25 Sept 2023, 13:22

Setup:

Pros of the above:

  • I never need to buy a satnav. It's madness. I have a palm-sized computer that does the job, and a lot more.
  • one device can navigate and plan on the fly (small screens of 6-7" are fine for creating and amending routes the night before). No need for import/export, etc.
  • a group can share a route and within a minute everyone using MRA Navigate is ready. No faffing around, no download the night before, etc.
  • all the Quadlock kit is reusable, except for the phone case/adapter. New phone? Just buy a suitable case or adapter.

And the cons (versus a satnav):

  • very bright days can wash out some phone screens
  • very high current + a hot day combined (30C) can force the screen to blank (MRA are working hard on this, so let's not discuss that here. I'm sure it will be fixed)
  • online/offline issues still happen occassionally during a ride which can cause me to stop, reset, start riding again (see elsewhere for discussions, MRA are looking into it. As above, I'm sure it will be fixed)
  • Quadlock wireless charger is overly expensive, but I was given one by a generous friend. USB cable works just as well - possibly better, but wireless is guaranteed waterproof whereas USB cable is 'probably' waterproof. I've had no problems yet.
  • the cheap 12V-> USB doesn't disconnect after a period of use. With the one I bought you have to disconnect when leaving the bike for a long time (i.e. days), or you may drain the motorbike battery. If it ever gives up I'll buy a better one.
  • a rat's nest of cables now adorns my bars for different phones, but whatever. Other people manage to create very tidy setups, I just ride.
  • I expect to get problems with rain giving false presses, but it hasn't happened. Yet.