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#Post#: 1692--------------------------------------------------
Using a Smartphone as a GPS
By: DaveKubler Date: September 3, 2014, 7:42 pm
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**Hey all, Rusty here. I thought this topic was worthy of it's
own thread. Thanks to DaveKubler and others who have already
contributed. Rusty out.**
Hey guys. So, I just happened upon this discussion and thought
I would share my personal experience. You do NOT need a
dedicated GPS unit such as a Garmin... Most people these days
own a smartphone.....but even if you don't , I will tell you why
this is a better solution.
Common misconception... Smartphones (Android/Iphones) aren't
a GPS device, they use cell towers for signal....not satellites.
This is absolutely not true. They use cell towers to transmit
and receive data, such as text/phone calls/internet. ....
Every modern smartphone has a dedicated GPS receiver
(remember..GPS doesn't transmit anything out from your device,
unless you have an emergency SPOT device...is just RECEIVES
satellite positions.) So, you can effectively turn your
smartphone in AIRPLANE mode...shutting off cell tower
communication, yet you STILL will be able to locate yourself via
your phones GPS receiver. Here is the catch..Google Maps, and
most other programs utilize cell signal to keep the base layer
MAP for you...
I am not versed in the options for Iphones, but I ASSURE you
there are a few to choose from that will allow all of this....
I am an Android guy...
You can do everything I am saying here....with a smartphone WITH
NO PAID CELL SERVICE hooked up with it....they all have WIFI, or
just dump your files in it via a USB to a PC....very easy. you
can just take the phone to a starbucks, and load whatever
youwant on it.
The Android App OsMand+ (there is a free version, but is so
cheap and worth it...) is about 5 bucks.. It allows you to
PREdownload full state maps, with contour and/or hillshade
options... has maps from every country...etc.. there is NO
charge for maps, nor updating them (which it basically reminds
you when needed).
This app has WAY more features, much easier to use...is VOICE
NAVIGATION ....offline (middle of NO cell service..)....it also
does tracking of your track to GPS, for sharing or later
following, it has a LIVE feed function (that DOES require to be
in cell service)... you can easily spot places on the map, then
have it navigate you there. You can take existing GPX tracks
and dump them in to follow at any point in the future...you can
put more then one track in at a time..
As far as creating tracks from a map that you might want to
follow later... .you can easily do that on many sites on line
now.. the one I use is MapMyRide.
The better phones these days have some pretty cool features...
I use my MAIN phone for my GPS, I have for over 20,000 miles on
some pretty gnarly offroad. The new Samsung Galaxy S5 is
waterproof...dustproof....with no case. I use a RAM X-grip with
a arm and ball.... If you HAD to buy a smartphone for no
other purpose but your bikes GPS, you could pick up an older
NOTE (at least with wifi), dont get service on it.....get an
otterbox for it...load the app via wifi...whatever else ya
want...heck, load MUSIC in it to listen to...its a freaking mini
computer with you ... you could accomplish this for PENNIES
compared to what they rape you for with the Garmins.... and I
have had SO many frustrated Garmin people just be amazed at how
well my system works.... people have thanked me, cause they
used the money they save to buy other gear :)
I have spent countless hours researching and trying all of the
options out there... I am a fanatic. (thats how I wound up
with a 690 )
Get with me if you are interested, but have questions.
If not, and you just want to stick with the whole Garmin thing
(the whole industry is a buzz about the switch from dedicated
GPS to smartphones)... Thats cool :) There is no doubt in
my mind what is best for me.
#Post#: 3267--------------------------------------------------
Re: Using a Smartphone as a GPS
By: Milesofsmiles Date: November 14, 2015, 7:56 pm
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One reason I would hesitate using a smart phone for a GPS on
the bike is because they're fragile. Second reason I would
hesitate is because they're all touch control. I like the GPS
that has buttons on it because when you have gloves on, touch
control does not work worth a damn and you end up switching
screens when you least want it to happen. Dedicated GPS unites
99% of the time always work, while smart phones are computers
that freeze and exhibit other computer problems. Also, smart
phone power connections are flimsy compared to a good GPS. When
discussing maps, gps topos are all crap as they all come from
the same 3rd party vendor who has the exact same mistakes and
missing roads while smart phones have an much broader choice of
world wide topo maps. I use my smart phone when off-roading in
my 4x4 and GPS on my bike. I transfer all tracks, routes,
campgrounds, beer stops and more between both devices.
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