Apple Carplay or Android Auto on any bike

I’ve chosen Garmin for my bike navigation since 2008 and have tried numerous cellphone navigation apps and Google maps in recent times however discovered the expertise inferior. Unable to see the cellphone screens in daylight, unable to function cellphone tiny menu objects with gloves.

Interested by Apple Carplay/Android Auto (AA) fitted to the Africa Twin and new Goldwing I realised you possibly can merely add it to any bike.

How to do that begins with the acquisition of a bike Carplay/AA navigation unit. These can be found from Aliexpress. There are a lot of fashions, I selected one referred to as Peerce as I had learn this mannequin was dependable.

The Navigator

The bundle features a 5 inch display screen unit, a cradle and a beneficiant quantity of mounting {hardware} and wiring choices however little in the way in which of directions.

There is no such thing as a branding on the field or the gadget. I presume additionally it is bought underneath different names and also you might be able to get hold of the very same equipment cheaper – however make certain on what you’re shopping for when utilizing Aliexpress.

Becoming the cradle for the display screen was very simple, it comes with high quality ram mount kind fittings, then I ran the wire again to the battery. There’s an choice to plug right into a USB socket if in case you have one.

The unit has a Micro SDcard slot however no particulars what for and a mini USB port that may energy the unit however is just not documented both. Each are underneath a canopy on facet of unit.

The display screen clicks into place and has a safety locking screw that goes within the rear of cradle however I’d be eradicating the display screen when the bike is parked.

The Peerce navigator is a brilliant 5 inch capacitive contact display screen which is seen in direct daylight and capable of be operated with gloves. It does undergo from some glare as display screen is gloss and the display screen menu buttons whereas a lot bigger than a cellphone nonetheless may very well be larger for gloves. The app buttons are good measurement.

Above display screen is simply on 1/2 brightness.

Organising the Navigator

I pair the Peerce unit by way of Bluetooth to my iPhone (and from right here on I’m writing nearly utilizing Carplay and a iPhone). After paired with the Peerce unit I’m able to entry the Carplay apps.

I can use any of the apps that work with Carplay. I’ve a climate app that tracks my route letting me strive keep away from rain referred to as On The Means which sounds attention-grabbing. You’ll be able to have issues like music and podcasts and messages or whatsapp or obtain calls. Unsure I’ll use any of these.

To attach the unit to your headset you go to the bluetooth pair choice and it’ll discover your headset.

I’ll discover what different apps there are sooner or later however navigation and climate is about all that pursuits me up to now.

Making and following routes

RWGPS is my selection of the quite a few route planners out there as a result of it having Google Avenue View, one thing I take advantage of extensively when making routes. Nevertheless it doesn’t help Apple Carplay/AA so for this check I used Rever.

I made routes straight in Rever and likewise examined importing routes made in RWGPS. Rever is similar as nearly any route planner, kind a location or click on on map to start, click on to make route. Very simple and I’m puzzled why so many riders discover route planners tough to make use of.

That stated Rever is just not what I’d name intuitive, looking for routes I’ve made in Rever was fairly tough or the planner has some bugs as a result of usually my routes disappeared and within the cellphone app routes made wouldn’t present up then mysteriously appeared later then once more couldn’t be discovered the day after.

Within the bike navigator unit the one choice I can discover to make use of a route made in Rever is should you mark it as a favorite within the app then it’s going to seem out there to navigate.

Rever offers you one check of its flip by flip navigation earlier than you want to get a subscription. This was out there on sale for a bit of over $10US and that may be a good worth in comparison with different planners. It lacks the superior route enhancing instruments of RWGPS but when simply making easy routes Rever might swimsuit many riders.

Shifting to the navigator which auto connects to the cellphone when powered on, swipe the menu to search out the Rever icon. Contact app display screen to convey up menu to load a route from Favourites. There is no such thing as a means I can see to load a route from any of the opposite folders in Rever. Choose Flip by flip navigation and choose Go.

On the highway it visually resembles the Rever cellphone app as that in fact is strictly what it’s. All the pieces in Carplay is simply being relayed from cellphone to display screen. I don’t have a on bike picture but so right here is one from Rever.

I used to be hopeful it could be a bit of higher than a cellphone app show which is weak in comparison with a Garmin. (see under)

For my using right here in Australia I might have additionally used Google maps. It’s 8 waypoint restrict is just not an issue with nearly any route I’ve made for upcoming touring right here, nevertheless I wished to check an app that permits a number of waypoints to see if this method is one thing that might exchange a Garmin. Up to now I’d say no.

Carplay/AA verdict

Garmin for me nonetheless presents the higher birds eye navigation show and could be switched to/from helicopter view on the fly which permits simple navigation round a highway closure or visitors jam or help in confirming which flyover is the one to take at complicated junctions. The person interface is a lot better.

My Japanese Garmin Zumo was a wonderful navigator for my 110,000km of exploring Japan however it was stolen together with my rider gear by Australia Publish couriers. I’m not desiring to return to Japan for a few years so I can’t get one other Zumo till it’s nearer to after I subsequent journey there to make sure I’ve the newest expressway maps and junction view photographs.

At $186AUD that is additionally far lower than a brand new Zumo XT and is ample for my touring in Australia. For abroad rides (besides Japan) I’ll in all probability fall again to a refurbished Garmin Nuvi 765 (Classic 2009) I nonetheless have with an influence financial institution in my outdated SoEasyRider gentle GPS case.

However it has been enjoyable studying Carplay and I nonetheless have extra apps to discover and to check the usefulness of a bluetooth headset which I’ve lastly obtained round to putting in in a brand new helmet, critiques of each to return with an replace to this overview to be added. One in every of my USA bike leases has Carplay so I’m going to strive use it touring there and can add that have to the weblog as nicely.

Alternate options

You may get navigation simply by placing your cellphone in a mount on handlebars, clones of quad lock can be found on aliexpress for $10. Then make your routes in Experience with GPS and they’re routinely prepared to make use of within the RWGPS navigation app which can also be higher than Rever app. Nevertheless for me telephones are too onerous to see or function with gloves.

I would like my cellphone in my pocket the place it’s secure. On an abroad journey all the pieces is saved in that cellphone, airline tickets, lodge bookings, copies of journey paperwork. As I found after I was robbed in South Africa lack of cellphone is a serious drawback.

I additionally need it able to take photographs. I usually cease on facet of highway and sitting on bike whip out cellphone for a fast panorama pan picture then pocket it and experience on. Can’t do this with the cellphone mounted to handlbars and GoPro’s on helmets nonetheless produce poor photographs (and boring movies).

Sure I might take a spare cellphone with me, I attempted that already in Japan however I couldn’t see or function the display screen.

Some individuals depend on voice navigation prompts to helmet and depart their cellphone in a pocket. I feel that will be fantastic in Australia however issues get difficult abroad at freeway junctions in unfamiliar nations particularly if signage is in a distinct script you can not learn. I want the display screen then and in Japan I additionally want junction view graphics to navigate their insanely complicated expressways.

In the event you do go for a Garmin you are able to do it low-cost with an outdated Nuvi or costly with new Zumo however remember some individuals actually battle with Garmins. My high ideas are keep away from Garmin Basecamp software program which is canine shit and add the proper format .gpx file to the GPS or it gained’t correctly navigate your route.

I’ll revisit this put up as soon as I’ve accomplished extra than simply native check rides with additional observations on the gadget and the apps when I’ve some Carplay touring expertise underneath my belt.