My phone as GPS didn't pan out

[el duque_imp]

I bought a nice mount for it, got the charger, but I can't see it.
It's not bright enough. Doh!

I need an inexpensive (less than $100) dedicated gps that I can buy on ebay.

I don't care if its moto dedicated or waterproof as long as it works and I can see it in the sunlight or on a cloudy day (can't even do that with mine).

If it is thinish all the better i might not have to buy another mount.

I'd use maps, but I like a gps.

thanks

 

[chync_imp]

For close to $100 you could get a Bluetooth communicator that pairs with your phone. Then use the voice guided directions and you don’t need to take your eyes off the road. I use the UClear communicator. It’s not rated as high as the Sena but it gets the job done.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LongRanger_imp]

Or you can buy a Sena for about $100 more and have a nice set up. Leave your phone in your pocket and listen to GPS directions, make and receive telephone calls hands-free, chat with Siri, or listen to music.

 

[the Ferret]

When I went to the Moonshine Lunch Run, a guy showed me a bluetooth thing about an inch and half long by 1/2" wide with ear buds that pairs to your phone. He said you could get them nearly everywhere for $20 and then listen to voice turn by turn directions using a gps/map app on your smart phone which could be in your pocket or tank bag. I guess that is what chync is talking about.

I use a gps so rarely (usually paper maps) but when honing in on a motel in a strange city I can see where that would come in handy. I did use an old Tom Tom 1 GPS when I went out west a couple of years ago but mainly for distance to destination info. They haven't moved any towns or cities since then that I know of. They only add roads, they don't subtract them as far as I know lol. Using any old GPS will get you there, it might not be the most direct route, but it WILL get you there.

 

[emptysea]

I've tried a couple of different things, but ultimately I just write out my route on a piece of paper and use my phone and/or a map if I get off course. I am probably buying the Sena20s and will try the turn-by-turn from my phone, but I think I'm still going to have everything written out. (BTW, I have a Ram mount for my iphone and had the same problem..lol)

 

[Bheezy27403_imp]

That's the way to go Sea. Write it out. That way it is much more committed to memory and if (when, actually) your gps goes out from no phone signal there's a handy back-up.

 

[Roper_imp]

I use my phone. Brightness up all the way. Anti-glare screen cover (in matte, not glossy). The only really hard time I have seeing the map is when the sun is behind me and right over my shoulder. That angle sucks, for some reason. Even then, I can usually position myself enough to create a shadow on the screen and then I can see it again. I have my phone mount in the middle, right between the handlebar mounts. It blocks access to the key, but it's easy just to snap the phone out to take the key out.

 

[Cormanus]

Apropos Ferret's post, these are excellent: https://griffintechnology.com/us/itrip-clip-bluetooth-headphone-adapter And inexpensive. PAir them with expensive Bose noise cancelling in-ear headphones and you have noise protection as well.

I don't work for or have interests in either company.

 

[el duque_imp]

thanks for the input guys.

I don't use the gps to get anywhere specifically. I use it locally to see what is in the vicinity of where I'm riding as in ... oh that looks twisty/interesting...I think I'll go there. Back roads lead to more back roads. Just easier to spot for me on a screen than a map. I have ride routes that I know but I am always lookin for something different.

I used to have a garmin 2610... old school. You can pick them up on ebay for less than $30. They work but are a bit bulky.

I'm discovering there isn't much room on the CB handle bars for gadgets.

 

[Cormanus]

el duque, reflection shouldn't be a problem. If you're using the GPS for exploring, you'd be stopping to check it out, would't you?

 

[el duque_imp]

el duque, reflection shouldn't be a problem. If you're using the GPS for exploring, you'd be stopping to check it out, would't you?

ah....no. I look at it while i'm riding! I don't fiddle with the buttons anymore though...

I would have to stop, take it off my sunglasses, shade it and even then its hard to see. Yes - the brightness button is 100%.

I guess I will just get something like a cheap nuvi and see how that works.

 

[kvdv_imp]

el duque, reflection shouldn't be a problem. If you're using the GPS for exploring, you'd be stopping to check it out, would't you?

ah....no. I look at it while i'm riding! I don't fiddle with the buttons anymore though...

I would have to stop, take it off my sunglasses, shade it and even then its hard to see. Yes - the brightness button is 100%.

I guess I will just get something like a cheap nuvi and see how that works.

Oh my...well, that might not go so well for you one of these days, you know...please be careful out there!

 

[4 Paws_imp]

I have a Garmin GPS on every bike I own, buy them from Amazon for cheap. Phones don’t work for me, too many areas with no cell coverage for miles. I just like to see what roads are coming up and which direction they go.
My Sena flooded and died and I never replaced it. If I’m actually following gps directions I just glance at the screen prompts.
A zip lock baggie serves as a waterproof cover or I just put it in my pocket.

 

[Cormanus]

There's no need to rely on Google maps or Apple maps or other apps that require cell phone coverage to give turn by turn directions. Tom Tom and Sygic—to name but two—offer GPS apps that store their maps on the phone and work regardless of cell coverage.

 

[Roper_imp]

You can also download Google maps to your phone to use off-line. You still get driving directions, but not traffic info or alternate routes.

 

[el duque_imp]

Quote:I just like to see what roads are coming up and which direction they go.
that's all I want it for.

the phone works as a gps without service because there is a gps chip in it. you can buy a phone (no service) turn it on and it will work as a gps.

There are lots of other mapping apps you can download to the phone that work. I like OsmAnd. A lot of adventure rider dudes like the phone and apps... not tied to garmin for updates and or issues.

Quote:Oh my...well, that might not go so well for you one of these days, you know...please be careful out there!
thanks for your concern Kman. I am careful. I don't stare at it, I glance at it like you would your speedo, tach, or map on the tank bag.
Plenty of other things that can go wrong that's for sure.

 

[husky385_imp]

I use a dedicated app called CoPilot. It takes some space on your phone but you don’t need cell service. The cost is around $15.00. Sold in the app stores for iPhone or Android.
Kevin

 

[kennyw]

What phone do you have? I have been using my Samsung galaxy and note phones as GPS for years and only have trouble on a few occasions.

 

[el duque_imp]

Phone is an LG. the phone/gps works I just can't see it while riding - not a bright enough screen.
I had a Samsung for awhile...it had issues so I changed brands.

I had no problem seeing my old garmin gps even in bright sunlight.

 

[kennyw]

I tried a car version Garmin before going to my phone and could not see the screen in bright sunlight.