Carputer: Acer w/ topo maps + GPS

[cody c]

Nice idea.
On my boat I use a similar system for a backup gps - a keyfob bluetooth gps and computer, but I chose a Panasonic Toughbook - because it's tough , and because of the not-glossy sunlight readable screen.
How it the Acer's screen in the sunlight?
I think a Toughbook would be awesome for this, especially since the inside of the cruiser doesn't get completely direct sun. You can generally pick up a touchscreen CF-30 on e-bay for 500-$700.

Im not sure how the Acer will be in the sun, but because the screen is tilted forward a bit to fit on the dash, I don't think I will have this problem. Also I probably get less sun here in the day then some of you folks so it will be not a big factor for me.

The toughbook sounds good, especially for something thats going to be in and out of the vehicle a lot. Though my intent is to leave the little Acer in the vehicle, otherwise I would looked at it.

Really, there is a lot of alternatives to the Acer that are superior in function, but for a cheap piece of electronics that takes up little space and will still run topo maps or street maps and can be upgraded to a touchscreen, it might be hard to beat.


Whenever the touchscreen kit comes in the mail Ill post some more pics of it.


Nice screen shots BTW George!

 

[Fosters]

I went with a ram mount attached to the passenger seat, holding my iPad 2 in a otterbox defender case...gps services provided by a dual Bluetooth gps antenna....highway mapping by garmins navigon ( has the entire USA stored in iPad) also have gaia topo and will upload selected maps before heading into the boonies.
Beauty of this is scion radio compatibility...PDF reading for shop manuals etc...
Will post pics soon

 

[Fosters]

Pics of my set up

Seat rail ram mount

GPS software/app

Navigon app on Ipad2

I had just taken the screen protector off....there is virtually no glare or fingerprints on ths screen with it on...

 

[cody c]

are you running bad elf with the ipad?

 

[Fosters]

No, running a Dual XGPS150..its a self contained bluetooth unit...I wanted to leave the connector free so I could play music from the pad simultaneously

 

[retrofive]

No, running a Dual XGPS150..its a self contained bluetooth unit...I wanted to leave the connector free so I could play music from the pad simultaneously

This is what Im using as well. Works great with my iPad and droid, but haven't got it work properly (or at all) with my toughbook running nRoute. (I know about the switch on the dual as well and it will connect, but the software doesn't see it).

 

[CanuckMariner]

Not a bad setup. My preference is to use a bluetooth GPS unit that has its own internal battery that charges via a USB 5V vehicle adapter.

I run a bluetooth GPS that has internal memory for logging standalone. The benefit is that you get a tracklog for later download (via USB) even with the laptop not running. You can take the bluetooth unit on walks/hikes (several hour battery life). Basically you have a 24/7 running GPS that draws only 10's of milliamps from the vehicle and is continuously logging.

On a recent trip into the oz bush I had it run for the 2 weeks we were out and it had not yet filled its internal memory on the 1800km trip.

I use this unit (around $50):

HOLUX - The Pro Name in GPS

It has some nice software that runs on the PC for downloading AND also geotagging photos that you have taken. You can then see thumbs of the photos via google maps type interface (when back to internet land).

The supplied software allows downloading of the tracklog and you can export it in various formats. I typically run oziexplorer on the laptop and also google earth with cached imagery (wish google would increase the 2gig cache limit). Lots of places in oz are at aerial quality so great for really seeing tracks that aren't yet on the topo maps.

Recently I've started using an android tablet (with built in GPS) and the same oziexplorer maps via the android version of oziexplorer or the free androzic application (androzic - Unofficial oziexplorer client for Android - Google Project Hosting)

GPS related tech has improved greatly from my first magellan single channel unit (nav1000) bought back in 1989 for close to $2k!!

cheers,
george.

nRoute tracks trips (many) as well which are stored on your PC/netbook for later conversion to whatever format you like. Space is limited to your HD size.

 

[george_tlc]

nRoute tracks trips (many) as well which are stored on your PC/netbook for later conversion to whatever format you like.

Yes, and that's great if you are in the US or where the maps are really good AND have you laptop running all the time...

Map data from GPS & Mapping companies can be rather pathetic in other countries. So, then you end up running other apps (like oziexplorer etc) for use with topos and the like. Ozi will also keep tracklogs, but again that presumes you have it running all the time.

Having a standalone GPS tracker/logger like the holux unit has proven to be very reliable for continuous logging of an entire trip. No waiting for the laptop to boot up or dealing with it when it crashes or you forget to start it up when you drive off and so on...

The holux is also very portable if you plan to go on a hike or you have a motorbike/minbike/quad with you and you decide to explore a bit and then want to check out where you've been back at camp or at home.

Anyhow, my point is that I've yet to find a single GPS unit that can do it all.

In my case on my last oz trip a month or so ago, I had a laptop paired with the holux for topo maps and google earth. I also ran a tablet with its own GPS for topo maps as a backup. I had a Garmin LM1300 with oz street maps for general highway and city driving/navigating. Finally a handheld Garmin GPS for wandering/navigating on foot in the bush with a handheld compass. Even some paper maps in the vehicle.

Getting lost in the oz bush is not something you want to have happen and I don't put all my faith in one piece of technology when out there.

Yes, I'm a navigation nerd and there is no known cure

cheers,
george.

 

[CanuckMariner]

Yes, and that's great if you are in the US or where the maps are really good AND have you laptop running all the time...

Map data from GPS & Mapping companies can be rather pathetic in other countries. So, then you end up running other apps (like oziexplorer etc) for use with topos and the like. Ozi will also keep tracklogs, but again that presumes you have it running all the time.

....

Yes, I'm a navigation nerd and there is no known cure

cheers,
george.

The sites I mentioned above also have maps for other countries, not having tried them, I don't know what they are like. But as far as N. America goes, they are all very good and make for a great setup using Garmin stuff. There will always be those special cases that the nav nerds can exercise their brains on. Have fun!