Orion wrote:SPOT Satellite coverage isn't any worse down under. Each of the Globalstar satellites varies between plus and minus 52° latitude. So while on average satellites will be to the north at times a satellite may be directly overhead. The number of ground stations is also a factor. According to Globalstar the combined coverage in Victoria is better than in the Sierra Nevada in central California.
I'm not a fan of the SPOT. I tried one out and found it disappointing. But using alkaline batteries falls under the category of user error. The instructional manual warns against the use of anything other than lithium or NiMH. It's not the best choice for saving a little money.
Gadgetgeek wrote:It has to do with the battery chemistry. The alkys will keep the unit running for three days or so, but the voltage drop means the unit can't send a strong enough signal to be picked up. I tested this with our Gen1 and Gen2 units at work to see if I could use alkys in a pinch. They could send for about 6 hours before loosing strength, and the gen3 is more efficient, so I would guess that's why you got a day out it.
Mutley wrote:Gadgetgeek wrote:It has to do with the battery chemistry. The alkys will keep the unit running for three days or so, but the voltage drop means the unit can't send a strong enough signal to be picked up. I tested this with our Gen1 and Gen2 units at work to see if I could use alkys in a pinch. They could send for about 6 hours before loosing strength, and the gen3 is more efficient, so I would guess that's why you got a day out it.
Really like the theory Gadgetgeek, but assuming this was true, the unit would still have had enough power to turn on. But no - The unit was totally dead after 15 hours.
Maybe it went flat by constantly trying to send a signal, with the lower alkaline voltage preventing successful transmission ?
mikethepike wrote:I always understood that the SOS function operated (and hopefully works) without the paid annual subscription. Is this correct? I can't find a definitive statement about this on the findmespot website. Thanks for you help.
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