darthdicky Posted August 15, 2005 Share Posted August 15, 2005 I'm thinking of getting one of these, but there seems to be a lot of different ways to do it. I'd like to use Memory Map for OS maps off road, and TomTom on road as that seems like one of the best ones? Is Memory Map any good for putting points in on winch challenges, or is there something else available for that sort of thing? Can you mark sections of the map (ie. lanes) on so that they're easy to spot as you're driving around? If the version for PDA's is the same as for Laptops, has anyone got an 'evaluation' copy I might be able to borrow to see what software is best for my needs Which PDA's are any good? What sort of spec should I be looking at to run mapping software easily? Are they any good for viewing photos on? I've seen one with a 640x480 4" screen which can do slideshows, is this better than the back of a camera type of screen? Are they any good as MP3 players? Obviously not huge capacity like an iPod etc. but with a large CF card are they good enough to listen to music on for an hour or two? Can you run Adobe Acrobat on them? Be useful in lectures if I could look at the notes (in .pdf format) and make a few notes on the word processor program to transfer to the computer later. I'd want something that will run from 1 lighter socket, so it looks like bluetooth is out (as it's seperate but needs its own power supply?), probably something that connects by a PS/2 socket, or a CF unit? Which works best? Looking at the prices of some of them, it's almost cheaper to get an Etrex and connect that up, then I could use that on walks too? Or maybe take the PDA with a small GPS attachment in a waterproof case? Which mounts work best? Any particular makes or models to avoid? Cheers, Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark90 Posted August 15, 2005 Share Posted August 15, 2005 there's been plenty about this written at teh old place, will be worth a look as it's still relevant, and there's plenty of supplier links too. I use MM and TT. You could use MM for winch challenges but due to the scale it works best on big sites like 7S rather than the likes of Slindon. Would be better if it's on the 1:25k maps, but they have limited coverage. To make lanes you just put them in was waypoint and they can be set to display on the map screen. PDA?? I was looking at Dell Axims (like Chris's) or IPAQ's, got a 2210 in the end. Not up to speed on the current models. But I'd be looking for SD and CF slots, bluetooth, wireless (which mine doesn't have so I bought a CF card). Sound quality isn't bad through headphones for listening to MP3's. I'm pretty sure you can get Acrobat Reader for PPC, a quick google should turn up that answer. GPS wise I use an eTrex cos that's what i already had. I like the set up cos you can have the GPS features as well as the PDA features, for instance GPS usually shows speed, trip dist and location on screen and is used for recording the track log as i found it more reliable than doing it on the PDA. If you get a duel card slot PDA you have the option of using a CF/SD GPS, this means you have a neat self contained unit. Bluetooth GPS is worth considering IMHO, due to lack of wires. I am tempted to get a bluetooth GPS reciever at some point when they are cheap enough, maybe ask father christmas for one this year or sommat. All comes down to what else you might want to use the GPS or PDA for other than 'in car' use and whether or not you already have a GPS reciever. But remember if connecting to say an etex then you are looking at around £30-40 for a combined data/power cable - you can get some which supply power to both PDA and GPS. As for mounts, I'd now not buy anything but RAM mounts. Nice modular system so you can buy the appropriate cradle(s) and then however many base plates you want for different vehicles, or handlebar clamps for biking etc. Very well made kit and hold my PDA rock steady, unlike the Garmin eTrex mount, think I'll upgrade that to a RAM mount at some point. Think that'll do for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niall_CSK Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 I have recently upgraded from my iPaq 5550 to the iPaq hx 4700 which has the 480x640 VGA screen. I am very impressed, the screen is very clear & easy to read and can be rotated to lanscape with the press of a button, not all software supports this and although it will work you might not get the full screen benefit. There is a version of Acrobat for Windows 2003/Mobile, it is part of the iPaq package. The 4700 has both SD & CF slots as well as both WiFi & Bluetooth built in. Bluetooth is useful but you then have a separate GPS unit to charge as well, you can get GPS units for both SD & CF as well as units that wire directly to your PDA/mount. I previously used an Akron speaker mount which worked pretty well, never really needed the volume above 70% in the Rangie, the Akron was a little flimsy compared to RAM & the like. Another way of acheiving audible directions is to fit either a small FM transmitter like those used for handsfree kits or iPodsand just change channels when you want to listen to directions. I used one briefly but blew it up when I tried to wire the power directly, no cable markings honest. They are reasonably priced @ less than 20 quid in a lot of places and you can then use them to play your MP3's from the PDA as well. I went through the same dilema myself and ended up with TT3 on the 5550 and a Bluetooth GPS. It all worked pretty impressively and I can still put Lat & Long waypoints in if I need to. Not the best solution if you use it primarily for offroad work but it did fine when I used it over the Corrieyarick. Soething I did come across when trying out a couple of different mapping software on the PDA was TT3 grabbed the NMEA position signal at the serial port (even with bluetooth) and had to be disabled to get the position signal usable for other software. I believe they were aware of this so it might be sorted by now. Not a plug really but with so many different suppliers out there I generally use Clove Technology whom I have had good & personal service when needed since I started with my old PsionII. They do a range of mounts one of which has a huge adaptable range like the RAM Mounts but made in Sweeden called Brodit Mounts. Caveat: I haven't used TT3 on the 4700 yet as I intend to upgrade to TT5 soon. I haven't used the Brodit mounts either but that is the way I shall go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M005 Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 I've had my set up since Christmas and am very happy with it. I went for a bundles package which included: Dell Axim, wired TomTom GPS, power leads, TomTom software, mount. Axim is the 400MHz version and has no problems running TT or MM (even both simultaneously) The power lead supplied uses 1 power socket and connects the PDA & GPS and powers both. Doubt if the mount is a RAM one (as it was part of a bundle) but have never had a problem whilst offroading or using in any of the cars; even survived the very fast circuits of the Nurburgring the other month Mr90 kindly supplied a copy of MM You can mark a route out on MM (id do it beforehand on the desktop) and then whilst obviously not giving voice commands like TT, will allow you to 'follow the line' and navigate. Works well, as screen is big enough to get the info you need with a quick glance whilst driving. TT is TT, very good, although I have found a couple of occasions where it has tried to send me down bridleways I have a couple of little add ons downloaded on my PDA to make life easier; one is a postcode plug in for TT as this is not a standard feature. It enables you to put in a postcode and off you go. Also have various points of interest plug in's covering speed camera locations etc. Also have an little add on that allows me to convert lat / long to OSGrid, and vice vera, which can be quite useful. Picture viewing software I downloaded as a free program from the Dell Axim forum, there are loads of sites offering free software for PDA's. Allows me to thumbnail view pics, slide show, full screen etc and the picture resolution is very good. As has been said, get one with both CF and SD slots as this makes it much more flexible and useable IMHO. I have MM maps covering a huge area of Southern UK & Wales on mine, TT, 9 music albums (although now have an iPod so may free up this space) and loads of pictures etc and still space to spare. I use a 1MB & 512 cards. I will have mine with me at Tony's bash if you want a play & ask questions. Can also load MM onto the laptop and bring it if you want a play with that as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white90 Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 pics/prices?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark90 Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 The problem with TT3 grabbing the serial port and not letting anything else use it can be 'cured' by going back to an earlier version of TT GPS, GPS2.07. It might also be sorted in later releases too, but as GPS2.07 works for me that'll do. Powered / integrated data cradles, ie the type where the PDA plugs into the cradle rather than being held in the cradle and having a cable plugged into the bottom, I would avoid. They should be fine on the road, but when bouncing about off road it puts a lot of stress through the PDA input connection and direct to the motherboard. I know of one IPAQ that died this way and had to be replaced. Mine as fitted to my old disco..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark90 Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 Oh and a little tip I've just thought of mentioning, if the voice directions aren't loud enough, and they won't be in a defender at motorway speeds, is to run the sound from the headphone socket on the PDA through an external CB speaker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollythelw Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 I quite like the cheapo laptop with Oziexplorer and a bucket load of MP3's chucked on running through a stereo with an auxiliary imput. loads of storage for uploading photos/specialist interest er-hemm materials and maps - so cheap second hand it doesn't matter if they periodically die Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark90 Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 I used to use a laptop in the landrover but found it a bit big and cumbersome, although the big screen was nice. Tablet PC would be better, or a built in PC with LCD touch screen, but then we're talking a bit more money than a cheap old laptop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fisha Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 i have an LCD touch screen in the RR which i bought for my wireless horsebox camera setup. I'm would like to try and sort out making a laptop mount for the car so I can just plug in the laptop in and get a full setup working through just the touchscreen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 The system I am looking to build is using a laptp (given to me by work because part of the screen is shot). So I intend to run something like OzziExplorer through an 8" touch screen mounted on the dash. You can get the screen for about £120 on ebay. Biggest problem I am having at the moment is getting digital maps or Tactical Pilot Charts of Libya (which is where I am going in November). I know you can scan maps in to OzziExplorer and use them but trying to scan a TPC will be a right pain as I only have an A4 scanner. Ivan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fisha Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 some scanner software has stuff that lets you stitch things together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollythelw Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 there are loads of maps on the Ozi explorer websites - worth trawling through, Im afraid I cant help you out with that area of the world though Ozi lets you stictch maps, on a vaguely related tip try looking at Google Earth, maps can be downloaded from there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMUD Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 My Dell Axim X5 is great as the speaker is on the front, ideal for use with TT3 in the Defender. It has seperate CF/SD slots so I use a CF GPS from ebay, about £40 iirc. I also use MM and swear it is the mutt's. The newer X50 has the speaker on the back IIRC but does come with the SD/CF slots and WiFi, Bluetooth etc. even a blue LED! Very bling. Anyone considering buying a Dell computer - any model - PM or call me first for the inside track on getting a discount/freebies. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkieB Posted August 17, 2005 Share Posted August 17, 2005 getting digital maps or Tactical Pilot Charts of Libya You would possibly have heard of Chris Scott's site http://www.sahara-overland.com, there's a forum too at www.horizonsunlimited.com ;there may be people who have already scanned in the maps, made gps waypoints, etcetera Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roman Posted August 17, 2005 Share Posted August 17, 2005 I got myself one of those: http://tinyurl.com/cd647 It has a retail price of over a grand but can be had for ca £200 from ebay. Pretty well built and will (hopefully) take a lot of punishment in the Sahara. As for the software suporting scanned maps on PDAs, I've been playing with Pathaway which uses imported scanned maps (including calibration) made for TT QuoVadis and Fugawi. Not as good as the moving map software for notebooks but does the job anyway. BTW, I have for sale scanned IGN 1:50 000 maps of Algeria and 1:100 000 maps of Europe. If any one is interested please send me a PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roman Posted August 17, 2005 Share Posted August 17, 2005 Biggest problem I am having at the moment is getting digital maps or Tactical Pilot Charts of Libya (which is where I am going in November). Hi, Better hurry up! the TCP charts are going to be banned from this October - check this: http://tinyurl.com/brflo Have you tried http://www.themapshop.co.uk/ ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbocharger Posted August 17, 2005 Share Posted August 17, 2005 Anyone considering buying a Dell computer - any model - PM or call me first for the inside track on getting a discount/freebies. Yeah, cheers Chris. I'm now resting my forehead on my brand new Dell keyboard, next to my Dell screen and plugged into my shiny new Dell computer. I should have asked first... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 Roman Thanks for the info. I have used the map shop before when I went to Morroco. I work very near Stanfords and popped in there yesterday. They were absolutely useless. The staff could barely speak English and when I asked about TPS's they just pointed and walked away. Sorry rant over Ivan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMUD Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 Oooh, sorry JB. I doubt you would have saved much anyway. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white90 Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 Chris is the X5 a good one to still go for? rhere are too many to choose from if you don't really know what you are looking at/for Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roman Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 Ivan, Try also this map shop: http://www.rmib-geoscience.nl/links/Libya.ecp Rgds, Roman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roman Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 Sorry, double posting caused by server error BTW, how do you delete a whole message? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niall_CSK Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 No don't go the BMW route Couldn't resist. According to the mag I get from time to time "PDA Essentials" the Windows Mobile units appear to be preferred over the Palm devices for availability & support of software. The other advantage is that some software like MM has both PDA & desktop versions, assuming you are using Windozze on the desktop of course. Personal choice in the end, if you are not "into" PDA's particularly it probably won't matter to you which you have as long as it works out of the box. I wouldn't get too exited about touch screens as I am pretty sure you will need additional software to operate them. Each application has to have an additional inteface layer that reacts to the hotspots dedicated to it. I am sure there is someone around who knows a lot more about it than me, I just wouldn't like to pay the extra for touch screen just to find it's going to cost an awful lot more to get it working. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark90 Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 I wouldn't get too exited about touch screens as I am pretty sure you will need additional software to operate them. Each application has to have an additional inteface layer that reacts to the hotspots dedicated to it. I am sure there is someone around who knows a lot more about it than me, I just wouldn't like to pay the extra for touch screen just to find it's going to cost an awful lot more to get it working. Not quite. You simply control the mouse by touching the screen so can perform mouse operations in package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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