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Caution -- InReach Explorer Dead
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davebe...@gmail.com
Apr 23, 2018, 2:20:51 PM4/23/18
to
Saturday I updated the software in my InReach Explorer, topped off the battery after winter storage, and reactivated my account. I sent a test message, and
Yesterday I took my first flight of the year. Before takeoff I turned on the device, started tracking, and shared my flight with my wife. Everything seemed fine.
When I landed about 3 hours later (it was nice to be back in the air, but the day was not great), I tried to power down the device, but the screen was dark. On further examination, it did not send any tracking data during my flight, so it must have been dead almost from the start.
The device was two years old, and had been used exclusively for soaring, perhaps 60 flights total. When I called Garmin they lead me through a couple of tests that determined it was dead.
Replacement: $200! And the replacement device is refurbished!
The fact that they are providing a refurbished replacement is an indication that they do have a supply of failed units.
Has anyone else had such an early failure?
BTW, here is my estimate of the cost for two years of flying:
Device -- $400
Activation -- $30
Monthly fee -- 10 months at $35/month, $350
Total -- $780
Or ~13/flight
I really wish there was a comparable competing product...
Yesterday I took my first flight of the year. Before takeoff I turned on the device, started tracking, and shared my flight with my wife. Everything seemed fine.
When I landed about 3 hours later (it was nice to be back in the air, but the day was not great), I tried to power down the device, but the screen was dark. On further examination, it did not send any tracking data during my flight, so it must have been dead almost from the start.
The device was two years old, and had been used exclusively for soaring, perhaps 60 flights total. When I called Garmin they lead me through a couple of tests that determined it was dead.
Replacement: $200! And the replacement device is refurbished!
The fact that they are providing a refurbished replacement is an indication that they do have a supply of failed units.
Has anyone else had such an early failure?
BTW, here is my estimate of the cost for two years of flying:
Device -- $400
Activation -- $30
Monthly fee -- 10 months at $35/month, $350
Total -- $780
Or ~13/flight
I really wish there was a comparable competing product...
JS
Apr 23, 2018, 2:47:48 PM4/23/18
to
Know of two InReach SEs that went blank but could be reset and worked again with only assistance from Garmin support. Wonder if a botched attempt at resetting can brick it.
Every time a glider expense is entered, Quicken asks me to categorise. Find it best not to do that, and just hit the "get over it" button.
Last I looked, anything comparable costs more or does less.
Jim
Message has been deleted
Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot)
Apr 23, 2018, 3:45:24 PM4/23/18
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I was "just after" smoking foil for barographs. I did quite a few Replogble(sp) barographs and cameras.
To err is human, to truely screw up requires a computer.
Stated before Apple.
Yep, my lapses is longer than tech advances.....
Sigh.
To err is human, to truely screw up requires a computer.
Stated before Apple.
Yep, my lapses is longer than tech advances.....
Sigh.
Dan Marotta
Apr 23, 2018, 8:28:59 PM4/23/18
to
Want something cheaper? Look at XCSoar and (free) live tracking.
--
Dan, 5J
Dan, 5J
xcnick
Apr 24, 2018, 7:16:18 AM4/24/18
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My on off button no longer works, but it was set to start up when plugged in so I start it each time by plugging it in. Stays on after unplugging.
6X
Apr 29, 2018, 1:56:10 PM4/29/18
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My InReach now has a problem with the USB port but I like the product. Purchased a new InReach Explorer that Cabella's has for $200 or 1/2 cost of new InReach SE+.
Nick Kennedy
Apr 30, 2018, 9:31:48 PM4/30/18
to
Sorry to hear your having problems with your InReach.
I have one and so far its been great, hope mine keeps working.
BTW the ability to send and receive texts with the thing is truly remarkable.
A couple of years ago I landed out in Idaho, truly in the middle of nowhere, flying out of Logan Ut.
The texting function saved me from having to spend the night out. And I knew someone was coming.
I have one and so far its been great, hope mine keeps working.
BTW the ability to send and receive texts with the thing is truly remarkable.
A couple of years ago I landed out in Idaho, truly in the middle of nowhere, flying out of Logan Ut.
The texting function saved me from having to spend the night out. And I knew someone was coming.
Dan Marotta
May 1, 2018, 9:55:18 AM5/1/18
to
It's great that you were spared danger, discomfort, and inconvenience,
but it's a sad state of affairs when you have to hope that your $500
piece of kit (plus subscription) will work when you need it... Are
these failures caused by faulty hardware or software, or misuse? And
while I'm on a rant, what's an Oudie cost?
--
Dan, 5J
but it's a sad state of affairs when you have to hope that your $500
piece of kit (plus subscription) will work when you need it... Are
these failures caused by faulty hardware or software, or misuse? And
while I'm on a rant, what's an Oudie cost?
Dan, 5J
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