Tablet to GPS

[+lemondzurich]

I am in the market for a tablet. Though some tablets might have GPS, I own a Garmin Oregon, so I'm not buying this for GPS. What I'd like to do is download geocaches from my table to my gps. Any idea if this can be done?

[+splashy]

1 tablet with an SD

2 Samsung tablet with SD connector (Ipad I don't know)

3 Samsung with OTG converter (this converts the connector to Usb)

[John E Cache]

1 tablet with an SD

2 Samsung tablet with SD connector (Ipad I don't know)

3 Samsung with OTG converter (this converts the connector to Usb)

What is an SD connector?

[+Lieblweb]

What tablet are you referring to?

 

If you have a tablet with a USB (FEMALE), then you should be able to connect the Oregon cable (USB) directly to the tablet. Pending file compatibility & such....

 

As for the Ipad - it does not come with a USB. It comes with an adapter cable with a MALE USB connector. Your Oregon cable is a MALE connector. So, you'll probably have to get some sort of Male-to-male USB coupling/adapter. ??? That is just guessing based on the cables & such.

 

You're probably better off buying a mini-laptop and/or tablet that's has the same inputs/USB as a computer does.

Edited October 27, 2012 by Lieblweb

[+EScout]

I have a Galaxy Tab 2, 7".

It has a very sensitive GPS that includes Glonass.

For $6 I got a USB Host cord. I have connected and moved files from my GPSr (Etrex 20.)

It also has a micro SD card slot that you can store and transfer files to.

 

It also has a front and rear camera, and IR tansmiter for controlling your TV.

WIFI only. I believe the larger Tab has all the same features.

[+Styk]

Asus Transformer requires a converter from their proprietary connector to a female host USB port.

[+StarDoc]

I have the original Toshiba Thrive tablet, and with its full-sized USB port, it connects to my Oregon with no problems. I can easily download pocket queries and put them on the Oregon. The only thing it won't do is write individual caches directly from the "Send to GPS" button. I get around that by writing them to GPX, then copying then to the GPX folder on the Oregon.

 

The only problem is that the model is discontinued. I bet you can find one refurbished for cheaper somewhere.

[+splashy]

"What is an SD connector? "

 

Like this;

http://www.shopandroid.com/samsung-sd-card-reader/AA9135.htm

[John E Cache]

"What is an SD connector? "

 

Like this;

http://www.shopandro...ader/AA9135.htm

Ahhh. That makes more sense than what I was thinking. I was thinking the techie definition of a "connector", not the dictionary definition.

[+sktqch]

OK, how about the new Nexus 7? Is there anyone out there using it for geocaching or storing geocaching data, or better yet, loading up gps's with data using GSAK?

Stan

[+Styk]

Nexus 7 link

[+sktqch]

OK, all good information. The burning questions to me are these two.

 

1.) Is there an App like GSAK that can import data from a geocache pocket query when in wifi range?

 

2.) Can a Nexus 7 export a GSAK .gpx file to the Garmin 60 and 20 series gps' (even if a full size usb adapter is needed)?

Stan

[+Walts Hunting]

There are many apps in the droid market. Some better than others but almost all access your PQ's. There are none like GSAK as that is a robust sophisticated program but the apps (including the froggie's) allow you to filter by various criteria and you can send field notes or logs directly to GC and they have decent maps although I don't like the large icons since it makes it hard to plan.

 

Yes it can.

 

I am an ipad user myself and the biggest issue is you can't move files back and forth and probably never will. The only reason turn on my laptop it to send cches to my Montana. Even with that issue I wouldn't trade the iPad for anything.

[+Walts Hunting]

OOPS

Edited November 5, 2012 by Walts Hunting

[+AndyT1]

OK, all good information. The burning questions to me are these two.

 

1.) Is there an App like GSAK that can import data from a geocache pocket query when in wifi range?

 

2.) Can a Nexus 7 export a GSAK .gpx file to the Garmin 60 and 20 series gps' (even if a full size usb adapter is needed)?

Stan

 

There is an app similar to GSAK, called GDAK - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.wlsoft.tfnxDroid&feature=search_result#?t=W10.

 

Website - http://wolojoli.woelmuis.nl/index.htm?home

 

You can download PQ's, log finds offline, navigate to caches, filter for different cache types etc. It also supports multiple databases.

It will work with your existing GSAK database, I send a copy of mine to Dropbox (there is a GSAK macro to facilitate this).

[+splashy]

 

I am an ipad user myself and the biggest issue is you can't move files back and forth and probably never will. The only reason turn on my laptop it to send caches to my Montana. Even with that issue I wouldn't trade the iPad for anything.

 

That's (maybe) true for the I xxx user, for Android you can as explained above. The GSAK is not available for android, but sooner or later something similar pops up.

[+sktqch]

I then if I buy a Nexus with the latest android version on it, I can plug my gps into it and download a gdak .gps file onto the gps. Correct?

Stan

[+AndyT1]

I then if I buy a Nexus with the latest android version on it, I can plug my gps into it and download a gdak .gps file onto the gps. Correct?

Stan

 

Stan, not as far as I can see. I have not played around with GDAK enough to see whether it can create a gpx file, I will dig around a bit and see what I can come up with.

They just overhauled it as of yesterday and I have not had enough time to play around.

[John E Cache]

OK, all good information. The burning questions to me are these two.

 

1.) Is there an App like GSAK that can import data from a geocache pocket query when in wifi range?

 

2.) Can a Nexus 7 export a GSAK .gpx file to the Garmin 60 and 20 series gps' (even if a full size usb adapter is needed)?

Stan

2. Interesting question so I Googled "Nexus 7 OTG". I guess it can be done if the GPS in in mass storage mode. You need to install StickMount to mount the GPS which needs root access.

 

http://androidforums...connection.html

[+AndyT1]

Interesting - I have a Samsung Galaxy Note II (running Jelly Bean), my OTG cable is on order, no idea as to when it is going to arrive though.

I was hoping not to have to root the phone, warranty issues etc .....

[+sktqch]

OK Good! It sounds like rooting is simple enough. I read through the instructions and it looks like a go then.

Stan

Edited November 5, 2012 by sktqch

[+Walts Hunting]

While I love my new iPad the inability to transfer a PQ to my GPS is frustrating. The only time I fire up my Laptop is to get caches and log using GSK. Now that the new tablets and phones have USB hosting I will be getting one of them (Galaxy S3) instead of the iPhone 5. It can download PQ's to my GPS. The iPad has the ability to display GPX files in several programs so I can use that to view and plan. I will miss the one click log of all the days caches in GSAK when I travel but doing them one at a time while watching evening TV seems to work.

[+splashy]

I'm talking Android and you can transfer data to and from Android to an external device and it will stay stable, also no rooting is needed.

Don't know if GDAK will transfer data to external, but the standard Android app My Files will. (up and download)

No rooting needed.

Edited November 11, 2012 by splashy

[+user13371]

While I love my new iPad the inability to transfer a PQ to my GPS is frustrating.

While not something to do "in the field," this is easy to do at home -- if you have a wireless router with a USB port on it, and an app like FileBrowser or FileExplorer. I routinely transfer files from my iPhone to my eTrex 20. Not just pocket queries, but also maps downloaded from GPSFileDepot and Garmin.Openstreetmap.nl.

 

Yeah, I know not everybody HAS such a router - but we who live in the clouds really need network attached storage to bring some of the cloud into our homes.

 

I will miss the one click log of all the days caches in GSAK when I travel but doing them one at a time while watching evening TV seems to work.

Both Groundspeak's own app and Geosphere support logging from the field (if you have a data connection) and saving logs to upload later (if you have to wait until you have a WiFi connection).

Edited November 11, 2012 by user13371

[+Walts Hunting]

HI user13371,

 

How's the wether up there. If I remember right the extra rainy season is starting as opposed to the regular season. Your answer is correct but I don't even have a router. I travel so much (5 months a year) that I live on Verizon's Broadband full time. I have seen that router backdoor approach before and it would work if I had different circumstances.

 

i know I can log from the field but almost all of my caching is done hiking/biking using my Montana. I don't want to have to pull out my phjone everytime i stop and add a field note. And of course other than GSAK there is no one pubbon to log all 30 caches. Plus I am not sure the battery would last 5-7 hours using the GPS. Although I might try that using pq on the phone so it doesn't do a web search.

 

What I am trying to do is eliminate taking my 17" HD Dell (very heavy) with me when I travel. Considering several alternatives.

 

Next phone: iPhone or Galaxy S III. The Galaxy would load the PQ's to the device and I can use the browser to upload the visits file. Logging a bunch while watching sports would be relatively easy way to get that done. If I go with the iPhone I could try tagging each one.

 

Also been thinking and experimenting with various apps (don't like the large icons on Geosphere and the froggies since it makes planning hard) and since my caches are generally in proximity to eatch other once I search based on the first one I could read from the Montana the caches found in order.

 

It is fun experimenting. Might get up your way this summer. Joined Thousand Trails and they have several parks along the Oregon Washington coast

[+user13371]

I don't even have a router. I travel so much (5 months a year) that I live on Verizon's Broadband full time

I'm guessing you're one of few people posting in this thread so perennially "On The Go" that you don't have a home base with your own networking setup. The OP and others might very well have this option available to them.

 

What I am trying to do is eliminate taking my 17" HD Dell (very heavy) with me when I travel. Considering several alternatives.

I might have a very nice MacBook Air 13" for sale in a couple of months. About 3 pounds.

[+AndyT1]

Hi Walter

 

I too had a bit of a "dilemms" when choosing a new phone.

 

I finally went for a Galaxy Note II and do not regret it.

It is a bit big as far as phones go, but the larger screen is awesome !

 

I tried to kill the battery last weekend by logging a track with My Trails.

You can close the app while leaving the GPS running. I had the GPS on, logging my track for over 11 hours, the data was enabled so I was receiving e-mail as well.

When I finally plugged the phone into the charger the battery was at around 35% still.

Time off the charger was around 18 hours.

 

If you are using gmail as your mail provider be aware that the android version of the gmail app does not allow you to download / save zip files - I ended up using K-9 mail for this purpose, I disabled mail syncing to save on data costs (it is expensive here).

I assume that this will be true for the Gatlaxy S III as well unless it is a Jelly Bean thing particular to the note. Just worth looking in to .....

 

I am now waiting delivery of my OTG cable so that I can test out transferring files to my Oregon.

[Articus66]

I'm in the same situation, but I would like the GPS feature to use with astronomy based apps. Can anyone recommend a tablet that will connect to the Oregon without any special adapters other than maybe a male to male USB cable?

 

 

I am in the market for a tablet. Though some tablets might have GPS, I own a Garmin Oregon, so I'm not buying this for GPS. What I'd like to do is download geocaches from my table to my gps. Any idea if this can be done?

[+sktqch]

There seems to be a concensus with only a couple of dissenters that the Nexus 7 can do this, one person has also said it doesn't have to have the operating system twiddled with (rooted, they call it). I've yet to see a posting by someone that has actually done it, and how they did it, most have said they think it can be done. I do know you have to have a mini usb to regular usb physical adapter, but that's not a problem. What I'd like to know is if the gsak clone program (gsab?) can handle downloading .gpx files down to the gps'.

 

One disturbing post suggests that the android gmail app won't allow downloading or saving of .zip files which is how geocaching.com wants to download pocket queries. That would be a bummer.

Stan

Edited November 13, 2012 by sktqch

[+michaelcouture]

One disturbing post suggests that the android gmail app won't allow downloading or saving of .zip files which is how geocaching.com wants to download pocket queries. That would be a bummer.

That is correct - you cannot save/download .zip files with the Gmail app. You can however download .zip files using Gmail in the Chrome browser. Tested with my Nexus 7 and Android 4.1.2

[+AndyT1]

The GSAK mobile version (GDAK)does not currently support exporting GPX files.

This feature has been requested, I will ask again today to see if there has been any progress.

 

I can't wait to get my USB - OTG cable to test all of this out .....

Edited November 14, 2012 by AndyT1

[+AndyT1]

I posted a note on the GSAK forum regarding gpx file export, here is the response from the developer of GDAK:

 

http://gsak.net/board/index.php?showtopic=18631&st=200entry176423

[+SKAMS]

You should always be able to directly download Pocket Queries online from the geocaching.com site using the standard android browser.

 

Those downloads land in the .downloads folder and can be transferred with with file managers (some also support unzipping) to other folders i.e. SD-cards or devices connected via USB mounted in MSD (Mass-Storage-Device) mode.

 

That does not require a rooted device. But writing to external memory (SD-Cards) may require using the stock/manufacturers file manager on some android tablets (also there exists a beta of the "Total Commander" app which adresses this problem).

 

What will not work are functions which require special Garmin drivers/plugins. So you can "just" copy (map/gpx/image) files to the gps. That is because currently there do not exist such drivers and even if they did it would require a rooted device to install them.

 

Personally I also use GDAK on my tablet (Toshiba AT 200) and phone (Sony Xperia Mini Pro). As my current GPS (Etrex Vista Hcx) does not support gpx-import from microSD it makes no sense to connect it to the tablet for me. I just preload tons of cache+wpts as custom POI on the GPS (with the pc) and use the phone for accessing the listings.

Edited November 14, 2012 by SKAMS

[+naj2000us]

At the risk of repeating anything that's been posted already... cause I didn't read each and every thread. If i download gsak onto my tablet... (samsung) can i save my points to an sd card... then put that sd card into my handheld and/or nuvi.. and load the points that way?

[+Hynr]

At the risk of repeating anything that's been posted already... cause I didn't read each and every thread. If i download gsak onto my tablet... (samsung) can i save my points to an sd card... then put that sd card into my handheld and/or nuvi.. and load the points that way?

No, that won't work. GSAK is Windows software; so this only makes sense if you have the Windows XP,Vista, 7 or 8 operating system running on the tablet. There are Windows tablet computers like that, but I am not aware that Samsung makes one.

 

However, GSAK uses SQLite database tables to hold its data and can also export to a variety of file formats (certainly gpx) which you can process on the tablet - but you need software on that tablet to handle this. I am aware that Samsung makes Android tablets (my wife has one).

 

GDAK comes to mind as such an app for Android since it can actually use the GSAK sqlite database as-is. This is quite convenient since you can copy an entire GSAK database folder to the tablet and be out the door in a matter of seconds rather than having to spend considerable times exporting and importing to create workable subsets. There are other apps also, but GDAK works particularly well if you have large GSAK databases.

[+AndyT1]

Ok, so my USB-OTG cable arrived today !!

 

I used this with a Samsung Galaxy Note II running Android Jelly Bean 4.1.1

The device is not rooted ie I have not messed around with it.

My GPS is a Garmin Oregon 450

 

Results so far ...

 

1. I plugged the Garmin USB cable into the USB-OTG cable

2. Then plugged the Garmin USB cable into the Oregon 450 - the GPS was turned off.

3. Plugged the USB-OTG cable into the Galaxy Note II - the phone was turned on before pluging the cable in.

4. Waited for the GPS to go through it's start up routine.

5. On first making the connection I get the message "USB connected" on the note

6. Once the 450 has loaded it's files, Birds Eye etc, "My Files" opened up on the Note II

7. I can now browse folders on the Oregon 450 and the SD card (and the phone as well).

 

A bit later on I will download a PQ that has been mailed to me and install it on my GPS

Hopefully this will work OK, I see no reason for it not to.

 

I have screenshots of the file structure on the Note II if anyone is interested.

Edited November 19, 2012 by AndyT1

[+AndyT1]

For my first attempt at sending a GPX file to my GPS I navigated to a Geocache page listing using Dolphin Jetpack browser. The GPS was hooked up to the phone at this stage.

I hit the GPX button (NOT the "Send to GPS" button).

The file was saved to the Downloads folder on the phone.

I copied and pasted the GPX file to the SD card of the GPS.

Safely disconnected the GPS from the phone.

Re started the GPS.

 

No Geocaches found !!! Failure at the first attempt. I then deleted the GPX file from the GPS

 

Next attempt I used the same browser to go to my PQ page and selected a PQ of 576 caches.

I saved it to the Downloads folder on the phone and then unzipped it with an app called ES Zip Viewer (this app only seemed to work with ES File Explorer and OI File Manager, not the built in My Files app).

I copied and pasted the two GPX files to the SD card of the Oregon 450.

 

Disconnected the GPS from the phone....... re started the GPS

 

And VIOLA !! All of the caches were there !

[+Walts Hunting]

Great. When my otg arrives I will try my galaxy

[John E Cache]

A bit later on I will download a PQ that has been mailed to me and install it on my GPS

Hopefully this will work OK, I see no reason for it not to.

Great news. I have the original Galaxy Note. I guess I need to get an OTG cable. I have only the MHL cable for watching videos. I have no idea why the Nexus would have the OTG hardware and not include the mounting of USB mass storage in the OS. The person that says you need to root the Nexus has never tried it so he may be wrong about the rooting.

 

If you read the GC PQ e-mail on the phone, can you save the attachment? Geobeagle uses BCaching.com to get GPXs on an Android phone without a PC and I have always wondered why when Android has an e-mail app.

[+AndyT1]

Yes you can, but if you use gmail, the gmail android app will not let you save a zip file.

The workaround is to use either your browser or another mail app - I used K-9 Mail and it works 100%. I turned off syncing and when I want to use it to save a zip attachment I just do a manual refresh to get the mailbox updated.

I have just saved a PQ that came as an attachment in an e-mail today, saved with no problem at all.

 

Found this the other day on using the OTG cable with the original note ... My link

Edited November 19, 2012 by AndyT1

[+Walts Hunting]

Got my OTG cable but when I hooked up my Montana but it said it drew to much juice and disconnected. Got a USB Y-Cable and plugged the red into a wal supplly then the Montana into Mass storage. Hooked up phone to OTG and all worked fine. The bigger screen for the Note would probably make it better but the procedss works. Mine is a Galaxy S3

[+AndyT1]

Glad to hear that you got it working.

 

Now all we need is for the developer of GDAK to sort his filtering out and add gpx export.

 

I found this Android PQ generator - no great shakes but may be useful to some ....

 

Pocket Query Creator

Edited November 27, 2012 by AndyT1

[+TXHooligans]

Just got an Asus Transformer.. using NeonGeo, I can download my pocket queries right from the app and then cache just as i would with my phone (also neongeo).

 

transformer has usb ports on the keyboard if you have it.

 

GC.com and NeonGeo are both one stop shops.

 

NeonGeo is also developed on top of the Groundspeak API. The developer will also ge back to you in a timely manner if you have issues. I have had great experiences with the phone. not sure i'll have my tablet in the wild, but it is nice in the car while other cachers in the car are helping the driver navigate. and with the same program on the tablet and phone, there isn't another application to learn or have different capabliities.

 

so far it has been a Win Win.

[+rockn'roll]

I am also wanting to buy a tablet. I also want to be able to load my gps from the tablet. I'm glad I found this thread. Since reading it I am thinking I can kill two birds with one stone. Upgrade my iphone4 to a Note2. If I can, I have a question, I see AndyT1 loaded his oregon via his SD card, can the PQs just be copy and pasted to the gpx file on the gps? (I am currently using the SD card for my backroad map).

 

If I can't upgrade my phone yet or I decide not to, I am interested in the Nexus 7, there is an earler post saying that in theory it can be done but nobody has come on here saying they did it. Has anybody used their Nexus7 to load their gps yet? I have a Garmin Map62S and a Oregon for backup. thanks......

[+Walts Hunting]

They can be pasted to /Garmin/GPX but they have to be unzipped first. As far as I know all current androids can. Remember to order a OTG cord to connect them. If you want to be sure get the cord and go into a shop and see if they will let you test it.

[+AndyT1]

Make sure that whatever tablet you buy has USB hosting capabilities.

As far as can remember the Note II came with a file unzip utility pre-installed, but yes you can unzip PQ's

 

If you can hang on a bit I may be able to test out a Nexus 7 over the weekend, a friend of mine is an Android developer and he has several phones and tablets.

I only have a Samsung OTG cable but will give it a go .....

 

We have an Xmas Geocaching event on Sun, I will see how many GPS units I can get my hands on to test.

Edited November 29, 2012 by AndyT1

[+Walts Hunting]

No need to go to all that trouble just view this (BTW Google is your friend)

 

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=sOqn62m49S0&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DsOqn62m49S0

[+AndyT1]

Cool, thanks for the link. Pity that the Nexus has to be rooted in order to make it work as it is an affordable tablet.

I would be hesitant to take that step owing to possible warranty issues.

 

I wonder how many other tablets will work with OTG "out of the box" without requiring the device to be rooted?

[+splashy]

All right answers are given at least 1 time, if you just would accept the fact ALL ANDROIDS can handle (micro Sd) cards if they don't have a Sd slot via an OTG and this works unrooted. The only hassle is taking the Sd out of the Gps. All other options with a Gps connected to a tablet might or might not work, either rooted or not.

[John E Cache]

Cool, thanks for the link. Pity that the Nexus has to be rooted in order to make it work as it is an affordable tablet.

I would be hesitant to take that step owing to possible warranty issues.

 

I wonder how many other tablets will work with OTG "out of the box" without requiring the device to be rooted?

The thing is the OTG works for keyboards so the hardware is there to provide +5V. Every thing else to implement OTG is software, I think. Maybe it's an oversight and will be fixed with a SW upgrade.