Hema or what?

[ted44]

Hello all, I'm trying to work out which GPS setup to take to the Simpson desert this August, anybody used the Hema 4x4 maps and the 4x4 tracks with bush camping & points of interest, downloaded on to a Ipad which has the GPS capability? Anyone used this setup in anger? I need to know that this setup will work?

[123rover50]

Dont have an Ipad so I have just bought a Hema HN7.
Works for me so far.

[MY14D4]

Have heard vey good things about mud Maps for iPad has all of the above mentioned features. For $100 I think that is the one I will be investing in.

[DeanoH]

Don't have an iPad, piece of cheap consumer **** would probably make a good wheel chock :angel: :wasntme:, but my Hema HN5 works very well and would do the job you require.

In fact you don't really need a GPS to cross the Simpson Desert at all, you start at Dalhousie Springs and finish at Birdsville or vice versa, pretty simple really (navigation wise), "All roads lead to Rome" ............................. as they say.

A simple Hema or Westprint map and a working odometer is basically all you need. In fact the strip map guide from www.outbacktravellers.com.au (http://www.outbacktravellers.com.au) is better than both of the above or any GPS.


Deano :)

[ted44]

Thanks for the replies, I was looking in to the HN7, and when The 4x4 tinny & tackle show was held in Brisbane RNA, I came across the Hema stand and was asking what the difference was between the Hn6 & Hn7 when I mentioned to the guy selling them, that I had a Ipad with cellular capability, he advised me that all I would need, is the downloadable version on the Ipad 4x4 tracks & 4x4 camp grounds and POI, I was just wondering if anyone was using this to get about? From what the guy said with these downloaded to the Ipad it will basically be a HN7 but bigger, is this correct? Thanks ted.

[Ancient Mariner]

Fitted my Hema HN7 on saturday.Now gotta get a amphib to go with it as our access road is not marked and we are on the other side of the lake to town all routes have me crossing 200 yards of water about 12 meters deep Apart from that seems it will do the job nicely :)

AM

[clubagreenie]

Have to agree with above, driven it numerous times, always with paper. A bit of research prior, which is far easier these days. These things were done previously without this stuff. Why do we need it now?

[ted44]

It not just! The Simpson desert, that I'll be travelling, we also are planning to do Palm valley, Kings canyon, Boggy hole, and then upto Lorela springs. But leaving it open to other places if weather conditions change, I ended up going with the Hema 4x4, and the Hema Explorer, map apps, the 4x4 one seems great but I'm trying to get my head around how the explorer map works I haven't had chance to take it out of wifi range to see just what the map has to offer when no signal is present. With no signal can I check out POI in my area? To check for fuel/ food stores in the area, or nearest to where I am? Anyone used this map app in anger know how it works offline?

[Rig110]

Hi Ted,

Why don't you just turn wifi off in your settings to test it out?

Cheers,

Dave

[Kevin B]

I could not justify the cost of a HN7, 6, 5, ECT ECT..... so I got a Navman my400 and loaded the Hema addon for 33 bucks, now it not like topo maps it presents like street maps but gives you all the tracks and has a massive 4x4 poi database, it works well and even warns you when you do unsealed roads, I use this as well as my Andriod tab with Ozi loaded, works for me

[Spence]

Don't have an iPad, piece of cheap consumer **** would probably make a good wheel chock :angel: :wasntme:, but my Hema HN5 works very well and would do the job you require.

In fact you don't really need a GPS to cross the Simpson Desert at all, you start at Dalhousie Springs and finish at Birdsville or vice versa, pretty simple really (navigation wise), "All roads lead to Rome" ............................. as they say.

A simple Hema or Westprint map and a working odometer is basically all you need. In fact the strip map guide from www.outbacktravellers.com.au (http://www.outbacktravellers.com.au) is better than both of the above or any GPS.


Deano :)

Wow, angry. I have the full hema set up on an iPad mini har mounted in my dash. It's fantastic. Easy to use and accurate.

[Sirocco]

You need to have a GPS for the Ipad, either inbuilt or external. That will be the biggest issue to sort out. I don't have one so don't know which have GPS and which don't.

The HN7 includes the full HEMA catalogue of maps for all of Australia and also includes street along with digital POI's for CAMPS and PARKS. Just check the mapping you get with the Apps as far as I can see they are more limited.

If you have an Android I would highly recommend running ozi-android and then getting hold of HEMAs full mapset. Samsung tablets have inbuilt GPS and we use a NOTE8 in an Otter case running Ozi-Android. For street we use Navigator which is free and used maps from Open Street Map which is a very powerful and versatile tool, better yet it is free. We crossed over 20 countries last year using only Open Street Map! It is that good.

There are ways to save money but if you want an all in 1 unit the HN7 is a good piece of kit.

By the time you buy the App, Maps, Mount you would be most of the way to a HN7 and you will also be subjecting your Ipad to dust and sand ingress, even with a Otter case.

G

Sirocco Overland | (http://www.siroccoverland.com)

[relatively normal]

So, just to clarify.

Would people who have an Ipad (be it a GPS model or not) please give their rating out of ten for either the Mud Maps app or the Hema app.

Im torn as to which to get. Im very tempted by the hema purely because of its detail, having said that i have never seen or used the mud maps app

[Yorkie]

I only know hema but it has been great, 10/10 for my use.

[Spence]

I only know hema but it has been great, 10/10 for my use.

Same

[Will Wallace]

Paper maps based on the WGS, a compass and a knowledge of how to navigate. Hahah

But seriously, they never run out of batteries.

[slug_burner]

I got Mud Map, have never used HEMA. I found the mm very good, it does everything I needed. I have maps down to 25000, the Mud maps they produce are a good scale dependant detail map. Get the 25000 for detailed topographic information. I'd rate it at 8 or 9.

[Steve223]

having MudMap, Hema Explorer and Hema my opinion is that MM is the better app but out of the box the included maps beside the VHC maps are useless, Hema maps are slightly better all round but I use in NSW 99% of the time the 25k topo which can also be purchased for MM and in my book are the only good maps. Hema Explorer is good and has good maps however you can not download by state and need a constant online connection (expensive data download) to have accurate maps you can do a cumbersome tile download but for a long trip would take you ages to set up and download the all so renders it useless in my book.

[clubagreenie]

I think we need a weekend in Sydney with about 4 users with different apps and map sources. This is all great info but there's no "table" to make a side by side comparison of the apps, what devices will run what apps, what apps will run what maps sources.

My ideal would be something with topo type maps, to allow use between paper and device. Street mapping, integrated to the topo maps with just a button press to switch (in you're in an area covered by two or more map types) plus be cross compatable with other map types.

[Steve223]

Have often compared all maps site by site as I run two iPads in the car. MM the MAP you may as well have no map, MM VHC standard maps excellent, Hema VHC basic, for NSW 25k topo can't be beaten but $100 extra for MM and Hema. Functionality wise they all lacking but MM is most actively developed.

I take a multifunctional iPad over a dedicated navigation device any time though have a garmin with off-road maps in gloves box as 3rd back up. Have not carried paper maps for past 2 years

[relatively normal]

Im new to this, going on what you guys and many others have said on other forums, i have opted for the Mud Maps app.

I take it you can use these as a library for tracks in and around you area, that other people have done? so how do i access that information?

How do I download other peoples tracks? and whats the best map for the southwest australian (Perth etc) region?

thank you in advance.

[relatively normal]

bump

[ozscott]

I found memory map to be the best for my needs...ipad and android platforms...I have both.

Cheers

[tonyci]

i have just returned from a trip around central Australia. I used an iPad . the apps used were hema and mud maps 2. i found the hema maps to be slightly more detailed, but found the mud maps live tracking to be especially useful if you want to track where you have driven and find your way back on the same route.
cheers
Tony

[Jeff]

A friend recently did a trip to Central Australia with a Hema 7, I went with him to Cameron Corner then he continued via Marree to Alice Springs. He found once really 'outback' it would come up with a message saying no connection and wouldn't work in remote areas. It was fine in more settled areas, but he was annoyed that for $700 it should be able to be used in remote areas. I used to Hema map book :).

Jeff

:rocket:

[HarryO]

Had an old iPad and just got my Father's Day Hema Explorer (only $24.99:))

Best GPS purchase I have ever made - took it for a test through Julimar and the Satellite view opened up tracks that I never knew existed. Boring old Julimar turned out to be an absolute ball in the mud.

Planning the route was easy and the record feature was real interesting - gave route, altitude, time moving / standing, speeds, etc, etc.

I highly recommend it.

[Sitec]

Don't have an iPad, piece of cheap consumer **** would probably make a good wheel chock :angel: :wasntme:

Don't be so judgemental.... I do have an Ipad.. It works, turns on, never gets virus's, does what its suppose to... I used to have a computer.. Windows... Slow, hopeless, and generally very annoying!! Was it worthy of the 'wheel chock' status.. Prob not.. I just don't have the patience for computers!! So, back to the question originally asked.... As said, I have an Ipad.. It has GPS in it.. I spent $99 on the Hema Maps app and its brilliant!! We were deep in remote SA last month with no phone signal, and the whole time we had the red circle in the center of the map, knowing exactly where we were.. The tracks were right and names were accurate! Would I recommend it... Yes! For sure, money well spent. I would also recommend taking a paper map with you... just in case. We carry spare fan belts, so why not maps! The only thing I found with the Hema Map App is that on the larger State/Country wide maps, the newer roads are missing.. Adelaide's Northern Expressway for one. I rang the customer service number, and a helpful guy said that "the map purchased is a 4x4 map, and the tracks are kept up to date... The Arterial roads are not updated so often"... Kinda weird but there you go. Here's a screen shot (something you can't do with you're computer or Sat Nav... ;) ) of the area we were in in SA. Clear simple and descriptive. Hope it helps with you're decision.

[Eevo]

ive got the hema app on my ipad and i think its great.

vms on the other hand gets two thumbs down from me

[DeanoH]

Don't be so judgemental.... I do have an Ipad.. It works, turns on, never gets virus's, does what its suppose to... I used to have a computer.. Windows... Slow, hopeless, .................................................. ..........


Note the emoticons :D:);), a bit tongue in cheek as opposed to judgemental. Certainly not an Apple vs. PC argument :o .

The point I was making, or trying to make is that an iPad or any other consumer tablet device is not a serious navigational instrument, it is a cheap, or in Apples case, expensive ;) (note the emoticon) piece of consumer ****. It is not something whose reliability or GPS accuracy is meant to be taken seriously. OK for the suburbs or nearby parks etc. but by no means a serious navigation device.
Even my much vaunted Hema HN5 had this to say of the Great Sandy Desert

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1275.jpg (http://s540.photobucket.com/user/DeanoH/media/Holiday%202014/HemaHN5_zps56ca9995.jpg.html)

Whereas the Milspec Panasonic Toughbook with its equally serious power supply (as important) had this to say

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1276.jpg (http://s540.photobucket.com/user/DeanoH/media/Holiday%202014/ToughBookOzi_zps0dfa9e63.jpg.html)

The point I am trying to make here is that consumer electronics are not a serious alternative to quality GPS location gear, an understanding of where you are and what you're doing or even a quality map. :)

Would you risk your life using a piece of cheap/expensive consumer **** that the manufacturer will even condemn 1 year on so that you buy the new one (piece of cheap/expensive consumer ****) ? :eek::twisted::angel:.

I don't.

Deano :)

[Steve223]

For the past two years I have only traveled with this expensive consumer **** as you call it it has not failed me and got me back every time (I carry two back up iPads in case of failure)

[slug_burner]

Other than in a denial of high accuracy service by encoding the satellite signal to allow only lower accuracy or where your GPS receiver is jammed there is very little difference in GPS receiver performance.

The greatest noticeable errors are in the details on the map images you get with the various systems. Some use maps as published on paper by recognised survey/mapping organisations so are just as good as your paper map.

Greatest difference from paper maps, compass, sextant and chronometer is that if you break the iPad or other tablet you lose the lot and will struggle, short of burning the paper map you will be able to struggle on.

[Steve223]

Other than in a denial of high accuracy service by encoding the satellite signal to allow only lower accuracy or where your GPS receiver is jammed there is very little difference in GPS receiver performance.



The greatest noticeable errors are in the details on the map images you get with the various systems. Some use maps as published on paper by recognised survey/mapping organisations so are just as good as your paper map.



Greatest difference from paper maps, compass, sextant and chronometer is that if you break the iPad or other tablet you lose the lot and will struggle, short of burning the paper map you will be able to struggle on.


totally agree and for this reason I carry a triple backup and use Hema with 25k topo, Hema Explorer, Google and MudMaps to cross check if required. depending of state, area and wether I have reception. has served me very well and got me out of situations I would have struggled with a paper map. However still would love to learn how to use compass and traditional navigation tools and its high on my to do list. Will never forget when I went hunting with a fried and tour guide around Winton and how he got us around 4 days and most of the nights just by watching the stars it was quite impressive to me.

[Naviguesser]

My iPad has worked flawlessly navigating me through the deserts with Memory Map. Never off the tracks at all.

[Leroy_Riding]

Ive Used the Hema HN5i for a fair few years, I found it a bit 'hard' to use in the 4wd mode, and 'bearable' as a road GPS, Ive since purchased second hand from my uncle a Nexus7 (2012 model) running Memory map and allt he Hema maps downloaded to it (as he 'upgraded' to a Hema HN7) I am yet to use it so cannot comment, but he seemed to think it was pretty darn good, I think he just got sucked in by the Hema guy at a show and as such got the HN7.
also the Nexus is running a blutooth glonas external GPS even though it has GPs built in.

I plan to root the device and install a Custom Kernal to allow high current charging, as while using blutooth it still looses charge while on charge.
at the same time Im thinking ill hook up a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter for monitoring the car. also found you can get the TomTom app for under $40 which can download all road maps locally to the device so you do not need data connection also. I might purchase this for road navigation duties.

anyone want to buy a HN5i?

Leroy.

EDIT:
should add I have been a long term apple Hater, however got a Retina Ipad mini with 4G for work, the thing just works flawlessly also, no plans to use it as A GPS though as its way to big, the Nexus 7 is even pushing it IMO to be used as a Car GPS.