Post by: slowwalker on November 25, 2021, 01:00:21 PM
Post by: Caseyd on November 25, 2021, 01:14:31 PM
I use mine primarily with preset messages to communicate with wife while in the mountains. Presets are unlimited, so as long as you plan before you go you can change your messages. When a message is sent the receiving person can click to see coordinates your message was sent from.
Post by: slowwalker on November 25, 2021, 04:08:06 PM
DO YOU USE ON "X" MAPS WITH IT?
ANYTHING YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT IT?
Post by: Caseyd on November 25, 2021, 04:36:44 PM
Yes the gps and compass work without an active subscription.
I’m happy with it. Knowing I have it for SOS situations and communicating to home. I don’t use the GPS as much, unless I’m in a new area. Then I’ll track my route and use waypoints just in case getting out seems to be difficult. I think I could probably get away with the mini for how I use it but I wanted a complete separate device.
Post by: slowwalker on November 25, 2021, 05:39:27 PM
Post by: Stein on December 06, 2021, 03:18:32 PM
Post by: kselkhunter on December 06, 2021, 03:30:08 PM
Like any GPS if you're in dense tree cover deep in a forest your GPS will be wonky until it can catch up to a signal. But that's true of any GPS related device.
The app to use on your phone with an InReach is called Earthmate. And that connects to your Garmin account, so stores all your waypoints, messages, locations, etc. Once you start using the app, a Mini starts to make more sense than an Explorer in my opinion.
I switched from OnX to Basemap years ago. Same stuff but less expensive, and has the "hunting" and other layers that are also nice. I regularly use Earthmate and Basemap on my phone. The Mini just stays clipped to the top of the pack. You basically just interface with your phone the entire time instead of looking at the InReach. I would encourage getting an InReach plan though instead of trying to get one and not using a plan. They're not too expensive and you just turn them on for the months you use them then just turn the plan back off. And I pay for the SAR insurance via the Garmin plan, cheap insurance.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 06, 2021, 05:09:21 PM
Post by: Igor on December 06, 2021, 05:11:51 PM
Get the mini and just use it for texting through your phone. Use phone for your GPS with OnX or other app not the inreach.
I'm confused. I thought that the reason for having the InReach was in case you find yourself injured or immobilized in a place where your cell phone doesn't work.
BTW: When it comes to technology I'm still stuck in the last century.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 06, 2021, 05:23:24 PM
You compose text on your phone with the inreach app and click send - it goes out through your mini-inreach via sateliite. When your mini receives a text it also pops up on your phone app so you can respond to it.
And for Navigation - GPS - your Phone actually works all the time for that - it gets GPS location even without Cell Service - nothing to do with the inreach - yea cool stuff.
Yes you can put your phone in airplane mode and still track your location even without cell service.
Post by: Igor on December 06, 2021, 05:27:41 PM
YES - The InReach is only for texting - your phone is just for the interface - the inreach sends the text.
You compose text on your phone with the inreach app and click send - it goes out through your mini-inreach via sateliite. When your mini receives a text it also pops up on your phone app so you can respond to it.
And for Navigation - GPS - your Phone actually works all the time for that - it gets GPS location even without Cell Service - nothing to do with the inreach - yea cool stuff.
Ah.....thanks. I'm thinking about an InReach Mini for my son for Christmas. He tends to get himself way back in the weeds, often by himself, and it sounds like he should have one.
Post by: Stein on December 06, 2021, 05:36:37 PM
YES - The InReach is only for texting - your phone is just for the interface - the inreach sends the text.
You compose text on your phone with the inreach app and click send - it goes out through your mini-inreach via sateliite. When your mini receives a text it also pops up on your phone app so you can respond to it.
And for Navigation - GPS - your Phone actually works all the time for that - it gets GPS location even without Cell Service - nothing to do with the inreach - yea cool stuff.
Ah.....thanks. I'm thinking about an InReach Mini for my son for Christmas. He tends to get himself way back in the weeds, often by himself, and it sounds like he should have one.
It also has an SOS button that sends an emergency message out to rescuers with the current GPS coordinates. So, you can do normal text stuff plus emergency usage. Of course you could send texts if you get in trouble as well. It's great for keeping in touch with loved ones, other hunters and the SOS feature in your back pocket that you hopefully never need.
Post by: Igor on December 06, 2021, 05:41:48 PM
YES - The InReach is only for texting - your phone is just for the interface - the inreach sends the text.
You compose text on your phone with the inreach app and click send - it goes out through your mini-inreach via sateliite. When your mini receives a text it also pops up on your phone app so you can respond to it.
And for Navigation - GPS - your Phone actually works all the time for that - it gets GPS location even without Cell Service - nothing to do with the inreach - yea cool stuff.
Ah.....thanks. I'm thinking about an InReach Mini for my son for Christmas. He tends to get himself way back in the weeds, often by himself, and it sounds like he should have one.
It also has an SOS button that sends an emergency message out to rescuers with the current GPS coordinates. So, you can do normal text stuff plus emergency usage. Of course you could send texts if you get in trouble as well. It's great for keeping in touch with loved ones, other hunters and the SOS feature in your back pocket that you hopefully never need.
Thanks. I can use all of the input I can get on this subject. Looks like Santa will be putting one in my son's stocking.
Post by: chukar58 on December 06, 2021, 07:32:29 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 06, 2021, 08:21:06 PM
Im not sure Zoleo attaches coordinates to messages ????
https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/tools/zoleo-satellite-communicator-review/ (https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/tools/zoleo-satellite-communicator-review/)
Post by: chukar58 on December 06, 2021, 09:01:34 PM