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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: lostme1 on 22:00:14, 28/01/19

Title: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: lostme1 on 22:00:14, 28/01/19
The apps on my phone have stopped working due to problems with the Google apps software I think. I took it to a shop and was told the problems are due to the age of the phone and incompatibility with apps. Strange as I hadn't updated anything for ages.

I have a dedicated GPS but I use the phone to record my mileage and is useful when I don't want to also carry my gps. I am looking for a small sim free phone with a good battery life and reasonable price. These three may be incompatible especially as small phones are becoming rarer. I have a small phone Samsung Galaxy S4 mini and a similar size would be nice.

I know other forum members use phones as GPS and would be happy to hear your suggestions. Thanks.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: Percy on 23:36:09, 28/01/19
Am I right in thinking you are no longer using this as a/your phone?


If that’s the case it might be worth doing a factory reset, clearing everything off it and seeing if it’ll run ViewRanger on its own.


I’ve got an old Galaxy S4 that ran it ok but must admit it’s been some months since I last turned it on.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: lostme1 on 08:24:47, 29/01/19
Am I right in thinking you are no longer using this as a/your phone?


If that’s the case it might be worth doing a factory reset, clearing everything off it and seeing if it’ll run ViewRanger on its own.


I’ve got an old Galaxy S4 that ran it ok but must admit it’s been some months since I last turned it on.

I am using it with difficulty as I have to keep cancelling the on screen messages to use the phone. Before I do anything I thought I would get another phone which could do everything and then I could try out things on the Samsung S4 mini. If it works I have a backup but if it doesn't I already have a replacement as I need a working phone as my just in case anything happens whilst I am out. Car breakdown, delays etc. So I don't want to be without one.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: geordie33 on 08:38:56, 29/01/19
I use Viewranger on a Motorola G6 play
Reasonably priced large screen and better than average battery life
Never had any problems
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: jimbob on 09:06:14, 29/01/19
I use an Alcatel cheapie from a supermarket without a SIM for Viewranger. In my case I got the largest screen available so I could read it easier. 
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: GnP on 10:34:00, 29/01/19
I use a Doro 8020x tough phone. It`s a tad heavy but it has the geomagnetic sensor so is good as a compass & it works well with Viewranger and the OS maps which I have. Some places are charging silly prices, but I bought mine on E Bay new for £78..just have to keep watching. Amazon sometime sell them cheap as "used" but in fact are just returns or slightly damaged boxes.It has a 4.5 inch screen. I looked a long time for a phone with a smaller screen but it seems most phones nowadays are at least 4 or 4.5 inch.I have dropped it a couple of times and so far seems ok. ......
Nothing to do with what you ask ,but I keep dropping my etrex onto concrete outside my house before getting into my car & it is a survivor!
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: ninthace on 15:17:06, 29/01/19
Nothing to do with what you ask ,but I keep dropping my etrex onto concrete outside my house before getting into my car & it is a survivor!
I always slip the lanyard of the Etrex through a belt loop or onto my rucksack (if I am using it).  That way it doesn't get forgotten and if it is dropped it doesn't get to the floor.  My phone - Samsung J5 - has a tough case so it bounces too and doesn't get sat on.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: sussamb on 17:16:49, 29/01/19
I always slip the lanyard of the Etrex through a belt loop or onto my rucksack (if I am using it).  That way it doesn't get forgotten and if it is dropped it doesn't get to the floor.


Snap  O0
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: lostme1 on 20:11:13, 29/01/19

I’ve got an old Galaxy S4 that ran it ok but must admit it’s been some months since I last turned it on.

You might like to check as mine started with the error message on 1 January. Prior to that it was OK.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: GnP on 20:59:06, 29/01/19
I always slip the lanyard of the Etrex through a belt loop or onto my rucksack (if I am using it).  That way it doesn't get forgotten and if it is dropped it doesn't get to the floor.  My phone - Samsung J5 - has a tough case so it bounces too and doesn't get sat on.
I have a nice push on clip for my belt, but usually leave the etrex floating around on my dashboard ready to reset the trip to zero before exiting the car. If I leave it in the clip it digs into me when driving. My sense of organisation is becoming flakier by the day though.. :-\
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: ninthace on 23:29:04, 29/01/19
Attach it to your belt with the lanyard and then slip it into your pocket.  Use push clip when you arrive, that's what I do.  My Etrex start routine is to exit the car and switch the unit on.  Then I boot up, kit up, lock up, zero the trip and select the route.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: GnP on 19:41:08, 30/01/19
Attach it to your belt with the lanyard and then slip it into your pocket.  Use push clip when you arrive, that's what I do.  My Etrex start routine is to exit the car and switch the unit on.  Then I boot up, kit up, lock up, zero the trip and select the route.
I must sort out the lanyard..the thing I really love about the etrex is it being so light..At times I find myself walking with it in my hand & hardly noticing it. This comes from a guy that likes to travel light too.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: Requiem on 19:53:17, 30/01/19
I've used it on iPhones from a 5C upwardsm as well as Samsung Galaxy S, S3 and Note 9, S9+, Google Pixel 3 - tbh there's never been an issue with any iPhone or Android phone using Viewranger as long as it has built-in GPS


Going on how many ppl use it I'd be surprised if any Android phone you buy these days is incompatible.


Roy
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: Glyno on 21:29:25, 30/01/19
I've only ever had Sony Xperia smartphones (I think I'm now on my 3rd), and Viewranger has worked perfectly on all of them.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: PeterDevon on 08:37:44, 31/01/19
+1 for Sony, best with a model that is waterproof, some are some aren't
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: pauldawes on 16:11:28, 01/02/19
Maybe this is best thread for me to ask about a specific phone problem I have?? (I have done a search of old topics and can't find much on specific issue I have...but I'll admit my ability to search old topics is not at "super" level).


My present smart phone is an Apple. I like using a smart phone for various things when walking (not as main navigational tool...but things like keeping in touch with family and friends)...and find Apple battery drains very fast, particularly in cold conditions (and I mean cold English conditions...not the kind some of you guys go out in).


Is there a mid priced Smart phone with a particularly good battery life in cold (English) winter conditions?? (I do take a portable power bank with me typically...but would be happier if phone battery itself was more resilient.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: sussamb on 16:31:49, 01/02/19
Not sure about the cold but you can significantly improve battery life when walking if you select airplane mode. Your phone without a wifi, Bluetooth or mobile phone signal is constantly hunting for them, and GPS also drains the battery.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: pauldawes on 18:23:07, 01/02/19
Not sure about the cold but you can significantly improve battery life when walking if you select airplane mode. Your phone without a wifi, Bluetooth or mobile phone signal is constantly hunting for them, and GPS also drains the battery.


I was thinking about stuff like that as i had a soak in the bath just now.


Given that I don't use phone to navigate (like you I prefer GPS as main nav tool, but maybe unlike you I use map and compass as the back up...if I altered that...would probably just get a second GPS as back-up option.)


I could just shut down phone completely at start of walk, then only "power up" when I specifically want to send a message/ picture or whatever to a friend.


 Stupidly...I've been leaving phone on in normal mode up to now, although 99% of time I do nothing with it!


I think your suggestion of just leaving in airplane mode has slight advantages to my idea of complete turn-off...faster to get back in normal again by just de-selecting airplane mode to use phone for a short while, rather having to completely re-start from complete shut down.


Thanks


Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: ninthace on 18:29:00, 01/02/19
Not sure about the cold but you can significantly improve battery life when walking if you select airplane mode. Your phone without a wifi, Bluetooth or mobile phone signal is constantly hunting for them, and GPS also drains the battery.
All good advice.  The only thing I would add is if you keep your phone in an inside pocket temperature in a UK winter should not be an issue.  I have used mobiles down to -25C without cold affecting battery life by keeping my phone in an Aquapac slung round my neck.  As Sussamb suggests, airplane mode is a good idea (why isn't it aeroplane for heaven's sake).  Better yet, if you are not navigating with it - switch it off altogether.  Too many people seem unable to live without a regular screen fix for social media etc - use it when you have to then turn it off again.


Edit:  our posts crossed so i missed your reply.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: lostme1 on 18:36:55, 01/02/19

Is there a mid priced Smart phone with a particularly good battery life in cold (English) winter conditions?? (I do take a portable power bank with me typically...but would be happier if phone battery itself was more resilient.

Long battery life is one of the things I am looking for as I do use my phone for navigation and distance travelled recording in an effort to encourage myself to do more walking to improve my fitness. In these circumstances I don't think airplane mode is an option. But I don't use it for data when I am out, only an occasional phone call. So I would be interested to hear about battery life.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: pauldawes on 18:42:34, 01/02/19
All good advice.  The only thing I would add is if you keep your phone in an inside pocket temperature in a UK winter should not be an issue.  I have used mobiles down to -25C without cold affecting battery life by keeping my phone in an Aquapac slung round my neck.  As Sussamb suggests, airplane mode is a good idea (why isn't it aeroplane for heaven's sake).  Better yet, if you are not navigating with it - switch it off altogether.  Too many people seem unable to live without a regular screen fix for social media etc - use it when you have to then turn it off again.


Edit:  our posts crossed so i missed your reply.


Thanks...I realised we must have been posting at roughly the same time...but, of course, you made a couple of useful extra points I had not thought of...about keeping phone in an inside pocket, and keeping it in something like an Aquapac. (I've kept it in a normal thin case, in an outside pocket.)
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: jimbob on 19:25:12, 01/02/19
In an Android phone Viewranger works in Airplane mode and on power save settings, also if you can disable 3G do so (basic phone and texts will still be available.) That will keep your battery ticking over a bit longer.
None of the above applies if you want to use the buddy beacon setting or to Iphones.



Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: Dovegirl on 20:12:56, 01/02/19
Long battery life is one of the things I am looking for as I do use my phone for navigation and distance travelled recording
I have a Samsung Galaxy J5 2017 and track my walks on Viewranger with wifi, bluetooth and mobile data turned off, and Location switched to phone only. I find it uses only about a quarter or a third of battery life for a walk of around ten miles. What seems to drain the battery is going online.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: BuzyG on 21:39:20, 01/02/19
I loaded viewranger up on my S5 along side OSApp.  Worked ok.  Just use OSApp at the moment.  Old S5s are cheap as chips on fleebay.
Title: Re: Phone suitable to use with Viewranger and other walk apps
Post by: jimbob on 22:17:30, 01/02/19
If you have no sim in it can't use battery power signal hunting.
If you get an older mobile where you can change battery yourself then spare batteries are easily available and very light to carry so you could carry backup fully charged spare bateries.
I carry a power bank and if on a multiday walk a 14w solar charger that sits on my backpack.