inReach (GPSMAP86) Constant Charging and Battery Life?

We have the cradle for the Garmin GPSMAP86i and have it for marine use - I am careful not to leave this powered at all times in fear of damaging the battery, just wondered if anyone else had an opinion or experience of this and if it's a problem just leaving it on charge at all times (and therefore always at full battery capacity when needed)?

We don't use the inReach for anything more than back up navigation/emergency comms (thankfully not been needed yet). My concern is if that time comes we a) want to have a full battery, and b) have a battery in top condition. I am not sure if both are achievable?

Currently I test the inReach before each passage and charge if necessary at that time, then turn the device off.

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0 twolpert over 2 years ago

No direct experience. But in general, devices which charge when connected to power control their own charging. Not usually possible to "overcharge" a device this way.

If you want a definitive answer, you may have to open a support ticket. I was unable to find any support documentation on this topic. I did find mention of the fact that wearables cannot be overcharged.

0 T3Jn over 2 years ago in reply to twolpert

Thanks - not so worried about overcharging, I just know that leaving a phone on charge all the time just kills the life of the battery - iPhones now control when they actually charge based on habits so as not to be left "on charge" overnight unnecessarily. I know our car should only be charged to 80% for normal use, only go to 100% when you need the range for a trip.

0 twolpert over 2 years ago in reply to T3Jn

That's actually what I meant. One way or the other, the device avoids negative ramifications of continuous charging. Open a support ticket.

0 atlas_cached over 2 years ago

My understanding is that you can leave it connected to external power and it will only do what is necessary to keep the battery topped off.

0 T3Jn over 2 years ago in reply to atlas_cached

Yes, I know this is the case, but the question is whether this will damage the battery as is the case with most battery devices (phones, laptops, cars, etc) when left plugged in and charged to 100% all the time. I’m raising with support to see what they say.