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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : GPS navigation thingy's for cars...
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Grogster Admin Group  Joined: 31/12/2012 Location: New ZealandPosts: 9483 |
Hi all. These seem to have dropped off the planet, when I went to find a replacement for my old NavMan that died. I can't find them anywhere over here in NZ again, from the usual shops. Asking around, it would seem that everyone just uses a suitable app on their smart-phone now, along with a phone-holder so they can stick the phone on the car window. I've been told that the integrated MAPS app works for this, but I would prefer NOT to use Mr. Google any more then I have to. They already have way too much access to stuff IMHO - they are almost worse then Microsoft at this point, for needing a Google account and having to be signed into their services to do even basic stuff.....like using your TV set.... So, do the members here have any GPS navigation apps that they would recommend? I will consider using the Google Maps app, if it works well, but I would PREFER something else. Anyone got any suggestions? Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops! |
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| Volhout Guru  Joined: 05/03/2018 Location: NetherlandsPosts: 4854 |
Hi, I use "OsmAnd" an an Android phone (OpenStreetMaps Android). The free version allows to download up to 30 free maps. I have it for 5 years already, and am just on the edge of depleting the 30 maps. Regards, Volhout P.S. in the range of 150-500 dollar there are still individual navigators (Garmin, TomTom). If you purchase, spend the extra 10 dollar to have lifetime map updates. example : Dutch advertisement.  Edited 2025-05-09 16:14 by Volhout PicomiteVGA PETSCII ROBOTS |
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Supertech Newbie  Joined: 13/11/2016 Location: AustraliaPosts: 39 |
We have them listed still in Victoria if I'm on your same page that is. My first Maps in vehicle was my 1st Nokia who's maps were free and incredibly accurate for a small phone. I never bought a GPS unit, But, been with others that use, like yourself, completly agree. I went out on a job in electrician van one day, he had TWO active GPS's going at same time. One had dogey speaker that sounded like a squashed bird, while other clear, a bit louder. The competition was like a live farce of even conflicting demands, quite hilarious 😂... Anyway, don't dispair, they still out there, maybe not local to you though. I have a colleague that comes from NZ, I'd have to ask him. Everthing online. Unfortunately Mr. Google or Aussie Duck Duck Go you can find search them. Then reversing result to suit where you live. Well, these are very available. I am not promoting brand or models, that up to you. But ensure you study carefully for what YOU need in YOUR neck of woods. https://www.navman.co.nz/about/retailers Please forgive me if I got this all wrong. Just trying to be helpful. I hear see your pain. I have elderly gent who also loves his GPS and also continues to struggle keeping it functioning maps updated etc. Regards. Supertech. Victoria AU. |
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| ville56 Senior Member  Joined: 08/06/2022 Location: AustriaPosts: 217 |
On my phone I use AmiGo which is an app from TomTom. I also connect it wirelessly to my car screen via AAWireless (another dutch company). Car is an 2017 VW Golf that has Android Auto already in the cars firmware, but only via USB. Newer cars can that already on a BT/WiFi basis. I've chosen this combination as i don't want to plug/unplug the USB all the time. The map display in drive mode is only 3D, but i can live with that. But also with plain AmiGo on the Android phone in a holder it is a good navigation tool which also warns of Radar/Laser paceing, be it fixed or mobile, as long as other users are reporting new boxes or mobile posts. Works quite well here in Austria and saved me already some money. 73 de OE1HGA, Gerald |
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CaptainBoing Guru Joined: 07/09/2016 Location: United KingdomPosts: 2139 |
I used TomTom heavily in the noughties but they had a flawed business model which was easily trounced when big G came along... now they seem to be an "also ran", just playing catch-up and been offering free traffic etc for a few years. Shame coz I liked their approach and the traffic had a really nice "ruler" representing your entire journey so you had a really long range view of up-coming slow-downs. They also had some nice navigation options too, like shortest route (which is rarely the fastest) but when I wasn't in a rush, it helped me find some fabulous scenic routes. I really like that you could add PoI (point of interest) files really easily and I snagged the location of all my then employers sites and created a PoI file of them which then became a staple download across the company - it was nice being able to navigate directly to the office of choice without looking up its address... had McDs on there and other useful files too. Used a ONE for years but upgraded when that coughed and then the maps had a different look to them and lost that "niche" apeal for me. They are still going as I get emails from them now and again and I would certainly look at them if I was in the market for a stand-alone. As it is, I use GM exclusively and find it really accurate, I have learned to trust its routing even when it seems illogical - always comes out in the end and recently it routed me around a huuuuge slow down on a highway by sending me through some very odd snickets... but got me home on time whereas if I had ignored it "coz I knew better", I'd still be in the queue now. my 2p h Edited 2025-05-09 20:12 by CaptainBoing |
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| Bleep Guru Joined: 09/01/2022 Location: United KingdomPosts: 579 |
I think TomTom have the best navigation interface, how the route & directions are presented & spoken, very clear, simple, concise, just what you need when driving. But I do use Google to check up on any holdups, as my TomTom doesn't have traffic. |
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| Volhout Guru Joined: 05/03/2018 Location: NetherlandsPosts: 4854 |
TomTom have changed their business model. They are #1 logistics guiding/fleet management company in Europe now. Navigation is a small part of their business now. They are also heavily involved in autonomous driving trucks. This info is from a presentation they gave 3 years ago in the dutch HAN university. Volhout Edited 2025-05-09 22:14 by Volhout PicomiteVGA PETSCII ROBOTS |
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| robert.rozee Guru Joined: 31/12/2012 Location: New ZealandPosts: 2399 |
what model number was it, and in what way did it die? it is not uncommon for them to become flakey when the internal Li-Ion cell expires - replacing the cell then restores normal behavior. cheers, rob :-) |
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