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To add your SPOT to the SpotCatcher, contact FJC Magazine

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Learn more about FJC Magazine's SpotCatcher

Early last year we learned about a great new device called the SPOT Messenger. This small GPS and satellite enabled device serves several functions. Most importantly, the Spot is an emergency communication device. If you’re lost and/or incapacitated in the backcountry, holding down the 911 button on the Spot sends a message to a rescue coordination center that will then send rescue personnel your way. The Spot also features a ‘help’ mode. Initiating this mode sends a ‘please help me’ email with your current GPS location to up to 10 pre-selected e-mail addresses, so friends or family will be able to come to your rescue. This is great for getting help in non-life threatening situations.

While these two features are excellent, they’re not why we were so excited when the Spot was introduced. We really like the check-in and tracking features. Activating the ‘Check In’ function sends your GPS location along with a pre-selected message (such as “I’m OK, Everything is fine”) to 10 different e-mail addresses. This is great if you’re in the back country and wish to let your friends & family know how things are going. The tracking feature is similar, it automatically sends your GPS location to the Spot system every 10 minutes for 24 hours. Anyone with the link to your tracking page can then track your progress while you’re on an outing. This is great for extended trips where you don’t want to have to worry about checking in all the time. Lance Blair & Disabled Explorers used the tracking feature very successfully during their recent Continental Divide Expedition.

Being a technically inclined group, we thought it would be exciting to extend the functionality of the Spot messenger. We created a system that automatically places multiple Spot messages from multiple Spot devices onto one map, so that interested individuals can track all of them at the same time. We call it SpotCatcher.
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advanced Flow engineering (aFe) has recently announced a new high-flow exhaust system for FJ Cruisers. This 3" exhaust promises some pretty impressive gains in power and torque. According to thier PDF, this new system will increase horse power by 24HP, increase torque by 24 ft/lbs, and  up to a 3 MPG mileage increase. We've not seen this in the wilde yet, but it's a well known fact that better airflow increases efficiency. This system also features a high clearance exhaust exit which, according to their pics, shows a dramatic increase in ground clearance versus the stock exhuast. For an MSRP of $405 and a retail of $362, this sounds like a great solution to replace your stock exhuast. Check out the aFe site for more details

Today Tuffy announced availability of their new FJ Expedition Partition. It's designed to work with the Tuffy FJ Security Drawer (which is required). The barrier keeps cargo on top of your drawer safe & secure, and can also be used as a pet barrier. The rear seats can still be folded down with the partition installed as well. If you already have a security drawer, or are thinking of getting one, this can be a great addition. Details at the Tuffy website.