Ask for Help - How It Works:

Once activated, SPOT acquires your location from the GPS network and routes it along with the HELP message through the SPOT satellite network every five minutes for one hour or until cancelled. Your contacts will receive an SMS text message including coordinates, or an email with a link to Google Maps™ showing your location.

Important Note:

Unlimited Ask For Help usage is included as part of the low-cost SPOT service plan.

Even if SPOT cannot acquire its location from the GPS network it will still attempt to send a HELP message – without exact location – to your contacts.

SPOT is designed for maximum reliability. Spot performs a self-diagnostic test each time it is powered on. Additionally, Spot strongly recommends that you send and verify an OK/Check message each time before use. This allows you to evaluate your entire messaging system, from the operational condition of the messenger to the readiness of those you’ve chosen to notify of your messages.

Power:

SPOT has a separate power button to ensure long battery life and to help avoid sending messages accidentally. To turn SPOT on, press the ON/OFF button. You must then wait an additional 2 seconds before activating any SPOT function. When power is on, the indicator light will blink once every 3 seconds. This is also helpful for making SPOT more visible in the dark. To turn SPOT off, press and hold the ON/OFF button for 3 seconds.

An example of a HELP message received via email by a SPOT user's personal contacts.

By clicking on the link provided in a HELP email, your personal contacts are shown your location via Google Maps™. HELP messages are sent every 5 minutes, allowing you to keep moving if necessary.