[matt91112011]

Hi guys,

I'm after some offroad GPS gear to suit a Laptop.

Whats the best offroad GPS gear available?

I'm talking recievers, software, maps and aerials.

Thanks guys

Matty

[atari4x4]

diy maps with ozi explorer... i run it on my android tablet & motion X GPS on my iPhone, both bloody brilliant.

[pyrohamish]

One of these; magnetic base and pretty waterproof
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BU-353-USB-G ... 3f0c753db7

then I am using the Garmin nRoute with Garmin topo maps.
Took a good bit to setup and get the gps talking with the software and stuff.

[Reubs]

I use OziExplorer with 1:25K maps. I use QLD state gov maps - Sunmap. I imagine Vic gov would have similar available for sale.

Get any cheap GPS which accepts NMEA input. I can't recommend an external antenna enough.

I use a 10.4" tablet connected wirelessly to a bluetooth HP iPaq navigation system with a Holux rip-off external antenna.

[Scales]

+1 oziexplorer with Hema maps or the 250k maps (hemas betta i think)

As for platform, either a double-din chinese unit, rearview mirror unit, or a smartphone.

if you need help with any of these feel free to pm me.

[TheOtherLeft]

Scales wrote:

+1 oziexplorer with Hema maps or the 250k maps (hemas betta i think)

As for platform, either a double-din chinese unit, rearview mirror unit, or a smartphone.

if you need help with any of these feel free to pm me.

Hi Scales, as per your other post regarding rearview mirror kits, is the screen too small for Ozi? If possible do you think you could take a picture of it please?

[matt91112011]

Hu guys,

I've had a look at oziexplorer and I like their stuff. I'm thinking about going with their $355 pack, which comes with:

1 x OziExplorer GPS Mapping Software
1 x HEMA Australian 4WD Raster Map Collection
1 x Raster 250K Additional Maps
1 x GlobalSat GPS Mouse (USB)* BU-353

Does this system sound good to you guys?
Do I need to run an external antenna for good GPS reception?

I like the tablet idea, because they are small and light, but my iPhone gps is shit, so wouldn't an android platform perform similar?

Cheers

[royce]

No cause Android smacks the shit out of apple

the 250k and Hema maps are useless unless you are travelling long distance, you are better off getting open cycle maps of the areas you want to go in at higher details

you likely wont need an antenna for the gps if you mount it somewhwere with a good view of the sky

[Reubs]

You will need a windows tablet or a $250 eeepc or net book for Ozi(my 7 year old 1.2Ghz centrino win xp based tablet works ok)...

I think that usb mouse doesn't have an mmcx connector for an external antenna. It will perform poorly without one - off road when you are under heavy tree cover or in deep cuttings you really need 360x120 degree field of view to the sky from the antenna. GPS receivers don't work anywhere near as well as they should under a hard top.

Also If you wheel often in a particular area, it's a good idea to get some 1:25K maps of it instead of 1:250K.

[atari4x4]

i run ozi on my android tablet







http://auszookers.com/index.php?name=Fo ... tablet+ozi

[TheOtherLeft]

atari4x4 wrote:

i run ozi on my android tablet







http://auszookers.com/index.php?name=Fo ... tablet+ozi

Nice setup Atari. How did you mount the tablet on the dash? Is it screwed in? Could you take a pic of the rear of the tablet please?

[atari4x4]

at the moment it's not hard mounted & fuck screwing anything to my dashboard...

it's just sitting up there in that shot for easy viewing. it's in one of those fold out tablet cases but this one clips on to the tablet like a hard phone cover rather than using elastic straps. the flappy bits of the cover are unfolded & sit on the dash board, i'll end up putting some velcro on it to lock it to the dash board & i'll have to do something to hold the bottom edge to the section below the dash vents. but usually when off road it just tucks in along side of the passenger seat & centre console running all folded up.

[CairnsZook]

I've got one of these velcroed to the dashboard. I run OziExplorer and it works quite well with it's internal GPS antenna.

[buzbox]

Meh to computers in the car, I just use a Ebay cheapie chinesie GPS loaded with TOM TOM Maps and the added bonus of being told where to go by ozzy osbourne, 4WD tracks and firetrails show up so it's good enough for me. The main thing I use it when 4wd'ing is to punch in co-ords to campsites. Every other time is to monitor my speed and to use onroad.

Besides, I never get lost, I may not know where I'm going but it doesn't mean I'm lost

[matt91112011]

Hi guys,

Decided against the GPS in the end. I think I'm going to finish my exhaust off. It just sounds really annoying to have to source my own map base and all the that. Plus I'm good at reading hard copy maps anyway!

Cheers for the help though.

Matty

[atari4x4]

you already have an iPhone.... get this app, job done.

http://news.motionx.com/category/motionx-gps/

[eXc450]

atari4x4 wrote:

you already have an iPhone.... get this app, job done.

http://news.motionx.com/category/motionx-gps/

Yep! MotionX is fantastic. The Free version is good enough if you either

1) Have cell data where you are
2) Plan ahead and download small files in advance.

I chose #2 to test the app while I was in Canada (just downloaded the Topo at the hotel each night for the next day) then just paid the $4? to buy it, now I can donwload as much as I want, limited only by iPhone storage capaxity)

[eXc450]

Also, for those that don't know you can use "GPSbabel" to convert the files from iPhone/whatever GPS into google earth (and other things) to show off the tracks to friends.

[Scales]

heres my rearview running ozi and my little custom app to choose whatever nav program u want when u choose "navi"

[matt91112011]

eXc450 wrote:

atari4x4 wrote:

you already have an iPhone.... get this app, job done.

http://news.motionx.com/category/motionx-gps/

Yep! MotionX is fantastic. The Free version is good enough if you either

1) Have cell data where you are
2) Plan ahead and download small files in advance.

I chose #2 to test the app while I was in Canada (just downloaded the Topo at the hotel each night for the next day) then just paid the $4? to buy it, now I can donwload as much as I want, limited only by iPhone storage capaxity)

MotionX it is then.

Thanks guys

Matty

[royce]

Scales wrote:

heres my rearview running ozi and my little custom app to choose whatever nav program u want when u choose "navi"

Is this running on a unit built into the mirror or is it a screen fed by something else?

[Scales]

standalone mate. see 1st pic, no cables.

[royce]

I take it it runs winCE? where did you get it?

[eXc450]

matt91112011 wrote:

MotionX it is then.

Thanks guys

Matty

The only downside is the small screen - if you are looking for topo maps...might be too small. Depends on how you use it, ie. stop and look at it, or want to see it while heading down a hill.

[Scales]

royce wrote:

I take it it runs winCE? where did you get it?

right here
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4-3-Car-GPS- ... 5d2f3cfc7c

[sogone]

With that motionX. When you buy the full version will it run without data reception like a normal GPS? Or does it require data reception all the time. Also if you download the maps will there be problems path finding and the such with it if you are out of data range?

[eXc450]

sogone wrote:

With that motionX. When you buy the full version will it run without data reception like a normal GPS? Or does it require data reception all the time. Also if you download the maps will there be problems path finding and the such with it if you are out of data range?

GPS works based on your iPhone GPS. So that part works like a normal GPS (no data)

The maps however come down over data. With the free version, you can only download a small amount. So if you only ever go in a 20km radius, you'll be fine with free.

The bought version you can download maps in advance, so you can download them at home on wireless, then you don't need to have the data on the road.

Note that it is not a turn by turn navigation app.

Ge the free version first and review it. Or just pay the $5 straight up It is the best GPS app I have seen , for off road/hiking etc

[sogone]

Yeah don't want a gay Tom Tom voice telling me when to turn left and shit. Just want a good topo map style thing for hunting and camping.

[sogone]

Ps. Is it the 2.99 one?

[eXc450]

sogone wrote:

Ps. Is it the 2.99 one?

I can't see price cause I already bought it. But that sounds about right. I paid $5 a while ago.

http://gps.motionx.com/iphone/overview/

This link should work to itunes store.

http://www.motionx.com/1_layout/icons/app-store.png