GPS Training Podcast

Welcome to this month’s GPS Training podcast, it’s our 11th episode.

1. Today we have Andy and myself, Jon

As always, we are streaming it live on Facebook

So if you want to see what we all look like take a look at our Facebook page –

1. Just search for GPS Training on Facebook and don’t forget to ‘like’ our page.

So, without further ado let’s get on with today’s podcast ……

In today’s podcast we are going to look at the following –

1. We have an interview with Tom Grindey, from sales at Garmin. As we discuss the all new Fenix 5 plus multi activity GPS watch from Garmin

2. We will chat over the new training videos in online resource - inReach mini + Xpedition 2 (both PC and Mac users).

3. Top tips - both Garmin and SatMap

4. We discuss the European Galileo satellite system and with everything that is being discussed in the news recently will it be affected by Brexit - Jeremy Vine.

1. Garmin’s new Fenix 5 plus

Earlier this week I spoke to Tom Grindey, from sales at Garmin and told us more about the new Fenix 5 plus from Garmin.

2 – inReach Mini and Xpedition training videos in the online resource

1. Is this the third consecutive podcast we have discussed the inReach mini? It must be good as I have bought one!

2. Andy, if people don’t know what an inReach mini us can you just give us all a quick overview.

3. And next Andy, what’s the online resource?

4. Now we understand what we are talking about what are the main areas you cover in the training videos?

Module 1 - inReach Web Portal – What’s this and how does it work?

Module 2 - in Reach Mini – we hopefully know what this is?

Module 3 - Earthmate App – I am going to ask you the same as the first module, what’s this and how does it work?

So, in theory, this covers everything you need to know to set up and use not only the inReach mini but also the other Garmin inReach units and you get free access to these training videos if you buy your Garmin inReach from GPS Training.

If you want to find out more about this and all the Garmin inreach products go to – GPS Training.co.uk – click on GPS Store – and click on Garmin inReach – satellite communicators on the left-hand side

Xpedition training videos, these are also new to the GPS training online resource.

1. Andy, what is Xpedition?

2. And hopefully by now you know what the online resource is.

3 – Andy’s Top Tips

· Garmin – Setup System GPS + Glonass & Egnos / Waas turned on (Egnos was originally limited coverage but much wider now and all of uk great coverage)

· SatMap – Active 20 Settings – GPS Settings – GPS, GLONASS, Galilleo all on rather than just GPS

Green bars go blue when land-based picked up

Active10/12/20 all pick up Egnos

4 – Galileo and Brexit

1. This ties so well into the Podcast as this time last month, after recording the June Podcast we had a very interesting day – explain – Jeremy Vine show

2. Andy, what is Galileo?

3. What current GPS units use this satellite system and what other satellite systems do outdoor GPS units use?

4. Accuracy we are seeing with Galileo.

5. Are we going to see any difference in the Galileo post Brexit?

If you want to hear the interview on the Jeremy Vine show go to GPS Training – Click on News and you will see it in the news section.

5. To finish off podcast number 11

- Many thanks for listening and let us know anything you would like to be covered in the Podcast, we made it to our eleventh Podcast.

- Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unit

- Please do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTaining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses

- Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training

- Don’t forget you can watch us recording the podcast on our facebook page – gpstraininguk – or on our YouTube Channel – GPSTraining

- AND don’t forget to RST our podcast -

Welcome to this month’s GPS Training podcast, it’s our 10th episode.

1. Today we have Andy and myself, Jon

As always, we are streaming it live on Facebook

So if you want to see what we all look like take a look at our Facebook page –

1. Just search for GPS Training on Facebook and don’t forget to ‘like’ our page.

So, without further ado let’s get on with today’s podcast ……

In today’s podcast we are going to look at the following –

1. We have an interview with Duncan Hutchison, the Scottish guy who has built his own boat and is rowing across the Atlantic, a great story.

2. I know we covered it in last months Podcast but we again chat over the Garmin inReach mini, as we can’t keep them in stock!

3. We look at the new Spot X – 2-way satellite messenger. Not yet available in the UK but is in the US

4. Andy’s top tips – both SatMap and Garmin

5. Some new videos and free webinar

1. Duncanadrift

Earlier this week I spoke to Duncan Hutchinson and talked through his epic journey so far on his cross Atlantic adventure.

I am not going to ruin the interview so here we go

You can find out more about Duncan’s epic journey –

Facebook – Just search for Duncanadrift

Website – Duncanadrift.com

Duncan's Just Giving page (water aid) - more here

Track Duncan live (via a Garmin inReach) - here

And keep your eyes open for the GPS Training logo on his boat

2 – inReach Mini

1. What a response we have had to the inReach Mini.

2. I know we covered this in depth in last month’s Podcast but quickly Andy can you give a quick overview of what the inReach is?

3. Early next week there will be a software update so you can control it from your Fenix 5/ 5x watch, currently this is just beta but full version will be out next week, I know we have been selling many alongside Fenix watches what are the benefits of this?

4. We seem to keep the black ones in stock (just about) but the orange ones now have a delivery date of the 19th June and we have a waiting list and I must add we are also on that waiting list as we are going to keep one so we can do some videos and step by step guides for the online resource.

If you want to find out more about this and all the Garmin inreach products go to – GPS Training.co.uk – click on GPS Store – and click on Garmin inReach – satellite communicators on the left hand side

3 – The new Spot X - 2-Way Satellite Messenger

1. This is the first ‘two way’ communicator from Spot, it’s currently just available in the states but it will be hitting the UK market in TBC

2. Have you seen it Andy, I could not even find anything on YouTube which is amazing seeing you can buy it in the states already?

3. Looking at pictures of it, it seems very similar than the inReach mini but it has a full QWERT keyboard, it reminds me of my old Blackberry phone, do you remember this good old days?

4. Globalstar not the Iridium that Garmin inReach products use – Low orbit system

5. Some people are mentioning in their reviews - Globalstar system would only accept ONE message every twenty to thirty minutes

6. After being excited about this product it has become a letdown due to what I initially thought was poor reliability. Now after more testing and talking with tech support, the culprit is the fault of a system limitation that Spot fails to tell people. Perhaps Spot thinks it’s customers just don’t care about this issue.

4 - Andy’s top tips

· Garmin –

· SatMap –

5.  New videos we have been adding to the website

This past month we have had a work experience student with us, Robin, and we have produced some great new videos, even if I say so myself.

1. How to subscribe to the podcast on both an Android/ iPhone - watch it here

2. An Introduction to Outdoor GPS navigation - watch it here

3. The 10 most asked questions people ask before buying an outdoor GPS unit - watch it here

4. And one promoting our ‘new’ free webinar we have on Tuesday even...

Welcome to this month’s GPS Training podcast, it’s our 9th episode.

As always, we are streaming it live on Facebook

So if you want to see what we all look like take a look at our Facebook page –

1. Just search for GPS Training on Facebook and don’t forget to ‘like’ our page.

So, without further ado let’s get on with today’s podcast ……

In today’s podcast we are going to look at the following –

1. We take the first look at the new Garmin InReach mini

2. Then we will look at Open Street Mapping and other mapping options when going overseas

3. We look at the new (Beta) version of Xpedition2 from SatMap – for both Mac and PC users

4. Andy’s top tips – both SatMap and Garmin

5. And then finally we look at both Routes and tracks

1. Garmin’s new inReach Mini

This week Garmin launched the all-new inReach Mini, this is the small brother/ sister of the Garmin inReach SE+ and the inReach Explorer units.

I must stress that at this moment of time we have not yet had our hands on one, we have some ordered and are hoping they will be in stock early next week, but we have been aware about this product for some time now.

On our fourth Podcast, in December last year we did an in-depth review of the inReach SE+ and inReach Explorer as our ‘sister’ business, Shepherds Walks Holidays uses inReach products on their walking holidays.

So Andy, can you give us a quick overview of both these units that have been with us for some time now.

- Two-way satellite communication

- You need a contract to get a Garmin inReach to work (like a mobile phone contract) and these start from £12.99/month but a little more for a more usable contract. I think we pay around £25.00/ month which is a good mid-range contract.

- Contracts vary according to number of Text messages you want to send each months and if your tracking points are included in the contract or not. The interesting thing is that all pre-set messages are unlimited and also the SOS button works on whatever contract you are on.

- They offer live tracking, the ability to send text messages, pre-set messages and they have a SOS button

- It can also be used as a GPS navigator, but I personally think it does not replace a standalone GPS navigational unit.

The SOS button, what happens if you press that?

- It notifies GEOS Worldwide, LTD is an independent emergency response organization headquartered outside of Houston, Texas. Their high-tech underground facility is the central component in their International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC). That facet of their operation is somewhat self-explanatory. When GEOS receives a distress call, their IERCC department swings into action to coordinate an immediate and appropriate response.

- GEOS also maintains a large network of offices around the globe in Perth, Marrakech, Paris, London, New York, San Jose, and Los Angeles.

So what is difference with the inReach Mini?

- Send and receive inReach messages through compatible Garmin devices, including connected wearables and handhelds

- Palm-sized satellite communicator for adventures where size and weight matter, hence the mini

If you want to find out more about this and all the Garmin inreach products go to – GPS Training.co.uk – click on GPS Store – and click on Garmin inReach – satellite communicators on the left-hand side

Open Street Mapping and other mapping options when going overseas

It’s that time of year, when many of our listeners will be heading overseas so what map options are available for both Garmin and SatMap GPS units

- After talking about the inReach products (not the mini I must add) what options have we with this product

- Garmin – local mapping and OSM

What is OSM?

- SatMap – what options do SatMap users have?

Xpedition2 from SatMap

What are the big changed from Xpedition to Xpedition2?

We have just added lots of step by step videos into our online resource,

Welcome to this month’s GPS Training podcast, it’s our 8th episode.

1. Today we have Andy and myself, Jon

As always we are streaming it live on Facebook

So if you want to see what we all look like take a look at our Facebook page –

1. Just search for GPS Training on Facebook and don’t forget to ‘like’ our page.

2. As much of this month’s podcast has been prerecorded I would very much encourage anybody watching us live to download the entire podcast from their preferred podcast provider once it gets released early next week.

3. And fingers crossed for next month as we are also looking to stream us live on YouTube, you will have to watch this space.

So, without further ado let’s get on with today’s podcast ……

In today’s podcast, we are going to look at the following –

1. The all-new TOPO Great Britain PRO 1:50k mapping from Garmin which was launched last week.

2. SatMap Active 20 unit software update, we will look at what has changed.

3. Garmin BaseCamp – the update, and not before time.

4. Andy’s top tips – both SatMap and Garmin

5. And then finally we will look at our video top tips in the GPS Training online resource

Garmin’s new map card – TOPO Great Britain PRO 1:50k –

Last week, after a very long wait, but more about that later, Garmin launched their 2018 map card and as hoped it has been modelled on it’s more expensive 1:25k brother or sister, the TOPO Great Britain PRO 1:25k map set.

So Andy, what has changed with this new map card?

- 2018 update of Map set – Garmin update every four years as ¼ of the country is released by OS as an updated version.

- Turn by turn routing within National Parks, the true ‘hiking’ ‘activity’ or ‘routing’ option.

- Isle of Man now added

The famous, or infamous ‚ hiking option. The biggest mistake people make when setting up any GPS unit and now it gets a little more confusing.

In the past on the 1:50k map we use the direct routing, how do we set up a GPS unit to utilise the feature when you are within National Parks.

- Set activity/ Routing

- Set up a new profile so you can easily swap as you go in or out of a National Parks

We have a step by step video taking you through how to this on an Oregon 700/ 750 in our online resource – Go to – GPS Training.co.uk, login and then go to the Garmin Top Tips section

And now we can let the cat out of the bag regarding the development of this map card.

- We first received some pre-production cards late last year and we have been helping Garmin develop this product.

- Before everybody says – why did you not say everything – we have signed a nion discosure agreement with Garmin as we do get shown things well before it is announced to the public and press.

- I actually recorded a piece for the podcast between Christmas and New Year as at the time we all thought it was going to be released top market in January.

- It’s been fascinating to work with them.

If you want to find out more about this new map set and how it works go to – GPS Training.co.uk – click on reviews – and you will see an article - NEW 2018 Mapping now with Routable Trail Data within the National Parks

SatMap Active 20 unit software update

Active 20 - "Snap to Foot", Snap to Bike, Snap to Road routing in Routes Menu – Create new Route

- On an Active 20, with a Wi-Fi connection, you now have the ability on an Active 20 to create a "snap-to-track" route.

- Currently, this functionality is in "beta" testing mode - but as soon as it is fully tested and stable, it will be formally released.

- USES Open Source Data via SatMaps server hence may not snap on trails on OS maps this may change in futue

Also, you will have the ability to link the GPS to hotspot wifi on your phone, not currently working

- To test this functionality, the latest beta Software Version is 3.11.936 or later on your Active 20 (this was released on 27th March 2018), and can be loaded either by Wi-Fi, or via SatSYNC.

In today’s podcast we are going to look at the following –

We have an interview with Mike Brockhurst who runs the website the ‘walking Englishman’.

After our chat with Mike we look at downloading the ‘GPX route files from his site’, don’t worry if that sounds like a foreign language, it will all be explained.

Andy’s top tips – both SatMap and Garmin

And then finally we will look ‘Mad March’, what’s it all about?

1. Our interview with Mike Brockhurst, the walking Englishman  – 

I recording this interview with Mike last week and it exceeded all expectation, he had been on my radar for a little time now but only when I interviewed him for the GPS Training Podcast I realised what a truly inspirational story he has.

2. GPX files, what are they and how do we get them on our GPS unit?

After my chat with Mike we really need to explore in depth the .gpx files that we referred to in the interview.

What is a .gpx file?GPX is as a common GPS data format used by GPS Devices and many software applications. It can include waypoints, tracks, and routes. 

Are these compatible with any outdoor GPS device?Yes with all the makes that we sell e.g. Garmin, Satmap, Memory Map.

What other file formats will people come across when looking for ‘routes’ (which could be tracks) when online?There are other formats eg kml google earth, .fit watches, look for .GPX file for GPS device 

So back to .gpx and the Walking Englishman website how do we get these onto our GPS unit, both Garmin and SatMap?Click on GPX Route file and look in your downloads for file, majority named as trackfile.gpx some are mane of walk.gpx, Import to basecamp then send to unit, satmap satsysnc or with new Active 20 copy and paste 

What other websites or places can we source these .gpx files from? Search internet some we use www.gps-routes.co.uk, www.walkhighlands.co.uk

How will we know if these .gpx files are routes or tracks, perhaps we should first explain the difference between the two before you tell us how to work out which they are?Route something you plan in software, track normally a recording of where someone has walked, in Garmin basecamp footprint icon shows track, 3 boxes joined together shows Route, SatMap puts in Routes folder. 

How do can we check they are on your unit.Garmin Where to magnifying glass, Where to, Find search Routes or Tracks, SatMap Turn unit on / off Main Menu – Routes Menu

Any tips you have when downloading .gpx files and getting then on your GPS unit?

Garmin number of via points check in Basecamp -Direct Route 250, Track 10,0000 or Oregon 7** series 20,0000, SatMap does not have same stipulation but we do tend to try and stick to under 250 x points otherwise can be slow to load, different websites sometimes have their own instructions for download i.e. Right click save as, save link as, any issues with website itself contact website owner, create folder on desktop to save gpx downloads to

Andy’s top tips

Garmin – eTrex Touch, Oregon 7** series when changing batteries – turn off  - change batteries – turn on – use where to magnifying glass to check still navigating route etc, from map page swipe up – satellite signal far left – press start to restart recording.

SatMap – Charging Active 20, large capacity 5000mah recommend turn off when charging and use genuine plug in mains rather than pc, will charge quicker.

3. Our Mad March offers from GPS Training

What is Mad March?

As Easter is traditionally the start of the walking season we have a different offer each week in the lead up to Easter.Each of and these run from Thursday morning each week and not changes every week.

This week we have a free Birdseye Voucher with any Garmin GPS unit with full GB OS maps at 1:50k maps.

What is a Birdseye Voucher?

Download 3000 sq km of OS 1:25k, France IGN 1500 Sq km some other countries listed on our website under GPS Store – Garmin Mapping

You may be asking why is the Mad March offer only ...

Welcome to this month’s GPS training podcast

We are again live streaming on Facebook

Again, we are streaming on Facebook the recording of us all recording the Podcast, so if you want to see what we all look like take a look at our Facebook page –

1. Just search for GPS Training on Facebook and don’t forget to ‘like’ our page.

So, without further ado let’s get on with today’s podcast ……

In today’s podcast we are going to look and chat over the following –

1. Garmin Express, is this the way forward?

2. We have an ‘in the field’ look at the Garmin TOPO PRO mapping, the 1:25k mapping from Garmin that has off road routable data in National Parks.

3. Andy’s top tips – both SatMap and Garmin

4. The big debate – Walking with your GPS set up as Track up or North up?

5. Free access to our GPS Training online resource – for 1 month only

1. Garmin Express, what is it and what can you do with it –

It enables you to manage your GPS device from your desktop (both PC and Mac) and many things can now be done now with Garmin Express.

• You can

- Register all units

- Update unit software in units, rather than Web updater of doing this through Garmin BaseCamp

- Update Topo Active maps (Touch 20, 30, 25, 35, 750t)

- Oregon 7xx – connect it to your wifi

- Manage Connect IQ apps on your Oregon 7xx series

2. Putting the Garmin TOPO PRO 1:25k through their paces.

 

3. Andy’s top tips

• Garmin – Sellotape over map card

• SatMap – Like computer check for updates - Update active 20 using Wifi – Added new search feature as primary screen - data set Mountains and Hills – video in Online resource latest update showing new feature Latest sw v3.11.671

Active 12 SatSync – Help Latest sw v3.0.10994

4. The big debate – Walking with your GPS as North up or Track up

Before we jump into this debate we need to clarify what the difference is.

- What is the difference?

- Can we change this setting on both Garmin and SatMap GPS units?

- Are there any battery save benefits from one or the other?

5. Free access to our online resource – for one month only

Jon leads and brings in Andy

- What is the online resource?

If you go to GPSTraining.co.uk > online resource (top menu) > you will be on the online resource.

New video down at bottom of that page that shows you around the online resource.

Created by Andy this week!

- Normally £25.00 year of free for 1 year if you but a GPS from ourselves at GPS Training

- We have a special offer for February 2018 only, it will stop at the end of the month

- To take this offer up just e-mail us – [email protected] – and in the subject line put – free access to online resource – Feb offer

- We very much hope you like what you see and choose to sign up for a year, if you choose not to sign up I would be interested to know why not? Just drop us an e-mail

6. To finish off podcast number 6

- Many thanks for listening and let us know anything you would like to be covered in the Podcast

- Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unit

- Please do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTaining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses

- Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training

- Don’t forget you can watch us recording the podcast on our facebook page – gpstraininguk – or on our YouTube Channel – GPSTraining

- AND don’t forget please do subscribe and rate this podcast on whatever platform or podcast player you are listening to us on

Many thanks for Andy joining me on this, the 6th episode of our GPS Training podcast.

Welcome to this month’s GPS Training podcast



.

Again, we are streaming on Facebook the recording of us all recording the Podcast, so if you want to see what we all look like take a look at our Facebook page –  Just search for GPS Training on Facebook and don’t forget to ‘like’ our page.

A copy of our live stream is archived on Facebook so you can watch it until the end of time, if you want to!

Also in the next few days we will also upload the video feed onto YouTube.

Changing The GPS Training Podcast a little, making it more into a ‘magazine’ programme.

I think we always need to evolve and move things forward so we are making the podcast a little less ‘techy’, we have our quarterly live ‘GPS Clinic’ that we steam live on Facebook. If you want to watch and interact with this GPS Clinic you need to put 6.00 pm on the 1st February in your diary so you can watch this, if you sign up to the GPS Training Newsletter or you have ‘liked’ the GPS training Facebook page you will receive plenty of reminders about this.

So starting this podcast we are starting to put in pre recorded interviews with varies people and this month we have Pete Mason who is a has his own Podcast, the Podcache show which is a geocaching podcast.

If you know of anybody who you would like to hear on future podcasts please do get in touch.

And please do continue with your feedback after each of our Podcasts and let us know how we have done and anything you would like us to cover.

So, without further ado let’s get on with today’s podcast ……

In today’s podcast we are going to look and chat over the following –

Garmin Birdseye – What is it, as it can be a number of things.

As I have already mentioned we have an in-depth interview with Pete Mason, from the Podcache Show, so if you are watching this on Facebook or YouTube you will need to download the Podcast to hear this.

Andy’s top tips – both SatMap and Garmin

The big debate – When out walking would you plan and follow a route or a track?

Our two-day Garmin GPS Training courses and our one-day SatMap GPS Training courses

Irish mapping options for both a Garmin and SatMap GPS1. Garmin Birdseye –

The Garmin term ‘Birdseye’ is one of two things


- Satellite Subscription, enables you to download Satellite Imagery

How does this work?

1 year’s free subscription with Oregon 7**, GPSMap64s, Montana, can be purchased for £21.99 a year

Once you register unit using basecamp software – birdseye menu – select Birdseye Satellite imagery subscription, using tools draw around your required area (Recommend select small areas 1500 sqkm)

Download as much as you want for a year, still kept after the year.

Choice of resolutions, different parts of the world quality may differ – Standard, High, Highest

Memory 1500 sq km at High approx. 500mb, highest 1gb

Download to folder in basecamp then transfer to GPS Device
Videos on our online training resource


.

A Birdseye Select Voucher can be used to download 1:25k map as well as lots of other detailed map types


How does this work?

Activate to your GPS and country choice, 90 days to use up capacity, download to basecamp software then transfer to your GPS.

One voucher approx. 90mb data, units with smaller memory such as etrex20 need micro sd card if more than one voucher
- No routeable data such as roads or elevation data built in that you get on standard OS Map cards from Garmin

We supply our own guides + bought unit from us online resource lots of videos on using the unit.

How much does a voucher cost? 19.99

Countries – 
Great Britain, OS 1:25k, 3000sq km (Not Ireland)

France, IGN 1:25k, 1500 square km

Germany, Kompass 1:50k, 2400 square km

Deutschland (Germany) , BKG 1:25k, 5000 square km

Austria and East Alps, Kompass 1:50k, 2400 square km

Switzerland, Kompass 1:50k, 2400 square km

Holiday Islands (Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, Balaeric Islands) Kompass 1:50k, 2400 square km

Welcome to this month’s GPS training podcast

1. Today we have Jon, Andy and Henry

2. Jon, managing director Shepherds Walks Ltd who is the parent company of GPS Training.

3. Andy, the reviewer, tech support and all round ‘geek’ (in a nice way) of GPS Training.

4. Henry, is multi-talented. Is one of our trainers at GPS Training, delivering our courses on Fife, Lakes, Northumberland and Sherwood Forest. He is also one of our walking guides for Shepherds Walks Holidays and the practical use of Outdoor GPS units as a ‘professional’ walking guide is why he is our guest on today’s Podcast

Again, we are streaming on Facebook the recording of us all recording the Podcast, so if you want to see what we all look like take a look at our Facebook page –

1. Just search for GPS Training on Facebook and don’t forget to ‘like’ our page.

2. A copy of our live stream is archived on Facebook so you can watch it until the end of time, if you want to!

3. Also in the next few days we will also upload the video feed onto YouTube.

So, without further ado let’s get on with today’s podcast ……

In today’s podcast we are going to look and chat over the following –

1. An in-depth look at the Garmin inReach – Satellite communicator

2. And after a question from one of the listeners of last month’s podcast we are going to look at the differences between the Garmin Topo and Topo active mapping.

3. Christmas GPS offers – Oregon 700 and eTrex Touch 25

4. Top tips – both SatMap and Garmin

5. Look at our weekly video top tips – in our online resource

6. SatMap Active 20 – Battery replacement options

7. The big debate – If you were going to get an outdoor GPS unit this Christmas, which one would it be?

8. And finally, we will have a look at our courses we have coming up over the coming month

1. An in-depth look at Garmin inReach

1. What is the Garmin inReach, it’s not just a GPS unit is it?

• Two-way satellite communicator, using the Iridium satellites, the same as a Sat Phone uses.

• You can send both pre-set and text messages from the unit via satellites.

• It can also be used as a GPS navigator, but I personally think it does not replace a standalone GPS navigational unit.

• SOS button - GEOS Worldwide, LTD is an independent emergency response organization headquartered outside of Houston, Texas. Their high-tech underground facility is the central component in their International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC). That facet of their operation is somewhat self-explanatory. When GEOS receives a distress call, their IERCC department swings into action to coordinate an immediate and appropriate response. Sounds simple enough, but what does that actually mean?

• GEOS also maintains a large network of offices around the globe in Perth, Marrakech, Paris, London, New York, San Jose, and Los Angeles.

• You need a contract to get a Garmin inReach to work (like a mobile phone contract) and these start from £12.99/month but a little more for a more usable contract. I think we pay around £25.00/ month which is a good mid-range contract.

• Contracts vary according to number of Text messages you want to send each months and if your tracking points are included in the contract or not. The interesting thing is that all pre-set messages are unlimited and also the SOS button works on whatever contract you are on

2. Other products in the marketplace

• Sole Walkers – SPOT

3. SPOT – Comes in at £119.99 - What is the SPOT?

- Satellite GPS personal tracker

- You have a number of pre-set messages you can send, you set these up yourself online and you can send to multiple e-mail and text numbers

- Live tracking place – both online and in app

- Contracts are a little cheaper - £17.99 for unlimited everything

- You still get the GEOS SOS support

- Lightweight and stunning battery life

BUT you can only send messages and not receive them

4.

Welcome to this month’s GPS training podcast

1. Today we have Jon, Andy and Ross

2. Jon, managing director Shepherds Walks Ltd who is the parent company of GPS Training.

3. Andy, the reviewer, tech support and all round ‘geek’ (in a nice way) of GPS Training.

4. Ross, works for sales and distribution for SatMap

We are live streaming on Facebook

Again, we are streaming on Facebook the recording of us all recording the Podcast, so if you want to see what we all look like take a look at our Facebook page –

1. Just search for GPS Training on Facebook and don’t forget to ‘like’ our page.

2. A copy of our live stream is archived on Facebook so you can watch it until the end of time if you want to!

Feedback after last month’s webinar

Many thanks to everybody who sent us their feedback and thoughts after last month’s GPS Training Podcast.

1. James Dillion sent an e-mail saying enjoyed last month’s Podcast

2. Elaine Savage liked Andy’s top tip on the last podcast

Many thanks for all your feedback and ideas, please just drop us an e-mail or leave a ‘comment’ on our podcast feed if listening to it on our website

without further ado let’s get on with today’s webinar ……

In today’s webinar we are going to look and chat over the following –

1. An in depth look at SatMap, the story and the outdoor GPS units that they have developed over the years. A great story

2. 1:25k mapping option for a Garmin GPS and Topo Active, what is it?

3. Review of the Garmin eTrex 25 and 35

4. Top tips – both SatMap and Garmin

5. The GPS Training online resource – what is it – for both Garmin, SatMap and to a lesser extent Memory Map GPS unit

6. The big debate – GB What Mapping do we prefer OS 1:50k or 1:25k advantages, price, what will work best for us and the activities we are using the mapping for (Both Satmap & Garmin)

7. And finally, we will have a look at our courses we have coming up over the coming month

An in depth look at SatMap, the story and the units that they have developed over the years

1. How and by whom was SatMap founded?

• Founded in 2005

2. They really did take the market by storm and changed the Outdoor GPS market, what did Garmin bring to the ‘field’ in those early days.

• OS map on Outdoor GPS device

• Quality Colour Screen

• Great battery life

3. How have the SatMap units developed – SatMap Active 10, 12 and now 20

• Active 10 launched in 2007

• Active 12 launched in 2014, how was this different than the SatMap Active 10?

• Active 20 launched this year, 2017. This was a big change than the Active 10/12

4. The key thing about SatMap – the HD maps, what options are available?

5. We are not going to review the unit again in this podcast, listen to our first ever podcast if you want to hear this but what are the key benefits of the SatMap Active 20

Take a look on our website – gpstraining.co.uk – click on reviews and you will see an article SatMap active 20 – 3 months in

Now turning to Garmin – Lets look at the 1:25k mapping option for a Garmin GPS and specifically Topo Active, what is it?

1. Two options of mapping – Discoverer Premium and TOPO PRO

• What are the differences

2. Ways to buy 1:25k mapping for a Garmin

• Bundled in with unit on map card or Birdseye Voucher

• What is a Birdseye Voucher and how big an area can you download with it?

• If you do choose the Birdseye option we send you a step by step guide of how to do it and there are also videos in online resource.

Review of the Garmin eTrex 25 and 35

1. Where does the eTrex Touch range sit in the Garmin range?

2. Tell us a little about the eTrex range

• Compact

• Multi activity GPS, and what do we mean by that?

• Small version of the Oregon 700 series

• Touch screen

• New generation GPS, and what do we mean by new generation?

3. What is the difference between the eTrex 25 and 35?

4. What do we think of the eTrex touch range of GPS units

5.

Welcome to this month’s GPS training podcast

1. Today we have Jon, Andy and Tom

2. Jon, managing director Shepherds Walks Ltd who is the parent company of GPS training.

3. Andy, the reviewer, tech support and all round ‘geek’ (in a nice way) of GPS Training.

4. Tom, works for sales and distribution at Garmin

We are live streaming on Facebook

New for this month we are streaming on Facebook the recording of us all recording the Podcast, so if you want to see what we all look like take a look at our Facebook page.

Don’t forget you can download the podcast from –

iTunes, Tinein, Blubrry, Stitcher, Soundclood or listen to it from our web site – gpstraining.co.uk, you will see the podcast logo on the bottom left of every page

Feedback after last month’s webinar

Many thanks for everybody who sent us their feedback and thoughts after last months first ever GPS Training Podcast

1. Max Ryan, who has been on one of our SatMap courses thought we were 'really are an innovative lot!' - We can but try!!!

2. Alison Hume, thought the podcast was ‘a great resource’.

3. Pete Martin - 'Wish you every success' and thought the podcast was 'Very informative and easy listening'.

4. Andrew Kennard, who is an avid Podcast listener – He gave us some great ideas and hopefully you will hear a few changes on the back of his suggestions.

So, without further ado let’s get on with today’s webinar ……

In today’s webinar we are going to look and chat over the following –

1. We will review the Garmin Fenix 5x multi activity GPS watch

2. Connect IQ Apps, what are they and what are the best apps?

3. Best top end Garmin GPS (what else could we look at with Tom sat between us)

4. Top tips – both SatMap and Garmin

5. The big debate – button or touchscreen GPS unit?

6. And finally, we will have a look at our courses we have coming up over the coming month

Chat over and review of the Garmin Fenix 5x multi activity GPS Watch

1. What is a multi-activity GPS watch?

2. Fenix 5x What activities would this really be suitable for?

Andy liked it for Road Cycling & Mountain Biking, although I am not a trail runner could see it being used for Trail Running – Bring Tom in with this

Now let’s get down to the watch -

1. It comes with colour maps pre-loaded for all of Europe Topo Active look good on the watch

2. Going through the menus for the first time it is clear to see this is very much a Multisport Watch, fitness / activity tracker, navigational device and smart watch all in one.

3. It has the standard features that we expect to see on a fitness tracker, measuring your daily steps, distances, calories, sleep pattern etc but also has a built-in wrist based heart monitor and a VO2Max Estimator feature to estimate the maximum volume of oxygen you can consume per minute, giving you an indication of your fitness level.

4. I found it easy to pair the watch with my smart phone using the Garmin connect app, with this app you can sync all your fitness data to review clearly on your phone, sync your trails that you have walked, cycled, ran etc and pairing the watch with your phone gives you the function to receive text message, email alerts and incoming phone call alerts from your mobile onto the screen of the watch.

New feature in connect app – search for courses (Routes) others have shared and send straight to watch

5. Wearing the watch on my relatively small wrist I did not find it too bulky or weighty and the tough polymer strap felt comfortable and secure.

6. For my first test I used the unit on a cycle ride navigating to a village using the turn by turn routing function, It was quick and easy to select the Bike Activity, select Navigate and search for the village using the Cities search option which then lists in distance away from you any Cities, Towns, Villages, Hamlets etc.

7. From starting the Bike Activity and Navigation search the unit locked onto satellites quickly,