[pct-l] Emergency Devices

[Sky lab]

Looking at the SPOT-2 on the REI website, it lists the weight at 5.2 oz. Is this weight with the 3 "AAA" or include all the other "stuff" in the kit that you don't need? Or to rephrase, how much does the actual devce w/ batteries you need to take weigh? 
 
Skylab
 

> Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2010 13:50:18 +0000
> From: enyapjr at comcast.net
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] Emergency Devices
> 
> from Dan's post:
> > I have always prefered to communicate to family that I am ok by calling 
> > using a calling card when I get to town. This is my first long hike and 
> > my family is strongly encouraging me to carry something for emergencies. 
> > My family would like me to carry some kind of emergency device.
> 
> from Kevin's post:
> > There seem to be several subscriptions to along with it. I'm pretty tech 
> > savvy and all, but I wasn't quite sure which service(s) I would want on a 
> > thru hike? I like the idea of sending the "OK" message each day, and 
> > having people able to track my progress would be neat too.
> 
> I'm planning on using a SPOT-2 (unless something 'better' comes along in the 
> next year) as a one-way communications device to let family & friends know
> I'm "ok" plus to 'share' in my journey... Minimum of one "ok" per day from 
> camp location, perhaps a second from mid-day lunch or siesta break... The 
> 'custom' message would be used to let the wife know I'd be calling within the 
> next 24 to 36 hours...
> 
> I think the SPOT-2 would be a great way to 'share' your journey plus give your
> family much peace of mind that you also had an emergency device with you, too...
> Then phone them from the town/resupply stops, they'll want to hear your voice!!
> 
> The only subscription 'needed' is the basic service... I don't think the "track
> progress" subscription is worth it - plus you would have to replace the lithium
> batteries every 3 or 4 days, whereas just sending ok or custom messages one set
> of batts can deliver 350-700 messages (depending on amount of sky obstruction).
> The GEOS Rescue Insurance is mostly for third-world countries without any sort 
> of organized SAR - however SAR in the US currently isn't charged to 'victims' 
> (though I personally think it should be in many cases!)... The "SPOT Assist" is
> for road or maritime third-party 'service' - not needed on a thru-hike! Lastly,
> the "Product Replacement" is a possible option to consider depending on your
> outlook - for ~1/3 the price (in the first year of use) of a new unit, if your 
> device is "damaged, lost, or stolen" it will be replaced - by a "refurbished unit
> if available or new unit."
> 
> Good luck on your trek(s)!
> 
> Happy trails!!!
> Jim (PITA)
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