OnXmaps on Garmin or... on my Android Phone

[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.