How to use your SPOT Gen 3/4 GPS Tracker

Registering on MAProgress. If you’ve hired a SPOT from us, then we have already assigned it to you, there’s nothing for you to do, you’ll see it in your event registration page. Note, it won’t show up on your dashboard, this is only for devices you own.

Batteries. The SPOT needs 4 x Energizer Lithium AAA batteries to run. We can’t ship Lithium batteries, so you will need to supply them yourself. For some shorter events we provide rechargeable batteries instead. However, sometimes batteries fail, whichever batteries you use we advise carrying a spare set of 4 x Energizer Lithium AAA batteries just in case.

Mounting device. Ensure the SPOT has the red label facing up with a clear view of the sky, this ensures the best satellite coverage. The ideal spot is up higher and/or away from you, we normally cable tie it to the top of a bag, or it can be placed at the top of a bag (the right way up) and transmit through the fabric but it shouldn’t be under other equipment. For ultra running events we provide double-sided velcro which you use to wrap around the shoulder strap of your vest, ideally slightly facing backward with a clear view of the sky.

Turn on. Press the Power button in from the side at the top left to turn on; lights will illuminate. THEN Start tracking. If the Power light goes red, this is an indication that the batteries need replacing.

Start tracking. Press and hold the Track (footprint) button until the light illuminates green. The device can be left on continuously, it is motion activated so will use very little battery when stopped. If the footprint light is flashing, everything is working fine.

Testing. We’ve made sure it’s connected, asssigned to you, and working correctly before we send it out. For peace of mind, you can check this yourself: Turn the SPOT on, hold down the footprint button until the light flashes to start tracking, then place it outside with a clear view of the sky for 10 minutes, you should see yourself display on the event map at the start (we don’t show your actual position until after the official start time). If nothing displays turn it off and try again – there are occasional gaps in the satellite network.

Turn off. Press and hold the Power button until the Power light blinks rapidly.

OK button. Press the OK button at the end of the day to let contacts and viewers know you have stopped, to ensure the message gets through, leave on under a clear sky for 20 minutes.

Help button. When you press the help button a message is sent to your contacts every 5-minutes until cancelled (press again). Use in non-life threatening situations.

SOS button. SPOT’s S.O.S. function should only be used for critical, life-threatening situations. Pressing the S.O.S. button sends an alert directly to GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC). GEOS notifies the appropriate emergency responders of your S.O.S. based on GPS location and personal information.

Waterproof. The device is waterproof to a depth of 1 metre for 30 minutes. However, please ensure the battery cover is screwed on tight and the USB cover (Gen3) is in place, if the USB cover is lost Blu-Tack works well to keep the socket sealed.

Returns. Once your event has finished, please promptly return the tracker back to us, return address is at www.maprogress.com/returns.

Problems? If you need urgent help with your tracker, you can contact Shane on shane@maprogress.com or +64273266287

For more detailed information, visit www.findmespot.com and view their “SPOT Gen3 user guide”