I have had at least two messages in NW Alberta that did not go through over the last six months with my SPOT1 Beacon. Although this may have been caused by old batteries it is always diconcerting that I di not really check in on those days.

I know someone who had it fail three nights in a row while out ice climbing in Jaster National Park. This initiated an unneeded rescue because his rescue plan had been setup to have call someone call into Parks Canada if they failed to check in for three days straight.

I now leave my SPOT1 Beacon on for 10 minutes after turning it on in open ground and then turn the OK button on and leave it for at least another 15 minutes when I want to check in. If I had to be rescued I would leave it on until rescued.