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Where do I carry the device?
Safety Plan - keep the device on your body or easily accessible a pack that won't separate from you if you fall down a cliff. Don't hang it such that it can be snagged and lost in an emergency.
Tracking Plan - give the device a "view of the sky" in top pocket of your backpack, or in front pocket of your bike handlebar bag.
Do I pay for damage and scuffs?
You will not be charged for minor scuffs. Accidental drops from a standing height will typically not damage the device. Rain and short accidental submersions will not damage the device (IPX7 rating). It's an adventure device so it's designed to keep working even after it/you falls off a cliff!
You are liable up to the deposit amount of S$500 for loss or serious damage to the device such as a cracked screen or body. If a replacement costs less, you will be charged less.
Do I have to learn to setup or subscribe to a service for the device?
No, I will set it up and have it synced for you with the info you provide, such as phone numbers you want to send your pre-set messages to and your emergency contacts.
What are Pre-Set Messages?
Before your trip, define 3 pre-set messages. You can send an unlimited number of these messages directly from the inReach Messenger to 2 or more mobile numbers you provide. Each has a link to a map with your location, so they know you're safe.
This is better than check-in messages that most users are limited to. Check-in messages are pre-defined by Garmin and cannot be changed.
It's important your contacts understand that:
If they reply to a message you are charged for one message
Not getting a pre-set message every X hours does not constitute an emergency. For example you may accidentally turn off the inReach before message sending completes
What's the battery life and how do I charge it?
The lithium battery will last your entire 30 day trip as a safety device with occasional turning on and sending messages.
If you are tracking at 10 min intervals on an epic bike ride then it lasts 50 hours, so you will recharge every 3-5 days from an external battery pack
The device charges with a standard micro-USB connector
It's good to always have at least 25% charge as in an emergency, you will want to be able to send/receive messages until rescue comes.
What devices does the inReach Messenger connect to?
Garmin ForeRunner or Edge cycle computer (selected models) can be connected via ANT+ for optional control
What is Weather and Premium Weather?
Get a basic or detailed premium weather report at your location. Useful if you are deciding to move from your location or not.
What does the Garmin Messenger app with the phone connection do?
It's optional as you don't need it for the core functions of the Garmin Mini. The most useful thing is for typing custom text messages.
I don't recommend it unless you are a very techie person and you are plan . It will take additional setup
Can I plot waypoints, routes and do mapping on it?
There is no mapping function on the device itself. Routing requires access to the owner's online account, so as a rental device the practical answer is "no" you can't do routes and mapping on a rental device. The Garmin inReach Messenger is so small it's not really designed for this anyway.
Can I use Tracking if I get the Safety Plan?
If you activate tracking on the device, you will pay per tracking point sent rather than have "unlimited tracking". It's expensive so don't do it.
Instead just send pre-set messages frequently. Your friends will see dots along the may whenever you send them.
Is the Garmin inReach similar to a PLB?
A Garmin inReach gives similar emergency functionality to a PLB (personal locator bean) but also with 2 way messaging so you can send your location to emergency services and loved ones.
With a PLB, you press the SOS button but don't know if someone is on the way or not. With inReach, GEOS emergency services will communicate with you and tell you that rescue is on the way.
What happens when I press the SOS button?
20 sec countdown allows you to cancel in case of accidental press.
Garmin's partner, GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center will establish 2-way communication with you, and will call your emergency contacts.
They will coordinate with Search and Rescue in the country you are located and provide them your information, coordinates and any extra info you tell them (eg. Broken leg, no shelter).
Who pays for an emergency rescue?
In some countries, that government provides Search-And-Rescue at no cost. Other countries will make you pay for it.
Your travel insurance would cover a typical search and rescue fees. Garmin does not cover this cost.
Who am I renting from?
I am an enthusiast not a shop. I've used them on long-distance biking trips and my family loves being able to see where I am. I want to make this more available to others and its gives me an excuse to have my own!
Satellite trackers save lives and give peace of mind to loved ones from weekend kayak trips to epic adventures. Singaporeans find this useful but because of our short duration trips often won't buy a $500 device and figure out the subscription, especially for short trips.
Will you rent/send this outside of Singapore?
No, this is only available in-person in Singapore