Spot Gen3
JenA
Charter Member
Well, it seems that the next version of SPOT is out (http://www.rei.com/product/860469/spot-gen3-satellite-gps-messenger). Well, it's out, but not out. Apparently, stores are selling it, but customer service won't answer any questions because they haven't launched it yet. They have only vague plans to launch "this summer".
Some features are swimmer friendly! Such as: "Tracking options let you choose the capture rate that best suits your movement: 2.5-, 5-, 10-, 30- or 60-minute increments". Others make me wonder: "With Motion Activated Tracking, SPOT Gen3 knows when you’re moving and when you stop to make camp; it stops sending tracking info until you start moving again."
It seems the motion tracking is based on vibration. I'm wondering if the vibration of a boat will be enough to keep SPOT logging. They've got an FAQ for this (http://faq.findmespot.com/index.php?action=showEntry&data=1518) which says "SPOT Gen3 tracking is smarter than ever! A built in vibration sensor sends tracks only when you are moving. When the device is stationary for more than five minutes SPOT Gen3 will enter Suspended Track mode. SPOT Gen3 will automatically send, at least, one more track from your resting location. While at rest, SPOT Gen3 will not send tracks. Tracking will automatically resume after the vibration sensor detects the unit has begun moving again."
I suppose you could always tether it to a buoy and let it toss amongst the waves -- surely that would keep the vibration sensor going? I'm not sure that it's a good idea, though.
Does anyone know anything more about this?
Some features are swimmer friendly! Such as: "Tracking options let you choose the capture rate that best suits your movement: 2.5-, 5-, 10-, 30- or 60-minute increments". Others make me wonder: "With Motion Activated Tracking, SPOT Gen3 knows when you’re moving and when you stop to make camp; it stops sending tracking info until you start moving again."
It seems the motion tracking is based on vibration. I'm wondering if the vibration of a boat will be enough to keep SPOT logging. They've got an FAQ for this (http://faq.findmespot.com/index.php?action=showEntry&data=1518) which says "SPOT Gen3 tracking is smarter than ever! A built in vibration sensor sends tracks only when you are moving. When the device is stationary for more than five minutes SPOT Gen3 will enter Suspended Track mode. SPOT Gen3 will automatically send, at least, one more track from your resting location. While at rest, SPOT Gen3 will not send tracks. Tracking will automatically resume after the vibration sensor detects the unit has begun moving again."
I suppose you could always tether it to a buoy and let it toss amongst the waves -- surely that would keep the vibration sensor going? I'm not sure that it's a good idea, though.
Does anyone know anything more about this?
Comments
>How sensitive is the vibration detection? If the Gen3 were on a boat in calm waters, is the device going to turn itself off?
NO - On a boat, it should never suspend unless it is in “dock mode”. No one but individuals tracking boats that are often docked in the water should use dock mode.
It’s intention is to save batteries by not sending the same location over and over again once the unit senses it has stopped moving. It will still send a message or two to make sure that the last point is captured after it senses no vibration for 5 minutes. That means that depending on which tracking interval you have, you might never stop sending points for short stops.
> Let's say I am in a strong current and barely making progress until the tide changes. Do I need to manually cause vibration in order to keep the device alive and tracking my points?
It is a vibration sensor not a location sensor. We only use location to make determinations if in “dock mode.” No one but individuals tracking boats that are often docked in the water should use dock mode.
It will keep vibrating and therefore keep sending your location on most small vehicles with a running motor. If it is on the person, it is unlikely they can be still enough long enough to meet the requirements of “no vibration”.
> What's the radius the device uses to determine whether or not you have moved so the device turns itself back on?
It is a vibration sensor not a location sensor. We only use location to make determinations if in “dock mode”.
http://www.inreachdelorme.com/
As far as I can see its just an update that seeks to maximise battery life so, a bit like your TV remote, it powers down into a kind of hibernate mode. It would seem that any vibration of the SPOT will cause it to wake up and transmit its position. I would imagine that a boat or even kayak would have enough vibration and movement to keep the unit out of hibernation if used to track a swimmer.
Coincidentally, when waiting in an airport Lounge returning on Monday night from the Toreonos Marathon Swim we got talking to a private jet pilot who showed us one of these:
http://www.roadpost.ca/inReach-for-Smartphones-P720C374.aspx
He told me this is what he would have used if he'd had to ditch in the Atlantic. It pairs with a smartphone and links into the Iridium low-earth orbit constellation (I think SPOT uses Globalstar which is similar) and not only transmits position but also enables two-way text messaging emails and data services. We reckoned that this kind of beast, paired with a smartphone, would overcome the problems many people have when swimming out of reach of mobile phone base stations. Naturally you'd need a waterproof smartphone for total reliability but I am sure it would be great, and cheaper, for many of the EC boats too where the support crew want to get info back to fan-clubs etc.
Just saw this online. If you buy a Spot Gen3 between now and 14 Sept for at least $149.95, you can get a rebate for 50% of the price. You can request the rebate (request must be postmarked) up to 30 Oct.
Info here (link is a pdf)
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
@IronMike, I think they're moving inventory to make room for Gen4. My Gen3 just died (on a kayak, water ingression), and I'm going to wait until the new year to see what comes. Something fully waterproof, hopefully!
I plug the Gen3 into an external battery (I hate disposables), tape them together and put the whole thing in a waterproof case.
No issues.
I never really trust the o ring seals on so called waterproof electronics.
...anything worth doing is worth overdoing.
That's really helpful, @david_barra. I'd considered something similar. What kind of external battery are you using? Capacity? And what kind of plastic case?
It wasn't the O-ring that went on mine (my battery compartment was dry), but rather that flappy bit over the USB port.
The case is made by seal line, and the battery is a jackery. I'm pretty sure @evmo has a link to buy them on the "gear" thread
...anything worth doing is worth overdoing.
Too right, @david_barra. The link is here: http://marathonswimmers.org/forum/discussion/comment/14047/#Comment_14047
For those who have bought Spot Gen3, can you tell me if the included batteries come already installed, or are they in a separate package in the box?
I ask because I have restrictions for shipping where I am now, namely, only pre-installed lithium batteries can ship.
(I wrote to the Spot people but they haven't answered this query yet.)
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
@IronMike, this suggests batteries are included and require installation.
http://www.findmespot.com/downloads/SPOT3_User_Guide.pdf
I think I remember the packaging being impressively minimal, for what it's worth.
Perhaps it varies by country, though?
Yeah, the guys at the State Department mail room in VA will x-ray the box and if they see a package of batteries, they'll deny the package and send it back.
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
A smaller retailer might be willing to do it for you. (I'd imagine the request could be lost in a warehouse environment.)
OK all, boy #1 is going back to the states next month for some employment screenings, and I'm going to give him an empty bag to bring stuff back for us. #LithiumBatteryMule
For one, I'd like to (finally) get a Spot Gen. I went to their website and I don't see an update to Gen4 (@JenA). Anyone hearing anything different? I'll go with the Gen3 as it seems the right tool for what I want to do, but thought I'd ping you guys in case you're hearing any new news.
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
When I talked to the mysterious person at customer service who claimed knowledge, they said "in January" for the next version. It makes sense to me, given that they've essentially been giving SPOTs away with an enhanced service plan. Surely to deplete inventory? However, anyone else I've spoken to at customer service hasn't (admitted) knowing anything.
Just for you, @IronMike, (figuring that North American toll-free numbers might not work in Kyrgyzstan) I just called SPOT to check again.
They are saying that customer service is the last to know. 
They did confirm that the 100% rebate offer is no longer available, though.
Thanks @JenA!
I still have time, so I'll wait out January and hopefully I can get the most up to date one when my boy goes to the states in Feb!
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
OK, I'll admit it: I was curious as well. It wasn't just for you @IronMike. ;-)
I finally bought one. Didn't want to wait it out any longer, and I also went back to the states, so I was able to bring one back.
Gonna hold off on activating it until closer to OW swimming and hiking season.
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
I am going to purchase a Spot Tracker for documenting swims. What do y'all recommend and things I should understand beforehand. Thanks!