Portable waterproof CarPlay units for your motorcycle
Quote from 2BTSquared on 06.05.2023, 18:36So I've done the permanent install. Wired the power supply into the bikes switched accessories power via this kit...
Electrical Connection Update Kit
Routed harness to the right side of the bike and installed the power supply there...
Wiring routed up through the backbone of the frame and out the left side...
Display mounted. Phone resides in windshield bag with power routed to it from the USB port.
The red arrow points to a Chargie...
The Chargie manages battery charging and temperature. AFAIK there are generally two ways to get this kind of control... Software which requires rooting the phone and this hardware approach. The Chargie works pretty well for this task.
Overall I'm pretty pleased with this setup. The phone (battery/heat/cold/elements) won't get stressed and the CP/AA display works great. I've tried an intercom system with it. Everything pairs and works as expected. Some had mentioned that they don't like that the display unit doesn't have an internal battery to prevent power cycles/reboots when you start the bike etc. This has absolutely not been a problem. The display unit powers up and reconnects to everything within 30 seconds. If you had a Nav session going before shutdown (say stopping for gas), the route/navigation session is still there when the system reboots and reconnects.
The only nit that I've found so far (and mentioned previously) is that the BINIZE unit's firmware version doesn't yet have the Android Auto volume controls. Other "brands" have already provided the firmware update for that. Right now I'm using my iPhone, so it's not a problem. But sooner or later, I'll want to update the firmware.
So I've done the permanent install. Wired the power supply into the bikes switched accessories power via this kit...
Electrical Connection Update Kit
Routed harness to the right side of the bike and installed the power supply there...
Wiring routed up through the backbone of the frame and out the left side...
Display mounted. Phone resides in windshield bag with power routed to it from the USB port.
The red arrow points to a Chargie...
The Chargie manages battery charging and temperature. AFAIK there are generally two ways to get this kind of control... Software which requires rooting the phone and this hardware approach. The Chargie works pretty well for this task.
Overall I'm pretty pleased with this setup. The phone (battery/heat/cold/elements) won't get stressed and the CP/AA display works great. I've tried an intercom system with it. Everything pairs and works as expected. Some had mentioned that they don't like that the display unit doesn't have an internal battery to prevent power cycles/reboots when you start the bike etc. This has absolutely not been a problem. The display unit powers up and reconnects to everything within 30 seconds. If you had a Nav session going before shutdown (say stopping for gas), the route/navigation session is still there when the system reboots and reconnects.
The only nit that I've found so far (and mentioned previously) is that the BINIZE unit's firmware version doesn't yet have the Android Auto volume controls. Other "brands" have already provided the firmware update for that. Right now I'm using my iPhone, so it's not a problem. But sooner or later, I'll want to update the firmware.
Quote from Kilroy on 20.05.2023, 08:07Have there been any firmware updates since the one posted here? I am with a group of other Kawasaki Concours Owners who many have adopted the C5 unit, but occasionally have buggy issues that we are trying to resolve. The paring issues with some headsets seems to be the biggest issue. I have the Cardo Pack Talk Edge and so far that is working better than the Pack Talk Slim I had before, but it seems that the Bluetooth connectivity seems to not be great to the C5 unit itself creating some issues. Thanks for providing some information and more importantly access to the firmware updates! I have been a Scenic user for many years and depend on it for my long distance trips heavily.
Have there been any firmware updates since the one posted here? I am with a group of other Kawasaki Concours Owners who many have adopted the C5 unit, but occasionally have buggy issues that we are trying to resolve. The paring issues with some headsets seems to be the biggest issue. I have the Cardo Pack Talk Edge and so far that is working better than the Pack Talk Slim I had before, but it seems that the Bluetooth connectivity seems to not be great to the C5 unit itself creating some issues. Thanks for providing some information and more importantly access to the firmware updates! I have been a Scenic user for many years and depend on it for my long distance trips heavily.
Quote from Guido on 20.05.2023, 08:24I don’t know about any new firmware. The best thing you can do is write to info@maxcauto.com about your problem.
Dan is very good at responding. He only gives firmware to official Maxca buyers though, not any other brands.
I’ve had connection drops as well. Both dropping connection to my phone as well as my headset (Cardo Freecom 4x). Removing the Bluetooth pairing between my headset and phone (only leaving headset paired with the C5) seemed to help, but not 100%
I don’t know about any new firmware. The best thing you can do is write to info@maxcauto.com about your problem.
Dan is very good at responding. He only gives firmware to official Maxca buyers though, not any other brands.
I’ve had connection drops as well. Both dropping connection to my phone as well as my headset (Cardo Freecom 4x). Removing the Bluetooth pairing between my headset and phone (only leaving headset paired with the C5) seemed to help, but not 100%
Quote from Guido on 20.05.2023, 08:29On my last trip I had big problems with the Maxca C5 Pro.The first 200 (highway) kilometers it worked good. But then it started shutting OFF and restart itself in a loop. At first after about 3 to 4 loops it stayed ON for a while. But it got worse every time. In the end it would not start up at all. It would just show the start screen and ‘hang’ there. I had to remove the Maxca for the rest of the trip nbecause it wasn’t working at allI have a few theories:HEATI live in Mexico and it’s very warm this time of year. 35 degrees Celsius. Could that have something to do with it? I tried it the day after in the morning (around 28 degrees Celsius) and it would start up initially but almost immediately shut down, then start up again and hang at the start image.VOLTAGEThe other theory is voltage. Maybe it voltage needs to be below certain value? I have a regular motorcycle and battery voltage is around 12.5 when the engine is not running and around 14.5 when the bike is running. That seems pretty normal, so not sure that is the problem.VIBRATIONSI have a KTM 690 Enduro. It’s a single cylinder so it vibrates a bit, especially on the highway. Could that have damaged the electronics to cause this behaviour?My setup:- Maxca C5 Pro with February 2023 firmware, mounted to handlebars of KTM 690 Enduro- iPhone 13 Pro- Cardo Feeecom 4x (connected to Maxca, NOT to phone)************
I wrote this in an email to Maxca support as well. They gave me some diagnostics steps to see if it’s the unit or the cable/mount. + a way to force a hard firmware update. I have not had a chance to try this yet.I’m sharing this so that everyone thinking of buying a unit can take this into account. I’ve not heard of anyone else having this specific problem.
I wrote this in an email to Maxca support as well. They gave me some diagnostics steps to see if it’s the unit or the cable/mount. + a way to force a hard firmware update. I have not had a chance to try this yet.
Quote from 2BTSquared on 20.05.2023, 10:00Quote from Guido on 20.05.2023, 08:29On my last trip I had big problems with the Maxca C5 Pro.The first 200 (highway) kilometers it worked good. But then it started shutting OFF and restart itself in a loop. At first after about 3 to 4 loops it stayed ON for a while. But it got worse every time. In the end it would not start up at all. It would just show the start screen and ‘hang’ there. I had to remove the Maxca for the rest of the trip nbecause it wasn’t working at allI have a few theories:HEATI live in Mexico and it’s very warm this time of year. 35 degrees Celsius. Could that have something to do with it? I tried it the day after in the morning (around 28 degrees Celsius) and it would start up initially but almost immediately shut down, then start up again and hang at the start image.VOLTAGEThe other theory is voltage. Maybe it voltage needs to be below certain value? I have a regular motorcycle and battery voltage is around 12.5 when the engine is not running and around 14.5 when the bike is running. That seems pretty normal, so not sure that is the problem.VIBRATIONSI have a KTM 690 Enduro. It’s a single cylinder so it vibrates a bit, especially on the highway. Could that have damaged the electronics to cause this behaviour?My setup:- Maxca C5 Pro with February 2023 firmware, mounted to handlebars of KTM 690 Enduro- iPhone 13 Pro- Cardo Feeecom 4x (connected to Maxca, NOT to phone)************
I wrote this in an email to Maxca support as well. They gave me some diagnostics steps to see if it’s the unit or the cable/mount. + a way to force a hard firmware update. I have not had a chance to try this yet.I’m sharing this so that everyone thinking of buying a unit can take this into account. I’ve not heard of anyone else having this specific problem.The voltages you mention are normal. I didn't look at the input specs on the power supply they provided, but I would imagine these normal operating voltages are well within the input specs of the supply. I would be surprised if either heat or vibe are an issue. You would think that this thing was designed for these environmental conditions. However, it's possible that one of both factors are in play here.
I've got mine installed on a '18 Harley Heritage 114. It's a Harley so it does produce some vibration. However, the new Softail M8s don't have the same shake, rattle and roll as older models. For example, the Heritage isn't nearly as entertaining in this regard as my '09 Nightster (rubber mounted 1200 EVO). So I can say that my installation may not experience the same challenging vibe profile as your 1 cylinder thumper may be producing.
So far though, I haven't had any issue with my unit. Then again, I have only had it out and about for a half dozen trips or so. Those trips ranging 2 to 3 hours a piece. It's still fairly cool here. I've probably only did one run so far in the mid 80's (F). I'll be keeping an eye on this thing to see if it gets fairly warm to the touch.
Do you have any stability issues running it off USB connected to a reliable source (phone power supply, computer, whatever)? Might test this thing in the heat connected this way to rule out heat. Maybe set it out in the sun on a table or something and see what it does. I might put it in the same orientation - in relation to the sun - as it might encounter (worst case) on the bike.
You might double check your wiring to make sure there are no intermittent opens. Bend it, shake it, move it, etc. everywhere along it's length (and especially anywhere there are crimps or solder connections) to make sure the connection remains intact.
Quote from Guido on 20.05.2023, 08:29On my last trip I had big problems with the Maxca C5 Pro.The first 200 (highway) kilometers it worked good. But then it started shutting OFF and restart itself in a loop. At first after about 3 to 4 loops it stayed ON for a while. But it got worse every time. In the end it would not start up at all. It would just show the start screen and ‘hang’ there. I had to remove the Maxca for the rest of the trip nbecause it wasn’t working at allI have a few theories:HEATI live in Mexico and it’s very warm this time of year. 35 degrees Celsius. Could that have something to do with it? I tried it the day after in the morning (around 28 degrees Celsius) and it would start up initially but almost immediately shut down, then start up again and hang at the start image.VOLTAGEThe other theory is voltage. Maybe it voltage needs to be below certain value? I have a regular motorcycle and battery voltage is around 12.5 when the engine is not running and around 14.5 when the bike is running. That seems pretty normal, so not sure that is the problem.VIBRATIONSI have a KTM 690 Enduro. It’s a single cylinder so it vibrates a bit, especially on the highway. Could that have damaged the electronics to cause this behaviour?My setup:- Maxca C5 Pro with February 2023 firmware, mounted to handlebars of KTM 690 Enduro- iPhone 13 Pro- Cardo Feeecom 4x (connected to Maxca, NOT to phone)************
I wrote this in an email to Maxca support as well. They gave me some diagnostics steps to see if it’s the unit or the cable/mount. + a way to force a hard firmware update. I have not had a chance to try this yet.I’m sharing this so that everyone thinking of buying a unit can take this into account. I’ve not heard of anyone else having this specific problem.
The voltages you mention are normal. I didn't look at the input specs on the power supply they provided, but I would imagine these normal operating voltages are well within the input specs of the supply. I would be surprised if either heat or vibe are an issue. You would think that this thing was designed for these environmental conditions. However, it's possible that one of both factors are in play here.
I've got mine installed on a '18 Harley Heritage 114. It's a Harley so it does produce some vibration. However, the new Softail M8s don't have the same shake, rattle and roll as older models. For example, the Heritage isn't nearly as entertaining in this regard as my '09 Nightster (rubber mounted 1200 EVO). So I can say that my installation may not experience the same challenging vibe profile as your 1 cylinder thumper may be producing.
So far though, I haven't had any issue with my unit. Then again, I have only had it out and about for a half dozen trips or so. Those trips ranging 2 to 3 hours a piece. It's still fairly cool here. I've probably only did one run so far in the mid 80's (F). I'll be keeping an eye on this thing to see if it gets fairly warm to the touch.
Do you have any stability issues running it off USB connected to a reliable source (phone power supply, computer, whatever)? Might test this thing in the heat connected this way to rule out heat. Maybe set it out in the sun on a table or something and see what it does. I might put it in the same orientation - in relation to the sun - as it might encounter (worst case) on the bike.
You might double check your wiring to make sure there are no intermittent opens. Bend it, shake it, move it, etc. everywhere along it's length (and especially anywhere there are crimps or solder connections) to make sure the connection remains intact.
Quote from Guido on 20.05.2023, 10:34You would think that this thing was designed for these environmental conditions.
I doubt it. After all, these are cheap Chinese units. They have to cut corners to make it this cheap. I.e. cheap electronics with lower temperature ratings, very limited testing, etc. Not saying that this would mean it's automatically bad, but overall I believe it's highly unlikely that they've tested in extreme environmental circumstances. E.g. they advertise it's IPX7 rated, which implies that the device is waterproof and that it can be fully submerged into 1-meter deep water for up to 30 minutes and still be able to work properly after that.
Having said that, it's very possible that it wan't heat, but the connection. Testing if it works through the USB connection and with another cable/power source was one of the diagnostics steps Maxca recommends me to do. I'm going to give that a try once I can. Unfortunately, I also broke my leg during the trip where my Maxca failed, so I'm a bit less mobile now to thoroughly try this. Will keep you posted here though once I get around to it.
You would think that this thing was designed for these environmental conditions.
I doubt it. After all, these are cheap Chinese units. They have to cut corners to make it this cheap. I.e. cheap electronics with lower temperature ratings, very limited testing, etc. Not saying that this would mean it's automatically bad, but overall I believe it's highly unlikely that they've tested in extreme environmental circumstances. E.g. they advertise it's IPX7 rated, which implies that the device is waterproof and that it can be fully submerged into 1-meter deep water for up to 30 minutes and still be able to work properly after that.
Having said that, it's very possible that it wan't heat, but the connection. Testing if it works through the USB connection and with another cable/power source was one of the diagnostics steps Maxca recommends me to do. I'm going to give that a try once I can. Unfortunately, I also broke my leg during the trip where my Maxca failed, so I'm a bit less mobile now to thoroughly try this. Will keep you posted here though once I get around to it.
Quote from 2BTSquared on 20.05.2023, 10:49Quote from Guido on 20.05.2023, 10:34You would think that this thing was designed for these environmental conditions.
I doubt it. After all, these are cheap Chinese units. They have to cut corners to make it this cheap. I.e. cheap electronics with lower temperature ratings, very limited testing, etc. Not saying that this would mean it's automatically bad, but overall I believe it's highly unlikely that they've tested in extreme environmental circumstances. E.g. they advertise it's IPX7 rated, which implies that the device is waterproof and that it can be fully submerged into 1-meter deep water for up to 30 minutes and still be able to work properly after that.
Point well taken. I wouldn't doubt that no environmental testing was done. That kind of testing cost money. But, it seems some basic design practices to make these things viable for the application wouldn't have been too costly. In the end though, they may indeed prove to be cheaply built units that won't hold up. I'll certainly report in if I start having issues with mine.
Quote from Guido on 20.05.2023, 10:34You would think that this thing was designed for these environmental conditions.
I doubt it. After all, these are cheap Chinese units. They have to cut corners to make it this cheap. I.e. cheap electronics with lower temperature ratings, very limited testing, etc. Not saying that this would mean it's automatically bad, but overall I believe it's highly unlikely that they've tested in extreme environmental circumstances. E.g. they advertise it's IPX7 rated, which implies that the device is waterproof and that it can be fully submerged into 1-meter deep water for up to 30 minutes and still be able to work properly after that.
Point well taken. I wouldn't doubt that no environmental testing was done. That kind of testing cost money. But, it seems some basic design practices to make these things viable for the application wouldn't have been too costly. In the end though, they may indeed prove to be cheaply built units that won't hold up. I'll certainly report in if I start having issues with mine.
Quote from mbirth on 06.06.2023, 11:25Apparently there's a newer firmware version 202304212327 with a small change - does anyone have the download link?
Apparently there's a newer firmware version 202304212327 with a small change - does anyone have the download link?
Quote from massi on 07.06.2023, 01:27Be careful, this firmware seems to bring some issues, as I have read on the Facebook site of Maxca. But I didn't try it by myself so far.
problems found in this firmware:
- the "next track" button from the intercom doesn't work (interphone avant)
- voice commands on the interphone doesnt work
- when receive or make a call the interphone disconects, once you turn it off and on again it works normally (until the next restart of the maxca device)
Be careful, this firmware seems to bring some issues, as I have read on the Facebook site of Maxca. But I didn't try it by myself so far.
problems found in this firmware:
- the "next track" button from the intercom doesn't work (interphone avant)
- voice commands on the interphone doesnt work
- when receive or make a call the interphone disconects, once you turn it off and on again it works normally (until the next restart of the maxca device)
Quote from massi on 24.06.2023, 10:25I'm on a trip in Italy at the moment, the first three days the Maxca worked flawlessly. The last day, when temperatures raising, I had several reboots and sometimes I can't connect to the Wifi of the Maxca. When selecting Wifi in the Setup screen and clicked the switch of Wifi the unit got frozen and I had to reboot it.
What I found out, the problem seemed, when the display is in direct sunlight, the "Maxca" reboots. We drove threw several tunnels, where temperature was lower, then the unit worked again, when leaving the tunnel and sunlight shined directly onto the display, it lasts seconds and it restarted.
When rotating the unit so that no sunlight shined on it, it worked without a problem.
I'm on a trip in Italy at the moment, the first three days the Maxca worked flawlessly. The last day, when temperatures raising, I had several reboots and sometimes I can't connect to the Wifi of the Maxca. When selecting Wifi in the Setup screen and clicked the switch of Wifi the unit got frozen and I had to reboot it.
What I found out, the problem seemed, when the display is in direct sunlight, the "Maxca" reboots. We drove threw several tunnels, where temperature was lower, then the unit worked again, when leaving the tunnel and sunlight shined directly onto the display, it lasts seconds and it restarted.
When rotating the unit so that no sunlight shined on it, it worked without a problem.
Quote from mbirth on 26.06.2023, 04:50Quote from massi on 24.06.2023, 10:25the problem seemed, when the display is in direct sunlight, the "Maxca" reboots. […] sunlight shined directly onto the display, it lasts seconds and it restarted.
When rotating the unit so that no sunlight shined on it, it worked without a problem.
This reminds me of https://www.alphr.com/raspberry-pi-2/1000375/why-a-camera-flash-will-reboot-your-raspberry-pi-2/ - maybe it’s a similar issue here. So shielding the unit from the sun should be sufficient.
Quote from massi on 24.06.2023, 10:25the problem seemed, when the display is in direct sunlight, the "Maxca" reboots. […] sunlight shined directly onto the display, it lasts seconds and it restarted.
When rotating the unit so that no sunlight shined on it, it worked without a problem.
This reminds me of https://www.alphr.com/raspberry-pi-2/1000375/why-a-camera-flash-will-reboot-your-raspberry-pi-2/ - maybe it’s a similar issue here. So shielding the unit from the sun should be sufficient.
Quote from Guido on 27.06.2023, 11:30That's very interesting. So, what you're saying is that it's possible that it's not the heat from the sunlight, but the sunlight itself causing the rebooting? That doesn't coincide with my unit working the first two hours during my trip (it was sunny the whole time, see post 84 above #84), but I'm going to try that out once I have my bike back. Unfortunately, that's going to take some time as my bike is parked at a friend's house after my accident (https://scenic.app/broke-my-leg-on-video-what-am-i-doing-wrong/)
That's very interesting. So, what you're saying is that it's possible that it's not the heat from the sunlight, but the sunlight itself causing the rebooting? That doesn't coincide with my unit working the first two hours during my trip (it was sunny the whole time, see post 84 above #84), but I'm going to try that out once I have my bike back. Unfortunately, that's going to take some time as my bike is parked at a friend's house after my accident (https://scenic.app/broke-my-leg-on-video-what-am-i-doing-wrong/)
Quote from massi on 28.06.2023, 03:29So, what you're saying is that it's possible that it's not the heat from the sunlight, but the sunlight itself causing the rebooting?
My theory is, fact is all displays are getting hot after a while, now, when direct sunlight touches the display it makes the temperature grow up even higher and the electronics in the Maxca collapses.
Just a theory, I will make more tests and report my experiences.
So, what you're saying is that it's possible that it's not the heat from the sunlight, but the sunlight itself causing the rebooting?
My theory is, fact is all displays are getting hot after a while, now, when direct sunlight touches the display it makes the temperature grow up even higher and the electronics in the Maxca collapses.
Just a theory, I will make more tests and report my experiences.
Quote from yoda748 on 18.07.2023, 05:17You now see more and more of these types of units, the price is also getting lower, you just don't know if the hardware is the same as the Maxca and can therefore update the firmware.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005709498527.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000014.6.189d6dcc7nzfZZ&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller&scm=1007.40000.326746.0&scm_id=1007.40000.326746.0&scm-url=1007.40000.326746.0&pvid=2180b834-ba66-4edb-8365-5d2dcf0418c6&_t=gps-id%3ApcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller%2Cscm-url%3A1007.40000.326746.0%2Cpvid%3A2180b834-ba66-4edb-8365-5d2dcf0418c6%2Ctpp_buckets%3A668%232846%238109%23274&pdp_npi=3%40dis%21EUR%21353.58%21113.94%21%21%21%21%21%40211b446016896137515688750e5b8a%2112000034146460701%21rec%21NL%21
You now see more and more of these types of units, the price is also getting lower, you just don't know if the hardware is the same as the Maxca and can therefore update the firmware.
Quote from mbirth on 18.07.2023, 05:37Quote from Guido on 27.06.2023, 11:30So, what you're saying is that it's possible that it's not the heat from the sunlight, but the sunlight itself causing the rebooting?
It might be. Because he said his unit rebooted only seconds after coming out of a cold tunnel into sunlight. I doubt these few seconds are enough to heat everything up to the point of failure. But this definitely needs further testing.
Quote from Guido on 27.06.2023, 11:30So, what you're saying is that it's possible that it's not the heat from the sunlight, but the sunlight itself causing the rebooting?
It might be. Because he said his unit rebooted only seconds after coming out of a cold tunnel into sunlight. I doubt these few seconds are enough to heat everything up to the point of failure. But this definitely needs further testing.
Quote from 2BTSquared on 21.07.2023, 07:37Just curious... Is MAXCA still providing firmware updates?
I guess if I had any concern about these units, it's whether they will be properly supported as time goes on. I can say that I've yet to see BINIZE provide a firmware update. My unit is still on EW_YFM_01-202211291221. The only issue that I've had with that firmware is that it doesn't provide a separate Android Auto volume control. It does, however, have a separate CarPlay volume control (thankfully).
My needs have yet to compel me to try the firmware version that Guido has provided. I'm still using my work iPhone for my needs - so currently what I have works for me.
I've noted the conversation about potential heat/sun issues causing shutdowns. I haven't had any issues with the unit powering off etc. It has been working fine for me. I've ridden with it on a handful of summer days and I've had no problems. I wonder if the display angle in relation to the sun has caused part of the problem. I wonder if something simple as just changing the angle a bit so it's not directly facing the sun may improve things. Meh... Who knows?... Just a thought.
Anyway... I'll report back if I encounter this issue.
Just curious... Is MAXCA still providing firmware updates?
I guess if I had any concern about these units, it's whether they will be properly supported as time goes on. I can say that I've yet to see BINIZE provide a firmware update. My unit is still on EW_YFM_01-202211291221. The only issue that I've had with that firmware is that it doesn't provide a separate Android Auto volume control. It does, however, have a separate CarPlay volume control (thankfully).
My needs have yet to compel me to try the firmware version that Guido has provided. I'm still using my work iPhone for my needs - so currently what I have works for me.
I've noted the conversation about potential heat/sun issues causing shutdowns. I haven't had any issues with the unit powering off etc. It has been working fine for me. I've ridden with it on a handful of summer days and I've had no problems. I wonder if the display angle in relation to the sun has caused part of the problem. I wonder if something simple as just changing the angle a bit so it's not directly facing the sun may improve things. Meh... Who knows?... Just a thought.
Anyway... I'll report back if I encounter this issue.
Quote from Guido on 21.07.2023, 08:12The last firmware is from end of April. The thing is that you have to pro-actively find out if there is a firmware upgrade. There is no notification as far as I know.
Best way to stay up to date I believe is their Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/MAXCARADIO
The last firmware is from end of April. The thing is that you have to pro-actively find out if there is a firmware upgrade. There is no notification as far as I know.
Best way to stay up to date I believe is their Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/MAXCARADIO
Quote from Stuffa on 28.07.2023, 17:07I really can’t see any advantage in buying one of these units. About 10 years ago I had a Garmin unit and had nothing but problems and the support from Garmin in Australia was absolutely terrible. In the end I threw the Garmin in the bin and have been using my iPhone and Scenic ever since. Maybe if a better quality unit comes out with a bigger screen I might consider. If I did buy one of these I would still have to have my phone connected to power so I don’t see the point as my iPhone works perfectly with Scenic
I really can’t see any advantage in buying one of these units. About 10 years ago I had a Garmin unit and had nothing but problems and the support from Garmin in Australia was absolutely terrible. In the end I threw the Garmin in the bin and have been using my iPhone and Scenic ever since. Maybe if a better quality unit comes out with a bigger screen I might consider. If I did buy one of these I would still have to have my phone connected to power so I don’t see the point as my iPhone works perfectly with Scenic
Quote from Guido on 28.07.2023, 17:19To me personally, the advantage of such a unit is that
- the screen is better readable in the sun
- it's (a lot) cheaper if it gets stolen or damaged through vibration (cameras in the newer iPhones can get damaged by the vibrations although there are other solutions for that like vibration dampers)
- iPhones tend to overheat in warmer climates while constantly in the sun and GPS app running all the time. As a protection, iOS automatically dims the screen significantly, making it even harder (sometimes impossible) to read. Or if it's really overheated, the iPhone will shut down completely to protect itself.
Having said that, I fully agree that these Chinese units are not up for the task yet. As you can read above, I had overheating problems with this unit as well, and I'm experiencing connection drops every now and then. Only a matter of time before better / higher quality units will hit the market though I'm sure.
To me personally, the advantage of such a unit is that
- the screen is better readable in the sun
- it's (a lot) cheaper if it gets stolen or damaged through vibration (cameras in the newer iPhones can get damaged by the vibrations although there are other solutions for that like vibration dampers)
- iPhones tend to overheat in warmer climates while constantly in the sun and GPS app running all the time. As a protection, iOS automatically dims the screen significantly, making it even harder (sometimes impossible) to read. Or if it's really overheated, the iPhone will shut down completely to protect itself.
Having said that, I fully agree that these Chinese units are not up for the task yet. As you can read above, I had overheating problems with this unit as well, and I'm experiencing connection drops every now and then. Only a matter of time before better / higher quality units will hit the market though I'm sure.
Quote from mbirth on 28.07.2023, 17:24Also the CarPlay UI is very distraction-free and optimised for not having to aim too much with your fingers, i.e. perfect for when wearing gloves. And the display unit is said to be waterproof. Also, you can leave it on the bike permanently and keep your phone in your pocket for short rides.
Also the CarPlay UI is very distraction-free and optimised for not having to aim too much with your fingers, i.e. perfect for when wearing gloves. And the display unit is said to be waterproof. Also, you can leave it on the bike permanently and keep your phone in your pocket for short rides.
