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Today I purchased Back Country Navigator ($14.99 at the Playstore) and installed it on a Galaxy Tab A T320 8" tablet. If you going to add Bob T's maps to BCN, do yourself a favor and plug it into a PC to load the files. I'm not the most proficient guy when it comes to handheld devices (although I can usually fight my way thru) but for the life of me could not get the files moved to where they needed to be. It literally took about 30 seconds using Windows Explorer after more than an hour of swearing and frustration while attempting to do it on the tablet. You phone savvy guys might have no problem but I sure did.

I used pretty much the same Ram Mount components as Papaskeeta. They were left over from a fish finder I had on my pontoon boat. Of course I haven't had a chance to use BCN but it seems like it's stable without any quirky surprises. Now I just need some decent weather.

Mike
 
I need to set up Bob T’s maps on a tablet. This is an older thread, what’s a recommendation for a tablet?

Does the tablet GPS work without cellular or wifi?


Will this work: https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Tab-...ydadcr=20101_9664590&keywords=samsung+-+galaxy+tab+a+-+8&qid=1579967500&sr=8-17

Thanks in advance.
Paul 65, The tablet you are referencing is the 2015 model, since then the Tab A 8" has been made in 2017 and 2019 models. The 2015 is what I am using but the 2017 and 2019 are improved. I don't think you can get an Otterbox Defender Series case for the 2015 model anymore. About 1 1/2 years ago I had all kinds of trouble finding one for a friend. Doubt any are available now. Sometimes the only way to tell the difference in the 3 different Tab A 8" Samsung Tablets is by the model number, the 2015 is Sm T350, the 2017 is Sm T380. I would make sure you can get the Otterbox Defender Case for the 2015, sm T350 before I went and ordered one. I am pretty sure that you can still get the Otterbox case for the 2017 model. The 2015 and 2017 and different dimensions and require different Otterbox cases. I would also be careful with used tablets that are RENEWED, this is not the same as factory refurbished where they are actually thoroughly gone through and tested by the factory. I have setup and recommended about 8 of the factory refurbished tablets bought from Walmart online. If buying from Walmart online you just need to make absolutely sure the add says SOLD and SHIPPED by Walmart and not some 3rd party vendor. This is very important if you have a problem with the tablet. None of the 8 individuals using the factory refurbished ones sold and shipped by Walmart have ever had any problems with them and we are all going on 3 years.

This is new tablet with a 1 year warranty, sold and shipped by Walmart. It is the 2017 Tab A 8", model T380, 2 Gb of Ram as compared to 1.5 Gb for the 2015, a faster processor - 1.4 Ghz vs 1.2, longer battery life - 5,000 mah vs 4,200 mah, better screen resolution, and a few other things just slightly improved.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Samsung-...wl7=&wl8=&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkvCs1uuf5wIVi56zCh1eOAeLEAAYASAAEgKxzPD_BwE For the $28 more dollars definitely go with the 2017 instead of the 2015 model, but still make sure you can get an Otterbox Defender Series Case for it. This you will be very glad you did in the long run. Other cases are available but not near the quality. Mine get used in all kinds of weather - rain, snow, dust, etc. and never a problem with it.
 
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Excellent info PapaSkeeta! Much appreciated. I have used the Defender cases on mine and the wife’s iPhones for years so I know how good they are. So your tablet is in the Defender case and you are using Ram mounts? What mounts?
 
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?
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.

View attachment 71908 View attachment 71906
I went back and found this earlier post. Interesting mount, please elaborate.
 
Excellent info PapaSkeeta! Much appreciated. I have used the Defender cases on mine and the wife’s iPhones for years so I know how good they are. So your tablet is in the Defender case and you are using Ram mounts? What mounts?
Starting at the roll cage, parts attached together in this order - eBay 1.5" bull bar mount with RAM 1" ball alum. diamond mount to a 3" RAM alum. extension arm to another RAM 1" ball alum. diamond mount mounted to the back of the tablets RAM cradle. Your tablet will require a different cradle. Later today , I can provide links to RAM parts, if wanted. In the RAM ball mounts and ext. arm be sure to use the alum. parts, not the plastic composite ones that are identical to the alum. ones.

Gpscity.com is a good source for RAM parts, usually about the best prices, free shipping over $25, ship very quickly, can call them on the phone with questions, can get any RAM parts.

Yes, tablet is in Otter box Defender Case all the time. I use the tablet a lot, even typing this reply with it, then it goes in the Wolvy for trail riding.
 
Thanks again PapaSkeeta! Here's what I ordered for the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016 model). The prices are from the RAM website. GPScity.com, eBay, or Amazon is less.

RAM-231Z-2U
RAM® ATV/UTV Rail Ball Base
$24.49
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-231Z-2U
Note: this is the one with the 1.5" ball, the "C" ball. When searching for this part you will mostly find the RAM-B-231Z-2U which is the 1" B ball.

RAM-103U
RAM® Double Socket Arm with Round Ball Plate
$36.49
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-103U

RAM-HOL-TABL20U
RAM® Tab-Lock™ Holder for 9" Tablets with Heavy Duty Cases
$74.49
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-TABL20U

RAP-S-KNOB5U
RAM® Pin-Lock™ Security Knob for C Size Socket Arms
$10.99
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-S-KNOB5U

10.1" tablet total: $269
I've got $117 in the tablet (lightning deal on Amazon), $30 in the base (eBay only one I could get in less than 7 days), $33 in the arm, $67 in the locking holder, $10 in the security knob (these three on Amazon), plus $12 in a knockoff case (eBay). I could not find an Otterbox Defender case for this older 2016 model, as you warned me.

Surprise surprise... another $300 spent, LOL
 
Thanks again PapaSkeeta! Here's what I ordered for the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016 model). The prices are from the RAM website. GPScity.com, eBay, or Amazon is less.

RAM-231Z-2U
RAM® ATV/UTV Rail Ball Base
$24.49
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-231Z-2U
Note: this is the one with the 1.5" ball, the "C" ball. When searching for this part you will mostly find the RAM-B-231Z-2U which is the 1" B ball.

RAM-103U
RAM® Double Socket Arm with Round Ball Plate
$36.49
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-103U

RAM-HOL-TABL20U
RAM® Tab-Lock™ Holder for 9" Tablets with Heavy Duty Cases
$74.49
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-TABL20U

RAP-S-KNOB5U
RAM® Pin-Lock™ Security Knob for C Size Socket Arms
$10.99
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-S-KNOB5U

10.1" tablet total: $269
I've got $117 in the tablet (lightning deal on Amazon), $30 in the base (eBay only one I could get in less than 7 days), $33 in the arm, $67 in the locking holder, $10 in the security knob (these three on Amazon), plus $12 in a knockoff case (eBay). I could not find an Otterbox Defender case for this older 2016 model, as you warned me.

Surprise surprise... another $300 spent, LOL
Same setup on 8" Tab A 2019. Ram mount on grab bar. Have yet to use it. Considering an Android backup camera to use on the same tablet.
 
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This is a GREAT thread. I need to get a tablet for my X2 by spring. I'm starting to research this same topic and don't have the time (or ability) to do as good a job as many of you that have posted.

Thank you to all who have shared their knowledge and experiences!!!
 
So, I’ve read through this entire thread. Still very happy that I purchased the Adventure Pro. It’s GPS is superior to those mentioned. The vehicle integration. The telemetry, the ability to do anything any other android tablet can do...etc. I know it’s $$$ but, to me, worth the coin.
 
I got the BackCountry Navigator XE for Android. Just started to use it and there are plugins that show UTV trails that can be added. We'll see if it's worth it... http://www.bcnavxe.com
 
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Anyone with Adventure PRO does it allow you to install something like Pandora? just not sure of the restrictions on what can be installed ont it
 
Great Thread but we need more pics of installs. Thanks to those that have already posted them.
I think I did the same thing Paul did. I'll post a picture later after work. It's a very nice set up, and places just about everything within arms reach without getting in the way of anything.
 
Looking good you'll be ready for the next trip!
 
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I use a Samsung military grade Tab A so not too worried about some rain blowing in. I got a RAM mount and had the 1" ball and clamp mounted on my grab bar but was not happy with the movement. So made my own mount. a 3/8" alum base plate. It will swivel 90 deg if need to but I have found the horiz orientation best for me. I used a 1/2" x 2" tube steel with a couple SS U-bolts to clamp to passenger grab bar. I bent and welded a steel bar plate mount for the optimum angles for me. It is firm and without the shake and rattle of before. Noteworthy is the RAM mount is powered and I did not like the fact the cord and lighter plug to cig lighter would periodically come shaking out. So I got a 5 volt transformer off Amazon for $8 and mounted it in glove box and hardwired the cord to the RAM mount. It always has power ON, so it does not have to do all its gyrations every time I start it up from battery to power at breaks and lunch. Hope this potentially helps someone. Sorry pics are not the greatest in garage light.




 
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