In the discussions I've read, this unit differs in that internal points, and messages, are cleared when the power is cycled. It doesn't have any onboard sensors either I believe. So it would be crucial to have it upload points via Earthmate before powering down. With that, it may be limited strictly by battery time. I have mine paired with my Fenix 5XP watch, so I use the watch for actual tracking, and the MINI for 10 minute location upload and messaging only.
Found this in the manual... NOTE: When the tracking log storage is full, your device overwrites older track points, but retains a lower-detail tracking line.
Thanks for that. I'm wonder if that's correct about power cycling. I did a short hike for 2.5 hours recently with tracking on, sending points every 10 mins. I logged points to the internal memory every minute. At the end of the walk I'm pretty sure I switched the unit off. Then a couple of days later I synced the mini using a cable and PC and then the internally logged points appeared on the Mapshare page. Also I've just checked....messages I received are still there after switching if off and on a few times...
---------------------------- Edit: From Garmin's online help - "Because the inReach Mini does not have a map screen, the data remains stored on the device until it is connected and synced using the inReach Sync program." ----------------------------
I'd like to record points internally every second to get a really accurate log. Useful for adding info to OpenStreetMap. However on a 10 hour day out that's 36,000 track points.
I read that bit in the manual about overwriting track points and retaining a lower res tracking line, I want to avoid that if possible. I want to start every day with a clear internal memory and know how many points I can get into it.
I'll probably find out eventually through trial and error :-)
I really like the unit but the manual could do with a bit more info for my taste.
Have you tried the Earthmate app on a mobile phone?? It will sync those points for you to Garmin with a data connection. Maybe that will help you.
As for delete upon power off, it was something I read here. I did have points that were not synced to Garmin, and when I started to power off, received a message that they would be deleted. But those may have been points being transferred to online, and not log points on the device. I’ll have to test that more.
The power-off warning refers to sent track points - the points that are being transmitted by satellite. If you power down without sending all pending points, the ones that have not been sent are lost.
Although I have not tried systematic testing, I would be very surprised if the unit actually deleted logged points (the points not sent by satellite) on shutdown. No other iR device behaves that way. Your experience with syncing days later confirms that the points are retained.
You can clear the track log on the mini from the while tracking. That's the only place I saw it. With the tracking widget displayed, press OK, scroll to Clear Log, press OK, scroll to Yes (to confirm), the press OK once more.
Edited to add: Recording logged points at intervals of 30 seconds or less causes the GPS receiver to remain on continuously. This is a huge battery suck on the Mini. You should see a warning about this, either when you set the logging interval to 30 seconds or less or when you start tracking (can't remember which).
Wanted to do a simple test today to clarify tracking: 1. With Android Earthmate app connected to Mini, I cleared all previous tracking data. 2. Set Logging to 30 sec and Send to Off. 3. Turned phone an Mini Off. 4. At start of walk, turned Mini on and started Tracking. 5. After 0.66 mi., Stopped tracking and Mini Off. 6. Back home, both back On, connected and synced, logged track points synced to Explore site by home WiFi. 7. View logged data here: https://share.garmin.com/StuartNicol
That all confirms my experiences, thanks. You're quite right, powering down does not clear the internal log but if there is a track point destined for a satellite then that is lost. Yes the mini does warn about those short logging intervals. Your power warnings are noted.
I don't know why but I hadn't noticed 'Clear Log' on the mini unit so that's helpful thanks. I'd only found it on the app.
I've contacted Garmin support to see if someone can tell me how many track points the internal memory can store. Someone, somewhere will have some idea :-) I can't find any way of seeing how full the internal store is....maybe a firmware update could add that. My old 76CSx has a simple bar to show how full it's memory is. Useful.
