inReach SE+/Explorer+ info links

Yep - need a new sub-forum already!! Moderator?

Looking forward to it!

I suspect it won't be able to connect to either DeLorme Topo software or Garmin Basecamp for transferring waypoints, tracks, etc. Probably everything will have to be done through explore.delorme.com? An even bigger question is, can it do routing?

I suspect it won't be able to connect to either DeLorme Topo software or Garmin Basecamp for transferring waypoints, tracks, etc. Probably everything will have to be done through explore.delorme.com? An even bigger question is, can it do routing?

Anything is possible, but it seems unlikely that the plus models will communicate with anything other than the sync program launched by the explore web site. You can, of course, export from TNA software or Basecamp in .gpx format, import that into the explore web site, then sync the result to your devices. Tracks are sync-d as routes; waypoints as waypoints.

As far as I can tell from the published information, the SE+ is roughly functionally equivalent to the original Explorer. It has full stand-alone routing capability (without the need to pair with a smart phone running the Earthmate app). No on-board maps. The map page is just a grid. Sufficient to return by visually following your track in reverse, but no maps.

The Explorer+ appears to be much like the original Explorer, but with DeLorme topos pre-loaded.

Just occurred to me that I'm not sure what you mean when you say "routing". If you mean on-device route generation (for example, generating and following a route along roads), I don't know. There is nothing in the published information to hint at this kind of capability.

Just occurred to me that I'm not sure what you mean when you say "routing". If you mean on-device route generation (for example, generating and following a route along roads), I don't know. There is nothing in the published information to hint at this kind of capability.

Yes, I'm referring to on-device routing via roads or trails. The current InReach and Earthmate smartphone app cannot do this (I own and use them), you have to prepare in advance on the website and sync it, and then it is only a static track for you to follow, not a "route" persay. It will not auto-update if you get off route. I suspect this has not changed since the websites states "Every inReach device comes with free access to a cloud-powered portal to plan your trips with routes and waypoints...". I was hoping this would be a PN-60 replacement, or merging of PN-60 and InReach, but I think it's not.

The inReach line is really aimed a different market segment than handhelds. The compelling features are bi-directional satellite communication, SOS monitoring, and the ability to share your position on the web site more or less in real time. These features are aimed at back country use, where you are otherwise out of touch. For the same reason, some level of mapping capability is desirable. Road routing just does not fit that use case. In addition, it tends to be computationally intensive - which bangs heads with the desire to conserve power for the other functions.

It's not quite accurate to say that the Explorer will not auto-update if you get off route. In general, it tries very hard to give you a straight line vector to the next inflection point on the original route that is "ahead" of your current position. Its success in doing so varies according to the complexity of the original route and your path while off route. But in general, it does a decent job. This feature will be more useful on the Explorer+ where you will have topo maps to further inform your path back to the route. Note, however, that this is equivalent to "hiking" routing on the PN-60. Straight line without reference to whatever vector street data might be present in the map.

Yes, I'm referring to on-device routing via roads or trails. The current InReach and Earthmate smartphone app cannot do this (I own and use them), you have to prepare in advance on the website and sync it, and then it is only a static track for you to follow, not a "route" persay. It will not auto-update if you get off route. I suspect this has not changed since the websites states "Every inReach device comes with free access to a cloud-powered portal to plan your trips with routes and waypoints...". I was hoping this would be a PN-60 replacement, or merging of PN-60 and InReach, but I think it's not.

On this page: https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/561286
it says, inReach Explorer+ device adds preloaded DeLorme® TOPO maps with onscreen GPS routing plus built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer

So it looks like it does have on device routing.

There is no way to tell for sure. That statement might refer to road routing. But it could just as well refer to the existing routing functions. Those functions allow the device to follow a route which is created on the explore web site and downloaded to the device. They do not allow the creation of a route on the device. Even the web site does not automatically create road routes. To create a route, you basically trace it on the map. Or you can upload an existing track to the web site, which turns it into a route.

SE+ vs. Explorer+

The basic differences between the two models can be seen in these Garmin Store Specs (all other specs seem the same):

[table="width: 500, class: grid, align: left"]
[tr]
[td]Feature[/td]
[td]SE+[/td]
[td]Explorer+[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Barometric altimeter[/td]
[td]No[/td]
[td]Yes[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Electronic compass[/td]
[td]No[/td]
[td]Yes (tilt-compensated 3-axis)[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Preloaded maps[/td]
[td]No[/td]
[td]Yes (TOPO)[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Ability to add maps[/td]
[td]No[/td]
[td]Yes[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Built-in memory[/td]
[td]None[/td]
[td]2 GB[/td]
[/tr]
[/table]

For $50 you get real maps and a couple of useful instruments (a good deal IMHO).

Is anyone else extremely disappointed the did not combine the features of the rino into one of these. Could you imagine a device that has the rino capabilities and 2 way sat communication. it would be a one device does it all.

Is anyone else extremely disappointed the did not combine the features of the rino into one of these. Could you imagine a device that has the rino capabilities and 2 way sat communication. it would be a one device does it all.

Honestly, I really am quite disappointed there doesn't appear to be any sort of integration at a minimum or hope of future capabilities. I upgraded from my Rino 650t to a 755t and will be upgrading my most cherished Explorer to the Explorer+.

I use the inReach everywhere (hiking, walking, exploring, etc.) and add the Rino to the mix on my KTM motorcycle while adventure riding since it has a transflective display, turn by turn street navigation, and GMRS for our communications.

There are things I like about both platforms but I'm a huge inReach fan (the site, interface, topo maps, etc.). I do use Garmin's 24k topo and city nav maps for cross reference so I always have them loaded up on the Rino.

I am hoping the Explorer+ and Rino will one day be able to benefit each other before the next generation appears.