Inouye <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2017 3:48 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Feedback on SPOT devices and suggestions for requesting emergency aid outside of cell service I've used the DeLorme (now part of Garmin) inReach. Which uses satellites to send both emergency and text messages. You can pre-program some messages for faster sending. Is supposed to work world-wide. I haven't tried the emergency call feature. It worked well for messages. On 3/28/2017 3:02 PM, University of Maryland LISTSERV Server (14.5) wrote: I have technicians working in isolated areas without cell phone service in Kansas, USA. I want the technicians to be able to request emergency (EMS) and non-emergency aid (e.g. need assistance with stranded vehicle) in these areas if needed. I've been looking into SPOT gen3 units (http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=100) and would appreciate feedback from anyone who has used these for terrestrial fieldwork. I'd like to know how well these devices stands up to rough handling and weather conditions in the field, if it can send messages in varied weather conditions (e.g. cloudy days), any issues with the service plan required for the unit/customer service, and any comments on emergency or non-emergency personnel response to aid requests from these devices. I'd also appreciate suggestions for alternative devices that can provide these services. The SPOT unit can provide "I'm OK" alerts to check-in with preset contacts and track movement - these features are preferred, but not required, for alternative devices. Molly M. Reichenborn Research Project Manager Wichita State University Department of Biological Sciences [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]><mailto:[email protected]><mailto:[email protected]> -- Dr. David W. Inouye Professor Emeritus Department of Biology University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742-4415 [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Principal Investigator Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory PO Box 519 Crested Butte, CO 81224
