New Generation SPOT 3 GPS Tracker

[Steve Y]

Tested the new SPOT 3 GPS Tracker. Worked better than SPOT 2. $149.95
Standard Track, Unlimited Track, Extreem Tracking, SOS, Help/Roadside Assist, Ok and Custom messaging.

It has:
1) Better GPS performance- I timed it at 15-60 seconds to get out messages after turn on.
2) Motion Activated Unlimited Tracking which greatly saves battery, stays on indefinitely.
3) Great extended Battery life. (4 AAA batteries )
4) USB powered, Lithium or rechargeable batteries.
5) Options to set 2.5 , 5, 10, 30 or 60 minute tracking transmissions. (extra fees apply for unlimited service).
6) Boat/Plane movement alert or theft movement alert.
7) Slightly smaller than the SPOT 2.

Tested it on LAX to JFK flight. Turned to on/off a few times on way back to test acquire speed.
Tested Vibration/motion for automatic track on/off. Left it on for two days testing auto track mode.
Worked like a charm.


Steve

[FlyinAndy]

Thanks for the review Steve.

I was considering getting a Spot 2, but now that the 3 is out, that looks like the way to go. Does the purchase price include the first year of service? I think they used to offer that.

Andy

[Steve Y]

Thanks for the review Steve.

I was considering getting a Spot 2, but now that the 3 is out, that looks like the way to go. Does the purchase price include the first year of service? I think they used to offer that.

Andy

It's expensive for the SPOT 3. ( NO free service with purchase).

http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=103

Purchase.........................$149.99
1 Year basic service..........$149.99 (Encludes Basic Tracking-every 10 minutes, w/ Auto off in 24hrs),
SOS, Help, Custom Messege, motion sensor track and Ok functions, RV/Boat motion notification of
Movement-theft.

ADDITIONS to the basic $149.99 a year service are:

Unlimited tracking= $49.99 a year .(variable 5,10,20,30 60 min. Track Xmissions, does not shut off in 24hrs,
motion sensor auto on and stanby)
Extreem Tracking= $149.99 a year (variable 2.5, 5,10,20,30,60 min. Track Xmissions, does not shut off in 24
motion sensor auto on and standby).
Roadside or Marine Assist= $30.00 a year
Product replacement= $17.99 a year ( one time loss/ damaged unit replacement).

(See my SPOT Link below .....thing works grand!
Steve

[Pete D]

I saw this at OSH. I have the SPOT 2 and it really works well. I like the feature on the new one to be able to change the rate of tracks but the upgrade path price was not good enough for me to justify it.

They had an interesting Sat phone as well, I was surprised at the prices. About $500 to buy and if you bought the right package about 25 cents a minute.

[Steve Y]

BATTERY TEST SPOT3:
Using 4 X AAA ENELOOP 1,900 mAh Rechargeable Batteries:
Left power ON in "Unlimited" TRACK Mode for 9 Days. Flew 4 cost to cost flights,
plus driving car with Track transmission set to every 5 minutes. Estimated
number of messages sent= 1,700, before batteries died.