A lengthening list of goodies.

[Auzzee]

Looking through marine catalogues, I have just seen the new handheld SPOT connect devices which allow messaging and tracking via satellite, along with emergency comms, which use the Iridium network.

I don't think these devices are designed to replace EPIRBS or satellite phones, but they do seem to be sensible additions, in theory.

Having been away from the cruising scene for some time, I have not seen such technology before.

Anyone with any thoughts, or experience with this technology?

I would like to know if this is a must-have, a merely desirable, or a waste of time.

Ta.
Dave

PS. I have posted a few photos of the boat under the album title Sandettie.

[redbopeep]

Cruisers are using them. If you've got the money they seem to be a good little addition of kit.

[zeehag]

i have and use spot--i have original one with the manual tracking--you push button , it tracks that spot... newer is the 10 minute tracker--is more expensive also-i also bought the emergency notification feature. my unit was 99 usd, the programs to make it work were 150 for a year. so--for all this--my momma can see where her little girl is sailing.
for me--i dont care either way--but i like to keep my momma happy--she is getting older these days.

[Auzzee]

Can you send short text messages with the package you have bought? It's only about 40cents a day....half a Starbucks coffee a week. Seems like excellent value. Have you used it mid-ocean?

[zeehag]

mine does not send messages-i believe the next better one does--the one with 10 min tracking has all that, and went for 150 dollars-ishUS