Attn: OziExplorer/GPS users

[M1S3RY]

I'm looking at using my PDA with built in GPS for a bit of navigation, i've be playing with OziExplorer a bit but i haven't got any maps to road test it with. Now i've discovered that there are a few different companies that produce the said maps but i was wondering what you guys were using.. plus i'm also interested in how Nav events are done, do you get GPS coordinates and then just enter them into your GPS or do it old school with paper map or something different?

[bogged]

plus i'm also interested in how Nav events are done, do you get GPS coordinates and then just enter them into your GPS or do it old school with paper map or something different?

Give Rudi a call.. TOP bloke too...
http://users.netlink.com.au/~maptrap/

NAVNITE

What is a Navnite?

Put simply, Navnite is a series of special hard core stages held over one night - a bit like a one night winch challenge.

Navnite is sanctioned by the Cross Country Drivers Association (CCDA). This means it complies with the CCDA requirements, has adopted the CCDA rules and is covered by the CCDA liability insurance policy. All participants and marshalls need to be financial CCDA members.

The standard is extreme, attracting the most capable vehicles with experienced teams. Vehicles need to be registered and compliant with CCDA "open" class specifications. (CCDA WEBSITE ) Winches and aggressive tyres are essential on all vehicles, while diff locks and enhanced suspension offer a distinct advantage.

The event begins at about 10 pm and concludes between 4am and 8am the following morning. The extreme terrain, winching and night hours make it unsuitable for children.

It is the aim of the organisers to have 3 stages where everyone can drive without winching, 3 stages where only the best make it without winching and 3 stages where everyone will have to winch. Teams consist of 2 vehicles and both vehicles compete together.

Navigation is limited to finding the special stages using a GPS. There are no track notes or questions.

If this is too extreme for your liking, NavRun is run over an entire weekend by the same organisers and caters for club enthusiasts with traditional 4WD vehicles with fewer accessories and traction aids. GPS units are required in both vehicles, otherwise there are few restrictions in NavRun.

[Mick_n_Sal]

MIS3RY,

We use scanned in 1:50,000 or 1:100:000 topo maps of the area we are driving in.

If you ring around places that sell GPS gear you may find someone who can sell you the scanned images. we have a guy in Cairns who does scans of 1:100.000 & 1:50,000 of the areas around Cairns at about $9 per page.

Mick_n_Sal

[MYTTUF]

I'm looking at using my PDA with built in GPS for a bit of navigation, i've be playing with OziExplorer a bit but i haven't got any maps to road test it with. Now i've discovered that there are a few different companies that produce the said maps but i was wondering what you guys were using.. plus i'm also interested in how Nav events are done, do you get GPS coordinates and then just enter them into your GPS or do it old school with paper map or something different?

I have used a laptop many times in comps. The big advantage is the time saved when entering the waypoints as you are able to use the laptops keyboard, then with a feature on ozi explorer, are able to send them to the GPS. Not sure if a PDA will have the keyboard time saving ability.
The other feature is the moving map, displayed in real time and the ability to see where youre going. I tried to only use the laptop but found that when tyou need to zoom out, to gety it big enough to see all your waypoints (on a vic map), it gets too small and becomes useless. We fixed this by putting them on the paper map and useing that. It's time consuming, but still a bit quicker as you can look from the laptop where the waypoints are.
As Bogged said see Rudi for your maps as he can get them.
In my opinion after using both types, laptop and paper maps, i have gone back to paper. We always seemed to have a laptop issue, prolly caused from the enviroment. Anyway see how you go as I'd be interested to learn more about what you are doing with the PDA.

[mike]

I'm looking at using my PDA with built in GPS for a bit of navigation, i've be playing with OziExplorer a bit but i haven't got any maps to road test it with. Now i've discovered that there are a few different companies that produce the said maps but i was wondering what you guys were using.. plus i'm also interested in how Nav events are done, do you get GPS coordinates and then just enter them into your GPS or do it old school with paper map or something different?

I use OziExplorer with maptrax maps and am very happy with this combo.
http://www.maptrax.com.au

What was really freaky that when I looked up their contact details to ask some Q's turned out they were just around the block from me!