Garmin inReach Mini: Two-way emergency messaging on a satellite network
Often even a deep valley half an easy trekking walk can represent an impenetrable obstacle for cellular networks, making a simple fall a very risky event.
Satellite networks can be a lifeline in these cases: Garmin inReach Mini is a pocket-sized device, light (120 grams), compact and equipped with a two-way satellite messaging system.
The tragic events of recent days have clearly reminded us: the mountain can be really dangerous. In addition, some experts believe it may even be more than once, due to climate change, which are leading to more intense, less predictable and more abrupt weather events.
The hailstorm in the Varese area two days ago, which forced the snowploughs vehicles to come into operation to clear the streets by several centimeters of hailstones, can be a fairly evident incarnation of this theory.
When it comes to hazard prevention or emergency response, technology can come in handy with different types of equipment. The avalanche research apparatus (commonly known as ARVA) is certainly part of this group, but there are other means that can help in fewer tragic events but, which may eventually turn into equally dangerous situations.
Being able to communicate with the rescue is one of the key aspects to have rapid intervention times, but often the coverage of the traditional cellular network does not reach the “high peaks“. Not only that: often even a deep valley half an easy trekking walk can represent an impenetrable obstacle for cellular networks, making a simple fall a very risky event.
Satellite networks can be a lifeline in these cases. Satellite solutions are not always available to everyone, and satellite phones are in the collective imagination of big and heavy devices. There are also solutions that allow you to turn your smartphone into a satellite phone, but Garmin presents a solution much more compact that, unlike a smartphone for more than a thousand euros, can be brought into the mountains without worries and without fear the weathering Garmin inReach Mini.
It is a pocket-sized device, light (120 grams), compact and equipped with a bidirectional satellite messaging system based on the global coverage of the Iridium satellite network to send and receive text messages and e-mails from anywhere in the world, even where you do not get the classic 2G / 3G / 4G cellular network.
In case of emergency, Garmin inReach Mini offers the possibility to send SOS geolocalized to the GEOS emergency center active 24/7, allowing also to interact with the rescuers to be always updated on their arrival or to send or receive further information.
Garmin inReach Mini is impact-resistant and waterproof according to the IPX7 standard. It integrates a rechargeable lithium battery that guarantees ample autonomy: from 50 hours with automatic sending of the detection of the route every 10 minutes, up to a year in standby mode. By downloading the Earthmate app on your smartphone, inReach Mini can be associated to it via Bluetooth to access maps and aerial images and to get even more information about the environment you are going through.
In addition, to be sure to reach each preset waypoint and follow a specific path, each device Garmin inReach Mini allows users to access the cloud-powered Explore platform that offers the ability to create routes and compose pre-set messages or quick texts to send to their contacts. Finally, there are three options to request weather forecasts of your position or points along your route, whether on the mainland or at sea.
The new Garmin inReach Mini will be available from mid-May at a suggested retail price of $349.99. To access and communicate via the Iridium satellite network, a subscription must be subscribed, which is added to the cost of the instrument. Depending on the needs and frequency of use, users can choose between an annual or a more flexible subscription, which allows you to use the service only when you actually need it.
- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables 2 way text messaging using...
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (satellite...
- Access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more by using...
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.
