Navigation set up

[stevent]

Hi guys. Had a great run yesterday, quite a few were asking about what I was using to navigate so here you go.

I used to use maps, then copied A4 sheets on the handlebars, then "map laminates" after they all fell into a puddle and the ink ran. None of that is as good or as easy as the following. The best thing about this over maps is that you don't have to stop to look hard at the map. As your location constantly updates you can see where to go next, just like a satnav, which in turn gives a much better flowing run. In fact, you should be able to navigation anywhere in the country using this method with minimal prep, especially if someone with local knowledge can share good route/GPX file.

1. An iPhone: or any decent smart phone.
I upgraded from iPhone 4 to 5 so I had an old iPhone 4 which is sort of obsolete and was a bit slow for general use. But having done a reset to delete all the junk, it is perfect for navigating. Also means I'm not using my main phone if I do lose it at the bottom of a bottomless waterhold. An android might work too.

2. A Ultimate Addons waterproof holder with handlebar mount
Example: http://www.amazon.co.uk/UltimateAddons- ... B005UYGXXE
These are the business! Really tough and waterproof. I have one for my iPhone 4 and my 5, they use the same bracket on the handlebar, so I can interchange them. I also have a short lanyard with a climbing clip, which I attach to something on the handlebars, so if it does take a knock and come off, it is saved by that and doesn't disappear amongst the ferns and bushes

3. USB socket connected to bike's battery
http://www.amazon.co.uk/UltimateAddons% ... usb+socket
The battery on an iPhone probably wont last for constant use for a whole day so you need a power supply. Lots of versions on the market. Look out for something fused and with a waterproof socket. You then obviously need a charging cable for the iPhone which plugs into the USB.

4. OS MapFinder app
This is the app which you can download onto an iPhone or Android phone.
https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop/mapfinder

With this app you can record trails (i.e. when you're following someone else it keeps the trail), you can plan trails (i.e. sat on the sofa looking at maps, you just make a trail up), or you can import trails from someone else (like me or Charlie or someone else kind enough to share, or you may find something on our forum here: https://surreytrf.gigatech.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=37). The key is the 'GPX' file. On the app you can collect a whole library of routes, and on yesterday's run I used part of one route I had done in the past in the morning, and then a separate route I had planned, for the afternoon.

To view the mapping you have to purchase map tiles. If you're content with 1:50000 Landranger mapping, you can get the whole of the South East for £10. If like me you prefer the 1:25000 mapping with its additional detail, it costs a bit more, about £2.29 per tile, and for a typical run you may need 10 or tiles. If you plan to do lots of runs across Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire, etc then you need to budget £30 - £70. I've spread the cost by just adding tiles when I've needed then. I think you have these for life, mine appear to be attached to my Apple account, and so they sync between my iPhones.

Cheers
Steven

[stevent]

I've just seen Stewie has posted up about Viewranger. Which is another options you might want to consider. I've not used it myself.
https://surreytrf.gigatech.co.uk/viewto ... =23&t=1547

[smccormick]

Finally got around to ordering these bits....looks like an excellent setup.

Cheers


Steven

[smccormick]

Bits arrived. Have to say the power adaptor on the handle bar gizmo is brilliant! Two usb and a cigarette lighter power socket! I wonder if they do a laptop mount for the handlebars????

[Scattymare]

Thanks for the comprehensive information. Will he heading to the shops!