Google Nexus 7 as a GPS unit

[OffTrack]

After a brief and generally unhappy encounter with a cheap android based chinese GPS navigation unit, I've picked up a 32gb Nexus 7 wifi tablet to use as a GPS and after a bit of tweaking today I'm pretty happy with the results.

I gave the Nexus a run as stock for about 4-5 days and found the clutter of the preloaded apps a bit annoying. The other bugbear was the sheer stupidity of the Android toolbar taking up valuable screen space when all I wanted to do was run a moving map display. :angel:

WHen I came across this article (http://www.pocketables.com/2013/07/how-to-enable-pie-controls-on-cyanogenmod-for-more-screen-real-estate.html)this morning describing the extended display and PIE controls I knew what had to be done.

I'd updated to the newly released Android 4.3 which slightly complicated matters. I tried following one "super easy" unlock how-to but didn't have much luck - possibly due to running XP under a virtual machine on Mac. What did work was the instructions found on this website: How To Root Nexus 7 Android 4.3 - AndroidTeen (http://androidteen.com/how-to-root-nexus-7-android-4-3/)

From that point it was just a matter of following the somewhat out of date instructions at: How To Install CyanogenMod Android for Google Nexus 7 (Wi-Fi, 2012 version) ("grouper") (http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Install_CM_for_grouper)

The links to software are not to the most recent versions so, you need to check that you are getting the most up-to date releases. These instructions only apply to the Gen 1 Nexus 7 not the newly released version.

I've now got OziExplorer and Sygic loaded and up both are significantly improved by the removal of tool bar and status bar.

In the end it's involved a bit of mucking around but the pared back install plus the benefits of the extended screen and PIE controls have been well worth the time spent.

To give you an idea of what a difference the Extended Display mode makes I took screenshots toggling between the two modes in Ozi:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=63877&stc=1&d=1375788303

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=63878&stc=1&d=1375788331

cheers
Paul

[TeamFA]

I reckon you can't go past an Android tablet/phablet for in-car navigation these days. I'm running an n7000 (Galaxy Note 1), with JellyBeer (CM10.1-based) ROM. Sygic and Androzic do my navigation stuff. Music run through to the stereo head unit, of course.

Oh... and you can also use it as a phone!

[cjc_td5]

I run a Nexus 7 in the boat using Navionics and in the car using MemoryMap. Very happy with the unit.

Now have a bit of music on it as well, so can run it through the head unit and save having to carry any CDs in the car as well.

Offtrack, I run my unit in a Portrait orientation so have less of an issue with the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.

[FANTOM P38]

I recently bought an ASUS Transformer Pad ( combination notepad/tablet )
can remove screen which behaves exactly as tablet or dock to keyboard & is a notepad. Gives me around 12 hrs battery life has 3G Wifi SD Card & USB HDMI slots so can expand storage even further if required.
32GB high resolution screen & GPS.
Looking to load up Ozi Explorer for offroad maps already have Memory Map on Iphone so will set this up also.
Does anyone recomend any other mapping for android use that I should consider?
Also loading up all my help files Rave etc!
Will let you know how all this progresses. or any issues that arise.

[Ferret]

Now have a bit of music on it as well, so can run it through the head unit and save having to carry any CDs in the car as well.

How are you running music through the head unit? A wired connection or some other way.

[TeamFA]

How are you running music through the head unit? A wired connection or some other way.

I can do mine either via a short analogue 3.5mm audio cable, into the audio-in jack in the front of the head unit (most have 'em, these days), or via Bluetooth (head unit came with a dongle that plugs into one of the two USB ports).

[OffTrack]

I run a Nexus 7 in the boat using Navionics and in the car using MemoryMap. Very happy with the unit.

Now have a bit of music on it as well, so can run it through the head unit and save having to carry any CDs in the car as well.

Offtrack, I run my unit in a Portrait orientation so have less of an issue with the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.

I'm using a windscreen mount and run in landscape to minimise the degree which the unit obscures forward vision. It also works well with Ozi as the default screen layouts appear to be designed for landscape orientation.

cheers
Paul

[OffTrack]

I can do mine either via a short analogue 3.5mm audio cable, into the audio-in jack in the front of the head unit (most have 'em, these days), or via Bluetooth (head unit came with a dongle that plugs into one of the two USB ports).

The Nexus 7 has built in bluetooth.

[TeamFA]

The Nexus 7 has built in bluetooth.

Sorry, I meant the head unit came with a dongle, not the n7000. n7000 has it built-in as well. Many head units come with BT built-in these days as well.

[cjc_td5]

I'm using a windscreen mount and run in landscape to minimise the degree which the unit obscures forward vision. It also works well with Ozi as the default screen layouts appear to be designed for landscape orientation.

cheers
Paul

Hi Paul.
Here is my Nexus mounting configuration. It falls really easy to the fingertips and is nicely near the line of vision without being intrusive.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=63966&stc=1&d=1376013608

I used an ARKON floor style mounting bracket, attached to the dash top. The mounting arm itself is OK, but there is some movement at the rear of the "head unit", which I have temporarily "fixed" with a couple of rubber bands. It was excellent on some rough roads recently.

Cheers,

[OffTrack]

One thing that I'm finding massively annoying is that the Nexus 7 doesn't seem to be capable of charging the battery while the GPS is active. I have a 2.1amp adapter in the car which should be providing sufficient power, but the charge level doesn't alter. If I shut down the GPS app it will charge of the adapter.

It's a bit of PITA in the having to remember to shutdown the Nexus every time you turn the ignition off.

cheers
Paul

[inside]

Try this thread for some ideas The Only Car Charger You Need for the Nexus 7 - xda-developers (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php't=1959543)

[OffTrack]

It's probably about time I wired up the 5amp DC-DC module I've had kicking around for the past 12months and be done with it. :angel:

[~Rich~]

I bought a dual USB car charger from Jaycar for mine.
3.1 amp one, charges the Nexus whilst using TwoNav ok. $14.95
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MP3664
They also have a 4.2 amp one if you want more.
$19.95 ea.
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MP3666

[~Rich~]

With the Nexus 7 you need to install "Screen timeout toggle" as their is no setting to keep the screen active.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chemdroid.screentimeouttoggle
TwoNav is great once you have this installed.

[Michael2]

I just bought a Nexus 7 Gen 2 to use for navigation.

I've loaded OziExplorer and Androzic, but I don't know how to index the maps into the right folders.

I've plugged it into the PC and used the USB to move across a folder of HEMA maps, but neither program is able to find them.

If I use the PC to explore the Nexus, I can't find the Ozi or Androzic folders. If I'm in the tablet I can "go up a level" in my search for folders and find more folders than the PC can find.

Can anyone help me set this up?

On a less critical note, I'm using NAVFREE for street Navigation. It has a very poor search function, with not all streets named, but it can Google search an address (if you have reception). Any suggestions for a better GPS navigator?

Thanks in advance.

[~Rich~]

You need to install "Land" on your computer:
CompeGPS Land (http://en.compegps.com/products/software/land/#)
There is a trial period before you buy.

Then you can import / open maps, create routes, open trip logs etc.
Also down load the free 3d Australia map.
Then you can open your trip logs and see your routes in 3d ;)
You can also enable this when using the Nexus, pretty cool especially in hilly terrain.

Your Nexus will show up in the program and then you can drag & drop items easily between the two.

BTW get a anti glare screen protector, a must for in the car.
The Nexus doesn't look so pretty with it on but at least it's practical. ( Less fingerprints too! )

[Michael2]

You need to install "Land" on your computer:
CompeGPS Land (http://en.compegps.com/products/software/land/#)
There is a trial period before you buy.



ouch:( over 70 euro for the program.

I just want to know how to load the ozi files.

Thanks for the tip on the anti-glare screen.

[Michael2]

I've sort of figured it out. While I can't see all the folders on the Nexus in the My Computer window when it's plugged into the PC, I can create a folder, move it onto the device and then redirect Androzic and OziExplorer to it. It worked with a sample map, so I'll try to move across 3gb of maps when I next get a chance.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using AULRO mobile app

[~Rich~]

Why not use the trial to upload all the maps you want?

[OffTrack]

Michael2,

Sorry I didn't see the posts in the thread...

Pointing the apps to a common map folder that is accessible from computer is probably the easiest//best way to do it. That is the way I have mine set up and it's fuss free. The only problem I have is that the 2013 Hema maps won't load into Androzic, so I have some maps that load and others that don't.


I've bought Sygic which seems ok - the routing is a bit wayward at times however. I dislike turn by turn for the most part so maybe that contributes to the problem. :angel:

cheers
Paul

[Ferret]

BTW get a anti glare screen protector, a must for in the car.
The Nexus doesn't look so pretty with it on but at least it's practical. ( Less fingerprints too! )

Where do you get the anti glare screens for the Nexus?

[~Rich~]

I bought these off eBay:
3X Matte Anti Glare Screen Protector FOR Google Nexus 7 2nd GEN 2013 Tablet | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/390644057483'ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649)
I found the protectors actually a bit too large and threw away the first one, trimmed the second slightly and it fits well.

Next time I'll try another supplier such as:
3 X Matte Anti Glare Screen Protector FOR Google Nexus 7 2013 2nd Generation | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3-X-Matte-Anti-Glare-Screen-Protector-For-Google-Nexus-7-2013-2nd-Generation-/360736744862?pt=AU_MobilePhoneAccessories&hash=item53fd95e59e)
or
3X Supershieldz HD Clear Screen Protector FOR Google Nexus 7 2013 2nd Generation | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3X-Supershieldz-HD-Clear-Screen-Protector-for-Google-Nexus-7-2013-2nd-Generation-/200952853907?pt=US_Tablet_eReader_Screen_Protector s&hash=item2ec9b93593)

[Michael2]

I also note that the Nexus 7 has to be used in Portrait mode when driving if you have polarising sunglasses, as in Landscape mode the screen looks like it's turned off.

I got all the maps loaded, and Ozi is picking them up fine, but Androzic is crashing every time it tries to initialise the map file path on start up. On my phone it was Ozi that was crashing more that Andozic.

Androzic seems to work with a few maps, but can't handle several thousand map files in a folder. I'll try a few more things before uninstalling it.

I'll test Ozi Trial Version out over a few more days before deciding to buy the licence, hopefully it will be stable on the Nexus.

[~Rich~]

I found the anti glare screen protector largely fixes the polarising issue. Of course it helps getting rid of reflections and fingerprint issues as well.

[Michael2]

The anti glare protector arrived today and sorted out the polarising issue.

Androzic can't seem to initialize any large map folders, so I thought I'd get it to run the HEMA maps, and even though they're in OZI format, it thinks they're ecw files and can't open them. - Not sure what's happening there, advice is welcome.

I directed Androzic to another map folder with Rooftop maps and Melways, and it seems to read those fine.

The two programs don't have any conflict running simultaneously and sharing the GPS.

Ozi sometimes finds more detailed maps, but can't display them with the scroll function. If I go to the main menu and look for maps at the current cursor position, then it usually opens them. I'm not sure if there are too many maps in the one folder and that's causing the lag.

Navfree boots up quickly and runs well, but I can't find a "north up" option on it and the search function is poor.

[~Rich~]

To easily get to the Nth up setting just press the top of the map screen, a little dock which is customizable will drop down with the Nth up icon. I customized mine to get rid of the icons I didn't use. Go settings/ Fields Buttons/ Tool Bar and select the ones you want. Nth up is Orient map.

Also the data bar can be customized as well in Fields Buttons / Data Fields.

[~Rich~]

The correct file type for TwoNav is:
CompeGPS Map (.RMAP)

[gossamer]

has anyone got a photo of how they have mounted their nexus in a d3 or 4?

[~Rich~]

I use a windscreen mount, just a Jaycar one at this stage.
I'll take a photo for you and post it up.

[gossamer]

I use a windscreen mount, just a Jaycar one at this stage.
I'll take a photo for you and post it up.
thanks rich ill keep an eye out, I thought a std windscreen mount might have been too far up the dash (towards the windscreen)

[~Rich~]

Photo's as promised:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/05/471.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/VSK5/media/135BF13D-4AF5-4EA7-BCD6-B08D8CCD4323-9284-00000FA10E90A6AD_zpsc1c8bf55.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/05/472.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/VSK5/media/FC74F637-80BA-4AA6-96DA-E1AD9E719C25-9284-00000FA12F677ABF_zps574c111a.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/889.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/VSK5/media/1DAF9336-25E1-4A35-87B1-1C6DAB076D20-9284-00000FA15AA6425D_zps20f02a9e.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/890.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/VSK5/media/F130E146-D7B0-49D0-918A-61039F5AF78A-9284-00000FA15082769D_zps6aad971b.jpg.html)

Should do!
I've used it off road and all good.

[gossamer]

I ended up buying a Samsung, it was $100 cheaper and it has a sd slot (don't like the white though). I mounted mine a little different, I used a flat steel plate with 2 welded tabs. the steel plate fits snugly and sits under the rubber mat thingy, if I need too I may double sided tape it down but so far it feels ok. im thinking of adding a lighter socket to the back of the hidey hole to keep it neater. I might end up at jaycar to get a holder like yours Rich as it looks a bit neater than mine.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/752.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/753.jpg

[stewie110]

I have a similar setup.. I bought a 16GB 2012 model Nexus 7 when they first came out.. I loaded up Memory-Map and use it with 1:25k topo maps regularly in NSW for my trail biking and offroad driving. I have been finding it super awesome.. But I do not have turn-by-turn when there is no network connection or pre-cached maps from google.

I will try out the other software you mention as I was just looking to buy a VMS or Hema for Christmas.. primarily so that I could get access to the mapping data as opposed to the actual turn by turn.