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Poor GPS Screen on the inReach Mini

A Poor GPS Strength screen appears when sending a message if the inReach® Mini device is unable to immediately get a GPS signal. This message does not indicate an error, but is simply meant to notify the user that more time and/or better sky view may be needed in order to include a location with the message. The message reads as follows:

  • Poor GPS strength causes inaccurate or missing message locations. Orient the device so it has a clear view of the sky.

InReach devices are designed to conserve battery charge whenever possible. Unless the tracking is turned on, the device does not start tracking GPS satellites until it is needed. When you send a message and you have it set to include your location, the device will attempt to connect to GPS satellites to gather your location. If it is unable to get a GPS signal right away, you will see the message Poor GPS Strength.

Improving Satellite Reception

  • Allow the inReach Mini to have a clear view of the sky, and the horizon. Both Iridium (used for sending/receiving messages) and GPS reception depend on the device seeing satellites. 

  • Make sure to keep the device powered on and out in the open the entire time. In some cases it can take up to 20 minutes to acquire a strong GPS location, especially if the device has not acquired a GPS position for some time or if it tracking is not enabled.

  • The inReach Mini device antenna should be pointed towards the sky for the best reception.

  • If you are continuously seeing a Poor GPS Strength alert despite following these recommendations, try updating and syncing the inReach Mini or resetting it. For steps, see Related.

Poor Satellite Reception When Sending Messages

  • Having tracking on reduces the likelihood of seeing the Poor GPS Strength message because the device is already looking for, or connected to, GPS satellites. For more details on using tracking, see - Getting Started With Tracking and Logging on an inReach Mini.

  • Messages sent to an email address always attempt to include location. Poor GPS Strength may appear more often when sending messages to email and you may need to wait for GPS.

  • Preset/Check-In messages can be more susceptible to displaying the Poor GPS Strength alert. If tracking is not enabled, the device will not start searching for GPS until entering a message flow and the short time it takes to select a Preset/Check-In message is typically not long enough to get a strong GPS signal.

  • If an inReach Mini device has poor satellite reception and a message is sent using the Earthmate® app, the message can include the location from the phone.

  • If the inReach Mini device is unable to get your location, you will be presented with the option to send the message without location.

Sending a Message When the inReach Mini Does Not Have a GPS Signal

If a GPS signal has not been acquired before sending a message, the inReach Mini device will give the option to wait for a GPS signal or send the message anyway.

  1. Send a message when the inReach Mini does not have a GPS signal.

  2. Press Down or OK to review the full, Poor GPS Strength message.

  3. Press OK.

  4. Select Wait for GPS or Send Anyway.

    • If Wait for GPS is selected, the inReach Mini will not attempt to send the message until it has acquired a strong GPS signal, once it has the message will be sent. Make sure to keep the device powered on and out in the open until the message has been sent.

    • If Send Anyway is selected, the inReach Mini will attempt to send the message without waiting to acquire a strong GPS signal. When this option is selected, the message may include inaccurate or no location information.

Related

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