Backcountry Navigator for Android

[ssssnake529]

I lost my Garmin GPS.

As an interim measure, I downloaded Backcountry Navigator for my Android. After using this app for a while, I don't think I am going to replace my Garmin with another GPS.

The Backcountry Navigator app does pretty much everything I need it to do. I can download maps of places I will be going so that they are available when I'm not in cell phone range. I can navigate using detailed topo maps, create waypoints, etc.

I can do all this on my cell phone, which is something I will be bringing with me anyway, so it saves on space and weight. I can't really see any reason to get a gps. This app is really terrific.

 

[2 E L O]

I just downloaded this app a few days ago and definitely fell in love with it. See the previous thread here.

 

[bugnout]

I used it in May on a trip out to Moab.

Its a great app, and have seen some significant improvements in the last 2 months.

I doubt I'll be carrying a dedicated GPS anymore.

 

[off-roader]

Can I assume your android phones have built in gps chips? If so, you will be fine.

If not and your phone instead relies strictly on cell tower triangulation to determine it's location you will have more problems in non-reception areas.

 

[ssssnake529]

Can I assume your android phones have built in gps chips? If so, you will be fine.

If not and your phone instead relies strictly on cell tower triangulation to determine it's location you will have more problems in non-reception areas.

Yes, my phone has standalone GPS. It's also shock and water resistant, which is nice because I tend to be hard on my electronics. (Casio GZone Commando with Verizon)

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Downloading now!!!

Is the 'Free' version just a 16 day Demo to try it out? Didn't really understand that part.

But at $9.99 US for the 'Paid' version, it sounds like an awesome app!

 

[2 E L O]

Downloading now!!!

Is the 'Free' version just a 16 day Demo to try it out? Didn't really understand that part.

But at $9.99 US for the 'Paid' version, it sounds like an awesome app!

Yes, the free version is just the demo...but I think it has most of the features of the full version.

$10 is a great deal for all the capabilities, especially in comparison to a typical GPS handheld unit!

 

[tony_h]

I have a Garmin 60Csx, eTrex Vista and a really old GPS12 that I use with a laptop just for the GPS signal. I also have an Garmin 340c for in-car navigation. Sadly, for them, they all sit in the closet gathering dust. I do, however, use the 60 to teach my boys how to use a GPS when we're camping.

Last October I got a DroidX and this summer I've been trying to use it exclusively for on- and off-road navigation. I downloaded the trial of BackCountry Navigator (it has all of the features but is limited to a 16 day trial). After one camping trip, I decided it would definitely be worth purchasing. I also use c:geo for geocaching and street Locus for mapping when there is no service. But the new version of Google Maps for Android (5.7) allows caching of maps also so I probably won't be using Locus soon.

Anyway, back to BCN...this app rocks! I would like to see a geocaching option, but that may violate the terms of geocaching.com...? Other than that, I use it where there is no service and have no issues. Overall, it was $9.99 well spent.

 

[Jamin_GX]

Anyone using this on an Android tablet yet? If so, which model and what has been your experiences so far? Thinking of replacing my vehicle netbook with a tablet and I'm thinking this could be a viable option.

Thanks.

 

[evldave]

Anyone using this on an Android tablet yet? If so, which model and what has been your experiences so far? Thinking of replacing my vehicle netbook with a tablet and I'm thinking this could be a viable option.

Thanks.

I used BCN on my hacked Nook Color. It works great, screen is large enough (7"), and doesn't seem 'laggy' at all. I also run a convertible tablet PC and my Atrix.

One of the big things that's frustrating for me, especially on Android, is that I like to also use it for OBD diags, music, plus mapping. Trying to switch between apps is a royal pain, so I've resorted to having my Nook now as OBD, music on my phone, and my tablet as mapping, at least until I find another cheapo used nook color . I got an iTouch for Christmas, haven't figured out a use/place for it in the cockpit yet

One thing that is a pain, if you are using a tablet without built in GPS, you will have to use a separate bluetooth GPS unit, and possibly (depending on the tablet) the 'Bluetooth GPS' app to feed BCN. It's not too painful, and is relatively stable, but just something to know.

 

[off-roader]

One thing that is a pain, if you are using a tablet without built in GPS, you will have to use a separate bluetooth GPS unit, and possibly (depending on the tablet) the 'Bluetooth GPS' app to feed BCN. It's not too painful, and is relatively stable, but just something to know.

One pro to using a separate GPS is you can just leave it running and turn your tablet on/off as needed. This way the GPS can stay locked onto to the satellites and you don't have to re-acquire them when you shut off the tablet.

 

[ssssnake529]

I've used the Backcountry Navigator app now on 4 trips. It is terrific. Can't say enough good things about it.

 

[bmh]

Question for the users: With the Droid X, will BCN work when I put my phone into airplane mode?

My main concern is searching for signal and killing the battery unnecessarily. When I tried to use my phone in airplane mode, it killed all my connectivity (wifi included) and wont pull my location. I thought the GPS could be used standalone and I just want to make sure before I drop money on this app. I downloaded the free version to try, while I am wheeling tomorrow, so we will see what happens.

Any input from Droid X users is appreciated,
Thank,
Brandon

 

[cnynrat]

You are not supposed to have a GPS receiver turned on while on a commercial flight, so I'm pretty sure airplane mode will disable your GPS. I don't have a Droid X to test that with though.

 

[2 E L O]

On my HTC Evo 4G airplane mode does NOT disable the GPS. In fact, I remember seeing somewhere that BCN recommends that you run the device in airplane mode to extend battery life.

When I'm going on a trip where I know I'll need to make the battery last, I download all the map tiles for that area with BCN and then put the phone in airplane mode with the GPS turned on. I just climbed a 14'er in Colorado this weekend and recorded my tracks with BCN. We started at 6:45am and finished at around 1pm. I was turning on the phone quite often to see the trip stats and check elevation during the climb but even at the end my battery was still about 50%...and the batteries on these HTC Evo's suck...bad.