GPS Training Podcast – number 32 - a podcast by Jon Monks, GPS Training and reviews

Welcome to this month’s GPS Training podcast, it’s our 32nd episode.



In this month’s we again have Ian and me Jon, both from GPS Training.Many thanks for all the feedback you sent after last month's podcast, number 31, about the interview I did with Paul Freeman, after he completed to Spine Race challenger event. I know I have had lots of emails on a number of you have been telling me on the courses how much you enjoyed it.Have you been up to much Ian over the past month?



So, without further ado let’s get on with today’s podcast ……This month’s Podcast we are going to look at -



· Garmin inReach technology, what is it and what units can you get with this technology in.· We look at the different mapping options on both Garmin and SatMap GPS units.



· We then have Ian’s FAQ’s, the frequently asked questions Ian has answered whilst supporting our customers or on some of the GPS Training courses he has been leading.To start this month’s Podcast, we are going to look at Garmin inReach, this is the technology Garmin have that enables two way satellite communication.



• Garmin bought a business called Delorme back in 2016• Two-way satellite communicator, using the Iridium satellites, the same as a Sat Phone uses.



• You can send both pre-set and text messages from the unit via satellites.• Initially Garmin just rebranded Delorme products, but over recent years we have seen the technology in new standalone products (inReach mini) and also in navigation GPS units, mainly the Garmin GPSMAP66i



• SOS button – GEOS Worldwide, is an independent emergency response organization headquartered outside of Houston, Texas. Their high-tech underground facility is the central component in their International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC). That facet of their operation is somewhat self-explanatory. When GEOS receives a distress call, their IERCC department swings into action to coordinate an immediate and appropriate response. Sounds simple enough, butwhat does that actually mean?



• GEOS also maintains a large network of offices around the globe in Perth, Marrakech, Paris, London, New York, San Jose, and Los Angeles.• You need a contract to get a Garmin inReach to work (like a mobile phone contract) and these start from £12.99/month but a little more for a more usable contract. I think we pay around £25.00/ month which is a good mid-range contract.



• Contracts vary according to number of Text messages you want to send each months and if your tracking points are included in the contract or not. The interesting thing is that all pre-set messages are unlimited and also the SOS button works on whatever contract you are onWhy, when going off grid is it important – mobile phone, cold temperatures, no mobile phone signal – personal experiences – 23% - top of The Cheviot 2 x runners



Other products in the marketplace• Sole Walkers – SPOT



SPOT 3 – Comes in at £119.99 – What is the SPOT?– Satellite GPS personal tracker
– You have a number of pre-set messages you can send, you set these up yourself online and you can send to multiple e-mail and text numbers– Live tracking place – both online and in app
– Contracts are a little cheaper – £17.99 for unlimited everything– You still get the GEOS SOS support
– Lightweight and stunning battery lifeAND then last year we got the Spot X - £309.99



Two-way communication from Spot – NOT 100% worldwide experienceBUT you can only send messages and not receive them



inReach – Mini and GPSMAP66iThere are currently three models –



– Garmin inReach Mini – Tether with phone, GPSMAP66s, and Garmin Fenix watchSmall and hard to input messages but use presets mostly and phone keyboard is best options for messages



– Garmin 86i –For on the water



Garmin GPSMAP66i – personal experiencedThere are still inRaech SE+ and inReach Explorer units still around but 66i is so much better

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