Newbie here.. need advice...

al_in_cedar · Rookie Member Joined: Sep 06, 2008 Posts: 11

Hi everyone, I'm glad I foudn this site! Lots of good info..

So, I have a question and I'd like any techie-opinions if anyone has ideas. here is my question:

I'm taking a hunting trip out west and this year my dad isn’t able to go. I’d like to figure out the best way to document the trip using cellular or mapping technology so he can follow along.

I I know that I could use something like a myspace site set up to receive text messages, photos and video from my cell phone, because I do it with some stuff, but I was wondering if anyone knew of a better way.

I was looking into a new GPS tracking technology called 'Spot' that would allow me to update my location using GPS and Google Maps, but I still would like to find another way…

Does anyone know if Spot will alow for custom messages to give more specific updates or are they just canned messages?

Does anyone have any ideas how else that I could document my hunt in blog fashion to keep my family engaged? I’d really like input from all of you.

Thanks!

gelandangan · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 9:20 pm Post subject: Re: Newbie here.. need advice...

Gday mate,
Welcome..
I dont think I could help much but someone may pipe up..
In the mean time, grab a beer and drag a log..

Vince · Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 1:26 am Post subject: Re: Newbie here.. need advice...

Gidday al_in_cedar, welcome to HuntingNut. As Gelan said mate, grab an ale and pull up a log.

Not a techie or a geek myself....in fact I'm flat out trying to just use a computer let alone do fancy stuff like you suggested....and I don't even own a GPS. But hang in there buddy...there are some real cluey guys here and one of them will be along shortly....(shouting) 'Mitri....eh 'Mitri...this one's for you mate.

Cheers, Vince

roklok · Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 2:35 am Post subject: Re: Newbie here.. need advice...

The spot has just three messages, can't customize messages, at least while in the field. An "everythings OK", a "help needed", and a "911 emergency" button. I am looking to purchase one, now that the coverage looks better in northern Alaska. A lot more costly, but have you considered a satelite phone? I think the spot in conjunction with a phone would work well for your purposes.

Joe Boleo · Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 3:21 am Post subject: Re: Newbie here.. need advice...

Welcome to the Forum. Hope to see you here often. Take care...
Joe

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

SPOT takes the normal ELB system and puts it one step farther where you can track someone in the bush for peace of mind and send 2 different messages back home without the use of cell phones etc. There has been a few issues with reception however so you may want to look in with that. Since you want the tracking ability you may be willing to forget about the reception issues and use it. Otherwise a ACR PLB would work for a survival tool to call rescuers. Smile

Dimitri

al_in_cedar · Rookie Member Joined: Sep 06, 2008 Posts: 11

HI guy's. Whatever I choose to do, I'll let you all know. I could borrow a Sat. Phone from work likely and use that to send text messages to a sevice like Twitter (twitter.com). Or if the phone has picture or video capability, I could upload from the field to photobucket.

I just want to find a way to bring by dad along.. next best thing to being there I guess. It would be cool to no only show pictures or video as my days progress, but also show him specifially where i was on the earth! Talk about reality tv!?!?!

I hope I'm not giving away a 'million dollar idea' here!! If someone steals it and develops something I have you all as my witness that I invented the concept therefore I'm entitled to proceeds!!! :-)

Thanks guys. (and gals?)

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Well you know what ever you decide to do we want pictures too! Very Happy

Could always use a GPS to send on that phone your location and short messeges, once you get back, on Google Earth mark were each day was based on your GPS readings and connect the dots and show pictures that you took of each day.

Dimitri

TRBLSHTR · Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 11:06 am Post subject: Re: Newbie here.. need advice...

Hey Dimitri- I thought that satphones did all that cool stuff already-plus (near)streaming video? Confused

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

I think your thinking of cell phones, the SATCOM systems are still way too expensive to be used that way unless your the Military and are in the mountains doing things that shouldn't be talked about. NoNo

Dimitri