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Spot Satelite Messenger technology has taken a another step forward.  The Spot 2 builds on the foundation of the award winning Spot with a 30% smaller size, enhanced function and simplified button and light configuration.  The Spot Satellite Messenger is the ultimate survival tool.  It is the first unit of it's kind, broadcasting location data, Google Map links, calls for emergency help and pre-programmed "all ok"  messages all at the push of a button.

Spot provides peace of mind to you AND your loved ones.  Here's how it works.  Spot features GPS locater technology to pinpoint it's location.  But Spot also utilizes a Satellite Phone network to communicate that location and messages to family or friends back home.   It's 100% satellite based, so it works where no cell phone coverage exists.  The new Spot has 5 notification functions.

1. A push of the SOS button summons the help of local and / or Federal emergency services who are advised of your exact location.   Whether on land or sea, or even in other countries, your call is heard and transferred to the appropriate authorities.  Spot continues to transmit every few minutes until power is depleted or SOS is canceled.
2. The Help button notifies a predetermined individual (or individuals) that you need some non-emergent assistance.  This is the choice you would use for something like your car breaking down.  Your exact coordinates are transferred along with a Google Maps link to your location. SPOT continues to rebroadcast your Help request every few minutes for one hour or until Help is canceled.
3. The OK button sends a message to predetermined recipients to let them know that things are fine.   It also notifies them of your current location and sends a link to that location via Google maps.  It's the perfect choice for youth programs to let Mom know that Junior is still okie doke. SPOT sends three identical messages to the SPOT service for redundancy.
4. Custom Message works similarly to the OK or Help features  You pre-program a custom message and group of recipients.   It could be especially helpful if you've assigned another use such as "Roadside Assistance" to one of the other buttons.
5. Lastly, there is a tracking function (which involves a higher monthly service charge) that sends your coordinates every ten minutes to an online Spot account that you can share with anyone you like.  Tracking remains active for a 24 hour period anytime you've activated it unless deactivated.  Without having to send manual updates, your progress can be monitored in near real time by your selected group of friends or family.

The applications for Spot are obvious.  If you're anywhere without cellular coverage, you could benefit from Spot.  For folks who travel to remote areas, especially guides and leaders of youth programs, Spot is the technology we've needed for years.  At it's awesome price level, there's just no excuse to wind up on the evening news.

Spot's technology can save lives in an emergency, but unlike those other $1000 plus beacons, Spot is a great resource in non-emergencies as well.  Spot does require an affordable yearly subscription, currently $99.99 USD / yr.  The "Tracking" function requires a $49.99 / yr upgraded service.   It's affordable enough to be within reach for pretty well any Scouting unit or youth program, or just for adventuring individuals.

Spot works around the world, including virtually all of North America, Europe and Australia, portions of South America, Northern Africa and Northeastern Asia, and hundreds or thousands of miles offshore of these areas.  You can view a coverage map here.

SPOT is designed to provide outstanding quality and reliability.  When operating outdoors with a perfect view of the entire sky, pretty well every message attempt with Spot will be successful.  Of course not every place you travel will have these ideal conditions.  Thick cover, large hills and buildings impede the Spot's performance just as they would any satellite device such as phone or GPS.  In those conditions, it is normal for some messages to be blocked.  For this reason, the SPOT GPS Messenger automatically sends multiple messages in every mode, providing excellent overall reliability.  Positioning the unit face up provides the best operation.  Because SPOT satellites are not in a geosynchronous orbit, their location constantly changes which actually improves coverage since satellites not acquired at one point may be acquirable minutes later.