SPOT 2 GPS Messenger: "Lifeline, Peace of MInd" by Nutnfancy

Remoteness in the wilderness is a special experience. Done right and safely, special memories will be made for you, your friends, your family, and even your dog (Allie!). But with that remoteness comes risk. If something happens to injure, strand, or threaten your life, you are on your own to handle it. In The Nutnfancy Project (TNP), when we get out...we get out, often many miles away from rescue services, cities, out of cell phone range, and far from roads. Yes I make sure we go prepared but still full capabilities to both handle serious medicals and technical extrications are limited by SAWC. Enter the second generation of SPOT GPS Messenger, the "SPOT 2." It has proven to be a reliable companion in Nutnfancy expeditions at this point and is now an indispensable part of my backcountry preparedness items. I resisted the SPOT 1 version because it was too big and lacked versatility. The SPOT 2 at 4.2 oz (with 3 AAA lithium batteries) is 30% lighter and smaller. Moreover it features a better antenna, improved tracking, illuminated buttons, safety covers for the "SOS" and "Help/Assist" buttons (preventing accidental use), a custom message function (have fun with that!), and message-sent indication (very nice to have). Yes you will have to subscribe the $100 a year subscription fee that helps pay for the GEOS Emergency Services that will summon a locally-based rescue team to the broadcasting coordinates. That team will determine the best way in and out to get to you and just may save a life in their response. Be advised this rescue may cost you some money so use that "SOS" button very carefully! Additional subscription/aid services are available when you create your account at www.findmespot.com using the provided unit serial number and authentication code. The "OK/Check in" button is a huge advantage for me over PLBs: it tells your contacts via email and phone text (up to 10) that things are rockin' and on track. This gives huge piece of mind to Mrs Nutnfancy and makes the yearly subscription fee worth it. Broadcast protocol to the GPS network varies with type of message being sent: "OK" and "Custom" (bottom button) messages will attempt to send three times, queing into available GPS communication satellites. "SOS" messenging with broadcast every 5 minutes until batteries deplete. The "Help/Assist" message (forwarded ONLY to your contact[s] of choice will send every 5 minutes for 1 hour. For a 4.2 ounce devices this provides excellent and relatively affordable communication services while deep into the wilderness, ocean, desert, etc (technology will advance, costs will change but in 2010 this was stylin'). The SPOT 2 is a well-built unit that's compact, water resistant, has a good battery life (1900 Spot msgs possible with new batteries in temperate climates, 14 days of tracking), and operatates from -22F to 140F. Value is moderate for unit purchase with 2010 prices hovering from $130 to $150 for the unit (subscription services extra). Like us, perhaps you will find the SPOT 2 GPS Messenger will bring some added confidence and peace to your next wilderness expedition making those awesome memories. Highly recommended by Nutnfancy. /////////////////////////////////////////Nutnfancy LIkability Scale: 9.5 out of 10 /////////////////// Great music used with permission from TNPr "El Dudio" @ www.youtube.com/user/eldudio [thanks dude!]

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[parrotheadlasvegas]

Just got one of these at REI tonight. They have a deal right now with lots of cool accessories for $150. I chose REI due to their great customer service and reasonable price with no worries about shipping.

I go shooting in the desert near Las Vegas a lot. Sometimes I'm alone. I'm almost always out of cell coverage. This is great peace of mind for me, my family, and my friends.

Thanks for making this video and bringing this product to my attention ;-)

Please keep up the great work - TNP ROCKS!!!

[nutnfancy]

@parrotheadlasvegas LOVE to read your comments, Parrothead...they always rock. -- Veri

[winexprt]

looks like a cool/interesting device for those times when we're way off the beaten path. i never knew this device existed until i spotted it in your "Witch's Hut" video (which ROCKED, btw).

just a FYI: in doing some research on this device i came across some very mixed reviews. most of it pertaining to SPOT's customer service, which was horrible according to some people. just wondering if you've have you had any interaction with the customer service end of this company nutnfancy?

[nutnfancy]

@winexprt No customer service issues yet that I know of, but Nutn waited to get the SPOT 2 rather than the first SPOT, and hasn't had any issues to call them about. All's good, so far. -- Veri

[mullensk8ter15]

Not trying to be meticulous here but I think you meant to spell the title "Lifeline, Peace of Mind". Again, could be wrong. Of course though, like all your videos, AWESOME JOB.

[nutnfancy]

@mullensk8ter15 LOL!! I think you're right! And this video has been out two weeks! Duh!  Thank you, mullen. -- Veri

[sylvarking]

This is a great device, but I'd love a 2-Way Spot.

Cheaper and more packable than a satellite pager, the 2-Way Spot would allow my family to send "Everything OK", "Contact ASAP", and "Come home NOW!" messages.

I'd love to be able to roam knowing that my family can reach me in an emergency.

[cinejeff555]

was on the fence on the spot for a while but your reasoning on this makes a lot of sense....Going to pick one up this week, Thanks CJ

[MidWestrookie]

Currently online at Best Buy the silver color is available for only $80 including standard shipping. Seems like a great deal.

[MrPapawsmail]

hey dancy saw the spot on amazon 119.00, also you can get rescue insurance ffor about 10.00 bucks a month i think getting ready to order mine thanks

[Jazzyzeebra]

Hey Nutn! Great video on SPOT. Now I'm wondering what kind of 2 way radio system you use for your hiking/gunning projects? Midland? Motorola? Cobra? etc.

[BRYKS22]

Great vid my man

[ElJefedeJefes9]

Nutnfancy you forgot to mention us TNP's in central america, great video as always.

[186282plus1]

Well done my friend. I like your videos too, keep em rolling.

[daveschlanger]

$50 rebate till 31 Dec 2011 on the product's website. Something else you can do is buy one online that is a recall model and send it into SPOT for a new one.

[EL90291]

I hope the rescue will come faster than it takes your video to show the Spot Gps

anyone who just want to see the spot gps stuff jump to 20:00 or more

[LordTimelord]

The SPOT Messenger Currently has a $50.00 Mail-In Rebate with the purchase of the unit and a 1-year Service Contract on SPOT's Website! :D [09/04/2011]