Garmin inReach Mini 2 practical satellite tracking communicator

A few days ago, Garmin and Chunghwa Telecom announced a partnership to launch the InReach satellite communication service and the first supported product, the inReach Mini 2. Today, Garmin also held a special press conference, which explained the bidding process and rates in detail, and allowed us to play the real machine of inReach Mini 2.

Garmin’s inReach uses the global low-orbit satellite names “Iridium” as the communication system, so it is not affected by a mobile phone signal, and can report GPS location at any time, send two-way text messages, and call’ n quickly for help in an emergency. Compared to many overseas markets, Taiwan needs services like inReach more. This is not only because the number of people who love outdoor sports in Taiwan is increasing, but also because there are many mountains in Taiwan, and it is difficult for mobile phone signals to be fully covered If crisis, there is no effective means of seeking help.

However, due to some regulatory restrictions, Garmin’s inReach service has not been able to come to Taiwan. In the past three years, it was also after the vigorous promotion of many Shanyou and the support of government departments that Garmin finally entered into a cooperation with Chunghwa Telecom to bring the inReach service to Taiwan. Specifically, you can buy the inReach Mini 2 through any channel (online, brick and mortar, or Chunghwa Telecom), but then you need to prepare two documents and go to Chunghwa Telecom’s window or website to apply for satellite services . After Chunghwa Telecom passes the review, a registration code will be sent, and then the user will use the registration code to go to the Garmin Explore page to login / register an account, and then fill in the payment information.

Since Garmin is the final payment object, Garmin uses the US dollar billing directly, and it is divided into two rates: a personal version (Single Mini 2) and a professional version (Multiple Mini 2 which suitable for enterprises or multi-person groups). The personal version is further subdivided into “Safe Rate”, “Easy Travel Rate” and “Expedition Rate”. The former has a limit on the number of messages sent and location transfer, and has a monthly fee of US$14.95 and a bundled contract for about 30 days, a 1-year monthly fee of US$11.95. Easy Trip’s all-you-can-eat rate for location tracking, but the number of messages sent is still limited at US$ 34.95 / US$ 24.95 per month; and the last expedition rate is unlimited for the number of sending messages and location transfer, one month US$64.95 / US$49.95.

As for the hardware part, inReach Mini 2 is the first product that can be used with the inReach service. It is a relatively light and small machine with IPX7 waterproof. It has a small 176 x 176px transcolor screen, and GPS and electronic compass, 24-hour continuous positioning, and location information sharing. The inReach Mini 2 can get up to 14 days of battery life on a 10-minute location transmission interval and when the sky is clear; it will be reduced to 4 days when partially shaded by trees, and the installation transmission interval is extended to 30 minutes, the power can last up to 30 days.

The interface of the inReach Mini 2 is quite simple. The main menu is to slide up and down a number of items such as SMS, navigation, weather forecasts, etc., and click to enter to see more detailed instructions. The SOS button for help is located under a cover on the right side to avoid accidental touch. Once pressed, the inReach Mini 2 will communicate with the Garmin IERCC Emergency Response Center via text message, and the center will response assists in contacting the emergency contact person, fire department (land area) or Coast Guard (Sea Area).

Although it is generally believed that the inReach Mini 2 is most likely to be used in mountainous situations, in fact, Garmin believes that seaside activities (such as sea fishing) are also well suited for this product. Garmin has designed a fully waterproof, airtight protective case for it, but it won’t be available in Taiwan until later.

The inReach Mini 2 is available in Flaming Red and Phantom Black, with a suggested price of NT$12,900. It will be sold exclusively in Chunghwa Telecom’s digital stores from October 3, and will be available in Garmin’s physical brand channels from November 1. Taiwan is the fourth country in the Asia-Pacific region to introduce inReach services after Japan, Indonesia and Vietnam, However, Garmin said that although the inReach series has a larger product line overseas, Taiwan is only currently intend to introduce the Mini 2. We will decide whether to introduce other products depending on the market situation.