Looking at getting an Android 4G mobile phone to take to UK on trip and then using over here (don't use one yet!). Would like to be able to use the wiki camps app, including satellite setup app as my Samsung Galaxy Tab A does not have a compass module built in. It also seems like a lot of phones no longer have the compass module. Very hard to get full specs on most retail web sites so can anyone here suggest a reasonably priced phone that will suit.
A small magnetic hand conpass is probably $20\30.
A lot cheaper than changing phone. and fits in pocket.
The hikers Swedish one does a flat one with rule built in I think was $17.
Me.
I got an ex USA Army marching compass dated 1961.
The day I signed into my first REME LAD Posting in Germany
with a missile regiment.
Internal reflective coating flaking a bit. but compass till fine.
Thamks for the replies folks, perhaps I need to explain better - the Galaxy tab 'A' that I have has no compass module internally, all compass apps report no module and so do not work - I have tried quite a few apps, including the one you have linked to thanks Bagmaker, but all with the same result. The wikicamps app has a satallite finder app which combines the camera and the compass app to show you exactly where to align the sat tv dish to (and if any obstructions are in the way). Again reports no compass in the galaxy tab 'A' so not much use with the tab. The rest of Wikicamps works fine and is still well worth the small cost.
I was planning on getting an android phone, capable of 4G network connection so that it can be used for a reasonable time, before the next, future, generation wipes it out. I do not as yet own a mobile phone. It is definitely looking like the more modern phones are no longer provided with the compass module, probably to save cost. I have found a few 3G phones with compass but I was hoping to at least get a few extra years use from it.
Fine Elsewhere - that's exactly what I am looking for - is your phone 3G or 4G? If the compass app works than the wikicamps satalite finder app should also work.
Hi Pete- do you want it for navigation or setting up a Sat aerial? or something else?? As Macka suggested, a REAL compass might be a better option, often seen glued to a sat-dish leg........... + I dont think I would actually trust a smartphone compass for bushwalking or outback navigation. In fact I probably wouldn't trust a $17 compass either (LOL), brew a cup of tea, wait until dark, plot south by the southern cross cluster and head off in the morning
Bagmaker - I have about 5 magnetic compasses as my family have been involved with rogaining (cross country navigation game) for many years.
Belmont Bear - already have the android wikkicamps app so would prefer to stick with that.
Thanks again for the help guys. After around 50 hours of comparing specs I have found a couple of possible options. Trouble is that you can get the specs for the phone from different sources and get different specs. I'll keep you posted when I make a decision.
Maybe I'm wrong on pricing. Been a while.
But it's the one most bushwalkers, and more serious hikers tend to use,
or did.
Silva was Mfg name.
I have compasses coming out my butt/
2 hand bearing. 2 in boats (marine) 2 in boat gps. one in phone.
plus a Marine D.F.
But any pointer faced watch and the sun shining will give you North.
work out the rest mentally.
That is very handy to know.
Look up on instructions for on GOOGLE or You tube.
I was taught in boy scouts a coupla months (or so) ago.
I've got an app it's called
" SwissArmyKnife
Got a timer,unit converter,flashlight,stopwatch,compass,bubble level, calculator,Magnifying Glass, Mirror,and a ruler
A small magnetic hand conpass is probably $20\30. A lot cheaper than changing phone. and fits in pocket.
The hikers Swedish one does a flat one with rule built in I think was $17.
Me. I got an ex USA Army marching compass dated 1961. The day I signed into my first REME LAD Posting in Germany with a missile regiment. Internal reflective coating flaking a bit. but compass till fine.
Try the $2 shop. I got one and use it for bush walking. Works fine. It ain't rocket science. They all work the same.
Cadpete is asking for advice on a mobile phone with an inbuilt compass. To enable him to use the "Sat Finder" that is in Wikicamps.
All the advice on Magnetic handhelds is not what he is asking for. The Wikicamps sat finder won't run without an INBUILT Compass in the Ipad or Android phone .
Does anyone have a recommendation for a Phone with an inbuilt COMPASS as I am in the market for a new one as well.
Cadpete wrote:
hi folks,
Looking at getting an Android 4G mobile phone to take to UK on trip and then using over here (don't use one yet!). Would like to be able to use the wiki camps app, including satellite setup app as my Samsung Galaxy Tab A does not have a compass module built in. It also seems like a lot of phones no longer have the compass module. Very hard to get full specs on most retail web sites so can anyone here suggest a reasonably priced phone that will suit.
Thamks for the replies folks, perhaps I need to explain better - the Galaxy tab 'A' that I have has no compass module internally, all compass apps report no module and so do not work - I have tried quite a few apps, including the one you have linked to thanks Bagmaker, but all with the same result. The wikicamps app has a satallite finder app which combines the camera and the compass app to show you exactly where to align the sat tv dish to (and if any obstructions are in the way). Again reports no compass in the galaxy tab 'A' so not much use with the tab. The rest of Wikicamps works fine and is still well worth the small cost.
I was planning on getting an android phone, capable of 4G network connection so that it can be used for a reasonable time, before the next, future, generation wipes it out. I do not as yet own a mobile phone. It is definitely looking like the more modern phones are no longer provided with the compass module, probably to save cost. I have found a few 3G phones with compass but I was hoping to at least get a few extra years use from it.
Fine Elsewhere - that's exactly what I am looking for - is your phone 3G or 4G? If the compass app works than the wikicamps satalite finder app should also work.
Hi Pete, sorry, I didnt see your question. I have an iPhone 5 with Virgin which is Optus....silly me, coverage is rubbish.
Anyway, I dont know if its a 3g or 4g. But I think 3g for some reason. I know, Im hopeless.
