Hema Navigator

[RichardK]

Bought a Hema Navigator a couple of weeks ago to fill my need for an easily visible Ozi Explorer instead of running it off my laptop in the car. The metro navigator is a bit ordinary but I didn't get it for that. Hope to give it a good country workout in the next few weeks.

[waynep]

Good choice as it has a lot of maps pre-loaded.
I looked at it, very nice, but figured my current HP Ipaq ( integrated GPS, Oziexplorer and TomTom navigator ) seemed very comparable in speed etc. The Ipaq screen is not quite as big as the Hema but I can live with it.
Be interested to see what you think of the HEMA after a long trip.

[cucinadio]

if you dont mind me asking mate ...how much was the Hema gps unit cant seem to find a price on the net

cheers

[RichardK]

RRP is $990, the net had it at $895 plus $15 postage, I got it for $868 at Opposite Lock

[Bushie]

I know they have OziExplorer pre-installed, do you know how easy they are to upgrade as new versions come out ?


Martyn

[ahilliar]

Try the guys at Go Bush Camping in Lara Victoria. Usually great prices for 4X4 Club members. www.gobushcamping.com.au (http://www.gobushcamping.com.au)

[RichardK]

I know they have OziExplorer pre-installed, do you know how easy they are to upgrade as new versions come out ?


Martyn

I guess it will be up to Hema to provide the firmware or software update to the unit. I run Ozi now on my laptop but I don't think there will be any significant upgrades until they do the major rewrite as noted on their site some time ago.

[rmp]

I guess it will be up to Hema to provide the firmware or software update to the unit. I run Ozi now on my laptop but I don't think there will be any significant upgrades until they do the major rewrite as noted on their site some time ago.

Hema have told me they will make updates available here:

Hema Navigator, On & Off Road GPS - Support (http://www.hemanavigator.com.au/support.html)

so check back there. The version of Oziexplorer is current.

It would be possible to upgrade Ozi yourself btw.

[RichardK]

Hema have told me they will make updates available here:

Hema Navigator, On & Off Road GPS - Support (http://www.hemanavigator.com.au/support.html)

so check back there. The version of Oziexplorer is current.

It would be possible to upgrade Ozi yourself btw.

I must say I haven't explored the Ozi on the Hema as yet, I understand I can add maps but are you saying I can install OE (currently running 3 95 4r on the laptop) on the SD card? By the way I am using a 16GB SD card.

[rmp]

I must say I haven't explored the Ozi on the Hema as yet, I understand I can add maps but are you saying I can install OE (currently running 3 95 4r on the laptop) on the SD card? By the way I am using a 16GB SD card.

I'm saying, if you know how, you can upgrade the version of OziexplorerCE on it when a newer version is available. You cannot install the desktop version of Oziexplorer on it at all.

[waynep]

I must say I haven't explored the Ozi on the Hema as yet, I understand I can add maps but are you saying I can install OE (currently running 3 95 4r on the laptop) on the SD card? By the way I am using a 16GB SD card.

I tought the Hema Navigator would only take a 2GB card max ?

[rmp]

I tought the Hema Navigator would only take a 2GB card max ?

It can take up to a 16Gb card.

[2 rocks]

Well I'm a bit disappointed with the support for the Navigator. I emailed with a couple of questions on September 3 and to date have heard absolutely zip, nada, nothing back from them.
So I still don't know why it won't retain the "night" backlight setting that I enter, or whether it has an auto off with ignition setting.
I also suggested consdiering a hardware volume control rather than a software volume control - after all if I'm going across town to a destination via the turn by turn function, I don't really need to know how to get out of my own suburb.
On my Logic Gear XL488 I just turn it down with the volume wheel till I need the instructions.
Mike

[tolinja]

I have found the emailed support really good , they even rang me to get it set up right.
a harware volume whould have been nice,as would the auto off, but have you tryed updateing on the net to get the lastest version?
i am quite happy with mine

chaser

[RichardK]

Have to agree with Tolinga, I had a minor hardware problem with my unit so I emailed support with the problem, all my emails were answered next day, the unit was sent for reimaging and was returned in a week.
I also have a problem with the mounting bracket, I think part of the suction cap is not UV stabilised and disintigrated, I contacted support and another will be sent.
I must say the support is excellent and bodes well for Hema, :BigThumb::BigThumb:pity LR support was not the same:(:(

[rmp]

I guess it will be up to Hema to provide the firmware or software update to the unit. I run Ozi now on my laptop but I don't think there will be any significant upgrades until they do the major rewrite as noted on their site some time ago.

You could upgrade it yourself quite easily, just copy the new files over. It's just plain ole OziCE. You can also customise the screen design.

The Official OziExplorer Web Site - GPS Mapping Software for Magellan, Garmin, Lowrance, Eagle, MLR Receivers (http://www.oziexplorer.com) lists some new versions as of late and they are worth an upgrade. Notably it now searches subdirectories for files.

[RichardK]

Hi Robert,

I can't see how I can upgrade the OZCE in my hema, do you have any idea?

I note that the last two upgrades to CE are development versions, perhaps not a good idea??

[rmp]

Hi Robert,

I can't see how I can upgrade the OZCE in my hema, do you have any idea?

I note that the last two upgrades to CE are development versions, perhaps not a good idea??

Go here:

Development Version (http://www.oziexplorer3.com/ozice/dev/development_version.html)

get the Core Runtime version. Unzip on your PC, then copy the files across to the Hema. You may need to rename the main executable. Take a copy of what's there first in the unlikely event you need to go back. The dev versions are fine, Oziexplorer is remarkably stable software, I always run the latest releases.

[dungarover]

Just wondering about this unit, is it user fiendly? I am a toal GPS and sat nav novice and was thinking of buying one sometime soon. I know it's not cheap but has everything pre-loaded so it saves a lot of ****ing about from what I gather.

Trav

[rmp]

Correct on all counts.

[dungarover]

Thanks for that, bloody hell that was a quick response :o

Trav

[Psimpson7]

I agree Trav, it looks good.

[wayne]

How many tracks can you save on this unit

[rmp]

Unlimited -- it runs Oziexplorer. Length also unlimited (actually limited by memory card space, but that's a VERY long way).

[wayne]

Just to be clear you are talking about snail trails and you can save as many of these as you like ,does it have a track back feature as well ?