GPS Advice

[d2dave]

I want to get a GPS navigation unit. I want one that can mount to my windscreen, not a hand held one.

I want to be able to track a trip (off road) and then save it if I want to do it again.

My only experience with sat nav is the one I use for directions to get some where.

I was looking at a Hema HN7. The Hema Navigator HN7 is an on and off-road GPS navigation system, pre-loaded with award-winning Hema maps. Buy now. – Hema Maps Online Shop (https://hemamaps.com/blogs/hema-maps-gear/hema-navigator-hn7)

Anyone have one of these and if not what are you using?

[simonmelb]

Hi Dave,

I have a Lenovo Tab M8 FHD loaded with OziExplorer, Hema maps and other top maps including GetLost (free) maps.

Works really well! You can buy the latest Hema maps when you buy OziExplorer.

Ill post a link to my photos I uploaded of the setup.

Here it is: https://www.aulro.com/afvb/gps/285953-review-lenovo-tab-m8-hd-oziexplorer-android.html#post3085632

[Redtail]

I have similar, with a Samsung Galaxy Active 8" tablet.

Brighter, bigger and more useable than a HEMA tablet. I can browse, access mobile data and wifi, take photos, etc.
It runs Android apps, so take your pick.
e.g. as a keen tourer, I can keep my trip notes on OneNote, and run Excel for expenses, mileage, etc. (and it syncs across all my devices including my Windows PC/laptop)

HEMA software is based on OziExplorer, but from what I've seen of the HEMA version it lacks some of the features.

As stated, you can buy the HEMA maps separately anyway, and depending on where you live you have access to many other types of maps, too. I'm a bushwalker and have a great collection of 10m contour topos for that purpose.

As for turn-by-turn navigation, both the tablet and my phone run Google Maps. It's free and more frequently updated than most commercial stuff.

IMHO, an Android tablet with OziExplorer, HEMA maps and whatever apps you need is far better value for money.

[DieselDan]

Another vote for an android tablet running ozi explorer plus various HEMA, get lost, spacial vision/vicmap maps.
I have the same as SimonMelb, but mounted on a Ram ball/arm.

[AK83]

Yeah, me too.
I run an M10 Lenovo(from a few years back). Still has enough grunt to do maps, and videos, and general browsing .. when needed. Being 10 inch maps easy to see/read.
Plenty of configurability if you're a bit of a geek and like to do different stuff.

As well as Ozi and get lost and whatever ... I find that OSMAnd is also quite useful, uses OpenStreetMaps they can be quite handy to have access too.

But for the OP, it should be understood that a program like Ozi Explorer isn't a 'navigator' won't tell you turn by turn how to get somewhere. You can set it up to 'navigate' you to a place, but it requires planning to do so(setting up a route), or it just shows you a "how the crow flies" straight line nav mode and you need to work out the best path towards that.

OziExplorer usually works best if you also have the software on a PC too .. but it's not a requirement to have.

For mounting to windscreen, I've tried so many mounts, only one that kind'a works has been the Ram twin suction mount. Off road it's totally rock solid, where the single suction mount had a lot of 'wobble".
So for example you're on a rough road, either backroad or track or whatever. Where the single cup mount would have the tablet bouncing all over the place, the twin cup mount is much more solid. This is really only important if you want to touch the screen to effect a change of some type. Otherwise, for the mounting of the holder to the vehicle, I'd look at a solid fixed point(say to dash or something).

If you do choose Oziexplorer on a tablet, I'd also look at using the screen configuration software(PC) to change the screen types available on it too. The standard screens available for it 'as is' are better edited to suit your needs/taste. Easy to do, and you can share any config you've created with other people .. so if you decide to try it, I can upload the file required to modify your screen(ie. work already been done).

[Xtreme]

Another recommendation from a user of a Samsung TabA 8" running:-

- OziExplorer with numerous maps - Topo's of various scales, HEMA, Rooftop, Victorian CFA, NRMA plus
- Maps.Me - a free download capable of covering the whole world. Can be used off-line provided you first download the maps covering the area you intend to travel. These maps show more detail and POI's as you zoom in (is that known as Vector mapping?). I have found Maps.Me invaluable since 2015 when I've been travelling through Africa, NZ, UK & Europe. I was even able to navigate my way while walking around the narrow maze of streets, lanes and tall buildings that is known as Venice!

Using the Samsung, I often simultaneously run Maps.Me and OziExplorer plus the camera/video and switch from one to the other as terrain changes &/or I want a different view.

The Samsung is relatively cheap at about $220 IIRC and has a great battery life for when you're using it away from the car. And as mentioned in previous posts is capable of numerous other trip associated functions.
Add the cost of OziExplorer and a RAM Mount and you're still well under the price of a HEMA Navigator which has limited functions.

[Lionelgee]

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