Here is the 3rd training video in the Playlist for the Garmin GPSMAP 66i Tracking Training.
Here are the 3 Tracking Tests
- 1st Test – No Tracking or Navigation
- 2nd Test – Tracking Only, No Navigation
- 3rd Test – Navigation with Tracking
1st Test – No Tracking or Navigation
This first test was a failure.
I thought it would be a success, based on my tracking test with my Garmin inReach Mini 2. The Mini 2 lays down hidden tracks so you can Tracback to safety, even if you never started tracking or navigating. You can learn more about the inReach Mini 2 tracking test by clicking on the photo below or clicking HERE.
After talking to a Garmin Technical Representative, I learned that it’s only the Mini 2 that lays down hidden tracks at this time. The GPSMAP 66i does not lay down the same hidden tracks, so it is important to start tracking if you want to TracBack to the beginning of your hike.
2nd Test – Tracking Only
On the second test, I started tracking without following a route. This may be a typical situation for a hunter who tracks a buck he shot or is tracking a herd of elk, for example.
This test was a resounding success. I could see right away the blue trail behind me and the blue circles where the tracks were put down.
After a short hike, I was able to TracBack to my starting point without any trouble. Check out the results in these images below.
3rd Test – Navigation with Tracking
The third test was also a great success as it was extremely easy to pick a location I wanted to navigate to, then I started navigating and also selected tracking.
After hiking for 10 minutes, I stopped navigating and selected TracBack and easily found my way back to my starting location.
Final Thoughts
I was disappointed that the first test was a failure, but after talking with Garmin, I realized that the Garmin inReach Mini 2 really does have a few things that only it can do, with one of them being laying down hidden tracks so you can TracBack if lost, even if you never started tracking.
With that said, the Garmin GPSMAP 66i is an extremely powerful mapping satellite communicator and with the new inReach technology built in, is truly is the flagship satellite messenger from Garmin.
I highly recommend you take a close look at the GPSMAP 66i when considering your next satellite communicator purchase.
Check out the more in depth YouTube video below of the GPSMAP 66i Tracking test.
- 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.
- Compact, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.).Special Feature:Bluetooth.Water Resistant: Yes
- Navigate back to where you started by using TracBack routing
- Share your location with loved ones back home at any time (active satellite subscription required) by using your MapShare page or with your coordinates embedded in your messages
- Get accurate heading information using the digital compass — even when you’re not moving
- Sync with the Garmin Explore app and website on your compatible smartphone for trip planning and topographical mapping, and create waypoints, courses, activities and collections you can sync to your device
- Pair with Garmin devices, such as wearables and handhelds, and use them to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS (active satellite subscription required)
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
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