Thread: Tracker
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  #22  
Old June 20th 13, 05:00 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
JohnDeRosa
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Posts: 236
Default Tracker

There are several good Android applications that are "Spot-like". I use "GPS Tracker". It has some advantages over SPOT.

* Chief advantage: it is free with no monthly service charge.
* Configurable on how often it sends coordinates down to 15 minutes....wait maybe that is a disadvantage as cannot go "continuous". They do this to improve battery life, turning on/off the GPS when needed.
* It is also nice so that you can locate your lost phone (AMHIK).

However, it is not as good as using SPOT (or Delorme's version) for several reasons.

* It uses terrestrial communications (cellular) which is less available while in the air.
* There seems to be no way to give someone a link so that anyone with the link can see where you are. Everyone has to have an account at http://www.life360.com and be approved by you to watch you. This is for security reasons.
* Little application support. But, hey, its free!

- John