SPOT Messenger Question

[Myke Ramsey]

I'm sorry if this has been asked before.

I just got a SPOT and during the activation part I noticed that there is a $99/yr for basic service and an additional $50 for "Track Progress".

In the past I've used Google Latitude and Spotwalla and plan on using Spotwalla with my SPOT.

Is this thier version of Spotwalla?

Do I need to pay an extra $50 to do this of just get the basic?

Thanks and Merry Festivus.

 

[yamafitter]

If you want to be able to display your track on Spotwalla using SPOT then it is my understanding that you need the tracking service provided by SPOT. It is SPOT that provides the tracking info to Spotwalla so that your tracking information can be displayed. SPOT also provides a ampping display similar to Spotwalla but in my opinion the Spotwalla site does a better job in displaying the information.

 

[huron52]

You don't really need to buy the tracking feature from SPOT to use the Spotwalla. You can just push the "OK" button every so often. Yes that does get boring but it can be done. I used it that way for several years until I started doing some rallies. The tracking feature is good. Like Yamafitter I use spotwalla....and I don't like the look of the "find me spot site"

 

[jayke]

I've got a SPOT. Without the tracking feature it's pretty much worthless IMO.

I ride solo most of the time. I bought the SPOT so my wife could track me if something happened. I use the Check OK button which sends her a text every couple of hours while she's at work so she know's I'm ok.

The whole idea of SPOT tracking is automatic tracking. What if you can't push the Check Ok button? Spot tracking updates every 10 minutes. Pretty simple to find you if something happens, just look at the last track position.

 

[Myke Ramsey]

So in summery,

If I want to use Spotwalla and only pay $99 I have to hit OK

If I don't want to hit OK I pay $150

thanks

 

[CAJW]

So in summery,

If I want to use Spotwalla and only pay $99 I have to hit OK

If I don't want to hit OK I pay $150

thanks

Save yourself two transactions, get the tracking. Like others, I opted to go without tracking on my initial purchase and found that pushing the OK button takes one's eyes off of the road, which kind of defeats the purpose of having a SPOT for safety enhancement. Another bonus of auto tracking is that you will get multiple hits if stopped so the person monitoring will see you're still in one location and if it isn't planned can react appropriately. If it's OM at a sushi bar, no worries, Bust at a sheep ranch, no worries, Bugnator at a Honda dealership, worry!

 

[Myke Ramsey]

So in summery,

If I want to use Spotwalla and only pay $99 I have to hit OK

If I don't want to hit OK I pay $150

thanks

Save yourself two transactions, get the tracking. Like others, I opted to go without tracking on my initial purchase and found that pushing the OK button takes one's eyes off of the road, which kind of defeats the purpose of having a SPOT for safety enhancement. Another bonus of auto tracking is that you will get multiple hits if stopped so the person monitoring will see you're still in one location and if it isn't planned can react appropriately. If it's OM at a sushi bar, no worries, Bust at a sheep ranch, no worries, Bugnator at a Honda dealership, worry!

Great thanks