How does the Garmin GPSMAP 66i SOS and Messaging really work?
SOS on the GPSMAP 66i / 67i
This is an easy question to answer. Open the cover that says “SOS” and hold it down for about three seconds. The Garmin Response Team is staffed 24/7 and will contact you by message to confirm there is an emergency, and if so, what are the details of the injuries, if they can be communicated by the individual.
You can watch a YouTube SOS test I conducted with IERCC below.
Side Note, but a Very Important Note
Make sure you set up your contacts correctly and your emergency information before heading out on your outdoor adventure.
Send Messages on the GPSMAP 66i
Messaging on the GPSMAP 66i is pretty easy but there are a few things you should know.
Note: You initiate a 2-way message from your inReach satellite communicator first, if messaging with other devices, such as ZOLEO, ACR Bivy, etc.
1. Send Preset
First, go to the Menu. Second, select MESSAGES. Now, select SEND PRESET as shown in the image below.
In order to send a Preset message, you need to set up your MESSAGES page on the explore.garmin.com site. Here is an example of what I set up.
This is an easy and convenient way to send a message because you don’t have to select the recipient or type out a message when on your outdoor adventure.
2. Type a Message
First, go to the Menu page. Second, select MESSAGES. Now select NEW MESSAGE as shown below. Next, select TYPE MESSAGE” and follow the images to select someone to send the message to and how to write the message.
I hope that was easy to follow the screen shots that you need to create and send your message.
3. Send a Quick Text
Now, how to send a Quick Text. First, select MESSAGES. Next, select NEW MESSAGE. Next, select SEND QUICK TEXT, and then follow the screen shots below.
4. Send Location
Finally, the last way to send a message or location. Choose MESSAGES from the GPSMAP 66i Menu. Next, select NEW MESSAGE. Now, select SEND LOCATION. Lastly, find your contact and send the message.
Receive Messages on the 66i
Initiate a Conversation by Sending a Message from the inReach Device.
This is will be the best way when you want to communicate between different satellite messenger manufactures and also people with smartphones who want to message you, but remember, the persons with the inReach satellite communicator, MUST be the one to initiate the message.
Give Access to MapShare Page for People to Respond.
This is a shortcut to the messaging problem, if you will use Mapshare to allow people to see your location. When someone receives your Mapshare link, they will be able to see your location and initiate a message with you.
More information will be provided in the next article and video with regard to how MapShare works and how you can message the inReach User from the link provided.
Provide inReach email to other inReach users.
This is great when everyone in your group has an inreach satellite communicator. As long as you provide each person with your inReach email, anyone can initiate a message.
Pair a Compatible inReach Device with the Garmin Messenger App
To me, this is similar to number 3. If you own the new Garmin Messenger satellite communicator or the Garmin inReach Mini 2, you can use the Garmin Messenger App to initiate a message with another inReach user.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing I can stress to everyone is to test your inReach satellite communicator out thoroughly before heading out on your next outdoor adventure.
Sending a message is the easy part. Making sure everyone knows how to message you is the slightly more complicated part. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions.
Checkout the YouTube video about using SOS and Messaging from an inReach Satellite Communicator.
- Large 3 inch Sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the geos 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center, two-way messaging via the 100% Global Iridium satellite network (satellite subscription required)
- Preloaded Garmin TOPO mapping with direct-to-device Birdseye satellite imagery downloads (no annual subscription), includes multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) support and navigation sensors
- Cellular connectivity lets you access active weather forecasts and geocaching live
- Compatible with the Garmin explore website and app to help you manage waypoints, routes, activities and collections, use tracks and review trip data from the field
- Internal, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 35 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode and 1-minute tracking mode (display off), 200 hours in Expedition mode with 30-minute tracking
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
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