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Post by Stella on Jul 2, 2014 13:00:44 GMT
Hi, guys.
I'm a bit massively behind with all that Garmin/GPS/Maps stuff and would need your help.
I've just sort of learned that I can access my phone's GPS and maps without it costing money, is that correct? I mean I only have a PAYG phone as I wouldn't (at the moment) use credits anyway. So here's my question: I've got a Blade ZTE III which has GPS and maps (Google) installed. Just trying it, being connected to my home Wifi, it's working fine, but when I turn off Wifi, I have a problem. If I used this on the road, while cycling, do I have to keep Wifi on, and if so wouldn't it use data and therefore cost me money?
Really sorry to ask such beginners' questions, but I really have no clue about this all. I got that phone particularly for this reason as you all know that my direction gen is--to put it mildly--damaged/non-existent. It would make my cycling ambitions to get a train out of London for a ride a lot easier.
Or is there a possibility to have pre-planned maps I could download to my phone and then make them available off line? So I won't need to use up credit. What apps (simple ones) could you recommend?
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Post by stoatie on Jul 2, 2014 13:53:51 GMT
Hey Stella, I only ever used my phone for tracking where I'd been but I've heard good things about Viewranger and there is also Cyclestreets. Both of these have an offline map option although I've not tried them personally. |
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Post by Stella on Jul 2, 2014 14:40:21 GMT
Cool. Will look into this. I'm just off, going for a quick ride and will try to access Google maps and GPS. Although I know where I'm going, but want to try it out.
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,391 
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Post by Jem on Jul 2, 2014 17:16:29 GMT
I am interested in the Garmin type things but don't think I can afford a decent one that would do all the things I would want.
Therefore my solution is to use my iphone for some things. As I understand it Stella, it depends on your provider whether you will pay for the data used when using maps etc (it is most likely that you do have a plan with some data usage?). I also believe that it makes the maps more accurate if you leave the wi-fi on. Not sure if this is correct or just another way for them to track you and use your movement and place to target you with adverts etc (cynical moi?)
The best app I use is called Cyclemeter, but it is more for looking at where I have been (and other stats) rather than be able to plot, share or follow a route as Whippet/Stoatie and Lewis did on Saturday. And the iPhone wouldn't last all day using such an app. and I don't have a bar mounted waterproof case.
So, I occasionally need to whip my phone out and use the maps if I think I am lost, but when I did a mini tour in Wales last year, there was no signal when I really needed it- I was lost like I would have been in the 'olden days'. And I find that it's so disruptive to smooth riding to keep getting my phone out that I find it all a bit of a hassle. I might just buy a bar mounted compass.
The best solution for me would be to use that site that I plotted the DRF2 route on and then a nice Garmin, but my iPhone is a partial solution for now until the GPS come down in price.
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Post by velocipete on Jul 2, 2014 18:56:26 GMT
www.flickr.com/photos/63986899@N07/14332175998/in/photostream/My first attempt at posting a linky thing for a photo.Not of a Viscount,hangs head in shame! But one of a Moulton "F" frame bike I bought for my ex wife 25 years ago. 1965 build,been in storage for most of that time.Dug it out recently,quick clean,regrease and replace bearings as necessary,and a ride round the block. Not the best bike I've ever ridden,but,if I hang onto it,could be a useful shopper,pub,bring the curry home bit of kit.Hope pic works. Cheers, Pete.
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Post by velocipete on Jul 2, 2014 18:59:26 GMT
OOPS!!!,seems the link takes you to my whole flicka site.nowt embarrassing,I think,some other bike bits to mull over.
Cheers,
Pete.
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Post by Stella on Jul 2, 2014 19:05:13 GMT
I am interested in the Garmin type things but don't think I can afford a decent one that would do all the things I would want. Therefore my solution is to use my iphone for some things. As I understand it Stella, it depends on your provider whether you will pay for the data used when using maps etc (it is most likely that you do have a plan with some data usage?). I also believe that it makes the maps more accurate if you leave the wi-fi on. Not sure if this is correct or just another way for them to track you and use your movement and place to target you with adverts etc (cynical moi?) The best app I use is called Cyclemeter, but it is more for looking at where I have been (and other stats) rather than be able to plot, share or follow a route as Whippet/Stoatie and Lewis did on Saturday. And the iPhone wouldn't last all day using such an app. and I don't have a bar mounted waterproof case. So, I occasionally need to whip my phone out and use the maps if I think I am lost, but when I did a mini tour in Wales last year, there was no signal when I really needed it- I was lost like I would have been in the 'olden days'. And I find that it's so disruptive to smooth riding to keep getting my phone out that I find it all a bit of a hassle. I might just buy a bar mounted compass. The best solution for me would be to use that site that I plotted the DRF2 route on and then a nice Garmin, but my iPhone is a partial solution for now until the GPS come down in price. I follow this thread on the CTC forum, hence my wondering about the free use of GPS and that. forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=88130&sid=f80717ef777cf298f2c63d523e331572I can now safely say that I paid a pound for today's use. On the thread they suggested to buy a PAYG Sim card and never top it up. Well, in my case I have to pay. Hmm Need to look into that. |
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Post by Stella on Jul 2, 2014 19:07:48 GMT
OOPS!!!,seems the link takes you to my whole flicka site.nowt embarrassing,I think,some other bike bits to mull over. Cheers, Pete. Well, congratulations on at least doing the copy & paste thing. :-) If you're in your account, then find the picture you'd like to post, click on it, then do the copy & paste thing in the URL (the one with the http in it) and do that again. It should work. |
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