Hema Navigator HN5i or VMS Touring 700HD [Archive]

RVR110

1st November 2011, 07:45 PM

I know it's a not answering your question, but (unless you need a reversing camera) have you looked at tablets? I sold my HN5, bought an iPad and have never looked back.

For me the advantages of a generic device are that I have several great options for on-road and off-road mapping (including the VMS software) plus I get software upgrades when they are released. Many purpose built GPS devices never get software upgrades. I also carry the equivalent of several hundred kilograms of books on my iPad, including a full set of workshop manuals for my Land Rover, plus there's all of the other functionality that you get from a generic device.

33chinacars

15th November 2011, 03:58 PM

Me I'm leaning towards the VMS unit mainly because it incorporates reversing cameras. You can also load other maps into it not just what is surplied. Realise it cost a lot tho

Gary

Tombie

15th November 2011, 04:00 PM

Go the VMS if camera is required...

Otherwise - iPad

Sketer

15th November 2011, 07:44 PM

I have a HEMA. It is great in the bush but absolutely hopeless in the city. It will take a reversing camera as well.

Cheers
Sketer

flyreels

15th November 2011, 07:51 PM

I have a HEMA. It is great in the bush but absolutely hopeless in the city. It will take a reversing camera as well.

Cheers
Sketer

Hi what model is yours thanks Peter

Symo

15th November 2011, 08:02 PM

Hi, which do you think is the best and why.

Flyreels if you want to add a reversing camera dont get the VMS. PM me and i will share a few emails i have had with the fine folk at VMS.

I agree with others,grab a ipad. Just be aware programs like memory map wont give you WGS 84

Sketer

15th November 2011, 08:08 PM

It is a HEMA Navigator 5". At least that is what's on the box. I bought it as a new model about April/May 2010.

Cheers
Sketer

scottygc

16th November 2011, 10:38 AM

i have had two hemas

first one a hema 5 was good but was stolen out of my car

it was replaced with the insurance mob with the new hema5i

new one has a much better street program

ive used the off road map a few times on fraser and it works well

you can make tracks and save them

set way points and travel too them
but im sure im not useing it to its full protential

i purchased mine from the map shop at harbour twon gold coast and the guy that owns the shop was fantastic

he gave me a two hour lesson and ive been back a couple of times with questions
he also helped my over the phone once

i dont know much about the vms one

cheers

BMKal

20th November 2011, 12:54 PM

Thanks Scotty. I have the Hema maps on my laptop and have been thinking of buying the Hema Navigator. Have been dealing with the bloke at the map shop in the centre of Perth who has also offered training etc. (I'll need it as I haven't got a clue how to use one of these gadgets). Good to hear your feedback on similar to what I'm looking at. :D

discotwinturbo

21st November 2011, 10:39 PM

The hema also has a review camera option. Screen is rubbish in bright light.....have made a surround for mine to improve it greatly. Map detail seems to be much better than vms.

But I was thinking of putting the vms app on my iPad. Have heard a few negatives on the vms around the map detail, so asked vms if they would give a money back guarantee.....they won't. That convinced me to stick with the hema as I was not prepared to pay for it, if it did not work out any better than the hema detail.

flyreels

21st November 2011, 10:42 PM

discotwinturbo

21st November 2011, 11:20 PM

Hi thanks for your reply, what hema model do you have?
I haven't seen the screen but if it is bad in bright light it wont be any good for me.
Thanks Peter

I have the first one. Second one (hn5i) is supposed to be better.

No light on the screen and all good.....if there is light you wont see anything. Even playing around with contrast does not help greatly.

scottygc

22nd November 2011, 07:42 AM

not sure but i would think most if not all gps units will have an issue with sunlight on the screen

mine is on the bottom right hand side of the windscreen and i rarely have issues

i think you can buy a little sun visor for the hema

or make one out of carboard

the new on road maps are great

it displays the speed limit for the road and turns red if you are going over the limit

the more i use it the more i find

scotty

LowRanger

22nd November 2011, 09:21 AM

I also have a HN5i and when I was looking at options,I compared the VMS and the Hema side by side at the Recreation and camping show.The Hema maps I find are easier to read,and while I think the detail is the same,the way it is displayed seems better on the Hema,especially when using Memory Map.
And I really like the Igo8 maps for road use,I also have a Garmin and find the IGo8 maps so much better and easier to read.Sun Glare will be a problem with anything you buy,if you used an iPad it would be 10 times worse.
But if I was starting out again,I would buy a normal GPS with iGo8 for road use and use an iPad to run Memory Map and download some 25k maps for more detail and enjoy the larger screen.

Wayne

Rimmer

22nd November 2011, 06:59 PM

But if I was starting out again,I would buy a normal GPS with iGo8 for road use and use an iPad to run Memory Map and download some 25k maps for more detail and enjoy the larger screen.

Wayne

Complete novice and would like to start utilising some of this tec. Would such a setup suit beginner through to advance abilities/needs?
Thanks, Tod.

LowRanger

22nd November 2011, 10:53 PM

Complete novice and would like to start utilising some of this tec. Would such a setup suit beginner through to advance abilities/needs?
Thanks, Tod.

I would think so.I find Memory Map the easiest to use,much simpler than Ozi Explorer,cost is the main factor with Memory Map,but it is user friendly,and that over rides the cost factor for me.

Wayne

Gazz

25th November 2011, 05:21 PM

LowRanger

25th November 2011, 07:03 PM

Wayne
What is IGO8 ? I've never heard of it
Gazz

Gazz

IGo8 is the latest version of IGo street mapping software,used as an alternative to Garmin,Tom Tom etc.I find it very easy to use,and easy to read,and it is fitted to the latest Hema HN5i and available for some of the cheaper Chinese GPS units that people are using.

Wayne

Gazz

25th November 2011, 08:41 PM

Gazz

IGo8 is the latest version of IGo street mapping software,used as an alternative to Garmin,Tom Tom etc.I find it very easy to use,and easy to read,and it is fitted to the latest Hema HN5i and available for some of the cheaper Chinese GPS units that people are using.

Wayne
Thanks Wayne

Pilbara130

1st December 2011, 07:40 PM

I am also looking at both units. I am thinking the Hema due to the size. Whats the thoughts on the VMS being so big , owning a Defender the VMS is about the same size as the front window:p

Pilbara130

2nd December 2011, 05:40 PM

I am also looking at both units. I am thinking the Hema due to the size. Whats the thoughts on the VMS being so big , owning a Defender the VMS is about the same size as the front window:p

Just bought the VMS unit for $550 through 4WD action wow what a deal.

Grumpy

2nd December 2011, 07:59 PM

I am also looking at both units. I am thinking the Hema due to the size. Whats the thoughts on the VMS being so big , owning a Defender the VMS is about the same size as the front window:p

Bigger is better. :D seriously. VMS make two sizes. 7" and 5". At least they did. You could contact them at info@vms4x4.com (info@vms4x4.com)
The 7" is the way to go. Easier to read and also gives you a larger map area. It is also easier to operate. No 2 son has the 7" and is very happy with it.

Why don't you make a bracket that comes off the lower part of your dash.

I have a VMS 500 and couldn't be happier.That is until I dropped it and the screen got damaged on a rock. :angel:. Have got it going again - just have to be caerful how you push the menu in one spot.

Tony :wheelchair:

33chinacars

2nd December 2011, 11:47 PM

Having just looked at VMS website it would appear as if they only make 700HD now . 5" & 6" discontinued.

Pilbara130 where did you get your's for $550

Gary

Pilbara130

3rd December 2011, 08:20 AM

Having just looked at VMS website it would appear as if they only make 700HD now . 5" & 6" discontinued.

Pilbara130 where did you get your's for $550

Gary

Hi Gary,

4WD action are selling them as a promo deal for $550 in there Christmas catalog.
If its not on there web site pm me your email address and ill send you the link.
I have been looking every where for the best deal and the best i could get it down to was $680 so i was super stoked when i recieved there Christmas email.

Dan

scarry

12th April 2012, 08:07 PM

Thinking of getting a hema 5i,just wondering what they are like,as they have been out a while now.Any pros or cons would be good.

Thanks in advance.

scarry

14th April 2012, 06:51 AM

No takers?

OffTrack

14th April 2012, 09:00 AM

No takers?

I can't comment directly on the Hn5i but it is a very neatly packaged interface to OziExplorer CE (4wd) , Memory Map (topo) and iGo (turn by turn).

These are probably the three best apps for gps navigation available at present and should give you pretty decent coverage.

I'd note that Memory Map currently uses the 2012 Hema mapping, whereas the latest you can purchase for OziExplorer are 2011 versions. Not a big deal I guess but as the maps are being regularly updated it would be nice to be able to get hold of them.

The other side of the coin is that Memory Map topo products aren't really the most up-to-date. The ones I have are VicTopo 1:25K and this product is based on a 2009 release, with the actual mapping being older than this. I've found many instances of marked tracks being closed, or totally overgrown to the point there is only the faintest trace of their previous existence.

I was just looking at the route of a trip I recently did up to Wyperfeld NP, and noticed that a popular track is completely missing from Memory Map's VicTopo 1:25K mapping.

45812

In contrast the larger scale Spatial Vision VicMap 1:100K imagery which is in OziEx format shows the track very clearly.

45811

I've basically given up on using the MM VicTopo, and just use the SV VicMap DVD.

I suppose my point is that none of the available software does it all, and each app has limitation and advantages. The Hema Navigator has the advantage of giving you the ability to switch between MM and OziCE, so you should be able to select the best mapping for the circumstances.

Ultimately GPS navigation is about the mapping, and that is what should inform your decision.

cheers
Paul

scarry

14th April 2012, 11:47 AM

Found out the hemma 6 will be out shortly,may not actually replace the 5i,but will have other features

tonic

14th April 2012, 02:03 PM

Away from home at present so do not have my research with me but I am looking at the Polaris system, it is a single din unit that replaces the deefa radio and has radio and ipod as well as navigation. Can't be sure if hema or vms maps for bush. It also has street maping and reverse camera options. Sorry can't be more help with this where I am.

Benz

14th April 2012, 02:47 PM

Found out the hemma 6 will be out shortly,may not actually replace the 5i,but will have other features

really? i just bought a HN5i... oh well... i'm happy with it :D

Disco4owner

15th April 2012, 06:35 AM

Hi, which do you think is the best and why.
I would like to buy a gps and I am after some feedback.
What are the screens like in bright daylight are they bright enough?
Thanks Peter

My Dad has bought several units for himself and friends from China on Ebay. He only pays about $100 for them. They are based on windows CE platform, so he can add Oziexplorer and a multitude of raster maps. He swears by them as they come with free upgrades for their street navigation as well. He told me that they run Whereis Street navigation. He is going to buy another one for himself so he can have one on Ozi and one on Whereis at the same time

33chinacars

15th April 2012, 11:52 AM

tonic

16th April 2012, 11:25 AM

Other threads on here have warned that Polaris is not worth the money. I was tossing up between VMS & Hema. Went for VMS mainly because of its larger ( 7" )size. I'm not a 100% happy but it does what I want. Doesn't like sunlight on screen. Street mapping could be better. Old Garmin was better. I mainly use it on CFA maps very good. Have tried off road maps yet.

Gary

Thanks for that. I found the other posts and have now a complete change of heart. It was even suggested that you can buy similar from China at 1/4 of the price. I looked them up they look great.

hans

17th April 2012, 02:31 PM

for your info hema have brought out a hema navigator 6

gruntfuttock

18th April 2012, 07:26 AM

Please correct me ifam wrong, but hema, on their road based maps, use NAVTEQ maps where as most others use whereis. I have used both systems of maps and found that the whereis maps not so good. There are many roads around the district that have been down many years (some over 100) and the whereis maps don't have them named it just marks them as "road". I have sent them numerous emails information on inccorect map detail, missing streets etc and I have never ever had a return call or a return email and the problems are still there after 3 years!! The street I live on was put down in 2005 and it was only in 2012 after I sent ariel photos and a abusive letter to them that they put it on the map buyt never ever entered into anny form of correspondance with me. Navteq had it on their maps in 2006 and named!
I made a comment to navteq via email once on a point with their maps and 6 housr later I had a bloke ring me from America to clarify the point!

Just writing this from my own personal expreinces and not that of "I heard........"

4vez4

28th May 2012, 01:17 PM

My Dad has bought several units for himself and friends from China on Ebay. He only pays about $100 for them. They are based on windows CE platform, so he can add Oziexplorer and a multitude of raster maps. He swears by them as they come with free upgrades for their street navigation as well. He told me that they run Whereis Street navigation. He is going to buy another one for himself so he can have one on Ozi and one on Whereis at the same time

Hi Disco4owner, Thanks for the info on what your dad has done. I am looking at some of the Chinese versions and from what I see I just can't justify the price of a Hema of VPS as they are slightly limited. I am also looking for some with external camera jacks. Does your dad know if Hema maps work on the Chinese versions. I guess this is where it all becomes a little confusing.:eek:

Saitch

24th June 2012, 01:51 PM

Curse this thread:mad:. My dear wife just said to me about an hour ago that we should upgrade our GPS as our trusty old Magellan Meridian Gold is showing it's age. (I'll still be keeping it in the vehicle though) And now you blokes have got me wondering what to go for as I was thinking of the Hema:confused: Sooooo many decisions. Pardon my ignorance but what software goes on a tablet & would you get "real time" with Google Earth?

OffTrack

24th June 2012, 03:20 PM

The Hema's are essentially a Windows CE Navigation device with customised user interface.

What you get is OziExplorerCE (http://www.oziexplorer3.com/ozice/oziexplorerce1.html) with a Hema customised skin + Hema mapping, and iGo Primo with Navteq mapping.

If you really wanted to build something similar there are reasonable 6" units on flea bay. I bought one of these (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/6-HD-CAR-GPS-128-RAM-AV-IN-FM-4GB-2011-MAPS-/220799152590?pt=AU_Electronics_GPS&hash=item3368a7b1ce#ht_6991wt_982) last year and wasted a huge amount of time customising the skin to make it functionally similar to the HN5i with launch buttons for iGo 8, Memory-Map and OziExplorer. I've also spent a considerable amount of time messing around with the skin for OziExplorer to make it more easily usable without resorting to using a stylus. None of this is necessary with the Hema Navigator.

Another downside of the DIY chinese gps route is that you have no choice but to use "liberated" copies of turn by turn software and mapping, which invariably means checking forums in the hope someone will post the latest update of the maps. At this point in mid-2012 the latest iGo 8 maps I can find are Q3 2011, and there is no way to obtain them through legitimate channels.

I reckon that to roughly replicate the Navigator you would be looking at:

WinCE based chinese GPS: $140
OziExplorerCE License: $40
Hema 4WD Maps DVD: $160

So for $340 you can put together something similar to a HN6i. It's cheap, but on the other hand it is cheap. The windscreen mount that comes with the Chinese GPS is rubbish - get direct sun on the screen and it pops off, go over a decent bump and it pops off. The battery is pretty much cactus after 6 months. Add in the lack of turn by turn updates. And to top it off it requires messing around to pull all the pieces together to get a useful navigation unit, and the result is still butt ugly.

The HN6i costs $745, and on balance I'd say the $400 premium for the HN6i is well worth paying.

cheers
Paul

TD50WA

29th August 2012, 09:43 AM

I use sygic on my iPhone for street gps, it beats tomtom and others hands down...and it regularly updates via iTunes.

I see hema now has an app for iPad, 179 bucks, comes with maps etc. As someone else said, iPad enables you to have music, books tech manuals movies games etc.

Only down side is your own already purchased maps can't be used, I don't know if they can be converted to the usable format via some method though?

There are plenty of very good mounting systems for an iPad for your car available too.

As far as a reversing camera, I have seen rear view mirrors with screens in them, haven't looked into it yet though.

I am currently using a hema5 and it is very good for offroad, on road is rubbish though, pity. I am considering the iPad hema because I like the large and iPad user easy screen to do stuff. The 5" hema is just a bit small.

Anyone using the iPad hema yet? Any feedback?

Cheers
Kev

33chinacars

29th August 2012, 11:08 AM

I've got the VMS 700HD which I'm happy with. But then I dont know much. :angel:Went for it because of 7" screen.
Also Hema now have a 6" unit. Take your pick. Or cheap E-bay item/ I-pad

Gary

33chinacars

29th August 2012, 11:32 AM

Doulbe post
Gary

D9Oh..

30th August 2012, 03:31 PM

Hi BigKev,

I have started using the Hema app on a Wi-Fi iPad, works just great, location accuracy via the inbuilt GPS chip was fine all over SW of WA, maps that come with the app include the Hema 1:250000 and a bunch of more focussed maps like SW wine regions, great desert tracks. Accuracy good, detail on maps good, easy to use. Will be going North of Perth this weekend to the Julimar State Forrest to see how it works out there.

I'm happy.

OffTrack

30th August 2012, 03:54 PM

The Wifi only iPad doesn't have a GPS chip. GPS functionality is part of the 3G chipset.
http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/

It should be interesting to see if the much hyped sub-8" iPad mini actually eventuates in October. If it does it should be perfect for GPS tasks.

http://osxdaily.com/2012/08/25/ipad-mini-release-date-october/

The speculative $299US ($100 less than the base iPad2 listed on the US Apple store) would suggest a possible base price of around $330-350AU given the iPad 2 starts at $429AU.

ATH

4th November 2012, 06:30 PM

We've just been given a HN5i by our daughter probably hoping we'll take even longer trips using it.
Haven't had the opportunity of using the Off Road or Topo maps yet but the street maps look good BUT....... the voice directions and screen directions are complete crap.
For instance, travelling south on the Mitchell Freeway we tap in an address in Balcatta and the damn thing takes us past the normal nearest turn off to the next about 3 kay further south, then a right turn over the freeway then another right turn back on so we're then heading north!!!
It then takes us left off the freeway and states we 've arrived at our destination across the road from where the actual road we want to be really is.
We had yet another try today heading to the far flung northern suburbs and if we'd followed the voice we'd have ended up in Freo or some other crap joint.:o
I've tried updating the maps but on line it says no updates available, yet when I first turn it on it says our maps appear to be out of date!!!
Hang on this thing is brand new so why hasn't it got the latest versions already on it?
Back to the retailer it goes tomorrow.
AlanH.

gavinwibrow

4th November 2012, 06:46 PM

QUOTE - we'd have ended up in Freo or some other crap joint.:o

Could be considered offensive - lets not start a choice of place to live war

ATH

5th November 2012, 06:40 PM

Sorry Gavin, didn't realise Freo had such sensitive people living there. Like the fish and chips down there though.:D
AlanH.

wowscounty

5th November 2012, 09:41 PM

hema navigator best thing I've bought for traveling aus has every towns business in it navigates you to any of them. went to alicesprings plug in bottle shop take you straight there plug in camping store straight there. has all travel info rest areas camping spots points of interest never feel lost again great product

ATH

24th December 2012, 10:20 AM

I've turned off the voice directions on my H5Ni as it drove me mad with bad pronounciations etc.
Tried it coming back from "down South" and it would have led me all over the place if I hadn't ignored it.
But I rang the Hema support people and had a long chat with them about the set up and it should be good now.
No assistance at all from the retailer who my daughter paid top dollar to for the thing.
I suspect my main problem is going from the Chinese made and dead simple to operate system I had in the Prado over to one which to me appears over complicated. Plus as others have noted on Exploroz, some roads are missing on the off road maps but are on the topo. Also roads are missing on the Igo which have been there for years.
Not sure yet if I trust this thing and may just stick to a map book.
AlanH.

alittlebitconcerned

25th December 2012, 10:48 PM

I've had two Vms units fail (the first and second generation) and found their customer service to be rude and dodgy if you can even get onto them at all. If you were to go with Vms I'd first do a web search on their customer service. Not too many people impressed. Two seperate dealers told me they dropped them from their line up because of all the returns and too much grief from Vms's customer service.

I now have the HN5i and find it to be pretty flawed with their street navigation. Too many insane routes suggested (ie, takes you waaaay out your way unecessarily) as well as the computer telling me several times that my destination is unreachable when it clearly is. The battery does not hold any meaningful charge.
It's also a coin toss as to what will appear on the screen when you turn it on. Sometimes it shows the route on the map where you left off (which is good) sometimes it shows the start up screen (not good, slow to reboot) and sometimes it shows the screen you get when power is turned of (weird and annoying) and sometimes it will show one of these and then jump to another!

Having said that I think the offroad mapping and program to be really good and is intuitive to use. The screen is excellant for a reverse camera, as I suspect the new VMS's would be too. The POI's are great. The look and user interface is really good. My issues with the unit arent resolved yet but having spoke twice to customer service they are keen to help and are very polite and easy to get in contact with. Light years ahead of Vms in that regard.

If the ipad mini had gps I'd recommend that, but it doesnt so... dunno really.