How to Fix Broken SPOT GPS Messenger Satellites
If you venture into the backcountry or anywhere there is no cell or communications service, the SPOT messenger acts as a safety beacon. These small handheld devices use satellite technology without the cost of a satellite phone. Four buttons on the unit keep it simple to understand and employ. If your SPOT is not receiving signals or is malfunctioning, you have a limited range of fixes to go through before making the decision to send it in to SPOT for professional servicing.
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Things You'll Need
- Toothbrush
- Cola and cup
- Paper towels
- Small screwdriver
- Compressed air canister
Instructions
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1
Open the battery panel on the back of the SPOT tracker. Turn the half-circle metal loop until the battery panel pops off the unit. Remove the batteries. Pour a small amount of cola into the cup.
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2
Scrub off the battery terminals with the toothbrush dipped in the cola. This removes battery corrosion and improves the connections. Add fresh batteries (two AA batteries) and close the panel. Go outside where you have a clear and open view of the sky and turn the unit back on. Wait for the green light to come on indicating the Tracker is picking up the satellite signals.
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3
Blow compressed air into the button areas to blow out any grime or accumulation causing stuck buttons or malfunctions in the controls. Be sure the unit is powered off during this procedure.
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4
Tighten all screws along the SPOT Tracker to keep the unit tight and sound.
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Tips & Warnings
If all these fixes fail to restore the SPOT back to the original function, contact SPOT tech via the SPOT website and arrange for repairs and shipping. See Resources for the SPOT Web address.
