Check in - How It Works:

When you press the OK button, SPOT acquires your location from the GPS network and routes it through the SPOT satellite network. Your contacts receive either an SMS text message on their mobile phone with your message and coordinates, or an email with your message and a link to Google Maps™ showing your location.

Important Note:

Unlimited Check-in usage is included as part of the low-cost SPOT service plan.

Once you have activated your SPOT account, you can change your contacts and customize your SPOTchecking^SM message at any time.

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 SPOTchecking^SM message received via email by a SPOT user's personal contact. Message is customizable.
By clicking on the link provided in a SPOTchecking^SM email, your personal contacts are shown your location via Google Maps™.