OnXmaps on Garmin or... on my Android Phone

[nastybynature]

So I have an older Garmin Vista etrex HCx from when I did alot of trail riding on my dirt bike and quads which I sold 3 years ago. Since then the GPS is more for "just in case" when out in the wild than anything. Until i started scouting last year.

I had been looking at the huntinggpsmaps.com and was going to spend the $100 for the Washington SD card. However last night I found an android version of it in the Play store and downloaded it. It seems to be very functional and maybe even runs better than it would on my older almost outdated Garmin. It has a "cache" ability so it can run without cell service as long as you plan ahead and download the area you are in. It is a yearly subscription for $29.99 which is also less $$ at least in the short term. I am the "buy once, cry once" type though so the cost is almost irrelevant.  My main use for this software was going to be so I know when I am on public land versus private land as I don't want that ticket from what I have seen and heard. And honestly the whole private/public thing is extremely intimidating to me as a newbie. I have bought quite a few GMU maps and topo maps from Arnold's Map Service locally.

Just today I was scouting up at Marble Mountain thinking I could go up there to hunt and the route google maps gps took me (the 7900 road) was to a blocked off road that said private property. That surprised me as I have heard stories of big elk up there and from what I could find online looking at the WDFW and weyerhouser website I was under the impression the land was all public and open. Looked on my phone at the OnXmaps and it showed it was "ANE FORESTS OF LEWIS RIVER, INC"? That probably could be a whole different thread....

So I know for sure I want this mapping system. My question is which model do I want? Are either of them going to allow me to look at it on a computer as well?

If not than plugging my phone into my big screen is probably my next best option which I am fine with.

Any feedback would be appreciated as I am ready to pull the trigger on this mapping system and just need to decide which route is best for me.

[MountainWalk]

 Tagging.  This unit I'm posting on is my first smart phone. Would like to figure some of this app stuff out myself, mainly maps and such.

So even if I'm out of cell range, I can use my phone as a GPS, aerial map? Gosh, all this new fangled stuff sure is confusing.     

[nastybynature]

<snip>
So even if I'm out of cell range, I can use my phone as a GPS, aerial map? Gosh, all this new fangled stuff sure is confusing.     

Yes, with some planning of course. You can actually download and install the app with a free 6 day trial for android here. http://bit.ly/1KkQv51 if you want to try before you buy.

I would maybe wait until a couple days before you plan on doing some scouting or something to really try it out. I just was lucky with my timing and found it late on the night before I was going set out my cams. I wish I would of had another day to play with it first before I left though as I did not "cache" all the mapping I would have liked to. Been playing with it some more and so far the android version seems to be winning my decision to use it instead of on my older Garmin that is kind of slow. Unless someone else chimes in with a really good reason to use the Garmin gps version. I have 5 more days of the free trial so I will see what shows up on this thread. 

[CAMPMEAT]

I downloaded Trimble Maps on my iPhone 6, but you need cell service for it to work from what I could see. I have the onxmaps for my Garmin and it works anyplace as long as I can get the satellites. I've never updates my onxmaps. I don''t really think you do, unless you want to know new landowners in Seattle.

[MountainWalk]

Is Any smart phone not an IPhone called an android?

[nastybynature]

Is Any smart phone not an IPhone called an android?

If you have to login with a gmail account, it is an android device. Android is a version of Linux from Google.

As far as I know there are 3 version/flavors of smart phones.
iPhone
Android
Windows

[et1702]

I have the OnX on my Android phone.  Works well.  You do need cell reception to get landowner data.  If you want Topo data, you can Cache data on phone.  Then, when you are in the field, you can switch app to "Field Mode," which will then only upload data from your cache of maps. 

I do have a Garmin Rhino 650 too.  I've downloaded and installed free maps from gpsfiledepot.com, rather than paying for Garmin or OnX maps for the device.  You can definitely look at data on computer using "Base Camp" software from Garmin (which is free).  Or, transfer way point data into Google Earth. 

Regarding the phone, I haven't tried to connect to my computer or TV.  But, it you have blue tooth or wifi on your phone, you should be able to do so.  But, OnX on your phone isn't a one and done proposition.  The $30 download is an annual subscription.  So, you have to re-up every year to keep it active.

ET

[jackelope]

The smartphone app is very functional. Works great as long as you know what to expect. You can cache maps for when you don't have service...just be aware that using the app this way will suck the life out of your battery like there's no tomorrow. I have it on my iphone and use it like crazy so I picked up one of those extra battery cases for my phone from Otterbox. That solved that problem. Truth be told I use it more at home or driving around with it plugged in to the charger while scouting than anything so battery life is not a huge issue....
The sd card in your GPS is a lot better function if you ask me. 

[MountainWalk]

Having this phone, and not really getting, understanding it is kinda giving me anxiety.  Almost kind of wish I'd never of gotten it.  Ignorance is bliss.

Cache, app,sd? Oh brother.
Main reason for phone buy was maps and huntwa.

[Bob33]

A dedicated GPS is more rugged, and most likely less expensive to replace if lost or damaged.

[jackelope]

Having this phone, and not really getting, understanding it is kinda giving me anxiety.  Almost kind of wish I'd never of gotten it.  Ignorance is bliss.

Cache, app,sd? Oh brother.
Main reason for phone buy was maps and huntwa.

Cache=save. You need internet or phone service for the maps function to work. There's an option where you can cache/save/download maps to your phone. Pull them up when there's no service and the GPS function works on those maps you saved.

App=application.

sd= sd card/secure digital card. Like what you put into a digital camera to save pictures onto. The onXmaps software comes to you on an sd card when you purchase one for your GPS. It is what you'd insert into a GPS unit.

Take some time and get used to the functions of the phone. Use the internet or ask questions here...we're happy to help.

[MountainWalk]

Ahhh, thanks, sir. What's the point in having a regular email, and a gmail...sorry for the thread jacking.

Ill figure it out.....

[nastybynature]

Having this phone, and not really getting, understanding it is kinda giving me anxiety.  Almost kind of wish I'd never of gotten it.  Ignorance is bliss.

Cache, app,sd? Oh brother.
Main reason for phone buy was maps and huntwa.

Cache=save. You need internet or phone service for the maps function to work. There's an option where you can cache/save/download maps to your phone. Pull them up when there's no service and the GPS function works on those maps you saved.

App=application.

sd= sd card/secure digital card. Like what you put into a digital camera to save pictures onto. The onXmaps software comes to you on an sd card when you purchase one for your GPS. It is what you'd insert into a GPS unit.

Take some time and get used to the functions of the phone. Use the internet or ask questions here...we're happy to help.

  

[nastybynature]

Ahhh, thanks, sir. What's the point in having a regular email, and a gmail...sorry for the thread jacking.

Ill figure it out.....

No thread jacking here that I can see. 

[jackelope]

Ahhh, thanks, sir. What's the point in having a regular email, and a gmail...sorry for the thread jacking.

Ill figure it out.....

Gmail is email. Just google's branded email service. Just like hotmail, msn, live, outlook, whatever.

[pd]

I have posted this before.  I purchased a new Garmin 62STC last year, and then returned it shortly to the store.  The functionality is old, and the software interface with my computer (Mac) was horrible.  I was shocked at how clunky Garmin's software was.

Instead, I rely 100% on Hunt OnXmap's iPhone download ($30/year).  The GPS function in the iPhone is wonderful, and the iPhone now allows you to run your GPS chip on airplane mode, saving battery life.  In my opinion, the iPhone (with Hunt OnX, BigGameRegs, and other topo mapping apps) far exceeds the capability of a dedicated GPS unit.  I will never purchase a Garmin or similar product again.

I am sure an Android phone would be quite similar.

[pianoman9701]

I love mine on my GPS and Basecamp software. I had it on my phone until yesterday when the subscription expired and it wouldn't work.

[Wazukie]

I have posted this before.  I purchased a new Garmin 62STC last year, and then returned it shortly to the store.  The functionality is old, and the software interface with my computer (Mac) was horrible.  I was shocked at how clunky Garmin's software was.

Instead, I rely 100% on Hunt OnXmap's iPhone download ($30/year).  The GPS function in the iPhone is wonderful, and the iPhone now allows you to run your GPS chip on airplane mode, saving battery life.  In my opinion, the iPhone (with Hunt OnX, BigGameRegs, and other topo mapping apps) far exceeds the capability of a dedicated GPS unit.  I will never purchase a Garmin or similar product again.

I am sure an Android phone would be quite similar.

So, does the GPS function and maps work without cell service?

[pianoman9701]

You have to save the maps on your IPhone for them to work outside of cell range. It uses up a pantload of storage for each layer.

[JimmyHoffa]

I have posted this before.  I purchased a new Garmin 62STC last year, and then returned it shortly to the store.  The functionality is old, and the software interface with my computer (Mac) was horrible.  I was shocked at how clunky Garmin's software was.

Instead, I rely 100% on Hunt OnXmap's iPhone download ($30/year).  The GPS function in the iPhone is wonderful, and the iPhone now allows you to run your GPS chip on airplane mode, saving battery life.  In my opinion, the iPhone (with Hunt OnX, BigGameRegs, and other topo mapping apps) far exceeds the capability of a dedicated GPS unit.  I will never purchase a Garmin or similar product again.

I am sure an Android phone would be quite similar.

So, does the GPS function and maps work without cell service?

GPS does.  It only needs the satellites, not the land antennas.  But a map can be saved in the phone, just will be the version you saved not updated.   In a couple of years, supposedly, spaceX is going to launch a bunch of comms satellites that will give regular rf to phones anywhere--so sat phone coverage on current phone platform. 

[Stein]

Phone for sure.  It is so much easier to use, scroll, zoom and pretty much everything.  Handheld GPS units are about 10 years behind phones.  It won't be too long before they join the stand alone auto gps' in the clearance bin.

[pianoman9701]

Phone for sure.  It is so much easier to use, scroll, zoom and pretty much everything.  Handheld GPS units are about 10 years behind phones.  It won't be too long before they join the stand alone auto gps' in the clearance bin.

No way. Us old guys like to see each other on our Rinos. If something bad happens, a push of a button puts you on the map. Heart attack, broken bone, empty martini pitcher. Your Iphone isn't going to bring help if you're out of range.

[Stein]

Phone for sure.  It is so much easier to use, scroll, zoom and pretty much everything.  Handheld GPS units are about 10 years behind phones.  It won't be too long before they join the stand alone auto gps' in the clearance bin.

No way. Us old guys like to see each other on our Rinos. If something bad happens, a push of a button puts you on the map. Heart attack, broken bone, empty martini pitcher. Your Iphone isn't going to bring help if you're out of range.

Good point, I hunt alone so I use an EPIRB for the cavalry.  They don't do martinis though.

[pianoman9701]

Phone for sure.  It is so much easier to use, scroll, zoom and pretty much everything.  Handheld GPS units are about 10 years behind phones.  It won't be too long before they join the stand alone auto gps' in the clearance bin.

No way. Us old guys like to see each other on our Rinos. If something bad happens, a push of a button puts you on the map. Heart attack, broken bone, empty martini pitcher. Your Iphone isn't going to bring help if you're out of range.

Good point, I hunt alone so I use an EPIRB for the cavalry.  They don't do martinis though.

You need to hunt with the old guys, then.

[pd]

Phone for sure.  It is so much easier to use, scroll, zoom and pretty much everything.  Handheld GPS units are about 10 years behind phones.  It won't be too long before they join the stand alone auto gps' in the clearance bin.

Agreed. Sorry, P'man. I guess I am a young'un.

[pd]

Wazukie, the phone has plenty of storage for your map data. I markup maps before I go, then drop pins in the field for important way points (camera, water source, truck, &c.).

I'm sorry guys. The Rino and other GPS units are dinosaurs in 2015.

[pianoman9701]

To each their own. My phone battery doesn't last long enough and my GPS has a strong radio and a long life batter, probably 10x that of the Iphone. It is nice to use the phone but you still need to carry a radio and when the phone runs out of juice, what do you do? I think there's probably plenty of use left for GPSs.

[pd]

To each their own. My phone battery doesn't last long enough and my GPS has a strong radio and a long life batter, probably 10x that of the Iphone. It is nice to use the phone but you still need to carry a radio and when the phone runs out of juice, what do you do? I think there's probably plenty of use left for GPSs.

Agreed. Respect.

[lamrith]

I would recommend a GPS if you have one.  I ran on my droid last year and even trying to download maps etc before heading out it was a royal PITA once my phone lost cell signal.

[Stein]

To each their own. My phone battery doesn't last long enough and my GPS has a strong radio and a long life batter, probably 10x that of the Iphone. It is nice to use the phone but you still need to carry a radio and when the phone runs out of juice, what do you do? I think there's probably plenty of use left for GPSs.

I have an extra battery pack.  When I shut internet and cell off, the phone lasts for a couple days easily and the extra battery pack can charge it two more times plus I can use it for my headlamp as a backup battery.

[nastybynature]

Update: went up yesterday and found the android app to not be stable enough for what I want so I am going to get the chip. The phone app is nice if you are in an area with service but the cache feature was not cutting it for my needs. May still subscribe to the app cause it is nice to have it in my pocket all the time.

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