Let's play a game... spot the mod

[RobRed]

Currently I am using my Droid phone with Backcountry Navigator and it has performed beyond my expectations.

BCN is a good app and there are several iOS counterparts for the iphone. I may have a problem... I cant stop buying GPS apps on my droid or iOS devices.

I wish Motion X was available for Android - I'm sure you would love it even more than BCN.

 

[OregonLC]

There are ways to use a non 3g ipad for navigating. And there are a few discussions over on expo portal about the different programs and ways to set up the Ipad. For me, I am waiting for the next generation of this:
Pioneer AppRadio™ Digital media receiver at Crutchfield.com
to see how it works and how the actual reviews go. For me this is the best solution. Less clutter in the car and I can (in theory) do everything I want.
.

Wow. That's cool. Interesting how it has it's own GPS antenna. Do you suppose it's just a pass-through to the iPhone or is it doing the GPS math and providing the iPhone updated lat/long? Also nice that it has a backup cam, one thing the iPad wouldn't have for use pre-03 100's.

 

[RobRed]

I've actually talked with motion X about porting the GPS app to APPRadio. They actually had no idea that it would be a benefit to off-roaders like us. Their thinking was biking and hiking. I basically said emulate the work you did for GPS Drive and you would have a winner. Mapping on screen and controls on phone - genius.

The GPS antenna connected to the unit can be passed to the phone. One downside to this type of phone GPS setup is that there is no speed input to the head unit, so dead reckoning based positioning isn't possible.

I would have already ordered one of the APPRadio's except it doesn't support Pioneers XM radio Module and there is no dedicated AUX in. Before someone says you can get XM on the phone, that doesn't work in no data network areas.

 

[OregonLC]

interesting... so it's possible to have iPod apps run natively on the AppRadio? I thought it was just capturing screens.

I'm not worried about XM or CD. Would be nice to have DVD. Rear cam is nice. This might be my next move... more research...

 

[RobRed]

The apps run on the phone. The apps that appear on the screen utilize a function in iOS called "iPod Out". Data as well as video are passed based on what the app is designed to do by the vendor.

 

[BBQ BOY]

I've been using a iPad Gen1 for almost a year in the LC and it works awesome. Motion X GPS HD is the best $2.99 I've spent in a very long time. I was going to buy a Garmin and bought the iPad insetad, very happy. The extra screen real-estate for viewing maps alone is worth it.

The glare can be bad but I've only found it annoying in a couple situations. I would say 98% of the time it's a non-issue and I can successfully use the iPad for Nav.

P.S. I bought the Pro-Clip iPad mount you are using at first because it was the first on the market. However I quickly found out why, it sucks. The mount holds the iPad too loose for my tastes when bouncing around offroad. Onroad I'm sure it's fine. I use the RAM mount instead and there is absolutely no way it's coming out on it's own. I've never had it come loose in the worst offroad conditions.

I posted a question on your ram mount thread some time ago but never heard back from you.
Anyway, are you happy with your ram mount for your iPad? I am wanting to buy one just like it but I am concerned that the flex tubing will allow for a lot of vibrations rendering the iPad hard to see as it will not be steady.


PS. Your inbox has been full for a long time now. I can never send you PM's.

 

[Tahomatom]

FYI,

The CA law out placement is not about visibility.

It has to do with GPS units mounted on dashboards becoming projectiles when the airbags are deployed in an accident.
Read a story a few years back where the driver was OK but the GPS united killed a child in the back due to the airbags.

Going to download motion x to the Ipad tonight.
Friend ordered me one of these so the kids can watch movies on it on the way to Tahoe.
TouCoul iPad, iPhone, and iPod Accessories
Will see how well it holds on bumpy roads.

 

[jgray]

I have two different RAM mounts for the Ipad including the one pictured and a suction cup windshield model. Both are listed on the RAM mounts web site. I've had mounting equipment from Gamber Johnson, Havis, Ledco, First Mobility and most recently this RAM equipment. I was pretty disappointed with the items that showed up. I realize this is for an ultra light ipad and not fully rugged notebooks like I normally install in vehicles but my first impression was this stuff is junk. I haven't even installed it because I was so disappointed in it. I've also emailed the RAM Mounts people multiple times about their docking station / laptop mounting solution they were supposed to be releasing for 100 Series LC's. They won't even respond to my messages. I guess the ipad equipment order was a test of sorts to see what would show up. The mounts that I received did ship fast but most of the components are low quality.

 

[jonharis]

Hmmm. We use RAM mounts in our fleet trucks. I was asked to find a laptop solution that didn't cost an arm and a leg. I'm 100% happy with their solutions. We have the custom mounts for Toyota Tacoma's and Tundras. Our trucks are off road most of the time and the mounts hold up just fine and are very user friendly. Looks can be deceiving, but at half the cost of a similar Gamber Johnson, I think they are at least 95% as good. I can't speak to the iPad mount but was planning on buying the suction mount for my personal vehicle.

Also I have has nothing but great customer service. It seems Like RAM is hit or miss in that department. Most people love them but sometimes we hear about someone with your problem. Anyway, I think Phil gave a contact in the other thread. He is a good contact and always responds to my emails same or next day.

 

[Anthony.L]

How do the MotionX (or other iPad aps) compare with the likes of a Garmin 25k topo? Good quality? Are all of the trails shown

With Motion X you have two choices for downloading offline maps, either Motion X's own road or terrain maps. These are different than Google Maps and I've found they are WAY more detailed. Here in WA state we have thousands and thousands of USFS roads throughout the mountains. I've found that 100% of those are in the Motion X maps and fairly accurate (98% of the time). As for 4x4 trails, not so much, I've found a handful, mostly the more well known ones. Hiking trails or single track trails don't exist at all. That's one downside at the Garmin topo maps include all the single track trails. However I don't use this for hiking only driving so it's been a non issue. Once I start hiking more I will be picking up a Garmin 60Csx or something similar.

Anyway, are you happy with your ram mount for your iPad? I am wanting to buy one just like it but I am concerned that the flex tubing will allow for a lot of vibrations rendering the iPad hard to see as it will not be steady.

Sorry, I haven't renewed my membership here so they cut my inbox storage and I'm too lazy to clear it out.

Short answer, yes the RAM mount has vibration issues. The rod is small and flexible which is nice for mounting and getting it into the place you want. However it does lack in provided a solid mount. I helped it along by bending it so that is hugged against the transmission well. My long term solution is use some alum flat stock and make some braces that mount to the center console to firm it up. Creating basically a tripod. Just haven't got around to it.

 

[BBQ BOY]

thanks Anthony

 

[RobRed]

Mounting update / Test:

I drove over the super huge speed bumps in the Pruneyard Shopping Center in Campbell CA (BA peeps might know it), these are double size your normal speed bump, at speeds from 3 to 35 mph and the 3M-cant-possibly-hold-off-road-HD-mounting-tape held fast. Not a wiggle. Not a jiggle. About 15 bumps in all. It's actually quite shocking how well it's stuck. Next up actual off road driving next week.

 

[RobRed]

Mounting UPDATE 2:

The double stick trim tape continues to hold. Did a hundred miles on some rutted fire roads, river rocks, sand dunes and a few obstacles and not a wimper or peep of failure mode. So far so good.

 

[Romer]

Rob,
From what I read, you can't upload tracks you have from a different GPS to the Ipad setup. I have lots of offroad tracks I would like to be able to re-use on a new GPS device. Is there a way to do this?

 

[RobRed]

Motion X GPS HD (The app in my photos) supports GPX data. You can import and export tracks and waypoints. Different apps of course have different capabilities. Motion X supports OpenCycle Maps which are pretty good but dont have every last trail that 30 year old 1:24k topo's have. So far I have been satisfied with the mapping and very satisfied with the iPad GPS performance.

 

[Romer]

Motion X GPS HD (The app in my photos) supports GPX data. You can import and export tracks and waypoints. Different apps of course have different capabilities. Motion X supports OpenCycle Maps which are pretty good but dont have every last trail that 30 year old 1:24k topo's have. So far I have been satisfied with the mapping and very satisfied with the iPad GPS performance.

Thanks Rob

been doing a lot of reading and the Garmin Montana is way more than a refurb IPAD and the IPAD seemed to have better graphics for this

 

[1loudLX]

Thanks Rob

been doing a lot of reading and the Garmin Montana is way more than a refurb IPAD and the IPAD seemed to have better graphics for this

Ken, if you want, if I'm there Saturday you can check my iPad with MotionX out.

 

[RobRed]

Thanks Rob

been doing a lot of reading and the Garmin Montana is way more than a refurb IPAD and the IPAD seemed to have better graphics for this

If you get an iPad you really should get the 3G version since it has built-in gps receiver.

 

[OregonLC]

If you get an iPad you really should get the 3G version since it has built-in gps receiver.

What size of memory are you running? Is 32G enough?

 

[RobRed]

I have the 64GB. 32GB should be fine. If you like to load media on your ipad like movies @ 2GB a pop then your mileage may vary. I have about 11GB free on mine with 500 songs, 6 full length movies, 50 apps, 16GB of photos, 14GB of cached maps and docs.