What gps do you use?
I have tried two types of gps, Garmin and Magellan. Both will failings. Am looking for best option. Google is good but I have to use data so I'd like one that doesn't require data. Any thoughts?
Forum Discussion
32 Replies
- Anyone use the Gaia GPS App? Downloaded it and will probably subscribe. Just wanted to see how others like it.
pnichols wrote:
Campfire Time wrote:
JaxDad wrote:
Fizz wrote:
Tom/Barb wrote:
I don't use one,, my phone has "" MAPS""
Lets not get this argument going again.
A phone is not a GPS.
It shares some features but falls way short, assuming of course that one knows how to work a real GPS
Huh?
My iPhone has a GPS radio chip and a full database no different than any other GPS does.
In fact if you have the right software on your phone, and have access to a public (free) RTK base station you can take 1-2 cm RTK GNSS positions on a smartphone. This is accurate enough to legally make a land survey with.
How is that falling ‘way short’ of anything?
This is my question. Maybe 10 years ago that was true. However today, aside from maybe not having access to bridge height into, what is the difference? we rarely use our dedicated GPS anymore. Set a destination, download the maps, turn data off, and enjoy turn by turn voice navigation.
So ... are you saying that a phone can not have cell tower access and still navigate one all over the place ... assuming one bought a phone model with enough built-in memory capacity to have stored in it at all times a map database of all of the U.S. and Canada?
Our 3550LM Garmin can navigate us at any time anywhere in the lower U.S., Canada, and Alaska - of course without any "roaming charges". We also have over 400,000 custom Points of Interest at all times stored in it's internal memory (and could store even more POI's).
We do not like to be solely dependent on (spotty in the Western U.S. - still) cell tower access when we travel in our RV. We even carry along a Garmin satellite inReach device for text messaging and calling in emergency medical help when out and about. Our family can see where we're at from their homes whenever we're traveling and we're out of cell tower range ... by us keeping our inReach device turned on and hanging in the cab of the RV.
Yes, a smartphone (or iPad / tablet which doesn’t even have cell capabilities) will work just the same as any other GPS unit. With most tablets you will need to use an external GPS dongle.
I use a Bad Elf GPS dongle on an iPad mini running Co-Pilot. The 8 inch hi resolution screen beats any stand-alone GPS hands down.- I have the Garmin rv 760 I hate the thing and do not recommend it,I am going to try rv copilot with a Ipad
pnichols wrote:
So ... are you saying that a phone can not have cell tower access and still navigate one all over the place ... assuming one bought a phone model with enough built-in memory capacity to have stored in it at all times a map database of all of the U.S. and Canada?
That is exactly the situation, if one downloads the maps, and it does work in practice. Most phones these days have sufficient storage for the map database; their hardware is not much different from that of a standalone GPS, in fact. I am pretty sure my low-end Android Tracfone has more built-in storage than my GPS (8 GB vs 4? GB), and certainly has more than enough space on the SD card I added for street maps of the continent (or world, at least if I cleared out some podcasts and music).
Live traffic data generally is not available on cell phone navigation apps without cellular data.- Our iPad is linked to a Stratus II and has maps (App) installed. it will cover anywhere.
Campfire Time wrote:
JaxDad wrote:
Fizz wrote:
Tom/Barb wrote:
I don't use one,, my phone has "" MAPS""
Lets not get this argument going again.
A phone is not a GPS.
It shares some features but falls way short, assuming of course that one knows how to work a real GPS
Huh?
My iPhone has a GPS radio chip and a full database no different than any other GPS does.
In fact if you have the right software on your phone, and have access to a public (free) RTK base station you can take 1-2 cm RTK GNSS positions on a smartphone. This is accurate enough to legally make a land survey with.
How is that falling ‘way short’ of anything?
This is my question. Maybe 10 years ago that was true. However today, aside from maybe not having access to bridge height into, what is the difference? we rarely use our dedicated GPS anymore. Set a destination, download the maps, turn data off, and enjoy turn by turn voice navigation.
So ... are you saying that a phone can not have cell tower access and still navigate one all over the place ... assuming one bought a phone model with enough built-in memory capacity to have stored in it at all times a map database of all of the U.S. and Canada?
Our 3550LM Garmin can navigate us at any time anywhere in the lower U.S., Canada, and Alaska - of course without any "roaming charges". We also have over 400,000 custom Points of Interest at all times stored in it's internal memory (and could store even more POI's).
We do not like to be solely dependent on (spotty in the Western U.S. - still) cell tower access when we travel in our RV. We even carry along a Garmin satellite inReach device for text messaging and calling in emergency medical help when out and about. Our family can see where we're at from their homes whenever we're traveling and we're out of cell tower range ... by us keeping our inReach device turned on and hanging in the cab of the RV.- I have used GPS . But, I know that locally it sometimes takes you the long way down the wrong road. But, if I was not from here I understand that using it would be an option. Gone are the day when stop in at a gas station and ask directions. These days most of those employees are just as lost as you are. lol
- I use CoPilot on iPad and iPhone. Google Maps on iPhone for local running around.
Eastern US, Canada and France maps resident on both devices, no cell service required except for app & map updates and active traffic option. My iPad does not have cell but it can connect to internet via Bluetooth to the cell phone if needed.
GPS receiver is a BadElf. https://bad-elf.com/
The same setup is used with marine charts for the boat. JaxDad wrote:
Fizz wrote:
Tom/Barb wrote:
I don't use one,, my phone has "" MAPS""
Lets not get this argument going again.
A phone is not a GPS.
It shares some features but falls way short, assuming of course that one knows how to work a real GPS
Huh?
My iPhone has a GPS radio chip and a full database no different than any other GPS does.
In fact if you have the right software on your phone, and have access to a public (free) RTK base station you can take 1-2 cm RTK GNSS positions on a smartphone. This is accurate enough to legally make a land survey with.
How is that falling ‘way short’ of anything?
This is my question. Maybe 10 years ago that was true. However today, aside from maybe not having access to bridge height into, what is the difference? we rarely use our dedicated GPS anymore. Set a destination, download the maps, turn data off, and enjoy turn by turn voice navigation.- Having used several different Garmins and Tom Toms over the years, I find the Tom Tom user interface a lot easier to use. As I understand it, all GPS use one of only two available maps, so that is not a big factor. Learning to do the "Settings" will eliminate most of the odd routes that any GPS might suggest. Mine are right more often than not.
