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Topic: FindMeSpot device - GPS & Satellite tool for travelers (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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FindMeSpot device - GPS & Satellite tool for travelers
Yahoo Message Number: 97048
Have you heard of the FindMeSpot?  We found some awesome deals for you!
 FindMeSpot is a satellite emergency device that uses the GPS.  I can send "I'm ok" messages to email addresses and cell phones, a "send help!" message that has a preprogrammed message (I made the message:  "Call Good Sam's ERS for me!") and finally and most importantly, it has a 911 emergency service.

The good news is that it works where cell phones don't AND it gives my exact GPS coordinates to get help.  http://www.findmespot.com/en/ It's won all sorts of awards and been credited with dozens of rescues since its inception last December.

Given 50% of the U.S. does not have cell phone coverage, not to mention other countries, this may be something my fellow travelers would like.  Bikers and hikers also find it helpful.  Grandparents like it so their grandkids can track them on the map.

Read all the reviews on REI though so you are fully informed as to the limitations. It does not give confirmation that the message has been received and there are cases where it didn't send.  Knowing that, I think it is better than nothing.

Now Virginia and I were able to find several deals.  If we'd each found all the deals, it would have been great.  Instead, we each found some, which I'll share with you (actually, Virginia found all of our very best deals).  I have to be quick because I only have one week before we go.  Virginia, please fill in the details for me!
 Normally it is $170 for the unit, $100 for subscription, and $50 for tracking, $8 for optional search & rescue.  Total= $328.  Virginia's findings allow the same options for $98 + $8= Total = $106.  I am in awe.

Here are the BEST deals we could find:
1.   A new $50 rebate program started yesterday at participating  suppliers.  It says $148 at participating suppliers and REI has it  for $148 and the rebate.  That'd be $98 and pick up at the store for  free.  There are many other stores selling, so search online first if  you don't have a local REI store.  Just go to REI http://www.rei.com/  and seach for "FindMeSpot".

OR    If you hate rebates, purchase the unit from Amazon for the best price  I could find $128 with free shipping:  http://tinyurl.com/5kotpm  
2.  When you get your Spot in, then you register it online, with the
 serial number of the unit.  This is where you input your promo code on the first page to apply it.  Virginia found a HUGE discount on Fire Eagle.  It is free $100 subscription (required for use) AND free $50 tracking on the Google maps (optional, but cool!) http://fireeagle.yahoo.net/gallery/spot_promo

Here's what Virginia says "If you have a yahoo ID then you already belong to Fire Eagle – just login to yahoo on the fire eagle link - it will ask you where you are but don't have to do that just scroll down page and will see the SPOT article then click on 'more .....'  - then in the whole article is a link to get the promo # - ya get it by being logged into yahoo.  She talked to Fire Eagle and this is all legit.  Get your promo code and write it down!  You'll need that when you register the unit.  http://www.findmespot.com/fireeagle/
 Virginia has already done this.  While I spent $108 for registration with the free tracking (thinking I was smart), she only spent $8!

I only got the ThumperTalk23 promo code deal (and yes, I did join Thumpertalk first) which was $50 off the tracking.  Here's that link:  http://www.findmespot.com/thumpertalk/

Okay, clear as mud?  Hope that helps someone and hope Virginia answers questions to help anyone who needs it!  :)

Tessa in TX '92 MB – Ciao Baby!
Re: FindMeSpot device - GPS & Satellite tool for travelers
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97050
A question please, Tessa: a "send

Quote
help!" message that has a preprogrammed message (I made the message:  "Call Good Sam's ERS for me!")
How does the party that receives this message, say your husband, know exactly where to send the ERS and what sort of ERS services you require?  A flat tire? Run out of gas? Locked out of the RV?

An interesting product.

Thank you:

Ed
Re: FindMeSpot device - GPS & Satellite tool for travelers
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97054
Hey Ed -

I'll chime in here and answer your ? for Tessa 'o)

When you set up the messages: "OK, checking in" or the "Help" - you select who you want these emails sent to -
 You will need to give your email pals more specific instructions about what they need to do to help you when they receive the "Help" message as it is a short message you write
 I'd recommend giving them your vehicle descriptions, tag #'s, phone # of your emergency road service as well as any other details which might be helpful -

The way SPOT works is when your first starting out on a trip etc - you'll send the "OK" checking in message, which your email pals will get - then if subscribe to the tracking service will activate the tracker, which will monitor route and send a signal every 10 minutes - Say along the trip ya break down and have no phone service, press the "Help" button and your email pals will get the message - in all messages is the ESN ID # of your SPOT, the coordinate location and a link to google map showing location, so your pal can call ERS and tell them the street your on as well as give them additional information you've set up with your email pal

SPOT is so way COOL - I've been setting up our shared pages, got us spotted on Fire Eagle & can't wait to take our next trip to have our trip log too

Best deal to get service is through Fire Eagle on Yahoo - get the promo code and get both service and tracking for free for one year - I only had to pay for the emergency rescue which was $8

Let me know if I can help some more -

Virginia

Starr and Midnight Roadie
Re: FindMeSpot device - GPS & Satellite tool for travelers
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97055
Over the past year, the Spot has received wide acceptance among pilots, especially those who fly over desolate areas, flying gliders or going into back country strips.
 For some applications, if all you need is the ability to get help in a serious emergency, a personal loacator beacon (PLB) is another choice. The PLB is initially more expensive ($500 or so) but after purchase, service is free with no annual subscription of additional costs of any kind - -except replacing the battery after 5 years. However, the PLB can't be used to send non-emergency signals like "I'm okay" and non-emergency tracking info like the Spot.
 The PLB is arguably somewhat more reliable than Spot for emergencies, it has a stronger transmitter, sending the signal to SARSAT and COPAS satillites. The PLB may get the signal through in harsh conditions that can stop the Spot, like under thick tree cover or when in a less than optimal position in a crash. Also unlike Spot, the PLB works worldwide and anywhere at sea, transmitting its location as well as identifying number. The PLB identification number, along with your emergency contact info, is registered with and kept on file by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - - there's no charge for this service either. You push the PLB button, and search and rescue will be on the way.

all the best,

bumper

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bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer
Re: FindMeSpot device - GPS & Satellite tool for travelers
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97061
SPOT does work overseas.? I got mine at the Oshkosh airshow ($158 total for everything) and am just back from a 30-day trip/cruise to Europe, the Eastern Med, and the Black Sea ports.? I used the "OK" function thruout for the info/amusement of ten friends and it worked fine.? The website (FindMeSpot.com) shows the reception area and it covers just about anywhere in the world you're likely to go.

Gary Allen '98 Allegro Bus D/P Willamsburg VA "Life in the Bus Lane"

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