Garmin Inreach as a Tracking Device

[daletournier]

Originally Posted by RidgeRunner

I am hoping someone who is currently using Inreach for email messaging could comment on the functionality. I understand the sms texting, but how does it work if you need to communicate via email? Does it need to be paired with a smartphone? Specifically, I am wondering if this device would meet the email messaging capability required of of boats participating in the Carib 1500. Additionally, I know that Chris Parker prefers email to texting, and wondering if anyone is using the device to communicate with him.
And finally, tell me more about the wx forecasting -can you pair the device with a tablet or phone and get good GRIBS?

Not using it yet but from what I know you can't download gribs. Check this site out http://www.ocens.com
I'll know more from next week plan to have it on 24/7.

Sent from my vivo Y35 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Mike OReilly]

You can only send/receive basic texts through Inreach. 140 characters. Not full blown email.

I haven’t yet tried their expanded weather function. They charge extra ($2 CND/forecast). Not a GRIB (as far as I understand it). I have used their basic civilian forecasts while motorcycling. It’s basic, but better than nothing.

In general I like the device. It’s a cheap way to stay in touch with people from anywhere. The tracking is nice for friends and family to see where where are. And the SOS function is somewhat comforting, although it’s no substitute for a real EPIRB (not that I have one of those).

[Capt.Don]

Here's a writeup of the 3 day and 7 day weather forecasts,

Panbo: The Marine Electronics Hub: DeLorme inReach gets weather & goes to Cuba

I doubt the InReach satisfies race requirements. We needed either a satphone or SSB.

Don

[Time2Go]

Originally Posted by RidgeRunner

I am hoping someone who is currently using Inreach for email messaging could comment on the functionality. I understand the sms texting, but how does it work if you need to communicate via email? Does it need to be paired with a smartphone? Specifically, I am wondering if this device would meet the email messaging capability required of of boats participating in the Carib 1500. Additionally, I know that Chris Parker prefers email to texting, and wondering if anyone is using the device to communicate with him.
And finally, tell me more about the wx forecasting -can you pair the device with a tablet or phone and get good GRIBS?

Just as easy to send an email as a text.
People responding to you have to use email.
BUT you are limited to, if memory serves me correct 155 characters
including spaces. So really not so good for long emails.
No GRIBS
Basic text based weather provided by OCENS
I'm sure either Delorme or OCENS have examples on their websites.
If you pair with a smartphone it makes it a bit easier to use
but not really needed.
I don't think it meets the Caribbean 1500 requirements due to it's
inability to download GRIB and Synoptic charts.
Cheers
Neil
PS: In case anybody would like to see a real track generated by an
InReach here is a link to one of my trips last summer.
share.delorme.com/sailing

[Time2Go]

After reading my prior post I think a clarification would be usefull
when sending out a message, the composing of the message is
exactly the same.
You have a choice of sending it either to a phone number
and thus it becomes a SMS text message OR to an email address
where it will arrive as an ordinary email.
Responders have to go thru the Delorme website to reply
this is to prevent spam at .50 a message.
A smart phone is NOT Needed to access the full functionality of the InReach
This device is a text based device only, think qwerty keyboard.
In weather mode when paired to a smart phone and using their app
the weather data is displayed more like a tradional weather report.
The app unpacks the data and puts it in a graphical package.
Again No GRIB No Synoptic but a bit easier to comprehend.
Cheers
Neil

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by Time2Go

PS: In case anybody would like to see a real track generated by an
InReach here is a link to one of my trips last summer.
share.delorme.com/sailing

That must have been one bumpy sail

[Time2Go]

Yup
Because of weather delays enroute I had to leave the boat
early in A Coruna and fly to Lisbon and then back to the states.
Turned the InReach back on in Lisbon to check for any last minute
communications.
However this is a good example of how the mapping feature works
It connects the dots, simple
On this trip had a few very exciting night hours on Biscay
25 to 30 knot winds, 2 reefs, rode it out, a 3rd would have been
nice but nobody wanted to leave the cockpit to go to the mast as
Only 1 + 2 were set up for single line reefing led aft.
I love Biscay it always seems to bite me on the arse.
Cheers
Neil

[artisthos]

Thinking about crossing an ocean with Delorme inReach Explorer as my communications and weather instrument. Hate to hear Garmin screwing with it.
Along with the nav/com package will be OpenSea Charts and Open CPN running on a laptop. Paper chart back up.
Thanks for the great site and thread.