SPOT II vs. PLB?

[Pivvay]

Is that really true Raposu? That isn't my understanding and mine worked in Canada just fine.

[ScottM]

I'm almost certain that SPOTs work everywhere in the coverage area.  No need to register or re-register when you go somewhere else, like Europe. 

[raposu]

I asked SPOT about this a while ago. The question was more related with moving from one place to another. Now I am not sure about what would happen for a small trip from USA to Europe or viceversa but here is the answer they gave me:

Please be advised, the Spot device will work within Europe. However, if your credit card information changes as far as the address associated with it, you will need to activate your service under the European market. SPOT annual charges are more in Europe due to the cost to provide the service within that market.For an Example: Basic service is $99 EUROS. The SPOT device can be used anywhere in the world where we have coverage so you can use the device once again in the US. Please be aware, when changing markets you will be charged again. There is no way of automatically changing markets without deactivating and reactivating the SPOT service.

Chris, yes same thing here in Europe, it does work in both sides Pyrenees, Spanish and French it seems like they have different markets or areas where you don't need to reactivate.

[ScottM]

OK, so, yes, it works everywhere with no extra charge, but if you change your credit card info AND your tracking service expires, you may have to change how you are paying the service fee.

This does not mean that if you move to Europe one month you'd have to reactivate, then move back to the US the next month, reactivate again.  You only pay the service fee once a year, and then you are good (regardless of your CC info) until that year is up.  Or, you could pay for multiple years from the US and not worry about it.

[bmike-vt]

just got a spot2 from my inlaws for the holidays. wanted to register it and use it a bit while i wait for a replacement - but the website will not allow registration of new units. waiting for the paperwork and shipping tags to send it back for a new unit... available 'early 2010'.

it is my understanding that you can use the device anywhere they cover - but only when you move (as in, for life, for a job, school, etc.) and change your address - do you need to reactivate. this makes sense on a number of levels - not only price - but assuming that one will change contact phone information, emails, etc. etc.

[raposu]

I have e-mailed back Spot to clarify this point. I will report back once I get an answer.

[raposu]

I got a response from Spot:

Hi again,
What happens if I buy a Spot unit and a year of service in Europe and I travel (just for a small trip) to America, or other place. Would I have service in America with my European Service plan?
Thanks in advance.

In regards to your email below, your spot service is available any where we have coverage. We have coverage in America as well as many other countries around the world. The link below will take you to our coverage map.If you have any further question please don't hesitate to call.

I must recocognize that I got completely confused with their first e-mail I got from them. Well, good news for everybody.

[Pivvay]

Yay! Good news.

[J-No]

Anybody hear when the recall issue will be resolved?

[bmike-vt]

Waiting on my paperwork and shipping tags... 'Early 2010' who knows!

[mattinaustin]

Here is what I got from them when I asked for more detail...

Good Day,
 
SPOT 2 units have been issued a voluntary recall due to a manufacturing defect. SPOT 2 devices are affected by a false and premature low battery indicator.  Although the batteries are not low in power, the unit will falsely indicate they are.  This may create an unwarranted situation. SPOT USA LLC has decided to pull all product off of shelves and has blocked the activation of any SPOT 2 devices purchased after Dec. 1, 2009.
 
Please visit www.findmespot.com/exchange and complete the form.  Once this is done, you will receive a return shipping package in which you can send back your SPOT 2 device.  We will then ship out brand new SPOT 2 devices commencing mid Jan. 2010.
 
Please accept our apologizes as we make are best attempts to rectify this matter.
 
Please call our customer care team if more detailed information is required.
 
Kind Regards,

SPOT Customer Service
North America: 1-866-651-7768
Europe: +353 12 909 505
Australia: 0424 21 7768 or 1-905-712-7117
NZ: 0800 11 7768 or 1-905-712-7117
www.findmespot.com

[Done]

Waiting on my paperwork and shipping tags...

Me too.

[Done]

Here's the latest message from Spot:

Dear SPOT customer,

We thank you again for your cooperation with the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger (SPOT 2) Return Program. You recently submitted your return claim at http://www.findmespot.com/exchange.

Your return materials have been sent to the address that you provided. They should have already arrived or will be arriving any moment now! Please follow the instructions enclosed with your return materials to send back your SPOT 2 as soon as you can. Please disregard this message if you have already done so.
Have a great day,

Still no box, but it looks like they are making progress!

[Done]

The return mailer arrived last week. It came with a letter stating that my service would be extended for three months if I returned the Spot by March 31. Not a bad deal, assuming that it doesn't take Spot three months to send a replacement. I like to carry it when back-country skiing, so I'll probably return it when I hear that new units are actually shipping--hopefully before March 31.

[bmike-vt]

i wasn't even able to activate the unit i got as an xmas gift... so mine went back today.
i tucked it inside their mailer, then sent it UPS from work so i could have a tracking number.

seems a bit ridiculous that they want you to put a $150 device in a postal envelope with $1.73 US postage on it, no tracking, etc.

we'll see how quickly it comes back... my guess is that if they are offering 3 months of service... i won't see it for 2.75 months.

[Done]

New info from spot (as of 2-5-2010):

Dear valued SPOT customer,
Spot LLC appreciates your cooperation in the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger (SPOT 2) Product Return Program. We know you are eager to receive your SPOT 2 replacement unit and Spot LLC is dedicated in providing you with the highest quality product as soon as possible.
We are happy to inform you that the testing for replacement SPOT 2 units is nearing completion. We anticipate having more good news with specific timing soon. In efforts to keep you informed on the status of your claim and the SPOT 2 product availability, we will provide you with email updates on a weekly basis. You can also review regular updates at www.findmespot.com/exchange.
The Product Replacement Program has been expanded. Please check the ESN number on your SPOT 2 unit (located in the battery compartment) or in your SPOT account.  If you have a SPOT 2 unit with an ESN number equal to or below 0-8053925 and have not submitted your SPOT 2 replacement claim, please visit www.findmespot.com/exchange and complete the simple Product Replacement form. All claims must be submitted by March 31 to be eligible for a replacement unit. If you have already submitted your claim, thank you.

Nice to hear that Spot will be posting regular updates.

Cheers,
Toby

[bmike-vt]

yeah, i got that too when i started asking around for information...

[McNik]

I chose PLB. It is more robust IMHO and a more serious device, but I primarily choose it for when I am on the water. I can't see me being a day late, and  anytime this might happen, I think I could contact family one way or another within a 32 hour timeframe, without SPOT.