Standard disclaimer...I am not very tech savvy, but trying to reform.

A few months ago I retired my SPOT locator in favor of a INReach Explorer Plus.  We played with it enough before our September trip, that at least we could sent texts home.  I have waded through a number of YouTube videos trying to understand the big picture of what it is capable of doing, and how to make it do it? .  Never felt like I got the whole story.

Can someone suggest a good tutorial that might help.

Also, the Garmin folks sent me a notice that now my plan will give me 2 minute tracking at no extra cost?   What reason would anyone need 2 minute interval tracking if they were on foot?  Thanks for the help.

Regards,

MossBack

I'm guessing but if it's like the Spot tracking, it'll lay down bread crumbs as you go so people can see how you got to each way point you up load.

My Spot failed during my JMT hike this summer. Similar to what happen to Denton Doc a few years ago. Looked to me like it was working. I did get a gen 3 replacement, but only after I mentioned going to an InReach as a better upgrade.

I don't have either unit BUT somewhere down the road, I might want such a device?

I also know from reading trip reports that many people tie this device to a SmartPhone, which I don't have either.  :o ;D ;D

I remember when SAT phones were very expensive but now they are much cheaper.

My question is if you just want it for emergency times or a quick call to loved ones, does something like this make sense vs either of your two devices?

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I picked up an Explorer Plus last year and used it on two canoe trips so far.  I have it paired with my I Phone and use the Earthmate app more than I thought I would have. 
As far as learning more about it.....  the most help I got was from folks from this site while at our meetings after Canoecopia last year.   I plan on bringing my unit down there again next year and badger those same folks for more info/training. I have a couple of relatives that are also a good resource.
I "think" if you decrease the tracking intervals you also decrease battery life.  I "think" the default tracking mode is 10 minutes and the 100 hr. battery life is based on that number......maybe! :-/
On a three week trip this year I only used about 25% of the battery and did quite a bit of texting. 

ST,  We do not always take a SAT phone, depending on the durability of the folks back home, if any members are currently dealing with any health issues or sick kids?  The purchase price  of phone you posted is the equivalent of 6 1/2 weeks of daily rental fees for what we rent.  The Imarsat does not come with any airtime and you have to call for plan details??  I do not think there are any bargains with anything that has the word satellite in it. 

The InReach has some other interesting features which I do not fully understand, which is why I am seeking info here. 

When I first started going North, we could not even call home without a payphone involved, now the family expects regular contact by some means.  The downside is that we also have to hear the current drama that we tried to leave behind for a week or so.

Regards,

MossBack

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

Thanks for your insight on the SAT phone idea MB [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

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

 

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.

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'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   8-)

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:

In order to request weather forecasts using your inReach SE or inReach Explorer, you will need to update the device to the latest firmware version using your Sync app on your desktop or laptop.

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

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 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

MB,

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

Jimbo  8-)

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