Garmin InReach questions

[AedanC]

I’m afraid I don’t think it does.

[davil]

right
kind of thought so.
figured I ask.
thanks.

PLEASE NOTE TO ALL
WEST MARINE HAS AN SPECIAL THIS MEMORIAL WEEKEND MAY 17-28 ON THIS GARMIN FOR
$379.99

[Cyrus Safdari]

An alternative to Garmin is Yellow Brick YBTracking
https://www.ybtracking.com/

Webb Chiles is a fan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVwdrTxcpbs

[davil]

interesting
$779.00 + VAT/tax

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by davil

Question on use cost
plan to be out of cell coverage so will be getting a Garmin InReach Explorer+
Does it make a difference on texting/calling cost/convenience if the contact person on land has a similar unit so communication is between two Garmin phones?

A few things...

The InReach is NOT a phone. Text only.

Why the Explorer and not the SE? Do you really need a moving map mode? We never really look at ours underway, just use it via BlueTooth from a cell phone (which of course can have a charting app, too.) Writing text messages on a cell phone is much easier than trying to do it on the InReach.

Texting from one InReach to another will actually be slower than from InReach to a normal cell phone. Two devices to sync up with a passing satellite, rather than one.

[davil]

thank you CapTom
as to why not the SE,have no answer,just looked at the add and did not register,is less expensive and for my use will be fine,did not think to use it as cell,just text and the emergency capability.
After looking at both now I cannot see any real difference really,normally will have gone with the SE version,however now with West Marine special is almost same cost.
Need to mull this one but thanks for calling my attention to the SE.
take care

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by davil

Question on use cost
plan to be out of cell coverage so will be getting a Garmin InReach Explorer+
Does it make a difference on texting/calling cost/convenience if the contact person on land has a similar unit so communication is between two Garmin phones?
Thanks

You can communicate directly between two InReach devices (they are not phones). I dont recall how that works with the billing, but should be specified on Garmin site.

A friend and I use this feature when hiking/kayaking when we get split up.

[Time2Go]

Originally Posted by CaptTom

A few things...

The InReach is NOT a phone. Text only.

Why the Explorer and not the SE? Do you really need a moving map mode? We never really look at ours underway, just use it via BlueTooth from a cell phone (which of course can have a charting app, too.) Writing text messages on a cell phone is much easier than trying to do it on the InReach.

Texting from one InReach to another will actually be slower than from InReach to a normal cell phone. Two devices to sync up with a passing satellite, rather than one.

Granted that typing on the Inreach is a pain in
the butt, However I don’t trust the Bluetooth
link. It has gotten wonky on me from
time to time. On a long passage you also don’t have
to worry about keeping two devices charged
just the Inreach.
I have not tried Inreach to Inreach
but it is my understanding that both
sender and receiver will be charged a text unit.
Sender using sat time to send
Receiver using sat time to receive
cheers
Neil

[CarlF]

Neil,

What phone do you use? My Iphone has been rock solid working with the InReach.

I consider one of the best features of the InReach is that feels and works pretty much like the Iphone messaging app I already know. I always carry the Iphone with me offshore as it’s also my camera, notepad, log, and alarm clock.

Carl

[davil]

Samsung
should work OK

[daletournier]

I use my on a android device, works very well. Lives inside has never not transmitted or recieved(as far as I know).

[Time2Go]

Originally Posted by CarlF

Neil,

What phone do you use? My Iphone has been rock solid working with the InReach.

I consider one of the best features of the InReach is that feels and works pretty much like the Iphone messaging app I already know. I always carry the Iphone with me offshore as it’s also my camera, notepad, log, and alarm clock.

Carl

Carl,
I have an Iphone 6
Sometimes it just does not link
might be due sequencing of power on
or various combinations of software updates
A disadvantage of always using your phone is that
your contact info is not transferred to the Inreach
and if you lose or run out power on the phone
you can’t access the numbers.
That said, it would be great if Garmin
added a qwerty keyboard
Kind of like the old Blackberry or the new
SpotX
Cheers
Neil

[Snore]

Originally Posted by Group9

So, you're saying mine isn't broken, because it never gets wet in the cockpit of my sailboat? Have you ever been on a sailboat?

Yes I own one and deliver them for other folks.

My inReach stays below deck in my old modified SPOT case. It has a large Velcro strap that is used to fasten it to some part of the boat. It can then transmit safe and DRY below decks. There is no such location on a kayak in a 300-1500 mike race.

[Snore]

Originally Posted by Group9

So, you're saying mine isn't broken, because it never gets wet in the cockpit of my sailboat? Have you ever been on a sailboat?

Yes I own a 33’ and deliver much larger vessels for other folks.

My inReach stays below deck in my old modified SPOT case. It has a large Velcro strap that is used to fasten it to some part of the boat. It can then transmit safe and DRY below decks. Not sure why you feel the need to keep your in the cockpit.

If your cockpit get as wet as the deck of a kayak in 4-6’ seas we need to work on your sailing skills

[davil]

Interesting link on comparing both versions
https://andrewskurka.com/2017/previe...h-se-explorer/

summary

""The new inReach+ and current inReach units have

most things in common, like:

Satellite text messaging;
Earthmate app connectivity;
User interface;
Long-lasting battery life; and,
Service plan options and cost.

There are also a few obvious differences.

The inReach+
Cost more, by $70 to $100 at retail;
Weigh about a half-ounce (15 g) more;
Feature a bigger screen, though the size and resolution is hardly on par with even entry-level smartphones; and,
Better protect the S.O.S. button.""