Do I get a HEMA GPS?

[Skull]

I have been looking all over the web trying to decide which way to go with GPS. I love the idea of the HEMA as it is more about offroad than on and I would think fairly sturdy. It is bloody pricey though when most other portable brands are $90 - $400 max. Have any of you guys used one, what are your observations? Is it too full of features no-one uses? Is it accurate as far as maps and location? Is there a cheaper alternative that does the same job? I have been using my Nokia phone in the eastern states and New Zealand but it is lost in WA. Obviously phones are not in the same league but I still want a good product for a reasonable price.

Found these on Ebay. I hate No Name gear but what do you guys think?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/7-OFF-ROAD-GPS-OziExplorer-CE-4WD-Australian-maps-topographic-4x4-/380385605616?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5890bfb7f0

[growler2058]

Will be watching this am looking also

[Clunk]

There's a few guys in the WPC who use these, I haven't seen them in action though so couldn't tell you what they're like............ I believe the EvilTwin has or had one, so may be able to shed some light on the subject if he sees this.................. and yes I did notice that these people have sold out but may be able to find them on fleabay or summit.

http://www.elinz.com.au/products/7-gps-navigation/

[Skull]

Do they need to be a special type of GPS to do HEMA 4x4 and TOPO?? Or will any GPS be able to load and use these maps? I am a tard when it comes to this stuff.

[Clunk]

Do they need to be a special type of GPS to do HEMA 4x4 and TOPO?? Or will any GPS be able to load and use these maps? I am a tard when it comes to this stuff.

I think if they're either Hema of Ozi-Explorer compatible, should be ok but I'm no good at this stuff either and like you, want one but not sure what to get from that minefield that's out there.

[the evil twin]

Hi guys...

As Clunk said, we have a lot of the Elinz Units in the Club ( I don't as i have a Factory VDO and a Chinavision head unit plus a 10 inch Netbook with GPS dongle so 3 systems all up) but any of the SD card based Windows CE units of the 1,000's on Ebay will do the job.

HEMA Units are expensive because they do the total package IE maps, unit, etc all as a package (plus a premium for the name). With the Ebay jobbies, you need to source the maps and OziExplorer CE yourself however they are readily available.

[GRA.GU]

Some months ago I was still using a net-book with OziExplorer, but had realised the limitations that this put on me. It was mounted on the centre console lid and I had to take my eyes off the track to view it. Not only that but glare was often a problem. I decided to go for something more convenient, and was hastened along by my netbook dieing. I was attracted by the ebay specials but the ones I was looking at required me to load most of the information etc. I'm far from expert with IT and so was attracted by the brand names.
I eventually went to the 4WD show and had already narrowed my choice down to the Hema 4n5i or VMS Touring. My eyes aren't as good as they once were and so I assumed the VMS with its 7inch screen would be the better. Fortunately I was able to compare them side by side in identical light and it was immediately apparent that the Hema was brighter[both adjusted to the max] and hence easier to see in bright light.
I wasn't so interested in the on-road navigation but was happy to read that in contrast with the earlier Hemas, the latest has one of the best systems available. It also has the latest Camps Australia listings which can be handy.
With regard to maps the Hema are of course top class and for general touring more than adequate. However for off-road in some of the more specialised locations [say Vic High Country or Blue Mntns] you still would probably choose to get the more detailed topographical maps.
The oziExplorer version is an abbreviated one and from my point of view good and easy to use on tracks[although I've still got a lot to learn] . Meanwhile, Memory Maps, which also come free on the Hema, are really not required as Ozi is way superior, unless you already use MM.
And so it comes to price. Some of the ebay specials I looked at blitzed the brand names here, but they do require a deal of IT expertise beyond my own. However, the link that you provided, Skull, does appear good value as well as being ready to go, so it may well be a good option. Shame you cant compare the screen visibilities. From memory the VMS was about $620, but with inferior maps to the Hema. I eventually purchased the Hema for about the same money from an accredited NSW supplier with a free NSW topo maps disc, and of course after sales info and advice.
As I said, I'm still learning, but it has done all that I've requested of it to date, and I'm satisfied with my decision.
Hope this is of assistance to those on a similar track.

[SpecialDave]

Hey all, as a heads up... The new Navman my escape III comes with the hema maps. It's a 7" jobbie and also has reverse camera input which I'll be wiring in tomorrow, and so far 3 days old in my 5 day old troll it appears to be the goods. Now I'm trying to figure out where to mount the damn thing as I have a head unit and cb already in dash?

[Bloodyaussie]

Sorry Gra.gu I just had to do this so I could read it mate.... below is copied from above post.



Some months ago I was still using a net-book with OziExplorer, but had realised the limitations that this put on me.

It was mounted on the centre console lid and I had to take my eyes off the track to view it. Not only that but glare was often a problem. I decided to go for something more convenient, and was hastened along by my netbook dieing. I was attracted by the ebay specials but the ones I was looking at required me to load most of the information etc. I'm far from expert with IT and so was attracted by the brand names.

I eventually went to the 4WD show and had already narrowed my choice down to the Hema 4n5i or VMS Touring. My eyes aren't as good as they once were and so I assumed the VMS with its 7inch screen would be the better.

Fortunately I was able to compare them side by side in identical light and it was immediately apparent that the Hema was brighter[both adjusted to the max] and hence easier to see in bright light.
I wasn't so interested in the on-road navigation but was happy to read that in contrast with the earlier Hemas, the latest has one of the best systems available. It also has the latest Camps Australia listings which can be handy.

With regard to maps the Hema are of course top class and for general touring more than adequate. However for off-road in some of the more specialised locations [say Vic High Country or Blue Mntns] you still would probably choose to get the more detailed topographical maps.

The oziExplorer version is an abbreviated one and from my point of view good and easy to use on tracks[although I've still got a lot to learn] . Meanwhile, Memory Maps, which also come free on the Hema, are really not required as Ozi is way superior, unless you already use MM.

And so it comes to price. Some of the ebay specials I looked at blitzed the brand names here, but they do require a deal of IT expertise beyond my own. However, the link that you provided, Skull, does appear good value as well as being ready to go, so it may well be a good option. Shame you cant compare the screen visibilities.

From memory the VMS was about $620, but with inferior maps to the Hema. I eventually purchased the Hema for about the same money from an accredited NSW supplier with a free NSW topo maps disc, and of course after sales info and advice.
As I said, I'm still learning, but it has done all that I've requested of it to date, and I'm satisfied with my decision.
Hope this is of assistance to those on a similar track.

[lucus30]

Hey all, as a heads up... The new Navman my escape III comes with the hema maps. It's a 7" jobbie and also has reverse camera input which I'll be wiring in tomorrow, and so far 3 days old in my 5 day old troll it appears to be the goods. Now I'm trying to figure out where to mount the damn thing as I have a head unit and cb already in dash?

Hey mate I've looked on their website and it says it has here offroad maps not hema ?

[oncedisturbed]

Here maps are basically the new version of the Garmin / Sygic / Navman maps that are being released. Most GPS units and apps have been moving over to this style.

My IPad, Galaxy phone and Windows phone all have this style now integrated into their map packs

[Rock Trol]

I have a Hema HN6. The offroad maps are good but the on road (I go) navigation sucks. I was driving from Adelaide to Hawker via Clare and it was trying to send me to Port August and then to Quorn, then to Hawker. That is sending you west and then back east even though there is a road that is inland and goes to Hawker (RM Williams Hwy). I plan to use my old Garmin for on road navigation in future.

People in my club are starting to move to a tablet with a RAM mount loaded with HEMA maps. Will probably look at that in the future.

[Malgreen]

Hey Rock Troll, thats what i use, i have my Ipad mounted in front of the little storage thingy above my stereo ...

i have Mud Maps and hema explorer and Hema 4WD maps...

for around town i use google maps..

57645

[oncedisturbed]

Same setup as mine but I also use IGO and the new HERE maps which are the old Nokia brand now that Microsoft own Nokia.

[Rock Trol]

Hey Rock Troll, thats what i use, i have my Ipad mounted in front of the little storage thingy above my stereo ...

i have Mud Maps and hema explorer and Hema 4WD maps...

for around town i use google maps..

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=57645&stc=1

That is a nice set up for sure. Nice big map and easy to see.

I think I need to update maps on my GPS so maybe a newer version will be better than the one I am running now. Or else, a tablet is on the way.

[tracemul7]

I bought Mud Maps 2 and use it on my iPhone.
I used this on my recent interstate trip (Adelaide - Oodnadatta track - Uluru - Kings Canyon - West Macdonnell Ranges - East Macdonnell Ranges - Coober Pedy - Adelaide) which involved a good portion of off-road driving.

Things I liked:
- Only cost $80 (saved 20% by buying iTunes gift card at woolies)
- Good accuracy
- Tracking feature was great to see where we went
- Camping areas (from Campee - free app) are shown, with campsite features
- Tons of included maps with lots of landmarks on them

Things I didn't like:
- Campsite reviews and images need to be online to view them
- Every now and then, the tracking seemed to drop out ... unsure why

Hope this helps :)

Trace

[oncedisturbed]

With MM2, the campsite images and reviews were put in mainly for prior trip planning before heading off.

Like you mentioned, having the service to view them along the way is a bonus.

Did it lose signal or the app crashed?

If you can pm me the info, I will email Maria from MM the details for her and Tom to go through and see if it is a standalone bug Eg the iPhone or whether it is app based.

[threedogs]

LMAO what ever happened to paper maps, work every time

[Winnie]

LMAO what ever happened to paper maps, work every time

Yes and definitely always carry them as back up, but once you have tried digital maps you would never go without.
No pulling over to look at the map, no second guessing where you are on the map, it gives great confidence.

[oncedisturbed]

Same as Winnie and TD mention, always have paper maps with you just in case

[SpecialDave]

Hey mate I've looked on their website and it says it has here offroad maps not hema ?

I just saw this sorry mate - so the off road data is "provided by Hema" which I have discovered is an entirely different thing. That being said I quote from the Navman com au site

"4WD GPS Tracks for the adventurers
HEMA 4WD GPS tracks are available for download
Go further than ever before with the optional HEMA 4WD Tracks download. Perfect for those weekend warriors who want to their 4WD out on to the dirt. These detailed downloads feature "off road" guidance along known HEMA 4WD Tracks with over 8,000 relevant POIs and great locations for outdoor related activities.A full list of tracks covered can be found below.

HEMA 4WD Tracks are built-in on the MYESCAPE II, MYESCAPE and MY75T and are available to purchase as an optional extra for the MY450LMT, MY400LMT, MY300LMT, MY350LMT, MY85XLT, MY80T, MY65T and MY60T."

But go to the shop and they now say they have the HERE 4wd maps?

Yet to throughly test but picked up Black Forest tracks, fire access tracks in st Andrews and Murrindindi river nth tracks.

[HuskyInAuz]

I purchased a GPS OZ chip for the Garmin LMT, what a waste of money, ended up using the Garmin map 90% of the time. Next time HEMA on the iPad (yes, paper charts are in the car as a backup).

[Chubba]

I downloaded Hema explorer from the App Store for $24.99. Haven't looked back.

[Covo71]

I have got the Hema and Mudmaps 2 apps but prefer the Mudmaps to Hema. Heaps cheaper, doesn't cost more for the map updates and only pay once to use on phone or the iPad. I would be thinking there is an android version as well if not an apple fan.

[jay see]

This is something that I need to look for into
So many Choices out that.....