I just came across this company and their product launched 1 November, 2007.
Small, lightweight and portable, it combines EPIRB type emergency beacon functions with a general purpose GPS locator tracker and simple “I’m OK” message functions.
It looks like it would be great for hikers, skiers, climbers, mountain bikers, off-road motorcyclists, near-shore sailors and overlanders. Another potential market is paranoid “bubble child” parents letting their progeny out of their eyesight for the first time.
Coverage limitations – no coverage in the following areas:
– Far southern South America
– Sub Saharan Africa
– Indian subcontinent
– Ocean passages. (Some coverage in the North Atlantic)
Cost: $170
Basic Annual Plan: $99
Additional Tracking Plan: $49 (send and save location, track via Google Maps)
Additional global extraction / rescue plan: $7.95 initial, $150 thereafter
Available online and at REI and Cabellas.
Company web site: http://www.findmespot.com/default.aspx
We’ve already got a couple of EPIRBs and we’re just pulling out, so I don’t think we’ll have time to implement these.
Doug,
I have been using one for a few weeks. It is working well.
Here is an El Camino Del Diablo track.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/reviews/spot/route_ECDD.jpg
Hope all is well!