Thread: Garmin inReach - GPS, SOS, two way satelite text communication

https://buy.garmin.com/en-NZ/NZ/p/56.../010-01735-13#

Anyone had any experience with these?

What are the maps like? I assume it can acti just like a normal basic GPS unit (location, bearings, etc).

I have an old etrex10 and have been thinking of going to a PLB - this seems to combine both functions and adds the two way text communication.

Thoughts?

Looks like a great idea but the sos button looks easily pressed, have to look at the plans as i think they are pretty expensive monthly

Yep use a slightly earlier model that doesn't have the mapping. Bloody good so long as you have a view of the sky. Texting function is really handy.

Originally Posted by matto1234

Looks like a great idea but the sos button looks easily pressed, have to look at the plans as i think they are pretty expensive monthly

That obtrusive thing on the side is the cover over the actual SOS button. Once on the plans is $25 per 30 days and you choose when you want it

Originally Posted by Plinky

Yep use a slightly earlier model that doesn't have the mapping. Bloody good so long as you have a view of the sky. Texting function is really handy.

With my current GPS unit i have always got a location eventually down in the bush. Sometimes it can take a while. This unit is using the iridium satelite network - i dunno if that is better or worse than the network my old etrex is using.

Still uses gps network same as your garmin for calculating position, uses iridium sat for messaging. I'll have a look at the one on the shelf tomorrow to see what the mapping is like
$6 per month from memory to "park" it if you don't need it.
I am lucky in that mine is free while I stay working there (currently I have the older model explorer)

Thanks @mikee

I should have used the search function first...

http://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co.n...inreach-34301/

Makes for interesting reading. Possibly the Garmin maps are better?

I really like them (apart from the cost which does not effect me )
You can set them up so every text you send has a link at the bottom which if the receiver "clicks" on will open a map like google earth showing them your location when you sent the text. The account holder can also log in to their account and "ping" (via the inreach website ) them and if turned on they will reply with their current position or turn the tracking on / off even. I'm not sure they totally replace a PLB but are very handy. You can even link them via Bluetooth to your smartphone and then use the app to tex etc rather than on the unit itself ie use a proper keyboard on the phone. People have 48 hours to reply to any text you send them before being blocked.

BUT it pays to remember You as the account holder pay for the texts in both directions so if you have the most budget plan you can use up your credit real quick.
however you can change plans on a monthly basis to what suits you the best at the time

OK just checked and unit I have uses Delorme Mapping which is supposedly better than Garmin.
As soon as I get the OK to register this unit I will post a screen shot of mapping

Don't expect it to perform as a substitute for a PLB, rather use it complementarily, and it'll be fine

Originally Posted by mikee

OK just checked and unit I have uses Delorme Mapping which is supposedly better than Garmin.
As soon as I get the OK to register this unit I will post a screen shot of mapping

So I was advised by a knowledgeable tech guy that the first Garmin inreach model would run the Delorme mapping and this "would not be as good as Garmin mapping".
But that he expected subsequent releases to "probably run the Garmin mapping".
But Im happy for him to be wrong.

Im very keen to get one of these units once Im convinced that they are working well in real world use.
I mainly want to be able to head into the bush without having a fixed date to be out by !!
Basic weather forecasts would be a bonus.
Letting mates who want to join me once Im already in the bush, know where Im hiding would be a nice plus also.

But mainly its the reassurance for loved ones after having been airlifted out with multiple injuries once before.

Originally Posted by gimp

Don't expect it to perform as a substitute for a PLB, rather use it complementarily, and it'll be fine

I kind of agree and disagree. More iridium Sats mean your SOS may get a faster response but its not a PLB no.

It took a bit of reading about this to found that the GPS function on the expolrer only works while your subscription is active. I might be wrong.. but check this if it's important to you.

A comment taken off another forum... I would definitely want this confirmed before I bought one of these.

PLB versus inReach - I suspect for the person that doesn't have a PLB this would be better than not having one...

Originally Posted by mikee

I kind of agree and disagree. More iridium Sats mean your SOS may get a faster response but its not a PLB no.

More satellites but much less transmission power, through 3rd parties for SOS rather than direct to RCCNZ, variables like "used most of the battery texting the mrs so now I have 5 mins of SOS time", no 406mhz beacon backup function, etc. I like them for texting but wouldn't trust for PLB. Also I prefer a satphone because ie you might be in South Westland and want to contact James Scott for a pickup. He's got no cell reception so can't text, so you need to call him. Can't call with an Inreach.

Iridium "Go" looks good. Keen to get some time on one of those this summer.

@Stu71