Talking About Adventure In Small Boats
I was just billed (automatically) for unlimited SPOT tracking. I didn't want to downgrade my tracking without being sure that W'Tribe only requires 'basic tracking.'
I think when I purchased a 'Free' spot (refund) I was required to subscribe to unlimited activation.
Thank you,
KW
BustedRudder
Member
Basic tracking is all that is required. Your GPS will capture far superior track info for your perusal after.
SPOT is a complete waste of money as your PLB is what you would use in an actual emergency. Be sure your family/friends have your shared SPOT page which works independently of the WT tracker.
BustedRudder wrote:
>Basic tracking is all that is required. < Great, thank you for confirming that.
>Your GPS will capture far superior track info for your perusal after.< I concur.
>SPOT is a complete waste of money as your PLB is what you would use in an actual emergency. <Mostly agree. I have never tried either for that purpose, yet. Nice to have a back up. Who knows what might explode next.
>Be sure your family/friends have your shared SPOT page< Yup, that is how my mommy and daddy know when to get dinner ready for me after my training visits :)
Thanks,
KW
danceswithmullet
Member
The spot has been a bitter disappointed since it was required in the challenge. Every year the tracker set up has taken a dump about the first day into the challenge. Friends or fans start asking why has the tracking feature crashed on the mapping section of the EC website. This is going on 8 years now. Setting up your spot is a prerequisite for entering but it becomes useless for followers shortly after the start. Sorry. to sound pessimistic but the track record is grim. Make sure all the important folks have access to your shared page because the official mapper will Crap out shortly after the start. DWM
BustedRudder
Member
I had corresponded with the owner of RaceOwl months ago. RaceOwl is the spot tracking website for the MR340 race which succesfully tracks several hundred boats every year. He was already aware of the annual crashing problems with the WaterTribe tracking website. He wanted to offer the service for free to watertribe waiving the usual cost of $1 per boat. I asked if I could introduce him to Chief.
Chief and Paula did not respond to the introduction.
It is my understanding that the annual premier AuSable Canoe Marathon and the Texas Water Safari use the SPOT for tracking. The SPOT company provides the SPOTs for free and set up the tracking website all for free. It would certainly be worth looking into. I also understand there are no "crashes" and they all go off without a hitch.
Aleutian
Member
I've had the same problems with SPOT in Watertribe events. When we put on the Lowcountry River Rats events in South Carolina we didn't require SPOT but many had them. Everyone provided their individual SPOT links and we checked them that way. This year I have a developer looking to developing a system for us. Therefore I appreciate the comments from BustedRudder and Etchemin. I'll look into the other options.
Like BustedRudder, I find SPOT to be superfluous when one has a PLB. But as a race organizer, I also appreciate knowing where all the participants are along the course, and SPOT is the most reliable for that purpose when dealing with backwoods courses.
Great comments.
You do not need unlimited tracking. The basic tracking is all you need and much preferred.
SPOT is upgrading their infrastructure during our event and there could be some hits. They say that tracking, OK, Custom, Help, and SOS will work but some short delays might be encountered. Many thanks to Etchemin for this heads up. Here is a link to their info: Spot Upgrade Info
I am working with RaceOwl to have them track our events. WaterTribe will continue to track the events as well. Many thanks to BustedRudder for the reference. It isn't finalized yet, but as soon as it is there will be a link on our Tracking Map to the RaceOwl site. Of course you should always give your family and friends your SPOT shared link too.
The SPOT is not a waste or superfluous. First, over the years we have had many SPOTs become dysfunctional during these events. Mostly this was due to water intrusion, but other stuff happened too. I do think the latest version is better, but it still bugs me. The typical PLB on the other hand is much more robust.
The primary purpose of the SPOT is to track these events. Ask any of our Race Managers or CP Captains and they will tell you how important it is. It also serves as a backup for the PLB. I'll say it again.
Two is one and one is none.
And finally, you should be using your SPOT and carrying your PLB every single time you go out for an adventure. If you don't, well then I guess it is a waste.
Of course, I might be a bit touchy right now. It's these drums I keep hearing in my head.
Wow, to say that SPOT is a complete waste of money amazes me. I use mine on every camping trip I do, including vacation trips to Europe, China, Mexico. Great way to keep family and friends informed of where you are. Yes, it is a backup to your PLB. I'm still using my original Mod 1 SPOT, probably at least 6 yrs old.
Keith
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