Sweet, just doing my part, also note iPhone 4S and up supports GLONASS AND NAVSTAR for location services.. Without any cell network.. Using only the satellites. Just get a non download based map application like ARCgis or Tom Tom Etc, pre load your 200 mile maps and you got one hell of a navigation aid for a $50 download. And if that fails some apps (like theodolite) can access the electronic compass and cross check them against the GPS, GLONASS and accelerometers to give a VERY precise fix even in less then optimal conditions. I would also buy the sectional aeronautical chart for your surrounding areas.. Don't download them as you need the printed scale for use with the plotter. With that and a compass you can get by even without any electronic nav aids.

Good luck!




I really like the SPOT connect looking at it. One, we'll have our smart phones with us and it's one less thing to charge. If I'm understanding correctly, it doesn't matter if cell networks are down or not. Still tapping into the same satellite technology as the IsatPhone, no? Just without voice capability?

Would you agree that this would be sufficient to get everyone coordinated in my family via text or emails?


Yes, Spot connect uses the globalstar satellite constellation and has absolutely no local terrestrial dependencies. Same as the isatphone, actually easier to use for a beginner as the aiming of the antenna is not as critical as a satellite telephone handset. I've used this in forested areas (with a small clearing) and offshore.. Works as advertised. My friend uses the regular spot Velcroed to the dash of his 152 as a backup to a epirb. Works in flight, and in motion in a car as long as it has a clear view of the sky.. Glass without built in defroster is ok as it's transparent to RF energy.

Also remember that spot is a burst data modem and as such uses much less power then an open voice channel, consequently it will get through even if the network is at capacity.. Like SMS on a overburdened cell network. The global star network gets a bad rap for telephone service as their older birds had some decay to the main mission antennas, but that did not interfere with the simplex data portion of the system, now that they have been launching new birds to retire the older ones the phone service will also improve. It should be noted that spot has saved MANY lives and it's effectiveness as an asset tracking system and emergency locater/messages platform at that price point has no equal.

You should also consider the rescue plan that is offered at activation time, it covers helicopter airlift and is worth the price of the entire system by itself.