Better satellite reception/sending when connected to external power?

I currently have the Garmin Overlander GPS in my truck. I was considering getting an InReach Mini and pair it to the Overlander for vehicle use. I've read many reviews complaining about poor satellite performance of the InReach Mini. I've also read this may be due to the device trying to conserve battery power by regulating when the receiver is active. Would performance be improved if connected to a constant external power source in my vehicle? Would this allow the GPS radio to stay on continuously? If so, seems like using a small USB power bank would work the same way for hiking use.

0 twolpert over 3 years ago

AFAIK, there is no difference in behavior when externally powered. That said, I’ve never tested it.

if you set the logging interval to 30 seconds or less, the GPS radio will remain on at all times.

0 atlas_cached over 3 years ago

Unfortunately, the inReach Mini is almost useless for anyone not wearing it on your shoulders or hat while outdoors. Under most other circumstances it will suffer from poor satellite reception and fail to provide any meaningful or useful tracking functions.

Having the inReach Mini inside a vehicle is simply not an option, unless you can mount it directly to the windshield, where the sun will overheat it like an ant under a magnifying glass.

I have used two of these units with identical results. I only continue to carry one 'hoping' that should I ever need an actual rescue, by some miracle of God, it will be able to find an Iridium satellite to send the SOS.

I am also hoping there will be an inReach Mini GEN II soon that corrects these issues.