I’d say my next step would be to see if other functions are working properly ... try to isolate the problem.  I’d recommend that you logon to your Garmin account and modify (a) a personal message or (b) add a new contact (maybe yourself if no one comes to mind).  Then power up your unit and see if it automatically sync’s to these changes.  (These changes don’t alter your message count).

dd

MB,

Shouldn’t the updates automatically occur every time you “sync” it with your computer?

Jimbo 

I appreciate everyone's comments.   

Yes,  DD, the service plan is still in effect.  I was sure when I got home I would have time to educate myself, so I never cancelled the service.  Blind optimism on my part.

I asked my IT friend about it, his answer was "look for updates"  I tried to make another comment and the same answer came sternly again....."updates"

I will keep after it until it works , or until a 10 year old kid shows me how to operate it.

Thanks again for all of your help.  I will report any progress.

MB

It is always good to start with a basic question.

Do you still have an active service plan?

Yes, you have an annual service fee, but your service plan could be month-to-month.

dd

I found this on YouTube. It was a video showing how to get weather reports.
Since you can get one, just not reliably, maybe this might MEAN something??

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Quote:


   Since it sat for a year, maybe they've updated the software or not?

I'd be contacting their Customer Service on that one.

I've had it take a while to retrieve weather reports, sometimes almost up to a day later (which didn't do me much good because by then I'm seeing it for myself).  That problem seemed to improve when I changed locations, though.  Funny, it never seemed to bother my ability to communicate back home... which is the main reason I use it.

Again, I'd be contacting their Customer Service but only after trying for answers right here.  Some "techies" here may be able to help you.

Good luck!

Jimbo   

At Copia I had planned to bother everyone who would talk to me, with questions about my In-Reach.   But that did not work out, so I am back at my ongoing education here.

Standard Disclaimer…I am a digital Illiterate.    I purchased a new Garmin InReach Explorer + last September.   We used it on a trip to the Quetico, mostly for text messages home and at least one weather forecast.  After the trip it went home with me to Indiana and was not used until this week.   The GPS works correctly, but the compass only shows direction, and not speed.  I tried to acquire a BASIC weather forecast and got nothing after 30 minutes and a clear blue uncluttered sky.
Using the instructions, I reset the device, but that did not help.  Then I reset the factory default settings, which helped, but only after about 45 minutes of "on" time.
I still cannot reliably receive BASIC weather, and it will not produce PREMIUM weather no matter how long it is on.
Are there regular updates, or something else I am missing?
Thanks for your help.

I have been using a sat phone for 14 years but with airtime pricing getting really expensive I will be going to the Inreach if Globalstar does not give me the 70% off deal I got last year after having cancelled my contract. My friends now bring the Inreach so I was able to see it in use. As long as Inreach keeps the plan that allows you to only pay for the months you need it the costs are so low compared to the other options. Also the Iridium company that the Inreach uses is a healthy company with a good future. Their satellites are new last year is another plus. There were a few little things to learn with using the Inreach but easy to master. Hands on button pushing is the best way to learn what it can do for you. The weather forecast is a real asset along with being able to have two way communication. Even if you do not want to be in contact there should be one in a pack on trips away from the crowds. If you do not carry one the next canoe you see may have one.

Thanks for your insight on the SAT phone idea MB

  I'll have to give it alot of thought IF I decide to have a emergency communication device?

MPeebles,

I have been granted a better kitchen pass this year and for the first time will be staying 2 nights at Copia.   So while you are badgering those same folks for more info and training, I might be standing close behind you with my hearing aids turned up.

Looking forward to being part of the group for more than an hours visit this time.

Regards,

MossBack