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-ROA...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 ?