Hi Paul and Golden_Dragon
My brother has a SPOT that I registered for him on the 9 April 08, it all seems to be working OK, and the registered details remain on their website.

I like the idea of using the help button (NOT the 911 button) to advise people at home that you are OK but for some reason you have abandoned your original destination to seek a nearer port. I will discuss it with my brother and keep watching here for other ideas.

There was an interesting reply to my last thread about SPOT on this Jester forum see below http://www.ybw.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/1819594/an/0/page/0#1819594

I found the instructions not all that simple to follow so I made up my own, which I details below should anyone be interested.

Good luck to all those taking part in this years Jester Challenge, I wish you well.

George.

SPOT - Satellite Messenger

After sending any message leave SPOT turned on for at least 20 minutes to make sure messages have been sent.

ON / OFF
To turn on - Press but do not hold.
To turn off - Press and hold for 3 seconds.

Wait while SPOT self tests and locates satellites before pressing any other buttons.
To test the system send an OK message after start up is complete.
Turning off, cancels all outstanding messages.

While turned on the “ON” indicator light will flash every 3 seconds.

911
To activate - Press and hold for 2 seconds.
To cancel - Press and hold for 3 seconds.

Send distress signal to the appropriate emergency services, based on your location, this will also be sent to your contacts. The signal will include your position and personal information.

A message will be sent every 5 minutes.

The flashing light will flash green every 3 seconds and stay on green for 5 seconds while sending.
If cancelled the flashing light will flash red every 3 seconds and will stay on red for 5 seconds while cancelling.

HELP
To activate - Press and hold for 2 seconds.
To cancel - Press and hold for 3 seconds.

Notify your contacts that you need assistance. Use this for non life threatening situations.

A message will be sent every 5 minutes for 1 hour.

The flashing light will flash green every 3 seconds and stay on green for 5 seconds while sending.
If cancelled the flashing light will flash red every 3 seconds and will stay on red for 5 seconds while cancelling.

OK
To activate - Press button.
There is no cancel once activated.

Notify your contacts that you are OK and advise them of your position.

A message will be sent up to 3 times, after sending without error, remaining messages will be discarded.

The flashing light will flash green every 3 seconds and stay on green for 5 seconds while sending.
If cancelled the flashing light will flash red every 3 seconds and will stay on red for 5 seconds while cancelling.