Thread: VMS vs HEMA

Just purchased the Hema, Thought it would be simple to use but it is not. The quick start user guide is not realy enough to get started. So I downloaded the full instructions and could not beleave how much is in it. This will take a wile to understand and learn. To make things dificult I too are computor chalanged and usually have to find a teenager to help. If I can get my head around this one it will be a milestone.

Good luck,

Cheers
Rob

I've had a HEMA for a while now and not really happy with it at all. It's stopped working once and had to get new software for it. The bracket has been replaced once and has just broke again and its only been used a couple of times. The cable had to replaced twice also. It seems slow going from one application to the other and it seems to need to be reset a lot to work on the streets. I also asked the factory what GPS receiver would suit it to enable the unit to be placed in the centre console out of the sun and it was a waste of time, very rude and didn't what to know my problems. I might just leave it on the dash full time in the sun and see how long it lasts?

Hema and VMS are both stupidly overpriced for what they are!

The Hema unit is basically the same as the GPS units from China that you can buy on ebay but relabelled and stuffed with their mapping! Notice how when they came out they were nearly a grand! And now they are much cheaper...

Your just as well off buying a cheap unit on ebay that runs windows CE version 5 and putting Oziexplorer on it. It will be much cheaper. And these units come with SIrf III chipset, high resolution etc..

Just my 2 cents worth...

Angus

Originally Posted by garciaj

I've had a HEMA for a while now and not really happy with it at all. It's stopped working once and had to get new software for it. The bracket has been replaced once and has just broke again and its only been used a couple of times. The cable had to replaced twice also. It seems slow going from one application to the other and it seems to need to be reset a lot to work on the streets. I also asked the factory what GPS receiver would suit it to enable the unit to be placed in the centre console out of the sun and it was a waste of time, very rude and didn't what to know my problems. I might just leave it on the dash full time in the sun and see how long it lasts?

You can buy shields for them. Check out glare stomper. Although they mainly shield the screen so you can see it...

Angus

Originally Posted by garciaj

I've had a HEMA for a while now and not really happy with it at all. It's stopped working once and had to get new software for it. The bracket has been replaced once and has just broke again and its only been used a couple of times. The cable had to replaced twice also. It seems slow going from one application to the other and it seems to need to be reset a lot to work on the streets. I also asked the factory what GPS receiver would suit it to enable the unit to be placed in the centre console out of the sun and it was a waste of time, very rude and didn't what to know my problems. I might just leave it on the dash full time in the sun and see how long it lasts?

That's normally a issue related to Windows CE and not necessarily a hardware issue. I have been running an IPAQ for years and in often requires a soft reboot (typical windows) and would think that the navigators running CE would have similar issues. I have recently purchased one off e bay and we'll see how it goes but I expect the occasional glitch - gotta love Windows

Hema, grrrrrrrr, Has eneyone found that when the Hema is pluged in to the charger it reduces the radio signle, unplug it and all ok, my Magellen and Tom Tom do not cause this newsence.

Cheers
Rob

PS Another plus for VMS

Sorry to reserect an old thread but how do the current versions of VMS & Hema nav 5 compare. As my L322 doesn't have gps looking at options. It has the 7" screen but was quoted $4000 to wire something into factory screen. Would have prefered it to look stock.

Gary

I have the HEMA Navigator 5. Its accuracey is excellant.
HOWEVER.....I would prefer it MUCH more if it didn't come with Route66.

It comes with a licensed copy of Ozi-CE installed, to which I beleive then gives you lifetime updates. Comes with 250k maps, but adding additional ones are easy.

Can't for the life of me work out what benefit the pre-installed Topo Map program is for!

Oh yeah....did I mention Route66 is CRAP?!?!

I didn't pay for mine, but in all honesty, I wouldn't recommend it, and certainly wouldn't pay the high price it demands.
Get one of the cheap ones, Ranga has a huge thread in this forum sub-section.
I've seen them in use (impressive) and will replace the HEMA if (when!) it packs up.
I only use it for Ozi anyhow, and I'm not 100% keen on that program either.

For my "better" trips I'll stick to my 10" netbook running MapSphere.
Now if only the developers would get THAT running on CE, I might just like the HEMA some more, but it would have to be modded a little, and I'd have to find a way to get into the core program. Bugger!

If you're just after on-road route finding, get a TomTom. Cheap as chips right now.
I pay around $48/yr for quarterly updates to Australia TomTom maps for my unit by subscription.

Originally Posted by Rob Bruce

Hema, grrrrrrrr, Has eneyone found that when the Hema is pluged in to the charger it reduces the radio signle, unplug it and all ok, my Magellen and Tom Tom do not cause this newsence.

Yes. My HEMA Nav 5 does that also. Interferes with my radio reception so badly I have to put in a CD.