I had the opportunity to try out some new toys at the overland rally this week, and if you are considering a similar set up maybe some insider information can help you.



iPad:

The iPad doesn’t need any introduction, or really any critique. It’s sexy, simple, and surprisingly rugged. No matter how dusty it gets, simply wiping it off with the bottom of your shirt makes it look new again.

Ram Mount:

The best way to describe this mount: burlier than you think! I used the variant that suctions to your windshield, and I was secretly betting against it being stable enough for the washboarded back roads that I would be driving. I was very wrong. First off, the suction cup is very large and uses a form of twist lock to extend it, which causes spider man levels of adhesion. If you are wavering on buying this because you have concerns that it will fall off, then fear not and get it! The arm seems to be infinitely adjustable, but not quite long enough. If it had been just an inch or two longer it would have reached past my dash and I could have positioned it further down and out of the way. As it is, it blocks a considerable amount of view which would be an issue when negotiating rough terrain. In all fairness to Ram Mounts, the iPad is an enormous gadget to be putting on your dash! Another thing to consider is if you will have your device in a heavy duty case or not. The mount that I used would not accommodate the protective case I was using and so I had to remove it while using the mount and then put is back in the case afterwards. The whole set up remained stable over washboard and pot holes and I am confident that it would be fine over very rough roads.

Dual:



This is a small GPS receiver that pares with your Apple devices via Bluetooth. On a full charge I was able to use the Dual for over 12 hours and it was only down to 45% battery power. It pairs seamlessly with the iPad and even has a free app that allows you to monitor such things as battery life, location and elevation accuracy, and satellite information. In all this device is easy to use and exceeded my expectations in every way. Even the rubber dashboard pad stayed in place the entire time, and uses only the friction of the rubber compound to adhere to your dash. At $99 the Dual is a hassle-free bargain!

Great writeup, thanks!

Luke, what software are you using? do you have to have data connection or do you download maps? I'm using a bulky laptop and Delorme Topo right know myself

Thanks Luke! I happen to be looking at the same setup myself. I'm also curious about the software. I'm going to pester Craig ( ;~) to see how Navigator is coming along as i haven't looked at it in a little while but seeing as my girlfriend just got the new ipad....it's time to start looking!!

thanks,
Scott

GPS Kit:

For software I’m using an app called GPS Kit. I have been using it for about a year on my iPhone for when my wife and I go on hikes, and I have been impressed with the features it has. I am a paper map kind of guy and of the camp that you should always have a good paper map (or two or three) not only of the area you are planning to be in, but also the surrounding areas. If you get lost then you could wander very far from your projected rout. So I have always viewed a GPS as a gee whiz device and to be used only as a supplement to your paper map.

GPS Kit can be used completely off line by caching maps ahead of time. You can cache map projections of the following varieties:

• Google Terrain
• Google Cycling
• Google Satellite
• Google Street
• Open Street
• MapQuest Open Aerial
• Open Cycling/Topo
• Bing Shaded Relief
• Bing Street
• Bing Image
• Google Hybrid

I like to use Google Terrain as a GPS is only useful if you can identify the surrounding topography to reference your map. The app is very easy to use and even if you are having trouble figuring it out it includes video demonstrations on how to use its many features. The “Dashboard” is fun to use while you’re driving as it gives you an array of information such as speed, elevation, direction, and position. I enjoy seeing real-time information, and it’s remarkably accurate when coupled with the Dual receiver.



There may be better software out there, but I haven’t found it yet, and it’s helpful that I can use this on my iPhone as well so that transitioning from one device to the next doesn’t require a learning curve every time.

Scott- I'm also looking forward to Overland Navigator for the iPad. If Craig can keep his price at or below the $15 mark then I'm all in (hear that Craig?).

One thing to consider when looking at this software is that it is not Google Maps, it cannot map you to a location or find a certain store or addrress. It simply tracks your position on a map and lets you load GPX files.

Great, thanks for the additional info Luke. I just ordered one of the Dual receivers as well. Still looking at the RAM mounts. Not sure i want it up on the window. I also noticed another "non permanent" one that mounts to the passenger seat rail and keeps it down a bit lower. The other part was the spring loaded clamp that allows you to keep the protective cover on the ipad.

Thanks,
scott

Ram Mounts does offer a cradle that accomodates the iPad in a protective case, so my gripe with that is kind of pointless. One thing that I didn't mention is that I have two mounts here, on is a china brand mount and the other is the Ram. It would be impossible for me to overstate how much burlier the Ram product is. I wouldn't even trust the china mount to hold my iPhone let alone the much larger and heavier iPad. My advice would be to not skimp and buy something cheap as you will just end up with no option but to get the quality product in the end.

Also, Ram does offer a seat rail mounted version. Contact Dustin Marrow (send him a PM), he is very easy to work with and can get anything that Ram makes. He also uses both of the mounts that I talked about (suction mounted and seat rail mounted) so you can pick his brain about the options. He doesn't sit around on your order either, he gets it out right away.

Cool, thanks Luke. Still gathering info so this is a lot of help.

Thanks!
Scott

I'm using the same setup. Very happy with it. The benefit of the Dual GPS is that because it connects wirelessly, you can use the GPS and charge the iPad at the same time. They both have a very long battery life, so it's no trouble using one while you charge the other, and vice versa... or just hardwire them both and be done with it. My only complaint is that there isn't a single GPS available for the iPad that allows for an external antenna. With a solid roof and heated windscreen the external antenna really helps in the trees.

Craig
http://overlandnavigator.com

Anyone know if the Dual receiver is available locally?

Not sure to be honest. I just ordered one from Amazon.

I did the Amazon thing as well, it showed up in two days.

Spencer aircraft ( no affiliation ) at Thun Field in Puyallup sells the GPS reciever as well as the Ram mount hardware mentioned previously and more. GPS HD by MotionX is another good app. It allows you to select and download open source topo and street maps. You can also import and display multiple gpx files, record tracks, drop waypoints ect...

-C