1HappyHiker
Well-known member
Has anyone had experience with using the new SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker here in the Whites?
A quick web search for user reviews about SPOT provides links that by and large emphasize the positive aspects of this new device. And indeed, I truly believe that SPOT has many positive aspects.
But, positive aspects aside, I’m wondering if there were any beta testers who used SPOT in heavily forested and mountainous terrain like the Whites? Many of the positive user-comments that I’ve come across on the web have been from bikers, boaters, etc. whose journeys are predominately in areas where there is lots of open sky.
Just got a SPOT device and have taken it on a few treks. In general, it has done what it’s proclaimed to do. Especially on upper portions of trails, my SPOT has generally had no problem obtaining satellite lock, and it has performed flawlessly above tree line.
However, I’ve had instances where I could get conventional cell phone service, but SPOT was unable to obtain satellite lock. This was particularly true for long stretches of the lower portion of the Liberty Spring Trail. Made multiple attempts at different locations to generate “OK” messages, as well as “Help” messages, but none were generated.
A quick web search for user reviews about SPOT provides links that by and large emphasize the positive aspects of this new device. And indeed, I truly believe that SPOT has many positive aspects.
But, positive aspects aside, I’m wondering if there were any beta testers who used SPOT in heavily forested and mountainous terrain like the Whites? Many of the positive user-comments that I’ve come across on the web have been from bikers, boaters, etc. whose journeys are predominately in areas where there is lots of open sky.
Just got a SPOT device and have taken it on a few treks. In general, it has done what it’s proclaimed to do. Especially on upper portions of trails, my SPOT has generally had no problem obtaining satellite lock, and it has performed flawlessly above tree line.
However, I’ve had instances where I could get conventional cell phone service, but SPOT was unable to obtain satellite lock. This was particularly true for long stretches of the lower portion of the Liberty Spring Trail. Made multiple attempts at different locations to generate “OK” messages, as well as “Help” messages, but none were generated.