Hoping someone can help me out with some questions on these devices. I have been looking around but don't see this stuff mentioned.
Will they still function as a GPS without a subscription (or with the subscription "suspended" for $4.95/mo)?
Will an inReach SE function as a GPS using the Earthmate app on a cell phone, or do you need the Explorer for this? (My understanding is both are capable of sending the GPS coords to the cell phone so both will work, but the Explorer allows for mapping, waypoints etc from the unit itself without a cell phone where the SE wouldn't. Looking to confirm this)
Can third party maps such as BC Backroads Mapbooks be loaded into the Earthmate app?
Has anyone used these for communicating with hunting partners and how did it work? I've read there can be 2-20 minute delays in transmitting, if 40 minute roundtrip messages are common place I'll bring radios, if things are usually pretty quick I may not.
With the subscription plans you are charged per "Track". The device gives you an interval for logging and sending tracks. Say you set it to log your tracks every 5 minutes but send them every 24 hours. Will it just send just your current location every 12 hours or will it dump the whole track log every 12 hours? If it dumps the whole track log are you then charged for just once "track", or for every track logged in that 12 hour window? This feature isn't very important for my usage but trying to get an idea of how it would work.
I have read in other threads people are concerned about these not having replaceable batteries. I thought I would mention here that you can buy lightweight, inexpensive power packs that you can take along to recharge as needed which is not a whole lot different than swapping out AA's. I'm not sure but I would imagine you could run the unit from the power pack using the charging cord if the internal battery was to fail as well.