SPOT recall

I know some on this group are using SPOT tracking devices. You may want to be
aware of this:

Spot Recalls Satellite Communicator Due To Loss of Emergency Communications
Capability
(Consumer Product Safety Commission Recalls / April 19, 2011)
Hazard: The internal voltage regulator can stop working, resulting in the
inability to transmit messages and tracking information in emergency situations.


Incidents/Injuries: Spot LLC has received two reports of product failure in
temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. No injuries have been reported.


Description: The satellite communicator tracks the user's location and sends the
user's GPS coordinates and a distress message in the case of an emergency. The
device is black with the SPOT logo and the word DeLorme on the front. It
measures 3 inches x 2.6 inches and is bundled with the DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w
GPS. The GPS is not subject to this recall. Affected products have Electronic
Serial Numbers (ESN) from 0-2000000 to 0-2019999. The ESN is located on a label
under the battery.


Sold by: Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, REI, L.L. Bean and other retailers nationwide
from July 2010 through March 2011 for $549.


Remedy: Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Spot LLC
for a free replacement.


Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Spot LLC at (866) 727-7733
between 8 a.m. and midnight ET, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's
website at http://www.findmespot.com/replacement

 

What?

Why would any normal person use SPOT?

What kind of biking are folks doing where it is that risky and there
isn't cellphone coverage?

DFC

 

Haven't been out West much, then?

Bob M.

 

A friend of mine is currently riding the Transamerica Trail. I'll bet
there are places along that route where there's no cell coverage.

 

The Canadians will lend you a satphone if you're riding or driving the
Trans-Labrador--they want the price of it as a deposit though,
refundable on return.

 

I have one and use it. It's for the wife's peace of mind and to let my
friends follow along on my adventures. The emergency locator is just a
big bonus, not to mention the life flight insurance available for $8 a
year. I've been a few places where I appreciated having the
communications capability. You can send "I'm OK" messages too.

 

Damn cheap potentially life saving insurance, IMHO.

The SPOT can also be used to call in medical assistance at an accident
scene even if there's cell phone coverage.

 

How much cell coverage do you think I had during this 31 hour period?

http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=30434dfba382e5ffc&p=GBU