Hema Navigator 5

[2_door]

Has anyone pre ordered their new Hema Navigator 5 ?

If so, who has the best deal ;)

[VladTepes]

I have the pervious model and would prefer the new one coz my eyesight is rubbish but cant justuify the $ I wish their was an "upgrade" option for existing owners !

[2_door]

I know what you mean, at roughly a grand, it isnt cheap.

I like the fact that it is a street directory as well as a topo map with tracks and I can hook my reversing camera up to it so I dont have mini screens all over the dash :(

I have found the older version for about $660 which is good value, but I think outlaying the extra reddies would be worth it for the upgrade.

any ideas

[Disco W.A]

I have the pervious model and would prefer the new one coz my eyesight is rubbish but cant justuify the $ I wish their was an "upgrade" option for existing owners !

I agree, I brought mine 6 months ago, not happy!!!

[2_door]

do you guys like the current version, its running out fairly cheap at the moment, is the new one worth the extra $330 ????

[VladTepes]

It's the same except.

The new one allows you to hook up a reversing camera to the screen
The new one has a bigger screen.

Software, functionality etc is (as far as I can see) the same !

[buddha D2]

Current 4wd Action has a GPS comparo and come up with a viable alternative, Aventura TwoNav, which looks pretty good but it is a similar price to the new Hema device.

[sniegy]

Hi all,
Is anyone using the new unit as of yet. If so what are your thoughts.
I have had my eye on this for a little while & as some have already mentioned its the $ that keeps me away.
I am using an iPaq with Ozi & TomTom at the moment but every time i let the battery lapse i loose everything & then have to reconfig it all, & when i havent done it for a while tend to forget what to do...& usualy just about when i need to use it again...:(
Cheers.

[MickS]

Was chatting to a fellow the other night about this unit. He spoke from experience, and has had both now and a couple of things he pointed out were....after sales service (or lack thereof), the unit shutting down for no reason, fiddly touch screen.

He suggested I look at the Garmin Oregon series, in particular, the 550. If he had his time again, that is what he would have purchased. The benefit being that as well as being in-car, it can also be removed for other activities, waterproof to 1 metre etc etc. Smaller screen, but I can live with that. Cheaper too.

[ianmclean]

The Hema Navigatoer with 5" screen is advertised at RACV for $799 to members

[FFR]

Current 4wd Action has a GPS comparo and come up with a viable alternative, Aventura TwoNav, which looks pretty good but it is a similar price to the new Hema device.

Hi,

TwoNav Aventura is a spanish device (its software, as hardware is chinese), and it's being sold for AU$ 1000 (Euro 599). I feel it's a bit pricey compared with Garmin 60 & 76 or with a laptop with 10" screen.


[ CompeGPS ] . [ 2010 ] (http://www.compegps.com/'detail=detail&opcion=1&lang=1es&prod=275)


Carlos

[bidds]

Picked it up from Johnny Appleseed in Brisbane for RRP about three weeks ago.

Went with it because it's got all the HEMA maps ready to go. Last off road trip I spent $100+ for maps to cover the area I needed, I can't remember the trips before that but I figure that will repeat plenty of times over the next few years. So I justified the cost on those grounds with the on-road capability being a bonus + it's got Memory Maps with a bunch of other stuff that I'm still figuring out.

In terms of usability, it's complex compared to the various Garmins I've been using for years. There is a lot of information presented on each screen and it takes a little while to get used to it all - once you are, it's very, very good; the 5" screen helps too. The GPS itself is quick to locate itself after start up and maintains a good lock wherever you go.

After a while I realised it had Bluetooth which actually works - pairing with my phone quickly and providing useable sound and mic quality. It's also got an FM transmitter so you can have the music player stream through your radio or even just have the road directions that much louder than the built in speaker. There's also a movie player, calculator, etc, etc. I'm not really across them but all in good time.

The touch screen requires a fairly firm press which give me the impression that it's reasonably rugged but only time will tell. There's a stylus mounted in slot on the back for fine control but I don't use it unless just tooling around.

All the accessories seem to just work. The screen mount is very robust and doesn't shake about. There's a nice leather/vinyl carry case for when it's out of the car and the box also includes a wall charger and the batteries go for about 5 hours, so you don't need all the clutter if going on a short trip.

There are DVD's with copies of all the mapping on the micro-SD card and OziExplorer-Lite so you can look at it all on a computer. I'll probably buy a full-license of Ozi so I can build tracks on the home computer and upload them.

In all, no regrets. SWMBO even said it was brilliant as it guided us through Sydney last weekend with no dramas at all - priceless.

cheers,

bidds

[Ranga]

Admittedly I've only ever seen Vlad's older version once, but I still think the version in the 'cheap gps' thread is functionally just as good as the Hema, at about $130.

I've had plenty come through my hands, and except for mostly operator error or minor issues, they work fine. Importantly, I'm yet to come across a unit that couldn't be fixed without returning it to the vendor.

Yes, they take a little setting up, but I'm more than happy to help subscribers with that.

I'm still struggling to come to terms with the price of the Hema units. At half the current price, I'd start to consider one. Also, the hardware specs are suspiciously similar to the cheapies, including screen size and features including bluetooth, fm transmitter etc.

[oldsalt]

I bought a "cheapy" on e-bay and it has a 7" screen - plus reversing camera - and it runs NAV N GO IGO 8 software - version 8.3.2.79297 .........I downloaded an instructional PDF from the Nav N Go site last night and it "seems" to be identical to units that cost lots more .....so far I'm very happy with it, and it only cost $245 delivered to my door, and it fits in the hole in the top of my D3 dash quite well...I'll take some pics later today and put them up for you to see.
As to it's reliability...who knows...but at 200 odd dollars...as opposed to nearly 1000...I figure I'll take my chances. I am going to purchase some aftermarket "topo" maps and try it with them...if it works then I'll be pretty happy. :)

cheers.

[oldsalt]

Here's a few pics, taken down by the local footy ground - that's why it's labelled as an unnamed road. It's just sitting in the hole at the moment, I'll make up some sort of bracket to hold it in place - maybe something that hinges at the top and swings up so I can still use the little cubby hole.
I could use the supplied multi position suction mount thingy on the windscreen but they tend to attract the wrong sort of lightfingered people to your car and I'd rather avoid that situation.:o

http://files.myopera.com/veedub5/albums/1286821/gps-4.jpg

http://files.myopera.com/veedub5/albums/1286821/gps-3.jpg

This is what came in the box, plus a few suction cup brackets - chargers - etc, little reversing camera has yet to be tested.
http://files.myopera.com/veedub5/albums/1286821/gps-2.jpg

the cameras box...
http://files.myopera.com/veedub5/albums/1286821/gps-1.jpg

[Adrian Mc]

HI,
I run the same style of 7in GPS as oldsalt with ozieplorerCE to display topo maps.
This was set up by a friend of mine as you need to add some code to get the ozi button to show up on the main screen on startup.

The unit runs all the hema maps without a problem and a 250k topo map of all of Australia as well.
I also have a spare sd card with 50k maps of SA and another sd card for Vic and Tas.

The unit is well worth the asking price as I have had it for a while now and have found it to be reliable and robust enough to take out bush.

Adrian

[DeanoH]

The Hema Navigatoer with 5" screen is advertised at RACV for $799 to members

RACV shop has this for $970 for members. Where did you see the $799 price ?

Deano:)

[ianmclean]

RACV shop has this for $970 for members. Where did you see the $799 price ?

Deano:)
Unfortunately I was too late - the offer at $799 was only valid for February.

[RaZz0R]

RACV shop has this for $970 for members. Where did you see the $799 price ?

Deano:)

wow - Like Ranga I went the cheap route from China - a mate of mine spent well over 600 on his Hema - and it can only do half of what my 4.8" $79usd unit can do....

All that cash saved could have gone to getting you topo maps or something ;) :D

[VladTepes]

Admittedly I've only ever seen Vlad's older version once, but I still think the version in the 'cheap gps' thread is functionally just as good as the Hema, at about $130.

I've had plenty come through my hands, and except for mostly operator error or minor issues, they work fine. Importantly, I'm yet to come across a unit that couldn't be fixed without returning it to the vendor.

Yes, they take a little setting up, but I'm more than happy to help subscribers with that.

I'm still struggling to come to terms with the price of the Hema units. At half the current price, I'd start to consider one. Also, the hardware specs are suspiciously similar to the cheapies, including screen size and features including bluetooth, fm transmitter etc.

If I'd known Range and this offer before I bought my HEMA I probably would have saved a heap of cash !

[GeorgeK]

Hi Guys,

I'm resurrecting this thread on the HEMA Navigator 5". Can anyone who has one tell me if they are any good. I have a LR D4 HSE and I am unhappy with the in-car navigation software. The system seems to be where Tom Tom, Garmin, Navman et al where years ago. The LR D4 Nav system does not have, in Australia, fixed speeding camera locs, speed zones, school zones and others say that the routing system is dodgy etc.

Does the HEMA Navigator 5 display the things mentioned above? Is it a good unit.

I have a caravan and I want to use the HEMA Nav 5 as a rear camera for the van. I well satisfied with the camera system on the D4 (I have the surround system). The HEMA 5" screen size suits me as it won't be ultra-intrusive in the veh cabin.

I know that this thread has talked about a 7" system from China. Upon reading the various posts I think it is way too complicated for me. I don't intend to do 'serious' off-road travel in seriously remote parts of Australia. I will be travelling on formed dirt roads so I think an uncomplicated nav system will suit my needs. I am not sure if I want to go down the moving maps route at least for now.

I would be grateful for your views and comments on the HEMA Navigator 5".

Cheers

George

[RaZz0R]

Have a look at Ranga's thread mate - our GPS's do all that & more that a Hema unit can't do!

[Ranga]

Have a look at Ranga's thread mate - our GPS's do all that & more that a Hema unit can't do!

For about 80% less cost too!

[bidds]

Hi GeorgeK,

I've had a HN 5" since earlier this year and it's been very good for me, all told. There are definitely other units that are much cheaper but the price of the HEMA is not the hardware or even the software (it runs three separate nav programs), it's the data.

The reason I bought the HEMA was the HEMA moving maps that are included. I found I was accruing a number of their paper maps for various trips and figured why not get the lot in digital form? If you like the HEMA maps (which aren't purely off-road either - they show camp grounds really well), then it's worth it. The hardware does have a learning curve that you may not wish to deal with, going by the sound of your post. Apart from the HEMA mapping, there's plenty of POI's included with the Route66 software and you can add whatever you want into Oziexplorer.

If you don't care for the HEMA maps and mostly just want an easy to use in car nav, then I'd go for one of the larger-screened Garmin Nuvi's - they're cheap, easy to use and have the POI your after. I nearly went in that direction. The other brands like Magellen, Tom Tom, etc are no doubt great too - I just prefer the Garmin interface.

There's an excellent chain of shops that I've bought a few GPS units and accessories from over the years (no other relationship) and they offer great advice as they seem to actually know what they're on about - PM me if interested and I'll pass you their details.

cheers,

bidds

[VladTepes]

I've got the previous HEMA and I wish to god that Ranga had been doing his before I dropped my hard earned on the Hema. Oh well.

[scrambler]

I've not owned a Hema, but I've been pleased with my Garmin Nuvi's. If price is no object, choose something like the Nuvi 500 which does off-road navigation better than the standard Nuvis. Garmin have routable off-road/ topographic maps plus the mapping has been reverse-engineered so you can even create your own maps for them, and free Australian topographic maps are available. With the use of the linking software loading additional maps is a breeze, and there are camera and school zone POIs readily available.

I'd be a little suprised, though, if you couldn't get POIs for the Hema - you just might need to search for the supported navigation formats rather than for "Hema."

[GeorgeK]

Hi Scambler,

Thanks for your advice about Garmin GPS. I have previously used a Garmin Nuvi 660 and found it to be very good.

I can't recall if any of the Garmin Nuvi's have reverse camera functionality. I need this so as to be able to utilise the reversing camera on my caravan.

Can anyone tell me if the Garmin Nuvi's are reversing camera compatible?

Cheers

George

[Rob Bruce]

I have got the old Hema nav. It is dificult to use, and now starting to get used to it. It has started to loose parts of screne, flickers which is very anoying.
If I turn it off and restart it then it goes ok for a wile then reverts to loosing parts of maps and flickering.
What can this be ?
If it did not cost so much I would have tossed it out the window ! Unfortunatly it is out of warrenty and feel spending too much on repairs may not be worthwile.

Any ideas ?

Cheers
Rob

[Sketer]

Even though it is out of waranty give HEMA a call. From what a few people I have spoken to have said they have been very fair.

Cheers
Sketer

[Rob Bruce]

Thanks Sketer,
I will give it a go,

Cheers
Rob

[Rob Bruce]

Big suprise, when I took it back they were very helpfull, they said we have lots of them come back, we will have to send it back to Hema and nearly alwayse they will give you a new one, that seems good, so I hope it will be the new version :cool:

Cheers
Rob

[Michael2]

In the 4WD mag review I read that the HEMA uses the Route 66 maps. These are the same maps as on my $99 Aldi GPS and I would not recommend them. The Aldi unit can apparently also be unlocked and loaded with Ozi Explorer CE or Tom Tom, but the screen is way too small for Ozi. I tried Ozi CE on a PDA once and it was useless for off road navigation, by the time you zoomed out to see the next intersection, you couldn't make out anything on the screen.

From what I've seen of other peoples units, Garmin have been the most impressive. Another option for Ozi Explorer, is to run it on a small laptop. I use a Panasonic Toughbook. You can get the previous model (CF18) for about $600 on ebay. It features a touch screen and titanium cover, and is water / dust proof. I velcro strap it to the centre console lid of the Defender and plug in a USB GPS. The screen flips right over.

The benefit of this system is that you can upgrade it, you can load a lot more maps, you can check your email when you're in a WiFi area and you can load the RAVE CD on too. Plus it's handy for viewing photos around the camp fire at the end of each day.

Maybe a 2nd hand rugged laptop / notebook and a cheaper GPS / Reverse screen navigator would be more useful for the same outlay.

[Disco W.A]

Big suprise, when I took it back they were very helpfull, they said we have lots of them come back, we will have to send it back to Hema and nearly alwayse they will give you a new one, that seems good, so I hope it will be the new version :cool:

Cheers
Rob

Rob,

how did you get on with the Hema? I have just posted mine back to them for repair. it started to loose part of the map & then would not trun on at all.

Roger

[Rob Bruce]

Roger,
Great they replaced it with the new version, no questions asked, it took a couple of weeks but they were very good about it :)

Cheers
Rob

[KevG]

I had one of the 'old' ones which stopped working after about 13 months. I sent an email to the guys at Hema and they told me to send it back and they would have a look. A couple of days later I got an email back saying that the old one had gone to GPS heaven. About a week or so later my new 5" unit arrived by courier.

I've had it now for about three months and I prefer it to the smaller model. Works like a treat both on and off road. I've had a fair bit of time using the Route 66 software and while it isnt as good as Tom Tom it does the job. I like the preloaded maps and I use Ozi fairly regularly.

The big plus is the bluetooth... I have an iPhone so I stream music from the phone to the FM radio via bluetooth.

Haven't used the reversing camera and don't see one arriving in the near future.

All up I'm pretty happy with the device and the service when the old unit decided it had had enough.