SPOT Emergency Messenger Employs Satellite Technology
The SPOT Satellite Messenger is a unique safety product that can benefit hunters and anyone who ventures a long way from “civilization.” These days, many of us carry cellphones. These come in very handy if you have a vehicle break-down or sustain an injury close to a population center. However, your cell phone won’t do you much good when you’re way out in the boonies. Consider this… over 50% of the U.S.A. does NOT have cell-phone coverage. SPOT has no such limitations. In fact, SPOT works around the world, even on the oceans.
The SPOT device is new and there’s nothing else really like it on the market. With the touch of a button, it can send a distress signal to authorities. The message will include your true position within a few feet, based on GPS coordinates. SPOT sends your GPS coordinates to a GEOS Emergency Response Center every 5 minutes, allowing you to keep moving if necessary. Emergency responders are then updated with your last known location.
CLICK HERE for SPOT Video with “Survivor Man” Les Stroud
Unlike a traditional GPS device which only receives a satellite signal indicating your location, SPOT utilizes dual satellite networks to receive your location as well as transmit it along with pre-programmed messages to the recipients of your choice. Backed by one of the world’s leading mobile satellite companies, the SPOT satellite network is currently employed by over 50,000 governmental and industrial clients, and averages a greater than 99% message success rate.
Non-Emergency Help Option
If you have a problem but do NOT want to call the authorities (yet), SPOT offers an “Ask for Help” function that transmits your help request and position to your friends and family. A “Check-In” function lets contacts know where you are and that you’re okay. We think that’s a great feature for anyone who regularly travels in the backcountry. Apparently Cabela’s Customers agreed… the SPOT earned a Gold Medal in Cabela’s Annual Buyers’ Choice Awards.
Price? — Under $150.00 but Subscription Required
The SPOT unit typically retails for $129.99 to $150.00 ($169.99 MSRP). In addition, to use the service, you must pay a subscription fee of $99 per year or $9.99 per month. The Progress Tracking feature costs an extra $49.99 per year.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Board of Governors has announced that Steve Sanetti has accepted the position of president and CEO of NSSF, effective May 1, 2008. At the NSSF Board of Governors meeting last month, Doug Painter, president and CEO of NSSF for the last six years, requested a change of position to become senior advisor and trade liaison. Painter praised the choice of Sanetti as his successor: “Steve has a tremendous knowledge of our industry and a real passion for our sports. He is a true believer in our cause.”
