Spot X Satellite Communications
Story and Photos By: Dan Delasantos
One of the biggest challenges we face whether riding or racing is communication. Conventional radios are a blessing but that doesn’t always keep us in touch with distant campsites or the rest of the world in the event of an emergency. It turns out GlobalStar has recently launched the Spot X, their first 2-way messaging device as an alternative to costly satellite phones.
While there is no voice option, the Spot X offers two-way texting and email capability along with GPS location coordinates which can be sent to any email or mobile number. If typing isn’t your thing it will also allow you to store several prewritten messages that can be sent on the fly such as: “Honey, we found a new trail. We will be a little late tonight!”
Back in February, we gave our photographers the unit while at the King of the Hammers race. Although there was a slight delay when sending and receiving messages, with little to no cell service, we were able to effectively communicate via text. Another big bonus was the GPS tracking function. We received periodic location updates to track staff movement along the 200-mile course. With 10 days of battery life we never had to recharge the entire week.
In another scenario, trail riding just outside Lake Havasu City, known for non-existent phone service, we were able to relay messages and our current location to friends back in town who were using a Google Maps™ interface. Our test ride turned into a real-life experience when one of our rides lost a wheel resulting in a message request to town for a trailer to be brought out onsite. At that point the Spot X turned a tough situation into a not-so-bad afternoon.
Mike Beats, of the Mohave County Search and Rescue team (SAR) here in Arizona, who also happened to be testing the Spot X with other team members. After some extensive testing Mike concluded: “It’s highly recommended to have the Spot X if you plan to be venturing out of cell range in the desert, dunes or forest. The SOS feature allows you to reach emergency services like ours relaying critical GPS coordinates fast and remain in constant communication until help arrives.”
Admittedly, what first appeared to be a neat little extra device turned out to be a must have communications that we now incorporate into many of our adventures. The only grip we had was that the buttons must be pressed firmly to activate and found that nearby electronic devices can easily cause service interference. Considering the service it provides these faults are minor, and we feel confident in future generations of the device we’ll see those imperfections addressed.
MSRP: $249.00 Monthly Service Plans: $11.95 to $39.95
