FYI: SPOT functions but does not send SOS

[Caseyd]

Shared from Facebook friend:


SPOT LLC #spotsaveslives did NOT save my life. It in fact it failed me at the most critical moment. U.S. Navy  did however come to the rescue. Here’s a little update to the story that KIRO 7 News ran on my Mt Baker rescue.  I had just suffered a horrendous compound fracture of the lower leg way out in the Mt Baker Wilderness. In a location and terrain that necessitated a quick rescue to save my leg and my life. I hit the SOS button on my SPOT. To my horror the button did nothing after repeated attempts. Then even crazier my friends #spotgen3 wouldn’t activate the SOS either. Both units were blinking green, were blinking all the correct lights in the start up self test. I have been running SPOT devices in my #airplane and all my #backcountry, #floatplane, and #snowmobile adventures for at least a decade. I have persuaded many friends to buy the device over the years. This however was the first time I needed it. Part of me is glad it happened. Because during all those preflight and pre-ride discussion where I’ve looked people straight in the eye and said this is your best way to rescue. I’m out of the hospital and well enough now to call SPOT and get their take on it. Tech support had me go through various tests. Then had me test the “help/sos” functions. NOPE. Still doesn’t work. Nothing lights up. Just the blinking green light at the power icon. So they have me try the “ok” button. Yep. Still works normally. Now here’s my biggest concern. How many units are like mine and my friend’s @krispelan ? How many still work in track and ok lulling you into a false sense that the unit will work when you need the SOS or HELP function? Scary to say the least. So if you have one of these devices I suggest you call SPOT LLC and have them test your unit. I requested a credit towards #spotx in lieu of a new #spotgen3 replacement they offered because I don’t trust the hardware. He told me to sell it on ebay🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️. Ok right... I’ve given you my trust and money all these years and I finally need your services. The least you could do is upgrade credit me to a two way comm unit so that I know it’s working. At least I’m told my GEOS rescue insurance should still apply. What would you do?

#KIRO7Seattle story

https://www.kiro7.com/news/north-sound-news/nas-whidbey-helicopter-crew-rescues-two-snowmobilers-in-separate-crashes/923142305

[Caseyd]

Check your devices and make sure the SOS function actually works.

[Karl Blanchard]

Sure makes me like my inreach

[Caseyd]

Sure makes me like my inreach

Better device and better company 

[Jason]

Seems to have worked for these guys.

https://www.kptv.com/news/beaverton-brothers-rescued-thanks-to-emergency-beacon-first-time-i/article_a025f78e-3ee4-11e9-aa0d-5f4c34d2ae5f.html

[Caseyd]

Seems to have worked for these guys.

https://www.kptv.com/news/beaverton-brothers-rescued-thanks-to-emergency-beacon-first-time-i/article_a025f78e-3ee4-11e9-aa0d-5f4c34d2ae5f.html

Glad they had a non defective device

[Bob33]

I wouldn't bet my life on a SPOT. There have been numerous articles and reviews with concerns about their reliability, not to mention customer service issues.

[MtnMuley]

Iridium GO!   

[KFhunter]

I had the 1st gen spot when they first came out,  didn't like it too much but it was the only thing going other than PLB's and sat phones. 


I'm rocking the inreach mini and like it so far.

[BDildine]

InReach has been great to me. Got lucky and found a really nice used one online, local guy, got it for a song and been rocking it ever since