GPS advice
I would like to buy a good GPS with topo maps, that will be for the car. I have the basic cheap tomtom and that is fine on the road. I have an handheld garmin dakota20 that have been very useful when going fishing and bush walking, but the screen is a bit small to properly view the topo map (when driving). As I will be going to the Simpson, I thought that a good GPS is a good idea, even had the idea to use a small laptop...that where my knowledge stop. Anyone have bought something and is happy with ? advice? input ?....2 cents even :)
Happy io
Hema explorer
I used the Hema explorer app on my nexus 7 and am pretty happy with it.
They also have a deserts map pack (includes Simpson) which was free when I got the app but I think was only an introductory offer.
Hema also sell navigation units, but they are pretty pricy when compared to a tablet option where you can store a range of different navigation apps and maps.
I went with the N7 as it's a pretty cheap tablet for its quality and features and is one of the only none celluar tablets you can get that still have GPS.
Instead of the Simpson, you should do Cape York with me around that time! ;)
hema explorer
Do you need an extra antenna for the tablet to get GPS signal ? or you just get the tablet and load the hema map ... and you fine to go ....
If thing turn up well while doing the Simpson, Cape York will be next on my "to do list" . The car should be fine, but space/weight is limited and I haven't drove that many kms for a long time. I am getting the car ready a bit at a time.....
How about you come to the Simpson, then go to Cape York next year :) ? 3 cars would be nice, safer, easier if one get stuck, but even if I am by myself...I will still go and keep the adventure to myself !
Happy io
Antenna
No need for an antenna, the tablet has it's own receiver that works just fine :)
Sorry, I'm doing the Cape this yeah haha, my family and I have had it planned for a long time!
Yeah space is very limited especially in your 2 door!
I'm planning on investing in a roof top tent which will make things more comfortable, but I'm probably going to take a hit with economy!
Would love to get an extra tank like Fabio has, but it's going to be tough to finance.. :/
GPS
Thanks, I might considere doing the same. Do you know if you can connect this tablet with a internet prepaid usb key ? This would give internet (when reception is ok) and GPS as well. Hema map seems to have some very good feedback.....
This simpson trip have open a big can of worm, with plenty of thing to do to make the trip. Things like storage, GPS, sat phone, awning, roof rack........blah....blah....:)
Happy io
no usb input
The tablet doesn't have USB input but there are 3 options to get internet on it (away from home) :)
1. Get a tablet with built in 3G
2. link the tablet to a smart phone to create a hotspot
3. Get one of thoes portable wifi hotspot things (simmilar to the pre paid USBs)
I'm happy with the Hema maps, but I would also do some research on Ozi explorer as Bob uses, that will run on a N7 and you can run any maps you want on there! Its not a bad idea to have a few different maps.
Haha yes it isn't easy to set the iO up to be a tourer! But definately possible, my grandfathers easily done over 200,000kms worth of trips in his little 2dr with ease! your new awning will make a world of difference! I still say it was the best investment I made for the iO :) Storage is tough, I definately recomend removing the rear seats and having some sort of draw system. El' Cheapos from Big W ect work great! Have a look at mine for example!
Instead of a sat phone, have you heard of EPIRB? Much cheaper option as you don't have to pay connection costs, and you still have peace of mind that you'll beable to call for help in an emergency :)
epirb
If you need an epirb you're doing something wrong,
Let the cops/hotel know where you are, set an arrival date and a come get me date, and sick to a route. Cb and hf are ample for rescue.
The only place I've needed an epirb was snow camping of the western side of kosiosko in mid winter. :)
epirb
The thing is...sometime, I do wrong thing....I can rent a sat phone at the "entrance" of the desert and leave it at the exit for $140/4 days around $40 extra /day. That should cover the minimum safety. If other car comes with me, we only need one.....
I striped the rear of the car completely, I am trying to do something smart with all this empty space now :)
I might one day get an epirb, but for when I go fishing...in case I hurt myself and cannot walk back to the car. But my wife know where I go and when I should be back. I think that you need to registered them (and pay of course!)
Thanks, I am looking at other set up....rear drawers...
I will research a bit more for internet connection. At home I have that prepaid 3G telstra usb wi-fi key. I thought that if I could use it, that will be a "bonus" (no more to pay !) From what I read some nexus 7 have internet but with a micro card, mine is the full size card (in the usb key). Yes, getting both map is a good idea, I will buy all the paper one too.
Thanks for the input and help.
Happy io
Epirb issue
Epirbs can only send out an SOS signal.
There are better options such as the SPOT tracker. It is like a sat phone but only sends an sms and can track you in real time via a website. I think they are about $300 to buy and $150 a year for website subscription. you pre program the buttons as 'all ok', 'delayed but still ok', and 'send help now' or similar.
I've been looking at getting one for years for dirt biking, but haven't got around to it. I think there are some more coming on the market too, and there's also a sat phone that plugs into an iphone and uses an app.
EPIRBs are for major emergencies only - like a $200 000 helicopter search mission!!
epirb
Funny, a friend talk to me about the "spot" yesterday....he is gone to the "red center" and his wife get the "I am ok" once or twice a day.
As advised, I am going to get the nexus 7 with internet connectivity (3G or 4G), it looks like the 4G LTE is a bit better, and the hema maps...and I will rent the sat phone at Mt Dare, and return it at Birdsville. That should keep me out of trouble, if any...
Thanks
Happy io
tablet
I went to the shop today to have look at the nexus 7. Next to it was the samsung N5120 galaxy note 8 16 gb 4G lte for just under $500 with $50 cash back from samsung. In the shop, I got told that it is ..." a much better tablet" . Being nearly the same price as the nexus 7 32 gb 4G....what do you think ?
There are a few nexus 7 3G on gumtree for around $200 and just a few month old, might be a cheaper option and just as good for my need....mainly GPS and internet access on the road.
I don't have much knowledge on these new toy !!
Happy io
hard choice...
Really its up to you and what you think you'll be using it for.
If you already have a smart phone, I wouldn't bother with getting a tablet with cellular as you can just link the tablet to the phone to get internet when you need to. But this would restrict you to the Nexus as it is the only wifi-only tablet with GPS.
If you're wanting to use the tablet for navigation and maps the more storage space the better (I have 32gb).
I personally picked the nexus because of how easy it is to costomise due to it having plain Android without all the manufacturer add ons. I needed this to that I could creat a home screen that was easy to use for driving. The Samsung is probably easier to use normally as a tablet and probably is overall a better tablet.
Both will run Hema just fine, so get what you like most :) haha sorry not a very definative answer, I've always have apple products so Android is pretty new to me as well.
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Thanks, it does help....
I shop around and I just bought a Samsung galaxy note 8 4g. This will give me what I wanted such as GPS, internet on the go (when reception allow), light and not too big, good screen...The rest will be added bonus (plenty of that on this tablet !)
I just have to get a prepaid micro sim card to fit in the device for internet, telstra have that for $30 start pack and can later be recharge as I wish/need. Work out how to get protection from internet (norton or other...no idea yet !!)
I will get the hema maps, yet to find many people to complain about them, and I will buy a suitable holder for the car, I have seen one that bolt to the passenger seat fixation and have a flexible conduct to bent to position in front/around of the heating control.
I nearly bought a small laptop as they can do a bit more, like downloading my video/picture on it on a big trip....but the tablet just got in front and I will learn something new as well. Probably more headache as well but....
Thanks for your help
Happy io
Free AVG
I'm using AVG on my Samsung Tablet - it should work fine on yours.
It'll be interesting to see how you get along - partly because of what I do for a living I have an older desktop, several laptops, a netbook, and a tablet - the tablet is my constant companion, but I find it limited in what I can do with it more by the physical size and the lack of a keyboard than anything else.
GPS
Thanks for all the advices.
I did put more info on my built thread but wanted to follow up this thread as well
There are so much out there that it is hard to choose and once you choose you always find a bad review somewhere !
I got the Samsung galaxy note 8, got MUDmap on it and bought a Garmin 3597 LM. I had Garmin topo map on a handheld gps and they fitted on my new GPS.
Happy io
Syndicate
gpsoz
Gpsoz sell a generic garmin unit loaded with topo maps, it is a touch clunky but anything running topos will be.
I run oziexplorer on my androidphone with 1:25000 rastor maps loaded, again it is a touch clunky but is fine while driving.
Hema map book is vital for Simpson crossing, as are a pair of treds if doing it solo.
Very very envious!
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