I just purchased a Garmin 86i with inreach and want to add topo maps. I keep reading about how well everything works with my phone, yet all I get is sync failed messages.

1. How do I get the thing to sync with my phone ? ( it says it’s connected via Bluetooth to the phone )
2. Where do i get some of the topo maps people are referencing here and get them i to my Garmin?

Garmin integration instructions are the worst I have ever encountered!

Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

Do you use a laptop or desktop? If so a good start is Garmin Basecamp

butthead

Thanks Butthead - Downloading the software now.

butthead: "Do you use a laptop or desktop? If so a good start is Garmin Basecamp


butthead"

I think you need the Garmin Explore App.

Basecamp can transfer custom maps to and from most all Garmin GPS units. I use it on both handhelds and automotive units.
You can create waypoints/routes/tracks to transfer import the same from online sources, and add custom Geo-referenced maps as an overlay. I have a variety of Fisher map sheets Geo-referenced in Google Earth and transferred to my GPS via Basecamp. Garmin also has a subscription download service for satellite imaging and USGS quad map sections.

butthead

butthead: "Basecamp can transfer custom maps to and from most all Garmin GPS units. I use it on both handhelds and automotive units.
You can create waypoints/routes/tracks to transfer import the same from online sources, and add custom Geo-referenced maps as an overlay. I have a variety of Fisher map sheets Geo-referenced in Google Earth and transferred to my GPS via Basecamp. Garmin also has a subscription download service for satellite imaging and USGS quad map sections.


butthead"

While that may be true for most Garmin GPS units, they've gone another route with the inReach Explorer + and the newer GPS models with inReach capability like the 86i.

It's a web-based app at explore.garmin.com. That's where you set up your account, activate and sync the unit. It's also where you upload your waypoints and contains maps. The corresponding phone app for the 86i is Garmin Explore.

Just to confuse matters, Garmin employs a different phone app for the inReach Explorer + called Garmin Earthmate.

Yeah, it is sad to see that Garmin has given up on further development of Basecamp. It's still the spot for me to store my 64st data, but feels like it will be a boat anchor if I upgrade my handheld beyond a potential move to a 66st. It has so much potential, but it's being left behind rather than improve on its shortcomings. Really showing its age.

A few years ago I spent near to a hour discussing BaseCamp and the Inreach App with a Delorme employee transferred to Garmin. He had a work around on waypoints and track/routes, but it entailed switching file types and some involved tinkering.

butthead

PS: I do not own a 66i or 86i but both come with Birdseye and Basecamp and can use customized maps. According to specifications. Inreach only works with the app. 566 and 86 versions look to be the 2 units combined with stand alone GPS functions and the Inreach functions added. bh