Evaluating the SPOT Locator and Messenger as an Emergency Communications Device

The SPOT Messenger (including the newest GENERATION 3 unit) is popular among outdoor adventurers as a wilderness communication and tracking device. It is owned and distributed by a subsidiary of Globalstar, a communications satellite company.

This article will provide an overview of how the SPOT and GENERATION 3 units operate as well as an in-depth evaluation for prospective purchasers. Even though it has several functions, the purpose of this article is to evaluate how well the they operate as an emergency communication device (911 – SOS). The following overview and evaluative comments synthesize information from a variety of sources.

Basic Operation

The SPOT unit relies on a government (public) satellite system to obtain GPS coordinates, but all of its communications involve private, commercial Globalstar satellites. Because the SPOT uses the Globalstar simplex data network, all communications from the unit are one-way. These communications involve a minimum of three different message modes: I am OK (check-in), I Need Help (from friends and family) and SOS 911 (rescue me). These three services are provided for a yearly subscription fee. For an additional fee, SPOT devices also have an automatic tracking mode (“SPOT casting”) that transmits positional information every ten minutes to the SPOT website using Google Maps for reference. All four message modes integrate a GPS fix from the government GPS satellites to provide real time and location information. Depending upon the mode being used, messages from the SPOT unit can be routed to one or more of the following:

• Globalstar Emergency Response Center (GEOS)
• Internet website (a Google map coordinated with an email message)
• cell phone text message.

SPOT has a network of at least 13 ground stations (“gateways”) around the globe to support the SPOT services. Each gateway is a satellite terminal which receives and sends signals to and from satellites passing in view. Spot uses “spread spectrum technology” to allow the signal to pass through multiple satellites up to three at a time and be recombined on the ground. This technology allows for  a device using lower power and gives higher reliability.

[Notes: (1) The company that produces the SPOT II unit has recently added the SPOT CONNECT unit to its lineup. This unit connects wirelessly using Bluetooth technology to several brands of smart phones. Even though this article does not attempt to evaluate the SPOT CONNECT unit directly, most of the basic information and evaluative comments in the article apply. (2) There is a device similar in operation to the SPOT called “Yellowbrick.” Instead of Globalstar, it is based on the Iridium satellite system and is designed for outdoor adventures where weight and size are not critical factors. The Yellowbrick weighs 26.5 ounces (750 grams) compared to just under five (5) ounces for the SPOT II.]

Chain of Communication to Emergency Services

With the current SPOT system, there are seven links in the communication chain:

1.  When activated, the SPOT unit receives signals from orbiting government GPS satellites to obtain a GPS (latitude-longitude) fix. Note: If the unit is in its Tracking mode (extra subscription cost), it will attempt to get a fix every 10 minutes.
2. Unit transmits a 0.4 watt —1.6 MHz signal to send the appropriate message (with or without GPS coordinates) to orbiting commercial Globalstar satellites. There are currently 48 Globalstar satellites in low Earth orbits that pass overhead at least every 20 minutes.
3. Globalstar satellites relay this message down to the nearest Globalstar ground station (“gateway”). There are currently 13 gateways around the globe with redundant backup equipment to transfer messages.
4. Globalstar ground station relays the SPOT emergency message to a commercial, international emergency rescue coordination center (IERRC). The IERRC center is manned 24/7 by highly trained personnel with access to emergency response units worldwide.
5. Upon receipt of an emergency signal, IERCC personnel: i) contact the primary and secondary contacts listed in your Registration Data to attempt to validate the emergency signal; ii) use the IERCC database to identify appropriate emergency responder(s) according to available location coordinates; iii) contact the appropriate emergency responder (e.g., county sheriff) and inform them of the relevant facts in IERCC’s possession.
6. The emergency responder contacts the appropriate search and rescue unit (e.g., U. S. Coast Guard SAR helicopter base).
7. The SAR unit uses the information provided by the SPOT unit (including GPS coordinates if available) to locate the person(s) in distress.
   

GEAR BASICS

Potential Weaknesses in the SPOT II / GENERATION 3 System

The above information provides an overview of how the SPOT II and GENERATION 3 units work. The following paragraphs move into the evaluative part of this article.

I have identified four areas of potential weakness. The first contrasts public vs. private emergency communication systems. Even though SPOT obtains GPS coordinates from the highly reliable system of government satellites, for emergency communications it depends upon a private system of satellites (Globalstar) and a private emergency services company (GEOS). Globalstar has had some problems over the years (financial and technical) with its satellite phone service business. There is some evidence that Globalstar satellites have been degrading faster than replacements are being launched leaving some potential holes in coverage (but recent launches of new satellites might have overcome this problem). To put this issue in perspective, one needs to compare the SPOT system with the government-based COSPAS/SARSAT emergency system (a network of satellites, ground stations and rescue coordination agencies). This system has proven reliable during countless rescues on land and at sea. In addition, this already reliable government-based system has reportedly undergone two major upgrade in the last few years. Advertising for the SPOT unit claims a high degree of reliability, but these claims are difficult to verify.

A second weak link is getting a GPS fix. The SPOT  unit contains a higher quality GPS chip set than the first generation model, but the unit’s single antenna is optimized for transmission of messages to Globalstar satellites, not for receiving GPS coordinates. The SPOT company claims a high degree of reception of GPS coordinates because its units communicate only with the moving LEOSAR satellites that are closer to the Earth. One positive is that even if SPOT cannot acquire its location from the GPS network, it will still attempt to send a distress signal—without a location—to the Emergency Response Center.

A third potential glitch of the SPOT system is related to transmitting power, frequency and geography. A high rate of success has been reported for SPOT messages sent with a perfect view of the entire sky (e.g., high mountains, open desert and open water), when given 20 minutes to uplink and when the unit is horizontal (i.e., pointing skyward). Connections can be problematic otherwise. One potential reason for this is that the transmitting power of the SPOT is only 0.4 watts (compared to 5-6 watts for most other PLBs). Another reason is the higher frequency (1600 MHz) being used to transmit messages. Research data is limited regarding the SPOT II's rate of successfully delivering messages in the conditions likely to be encountered while hiking and backpacking in the mountains.

The Globalstar system, using one-way satellite communications for the SPOT, is responsible for a fourth possible area of weakness. Since SPOT doesn't have a Globalstar receiver for two-way communication, there is no readout indicating the specific GPS coordinates received from the government satellites that could be given to someone using a cell or satellite phone or that could be used to coordinate with a map. Nor is there any verification that a message has been successfully delivered through the Globalstar system. (The blinking LED lights on the unit will indicate, however, that a GPS fix was obtained.) If you knew the message had failed, you or someone else could climb to a higher point in hopes of more success. To be fair, this fourth area of weaknesses is also a problem with the current technologies used by most other types of emergency locator beacons.

Other Decision-Making Factors

The SPOT has a relatively low initial unit cost, but yearly subscription fees are significant. The current five-year cost of the unit, with all features activated including the automatic tracking program, is roughly $900 (not including the AAA lithium battery replacements). The unit is relatively light (5 ounces with batteries). The batteries provide long life and are field replaceable. For a nominal fee the private emergency service company for this unit (GEOS) provides up to $100,000 insurance per year to cover the costs of emergency services provided when the SPOT-911 function is activated. However, there are many policy exclusions and qualifications that would make it fairly easy for GEOS to deny insurance coverage. SPOT has also partnered with other companies to provide roadside and maritime assistance (“SPOT ASSIST”) when the dedicated “Help” button is programmed for these services.

 Summary Evaluation

In general, the upgraded SPOT II and GENERATION 3 units hold a lot of promise. Anecdotal reports by hikers using the newer SPOT units suggest a much greater range of success than with the first generation. Also on the plus side, the four SPOT functions not included with a standard personal locator beacon (“I’m OK” and “I Need Help” buttons, a custom message button, and the tracking option) can be invaluable. Especially useful for many is the “I’m OK” message when running late or a decision is made to stay out an extra day or two. Another plus for the SPOT is that it utilizes both public and private rescue services worldwide. In states which allow public agencies to charge for rescue services, the inexpensive rescue insurance provided by GEOS might be a deal maker.

How critical are the potential problems identified in the previous section? It depends somewhat on how the unit is being used (e.g., slot canyoneering vs. open water kayaking). The user’s expectations and priorities are also a factor in evaluating the SPOT unist. Some find the unit quite satisfactory; others find it lacking. This article is designed to assist readers in making their own evaluations.

In summary, potential SPOT users need to understand how this complex system works, understand its limitations and be clear about their own expectations for the operating conditions likely to be present. For more information click on this link to the company’s website: SPOT II Satellite GPS Messenger.