GPS Training Podcast – number 77 - a podcast by Jon Monks, GPS Training and reviews

Two-way satellite communicators and GPS Training

In this month’s podcast –A bit of a theme running through this month’s podcast with the launch of 2 new products in the last few weeks

Zoleo – Two-way satellite communicatorGarmin inReach messenger – launched in the last few days
GPS in the Hills – we will look at what this is and the areas we are covering in itGPS courses – 2023 dates in place
Andy’s top tipsSo, without a further a do let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast
 Zoleo – Two-way satellite communicator


What is it?ZOLEO connects with your phone or tablet to provide seamless global messaging that follows you in and out of mobile network coverage — plus added safety features you can count on worldwide including industry-leading SOS alerting features.

Message anywhere over satellite, mobile network and Wi-FiSOS emergency alerting with 24/7 monitoring and progress reports
Check-in to let others know you’re OKShare your GPS location

 Garmin inReach messenger – launched in the last few days


Compact/ Rugged designTwo-way messaging

Garmin Messenger appCheck in messages

Trackback routingOn device display

InReach weatherBattery life – 28 days

Safety charging – for mobile phoneSOS

Location sharingComparing these two very similar products – which is best?

 Garmin Positives against Zoleo


More standalone eg small screen allows selecting of pre-set messages, typing a message, viewing weather data , receiving&viewing messages – do not necessarily need phone paired

Screen has basic trackback arrowBetter Battery

Smaller lighterNo charge for preset messages

Messenger app works seamlessly for message to come either via mobile data or SatelliteReverse charge to phone – make sure you have USB C to phone cable with you 

Against compared to ZoleoMin Safety package £12.99 annually contract or £14.99 for month by month freedom does not include tracking £0.10 per point need to really use tracking you would want to us recreation package £24.99 annual contract or £34.99 for month by month
Zoleo min package £18.00 + £4.50 location shareZoleo min 3 months then can suspend but £3.50 a month for suspend

Costs £40.00 more than ZoleoHarder to transfer between family members than Zoleo
To message you friends do need to install Garmin messenger app having said that easy to use app 

ZoleoPositive against Garmin

Designated email address and number, giving number to contacts they do not need any apps unless they want to track youVery easy do unpair from phone and give to another family member to use and pair
£40.00 cheaperWith tracking you can use the £18.00 + £4.50 add on, although less messages than Garmins mid package you would save £2.50 per month
Less features potentially some customers my find easier to use – one simple check in buttonPotentially bigger patch antenna in testing messages using satellite very quick need to test against Garmin to compare

Good range of accessories for carrying – car mount 

GPS in the Hills – we will look at what this is and the areas we are covering in it 

This course is for those who have been on our two-day Garmin GPS Training course.If you have been on a course in the last 5 years and have not been given a discount code (which halves the price of this course) please do get in touch with us.

The week leading up to the course - Live Zoom tutorial taking you through the route planning process. If you are unable to make this there will be a recording available.On the day- straight out onto the hill -

- Following the pre-planned route- Looking at the different navigational experiences for a route, track, and course

- Trackback - we will do a trackback taking us back the way we came- Creating a route directly on the unit

- Managing an emergency situation - what options do ...

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