SPOT 2 Dramas, ANYONE ???

[Dwayne OMember]

Ok,
I am looking at getting a Spot 2 soon, but am wondering how the units are working for you blokes that have them on here ???
I regularly watch the links when a trip is on, but on reading the ongoing problems posted on ADV by many members, how well are they really working ?????? The new models seem to have been getting replaced often by manufacturer, but still there are problems with the tracking & messaging services as well as difficulties communicating with the manufacturer etc (apparently)

Things seem to be ok so far with the OBT Spots, just wondering before I part with the hard earned

And YES, I see the benefits they represent as far as safety & locating in emergencies etc etc
But they seem to be failing more than succeeding on ADV is all :blink: :unsure:

Cheers

[scott bockingMember]

At the end of the day the real test is when the sh*t hits the fan and you need the SOS button. I don’t know of anyone who has had to do that and I hope I never will.
I mentioned that I had an issue with my SMS’s not being sent and so far that has not been resolved. I did get a reply to my email enquiry a week after I sent it but all they did was send me a link on how to enter the phone number using international codes. I know all about the +61 drop the 0 routine as I have lived and travelled extensively overseas so I knew that was not the problem. I sent another email to let them know that but as yet I have not heard back. I suspect it is a billing issue and hopefully they sort that out as I did pay for an SMS bundle.
In saying that each time I pres the ‘OK’ button it is sending an email straight to my pre selected recipient showing them my exact location so that is all good. If the text was sent with it as it should be I would be giving a glowing review but poor customer service is unacceptable in a product that is all about fast response.
I am glad I own it and you should too, just make sure it is set up and working according to the plan you pay for.

STM

[GregMember]

Ring and speak with Steve at ADV mate, I did and settled my worries quick smart

There is a spot 3 coming that you can link to your phone and blue tooth text messages and then send via the spot, will cost more as will the subscription and its just more to go wrong in my opinion. Truth is I would have bought a spot one but I got the two for the same price. The two also saves its message and re sends after you pick up the satellite again because you can lose the signal in heavy canopies forest sections etc where a one doesn’t

I am more than happy with mine every single time I have pressed the message button it has worked and I do every night (when I am sober) and they get the message

TB

[GregMember]

King STM wrote:

In saying that each time I pres the ‘OK’ button it is sending an email straight to my pre selected recipient showing them my exact location so that is all good. If the text was sent with it as it should be I would be giving a glowing review but poor customer service is unacceptable in a product that is all about fast response.

STM

The service reply aside King it sounds like a setup issue in your account page. I will ring you this week one night and open my page and compare notes if you like :huh:

There is also an Australian help site I think, I just rang Steve and he sorted it :laugh:

TB

[GregMember]

Just a thought Lotsa said he was having trouble with his, later I noticed he stores it in his jacket sleeve where I doubt it has the ability to keep a satellite signal

They do take a couple of minutes to reacquire a signal and that can make their performance sketchy, mines been fixed cause I mounted it correctly in the end.

TB

[Dwayne OMember]

Yeah,
I hear ya on the positionong of the unit
I read that ideally it needs to be mounted with the face FLAT facing the sky to pickup satellites best,,,,

I will still be buying one I reckon (or the missus will anyway) :laugh: gotta love birthdays :whistle:
Will need the mount too I suspect,,,
Looks like Steve has some more business coming his way soon

I also read that there is an Aussie support too KING,,, look that up mate

Thanx for the replies too guys, Cheers

[WayneMember]

Trailboss wrote:

Just a thought Lotsa said he was having trouble with his, later I noticed he stores it in his jacket sleeve where I doubt it has the ability to keep a satellite signal

They do take a couple of minutes to reacquire a signal and that can make their performance sketchy, mines been fixed cause I mounted it correctly in the end.

TB

That’s right.
On the Northern Rivers ride I swaped the spot from the pouch in the top of my mule camelbak to the sleeve pouch on the arm of the BMW jacket, about halfway through the ride. I have also mounted it externally on the top of my camelbak in the past as well. It seems to miss sections with bad weather and dense canopy. I will try mounting it on the bike next although I like the idea of keeping it on me and easily reached if I do come a cropper and can’t get to the bike to push a button.

[corey heatherMember]

After talking with STM this morning on the phone he was telling me about a new single trail he had found and it sounds unreal and at that moment i thought to my self that i am glad he wheres a spot tracker for all this single exploring he does and by him self. After all if something happen to him then who is going to lead us around in november? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[GregMember]

lotsa wrote:

although I like the idea of keeping it on me and easily reached if I do come a cropper and can’t get to the bike to push a button.

Real good point Lotsa, umm yeah

[Nick JacksonMember]

I have a spot 1 which I know isn’t relevant to this thread but initial set up is a crucial part of these things working properly. Last year at the Cameron Corner ride no text messages got through due to me not setting it up correctly. Since then it hasn’t missed a beat. It’s amazing on batteries too but carry a spare set just in case.

I mount mine of a bag on the back of my bike or zip tied to my camel back, both seem to work will for tracking.

Nick

[scott bockingMember]

Corey8 wrote:

After talking with STM this morning on the phone he was telling me about a new single trail he had found and it sounds unreal and at that moment i thought to my self that i am glad he wheres a spot tracker for all this single exploring he does and by him self. After all if something happen to him then who is going to lead us around in november? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Cheers for your concern mate.
Riding around on my own with my Spot definitely gives me a lot more confidence that should the worst happen I will be found. That is a lot of piece of mind for me and my wife. I hit the ok button on the hour and she can log on and see where I am. I don’t turn it on during the week though as she would realise I am hanging with Tdriver while I should be working. :laugh:

STM

[scott bockingMember]

Hey Eags

Here is the update.
Spot emailed me back today and the problem was at their end. They assure me it is solved and I tested my unit tonight and it sent both the email and the SMS. Seems they are aware of the issue it just takes them a while to get back to you.
Problem solved.

STM

p.s Nice avatar mate. That thing is looking the business!

[Dwayne OMember]

Cheers KING,
I have decided to go with a SPOT, any dramas should be few & far between I think anyway :whistle:

And FYI,,, The avatar is not my ride, just what it could look like (in my dreams) :laugh:
Cheers Mate

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