Welcome
to your
Mobile Device Navigation
Cheat-sheet
Summary:
This page is to help upcoming mobile navigators with setting up their mobile navigation on their bikes.
This information may get outdated and many other options exist. This info given is purely from my own experience and I am happy to stand by it as I use exactly this equipment which I isolated as the best-of-breed for my requirements as an adventure and rally rider.
There are no guarantees on using the equipment and what it can offer. You will have to make up your mind and commit to this world of mobile navigation.
Good luck and I hope to see you navigate with confidence on the trails!
So what do you need to navigate with mobile or electronic roadbooks
You need 4 components to set up an electronic mobile navigation structure.
Here are the four components:
1. MOBILE DEVICE
You need an actual mobile device in the form of a phone or tablet.
For your mobile device we recommend almost any ‘Android’ device, but a device that is not expensive. You can use a tablet or phone.
Tablets have larger screens that are more visible.
2. DEVICE MOUNT
You need to mount your device on your bike.
You can use a simple clamp system or go big with a dedicated type mount for either your tablet or your phone.
But it needs to be sturdy and withstand riding.
3. BLUETOOTH HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER
Not compulsory but highly recommended. This little device is placed on your handlebar and allows you to safely and easily do basic navigation functions from your handle on your mobile device while you ride. If ‘electronic roadbook’ navigation is your requirement, then you will need this unit.
4. MOBILE NAVIGATION APPS
We all use mobile apps every day. The same goes for your bike navigation on your mobile. There are hundreds of truly amazing apps available either for free or very affordable. We recommend 5 possible apps to consider as we have tested them and used them. These apps have also been set up already in the Bluetooth controller from Rampage.
TYPICAL COSTS INVOLVED
All the above components can range from any price. However, a reasonable cost for a non-competitive environment or adventure bike set up to look at would be:
| South African Rand | US Dollars | Botswana Pula | |
| Mobile device | R3 000 | $207 | BWP 2 370 |
| Device Mount | R1 600 | $110 | BWP 1 264 |
| Apps | R200 | $14 | BWP 158 |
| TOTAL | R4 800 | $331 | BWP 3 792 |
For the optional extra Rampage Navigation Handlebar Controller:
| South African Rand | US Dollars | Botswana Pula | |
| Bluetooth Controller | R4 500 | $311 | BWP 3 555 |
| This unit is also available for FREE as a Built It Yourself Project from Rampage | |||
Device setup and equipment?
Here is a list of devices and hardware that can get you up and running quickly with the right equipment.
For a mobile phone setup
| Options | Device | Link to product | |
| Phone | Option 1 | Xiaomi Redmi 9 | https://www.takealot.com/xiaomi-redmi-9t-128gb-carbon-grey/PLID72013248 |
| Option 2 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | https://www.takealot.com/xiaomi-redmi-10-128gb-sea-blue/PLID73503536 | |
| Mounting | Option 1 | RAM X-Grip | https://www.rammount.co.za/catalogue/phone/ram-x-grip-phone-mount-with-ram-snap-link-tough-claw-ram-hol-un7-400u |
| Option 2 | RAM Quick-Grip | https://www.rammount.co.za/catalogue/phone/ram-quick-grip-xl-phone-holder-with-ball-RAM-HOL-PD4-238AU |
For a ‘lite’ affordable tablet on your adventure bike
| Normal tablet | Device | Link to product | |
| Tablet | Tablet | Samsung A9 Lite 8.7″ | https://www.incredible.co.za/samsung-galaxy-tab-a9-wifi-64gb-graphite |
| Rugged case | Rugged case for Samsung tablet |
or |
|
| Screen protector | Tempered glass screen | https://www.takealot.com/digitronics-protective-tempered-glass-for-samsung-galaxy-tab-a7-/PLID73064571 | |
| Mounting | Holder | Spring loaded holder | https://www.rammount.co.za/catalogue/tablet/ram-tab-tite-spring-loaded-holder-for-7-8-tablets-with-cases-ram-hol-tab4u |
| Clamp | Ubolt clamp with ball | https://www.rammount.co.za/catalogue/-na-/ram-handlebar-u-bolt-base-for-rails-05-to-125-in-diameter-RAM-B-231ZU | |
| Arm | Medium or short arm | https://www.rammount.co.za/catalogue/-na-/ram-double-socket-arm-RAM-B-201U |
For a rugged tablet on your adventure bike
| Normal tablet | Device | Link to product | |
| Tablet | Tablet | Ulephone Armor Pad | https://ruggedsa.co.za/product/ulefone-armor-pad-rugged-tablet/ |
| Case | Rugged case (if needed) | Rugged case for Ulephone | No sure. Currently we are using a bespoke mount for ours |
| Mount | Tablet mounting | RAM Mount as above |
For a rugged tablet on your rally bike
| Rugged tablet | Device | Link to product | |
| Tablet | Option 1 | Tripltek 7″ Rugged | https://www.tripltek.com/tripltek7 |
| Option 2 | Tripltek 8″ Rugged | https://www.tripltek.com/tripltek8 | |
| Mounting | Holder | Custom design or Rampage | |
| Charging | Swivel magnetic charger cable | https://www.takealot.com/3-in-1-micro-type-c-lightning-magnetic-fast-charging-cable-1-con/PLID93304692 | |
| Handlebar Controller | Rampage Bluetooth Controller | Download the controller design as open-source for free or purchase a unit from us |
Mobile device specification
There are thousands of mobile devices available that will work perfectly. These specs are only a guideline to work with based on basic fast useability that is required for maps, graphics etc.
| Operating system | Android |
| CPU | Quadcore+ |
| Screen size | 6″+ |
| Memory | 3-4GB+ RAM |
| Storage | Does not matter as most phones offer 32GB or more |
| Battery | 4000mA+ |
| Screen | Good screen (Gorilla glass) |
| Store | Google Playstore |
Notes on deciding what device to use:
- Do not use an expensive mobile device. They have camera stabilisers which will damage when riding a bike.
- Don’t use a low entry-level phone. Use a mid-level phone that you can purchase cash over the counter or online
Mobile apps to consider
At the moment we use and recommend using Android and not Apple devices and apps for mobile navigation.
This is due to the flexibility found in Android.
You will thanks me later!
For GPX/KMZ/KML type files and routes
| Google Playstore App | Quick link |
| Locus Maps Pro | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=menion.android.locus.pro |
| GPX Viewer Pro | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vecturagames.android.app.gpxviewer.pro |
| OsmAnd — Offline Maps, Travel & Navigation | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.osmand |
For electronic roadbooks
| Google Playstore App | Quick link |
| Roadbook Rally Reader (Interactive roadbook) | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roadbookrally.rbrr |
| Rally Roadbook Reader (PDF Scroller) | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rallynavigator.rallyroadbookreader |
| Piste Roadbook Reader (PDF Scroller) | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eroadbook |
Some videos to help
These are some videos from our YouTube channel to show and tell what we know and share about mobile device navigation.
We hope you enjoy them!
