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Thread: Garmin GPSMAP 66i

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
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    7A
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    20,732

    Garmin GPSMAP 66i

    Recently replaced my old Garmin eTrex Legend that I got a dozen good years out of. Still works good but I said when Garmin makes a full featured GPS with inReach, I would buy one. The new 66i has inReach messaging, so I grabbed one.



    It uses a rechargeable internal lithium-ion battery and comes with a standard micro-USB charging cable. Minimum 35 hours with 10-minute tracking, but they claim you can extend battery life to up to 200 hours with 30-minute tracking by switching to Expedition mode. In this mode, Bluetooth is disabled and the level of map detail is reduced (from 1-second tracking to 1-minute tracking in default mode). I'll have a Dark Energy Poseidon 10,000mah charger in base camp so I don't think the internal battery will be an issue.


    You can also download high-resolution BirdsEye aerial imagery directly to the device using the built-in Wi-Fi, with no subscription required. I was able to download about 9 square KM of imagery around a specific waypoint, took about 45 minutes to download via Wifi at home.



    So far I am very happy with the upgrade
    "If you ever go into the bush, there are grizzly bears lurking behind just about every bush, waiting to pounce, so you need a powerful gun, with huge bullets" - Gatehouse ~ 2004

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Kamloops
    Posts
    183

    Re: Garmin GPSMAP 66i

    I was just looking at one of those as well. Have they changed the subscriptions. Can you still get a cheap rate for the months you are not using it.

  4. #3
    Join Date
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    Re: Garmin GPSMAP 66i

    Yeah I think it's $4 a month in standby mode
    "If you ever go into the bush, there are grizzly bears lurking behind just about every bush, waiting to pounce, so you need a powerful gun, with huge bullets" - Gatehouse ~ 2004

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Posts
    2,537

    Re: Garmin GPSMAP 66i

    Quote Originally Posted by todbartell View Post
    Yeah I think it's $4 a month in standby mode

    Joining this his club right soon.
    Thanks for the heads up !!

    does it link up with iPhone and android ?

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
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    Re: Garmin GPSMAP 66i

    It should, my old one did, via the Garmin Earthmate app
    "If you ever go into the bush, there are grizzly bears lurking behind just about every bush, waiting to pounce, so you need a powerful gun, with huge bullets" - Gatehouse ~ 2004

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Posts
    330

    Re: Garmin GPSMAP 66i

    It says messages buffered for up to a day, are you finding text messages to be transmitted quickly?

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    132

    Re: Garmin GPSMAP 66i

    I've been waiting for something like this! Reading reviews from mec.ca I'm holding off for now. Sounds like it's buggy and Garmin needs to work out some on going issues they are having.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    Lower Mainland
    Posts
    79

    Re: Garmin GPSMAP 66i

    Replaced the Garmin InReach Explorer + with Garmin GPSMap 66i and new 2019 BC Back Road Maps, No regrets!
    Where I walk, everything appears in grey...Loosen all hope, you who confronts me!

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    7A
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    Re: Garmin GPSMAP 66i

    Quote Originally Posted by RyoTHC View Post
    Joining this his club right soon.
    Thanks for the heads up !!

    does it link up with iPhone and android ?
    update - the 66i is a little different that my previous inReach for syncing with the phone. With the 66i you have to download Garmin Connect and Garmin Explore apps, this allows you to sync with your phones contacts and write messages via the phone, rather than on the 66i.
    "If you ever go into the bush, there are grizzly bears lurking behind just about every bush, waiting to pounce, so you need a powerful gun, with huge bullets" - Gatehouse ~ 2004

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    7A
    Posts
    20,732

    Re: Garmin GPSMAP 66i

    hunted for a day and a half, mainly in expedition mode with some inReach use, battery at about 70% . Shouldn't be a problem to get 4-5 full days of use from the internal battery
    "If you ever go into the bush, there are grizzly bears lurking behind just about every bush, waiting to pounce, so you need a powerful gun, with huge bullets" - Gatehouse ~ 2004

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