June 3, 2021

Using the Garmin 66i

I have notes elsewhere on the actual unit itself. These notes are about related mostly "software" issues.

The Explore website

This is where you find "Map Share" and serves as the "portal" to get files into your device, activate the device, suspend and resume service if you have a Freedom account, and who knows what else.

BaseCamp

Garmin used to offer a desktop application called Basecamp. They not longer support it and are now putting their effort into the Explore website. I applaud this strategy (being a linux user) since this makes Explore platform independent. I also understand (as a software developer) that web development sucks big time compared to developing on a specific platform. I have never used or gotten to love Basecamp, so I have no way to compare one to the other.

Phone apps

This is what you need to connect to the device via Bluetooth.

There are two apps. The Connect app and the Explore app. The Explore app seems specific to the 66i (as a GPSMAP series device with InReach capability).

There is also an "earthmate" app, so we have 3 apps. At this point I don't have a clue what each one does or why there is not just "one app to rule them all". I am seeing a lot of complaints about this app.

App development and hacking

I am pleased and a bit surprised that Garmin provides a way for you to develop apps to customize the Garmin 66i. This is done via their "Connect IQ" site on developer.garmin.com. The SDK download page even provides a like to "Accept and Download for Linux" which is pleasant and exciting. I will be exploring all this as soon as time allows. It looks like development takes place using C++ in the form of what they call "Monkey C".

Actual hacking and internals

Some of this involves doing stuff that will almost certainly void your warranty and that I am likely to avoid entirely, although I am curious about.
Have any comments? Questions? Drop me a line!

Tom's backpacking pages / [email protected]