My SPOT Gen3 Satellite Messenger Review

SPOT Gen3 Review
The SPOT Gen3

The SPOT™ Gen3 Satellite Messenger

Product Overview

The SPOT Gen3 provides location-based, emergency notification technology, and messaging that lets you communicate from remote locations all over the world.

It also offers motion-activated tracking and custom tracking interval options.

SPOT uses the GPS satellite network to determine your location and the Globalstar network of satellites to transmit messages and GPS coordinates to others.

When your adventures take you out of cell service, the SPOT GEN3 lets everyone know you are fine and that you are not in any danger.

With this small device, you are free to travel wherever you want and you’ll never have to keep your friends and family “in the dark” again.

The SPOT GEN3’s customized tracking features can upgrade your SPOT experience to the next level.

Only with SPOT GEN3, is tracking motion-activated regardless of the level of tracking you choose (Basic, Unlimited or Extreme).

The vibration sensor tells your SPOT Gen3 to send track updates when you are moving and to stop sending updates when you stop moving.

This is an excellent companion to pair with your compass and a reliable companion to bring along on your next adventure.

It can send emergency responders to your GPS location, all with the push of a button. When you carry this pocket-sized device in your essential gear, you are connected.

FEATURES

New Tracking Options

UNLIMITED TRACKING

“Set it and forget it”.

You can pre-set your SPOT GEN3 to send tracks at the speed of you are traveling. You can modify your tracks to send every 5, 10, 30, or 60 minutes.

The SPOT GEN3 will send tracks at the rate you choose for as long as your device is turned on and moving.

Tracking doesn’t stop until you do. There is no need to reset your device every 24-hour period.

EXTREME TRACKING

Get all of the great features of Unlimited Tracking, but with the added ability to vary your track rate down to every 2 ½ minutes. Don’t miss a step with increased track rates!

Product Specifications

Height: 3.43″, 8.72 cm

Width: 2,56″, 6.5 cm

Thickness: 1″, 2.54 cmWeight: 4.0 oz, 114 g with Lithium batteries

Operating Temperature: -22°F to 140°F/ -30°C to 60°C

Operating Altitude: -328 ft to +21,320 ft / -100 m to + 6500 m

Waterproof Rating: IPX7, which is 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

In addition to the above, it will operate at 95 – 100% Humidity and also comes with a Vibration Rating.

 Battery Type

  • 4 AAA Energizer Ultimate Lithium
    8x batteries (L92)
  • 4 AAA Energizer® NiMH rechargeable batteries (NH12)
  • Line Power with a 5v USB connection
  • Longer Battery Life
  • More than 2x the battery life of the SPOT
    Satellite GPS Messenger
  • Send 1,250 Check-In and Custom Messages
    on a Single set of Lithium batteries

The following accessories are included with the SPOT Gen3 package.

  • strap
  • USB cable
  • carabiner
  • batteries
  • quick reference guide

Important tips

  • SPOT needs a clear view of the sky to obtain
    a GPS signal and provide the most accurate
    location information. It is not reliable
    indoors, in a cave, or in very dense woods.
  • Orienting SPOT so that the SPOT logo is
    facing up toward the sky will improve
    performance as the antenna is located under
    the logo.
  • Keep your SPOT at least 12 inches away
    from other GPS devices.

Best Place to Buy: Amazon

Price: $147.09 price may vary in your country of origin.

Amazon Prime: Do not neglect this very important feature!

Rating: If it saves your life only once! … 5 out of 5

5 More Features of the SPOT Gen3

TRACKING

The SPOT Gen3’s customized tracking features bring your SPOT experience to the next level. Tracking is motion-activated regardless of whether you choose Basic or Extreme Level. The vibration sensor tells your SPOT to send track updates when you are moving and to stop when you do.

S.O.S.

With the press of a button, GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center provides your GPS coordinates and information to local response teams, contacting 9-1-1 responders in North America and 1-1-2 responders in Europe.

The S.O.S. button is for emergencies only. 

CHECK-IN 

Let your family and friends know you’re ok when you’re out of cell phone range. You can send a pre-programmed text message with GPS coordinates or an email with a link to Google Maps to your contacts with your location.

You can also send a message via email or SMS to up to 10
pre-determined contacts and your waypoint is stored in your SPOT account for later reference.

Your stored waypoints can be integrated into a SPOT Shared Page or SPOT Adventure account.

HELP/SPOT S.O.V. (Save Our Vehicle)

You can also alert your contact people that you need help in non-life-threatening situations. Or, use SPOT S.O.V. for professional services on land. (Additional service required).

CUSTOM MESSAGE

Keep in touch while you are off the grid by sending a custom message. Set up a message before leaving to send to contacts with your GPS location. Use this feature as a secondary OK message or transfer your personal help alert to this message function if you are using a SPOT S.O.V. service on your Help button.

The Benefits of SPOT Gen3

  • FOR RESCUE … In an Emergency, users can send an SOS message to GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) by using the SOS button or dialing 9-1-1.
  • In non-emergencies, you can reach family and friends for assistance using SPOT Help/Assist
  • Check-In, with the touch of a button, users can let family and friends know that everything is OK and there is no need for alarm.
  • Track Progress, lets the user’s GPS location to be transmitted in real-time via Google Maps™.
  • Messaging, you can send custom email/SMS messages to personal networks and post to Facebook and Twitter.
  • 5714 Rescues to date!  (February 25, 2018)

The Drawbacks

  • This device needs a SERVICE PLAN to Operate 
  • Be very attentive to the Details of YOUR PLAN
  • PLANS vary with device
  • Your plan may be RENEWED without your Approval
  • This is so YOU DON’T END UP WITH A DEVICE THAT IS NOT CONNECTED!
  • Again … be aware of the plan you are on!
  • This device ALWAYS performs
  • The only complaints come from people that Do Not pay attention to their Activation Plan

Final Thoughts

The major complaint that surrounds this device is from people that are unaware of Basic Service Plans.

Before you purchase this unit check The Plan for YOU!

Any piece of equipment, technology or device that displays the number of rescues it is responsible for can’t be all that bad. Their website today, (February 25, 2018 ), claims that the SPOT™ has 5714 rescues on its counter … a very real testimony about its effectiveness.

Comments, Questions, and Suggestions

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about the SPOT™ Gen3 Satellite Messenger, please do not hesitate to leave them in the space below.

10 thoughts on “My SPOT Gen3 Satellite Messenger Review”

  1. My main grumble would be having the service plan to operate! I don’t like the fact that they auto renew without you knowing as well.

    Umm, does your cell phone not do the same thing?

    Reply
    • Good Day, Dinh and thanks for visiting. The problem with cell phones is that you quickly find yourself in an
      “out of service” area.The service plans are auto-renewed so that you don’t end up with no connection in an emergency situation. We all forget important things at critical times and that is the reason for this feature. Paul

  2. The content on the pages of your website is very good and intelligent when it comes to outdoor tech,Interesting topics and review through out the pages and easy to navigate the content through your pages. Content insight knowledge about camping and fishing. More audience gonna like the website because the content is clear and straight forward and people like places to visit during holidays.

    Reply
    • Thanks Veli for your encouraging comments. It’s always comforting to have people visit. I am happy to read that you find my articles interesting.Please drop by again.
      Paul

  3. This is a really cool device I have never heard about before. You could never put a price on your own life so having something like this that could save your life truly is priceless. My mom has recently taken up a new love for hiking and camping both in groups and by herself. Do you think this is something that would be useful for her or is it more for those who constantly travel well out into the wild often?

    Reply
    • Hi Brad, and thanks for stopping by to visit.

      Happy to hear that your mom has taken up hiking. This is an excellent form of exercise and maybe one you should consider as well… lol …

      This is an emergency response device that is mainly used when you are out of cell phone range. As you mention, any device that can help in saving your life is certainly priceless.

      If your mom is hiking out of cell phone range, she would be well advised to look into acquiring this type of unit. If you or your mom have any questions or need further information about this product please do not hesitate to stop by again.

      Paul

  4. This is indeed very interesting. Coming from the northern part of Europe, hiking is an important part of my life. I love the nature in whole, and spend a lot of time in it. Both exercising and to enjoy life.

    I could see use of the device when on remote places, with no obvious place to call for help if needed. Great findings for sure. do you know if this product support Europe region, or do I need to look elsewhere for a similar product? 🙂

    Thank you for sharing this.

    /Thomas

    Reply
    • Good Day Thomas,

      I am very happy to hear that you also use the outdoors for hiking and other means of exercise. In addition to its Natural beauty and the peaceful feelings we experience there, it is without doubt, the greatest exercise space of all.

      To answer your question, this is a device with Global capabilities. It works around the world, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia, parts of South America, parts of North and South Africa, North-East Asia and hundreds of offshore miles connected to these areas.

      In Russia, the GPS accuracy of your SPOT is limited by Russian regulations restricting the accuracy of GPS performance for devices that are used in that country.

      As you can see, your area of activity is covered.

      If you have any other comments, questions or suggestions about this tool, please do not hesitate to drop by again.

      Paul

  5. Interesting product Paul. This product seems like a great device for people that like to hike. Most hikers, even if they are lost, can find themselves an open area clear of trees. I can definitely see how it can be used to save a life. Another use would be if you break down in your vehicle in a place with no cell signal. This product looks like a win-win for travelers and hikers. Good find!!!

    Reply
    • Thanks for stopping by to visit, Dennis.

      The SPOT Gen3 has an excellent rescue record. As you mention, it can also be used for notifying family and friends when you need assistance, however, the SOS function should only be used for that purpose.

      This makes the SPOT Gen3 a go-to piece of equipment when venturing away from home and out of cell-phone service.

      Always check your batteries, your plan and maintain your equipment well.

      All in all a great piece of gear to have in your kit.

      What are you using at this time when you venture out of cell-phone service?

      Have you ever been in a situation where this device could have been of use?

      Paul

Leave a comment