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Mini vs Explorer+ for strictly SOS

Nico
over 3 years ago

I've spent days researching these two devices online and would greatly appreciate answering any of my questions.

  • Strictly for SOS and family messaging as I have another mapping device and carry a mobile phone.
  • Reliability in getting a signal to send a SOS/message is paramount.
  • Weight is important to me but nothing compared to SOS/messaging reliability.
  • Battery life is unimportant as I always carry power bank and never go for longer than 2-3 days.
  • Cost is not a factor.
  • I hike with my 6 year old son.

Questions:

  1. I've read multiple reviews stating that the mini doesn't send messages as reliably or quickly as explorer+, most of these reviews are 8+ months old. Its not clear to me if this is a known issue or has been fixed in recent firmware updates?
  2. Being able to 2-way communicate with SOS is important. I don't want to be reliant on mobile phone to trigger SOS so can I communicate with GEOS through Earthmate app after triggering SOS on mini?
  3. Given my requirements above what would you recommend?
  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Anecdotally, the Mini SEEMS be less capable than other iR devices when it comes to both acquiring/maintaining a fix and successfully communicating with the Iridium satellite network (sending track points and sending/receiving messages). That said, it is sufficiently reliable for field use. It's not clear if this is a function of antenna design, transmitter power, or a side-effect of aggressive power management. It has always been this way and does not appear likely to change.

    Yes, you can communicate with GEOS via a paired phone after triggering the SOS. Although I haven't looked lately, I believe you can also trigger the SOS from the paired app.

    I don't like to make recommendations since it depends on your use case and personal preferences. I will  say that you should probably at least consider a new device such as the GPSMAP 66i. This device is a full member of the Garmin ecosystem. (The Explorer+ is a legacy device originally designed by DeLorme before Garmin bought them. It still uses DeLorme maps and does not integrate with the Garmin handheld universe. The Mini is a bit newer, has no maps at all, and still does not integrate well with Garmin. Both of these devices use the old Earthmate app, rather than the newer and more capable Explore app.)

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to twolpert

    Thank you !

    Based on what you said about the mini its definitely off my list. So does the 66i have any disadvantages over explorer+  besides battery life and cost? If not, thats what I'll get!

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Nico

    It's heavier. Like the other iR devices discussed here, it has a non-swappable battery, so you cannot carry a spare. You can, of course, charge from a battery pack or solar array.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to twolpert

    Yes, 17g heavier, I can deal with that! Off to buy 66i, cheers.