Backcountry Navigator for Android

[ssssnake529]

Airplane mode does not disable the GPS on my phone (Casio Commando through Verizon.) I typically put the phone in airplane mode to save battery when I'm using the Backcountry App in remote areas. Like 2ELO, I download the maps before I go. On my last trip, I was constantly checking my position all day long, and still had over 75% battery life at the end of the day.

 

[evldave]

I use one of these + some lithium batteries to make sure I don't run out of juice on the trail. Each set of 2 AA batteries will recharge my Atrix to about 100%. Well worth the couple bucks and the few ounces to keep with you while hiking/backpacking, especially if you are using your phone as a GPS.

http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Ene...4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1314291365&sr=1-4

 

[DesertJK]

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.

Thats not true. There are no FAA reg. about having a GPS on during a commercial flight. It is also BS about cell signals conflicting with anything, but it wouldn't matter much if you were allowed to use your cell because I have found I cant get service beyond about 9K feet most of the time.

D.

 

[tony_h]

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

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

I have a DX and have had 'issues' with airplane mode. Most people say airplane mode will not affect GPS, but it seems to with the DX. The only trip where I've tried to save battery power by using airplane mode caused a surprise when I couldn't get GPS reception (which I had before I changed the mode). I went back to normal mode and started seeing the GPS satellites (using GPS Essentials app), but I couldn't get anykind of tracking (tried BCN and c:geo). Not until I drove through an area with data coverage did everything start working again. You might think that this was just a time delay (waiting for a position), but it was a hours later.

When I lost data coverage, I didn't try airplane mode again, but I also kept all GPS functionality. This was in July just before the OTA update for Gingerbread for my phone. I haven't had a chance to test it since the update.

Since you're going to be in your vehicle, keep the charger handy.

 

[evldave]

Thats not true. There are no FAA reg. about having a GPS on during a commercial flight. It is also BS about cell signals conflicting with anything, but it wouldn't matter much if you were allowed to use your cell because I have found I cant get service beyond about 9K feet most of the time.

D.

I'm sorry, but if there is no FAA regulation why on every flight have I ever been on said "no cell phones and no electronic devices"? And that has been hundreds of flights...and numerous reports of older planes being susceptible to cell phone. I'm calling BS on your 'It doesn't matter' post

 

[evldave]

I'm sorry, but if there is no FAA regulation why on every flight have I ever been on said "no cell phones and no electronic devices"? And that has been hundreds of flights...and numerous reports of older planes being susceptible to cell phone. I'm calling BS on your 'It doesn't matter' post

Better yet, I looked it up for you...look at clause 5

http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/72f58116704fc3d986256a71006ed5b0/$FILE/AC91-21-1A.pdf

The carrier gets to decide, NOT YOU!

 

[cnynrat]

^^ This.

Every airline in N. America asks that you turn off GPS receivers during flight. That is different than saying there is a demonstrated EMI issue, but they get to make the call.

Regarding cell phones the major barrier to their use on board is the FCC ban on their use while airborne, not the FAA. This ban is based on the concern that the cellular device may use excessive network capacity by emitting a strong enough signal to communicate with multiple towers simultaneously. Mobile protocols will resolve which tower the phone will attach to, but theoretically there could be a loss of some capacity on the network.

Outside the U.S. where such prohibitions don't exist companies such as OnAir and Aeromobile provide systems that enable GSM phones to be used in flight. One of the features of those systems is that they create an RF noise floor on the plane to ensure that the phone attaches to the on board pico-cell (essentially a low power cellular base station) and not a tower on the ground. The pico-cell then forces the phone into its lowest power mode. This was deemed necessary to protect the terrestrial cell carriers who own spectrum licenses that extend from sea level to outer space.

Back on the original topic, I did some playing with the airplane mode widget on my Droid, and it does not seem to disable the GPS. That may vary from phone to phone, and also based on the widget you use. In my case I'm using a third party widget, not something that came with the phone.

 

[Corey]

Just an FYI, Amazon has BackCountry Navigator Pro for half price.
Just got this in my email.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ref=pe_150770_21074340_pe_b2/?ASIN=B004TCS97G

I have not installed it yet on my Droid, but I am thinking about it.

 

[tony_h]

An update regarding something I hadn't planned on using my DX with BCN...I took my wife for a cruise this past week and used BCN (cached the MyTopo.com maps for Catalina Island and the OpenMaps.org for Ensenada, Mexico). It worked great.

 

[evldave]

Just an FYI, Amazon has BackCountry Navigator Pro for half price.
Just got this in my email.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ref=pe_150770_21074340_pe_b2/?ASIN=B004TCS97G

I have not installed it yet on my Droid, but I am thinking about it.

Awesome price and just do it! You won't be disappointed - is it the ultimate backcountry GPS solution? Probably not (many dedicated GPS units work better), but for $5, you won't find a better deal!

 

[gahi]

Can you download maps to the computer, then transfer to the phone?

 

[Hill Bill E.]

I had a lot of 'force close' issues, and problems with other apps working correctly, if at all, with the BCN 'demo' installed.

Anyone else run into this? I like the app, but I'm hesitant to buy it, if it's going to make my phone screwy.

Hoping it's only with the 'demo' and not the paid app.

I have the Motorola Droid, version 2.2.2

Thanks!

Randy

 

[cnynrat]

I had a lot of 'force close' issues, and problems with other apps working correctly, if at all, with the BCN 'demo' installed.

Anyone else run into this? I like the app, but I'm hesitant to buy it, if it's going to make my phone screwy.

Hoping it's only with the 'demo' and not the paid app.

I have the Motorola Droid, version 2.2.2

Thanks!

Randy

I've not had any of these issues with either the demo version or the full version. I'm running the original Moto Droid with the latest version of Android.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Thanks Dave! I may try the demo again (if I can) or just bite the bullet and buy the app. I liked it the little I did get to use it.

Now with fall coming, and the leaves off the trees, it would be sweet!

 

[gahi]

are you guys just loading them straight to the phone? We're testing it out on my Father inlaws phone, and even on wifi its taking forever. the drag a box thing is kind of awkward too. I'd almost rather select quads or something.