TalkBaja.com » Baja Mexico Forums » Staying Safe in Baja

It appears the the SPOT satellite tracker is offering a rebate of up to $150.00 if certain conditions are met.

The original cost of the tracker is $150.00, which will be rebated if the purchaser opts to subscribe to the basic and tracking packages for two years. These features are $150 per year for both services. I would also suggest the purchase of the GOES 24/7 emergency response program for an additional $8.00 a year.

SPOT is great technology to have with you while travelling in the US, and especially Baja.
Would also be a great thing to have for those of you camping or living in some of the more remote areas of Baja where you don't have cell phone service.

Learn more about SPOT at:

http://www.findmespot.com/en/

Great post - this is a very useful and potential life saving tool for those who seek out the remote extremes of the Baja peninsula. Here is some more background information on this powerful device:

SPOT Tracking Device User's Guide
[attachment=0:e9afx8xz]SPOTDevice_UsersGuide.pdf[/attachment:e9afx8xz]

SPOT Satellite Messenger
SPOT gives you a vital line of communication with friends and family when you want it and emergency help when you need it. SPOT is compact, rugged and easy to use. And since SPOT uses 100% satellite technology, it works virtually anywhere. Even where cell phones don't.

Coverage Map


Why Do I Need One?
You're miles away from everything. And your only worry is "what if?" What if there's an accident? Could you call for help? And could anyone find you even if you did?

SPOT is the world's first satellite messenger. In the event of a minor mishap, SPOT lets you request non-emergency help from friends or family. Or if things get truly out of hand, you can call in the cavalry via 9-1-1. In additions, SPOT lets you send a message to friends and family so they know you're okay, allows them to track your progress and even saves your way points for later - all with virtual views provided by Google Maps.

And since it's all handled with satellite technology, you get coverage wherever you roam. Even where cell phones don't.

[attachment=2:e9afx8xz]SpotDeviceTrackingHistory.JPG[/attachment:e9afx8xz]

How Does it Work?
SPOT is the first device that can communicate a message and your exact GPS coordinates to the people you need to contact from virtually anywhere around the world. With SPOT, you can keep in touch no matter what your outdoor activity may be. Whether you're just checking in, allowing others to track your progress or calling for help - SPOT can give you and your loved ones assurance that your next adventure will be a safe one.

SPOT utilizes 100% satellite technology, so SPOT works around the world, even where cell phones don't. SPOT coverage including virtually all of the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia, portions of South America, Northern Africa and North-eastern Asia, and hundreds or thousands of miles offshore of these areas. Backed by one of the world's leading mobile satellite companies, the SPOT network has provided reliable service for over 50,000 governmental and industrial clients.

Unlike traditional GPS devices, which only receive a satellite signal indicating your location, SPOT uses dual satellite networks which allows for an outward communication of your coordinates to be sent to friends and family, or to request emergency assistance when you need it.

[attachment=1:e9afx8xz]SpotDeviceAltitudeTrackiing.JPG[/attachment:e9afx8xz]

Product and Service Features

• Communication Functions
o Alert 9-1-1 dispatches emergency responders to an exact location
o Ask for Help sends a request for help to friends and family with your location
o Check In lets contacts know where you are and that you are okay
o Track Progress sends and saves your location and allows others to track your progress using Google Maps™

• Battery Life
o Power ON, unused: Approx. 1 year,
o SPOT casting continuous tracking mode: Approx. 14 days
o 9-1-1 mode: Up to 7 consecutive days
o HELP mode: up to 1900 messages
o SPOT check OK up to 1900 messages

• Service subscription required (Online Activation After Delivery)
o Messaging: $99.99 USD/YR - Unlimited basic satellite messaging service subscription
o Tracking: $49.99/yr (Optional Service)
o Rescue insurance: $7.95/yr - GEOS Search and Rescue Benefit (Recommended Service)

• Product Specs
o Weights: 7 ounces.
o Waterproof to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
o Operating Temperatures: -40 degrees F to +185 degrees F
o Operating Altitude: -300 ft to +21,300 ft
o Humidity and Salt Fog Rated
o Powered by Google Maps ™

I have one that my wife got me for Christmas. Several of our friends have them also. We send "OK" reports just to let friends know what we are doing (and where).

Great device.

They also have a new service, Roadside Assistance - like AAA but with some total use restrictions for about $30 a year.