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Why rechargable batteries for a device ment to trekking and expedition?

3277298
10 months ago

Where can we recharge a battery duirng a seven days expedition on the Omanite mountains or Canadian forest? Besides, the GPS MAP 66 already had the rechargable capability.

  • 0 10 months ago

    No iR device uses anything other than Lithium-Ion batteries. This is required in order to provide enough power for the Iridium radio. 

    The Montana 7x0i is the only iR product with a swappable battery pack. Other iR devices have built-in batteries which can only be charged in the device.

    Most people carry either a power bank, a solar charger, or both.

  • 0 10 months ago in reply to twolpert

    Although technically grounded,(if limitedly to version "i"), the operational aspect has not been taken into account. Perhaps the marketing strategist has opted for abandoning a precise segment.

    Actually, under the operational point of view, a power bank is not an option. (1) You have to carry about 250 gr. vs 25 grams for 2 lithium AA batteries and (2) with batteries you would benefit of an operational temperature of -40ºC to 60ºC, well within the operating temperrature of GPSMAP 66 (-20° to 60°C) while internal batteries can only be charged from 0° to 45°C.

    Neither a solar charger is suitable due to (1) weight and (2) enviromental requirements (how can you use it above 60* north in winter time? how can you use it in pluvial Canadian forest?)

    We are talking about a device intended for eavy outside usage. In mountainering and trekking it is well known that "every gram counts" and to reduce weight is a must.

    Absolutely ungrounded the idea of replacing GPSMAP with Montana. Again an opearational consideration: how can you use touch screen wearing hevy gloves when mountainering high altitudes or hiking on glaciers?

    Of course we have to respect the choices of Garmin but it is also evident that for some applications it is necessary to find alternatives.

  • 0 10 months ago in reply to 3277298

    What I said about power only applies to the i series. Devices without Iridium communication do not have the requirement for Lithium-Ion power. (I don't actually know how the 67 is powered. Garmin might have chosen internal Lithium-Ion anyway.) I also understand about the weight constraints. I certainly would not suggest that the boat anchor Montana 7x0i is suitable for ANY non-automotive activity, let alone mountaineering. Just trying to be thorough.

    All of that said, if you need Iridium communications and you have these kinds of weight and logistics constraints, you may want to consider something like the Messenger device. The mobile application eco-system is a mess. But the antenna system and battery life are outstanding. Also (maybe the Mini2. NOT the Mini1.) 

    If none of that works, you're going to have to move to another solution. A real PLB? Something SPOT-related?

  • 0 10 months ago in reply to twolpert

    GPSMAP 67 (non i) also has an internal Li-ion battery.