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Tablet for GPS Nav

43K views 81 replies 31 participants last post by  PapaSkeeta  
#1 ·
I looked at the Yamaha Adventure Pro. Too much money for what it does. What’s everybody using? How is the gps signal? Mounts etc?
 
#4 · (Edited)
I've been using GPSes for 24 years now and the best thing I did for navigating in my 2016 Wolverine R-spec was switching to a Tablet.

I experimented with the tablet mounted on the Passenger Grab Bar (a little to far away for easy of use and got very dusty, had to keep it in a gallon zip lock bag), then used it on the dash to the right of the steering wheel for a very short time (still got very dusty and blocked view when looking right in front of the Wolverine at the ground), then mounted it overhead and this is by far the best place to mount a tablet in the 2016-2018 Wolverine, I suspect it would be the same in the 2019 X2.

Until you have tried using the tablet down at dash or grab bar level and then try it mounted up on the roll bar it is hard to convince someone how much more convenient it is overhead. You can tilt it so that the tablet does not block any of your view. The advantages of it being overhead right in front of you are that it stays clean and practically dust free, it won't get wet in rain/wet conditions, it is closer making it so much easier to see, and also being closer it is easier to operate. The only disadvantage is that your passenger can't do the navigating, but you can easily rotate the RAM cradle/mount for the passenger to see it, if needed. Sometimes the full Stereo enclosure that mounts in the roof can present problems for mounting things to your front cross-member of the roll cage. As you can see in my picture below, my overhead gun rack still works with the tablet mounted.

I like the 8" tablets, 7" are a little small (not any bigger than the latest model smartphones (Samsung Note S9 is 7" diagonally), 9" is a little to big for the close quarters. Most any Tablet now days has a dedicated GPS and does not need cell service to work. Very good tablets that can be used for GPS navigation can be bought for around $100, some of the factory refurbished models are great to use. Personally I like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A, 8" with the RAM Cradle and mounts, using a 1 1/2" Bull Bar Mount, mounted to the roll cage to mount the tablet. This 8" tablet can be bought for around $150.

You don't need any type of signal booster for the tablet and most of the GPS Navigation Apps are as accurate as automotive and hand held GPS for recreational use. You won't have Trimble GPS accuracy but then you don't need it or want that type of expense.

 
#5 ·
I also like the tablet mounted overhead. I use a Sony Xperia which is waterproof. I got it used from Amazon. I mounted it in a Ram X mount and have it plugged in to a dash marine usb plug .
 
#6 · (Edited)
Hey, Doc T, you may recognize that GPS map on my tablet in the picture above. It is Bob T's map for Hatfield & McCoy, with the trail colors modified slightly for my own personal preference/use. Plus, I added the white lines with red borders outlining the individual Trail Systems and cross hatched in red the part of the trail systems that are closed.
 
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#8 · (Edited)
That tablet, Samsung Galaxy Tab Active2, 8.0 will definitely work, but is rather pricey, at just over $400, for what your intended use is. I saw where it is IP68 waterproof; I have never had getting the tablet wet to be a problem with my inexpensive Galaxy Tab 8, Model T350 that is not waterproof but is mounted in an Otterbox case. My Tablet now has just over 3,400 miles in all types of weather in my Wolverine. With it mounted up close to the roof you just won't get it wet. The 16Gb of internal storage for the Active 2 T390 is on the small size compared to the later models today. 16Gb is way more than enough of storage for just GPS navigation in the SxS, but I find I use my tablet at home for all kinds of other uses such as watching installed movies and various apps. I do have a micro SD card installed but after 2 years of app updates and some things that have to be installed on the tablet's internal memory I now have about 13 Gb of internal memory being used leaving only 3 gb left.

Just for your comparison here is an Amazon link to the Galaxy Tab A, 8" with 16 Gb of internal memory (2015 Model), for $134.95 https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Gala...dp/B00V49LL90/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1544061234&sr=8-3&keywords=samsung+tab+8+a

and the Galaxy Tab A, 8" with 32 Gb of memory (2017 Model) for $179.95 - https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Gala...SG1TQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1544061554&sr=8-3&keywords=samsung+tab+A+8.0+32+gb or new for $199 from several places.

The Gps on all the Samsung Tablets manufactured in the past 4 years will be way more than adequate. I have actually tested my tablet recording an all day track using the OruxMaps App while at the same time recording the same track with my Garmin Oregon handheld GPS and found no difference in the accuracy of the tablet compared to the Garmin Oregon GPS when you lay one track on top of the other, on the computer, when back at home.
 
#9 ·
We have a guy here in Michigan that sells Garmin Drive 50 and 60 with VVMapping installed for $199. You'll need to check VVMapping.com and see if they have trail maps for your area. North Starters is the guy in Michigan and he's a cool dude that deals in lots of vehicle electronics.

https://northstarters.com
 
#10 ·
#14 · (Edited)
Do you have a link for the ram cradle and mount ?

Roll bar brackets you can get from ebay. The mounts from GPS City.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-1-5-Inch-Bull-Bar-Roll-Cage-Tube-Mount-Brackets-Clamp-LED-Light-Offroad-US/332841602598

http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-ram-tab-tite-cradle-for-7-8-inch-tablets-in-heavy-duty-case-ram-hol-tab29u

https://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-diamond-plate-with-1-inch-ball-ram-b-238u You will need two of these.

http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-medium-arm-b-socket-ram-b-201u

I've been using Ram mounts for years. I haven't had a chance to road test mine yet but I know it will work well. The cradle holds the Samsung Tab A 8.0 model SM-T380 tablet very securely. I just ordered all of these thanks to the help from PapaSkeeta.
 
#16 ·
You're welcome.
Below is a picture showing the Ram cradle, arm and 1" ball mount.
 
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#17 ·
For last couple years I have used a Garmin NUVI 550 with a ram ball mount. I saw another thread that PapaSkeeta did and got me more excited about a tablet and Oruxmap style. I stumbled upon the Lifetime Trail Maps site and wound up buying it with the Samsung Active2 8"tablet. It is pricey like the Adventure Pro but all things considered I believe reasonable for the maps when I think about how many hours this older non-tech savvy guy would take to learn and load the maps and trails. I have used it three times now. I originally installed it with a Ram ball mount off the passenger grab bar but it was too shaky and I figured that was not good for my vision or the tablet. So I made a flat tube steel bar with a custom mount of the Ram Cradle mounted on the passenger grab bar. BTW the Ram cradle has the POGO pins in it to give it the power supply while installed. It is now firm and stable, within reach and easy to navigate. The maps have a 'night mode' which is nice as the regular screen is too bright at night.
I have the Garmin for sale with the mounts and 48 states TOPO if someone interested just send a PM. The NUVI is a hybrid GPS that can be vehicle mounted or hand held.
 
#19 · (Edited)
#20 ·
I use a refurbished Tab A 8 inch in a case I got on Amazon. Had some Ram parts around so I got a cradle for it. I use the Polaris Ride Command app. It is free and seems to work well for what I need. I have it on the passenger grab bar so my wife can navigate. Can't see it without my readers
 
#22 · (Edited)
Not all iPad’s have GPS. I believe only the ones that come with cellular.
I have an iPad Pro and it doesn’t have GPS.
 
#26 ·
I took JIMBO's idea and ordered a Getac, 1 1/2" RAM mount, and roll bar mounts from eBay. Took it out today and was really impressed with how well the GPS tracked us. I downloaded the Polaris app and it seems to work great. I originally wanted the Owlshead app but something wasn't compatible with this device and the app. It wouldn't load all the way and made the tablet super slow. I almost sent the tablet back, buck decided to try a different app and I am happy with the Polaris app. First pic is taken from the driver side rear seat. Second is taken from my eye level looking up at tablet. Really glad I found this forum for ideas. I really like the tablet mounted up above also. I've been looking on here for a couple months now. I bought the X4 a couple months ago.
 
#27 · (Edited)
I took JIMBO's idea and ordered a Getac, 1 1/2" RAM mount, and roll bar mounts from eBay. Took it out today and was really impressed with how well the GPS tracked us. I downloaded the Polaris app and it seems to work great. I originally wanted the Owlshead app but something wasn't compatible with this device and the app. It wouldn't load all the way and made the tablet super slow. I almost sent the tablet back, buck decided to try a different app and I am happy with the Polaris app. First pic is taken from the driver side rear seat. Second is taken from my eye level looking up at tablet. Really glad I found this forum for ideas. I really like the tablet mounted up above also. I've been looking on here for a couple months now. I bought the X4 a couple months ago. View attachment 72256 View attachment 72256 View attachment 72258 View attachment 72260
There was supposed to be an android update available for these, and I was going to increase storage as well. Haven't got one yet, but I figured it's toughness would out weigh the shortcomings. Keep us posted on how it works! Also, how does the screen look in daylight?
 
#28 ·
It has Android 4.1.1 is the latest and last update from Getac according to a guy there. When I was having issues I called their customer service and the guy basically said there will be no more updates for the Z710 and there is a slot for a memory card but you can't increase internal memory according to him. But I only want it for a GPS and it works fine for that. It still looks good in sunlight. I just upgraded to the better version of the Polaris waypoint app and should be going riding again Wed or Thurs so I'll keep you posted on it.
 
#29 ·
Great setup and congrats on the new X4.
 
#30 ·
Could you post pics of the mounts, or put links in for them if you get a chance, thanks!
 
#33 ·
I used these roll bar mounts. I'm pretty sure these were the ones you postedhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-1-5-Inch-Bull-Bar-Roll-Cage-Tube-Mount-Brackets-Clamp-LED-Light-Offroad-US/332841602598?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

Then I went with 1.5" ball mount because they said the 1" is good for up to 2 lbs. in heavy vibration applications and this tablet weighs 1.75 lbs. So I thought I'd go to the next size up just to be sure it wouldn't drop down when riding on rougher terrain.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R4QS00/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This mount I had to drill 2 holes to match all four mounting holes on the back of the tablet.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UM3PEO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Then this one I bolted to the 2 1.5" roll bar mounts
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IDX27A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
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#34 · (Edited)
Have this RAM setup on its way. Had intended to do the grab bar mount but reading over this (after the decision and order) I'm going to shoot for the middle of the overhead bar (removing my mirror and going with backup camera). Hopefully all this will fit with the Samsung Tab A 8.0 (2019) with 32G. Got the tablet for $109 from Costco. Spending way more for a mounting solution than the tablet but security is important to me. The RAM stuff is 1.5" (Size 'C').

https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-231Z-2U

https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-TABL12U

https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-103U

https://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-S-KNOB5U

https://www.costco.com/new-samsung-...-tablet-32gb---silver---includes-bonus-32gb-microsd-card.product.100511016.html
 
#36 ·
i just use my iPhone with motion x gps. and download area satellite maps ahead of time. looks like google earth with road names lakes so on. you can also broadcast your location realtime to who you give the code to and watch each others location. works great hunting. but it does suck up the battery you will want it plugged in. do wish it was larger screen though. gps iPad would be cool.
 
#37 · (Edited)
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#41 ·
Thanks for sharing, that is one heck of a ride! In case anyone is wondering, the kmz file I downloaded opened with Google Earth on my Windows 7 pc.

I'll try the app on my iPhone today!
 
#38 ·
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#39 · (Edited)