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Bicycle, GPS and Psion
It seems very interesting to navigate with an GPS on a longer cycletour, not to mention the small size of the new devices. They find quite fast the actual location, but without a map (intern or extern) they are worthless. There will be just a bunch of coordinates. A plain GPS is as useful as sheet with just a telephone number written on. Same work ahead is necessary!
The displays show the pages, that are most important for navigation of the Garmin eTrex Summit:
On left the search of the satellites is shown, then a plotter map points the way, in the middle the "bread crumb"-method can be used to find back home and at least waypoints can be used to create routes. Only the "bread crumb"-method can be used directly, simply follow the rainbow and find back home! Now the Psion 5mx enters the stage: With proper software, its half-VGA-screen and not to mention its keyboard, it is very useful on the road to do planning or to edit the recorded data (tracks, waypoints etc.).
The "classical" way of working with a GPS would be the programming of waypoints, which are taken from a map with a maptool. With these waypoints routes can be put together. The navigation between these lines follows a straight line, without consideration if there is a bridge a over river or not.
The software GaRoute connects Garmin-GPS-devices with Psion-PDA's, as well as the software Routeplanner, Citymaps and RealMaps. It is capable to read and write into the memory of the GPS device, the data is stored in the Psion data-format. With these data overlays for the other software can be made, to show the travelled distance for example.
The Art Coasting tour gave the chance to try the possibilities of the software Routeplanner und Citymaps because of the compact area of the Beaufort exhibition. Only three maps (Koksijde / Oostende / Brugge) of Citymaps cover the whole coast.
With the map of the hiking guide of the exhibition as main information and the software Citymaps a data base with waypoints could be created in the Psion for the Garmin.
Every object of the hiking guide could be reached directly, if a bicycle is used. Due to its privilege, the one-ways are no problem.
But the Belgium coast must be reached at first...
Routeplanner and also the necessary maps should uploaded to the Psion, the map of whole western Europe is not detailed enough. Within the more precise map of the single countries the software works faster and the towns etc. are easier to find.
The aim of the Routeplanner developers wasn't actually to create a tool for cyclists,
therefore an small amount of adjustment within preferences is needed. Then this option "plan route / prefered route" should be choosen, when creating a route within the chosen adjustments. Additional Citymaps offers the option "plan route / walking",
there is no further adjustment needed.
The routes created with Routeplanner or Citymaps can now be submitted via the serial link by the help of GaRoute. There are either the normal PC-leads connected with a null-modem-adapter or a special cable (like the serialleads) needed.
Prepared like this the route can be used as rough guide for own adventures. Without geeting lost the destination of the day can be reached. Some additional waypoints - like bigger agglomerations - within a corridor of the planned route allow an easier orientation without using an additional map.
Conclusion
This link between a Garmin eTrex Summit and a Psion 5mx
with GaRoute with the use of Routeplanner and
Citymaps makes a compact tool of on the road navigation. Positive Negative
The author dislikes the energy-consumption of the GPS-device, even when there is extra-supply by an hub-dynamo. Also fits the whole pile of electronical toys (PDA, GPS, Handy & Digi-Cam) not well in the keep it simple attempt of cycle-touring.
Psion-Database: Beaufort 2003
The manufacturer TomTom
has stopped the distribution of software for the EPOC OS and the Psion-devices. Sad, that another well-known application for the Psion now has disappeared!
Both devices are operated by mignon-batteries, the internal memory of Psion is by a secured CR2032 button cell. Running the GPS-device permanently is quite power-consuming, an additional supply by an hub-dynamo should be considered. Unfortunately the Garmin eTrex Summit only can cope with an current of slightly more than 3 Volt, but the hub-dynamo produces 6 Volt.
The uneven output has to be regulated to save the GPS-device.
The whole planning has to be very accurat, otherwise a waypoint is missing and the Psion has to be used in the pouring rain... Unlike the Garmin the Psion does not like being wet!
Map and compass are still more reliable and less complicated...
Keeping the pile of maps in mind - which is needed for a longer tour - the combination of Garmin eTrex Summit and Psion 5mx are still worth considering.
Apart from the fact that a precise track log could be made, the compact size makes it easy to carry.
(Helpful, when a problem occurs)
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