Basejumper.com - archive

This product looks like it's perfect for BASE jumpers to check in with a friend/spouse once you've landed (or be rescued if in trouble). From their website:

With the SPOT Satellite Messenger, you and your loved ones have peace of mind knowing help is always within reach. SPOT is the only device of its kind, using the GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, and then sending its location – with a link to Google Maps™ – and a pre-programmed message via a commercial satellite network. And unlike Personal Locator Beacons, SPOT does more than just call for help. Tracking your progress, checking in with loved ones, and non-emergency assistance are also available, all at the push of a button. And because it uses 100% satellite technology, SPOT works around the world – even where cell phones don't.

LINK: http://www.findmespot.com/default.aspx

Anyone have one of these?

I've been doing some reading on them, and it looks like getting a PLB would be a better choice for the rescue option. SPOT doesn't operate on the same frequency, or the same as a PLB. (I don't know the specifics, but there is lots of information about it online).

Spot would be good for the checking in/etc though. After the purchase, and the yearly fee, I would rather get a PLB though. Just my opinion...

Hello!

In the HG/PG Scene we do cross country fligts, as you
probably know.
Therefore it's been created a live tracking system which
works via mobile internet and bluetooth gps devices.
This might be useful for the BASE scene as well.

Have a look at:
http://live.thenet.gr/

...
til

this is a really cool device, I have never heard of it. reminds of Garmin Rhino radio/gps devices crosssed with a cell phone... very neat.

just another step towards big brother

"Uhh, sir? We have detected your locator beacon 1m away from our transmitter, which sits atop a 2000 ft tower... do you mind explaining that?"

well, thats true , didn't remind the necessary privacy in loads of areas.
The piont is:
-would you be able to activate a device which is only ment to be used in emergency cases, to keep your privacy?
-would you _hope_ to be able to activate this device?
-would you tell your friends where you are, when you're doing solos? (so any positioning device would be nonessential)

Anyway, if you jump in legal areas, you could be found, if you are lost in canyons.
Might be a cool tool for wingsuit flights?! Specially if you already have a bluetooth gps (the service is for free)

...
til

For canyon or urban area jumps, it is best to use something that has both GPS and homing beacon capabilities. GPS can be very persnickety, especially in a canyon or any kind of tight spot without direct visibility of a good portion of the sky. You could get stuck waiting for satellites to come into the part of the sky that you can actually see. The homing beacon, however, might have limited range. The direction finding can also take time and effort (it probably isn't an instantaneous position fix,) though I am not very familiar with the way these beacons are located these days.

It is probably worth your money to go for something that is a combination of the two technologies.