SPOT II Recall

JamesDowning

JamesDowning

Explorer
Hey guys, I was activating my new SPOT II that I just purchased. However once I submitted all of the information, the registration returned an error and told me that my SPOT has a potential battery life issue.

The following is according to their exchange page: http://www.findmespot.com/exchange/

affected.jpg


Spot LLC is dedicated to providing the highest quality and best performance products to our customers, therefore, Spot LLC will be conducting a voluntary return on any new model SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™ (SPOT 2) purchased since October 1, 2009. During recent testing, we discovered that some of the new SPOT 2 devices might not meet battery and messaging operating specifications.

They advise the following:

  • If you have activated your SPOT-2 unit, login to your account at https://login.findmespot.com, click on the My GPS Locations tab and a message will display indicating if you have an affected SPOT-2 unit.
    [*]If you have not activated your SPOT-2 unit, do not activate. We highly recommend you return your product for replacement at your earliest convenience.

Figured you guys might want to know. I searched and didn't see any threads touch on this subject.

Happy Trails!
 
R_Lefebvre

R_Lefebvre

Expedition Leader
Yeah, I got one for Christmas, and knew about the recall. I called, and was told to follow the proceedure on the web. I was also told that at this time, they do not know when the new units will be avilable. Sometime mid-2010. I submitted my info to the internet system, and got an email response indicating the system will work differently in Canada than the US. In the US, after submitting info, the customer should recieve packing material shortly to return the unit. Then they have to wait, an unknown period of time, for the new unit. In Canada however, the shipping material won't be sent out until the new units are ready. Again, some unknown time.

I'm a little ticked about the whole situation. I will probably attempt to activate the unit instead of waiting half the year for the new unit. Then I will send it back whenever it's time. Either that, or I'll just return the thing to the store. It's a rediculous situation as it sits now.
 
lwg

lwg

Member
What's funny about this whole deal is that you can still purchase them at most retailers. I'm about ready to buy one but suspect it'll be a bit before the new ones are available...
 
R_Lefebvre

R_Lefebvre

Expedition Leader
I know, that's what annoys me about it. I knew about the recall in October or whatever, but my wife wanted to get me one for Christmas. I didn't say anything, not realizing that it was this screwed up. Now that I know... I will activate it and use it till the new ones arrive, or I will send it back. No way I'm sitting on something for an unknown period of time.

Heck, I almost would prefer the original anyway. They're on clearance, and they have longer battery life anyway. I don't care about the size, but I do like the extra button and button covers on the new one...

But yeah, I'm tempted to just return it and put the money towards a HAM setup instead. Just, the HAM is less practical for the motorcycle, hiking, etc. which I also want some Emergency comms when I'm doing.
 
JamesDowning

JamesDowning

Explorer
I spoke with their representatives for a good 30 minutes the other day trying to find a way around the situation.

Apparently the affected units have been blocked from being activated... so we can't use them even if we wanted to.

I suggested that they send me a SPOT 1 instead, and give me a refund for the difference... no avail.

They said to wait, and I'll get my new SPOT "in the next few months".

I'm with you... I like the new SPOT... smaller, more functions, covers on the buttons, etc. But this 'voluntary' return is not being handled particularly well by SPOT.
 
R_Lefebvre

R_Lefebvre

Expedition Leader
Wow... Then I'm definitely going to look into sending it back. That's rediculous that I can't activate it. The trick is going to be getting the shipping money back too. I think that should be refunded. Basically, they knowingly sold defective goods, and I can't even use it in the interim.
 
Last edited:
spressomon

spressomon

Expedition Leader
JamesDowning said:
I spoke with their representatives for a good 30 minutes the other day trying to find a way around the situation.

Apparently the affected units have been blocked from being activated... so we can't use them even if we wanted to.

I suggested that they send me a SPOT 1 instead, and give me a refund for the difference... no avail.

They said to wait, and I'll get my new SPOT "in the next few months".

I'm with you... I like the new SPOT... smaller, more functions, covers on the buttons, etc. But this 'voluntary' return is not being handled particularly well by SPOT.
Click to expand...


"...NEXT FEW MONTHS"???!!! :Wow1: This will surely be trouble for Spot's business model!:rolleyes:
 
R_Lefebvre

R_Lefebvre

Expedition Leader
Spot is a sponsor of one of these forums, yes? Would love to have a rep come here to give us the scoop. If I knew for sure I'd get it by May 1st, I could probably deal with it.
 
cruiseroutfit

cruiseroutfit

Well-known member
Spotted (bad pun) what could be a competitor to the Spot at the Outdoor Retailer show today. The unit is a traditional PLB however now has 'ok' message abilities too. Some neat features like a 100 second delay on the PLB signal (button under cover). Its double the price but more coverage area. I'll grab my info and update...
 
Abel Villesca

Abel Villesca

Explorer
I looked at their web site. I coudn't tell if it had a feature to signal a request for assistance short of SAR response. It would be great if you could send a message to your five contacts letting them know that you are stuck/broken but aren't in a life threatening situation.
 
cruiseroutfit

cruiseroutfit

Well-known member
Sergeant_V said:
I looked at their web site. I coudn't tell if it had a feature to signal a request for assistance short of SAR response. It would be great if you could send a message to your five contacts letting them know that you are stuck/broken but aren't in a life threatening situation.
Click to expand...

Good question and to that I don't have the answer, but I agree that is a welcome feature of the Spot. I've got all their sales material in the other room but rather than read I'll just swing back by tomorrow and ask :D
 
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