Taff- That does not sound good, the lack of tracking. How long did you have the unit in track mode? Three locations in what amount of time? And, when you go to the web site to view the track, does it display a map with the tracking locations?
Hi Jackson,
Sorry I didn't post a reply sooner as I have only checked the thread tonight just to keep you all updated on SPOT.
Now I will try and answer your questions.
Just before I left my home I activated "tracking" mode after allowing the unit "warm" up. On reading the manual it advises SPOT to be switced "ON" for at least a couple of minutes to acquire the satellites.
For the trip up to Monroe I took I-5 North/I-405 North and then HWY 2 East to Monroe. Here is what I found when I checked the positions on my account.
1) Unit switched on at 05:07 GMT (09:07 PST) (11/21/07)
2) First position on I-405 was at 05:36 GMT (09:36 PST) (11/21/07) (My home to I-405 approx 30 minutes +/- 5 mins due traffic).
3) Third position updated at Monroe at time 06:06 GMT (10:06 PST) (11/21/07)
If you look at item (2) (position at I-405) this shows GMT time as 05:36.
Take away Monroe position time of 06:06 GMT minus 05:36 (at I-405) this equals 30 minutes between track points (not 10 minutes).
I was never in a tunnel during the ride but I think that the updates did not occur at the 10 minute intervals for the following reasons.
1) Unit may have had trouble with "locking on" to satellites (some GPS tracking units never work well here in the PNW because of the low orbits and our higher latitude).
2) After a clear sky but cold start at home (31F) the mist covered most of HWY 2 into Monroe) so this may have caused interference with satallite coverage.
So I tested the unit the next day around 10:30 am PST in clear sky conditions and guess what, track updates every 10 minutes, so I don't know what went wrong on the previous day!
With regard to viewing the "Maps" and track points, you have two ways to look at them.
1) Your friends or yourself (if you set up e mail accounts and phone numbers) will be alerted via e mail or SMS text when you press the "OK" button regarding a position check. The e mail contains a link to "google maps" which when "clicked" shows you a map of the position or track report.
2) If you or your family want to check your position via your account, then "click" the tracks which then displays the LAT/LONG GMT and date like a "square baloon" The track points can be displayed on the map in 3 flavors (MAP,SATELLITE, HYBRID)
MAP=basic map, Satellite=view from space, Hybrid=road designations (I-405) and names etc. These are selected from the top of the "message menu".
Hope this helps,
Was trying to insert an image of the SPOT track page but I don't have a web link to an web hosting site for my images.
Ride safe,
)
