Communications only, no tracking

Hi I'm trying to figure out how long the battery would last with just turning the mini on to send preset messages. Does the unit take forever to turn on and the sync to check for incoming messages and how long would the battery life last if turned on only 2 or 3 times a day for 5-10 minutes?

Any insight would be appreciated.

0 twolpert over 6 years ago

Can't say I've ever tried this specific scenario. I would think that the battery would last for a very long time. This scenario includes boot-up and at least one active message check 3 times a day. The more typical scenario includes 10-minute tracking/2-minute logging and (probably) only a single boot. Active message checking is a side effect of sending track points. According to the specs, the latter promises "up to 50 hours."

Your scenario has the unit on for 30 minutes a day. If you were to get the same 50 hours, you'd get 100 days. Even if you only get half that, you've got 50 days.

As I'm sure you're aware, you sacrifice a significant safety factor by not sending at least occasional track points.

0 PONEIL over 6 years ago

Thanks for your response. I may simply do 30 minute tracking and 5 minute logging for longer trips. I'm thinking 8 days with hiking 8 hours or so scenario and would rather not bring a battery bank. This type of trip won't be happening any time soon though, my next one will be maybe 5 days with only 40 or so hours of hiking.

0 Michael over 6 years ago

A small battery bank could be a real benefit i phone or inReach dies. You do not need to bring a 10.000 mAh brick, just get one of the smaller ones as a backup. If going far from public roads I would bring an emergency strobe as well.

0 WD over 6 years ago

On Garmin's site, maybe the Support site, there are some YouTube videos for the Mini. One of the videos list a slew of battery scenarios. One setting could get you through an AT thruhike on one charge. Im guessing you could compare, and kinda find a sweet spot for your question.

Goto Support - Mini - InReach Field Experience Videos. There are 5-6 in all.

Its in the video "InReach Webinar - Using the InReach Mini"