Is this the (almost) ideal GPS for Australia?

[BurnieM]

VMS are the software house that did the development for the Hema Navigator

They have recently produced the Touring 430 and Touring 500 under their own name

For street mapping they use IGO
For offroad mapping they use Memory Map with Natmap 1:250,000 data for all of Australia.
MM have re-done the colour scheme so this is a little easier to read than other versions of Natmap.
1:25,000 Topos are also available from MM for some states for $250 per state
.

[PBee]

Originally Posted by BurnieM

VMS are the software house that did the development for the Hema Navigator

They have recently produced the Touring 430 and Touring 500 under their own name

For street mapping they use IGO
For offroad mapping they use Memory Map with Natmap 1:250,000 data for all of Australia. MM have re-done the colour scheme so this is a little easier to read that other versions of Natmap.
1:25,000 Topos are also available from MM for some states for $250 per state
.

Yeah!....... That's it. Wot he said.

[pete40]

Originally Posted by BurnieM

VMS are the software house that did the development for the Hema Navigator

They have recently produced the Touring 430 and Touring 500 under their own name

For street mapping they use IGO
For offroad mapping they use Memory Map with Natmap 1:250,000 data for all of Australia.
MM have re-done the colour scheme so this is a little easier to read than other versions of Natmap.
1:25,000 Topos are also available from MM for some states for $250 per state
.

So, if I've already got 1:25,000 series from the relevant government mapping departments (NSW, some for QLD), then can I use these on the VMS?

[BurnieM]

Originally Posted by pete40

So, if I've already got 1:25,000 series from the relevant government mapping departments (NSW, some for QLD), then can I use these on the VMS?

It uses a program called MemoryMap which needs its own format maps
.

[pete40]

Originally Posted by BurnieM

It uses a program called MemoryMap which needs its own format maps
.

Typical!

The Hema Navigator used OziExplorer didn't it? Which could read my maps I think - at least it can on the PC version, maybe you need a different format for it to run on one of those too???. Maybe I'll just get a garmin Zumo like everyone else.....

[PBee]

OK Time for me to eat crow.

My VMS 430 is rubbish!! IMHO.

Every morning it locks 2 or 3 times before it's happy (needs a reboot each time)
When I power down and it goes to sleep it has to be nudged 2 or 3 times to wake it up. It powers up then immediately goes back to sleep.

Trying to connect to my PC to download waypoints and tracks (something I've done many times with OZiexplorer to my Garmin) is an exercise in futility.

No, I say, save your money untill they get it right. (It aint right now)

I called in to my retailer to let him know my displeasure and he told me I'm not the only one to have problems (as described) as one was sent back to VMS that day.

No,I can't live with it so it's off to return it tomorrow!
I Will report on what happens if anybody is interested.

Cheers
PB

[BurnieM]

This is not a problem I have seen before.

Early versions had problems with the software on the card corrupting but this was fixed with a replacement card with updated software.

You can also buy the Tourings with IGO (street mapping only) and then add on OziCE and your own maps. Make sure you get one with at least a 4GB card. You cannot copy the IGO software to a bigger card as it is locked to the card it came on.
.

[PBee]

Originally Posted by BurnieM

You can also buy the Tourings with IGO (street mapping only) and then add on OziCE and your own maps. Make sure you get one with at least a 4GB
.

This I would be interested in as I am very familiar with OZiex, I just have to work out how to unstitch my 1:50's!

My 430 came with a loaded 4G card.
Although I still feel there is a problem with my unit.

Thanks for your input Burnie.

PB

[PBee]

Just swapped the VMS 430 for a HEMA Navigator a few days ago,
Oh Yeah, what a difference.
Easy intuitive interface & uploading maps is a breeze.
It comes fully loaded with HEMA maps & Navteq route 66.
I've put on a few 1:50 topo's, too easy!!
Everything I've ever wanted is on this thing.

Recomended

[pete40]

Give us an update as you discover more.

[undersea4x2]

Originally Posted by PBee

Just swapped the VMS 430 for a HEMA Navigator a few days ago,
Oh Yeah, what a difference.
Easy intuitive interface & uploading maps is a breeze.
It comes fully loaded with HEMA maps & Navteq route 66.
I've put on a few 1:50 topo's, too easy!!
Everything I've ever wanted is on this thing.

Recomended

So , how much for the Hema and where from and is it still OK???

Unlike the VMS

Cheers

Under

[PBee]

Originally Posted by undersea4x2

So , how much for the Hema and where from and is it still OK???

Unlike the VMS

Cheers

Under

Well I've had the Hema for almost 2 weeks now and I'm still impressed.
Faultless? Well no, I've had some problems with it locking up, I sometimes wonder if I'm expecting too much from this type of GPS.

I don't want to knock the VMS as a brand, a lot of people are happy with them but the one I had was just rubbish.

HEMA's support is faultless. I sent them an e-mail outlining my problems and received an instant personal reply from Troy at HEMA.
He suspected a corrupt SD card. The next day I had a new card in the post.

Damn good support!!

I've installed the new card and all seems well so far.
Overall performance is better.
I'll use it all week in my work ute and see how it goes.

How much? Well I paid full tote $990 from Electric Bug in Adelaide.
I have seen them for $880 on FleaBay
Personally I prefer a Face to Face Dealer for this type of product!

Sill don't like the blue though.

I'll post next week on how it's going.

PB

[PBee]

I Couldn't resolve the problems whith my HEMA Navigator.
With some sadness I returned it yesterday for an in store credit.

I looked at the Garmin 620, as a GPS it looks great but it's too heavily biased towards marine aps

I am now at a loss as to what GPS to get?????

[undersea4x2]

Might be a bit of a tough call but........

In a word BurnieM, a GPS for beginners that can do general metro work, 4wd tracks and ADV riding........................

Im interested in Geocasching as well.....


Oh, and make a decient latte as well

Cheers

Under

[Patrick_]

Look into the Garmin 60csx. Im still only a few days into reseaching GPS units, but so far this is cropping up to be one of the more popular Off road GPS's.

Originally Posted by undersea4x2

Might be a bit of a tough call but........

In a word BurnieM, a GPS for beginners that can do general metro work, 4wd tracks and ADV riding........................

Im interested in Geocasching as well.....


Oh, and make a decient latte as well

Cheers

Under