Car Camping / Trip Reports / Photos / Buildouts / “Overland” / Expedition Rigs Area (homeless?)

Thelgord · Jul 9, 2016

For IOS I use - GIA GPS: Topo

jubei · Jul 9, 2016

at_olw said: ↑

I don't think I'm internet cool enough to be a "seasoned expo guy," but here's my take as someone who puts in >10K in trip miles and 40-50 nights a year car camping on dirt roads with a fridge (...errr "overlanding," as those fond of soliloquy and hashtags call it... ); I've used every type of technology and platform that exists with my truck in one way or the other... multiple iphones, an ipad, android tablet, android phone, three windows tablets, a linux box, and microprocessors (raspberry pi, arduino, launchpad...).... I've torture tested all of these (and broken both hardware and software!)... IMO a proper 10" windows tablet outperforms everything else on the market. Especially if you are interested in the ham side of things. Finding one with reasonable enough hardware (4gb ram) and no EFI issues (the touch screen! and, the powersupply, although that can be filtered with enough persistence) is a real pain. I have mine secured with a x-grip mount using a two point 1.5" ram system that I custom fabricated/installed on my 1st gen. Yes, drilling was required, and it holds my tablet and two of my ham radio faceplates and does not rattle one bit (and will remain entirely secure in the unfortunate event of a rollover, which most installs fail to account for). It does not obscure the passenger at all, nor inhibit field of view as the driver, yet is at the appropriate focal height (most folks install their tablets far too low, mostly because of subpar installation/cheap brackets, which requires diverting your eyes from the road, which is unsafe and analogous to texting). I've used 7" tablets and they are too small to be useful. 10" is the largest practical size that works with a 1st gen given the real estate, and once you try one, you'll never want to go smaller... And yes, I am using paranoid's switch panel for the ridiculous amount of accessories and doodads I've crammed into my pile, plus a number of switches installed elsewhere, but I digress... The ios stuff is all a waste of time for a number of reasons, the most poignant being the lack of expandable storage (I have 200gb of map files alone!). If you must go this route, then leadnav is the best app. For android: backcountry nav is the best bet, but in my extensive testing, I have encountered scaling and bug issues. I've been saying for years that I'll develop something better, but there are only so many hours in the day. It's what I'm still using on my android phone, which is secured with an x-grip on the o shit handle. If I'm not running a digital mode or using HRD for rig control with the HF rig, I usually have APRSISCE/32 up on the windows tablet, with one of the dozen tile sets I have loaded for the entirety of north america, and the gpx route I planned ahead of time overlayed on top of. It's proven extremely useful to have multiple tile sets at the tip of my fingers, from different sources, over different time periods, as invariably the information is different. And, it's quite nice to have two tile sets in view at the same time (one on the tablet, one on the phone). I don't get lost. And, it's pretty rare for me to not have access to one form of communication or another (it's amazing what can bounce off the ionosphere when everything else fails!). Also, as with all critical systems, I have a double backup framework for all of my navigational items, ensuring failsafe travel in the bush. My 2c not adjusted for inflation.

EDIT: TL;DR: Windows 10" tablet, ram 1.5" ball mount x grips
Click to expand...

My friend, that was an outstanding and informative post, and exactly the input that I was looking for. I'll need to go back and read thru a few more times and take notes!

If you don't mind, I'll likely touch base with you over PM to follow up on this, since your approach and overall philosophy sounds like a great starting point for me. Thanks again!

Sacrifice · Jul 9, 2016

jubei777 said: ↑

My friend, that was an outstanding and informative post, and exactly the input that I was looking for. I'll need to go back and read thru a few more times and take notes!

If you don't mind, I'll likely touch base with you over PM to follow up on this, since your approach and overall philosophy sounds like a great starting point for me. Thanks again!
Click to expand...

If he's on here

Jealous of your adventures Tim!

Digiratus · Jul 9, 2016

at_olw said: ↑

I don't think I'm internet cool enough to be a "seasoned expo guy," but here's my take as someone who puts in >10K in trip miles and 40-50 nights a year car camping on dirt roads with a fridge (...errr "overlanding," as those fond of soliloquy and hashtags call it... ); I've used every type of technology and platform that exists with my truck in one way or the other... multiple iphones, an ipad, android tablet, android phone, three windows tablets, a linux box, and microprocessors (raspberry pi, arduino, launchpad...).... I've torture tested all of these (and broken both hardware and software!)... IMO a proper 10" windows tablet outperforms everything else on the market. Especially if you are interested in the ham side of things. Finding one with reasonable enough hardware (4gb ram) and no EFI issues (the touch screen! and, the powersupply, although that can be filtered with enough persistence) is a real pain. I have mine secured with a x-grip mount using a two point 1.5" ram system that I custom fabricated/installed on my 1st gen. Yes, drilling was required, and it holds my tablet and two of my ham radio faceplates and does not rattle one bit (and will remain entirely secure in the unfortunate event of a rollover, which most installs fail to account for). It does not obscure the passenger at all, nor inhibit field of view as the driver, yet is at the appropriate focal height (most folks install their tablets far too low, mostly because of subpar installation/cheap brackets, which requires diverting your eyes from the road, which is unsafe and analogous to texting). I've used 7" tablets and they are too small to be useful. 10" is the largest practical size that works with a 1st gen given the real estate, and once you try one, you'll never want to go smaller... And yes, I am using paranoid's switch panel for the ridiculous amount of accessories and doodads I've crammed into my pile, plus a number of switches installed elsewhere, but I digress... The ios stuff is all a waste of time for a number of reasons, the most poignant being the lack of expandable storage (I have 200gb of map files alone!). If you must go this route, then leadnav is the best app. For android: backcountry nav is the best bet, but in my extensive testing, I have encountered scaling and bug issues. I've been saying for years that I'll develop something better, but there are only so many hours in the day. It's what I'm still using on my android phone, which is secured with an x-grip on the o shit handle. If I'm not running a digital mode or using HRD for rig control with the HF rig, I usually have APRSISCE/32 up on the windows tablet, with one of the dozen tile sets I have loaded for the entirety of north america, and the gpx route I planned ahead of time overlayed on top of. It's proven extremely useful to have multiple tile sets at the tip of my fingers, from different sources, over different time periods, as invariably the information is different. And, it's quite nice to have two tile sets in view at the same time (one on the tablet, one on the phone). I don't get lost. And, it's pretty rare for me to not have access to one form of communication or another (it's amazing what can bounce off the ionosphere when everything else fails!). Also, as with all critical systems, I have a double backup framework for all of my navigational items, ensuring failsafe travel in the bush. My 2c not adjusted for inflation.

EDIT: TL;DR: Windows 10" tablet, ram 1.5" ball mount x grips
Click to expand...

I have obviously made poor choices with my android 8" tablet on a mount that wobbles and is too low...

Can I hang with you so I don't get lost for more than a 100 yards or so?

qxrtz4321 · Jul 9, 2016

at_olw said: ↑

I don't think I'm internet cool enough to be a "seasoned expo guy," but here's my take as someone who puts in >10K in trip miles and 40-50 nights a year car camping on dirt roads with a fridge (...errr "overlanding," as those fond of soliloquy and hashtags call it... ); I've used every type of technology and platform that exists with my truck in one way or the other... multiple iphones, an ipad, android tablet, android phone, three windows tablets, a linux box, and microprocessors (raspberry pi, arduino, launchpad...).... I've torture tested all of these (and broken both hardware and software!)... IMO a proper 10" windows tablet outperforms everything else on the market. Especially if you are interested in the ham side of things. Finding one with reasonable enough hardware (4gb ram) and no EFI issues (the touch screen! and, the powersupply, although that can be filtered with enough persistence) is a real pain. I have mine secured with a x-grip mount using a two point 1.5" ram system that I custom fabricated/installed on my 1st gen. Yes, drilling was required, and it holds my tablet and two of my ham radio faceplates and does not rattle one bit (and will remain entirely secure in the unfortunate event of a rollover, which most installs fail to account for). It does not obscure the passenger at all, nor inhibit field of view as the driver, yet is at the appropriate focal height (most folks install their tablets far too low, mostly because of subpar installation/cheap brackets, which requires diverting your eyes from the road, which is unsafe and analogous to texting). I've used 7" tablets and they are too small to be useful. 10" is the largest practical size that works with a 1st gen given the real estate, and once you try one, you'll never want to go smaller... And yes, I am using paranoid's switch panel for the ridiculous amount of accessories and doodads I've crammed into my pile, plus a number of switches installed elsewhere, but I digress... The ios stuff is all a waste of time for a number of reasons, the most poignant being the lack of expandable storage (I have 200gb of map files alone!). If you must go this route, then leadnav is the best app. For android: backcountry nav is the best bet, but in my extensive testing, I have encountered scaling and bug issues. I've been saying for years that I'll develop something better, but there are only so many hours in the day. It's what I'm still using on my android phone, which is secured with an x-grip on the o shit handle. If I'm not running a digital mode or using HRD for rig control with the HF rig, I usually have APRSISCE/32 up on the windows tablet, with one of the dozen tile sets I have loaded for the entirety of north america, and the gpx route I planned ahead of time overlayed on top of. It's proven extremely useful to have multiple tile sets at the tip of my fingers, from different sources, over different time periods, as invariably the information is different. And, it's quite nice to have two tile sets in view at the same time (one on the tablet, one on the phone). I don't get lost. And, it's pretty rare for me to not have access to one form of communication or another (it's amazing what can bounce off the ionosphere when everything else fails!). Also, as with all critical systems, I have a double backup framework for all of my navigational items, ensuring failsafe travel in the bush. My 2c not adjusted for inflation.

EDIT: TL;DR: Windows 10" tablet, ram 1.5" ball mount x grips
Click to expand...

What windows software for GPS ?

Crom · Jul 9, 2016

qxrtz4321 said: ↑

What windows software for GPS ?
Click to expand...

He's using Windows tablet to run ancient software to support his ham radio tracking program. I'm a ham, and take it from me, 99.999% of people don't need that in their lives.

If you have an Android or Apple solution already, keep using that.

EricU said: ↑

on the topic of gps/maps etc. are there any apps you all suggest for leaving "breadcrumbs" i often end up on unmarked trails and end up in pretty cool spots and then have no recollection of where i was if i want to go back at another time.

the only app i've downloaded has been backcountry navigator but i havent really used it much for whatever reason, so im not sure if that has the capability
Click to expand...

BCN does it well, "Record a track."

Digiratus · Jul 9, 2016

Crom said: ↑

He's using Windows tablet to run ancient software to support his ham radio tracking program. I'm a ham, and take it from me, 99.999% of people don't need that in their lives.

If you have an Android or Apple solution already, keep using that.
Click to expand...

Are you referring to APRSISCE/32? You sound pretty critical of it. Have you used it? What can you tell us about it?

jubei · Jul 9, 2016

Digiratus said: ↑

Are you referring to APRSISCE/32? You sound pretty critical of it. Have you used it? What can you tell us about it?
Click to expand...

I'd like to hear what you think as well @Crom, for future reference. Thanks!

Crom · Jul 9, 2016

Digiratus said: ↑

Are you referring to APRSISCE/32? You sound pretty critical of it. Have you used it? What can you tell us about it?
Click to expand...

Yes. I have used it. I got it to work with an FTM-100DR. The latest release was from August 2012. and newer radios are not supported. The project and code base appears to have been abandoned by its volunteer dev team.

I think APRS in general can be a fun technology, but I would stop short of considering it a serious approach to vehicle tracking given other market alternatives, like sat trackers.

Digiratus · Jul 9, 2016

Crom said: ↑

Yes. I have used it. I got it to work with an FTM-100DR. The latest release was from August 2012. and newer radios are not supported. The project and code base appears to have been abandoned by its volunteer dev team.

I think APRS in general can be a fun technology, but I would stop short of considering it a serious approach to vehicle tracking given other market alternatives, like sat trackers.
Click to expand...

It seems like APRS is an ideal tool for those of us that do expedition travels, especially so when there are others present, traveling as a group as it does not necessarily require wifi for the participants to see each other.

The sat trackers I've seen only report a location to remove observers with an internet connection.

Crom · Jul 9, 2016

Digiratus said: ↑

It seems like APRS is an ideal tool for those of us that do expedition travels, especially so when there are others present, traveling as a group as it does not necessarily require wifi for the participants to see each other.

The sat trackers I've seen only report a location to remove observers with an internet connection.
Click to expand...

People can do whatever they want with amateur radio, it has many facets. That's the great aspect of the hobby. I've used APRS in a few different forms dating back to 2013, and decided it's not for me. I would say try it and see how you like it. A good question to ask yourself before hand, is Why am I doing this? Or, do I really need APRS?

TYetti · Jul 9, 2016

9 days over 2800km traveled around British Columbia and Alberta here's some of the highlights

Abandoned highway

Found this lake decided to stay

Rogers pass

Alpine lakes

Columbia ice fields

Some action shots

Lake Louise Alberta

TacoIII · Jul 10, 2016

Looking to upgrade my OME 886 and nitro charger suspension set up. Which ones are you all running? The coilovers are damn expensive up front, but I think I have decided on the and for the . I was interested in the 7/8 shaft diameter stuff but is that necessary?

Evenflow · Jul 10, 2016

TacoIII said: ↑

Looking to upgrade my OME 886 and nitro charger suspension set up. Which ones are you all running? The coilovers are damn expensive up front, but I think I have decided on the and for the . I was interested in the 7/8 shaft diameter stuff but is that necessary?
Click to expand...

I would steer away from Icon due to the digressive valving, a lot of people buy Icon and then end up selling them and moving to King or Fox because of it.

TYetti · Jul 10, 2016

Evenflow said: ↑

I would steer away from Icon due to the digressive valving, a lot of people buy Icon and then end up selling them and moving to King or Fox because of it.
Click to expand...

I've been quite happy with my icon coilovers. They perform great. You can always change the valving

TacoIII · Jul 10, 2016

Evenflow said: ↑

I would steer away from Icon due to the digressive valving, a lot of people buy Icon and then end up selling them and moving to King or Fox because of it.
Click to expand...

TYetti said: ↑

I've been quite happy with my icon coilovers. They perform great. You can always change the valving
Click to expand...

Damnit you two! Making this even harder lol. I was looking at the kings or the fox's just wanted to ensure i could keep the 3" of lift in the front, additional flex would be a perk but I dont think would be necessary for my wheeling. How is the ride with king and 700lb coils?

kashtyaatsi · Jul 10, 2016

TYetti said: ↑

9 days over 2800km traveled around British Columbia and Alberta here's some of the highlights

Abandoned highway

Found this lake decided to stay

Rogers pass

Alpine lakes

Columbia ice fields

Some action shots

Lake Louise Alberta

Click to expand...

That looks awesome man. Super jealous.

Evenflow · Jul 10, 2016

TacoIII said: ↑

Damnit you two! Making this even harder lol. I was looking at the kings or the fox's just wanted to ensure i could keep the 3" of lift in the front, additional flex would be a perk but I dont think would be necessary for my wheeling. How is the ride with king and 700lb coils?
Click to expand...

Well...I would say look at it this way nobody ever bitches about the OE standard/progressive valving from King or Fox where's there are many folks that have moved away from Icon for various reasons. The Icon top hats are also notorious for breaking and creating weird fit issues with other acc's as well.

In regard to spring rate 700 is super stiff, unless you have a plate bumper, winch, sliders and full steel skids I would stay with 600 or 650. The rule of thumb is basically to go up 50lbs of spring rate for every 100-150 lbs you add to the front end.

kashtyaatsi · Jul 10, 2016

Evenflow said: ↑

In regard to spring rate 700 is super stiff, unless you have a plate bumper, winch, sliders and full steel skids I would stay with 600 or 650. The rule of thumb is basically to go up 50lbs of spring rate for every 100-150 lbs you add to the front end.
Click to expand...

My 16's stock springs are 700, and I wouldn't call them stiff at all.

Evenflow · Jul 10, 2016

ashrr213 said: ↑

My 16's stock springs are 700, and I wouldn't call them stiff at all.
Click to expand...

Who told you that your OE toyota springs are 700's ?

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