spot tracking issues when using trackleaders

[ruthslp]

so far my spot device is not able to be continually tracked when using trackleaders at events?
spot customer service has been ZERO help, i am currently contacting trackleaders to see if they can help, but in the meantime wonder if anyone has experience with similar issues?

i was told repeatedly i DO NOT need to have spot tracker services on my account w spot in order for trackleaders to locate me. But it seems they can only pick up a location when i push the check/ok button and not track me on route.

also, when i set it to track mode, when I look a few hours later, the track mode has shut itself off. the unit is on but not attempting to emit any signal.

i switched to the energizer lithium ultimate as some peeps rec, but this didn't help at all.

any suggestions? does everyone else using trackleaders have tracking service on their spot accounts???

[Done]

Yes, you do need to pay for the tracking service with Spot if you want Trackleaders to track you. Trackleaders monitors and re-posts your public tracking feed--so if you don't already have that feature, then Trackleaders doesn't have any data. The fact that your "OK" messages are getting through indicates that Trackleaders is working correctly, because it is posting the one thing that you send. You don't say who told you that you didn't need the Spot tracking feature, but perhaps it was a misunderstanding?

You absolutely NEED to use Energizer Ultimate lithium batteries. Your Spot manual is very clear about this. Spots draw a LOT of power when they receive and transmit satellite signals, and the circuitry is designed around the power profile of lithium batteries. This isn't why your track isn't appearing in Trackleaders, but it is necessary for consistent and proper operation of your Spot.

Once you pay for tracking, please note that you need to initiate the tracking function on your Spot at least every 24 hours. This is by design.

[DesertDog]

Yes, you do need to pay for the tracking service with Spot if you want Trackleaders to track you. Trackleaders monitors and re-posts your public tracking feed--so if you don't already have that feature, then Trackleaders doesn't have any data. The fact that your "OK" messages are getting through indicates that Trackleaders is working correctly, because it is posting the one thing that you send. You don't say who told you that you didn't need the Spot tracking feature, but perhaps it was a misunderstanding?

You absolutely NEED to use Energizer Ultimate lithium batteries. Your Spot manual is very clear about this. Spots draw a LOT of power when they receive and transmit satellite signals, and the circuitry is designed around the power profile of lithium batteries. This isn't why your track isn't appearing in Trackleaders, but it is necessary for consistent and proper operation of your Spot.

Once you pay for tracking, please note that you need to initiate the tracking function on your Spot at least every 24 hours. This is by design.

Given how much of a power hog the units are, it seems rediculous that the SPOT 2 units use AAA batteries, instead of AA, like the original SPOT.  And, with that, only give about 1/3 the runtime before the batteries need replaced!

Also, and though I think I can see the logic in it, I just don't agree with the need to reset the unit every 24 hours.

Last gripe is that these things need a better antenna.  Total BS to me that the units need to be postioned almost perfectly to keep a signal, but I can keep my Garmin 60CSx in a pack or cargo shorts pocket and not miss a beat.  Most folks keep them (SPOT units) somewhere on their bike to maintain a clear shot/signal, but what happens if you fall, get separated from and can't move to get to your bike to hit the SOS button!?

[DaveH]

DesertDog - GPS units only receive, while the SPOT units receive and transmit.  That's a whole nuther ball game, and the problem you perceive is not an antenna issue, it's a power issue.  If you could put 10000x the power into a transmission you might be able to put it in your pack anywhere...but it would need to plugged into a wall for that sort of output.

Keep in mind that little orange unit is communicating (2-way) with satellites

On the battery issue - the new Connect is the bees knees.  It uses AAs, is something like 4.9 oz, is quite small, and lets you send out custom messages on the fly.  I think they learned their lesson with the SPOT II AAAs. 

[bmike-vt]

DesertDog - GPS units only receive, while the SPOT units receive and transmit.  That's a whole nuther ball game, and the problem you perceive is not an antenna issue, it's a power issue.  If you could put 10000x the power into a transmission you might be able to put it in your pack anywhere...but it would need to plugged into a wall for that sort of output.

And it would likely cook your back / leg / wherever when it sent that signal.

DaveH, would love more info on the Connect.
Currently have a Spot2, happy with it, but I've only done 24+ hour event with it. Nothing weeks on end. Or even week long.

[DaveH]

This is the best review of the Connect I'm aware of:  http://gpstracklog.com/2011/05/spot-connect-review.html

[Done]

This is the best review of the Connect I'm aware of:  http://gpstracklog.com/2011/05/spot-connect-review.html

Nice review, thanks for linking. Question for you: I realize that the phone can be turned off  between tracking resets, but since the Connect doesn't have any tracking or OK buttons, am I correct to assume that the phone needs to be turned on briefly in order to reset tracking every 24 hours?

[DaveH]

am I correct to assume that the phone needs to be turned on briefly in order to reset tracking every 24 hours?

Yes.  It's a great time to check bluedot or snap a picture

The Connect does have a 911 feature that works sans phone, all else requires the phone to be on (but only briefly).

[Done]

Yes.  It's a great time to check bluedot or snap a picture
The Connect does have a 911 feature that works sans phone, all else requires the phone to be on (but only briefly).

Super, thanks Dave. Seems like a great gizmo--although I wish that it had buttons for tracking, OK, and custom messages--like the Spot 2. My wife often uses my Spot when she goes for long rides, and she doesn't have a smartphone--so she wouldn't be able to activate tracking, etc. Maybe the Connect 2 will have EVERYTHING, including a chain breaker, water purifier, night vision scope, and cheeseburger dispenser.

[DaveH]

Yes, there are always design trade-offs.  The assumption with the connect is the user always has a smartphone, and that allows them to minimize the interface and design to barebones.  If they built in everything the the SPOT II does in addition to the custom messaging they'd end up with a device bigger than the SPOT II, and that would be a deal breaker for most smart phone users.

So, yes the connect deffo is not for everyone. 

[Done]

Spot could also add a tiny Bluetooth antenna to the Spot 2, which would increase its versatility with very little extra complexity--and give Spot the opportunity to sell more messaging plans. I bet you a beer that they do exactly that for a future model within two years, and that it weighs the same, or even less, than the current Spot 2.

But the cheeseburger feature probably needs to be rethought...

[DesertDog]

Yes, there are always design trade-offs.  The assumption with the connect is the user always has a smartphone, and that allows them to minimize the interface and design to barebones.  If they built in everything the the SPOT II does in addition to the custom messaging they'd end up with a device bigger than the SPOT II, and that would be a deal breaker for most smart phone users.

So, yes the connect deffo is not for everyone. 

Well, I'm still one of the holdouts that haven't jumped on the smartphone bandwagon yet.  Just use my basic cell phone as a phone, travel with the laptop and get online when I'm in a town.  The Connect definitely isn't for me.  Had considered getting the PN-60/Connect combo when it came out though.

Here is the device I'm wanting to see some more info on.  DeLorme is supposed to release it in October.  I'm sure it won't be until then that we'll see the final tech specs on the unit.

But, here are a couple links regarding the unit:

http://blog.delorme.com/2011/06/03/delorme-inreach-two-way-satellite-communication/

http://blog.delorme.com/2011/06/07/delorme-inreach-question-and-answer/

[Done]

Here is the device I'm wanting to see some more info on.  DeLorme is supposed to release it in October.  I'm sure it won't be until then that we'll see the final tech specs on the unit.

Yep, the inreach is looking pretty exciting. I asked a question in the forum several weeks ago about whether a smartphone will be required to activate tracking, and here's their response:

TobyGadd: The inReach has full standalone functionality for tracking, sending SOS and picking between three possible pre-defined messages that can be set up on the account website before heading into the woods. You can use the device with a PN-60w or an Android but they aren’t required.

Unlike Spot's current offerings, this device does exactly what I want!

[DaveH]

Competition can be a beautiful thing.  I wonder how the form factor compares?

[Done]

Competition can be a beautiful thing.  I wonder how the form factor compares?

From the InReach FAQ: Device dimensions are as follows: height: 3.36 inches not including antenna, 4.78 inches including antenna, width: 2.85 inches, depth: 1.73 inches.

[DaveH]

That's about double the size (by volume) of the connect.  I just looked at the FAQ and didn't see anything about weight.

One thing that catches my eye is the service plans, notably the ability to modify the service plan to suit current use patterns.

Of course I'm curious if they will have an API interface to the public data feeds like SPOT does.

[Done]

Yeah, it does seem pretty thick in the middle! Maybe closer in overall volume to the Spot 1. It's their first generation device, so maybe it'll go on a diet in coming years. On paper, it sounds great though, thickness and all. When my Spot renewal comes due in January, I'll have some thinking to do...

[DesertDog]

Another nice feature of the InReach is that it will run on either Lithium, NiMH or Alkaline batteries!

Of course run times will vary, but nice to know you can just pop in some freshly recharged NiMHs and head out for a long weekend trip!

[ruthslp]

ok thanks for replying to my question. i found out from track leaders the same info too. not sure why initially people told me otherwise, guess a little confusing terminology!! thanks!!