Problem with SPOT tracking

[ExpoMike]

Hi everyone. I am hoping someone can tell me what I am doing wrong or if my SPOT is defective.

I have now tried this on 4 occations and have yet to get the tracking function to work. I am signed up for the tracking service and it shows in our account and I verified with SPOT.

I am able to get OK messages out and when I go through the proceedures to put it into tracking mode, it appears to be going into that mode. I get the OK light to flash with the power light, about every 3 seconds. What I don't see, unlike when I send an OK message, is the OK light stay solid for 5 seconds while it sends the tracking message. I see that happen with the OK message and I get those emails and see them on our shared page but nothing with tracks.

I talked to SPOT's tech support and they wanted me to change batteries, which have only been used the 4 times. I haven't been to the store to buy some but I am doubtful this is the issue since the OK message is working.

Anyone else have problems with this or what is the secret to getting the tracking mode working?

Thanks!

 

[articulate]

Need more info. So have you attempted to track a drive/walk/ride down the road with the tracking activated for an hour or more?

I've had some tracks make their first "track point" about a half hour after turning on the tracking. It seems to be a long-ish term function: tracking your movement for 10 or 15 minutes isn't going to work so well.

 

[ExpoMike]

Yes, I actually did a 150 mile trip, about 50 offroad. This was the second time I tried and was quite disappointed when I did not have tracks from the trip. The third time we took it around town and nothing. I even had my PDA phone so I could check for emails and nothing came through.

 

[adventureduo]

Sounds defective to me. Weird that part of it works (the ok) and not the tracking. Maybe they can flash it like a cellphone? and then that way you can start fresh?

Silly question, but your SPOT messages you have setup... maybe they're going into your SPAM folder on your email?

 

[ExpoMike]

Nope, not an issue with email spam. Even when I check our SPOT page, which shows you messages and locations on the map, no tracks ever show up, only our OK messages.

I think another call to SPOT is in order. Didn't you have a problem with yours? I thought I recall you getting yours replaced.

 

[adventureduo]

Mike, if you're asking me... ours has NOT been replaced... . We have had our unit since they first came out and knock on wood, not one problem and original batteries too.

 

[mobilguy66]

What SOCALFJ said.... Also weird things like , Do you have too it close to another GPS unit, Radar Detector, Scanner, 2 way radio or anything that may interfere with it? Even new batteries might be worth a try but also taking them out, let sit for a minute or so, then reinstall them. I'm sure you know they must be Lithium. I would then put it back in track mode and leave in the car/truck or backyard overnight to see if that helps. (even though it will track your same location). If all the above post's don't work, I think I'd send it back. Mine does not always do the 10-15 minute track, it sometimes skips several track points but it's still a terrific unit. Good Luck, Paul