Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS
Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland




Like Tree71Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #106  
Old 10 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Leicestershire,UK, or in my Iveco Daily 4x4
Posts: 474
Hiya Matt

But how rugged is the nexus 7 - that would be my concern , i've looked at the spec and its definatly a good spec. Only concern I would have is the lack of SD slot for storage

Rugged cases look due out in october time. please keep us informed of your experiences

Rich
__________________
Rich

Iveco Turbo Daily 4x4 40-10
Ex Owner LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'
Reply With Quote
  #107  
Old 10 Aug 2012
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
See I used to be a total smartphone advocate, but now, having won a Zümo 350LM, I'm a convert. I like the fact that it it's what it it's, not a jack of all trades. I like the fact it clips onto it's dedicated mount, turns itself on and is ready to go, I like the fact I can Deedee the display clearly even in bright sunlight, and work it with gloves on.

None of these things can I do with my Samsung Galaxy Note, so whilst I think there may be better maps, better software on Smartphones, what there isn't, is the hardware to match.

I'll still use my phone, especially since I've discovered I can download gpx files and transfer them directly from phone to Garmin which the phone sees as a drive, but for on the bike use I'm a Garmin convert. Would I be if I'd had to pay for it? Well let's just say I would have soldiered on with my phone as £400 is a lot of money to me (and if anyone wants a Zümo 400, complete with disc, cables, mount and box let me know).
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #108  
Old 10 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dorset, UK
Posts: 339
Rich

A cheap cable can be attached to the charge port of the Nexus, then a pen drive etc can be attached to extend the memory.

ATM, I use a Garmin 1490 (5" screen) for normal travel on busy roads and a windows tablet with nRoute and Mapsource for an overview and to follow pistes install tracks etc. This works really well and I'm hoping when Windows 8 takes off there will be a good range of windows tablets to choose from.

I'm more thinking of the Nexus as a navigation backup, for entertainment, for planning and very much as an Ebook reader, it's amazing value for money.

IMO android navigation does not beat Garmin.
Reply With Quote
  #109  
Old 11 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 326
Gosh, I like my Garmin Streetpilot 7500 with the 7.5" screen so much that I have 2 spares. Yes it does cost $ for things like the best Mexico map and China SD card, but there's always OpenStreetMap for the cost of an SD card.
AFAIK nobody makes a GPS that screen size or bigger, unless one wants to deal with the fragility and size of a laptop.

Charlie
__________________
Unimog U500 w/Unicat
Reply With Quote
  #110  
Old 18 Sep 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Small sample survey

I'm just back from about 3K miles around France (mainly) and rather than staring at other peoples' bikes I have paid more attention to what is fixed in their "cockpits" - my completely un-scientific survey showed that some people are still using GPS, fixed on their handlebars, but are also carrying a smartphone somewhere on the bike, such as in a tankbag.
I talked with a couple of riders - one had both GPS and phone fixed on the bars (with the smartphone in a rigid water-tight case that included a bracket for the handlebars).
In both cases, they were keeping the GPS on the bars - that is what they are used to looking at - but using the smartphone for looking at maps when taking a etc etc.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #111  
Old 20 Sep 2012
MilesofSmiles's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Riverside California
Posts: 78
Smart phones are smart and stupid depending on the mapping app you installed. On my KTM I use PN60 Delorme exclusively. It turns on and works flawlessly every time without fail. It sees it all; heavy dust, rain, hail, snow, heat, cold, you name it it works and it gives directions. However it does have a tiny view screen.
When I need to find a gas station or other POI, I use my smart phone with Sygic application. This app runs off the GPS exclusively and no need for phone service. My smart phone stays in a sealed bag in my tank bag to protect it. I would not even consider a Nexus 7 on a bike. The 7 would be a great off road GPS for in-vehicle use. However it's new operating system may not accommodate all the great mapping apps available.
Reply With Quote
  #112  
Old 20 Sep 2012
RoadTrekker's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Prague
Posts: 39
Smartphone Vs GPS

Personnaly I would not like to put all my eggs into one basket, A smartphone is for communicating and listening to music. My Iphone eats battery power when running any APP so the phone will die and then you have lost communicatins as well.
Smartphones are not water or dust proof
Smartphones cannot be used with gloves on
Smartphone mapping software is eons behind the GPS companies
Smartphones cannot be easily viewed in bright sunlight
Smartphones are not as accurate as GPS as they track very few satelites
Smartphones require a network connection for the APP to run which can be expensive when travelling through different countries
Smartphones usualy switch off the screens after a preset time to safe battery life so no road map.
Smartphones are not designed for the high frequency vibrations on a bike so it will damage it after a short time.

Keep the GPS seperate to mitigate against breakage, theft, failure, battery life.

I have a Zumo 660 its built to last in all weathers and it works with clear instructions and maps. I have my Iphone linked via bluetooth to the Zumo and then linked to my Interphone F5 headset. This si the best set up you can get its totaly safe and reliable.

You pay your money and throw the dice!!!
Reply With Quote
  #113  
Old 22 Sep 2012
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Quote:
Originally Posted by RoadTrekker View Post
Personnaly I would not like to put all my eggs into one basket, A smartphone is for communicating and listening to music. My Iphone eats battery power when running any APP so the phone will die and then you have lost communicatins as well.
Smartphones are not water or dust proof
Smartphones cannot be used with gloves on
Smartphone mapping software is eons behind the GPS companies
Smartphones cannot be easily viewed in bright sunlight
Smartphones are not as accurate as GPS as they track very few satelites
Smartphones require a network connection for the APP to run which can be expensive when travelling through different countries
Smartphones usualy switch off the screens after a preset time to safe battery life so no road map.
Smartphones are not designed for the high frequency vibrations on a bike so it will damage it after a short time.

Keep the GPS seperate to mitigate against breakage, theft, failure, battery life.

I have a Zumo 660 its built to last in all weathers and it works with clear instructions and maps. I have my Iphone linked via bluetooth to the Zumo and then linked to my Interphone F5 headset. This si the best set up you can get its totaly safe and reliable.

You pay your money and throw the dice!!!
Replace the word "Smartphone" with the word "iPhone" and all of the above may be true, but an Android phone doesn't suffer from any of those software shortcomings, wire in a waterproof USB socket to your bike and you can keep it charged. What it can't get round might be some of the hardware problems. That said I ride everywhere with my Galaxy mounted on the bike and it hasn't been shaken apart yet.

As an aside comparing Garmin to Google I notice if I'm using turn by turn navigation and go off route Garmin will recalculate to try to get me back to its initial planned route often wanting me to "perform a U-turn", Google will recalculate the whole route afresh meaning I can generally keep on riding forwards. In one recent instance, missing one turn on the Garmin would have lead me to ride a circle (take the next right, then the next, then the next etc.) of 24 miles to get back to the original route, whereas Google recalculated the whole thing, and told me to take the next left.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #114  
Old 22 Sep 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexlebrit View Post

As an aside comparing Garmin to Google I notice if I'm using turn by turn navigation and go off route Garmin will recalculate to try to get me back to its initial planned route often wanting me to "perform a U-turn", Google will recalculate the whole route afresh meaning I can generally keep on riding forwards. In one recent instance, missing one turn on the Garmin would have lead me to ride a circle (take the next right, then the next, then the next etc.) of 24 miles to get back to the original route, whereas Google recalculated the whole thing, and told me to take the next left.
Yea! Thanks for that observation Alex - I thought it was just me and how I have my Nuvi 205w set up; I have fiddled with the settings but it continues to do exactly as you describe. On one recent ride in France it appeared to want me to go back to Calais, even though by then I was miles and miles further south. This was quite perplexing at the time - I am used to a Tom Tom that does what I want (and constantly recalculates routes as I deviate, including when the French roads have their own, local, deviations for road works etc). In contrast, the Garmin gave me the impression of "I know best where you want to go (and make a U turn now!!)".
Two other features of the Garmin that I did not like were (this is my first trip using one of these);
It seemed slow to do the calculations compared with my Tom Tom.
Over long route calculations it more or less "gave up" and came up with a message that more information would be provided later. In contrast, the ancient Tom Tom can come up with a route across most of Europe.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #115  
Old 22 Sep 2012
Wheelie's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
I had a really bad experience using my iPhone for navigation.

The main problem was that it overheated in direct sunlight and shut down, over and over again - it was useless. In the end I used some gaffa to make a sun visor/flap for it that I could lift up to check the map - but it was no good solution.

I still have not given up on the idea though. I am trying to gat my hands on the lifeproof protective case which will make it waterproof, and their GoPro adapter mount. The latter has been out of stock for ages - but is the thing that makes the solution attractive. With this I could also use the phone (camera front and back) as an action cam, a GPS, a phone, mp3 player... with several attachments arround the bike.

I am hoping that I can place it behind my black wind deflector to keep it out of the sun when it comes from the front, and my body if it comes from the rear.

If you buy some conductive thread on e-bay and stitch this into the thumb and index finger of your glove, then you should be able to operate it with your gloves on.





Reply With Quote
  #116  
Old 22 Sep 2012
Wheelie's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
Now, if you combine this with DeLorme inReach 2 way satellite communicator with GPS - then you can place calls anywhere there is no cell coverage, post to facebook/twitter from anywhere, send sms from anywhere... and send predefined emergency messages from anywhere, use it as a tracker, navigate where there are no roads... Only thing, you can't use it as a modem to surf or send e-mails



And, if you combine all of this with a scala rider bluetooth handsfree, then you should have everything covered:


Listen to music on and off the bike
Place calls on and off the bike - even where there is no cell phone coverage
Listen to the radio
Use it as an action camera or regular camera
Enjoy turn by turn sat nav
Enjoy nav off road
When in WiFi range, you can update blog, upload photos, check e-mail, surf the web...
Etc

But as it is bluetooth, you can't operate it all seemlessly at the same time...
Reply With Quote
  #117  
Old 27 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Tom Tom app for Android

I read a report in some newspaper recently about Tom Tom bringing out an App for Android phones - I can't remember which newspaper unfortunately, but I think it was projected that the UK asking price would be about £30.

I've been reading this report which indicates it will come to the USA market around the end of this month:-
TomTom bringing its navigation app to Android in October, keeping mum on the details -- Engadget
Yep, the mapping will be available on the phone memory so it won't need to be connected to the phone signal in order to navigate.
(the comments attached to this report are somewhat informative and even amusing concerning the enthusiasm for different products).

This continuing discussion reminds me of the arguments about Betamax and VHS recording tapes of many years ago; of course, VHS won the market but they were all superceded by recordable DVDs and, further down the line, digital recording to thumbsticks, cards etc.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #118  
Old 31 Dec 2012
c-m c-m is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: EU/UK
Posts: 245
You can get the exact same maps and features on a smart phone as you can get on any standalone device.

The standalone device is simpler, and will probably have a longer battery.

I've done a number of tours in the safety of Europe using the following phones. Nokia N80 - Tom Tom / Ovi Maps. ZTE Blade Sygic, HTC Desire S - Sygic, Motorola Defy - Sygic / Google Maps.

I also have a bluetooth GPS receiver. I used this with the Nokia and TomTom and that's been the best combination I found.

The GPS on the Blade was poor in comparison, as was the HTC. The Motorola Defy was actually pretty good.

I've now got a Galaxy S3 and the GPS seems great. If traveling outside Europe (I haven't made it that far yet) I think I'd also take my separate GPS receiver just as a backup.

In response to the post above. The Tom Tom app is now out. It looks good, but after a couple of years without Tom Tom I actually prefer the look of Sygic. The comment on the Tom Tom are mixed. Most people are complaining about the lack of functionality e.g the ability to set custom POI notifications etc.. I think it's too locked down at the moment for any serious traveller.
Reply With Quote
  #119  
Old 31 Dec 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: England
Posts: 52
How many custom routes can you download to your smart phone?

... and how many custom waypoints can you create? all without inernet access.
Reply With Quote
  #120  
Old 31 Dec 2012
c-m c-m is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: EU/UK
Posts: 245
Pretty much the same as you can on a standalone device without internet access.

You don't need internet access any more than you do on a standalone device. Having Internet access is just an added bonus.

I think with most things in life a standalone is usually better, but when many standalone devices are running the same or very similar software and you've got the back up of hard maps, why bother with the extra device?

Obviously there are some advantages of disadvantages of both e.g a phone is much more desirable and you're more likely to lose it, get drunk and break it, or have it stolen, but it's infinitely more flexible.

I also use my phone with an app called ride logger to track my progress, G-force, and lean angle. Just for fun mind.

I suspect this is a discussion that will go on for many years to come.

I don't think there will ever be true convergence for die-hard adventure travellers.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Best VFM Garmin GPS Walkabout Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 41 22 Apr 2013 15:28
Numpty Garmin GPS SD card question Matt Cartney Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 7 19 Feb 2012 16:37
Zimbabwe: Visas, borders and miscellaneous info MovingHouse sub-Saharan Africa 1 26 Jan 2012 16:13
Garmin GPS newbie ashmax Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 12 12 Dec 2011 12:02
Vietnam Maps for GARMIN GPS receivers Paul99 Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 4 23 Oct 2009 06:46

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:28.