Device recommendations for Android auto device and offline maps
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@OGRIII Hello Ogriii, It seems that there are problematic issues if I understand you correctly. I can't speak about the UK as I have not been riding there using MRA. I was wondering if you have presented the issues you mention to the MRA admins and if so if there are good solutions ?
@Kenny-1 I have a BMW Nav 6 and I recently bought a Chigee AIO-5 PLAY hoping to use MRA to replace the Nav 6. The current reality is that AA in MRA is a bit flaky and frustrating to use. On top of that, the directions box on the screen is often nonsense. I think this may be UK-specific or more people would complain about it, but I don't know. I've reported it but had no acknowledgement.
As OGRIII says, unfortunately there are better options than MRA with an AA device. However, they all have their downsides. Sygic looks great and doesn't crash, but sometimes the routing it comes up with for GPX files is just nonsense. TomTom GO is much better, but you can't open GPX files on the device, you need to import them via a browser into your TomTom account. For me, that extra step negates the ease of MRA and opening GPX files directly on the phone, so I've gone back to my Nav 6 until MRA works properly.
The Chigee is an awesome device by the way, but quite a few people, particularly GS riders, are reporting frequent AA disconnections that sours the experience. Maybe electrical interference breaking the AA connection.
I think if you don't want early adopter pain, buy a Garmin XT and be happy.
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@Kenny-1 I have a BMW Nav 6 and I recently bought a Chigee AIO-5 PLAY hoping to use MRA to replace the Nav 6. The current reality is that AA in MRA is a bit flaky and frustrating to use. On top of that, the directions box on the screen is often nonsense. I think this may be UK-specific or more people would complain about it, but I don't know. I've reported it but had no acknowledgement.
As OGRIII says, unfortunately there are better options than MRA with an AA device. However, they all have their downsides. Sygic looks great and doesn't crash, but sometimes the routing it comes up with for GPX files is just nonsense. TomTom GO is much better, but you can't open GPX files on the device, you need to import them via a browser into your TomTom account. For me, that extra step negates the ease of MRA and opening GPX files directly on the phone, so I've gone back to my Nav 6 until MRA works properly.
The Chigee is an awesome device by the way, but quite a few people, particularly GS riders, are reporting frequent AA disconnections that sours the experience. Maybe electrical interference breaking the AA connection.
I think if you don't want early adopter pain, buy a Garmin XT and be happy.
@Tim-Watson Hi Tim, I think your input is very useful and I am also discovering that there are pitfalls and caveats with the current state of MRA and different devices. I have just now submitted a question ticket for not being able to plan a simple A to B route on my android using offline maps. Sometime I am out in the middle of nowhwhere without connectivity and if I need to change my originally planned destination without internet connectivity, I'm kinda screwed. Maybe it's me and I'm doing something wrong but then I need to know and of course expect an answer in due time to the question. I don't understand that you have not received a response from the admin team. Maybe try again ???
Anyway as I mentioned in a previous response, I'm going for the small rugged tablet solution and then I can run any app I need and get a useful tablet for other things as well. Hopefully this will give some extra independence. I've used both Garmin and still have my TTR but it's getting a bit old now. As the models age the manufactures logically become less and less supportive in order to drive customers to newer models. A trend that is becoming more prevelant. Not crazy about the trend, but like it or not it is what it is.BMW 800GS, Samsung Tab3 Active
Carpe Iter rally support arms w Brodit on Ram.
MRA many years and now with Next
BV9700 Pro Android Rugged phone and TTR for backup.
Carpe diem ! -
@Tim-Watson Hi Tim, I think your input is very useful and I am also discovering that there are pitfalls and caveats with the current state of MRA and different devices. I have just now submitted a question ticket for not being able to plan a simple A to B route on my android using offline maps. Sometime I am out in the middle of nowhwhere without connectivity and if I need to change my originally planned destination without internet connectivity, I'm kinda screwed. Maybe it's me and I'm doing something wrong but then I need to know and of course expect an answer in due time to the question. I don't understand that you have not received a response from the admin team. Maybe try again ???
Anyway as I mentioned in a previous response, I'm going for the small rugged tablet solution and then I can run any app I need and get a useful tablet for other things as well. Hopefully this will give some extra independence. I've used both Garmin and still have my TTR but it's getting a bit old now. As the models age the manufactures logically become less and less supportive in order to drive customers to newer models. A trend that is becoming more prevelant. Not crazy about the trend, but like it or not it is what it is.@Kenny-1 Hey Kenny. If you're going with a tablet rather than Android Auto, the MRA app is great. It's only the AA implementation that is currently lacking.
The app itself allows you to download maps so you don't need an internet connection, and the latest version of the app can automatically sync any routes you create in the planner or on the app.
I think the combination of the MRA planner and the app is pretty unbeatable, especially if you pickup the lifetime deals to purchase MRA. In offline mode you'd be good to go.
Personally I don't really want my main phone in a bike mount, nor to carry a 2nd "sacrificial" phone, hence going for the Chigee. I think it'll be the solution in due course, but not just yet. The MRA devs are very receptive to suggestions and quick to implement new features, but I think AA is low on the list of priorities unfortunately.
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@Kenny-1 Hey Kenny. If you're going with a tablet rather than Android Auto, the MRA app is great. It's only the AA implementation that is currently lacking.
The app itself allows you to download maps so you don't need an internet connection, and the latest version of the app can automatically sync any routes you create in the planner or on the app.
I think the combination of the MRA planner and the app is pretty unbeatable, especially if you pickup the lifetime deals to purchase MRA. In offline mode you'd be good to go.
Personally I don't really want my main phone in a bike mount, nor to carry a 2nd "sacrificial" phone, hence going for the Chigee. I think it'll be the solution in due course, but not just yet. The MRA devs are very receptive to suggestions and quick to implement new features, but I think AA is low on the list of priorities unfortunately.
@Tim-Watson Thanks for you vote of support on the Samsung Active 3 tablet. The AA units are quite attractive but they have their quirks as well as you are aware. There are enough YouTubers "Hawking" the good, the bad and everything in between. There are some strait shooters that have a no-nonsense approach. I liked this presentation because it was truthful and to-the -point. https://youtu.be/mTu5PtbjlBk?si=M5-MyrLU0qSU7PPf
There are some other Scandanavian contributors that are very interesting even if their gear is in the very expensive range. Most of them are hardcore off-roaders and ralleye riders but they know their stuff.
As for the telephone on the bike... I use a older Rugged android unit from Blackview. I refurbished it when I got my latest Ulefone Armor 24. They are really waterproof and very tough for the purpose of mounting on the bike. Cheap if you pick up a used one. -
@Kenny-1 Hey Kenny. If you're going with a tablet rather than Android Auto, the MRA app is great. It's only the AA implementation that is currently lacking.
The app itself allows you to download maps so you don't need an internet connection, and the latest version of the app can automatically sync any routes you create in the planner or on the app.
I think the combination of the MRA planner and the app is pretty unbeatable, especially if you pickup the lifetime deals to purchase MRA. In offline mode you'd be good to go.
Personally I don't really want my main phone in a bike mount, nor to carry a 2nd "sacrificial" phone, hence going for the Chigee. I think it'll be the solution in due course, but not just yet. The MRA devs are very receptive to suggestions and quick to implement new features, but I think AA is low on the list of priorities unfortunately.
@Tim-Watson Thanks for you vote of support on the Samsung Active 3 tablet. The AA units are quite attractive but they have their quirks as well as you are aware. There are enough YouTubers "Hawking" the good, the bad and everything in between. There are some strait shooters that have a no-nonsense approach. I liked this presentation because it was truthful and to-the -point. https://youtu.be/mTu5PtbjlBk?si=M5-MyrLU0qSU7PPf
There are some other Scandanavian contributors that are very interesting even if their gear is in the very expensive range. Most of them are hardcore off-roaders and ralleye riders but they know their stuff.
As for the telephone on the bike... I use a older Rugged android unit from Blackview. I refurbished it when I got my latest Ulefone Armor 24. They are really waterproof and very tough for the purpose of mounting on the bike. Cheap if you pick up a used one. -
@Kenny-1 Hey Kenny. If you're going with a tablet rather than Android Auto, the MRA app is great. It's only the AA implementation that is currently lacking.
The app itself allows you to download maps so you don't need an internet connection, and the latest version of the app can automatically sync any routes you create in the planner or on the app.
I think the combination of the MRA planner and the app is pretty unbeatable, especially if you pickup the lifetime deals to purchase MRA. In offline mode you'd be good to go.
Personally I don't really want my main phone in a bike mount, nor to carry a 2nd "sacrificial" phone, hence going for the Chigee. I think it'll be the solution in due course, but not just yet. The MRA devs are very receptive to suggestions and quick to implement new features, but I think AA is low on the list of priorities unfortunately.
@Tim-Watson Thanks for you vote of support on the Samsung Active 3 tablet. The AA units are quite attractive but they have their quirks as well as you are aware. There are enough YouTubers "Hawking" the good, the bad and everything in between. There are some strait shooters that have a no-nonsense approach. I liked this presentation because it was truthful and to-the -point. https://youtu.be/mTu5PtbjlBk?si=M5-MyrLU0qSU7PPf
There are some other Scandanavian contributors that are very interesting even if their gear is in the very expensive range. Most of them are hardcore off-roaders and ralleye riders but they know their stuff.
As for the telephone on the bike... I use a older Rugged android unit from Blackview. I refurbished it when I got my latest Ulefone Armor 24. They are really waterproof and very tough for the purpose of mounting on the bike. Cheap if you pick up a used one. -
@Ralph-Janssen Beste Ralph, I have decided to go with a Samsung Active 3 tablet with an 8 inch screen. I found the unit in a shop that reconditions and gives 1 year warranty for about 200 euro. Now I will find a way to mount it with a lock and so that I can remove it easily. I'm lokking into a Brodit mount for that purpose. This way I won't need a Carplay or the current problems assoiciated with MRA and these units. I thought they were pure phone emulators but they all seem to have their own logig and quirky problems with some apps.
@Kenny-1
I think a excellent choose
I'm only familiaire with Quadlock (for my phone's) but would not trust my tablet with it.Let me know what kind of solution you have found and how it looks on your bike.
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Back to @Kenny-1 's original question:
I am using a Weuaste 5 inch AA /CP device - the one without cameras and that comes with a RAM mount. It's inexpensive (currently $140 on Amazon US), and I look at it as R&D -- a cheap way to get familiar with the tech and see if it will work for me. It was a little tricky to get bluetooth working with both my Cardo communicator and the AA unit, but I figured it out. (If you go with this unit, let me know and I can provide you with a software update that took care of the issue.)
If I decide to stay with AA, I may eventually upgrade to a 7 inch unit. One advantage of AA / CP units is that you can have two programs on the display at once, e.g., MRA and Spotify, or even MRA and Google Maps, which is great if you're travelling through unknown areas. It's a bit busy doing this on a 5" unit, though, so I currently run only MRA. Would likely work better on a 7 inch screen. But I also don't want to have a big device on the bars in front of me, and I like the 5" for that.
The screen on the Weuaste is 1,000 nits, which I find is the minimum for visibility in the sun when I am wearing sunglasses. I also have a Doogee rugged Android phone (S41pro) which I tried, but the screen is only 500 nits (which is also true of the Doogee S200 that @Ralph-Janssen mentioned). 500 nits isn't bright enough for me. It's okay on a cloudy day, but not when it's sunny. (Also, I don't think the S41 has enough processing power - I get error messages when I try to use it with the Weuaste AA, but I haven't cared enough to try to figure that out.)
My last big trip to unknown territory was last spring to the South of France (I live in the US near Washington, DC). I used my Google Pixel 6. It was okay, but I had problems related to it being a phone. e.g., issues with raindrops, with the phone getting too hot, etc. And it was a PITA when I wanted to take it off the bars to take a picture. I'm experimenting with AA auto because the devices are specifically designed to work on motorcycles in the rain. But I went with a cheap unit because I'm not convinced yet that AA will be the ultimate solution. BTW, MRA seems to work reasonably well with it now. Although the MRA screen presented by AA is somewhat different than on a phone, and the zooming isn't quite as good, that hasn't been a deal-breaker for me so far. Not for a $130 unit.
The other option out there is a Zumo XT, but the thread just after this one showed why I want to avoid that. Very expensive unit (although a beautiful display) but a really difficult learning curve with even experienced users needing weird and complicated work-arounds to make it function with MRA..
Lots of different opinions about all of this, and that's great -- hope my few thoughts are helpful.
Vinnie
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Back to @Kenny-1 's original question:
I am using a Weuaste 5 inch AA /CP device - the one without cameras and that comes with a RAM mount. It's inexpensive (currently $140 on Amazon US), and I look at it as R&D -- a cheap way to get familiar with the tech and see if it will work for me. It was a little tricky to get bluetooth working with both my Cardo communicator and the AA unit, but I figured it out. (If you go with this unit, let me know and I can provide you with a software update that took care of the issue.)
If I decide to stay with AA, I may eventually upgrade to a 7 inch unit. One advantage of AA / CP units is that you can have two programs on the display at once, e.g., MRA and Spotify, or even MRA and Google Maps, which is great if you're travelling through unknown areas. It's a bit busy doing this on a 5" unit, though, so I currently run only MRA. Would likely work better on a 7 inch screen. But I also don't want to have a big device on the bars in front of me, and I like the 5" for that.
The screen on the Weuaste is 1,000 nits, which I find is the minimum for visibility in the sun when I am wearing sunglasses. I also have a Doogee rugged Android phone (S41pro) which I tried, but the screen is only 500 nits (which is also true of the Doogee S200 that @Ralph-Janssen mentioned). 500 nits isn't bright enough for me. It's okay on a cloudy day, but not when it's sunny. (Also, I don't think the S41 has enough processing power - I get error messages when I try to use it with the Weuaste AA, but I haven't cared enough to try to figure that out.)
My last big trip to unknown territory was last spring to the South of France (I live in the US near Washington, DC). I used my Google Pixel 6. It was okay, but I had problems related to it being a phone. e.g., issues with raindrops, with the phone getting too hot, etc. And it was a PITA when I wanted to take it off the bars to take a picture. I'm experimenting with AA auto because the devices are specifically designed to work on motorcycles in the rain. But I went with a cheap unit because I'm not convinced yet that AA will be the ultimate solution. BTW, MRA seems to work reasonably well with it now. Although the MRA screen presented by AA is somewhat different than on a phone, and the zooming isn't quite as good, that hasn't been a deal-breaker for me so far. Not for a $130 unit.
The other option out there is a Zumo XT, but the thread just after this one showed why I want to avoid that. Very expensive unit (although a beautiful display) but a really difficult learning curve with even experienced users needing weird and complicated work-arounds to make it function with MRA..
Lots of different opinions about all of this, and that's great -- hope my few thoughts are helpful.
Vinnie
@Vincent-Curren Hello Vincent, Thanks for your helpful input and your offer to help with the software on the AA. I mentioned in a previous response, I'm going for the small 8"rugged tablet solution and then I can run any app I need and in addition have a useful tablet for doing other things off the bike as well. Hopefully this will give some extra independence. I will initially just mount everything to to an operational check to make sure all is working properly and afterwards I'm planning to mount the tablet up above the instrument cluster ov the 800GS. I'm looking for a good mount that won't break the bank.
In my original question, I wanted to find out about people running MRA and AA that were completely happy and what combination of hardware is being used. To my surprise, everyone has expressed pitfalls and caveats. This has been very useful in my decision to NOT buy an AA device. Some YouTubers have been honest and revealed that there are big problems with some apps and some have even explicitly mentioned that MRA and AA don't work at all together. There are some other good reviews but I liked this presentation because it was truthful and to-the -point. https://youtu.be/mTu5PtbjlBk?si=M5-MyrLU0qSU7PPf
He mentions that the tablet is 800 nits and this is perhaps not excellent but still quite good.
The Doogee S200 is a very rugged phone but built for very long battery life and ruggedness. The best screen I've seen so far is on my old Blackview BV9600 Pro. But a phone is a phone and not a real motorcyclists navigation device. My old TT Rider 400 still provides good service. Being 8 years old now and it's time to update to a better way but I will still keep it for a back up. I rarely listen to music on the bike. I would not buy another satnav device because of their limitations and price.BMW 800GS, Samsung Tab3 Active
Carpe Iter rally support arms w Brodit on Ram.
MRA many years and now with Next
BV9700 Pro Android Rugged phone and TTR for backup.
Carpe diem ! -
@Vincent-Curren Hello Vincent, Thanks for your helpful input and your offer to help with the software on the AA. I mentioned in a previous response, I'm going for the small 8"rugged tablet solution and then I can run any app I need and in addition have a useful tablet for doing other things off the bike as well. Hopefully this will give some extra independence. I will initially just mount everything to to an operational check to make sure all is working properly and afterwards I'm planning to mount the tablet up above the instrument cluster ov the 800GS. I'm looking for a good mount that won't break the bank.
In my original question, I wanted to find out about people running MRA and AA that were completely happy and what combination of hardware is being used. To my surprise, everyone has expressed pitfalls and caveats. This has been very useful in my decision to NOT buy an AA device. Some YouTubers have been honest and revealed that there are big problems with some apps and some have even explicitly mentioned that MRA and AA don't work at all together. There are some other good reviews but I liked this presentation because it was truthful and to-the -point. https://youtu.be/mTu5PtbjlBk?si=M5-MyrLU0qSU7PPf
He mentions that the tablet is 800 nits and this is perhaps not excellent but still quite good.
The Doogee S200 is a very rugged phone but built for very long battery life and ruggedness. The best screen I've seen so far is on my old Blackview BV9600 Pro. But a phone is a phone and not a real motorcyclists navigation device. My old TT Rider 400 still provides good service. Being 8 years old now and it's time to update to a better way but I will still keep it for a back up. I rarely listen to music on the bike. I would not buy another satnav device because of their limitations and price.@Kenny-1 Hello Kenny, The world of GPS seems to be one of trade-offs -- it's rare to find anyone completely happy with their solution, myself included! (And I always carry a paper map as a last resort when I'm travelling through a new area!)
I will be interested to see how your approach works out!
Vinnie
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I use MRA on a Samsung A32. Ik believe its under 500 nits (450). General speaking i think it good enough. Yes in direct sunlight or very bright condities it can be better.
I did not buy de DooGee S200 for navigation purposes btw
I think to buy a Samsung active tab 3 or 5 which is 800Nits. I'm looking into other 8" tablet but there are not that many on the market with high Nits and who also is consider cheap
Triumph Tiger 800 Xrt 2020
Yamaha tracer 700 (wifes bike)
Using MRA next on Samsung A35 & OnePlus & DooGee T20 mini tabletDrove a Yamaha TDM850 1998
Used TomTom 6000 & Garmin devices with MRA -
I use MRA on a Samsung A32. Ik believe its under 500 nits (450). General speaking i think it good enough. Yes in direct sunlight or very bright condities it can be better.
I did not buy de DooGee S200 for navigation purposes btw
I think to buy a Samsung active tab 3 or 5 which is 800Nits. I'm looking into other 8" tablet but there are not that many on the market with high Nits and who also is consider cheap
@Ralph-Janssen Sorry for the delay in replying - I have been out travelling! I think you will find that 800 nits will be a significant improvement the 500 nits you have now. My older Garmin XT396 is 700 nits, for example, and it is bright enough although it gets washed out in bright sunlight. The Zumo XT is 1000 nits is noticeably better than the 396. I don't have one of those, but several friends do and they report that is bright enough for any conditions.
Vinnie
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@Ralph-Janssen Sorry for the delay in replying - I have been out travelling! I think you will find that 800 nits will be a significant improvement the 500 nits you have now. My older Garmin XT396 is 700 nits, for example, and it is bright enough although it gets washed out in bright sunlight. The Zumo XT is 1000 nits is noticeably better than the 396. I don't have one of those, but several friends do and they report that is bright enough for any conditions.
Vinnie
@Vincent-Curren Hi Vincent, Here is a photo of the work done so far. The tablet is not in its' protective rubber frame. I just placed for the picture. The Samsung Active Tab 3 has 800 nits. I have to road test to see if that holds up but the reviews from riders using it are good.
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That looks great!
Vinnie
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I am asking for recommendations from users that have good experience with certain models of android carplay devices and using offline maps on the phone please. I use MRA and want to buy a Android Carplay unit for my motorcycle. Thanks for any input you can help with.
@Kenny-1 look for a carpuride tft screen amazon sell them under 150 quid works well
