SPOT updates and the Mapper.
I have observed duing EC 2014 that there are several key things to be understood, clarified, and optimized to enable tracking our friends and loved one during a WaterTribe event:
- SPOT updates on SPOT tracking pages that I saw worked great
- WaterTribe Tracker Mapping updates were not accurate for many WaterTribers
- Many WaterTribers never showed up on the WaterTribe Tracker Map
- Many WaterTribers were frozen on the WaterTribe Tracker Map when selecting "ALL" CHALENGERS, but could be seen individually. So the data was communicating somehow on a less intensive query
- The default view when accessing the WaterTribe Tracker Map requires everyone to be loaded into the map, and this seems to be a huge drain on the database and systems.
- Perhaps the WaterTribe Tracker Mapping selection process hould focus on Challenger first, then Class, then ALL as a last resort.
- Consider the SPOT Buddy App, because it seemed to work well for many
- Consider having a required SPOT personal tracking page listed for each Challenger so those that need to find Challengers' positions can do so, because not everyone can get accurate positions when neceesary. Such as shore contacts or CP contact having power outages or loss of internet or wireless data service.
- The Auto SPOT OK message updates I received from 2 paddlers I was watching worked flawlessly.
- In my personal case, there was a change in SPOT updates from training to the EC. We had to add my communication info back into the SPOT update settings so that I could get the automatic updates from OneEyedJake. Our practice attempts worked one week prior to the EC, but anytime you reenter the SPOT configuration on your SPOT account, it is easy to leave that box before hitting save, and losing all of that hard work you did editing e-mails, messages, and/or text numbers.
- We need to understand why SPOTS may have stopped transmitting. I do not have examples, but assume from many posting SPOT buddy updates that there were a few that had not SPOT data even on the SPOT Buddy for a while. Please tell us about that.
- How can your emergency contact as listed on your PLB registration handle the Search and Rescue call after activation?
- How can your Emegergency Contacts as listed in your SPOT configuration (2) contacts handle the SPOT emergency call after you hit your SOS button?
- Is your Shore Contact one of your emergency contacts from your SPOT SOS configuration and PLB registration?
- Have you as a Challenger really prepared your Shore contact for the reality of loss of SPOT tracking information?
- Have you as Challenger really prepared your Shore Contact, family, and friends that there will be no way to contact you from Chokoloksee to Flamingo?
- Do your Shore Contact, family and friends understand what YOUR SPOT messaging means?
- My Help message is configured to inform "I have a situation that requires assistance. Look for a call if possible with cell coverage." What I need to say is "I have a problem and require external help. Look for repeated HELP until resolved. I will try to call for help via cell and VHF radio."
- My Custom message is used to notify I have a rest stop, camping stop, or a repair where I will be able to continue on my own after the pause. My Custom SPOT message - "I have to stop for a while. Look for OK when things are ready to go."
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My SOS gives the Search and Rescue authorities as much information to be prepared to help me survive a serious and grave situation requiring external assistance. My SOS message says:
"Brad is a big guy that understands the serious nature of his circumstances if activating the PLB. 6'2" 240 pounds white male. Paddling either an orange 14.5 foot kayak or paddling a tandem 22' kayak by himself that is orange/yellow top with white hull.
Brad is prepared with survival gear in his PFD for any paddling trip.
Brad wears a yellow PFD with highly visible reflective strips and carries a VHF radiio.
His cell phone should be accessible in a waterproof lanyard XXX-XXX-XXXX."