My On and Off Road, Online and Offline GPS Solution. (The ongoing saga)

[Chrisandalex1]

iPad 2 in Car, Ford F150, First ever, @SoundManCA Facetime in your dash - YouTube

BigJ - Check this out...

 

[bstoner59]

Thanks for all the info Big J! I downloaded the app and scolled over the map of the area I wanted to drive through and it worked flawlessly without any internet. This is exactly what I've been looking for!!

 

[BlackMamba]

BigJ - I was contemplating an Ipad and MotionX. Did you ever consider this setup? I think I have seen it discussed elsewhere in the forum, maybe even in one of your other posts. Premium price but I would use the Ipad for so many other things. And the price point is not materially different from a single purpose Lowrance unit with a smaller screen.

 

[BigJ]

BigJ - I was contemplating an Ipad and MotionX. Did you ever consider this setup? I think I have seen it discussed elsewhere in the forum, maybe even in one of your other posts. Premium price but I would use the Ipad for so many other things. And the price point is not materially different from a single purpose Lowrance unit with a smaller screen.

Yeah I think I initially said that a 10" screen mounted up there would be too big (I was testing a 7" at the time), and I still do sort of feel that way, even when it comes to my setup. Now that I have some time behind the wheel with it up there, I have to admit it covers a bit too much of the road for my 100% comfort. I *might* step back down to a 7". I'm not sure yet.

Having said that, if you try the iPad and you are comfortable with the visibility, then I think you're in great shape with MotionX or GPSKit. Both are great programs.

 

[BlackMamba]

Yeah I think I initially said that a 10" screen mounted up there would be too big (I was testing a 7" at the time), and I still do sort of feel that way, even when it comes to my setup. Now that I have some time behind the wheel with it up there, I have to admit it covers a bit too much of the road for my 100% comfort. I *might* step back down to a 7". I'm not sure yet.

Having said that, if you try the iPad and you are comfortable with the visibility, then I think you're in great shape with MotionX or GPSKit. Both are great programs.

Visibility is definitely a concern. Have you considered a mount that comes from the bottom (bolts into the seat/frame, etc.)? Some type of adjustable swivel arm mount that can be set to a position in front of a/c controls, existing nav? This would seem the best set up assuming the mount was sturdy enough for off road use.

 

[BigJ]

I have and I've seen it done, and it just wasn't for me. I don't like having to take my eyes so far off the road, I can't stand jitters, and my wife really didn't like the idea of having something encroaching in her space.

Having said that, you might be right in that its the best overall solution yet for tablet mounting. Its really just a matter of preference in this regard.

 

[bstoner59]

I have a RAM mount in my van that I use for my tablet/computer. I would trust it enough to keep everything in place off-road but it does take up a lot of valuable passenger space, especially for long road trips.

 

[DubbsFaris]

If you guys are looking for a really nice interface that monitors the trucks, I recommend the Kiwi. Plugs into your port, and you wirelessly get all your data on your phone or iPad. I use it on my Shelby, and on the Raptor as well. If your phone or iPad has a cellular connection, it plots the course you drive, overplayed on a google sat image, and you can touch any point on your course and find out how much throttle you were applying, speed, braking, and rpm's G forces...etc. I really find it useful for my needs. PLX makes it.

---------- Post added at 09:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 PM ----------

And it also gives you live dash readout display that you can customize.

 

[BlackMamba]

Looking forward to seeing different hardware and software combos at the Run.

 

[BigJ]

That reminds me, I got the $25 eBay OBDII bluetooth deal in and got Torque Pro installed. Holy hell the amount of info available is incredible! I've only scratched the surface, but I have one dash setup with all the fluid temps, pitch, roll and g's pulled. There are literally dozens of other things I could throw on there (or other dashboards) and probably a few hundred display combos (graphs, digits, dials, partial dials etc). For under $35 total assuming you've already got an android device, I doubt it can be beat.