Got a rugged adventure planned? Before you strap on your pack and boots and take off, make sure you have a device like the SPOT Gen3 from SPOT to give you a line of communication on your trip.
The Spot Gen3 uses satellite technology which allows you to communicate outside of the boundaries of phone service. In an emergency, the SPOT Gen3 has an S.O.S. function that when activated alerts the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center who will send your GPS coordinates to your local response team.
The check-in button allows you to send a pre-programmed text message to your friends or family as well as your location when you’re out of range, so they know that you’re okay. These tracking waypoints can also be integrated into a SPOT Shared Page or Adventure account that allows your friends and family to view a protected web link that shows your waypoints in near real time.
You can also set up a custom message before you leave along with your GPS location, so you can stay in touch with your loved ones when you’re away. If you get yourself into a non-life-threatening situation, the help feature will alert your contacts that you need help, and they can get help sent your way. Be safe on your next trek with a SPOT Gen3 tracking your location as you go.
Please note - requires a paid subscription for service, head here for more info
S.O.S. function
Check-in button
Custom message feature
Help function
Tracking feature
Activating the SOS function alerts the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center
Vibration rated Per SAE J1455
Please note: GPS accuracy degrades at Mach1 or somewhere in the vicinity of 1235 Km/hr!
In Use Dimensions:
8.72H x 6.5W x 2.54D cm
Packed Dimensions:
8.72H x 6.5W x 2.54D cm
Weight:
0.114 Kg
Material:
Rugged Plastic
Waterproof:
IPX7 − Submersible to 1 metre for 30 minutes
Batteries:
4 x AAA Lithium Ultimate Included | 4 x AAA NiMH Rechargeable | 5V USB
Run Time:
With 100% view of sky − SOS: 13 days | Tracking @ 60 minute intervals 24hrs/day: 52 Days
Run Time:
With 50% view of sky − SOS: 6 days | Tracking @ 60 minute intervals 24hrs/day: 26 Days
Battery Replacement Interval:
Last 24 months in storage
Approvals:
ROHS and WEEE compliant | Certified to FCC and CE emissions, immunity and safety regulations | Meets FCC part 25 regulations, Canada type approval, CISPR Publication 22 (1985 1st Edition), RTTE Directive (1999/EC) and IEC 60950 safety standard.
Tests:
Performs self test when turned on
Warranty:
Limited 1 Year
Supplier Code:
SPOT3
Snowys Code:
139239
Staff tip:Note − SPOT requires a paid annual subscription, follow the link above for details.
Can this item be used as a PLB without the messenger service if I don't sign up for the spot service?1 answer
Just wondering if I could use this as a simple PLB with SOS only feature if I don't want to pay thre sibscription fee.
Leah - Townsville(5 years ago)
G'day Leah,
Unfortunately not, if you're wanting to use the unit at all you must have an active subscription. If you're just after a PLB then we'd recommend going for one of the PLB options that don't require a subscription payment.
Leece - Snowys(5 years ago)
Rescue button1 answer
What rescue services would be contacted in a non life threatening situation in Australia?
Robyn - Cardiff (5 years ago)
G'day Robyn,
The SOS function is a life-threatening emergency function that will notify the relevant authorities (police, fire, ambulance, SES etc) to initiate a response. The Help/Assist button can be set up in your spot account with contact details of friends/family - when this button is hit it sends a message to those contacts with your GPS coordinates. Spot suggests that you come up with a plan with your family members to determine what they should do in this situation - for example: calling the road service (RAA/RACQ etc) in the closest town, or similar.
Leece - Snowys(5 years ago)
Does the Spot Gen 3 work overseas?1 answer
Heading over to America, wanting to know if the device is able to contact authorities/ emergency services in the USA if needed.
Chloe - Wayville(6 years ago)
G'day Chole,
The Spot Gen3 will function anywhere on earth with a few exceptions. Check Spot's coverage map here for more info. What happens when you hit the emergency SOS button is the message is sent directly to Spot, who will then contact the appropriate emergency service for the region you're in. If you have a look at their rescue map here, you'll see most rescues have been in the US so I'm confident you'll be totally fine using it over there.
Tim - Snowys(6 years ago)
What does the service cost1 answer
Question about annual service charge for use of Spot Gen 3
Gordon - Brookfield QLD 4069(6 years ago)
G'day Gordon,
You can find all the subscription fees for the Spot Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger on Spot's website here.
Ben - Snowys(6 years ago)
USB connection1 answer
Just wondering what USB connection the spot 3 has? If I’m right I beieleve I could use this port to run it off the power of my 4wd.
Joel - Geelong, Vic(6 years ago)
G'day Joel,
The USB port on the Spot Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger is a micro USB.
Ben - Snowys(6 years ago)
What is the expected lifetime of a spot? Are the batteries replaceable? Thanks!1 answer
Trying to figure out the relative value of this device over a traditional PLB which needs to be replaced once activated. Thanks!
Clare - Marangaroo (7 years ago)
G'day Clare,
The Spot Gen3 satellite GPS Messenger runs off of everyday AAA batteries, so you can replace them with no issues at all! As for battery life, it depends a bit on how you're using it but it'll run for 24 hours a day for 52 days if you've got clear skies and for about 26 days if it's 50% cloudy.
Ben - Snowys(7 years ago)
Subscription for service1 answer
Who do you contact to get a service subscription for this device?
Lisa - Tumby Bay(7 years ago)
G'day Lisa,
To subscribe Spot Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger to the Find Me Spot subscription, simply click here and it'll take you through to the page you need to register.
Ben - Snowys(7 years ago)
Cost1 answer
What does this cost to activate and use
mick - whittlesea(7 years ago)
G'day Mick,
Spot Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger subscription costs can be found on Spot's website here.
Ben - Snowys(7 years ago)
how does it work1 answer
how to operate it
john TRELOAR - three springs 6519(7 years ago)
G'day John,
There's a pretty complex operation behind the Spot Gen 3 Satellite GPS Messenger. The easiest way to explain how the Spot Gen 3 Satellite GPS Messenger works is to direct you to the Quick Start Guide which can be viewed here. If that guide doesn't answer your questions, you can view the User Manual here.
