inReach account set-up, not for me (continue reading for try #2 success)

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robby denning

robby denning

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Update, I did find wind, wind gust, wind chill, pressure, %humidity, precip type AND amount, and temp forecast at multiple times of day. This is in premium.


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traviswdalton

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Update, I did find wind, wind gust, wind chill, pressure, %humidity, precip type AND amount, and temp forecast at multiple times of day. This is in premium.


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Detailed weather information is very valuable in my opinion. Is “premium” an extra charge?


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mtwarden

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I had a SPOT and that was a game changer for me (and my wife!); then a couple of guys had inReaches where there had real two way communications, so I got one of those- it was great. But somewhat redundant in that it was a full on gps, as I use my phone (and Gaiagps). Then the Mini came out- a little over 3 oz and smaller than a pack of smokes, traded for a Mini- couldn't be happier.

Just one of many examples- wasn't able to finish to finish a multi-day adventure race and was able to communicate my plans to bail (extremely high streams/dangerous fords), where I was bailing and approximately what time I would be arriving- had someone waiting at the trailhead when I got there- can't beat that! :)
 
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robby denning

robby denning

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Detailed weather information is very valuable in my opinion. Is “premium” an extra charge?


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90% sure it’s not extra. I just checked my plan (Freedom @$65/month) and it didn’t say anything about weather. Next plan down is Recreational at $15/month but it doesn’t say anything about weather either so I can only assume it’s included.


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brsnow

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I do the cheapest plan, around $12 a month. I use it for mtn biking and hiking year round. I spent a week using it as my only means of communication this fall and the bill was $35 with the extra text.
 
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Robby, tracking is dirt simple. Press "Tracking" and then START. It will ask if you want to share, and you can then enter who you want to share with. Cake.
 
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I have to use these for work to check-in when in the field. Each time I find them frustrating as the first time I used them. Until they put a real keyboard them, I will not buy one for my personal use, since they are half a step away from being a brick as far as being user-friendly. In a high-stress situation, I don't think I could get a message out, short of hitting the SOS button.
 
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robby denning

robby denning

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I have to use these for work to check-in when in the field. Each time I find them frustrating as the first time I used them. Until they put a real keyboard them, I will not buy one for my personal use, since they are half a step away from being a brick as far as being user-friendly. In a high-stress situation, I don't think I could get a message out, short of hitting the SOS button.

Yeah I thought about that a lot when I was considering the mini, that is not having a Qwerty keyboard. But since I’ve gone to BaseMap on my phone I have it with me all the time, so getting the Garmin with the keyboard was going to be redundant for me personally. I’ll just use my phone/Earthmate app for the longer messages, and the inReach mini “alphabet” for the short stuff. But we’ll see if I still think that once I get it in the hills.
 

mtwarden

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^ you can also store several generic messages ie. “I made it to camp, everything’s OK”; I’m running late”; etc
 

tdhanses

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90% sure it’s not extra. I just checked my plan (Freedom @$65/month) and it didn’t say anything about weather. Next plan down is Recreational at $15/month but it doesn’t say anything about weather either so I can only assume it’s included.


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I may be wrong but I think premium weather costs $1 each time used, basic just costs one message it would be free on the freedom plan. Just going off what I remember so could be wrong.

Edit: the premium is $1. https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=y82JG5z3rt8cg21ARUw0N8
 
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tdhanses

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I have to use these for work to check-in when in the field. Each time I find them frustrating as the first time I used them. Until they put a real keyboard them, I will not buy one for my personal use, since they are half a step away from being a brick as far as being user-friendly. In a high-stress situation, I don't think I could get a message out, short of hitting the SOS button.

Get the Instinct or Fenix 5 watch and pair it to the mini, you can easily respond or press the sos function from it without the brick in hand. I put mine in the bottom of my bino case and only remove to turn on/off. I have it paired to my phone and watch 100% of the time it is on.

It’s pretty handy to just look at your watch and read the text like you’re checking the time.
 
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robby denning

robby denning

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I may be wrong but I think premium weather costs $1 each time used, basic just costs one message it would be free on the freedom plan. Just going off what I remember so could be wrong.

Edit: the premium is $1. https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=y82JG5z3rt8cg21ARUw0N8

Ah crap, that means I’ve spent about 10$ just playing with it. Thanks for the heads up man. Those sneaky bastardized commies!


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mtwarden

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concerning plans, I opted for the cheapest one; when I penciled everything out it made the most sense for me

when I do the Bob Marshall Open in the spring and a few times during hunting season, I’ll get higher bills due to usage. still averaged out, it’s cheaper (for me) than a higher plan
 

derricklay23

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Glad I took the time to read this as I’m looking into a mini in reach now. Will have to reevaluate!


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robby denning

robby denning

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Glad I took the time to read this as I’m looking into a mini in reach now. Will have to reevaluate!


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Hey man, make sure you read the entire thread. I ordered another one and it has been flawless. I just got back from a week hunting and several of the areas had no service whatsoever, but every text came through and I received everything from home. Seems the first unit I had was defective.


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derricklay23

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Will do! I’ve made it though a few pages but I’ll def finish it all off. Thanks for the update!


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