Spot 2 vs. McMurdo Fast Find

BG,

You said

Bradley, in the transmitter you are confusing signal strength with RF power output.

In laymans terms, what does that mean and what difference does it make in practical terms?

HJ

Radio Frequency power output is a measurement of the total energy being transmitted from a radio. Now, it varies from one type of transmitter to another, but the intelligent signal is typically a small amount of power that rides within the larger power output. Typically, you do not talk about signal strength at the transmitter. You can talk about the signal strength at a distance, e.g. when the signal gets to the receiver. These are just the conventions set up by engineers since the days of Marconi.

The amount of RF power needed to carry the signal varies with the type of transmitter and the frequency. So, trying to compare a 406MHz transmitter with a 1600MHz transmitter is a little like comparing apples and oranges.

–B.G.–

Those who are committed to getting the most reliable equipment that you get with a PLB but also want the "I'm OK" capability you get with the SPOT should look at the ACR SARLink PLB with 406Link.com. (Models 2883 or 2885)

http://www.acrelectronics.com/product2.aspx?sku=2883

I think the PLB can be bought for ~$350+. Then you can separately purchase the "I'm OK service for $40/year.

This way, you get your cake and eat it too.

Second the suggestion to check out equipped.com Good, impartial reviews of both units – plenty of technical detail.

The SPOT has it's place in the hiker world.
If you are day hiking or hiking a popular location like the AT or JMT, most people would consider a PLB as overkill.

A cell phone is more common.

I find the SPOT to be far more reliable than a cell phone. If I am out of cell phone range, I may have to hike for miles to reach help. If my spot is blocked by dense forest, I can get to the nearest clearing for it to be available.

I find the "SPOT 2" works quite well in forested areas, including the green tunnel of the AT. It may be true that only one out of twenty messages make it through, but the SPOT keeps trying so the message eventually makes it.

The SPOT can be annoying like a cell phone, but when used in an emergency, it is a great tool.

One of the more useful reasons is the optional buttons.

When I go on a multi-day hike, I have the option of sending a "plan B" message. So I can let people know that instead of being home at a certain time, I'm staying one more day or what ever your "Plan B" might be for the trip.

> If my spot is blocked by dense forest, I can get to the nearest clearing for it to be available.

Steven – If you are that optimistic, why bother to carry a last-resort emergency device at all.