Northern Virginia Roll Call

lets plan for it!

 

You going Friday night or sat morning?

 

Yeah seems like a good start and solid idea but poorly executed.

 

No I have not in person. On line with Garmin site, yes. When first introduced.

This is all my opinion...

I find this gimmicky, with Garmin trying to do what Magellan already did with their TRX a few years ago.

The Magellan TRX was the original (TRX7 was the next upgrade) and Garmin picked up on this and possibly did better job. That said.. Magellan also has a website just for the TRX, called the Trail head community. You can look at the whole U.S. and some of Canada for trails and Forest service roads. Just like everything else nowadays, most likely 3rd, 4th and 5th party info. I would assume that they put out a base map and gonna rely on the public to keep maps/trails updated.

The part I find non user friendly is. if you want to do a trail, so be it.. Rate it for the rest of the world to know and see...there are a bunch of steps that you HAVE to follow, then up load it to the Magellan TRX site. I will say this though... You can DL the TRX app. and pretty much do the exact same thing as the stand alone trx gps unit, but with out the added cost of buying it because you’ve already spent the monies on said cell phone or tablet. Search a trail or FS rd, cache said trail map to your phone or tablet, Then run it. Later upload info if you wanna.

Now, I have not looked in to Garmin’s deal to see if they have anything similar or not. but the above (if still free app) might give you something to play with to get some kind feel for what I think the Garmin version might be like. Hell, check out the trail head thingy on a computer or tablet to see what you think of it. I can’t say for sure if the “G” is the same or not, but might give you a little insight to what you possibly might have to deal with.

Can see all the TRX stuff I talked about here. https://www.magellangps.com/magellan-trx-off-road-gps-navigation

Your next. Haha.

Why a tablet and not a standalone GPS unit?

Reason I ask is... a standalone unit is a done deal and to be honest, I actually prefer it over a tablet or phone. No dl or caching of maps or areas to worry about. To scare you... Look at the Garmin 276cx. You can buy a bumper for the cost of this thing. I almost purchased this a year ago, but that’s another story.

Now, to your question.

A tab with a hard wired or Bluetooth GPS antenna is cool for the aging eyeballs like mine. Larger screen equals better viewing. Plus the added other crap you can do with a tablet.

Back to the My opinion thing ..

I run an ipad mini (wifi only) with a Garmin, Glo BT antenna, and it works for me. Actually compared it to a standalone unit.. dang thing was right on I will say. Even cached part of a map locally and ran out to to see if said app I was using would follow me, both on road and off the map. Hell if it didn’t do just that. Even being off the map, the unit was tracking me when zoomed out. Yeah, I'm simple and thought it was neat.

There are several different BT GPS antennas out there. Another one is the Bad Elf. People like ‘em, along with the Dual, as another option. The problem with a wired antenna is cable length. Most are short wired and you might need an extension cable to make it the length you want.

Also, when looking for an GPS antenna, get one that is GLONASS capable as well (which most are today anyway). Yet you can still find older models too.

Now you are in to Apps.. Holy crap which one to use??? Free or purchase??? That’s up to you. Many like Gaia. Some like others. This is all up to you on what you run with. I have 3 that I play with. Have run them all at the same time to see if they would work. They did.. Did they slow my phone or pad down... no idea. Im not a racer on the trail/forest road. but they did keep up when switching between them while moving.

My issue with GPS apps. are, one day it will go unsupported if said app. doesn’t get/keep a heavy following, Hence the standalone unit. Base map is there. As long as the unit works it’s still good to go. The road or trail might not be in the unit. But given a grid cord or what have you... you can punch it in and find said spot.

The appeal of todays mapping apps are nice with the different layers that you can add or take away from ‘em. This is where the standalone falls short unless topo maps have been loaded.

Getting off topic a little. Years ago I ran a laptop with the old Delorme Earthmate LT-40. Was a great setup at the time other than having to have an inverter in the cab to power said laptop. Freaking thing was good, even used it up till about 3-5 years ago on and off. Problem was it was out of date and Delorme stopped supporting it, but the thing worked fine. The only reason I don’t screw with it now is, I had updated the OS on said laptop and the software was now incompatible. Plus shit in general is smaller, lighter today anyway.

https://www.cnet.com/products/delorme-earthmate-gps-lt-40-gps-kit-8014151/

I have thought about getting a used toughbook with an older OS to run it again along with some other stuff.

Shit shit SHIT, Just reread and seen the reference for OBD thing. FMS!

Done rambling Guys, cause I cannot sleep. Hope this helps in some way shape or form. if so, cool. if not, kick me outta here.... seriously.

 

You can, but I can also do that with an app on my phone.

 

Morning guys, who else thinks it's time we got a good rain? It's almost bonfire season.

 

My PLAN is to go Friday afternoon. Work may throw a wrench in that plan, but as of now I hope to leave and head that way are 1 or 2.

 

Are you using cam straps or ratchet straps?
Are you getting a buzzing/ humming sound?
First thing to try is put some twists in the step where it does not contact the boat, that should help significantly.

I've crossed the country several times with kayaks and yes it can be painful to listen to the buzz.

 

Ditto, we're going to Annapolis to see friends new baby. But would much rather be at FPK

 

Yeah. Cam straps without any twist. I used long strap with no hooks so it is threaded through a slot in the rack, over the kayak, under the rail, over the kayak again, through another slot, under the rail again and back to the buckle. So lots of flat webbing to vibrate and buzz. Borrowed kayaks so this is temporary. If we ever buy some I will have a better tie down system.

 

Very useful

 

Label maker/labels go a long way...or at a minimum put some picture stickers on or above/below them.

 

Well I'll be interested to see if/when we get a similar letter.

 

I suggest something in or with a red light, lens, cover/gel for less bugs, less disturbance for you and those around.

Something along these lines would seem like a cool concept https://www.westmarine.com/buy/lumi...t-led-flood-light-red-white-dimming--14981492
And again at 1.3A it's a bit overkill for overnight, but it is white and red light output and has a dimming function.

 

@EatSleepTacos got me out for my first offroad trip in the taco last month when I had scheduled a build the shed and shelving day...so of course I rescheduled with my buddy for this Saturday (thankfully I knocked out the garage shelving this past Sunday), not to mention painting the accent wall and moving the couch out of the former gear storage/man cave turned baby room.

I wish I could make it out to ride and meet up with those of you going...but have a blast and it looks like beautiful weather forecast so far!

 

My wife has informed me that I am out as well. (In-law duties) Have fun!

 

Its weird driving at highway speeds not in boost.

 

Are you actually using cruise control or is that another one of your light issues?

 

Wait. Is the CEL light out??????

 

Drive a bit further into Delaware and join for the first responders marathon at some beach on Saturday!

It's even more weird seeing the same boost gauge as in my Audi. They must have made more than one of those Buzz gauges.