Garmin Explore question

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Geektastic

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#304527 12-May-2023 10:04

I am not sure if we have any Garmin experts here but just in case...!

I have an InReach 2 Mini that I carry when in the back country and when out on my motorbike on road (for the SOS ability in areas without cell coverage of which there are still many).

I usually initiate tracking on the device, which sends waypoints to your Garmin account and they can be viewed on a map.

Garmin is a bit complex in their various terminology for relatively similar things - there are tracks, activities, routes etc and all are slightly different.

I have done four motorcycle trips since getting the device. The first three listed on Garmin Explore as Tracks and as Activities. The most recent one listed as a Track but not as an activity although as far as I know, I did nothing differently when initiating the tracking and so on.

I wondered if anyone had any experience that might shed light on why the last one was registered differently.

wooda2

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#3077977 20-May-2023 07:43

Hello. Garmin software is hard to workout lol.
Having a quick look at the manual I see that you have to save the track as an activity separately pg 9 Stopping Tracking . Maybe something missed here?
I don't have one of these but know a bit about Garmin.
Have a look at the following link. This is helpful.

https://www.gpsrchive.com/inReach/inReach%20mini%202/index.htm

Senecio

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#3077990 20-May-2023 08:46

I have an InReach Mini 1. I've had for ~4yrs now and I still can't work out Tracks/Routes etc.. I gave up a while ago and just use it for communication and an emergency device. Thankfully I've never had to use it in an emergency.

For navigation I use my Fenix 7 that just works.

Geektastic

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#3078213 21-May-2023 09:10

Yes it’s nowhere near as simple to use Garmin software as it ought to be.

I have a PLB as well which of course is fire and forget in terms of SOS use but has no messaging ability or tracking ability.

The In Reach is great but I’m not sure I’ll keep it. The subscription isn’t cheap and I’m not sure it’s worth it if you have a phone and a PLB unless you’re truly venturing into the wild for a significant trip like say riding across Africa or something.

Now that phones are gaining access to satellite technology without needing a specific and expensive satellite handset I think that products like In Reach are doomed.