Google Nexus 7 as a GPS unit

**OffTrack** · 6th August 2013, 08:13 PM

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.

WHen I came across this article 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

From that point it was just a matter of following the somewhat out of date instructions at: How To Install CyanogenMod Android for Google Nexus 7 (Wi-Fi, 2012 version) ("grouper")

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:

cheers
Paul

**TeamFA** · 7th August 2013, 06:31 AM

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** · 7th August 2013, 01:35 PM

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** · 8th August 2013, 08:38 PM

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** · 8th August 2013, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by cjc_td5

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** · 9th August 2013, 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by Ferret

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** · 9th August 2013, 06:00 AM

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 9th August 2013, 06:02 AM

Originally Posted by TeamFA

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** · 9th August 2013, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by OffTrack

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** · 9th August 2013, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by OffTrack

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.

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,

Thread: Google Nexus 7 as a GPS unit

Thread Tools

Google Nexus 7 as a GPS unit

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions