NaviGadget

new SPOT GPS satellite tracker/messenger

Jul 22, 2009 gps navigation, tracking

SPOT just introduced a new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger. Compared to the older model this one is 30% smaller and lighter and offers custom messaging modes.

Spot Satellite messenger is pretty much an emergency beacon bundled with GPS to let authorities know where you are in case of serious danger:

Once activated, SPOT will acquire its exact coordinates from the GPS network, and send that location along with a distress message to a GEOS International Emergency Response Center every five minutes until cancelled. The Emergency Response Center notifies the appropriate emergency responders based on your location and personal information – which may include local police, highway patrol, the Coast Guard, our country’s embassy or consulate, or other emergency response or search and rescue teams – as well as notifying your emergency contact person(s) about the receipt of a distress signal.

Some of the features of Spot satellite messenger include:

• GPS Acquisition light
• “Message Sending” indicator light
• dedicated GPS Tracking button
• dedicated pre-programmable Custom Message button
• protective covers over S.O.S and Help buttons
• illuminated buttons

The basic service costs $100/year and includes above mentioned alert system, lets your contacts know you are OK. For an additional $50/year however it’ll let you share your saved GPS coordinates – similar to breadcrumb trail – and let others watch your position online; on Google Maps.