Brigada

Lately, I’ve been testing a new 7-ounce device called “Spot Messenger”. Watch the Guided Tour at… http://www.findmespot.com/ Now let me first clarify — there’s no “affiliate” tag on the end of that URL. (The people who make these devices don’t even know I’m writing this.) So note that there’s no kickback in the works here. [...]

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In a word, yes. Of course, there are the normal limitations associated with any GPS/satphone device. Namely, you have to be outside with a clear view of the sky. What’s more, as with any of these class of 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons, the communication is one-way only. Your friends are going to know exactly [...]

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It takes Spot about 1′ or less to pin down your location. (Tests show about 46 seconds, actually.) That’s assuming you have clear sky though. Inside, I found it to be rather unreliable. In a car, just velcro it to the dashboard in view of the windshield and you’ll be good to go. In one [...]

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There are four simple buttons and four distince modes:*** Alert 9-1-1, a distress alert with location that goes to a emergency control center*** Help, which sends a text message and/or email to up to four individuals to let them know you’re ready for pick-up or whatever you’ve prearranged*** SPOTchecking, which notifies pre-set friends as to [...]

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All these services are subscription-based. Currently you’ll pay $99 for standard service plus an additional $49 per year for SPOTcasting. And … don’t forget to throw in the $8 extra for the helicopter extraction. :-) Oh … and you have to buy the unit itself for about $150 or so. Find it at Amazon or [...]

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The perfect scenario would be a worker who regularly travels out to a remote mission location… say a village or a jungle area, where cell towers are spotty and dangers are many. Turn on your Spot Messenger, velcro it to the dashboard, and watch the wife and kids relax, knowing they will have 10-minute by [...]

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It would be a great help. It’s rated for 30 minutes in up to a meter of water. So basically… if you fall overboard with Spot on your belt or if your motor blows a head gasket or even if the boat capsizes… as long as you’re conscious and afloat, Spot will get you help. [...]

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Think about it… for the cost of a 5-minute satphone call, with this device, you get coverage for helicopter extraction. What local church wouldn’t want to pick up one of these devices for a short-term team headed into a far-flung location. Can you imagine the prayer warriors and family members back home, being able to [...]

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First you order the device. Pick your spot. Do your shopping. If you find it for less than $123.08, buy it there. If, after you search, $123 sounds as good as any place, and if you don’t have a preference, get it from Amazon and they’ll pitch in something like $2 for Brigada:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000YTZV74/teamexpansiononl If you [...]

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