Garmin GPSMAP 66i Training | SOS and Messaging

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks for doing these for the 66i. I got one awhile back and just starting to play with it. It is my first time having one and It is a lot to take in for a simple minded guy like me lol.

[@outdooremergencytech]

Glad I could help! Here's a GPSMAP 66i playlist if this helps. kzbin.info/aero/PLinHuRHy8OYeSJC0fKvG4TC3w7YdWNat1 Let me know if you have any questions. Rick

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yeas Sir watching it now lol

[@Isidore22]

Thanks for another informational video!

[@outdooremergencytech]

Any time! Thanks for the comment. Rick

[@booniebuster4193]

Hi Rick, The inability to make contact with other contacts without first initiating a message is something that Garmin needs to fix. One of the things I really like about the Bivy Stick is that you get an individual phone number and an individual email address. Anyone can make contact with me through either of those means. The phone number does not cancel ever! And neither does the email address. All of my important contacts have both of these in their contact list on their computers and their smart phones. The only exception to that is that you must keep the service plan active. If you cancel the plan and then restart it again, you will get a new phone number and a new address address. You don't need to worry about SPAM calls on your Bivy number. When you try to call it on the phone, you get a message saying that the call can not be completed as dialed. Don

[@outdooremergencytech]

You're are right. This is one thing that Bivy Stick has done right and I can only hope that Garmin makes some changes here. Thanks for sharing all of the things about the ACR Bivy Stick. Rick

[@dannystephenshiking951]

Enjoyed your video and learned a few things I didn’t know. Thank you! By the way where did you get that neat little gadget that holds your GPS?

[@outdooremergencytech]

It's a Garmin Backpack Tether. You can buy it from Garmin or from Amazon. Here is a link to it. amzn.to/3C6o7Jc Glad I could help. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@lerrynhawke3375]

So is the app my family will need on thier phones to see my mapshare the garmin explore app? And do they need thier own login or use mine or not need one at all? Great work btw

[@outdooremergencytech]

You family will not need any App to see you on MapShare. They will be able to follow on their phones or computer by the email link you send them from your Explore Garmin website SOCIAL tab. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@lerrynhawke3375]

@@outdooremergencytech thanks dude

[@nicole_4537]

Hey Rick can you clarify couple things? When you send a message to someone on their phone if they keep that initiated message can they not keep it to respond to it from then on? Does that connection/number expire after 24 hours? And are the mapshare messages charged if one is sent to you? Ie is a message credit used when family/friends send a message to you from mapshare? Thanks for the video!

[@outdooremergencytech]

Hey Nicole. The phone number associated with that message expires after 24 hours, so they would not be able to respond after that. The best thing is to have your MapShare setup so your family and friends can initiate a message to you, and that one will not expire. As long as they can find the email, they can initiate a message to you. You will get charged for every message sent to you, no matter how it's sent, even if sent through MapShare. Thanks for the great questions. Don't hesitate to ask more questions. Rick

[@nicole_4537]

@@outdooremergencytech thanks for your help Rick that clarifies things

[@salbers]

But is the battery replaceable or is it a throwaway device?

[@outdooremergencytech]

The GPSMAP 66i has a rechargeable battery. I always bring along a portable charger in case the battery starts running down during my trip. Rick

[@user-yd3uh4pz5e]

Hello! Do you happen to have an in depth video comparison of the Garmin 66i and Inreach Explorer+?

[@outdooremergencytech]

No, but I can do one in the next day or two if that will help. I own them both and can get that done quick. Let me know if that would help. I will add one thing though. The battery life on the Explorer+ blows the GPSMAP 66i away. My only question for Garmin is if they plan on discontinuing the Explorer+ and the Garmin technicians either don't know or are told to not tell anyone. Rick

[@user-yd3uh4pz5e]

If you wouldn’t mind that would be awesome! I’m mainly curious about the features the 66i offers that you don’t get with the Explorer+. Would be nice if they upgraded the battery life on the 66i. Thanks for the response!

[@outdooremergencytech]

I created a new comparison review video between the 66i and the Explorer+ a few days ago and I will most likely upload it tomorrow. The two big things to know is that the Explorer+ has a lot longer battery life, but after talking with Garmin, it looks like the Explorer+ will be discontinued in the near future. Garmin is no longer selling it on their website, but they are still available at some stores. After looking at the Explorer+ again, I realized how dated the menu is compared to the 66i. I would recommend you look harder at the 66i, even though it's battery life is not great. There are ways to extend the battery life and I have uploaded a video on how to do that, plus you can always carry a portable charger with you. I hope that helps and keep an eye out for the new video in the next day or two. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@user-yd3uh4pz5e]

Thanks man, appreciate the info and you taking your time to help out. Looking forward to watching it!

[@outdooremergencytech]

I just uploaded the Garmin Explorer+ vs the Garmin GPSMAP 66i comparison video. You can see it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ_XhGecfLNjgck. Rick