Ipad navigation

[discobaz4311]

hey guys have a couple of questions to ask in regards to using an ipad for navigation whilst doing a cape trip later this year. Firstly, for those who have done it before what windscreen mount did you use? i assume that corrugations and 4wding in general would require a fairly heavy duty windscreen mount and the only one i can think of would be a RAM mount system but these are fairly expensive: has any one found a cheaper/online version that would cope with these conditions? Secondly, is the hema navigator app the 'best way' to go in terms of 4WD navigation apps? ive looked for a few others such as 'mud maps' but would like to hear from those who have done it before.

Thanks

Discobaz

[Drover]

Hey Baz,

I use an iPad3 with both HEMA and MudMaps apps loaded.

The iPad has Griffin miilitary spec case on it to prevent dust and water egress.

I use a RAM mount, on a flexi pole, foot mount - bolted to seat mount (no drilling ) I also fabricated a support mount from swivel ball to the grab handle on the dash for added support and to reduce vibration on corrugated roads.

The iPad RAM mount won't fit with the Griffin case so I use a small laptop cradle. It is all very neat and compact.

I used it last August on a trip to the Cape. Both MudMaps and HEMA worked with out a hitch and both had all the detail and accuracy you need. With that said I found that I used the HEMA app 85% of the time.

Remember it is only 3G version that have a GPS unit fitted.

Hope it helps
cheers

[stallie]

Did a Melbourne to Kimberley trip last winter and just took an ipad and iPhone. Was going to use the ipad on a mount but never got around to doing it.

In practise I found that the iPhone with hema maps on a $10 mount from jay car was ideal for when in motion. The ipad was only really needed at stops or the night before.

I have a disco2 and hooked up an add-a-fuse to a cig lighter charger tucked under the dash, then ran 2 charge cables poing out the back of the instrument cluster. the one on the right for the phone, and the one on the left for the ipad which sat on the dash to charge. Nice and neat.

[DiscoDevil]

I took an iPad and Internet wifi for the net.

Otherwise I made do with oziexplorer on a cheap Telstra android phone, the GPS works with no reception.

Official OziExplorer Web Site - GPS Mapping Software for Tracking and Navigation. Supports Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance and GPS (http://www.oziexplorer.com/)

Bought the 1:100000k maps and hema. Also the hema 4wd hard copies.

I found everyone would goto hema places, but with the maps from 1979, you cuold find some wicked spots,where no one had been for yonks. The tracks are still there.

Just my 2 cents.

[HowardSmall]

I have the wifi version and bought a Dual XGPS150 for it. The price seemed high but I must admit the quality and accessories made me feel more comfortable. Certainly recommend it and it is one of the few GPS that will work with the iPad. Has a switch for iPad/normal mode.

Howard




Remember it is only 3G version that have a GPS unit fitted.

[tonymid]

Hi DiscoBaz, I'm running an original iPad 1 Wi-Fi model in my Defender using Mud Map software which is terrific. Most GPS's used in a Defender are problematic because they have such a lousy view of the sky. The small, nearly vertical windscreen makes reliable satellite reception difficult. So, I wanted to have an external antenna for my GPS. What I have come up with was a bit fiddly to set up but now works reliably. I am using an old HP bluetooth mouse GPS but any bluetooth GPS from ebay will be fine. The HP units have the ability to have an external antenna so I bought a cheapie off ebay and have the antenna mounted on the plastic blank panel on the right front guard. Satellite reception is excellent with the antenna there. The actual GPS just sits in one of the storage pockets under the speedo of the defender. Next problem was to get the iPAd to talk to the gps. Of course Apple only like you to use "approved" bluetooth devices with their gear and the HP bluetooth mouse is not one of the approved devices. (as far as I can see the XGPS150 can't use an external antenna). To get round this I run a little application called BT Stack. In order to run this you need to jailbreak your iPad. (this is the fiddly bit). There is heaps of information on the web about jailbreaking using a program called redsnow, then loading the BT stack app from the Cydia store which is a bit like the apple store, just not approved by Apple! My iPad does everything it always did before jailbreaking it, but now has this excellent navigation capability using a bluetooth gps and external antenna. I use Mud Map software when off road and Metro View when in the suburbs. Both work really well. Give me a shout if you would like more details. Tony.

[Rohan]

Anyone running android nav? I've got a Samsung galaxy tab 2 & I'm looking to grab a mapping app.
It seems like hema or mud maps?
Any other suggestions appreciated.

[technophile]

Hey Baz,

I use an iPad3 with both HEMA and MudMaps apps loaded.

The iPad has Griffin miilitary spec case on it to prevent dust and water egress.

I use a RAM mount, on a flexi pole, foot mount - bolted to seat mount (no drilling ) I also fabricated a support mount from swivel ball to the grab handle on the dash for added support and to reduce vibration on corrugated roads.

The iPad RAM mount won't fit with the Griffin case so I use a small laptop cradle. It is all very neat and compact.

I used it last August on a trip to the Cape. Both MudMaps and HEMA worked with out a hitch and both had all the detail and accuracy you need. With that said I found that I used the HEMA app 85% of the time.

Remember it is only 3G version that have a GPS unit fitted.

Hope it helps
cheers

Hey Drover,

Do you have a picture of this set-up, it sounds like exactly want i would like to do in my TD5.

Cheers

[technophile]

I have the wifi version and bought a Dual XGPS150 for it. The price seemed high but I must admit the quality and accessories made me feel more comfortable. Certainly recommend it and it is one of the few GPS that will work with the iPad. Has a switch for iPad/normal mode.

Howard

I also have the XGPS150, it is great, and as mentioned, has a apple and a normal mode. I use it with my Ipad and my android phone. It saves having to hold my phone in clear view of the sky.

[Kevin B]

Anyone running android nav? I've got a Samsung galaxy tab 2 & I'm looking to grab a mapping app.
It seems like hema or mud maps?
Any other suggestions appreciated.

I use a galaxy tab 2 with ozi, hema and outback navigator, theres a few tips with andriod on how to get these apps for free but overall I use memorymaps to plot my route and then import the GPX file into outback navigator, works a treat

[Bush65]

Anyone running android nav? I've got a Samsung galaxy tab 2 & I'm looking to grab a mapping app.
It seems like hema or mud maps?
Any other suggestions appreciated.
In the past I have used a laptop with Oziexplorer for many trips and like Oziexplorer, but am now considering replacing the laptop with an android tablet.

For me, the main reason for looking at android tablets is because there is an Oziexplorer version for android (http://www.oziexplorer3.com/android/oziexplorer_android.html)

[LoveB]

Where can I download the ozi,hema and outback navigator for android???

[Kevin B]

Where can I download the ozi,hema and outback navigator for android???

Search your apps store

[Bush65]

Where can I download the ozi,hema and outback navigator for android???
It's on the link I posted one before yours.

[Naviguesser]

No matter what device you use, never throw the maps away.
They are still great for planning where you are going next. The device just confirms where you are.

[frostyblue]

I use ozi on my samsung tablet 10.1 and mounted on a ram flexi mount, works very but im hoping that mudmap will bring out version for android

Cheers

Ken

[Discomark]

I see that DSE have 20% off Itunes cards at the moment so I might pick up a Navigation app for the Ipad. Question is which one, Mudmaps or Hema?
Sounds like Hema is the preffered one from others comments below so I might go for that one to start.

Edit. Just did a bit more digging and found the Mud Maps 2 (pun intended) has just been released and allows you to import Hema, Ozi etc so perhaps thats the way to go as I already have the Hema maps on the PC.

http://www.mud-maps.com/au/apps/mudmap2/4wd-offroad-gps/
Cheers
Mark

[austastar]

Hi,
I was very impressed with memory maps on a friends ipad. I use MMaps on a laptop, along with Ozi and Base camp.

I have OziCE on a small PDA, and also use a standard Garmin Navigator for turn by turn when I need it.

However getting back to the ipad, which I knew very little about. I intend getting one, but will go without the GPS and 3G.

I already run a Bigpond Wireless Home Gateway (http://www.smh.com.au/news/digital-life/laptops/reviews/review-bigpond-72-home-gateway/2008/09/20/1221331268474.html)straight on 12V, so I will use the ipad's wifi to talk to that.

The GPS made by Bad Elf (http://bad-elf.com/products/be-gps-2200/) is designed to talk to the ipad with bluetooth, will run from 12V and doesn't have to be in the in the cab.
I intend leaving it in the camper where it can receive the satellites' signal through the fiberglass.

cheers

[OffTrack]

The Hema app is basically a branded version of Memory Map bundled with the Hema mapping. The advantage of buying the Hema app seems to be that the Hema maps are updated on a fairly regular basis and the whole package is slightly cheaper. The last time the Hema mapping was updated via the Memory Map store was in December 2011.

On the other hand if you can live with major map updates every couple of years and don't need the entire Hema portfolio you can buy Memory Map and pick up the Hema maps by region (Region 1 - Eastern Australia, Region 2 - Western Australia, Region 3 - Northern Australia, Region 4 - Great Desert Tracks) from the memory map store for $40US per region for 2x mobile devices.

cheers
Paul

[OffTrack]

Edit. Just did a bit more digging and found the Mud Maps 2 (pun intended) has just been released and allows you to import Hema, Ozi etc so perhaps thats the way to go as I already have the Hema maps on the PC.

Mud Map 2 - The ultimate 4WD GPS Navigation app for iPhone and iPad (http://www.mud-maps.com/au/apps/mudmap2/4wd-offroad-gps/)
Cheers
Mark

It doesn't allow you to import Ozi format maps directly into the app. They have released a beta version of a Windows application that allows you to convert some Ozi format maps to Mud Map format.

Download Map Converter / Map Converter / Knowledge Base - Mud Map Support (http://kb.mud-maps.com/help/kb/map-converter/download-map-converter)

[Steve223]

hey guys have a couple of questions to ask in regards to using an ipad for navigation whilst doing a cape trip later this year. Firstly, for those who have done it before what windscreen mount did you use? i assume that corrugations and 4wding in general would require a fairly heavy duty windscreen mount and the only one i can think of would be a RAM mount system but these are fairly expensive: has any one found a cheaper/online version that would cope with these conditions? Secondly, is the hema navigator app the 'best way' to go in terms of 4WD navigation apps? ive looked for a few others such as 'mud maps' but would like to hear from those who have done it before.

Thanks

Discobaz

I would go with Hema or Memory Map I find Mud Map utterly useless and use Hema 99% of the time.

It is worth while buying he 25k topo maps for Hema or Memory Maps

I just posted a a separate post about Mud Map 2

[LoveB]

I gotta say, I downloaded memory maps on my phone the other day. not really having planned on using it seriously. I just activated my 10 day trial and downloaded some maps.

and it saved me yesterday. lol well saved me from missing my trip that is. I got late to the meet point for a trip out at brindabella with the land rover club of canberra. I had an outline of what we were gonna do for the day and I based it off there stopping at intervals to look at the memory maps app. Was able to find my way all the way up mt coree with just my phone. lol and to think I've never been to the brindabellas either. I think I'll be buying memory maps for now whilst I save for a hema or something

[mikehzz]

I have the Hema maps for Memory map and really like them. I don't bother with the ipad for gps anymore, I just use the Galaxy phone. The screen is big enough and there are no battery life issues. I've tried half a dozen ipad car chargers and they are poor at best while the gps is running. That leaves nothing for entertainment at camp of a night. Mounting an ipad is also a pain, I've tried a few but don't like the space they take. I have oziexplorer on the Galaxy as well but never use it. The interface is clunky compared to Memory Map.

[LoveB]

Which hema maps did you get? I'm using the 25k topo right now.

[mikehzz]

I just bought the whole set from the Memory Map store. I do intend to also get the 25k maps but I'm tossing up. I have them for Ozi but find them a bit unreliable and harder to read with dotted lines going everywhere that often don't match up with what you are driving on.

[Steve223]

I just bought the whole set from the Memory Map store. I do intend to also get the 25k maps but I'm tossing up. I have them for Ozi but find them a bit unreliable and harder to read with dotted lines going everywhere that often don't match up with what you are driving on.

Very happy with LMPA topo 25k NSW found them quite accurate

[TheTree]

Hi

Great thread, thanks for all the info.

I have bought memory maps and will gradually purchase more maps, it looks pretty good.

However I miss a lot of the features my old Garmin streetpilot has, so I am thinking of getting a Garmin 3490LMT as well. The cost of the Garmin will be covered if it's proximity alarms save me from one speeding ticket:wasntme:

Steve

[jx2mad]

I have just started using memory map on my iphone. The problem is that the map is totally past its use by date. How and where can I update this map. Also the data readout is good except it does not show speed. There are figures that flash in this box and they seem accurate but they disappear. Any suggestions? Jim

[BDB]

Did a flinders trip last year Ipad and Hema maps with pretty standard Belkin cover. It was in a disco 3 and it sat really well in the top Glove box lid with a strap around the base of the case.The beauty is that it logs your trip!

I am doing much more in 3 weeks time for a 9 week break, so an industrial strength case with a Ram Mount screwed into the same lid . Great for swivelling if no navigator and still sits back on the dash if there is one. The vacuum mount worked well on a test trip but takes up a fair degree of windscreen for hard 4WD Tyre positioning / clearance etc.

Have also fitted an Inawise Tyre pressure management system as I Have the hard to get 19" rims and this sits infront of the sped binnacle.

[FANTOM P38]

Just an update guys, received a reply from Ozi Explorer today re availability for Mac's as I have recently purchased IPad mini but unfortunately their answer is " We do not know but it is still a long way off" (Bummer:()
was hoping they would have something ready soon, but not to be, so it looks like Memory Map for now! & Ozi on the DVD Player/GPS.
Also found on ebay TPMS system that sends vis Bluetooth to Ipad may even give this a go.
regards, Martin

[Kevin B]

Just an update guys, received a reply from Ozi Explorer today re availability for Mac's as I have recently purchased IPad mini but unfortunately their answer is " We do not know but it is still a long way off" (Bummer:()
was hoping they would have something ready soon, but not to be, so it looks like Memory Map for now! & Ozi on the DVD Player/GPS.
Also found on ebay TPMS system that sends vis Bluetooth to Ipad may even give this a go.
regards, Martin

You could use something like VM ware for MAC with allows you to run Windows based software on Mac based OS.

or you could just do away with Apple and Get Andriod....:wasntme:

[jx2mad]

Just loaded Hema maps on my ipad. Looks good and tracks but the maps don't move to follow the tracking. Jim

[Steve223]

Just loaded Hema maps on my ipad. Looks good and tracks but the maps don't move to follow the tracking. Jim

Use this button

[AnD3rew]

Just loaded Hema maps on my ipad. Looks good and tracks but the maps don't move to follow the tracking. Jim


It can be a odd and I haven't really worked out why sometimes it moves and sometimes it suddeny decides not to for no obvious reason,but using the button indicated above will usually centre it and get it going again but it also changes the scale of the map which can be annoying.

[Steve223]

yes once you start moving the map around it unfortunately stops the auto update quite annoying

[OffTrack]

yes once you start moving the map around it unfortunately stops the auto update quite annoying

If you are manually moving the map you obviously don't want the app to keep the current location centred on the screen, and I doubt you really want it to relocate to the current gps position as soon as your finger loses contact with the touch screen.

On the WINCE version of memory map you have to unlock the screen before you can move off the current gps location, then relock the screen to start tracking again.

OziExplorer on WINCE also locks to the current gps position and won't allow the map to be manually scrolled unless you switch off GPS tracking first. Not sure how the Android version behaves in this regard.

The iOS method of allowing you move the map without unlocking first is a bit more user friendly, imo, and the need to re-enable tracking is a relatively minor hassle.

cheers
Paul

[Steve223]

If you are manually moving the map you obviously don't want the app to keep the current location centred on the screen, and I doubt you really want it to relocate to the current gps position as soon as your finger loses contact with the touch screen.

On the WINCE version of memory map you have to unlock the screen before you can move off the current gps location, then relock the screen to start tracking again.

OziExplorer on WINCE also locks to the current gps position and won't allow the map to be manually scrolled unless you switch off GPS tracking first. Not sure how the Android version behaves in this regard.

The iOS method of allowing you move the map without unlocking first is a bit more user friendly, imo, and the need to re-enable tracking is a relatively minor hassle.

cheers
Paul

I actually would prefer to have the option to keep the location or better return to it when just looking ahead quickly but also not big hassle as it is once you are used to it

[Westie]

Just an update guys, received a reply from Ozi Explorer today re availability for Mac's as I have recently purchased IPad mini but unfortunately their answer is " We do not know but it is still a long way off" (Bummer:()
was hoping they would have something ready soon, but not to be, so it looks like Memory Map for now! & Ozi on the DVD Player/GPS.
Also found on ebay TPMS system that sends vis Bluetooth to Ipad may even give this a go.
regards, Martin

I use MacGPS Pro on my Mac and have used RouteConverterMac64 (a free download) to convert Ozi Explorer waypoint & route data for use on both the Mac and the Hema app on an iPad (uploaded through ITunes).

Hema likes *.gpx files.

[Danjeffery]

Has any one found a mount that will fit an iPad in a case?
Just got an iPad for my bday and need to mount it so I can see it... Read somewhere that most mount systems won't fit a case as well

[Homestar]

I have a $10 ipad mount from the reject shop which fits my ipad and case no problems.:D

Yeah, I know what you're thinking, but it has survived a trip through Danggali Conservation Park and the speed bumps up the road where I live. I have it mounted so the ipad actually rests on the dash, so there is little strain on the suction cup and arm. I bought it thinking I may get one trip out of it, but have used it a fair bit since...

I keep promising myself I'll buy a decent one when this breaks, but it hasn't happened yet.:)

[LowRanger]

Has any one found a mount that will fit an iPad in a case?
Just got an iPad for my bday and need to mount it so I can see it... Read somewhere that most mount systems won't fit a case as well
This is what I have,my ipad is mounted in a Griffin H/D case and fits fine.You can get the same mount with a suction cup if this suits your needs.I found that the ipad was too heavy on rough roads to hold with a single suction cup
RAM Heavy Duty Flat Surface Mount Holder FOR Apple Ipad 1 2 3 10" Tablets | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130964199195)

[Danjeffery]

I'll check that out thanks!
Don't want to mount it on the screen, it'll take up too much viewing space... I have made a stainless 2nd centre console so can make something up to mount it from that

[Danjeffery]

Got mine mounted this arvo, sorry for the dark pictures... Will test it out Saturday and see how it goes off road

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/08/881.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/08/882.jpg

[FANTOM P38]

[QUOTE=Kevin B;1941953]You could use something like VM ware for MAC with allows you to run Windows based software on Mac based OS.

or you could just do away with Apple and Get Andriod....:wasntme:[/QUOTE
Hi Kevin,
Well thats exactly what I ended up doing! Gave up on Mac and changed to Android - much more user friendly and more stuff available & that can be loaded on.

[D j Hutton]

I got a mount from arkon - mounts on the seat rail and has a flexy stalk. The actual mount is spring adjustable and will hold both a samsung galaxy tab 2 -7" or an ipad -both with otterbox cases.

Bought online in the UK but looks like its available on eBay/au. Very similar to the ram system without the price tag, plus a decent multipurpose holder which I couldn't find similar in the ram range.

Using memory map here on ipad, iPhone and just trying it out on the android app, they are all quite different apps, so far I like the android one better as you can have two 'screens' showing - map and info screen which is handy. The mobile apps don't cost anything here which is nice, the maps are pricey considering how much area there is in uk compared to Aus!

Dj

[Reads90]

Although I dislike the early D1 dash. It has its advantage. I have a window mount for my iPad and with the D1 dash this means it sits on the top of the dash but still low down. This means the dash supports the weight of the iPad and the window suction keeps it up right and stops it moving.

Anyone that was with me yesterday will see how I drive and how the Disco was jumping around a fair bit on so of those hill climbs. But the iPad stayed firmerly in place and did not move.

Ali