VMS gps system Vs Hema Navigator

VMS gps system Vs Hema Navigator

Rick they are the same things, go to HEMA's web site and have a look around, they will tell you they are the same. the HEMA nav system is better as it can run Oziexplorer CE, so you can run yor own maps..

Richard

Hi Rick

I just went through the same process. Had a Magellan Explorist XL and was looking to upgrade the maps. Didn’t make sense and I wanted a reversing camera for the vehicle so I bought the VMS Tourer. It is now configured to operate the same as OziExplore.

However, it won’t output to your laptop on a moving map basis. I actually have another small GPS antenna I use if I want to input direct to the laptop for track logging etc. Notwithstanding you can download from the VMS unit.

Good luck with it.

Just for interest sake- I have a Mio 520 rigged to operate as good as (if not better) than the Hema unit. Far more flexible and more applications- at about 25% of the Hema pricing !!

I went for a 7" High Definition 800*480 HK special loaded with OziCE and hema/topo maps - its excellent. The screen acerage is fantastic and excellent sirf3 gps receiver 8 sats even in town $298 for the gps $300 for Ozi and the maps saved $390 over Hema / VMS. Very pleased.

I asked the question recently To VMS re Oziexplorer. Their response was the VMS will come std with Ozi from 1st Sept 09

Thanks so far, everybody.

I visited my fave retailer today & he told me that Hema & VMS did go their separate ways.

It appears that a set of 1:250,000 topo maps is a set of 1:250,000 topo maps. Hema maps are only sourced from that basic information and made to look nice. And they do look nice. I have a set on CD & use it for planning.

So, both units can/do carry the same loadable info/programs.

The positive for the VMS, as I see it, is a 5" screen (vs 4.3") and the ability to add a reversing camera. Seeing as I have no in-cab vision to the rear, (I have even removed the rear view mirror), a camera might be handy.

Both will run Ozi, but that is not a big appeal for me. I do not want to drive in the car through a laptop screen or similar.

I prefer to drive by the seat of my pants & dead reckoning. I am using a GPS to confirm locations, check speeds, occasionally as a compass, and to carry maps internally, rather than on rolls of paper topo maps.

What I want to do is to arrange way points & routes on the PC at home, transfer it to the GPS, and be able to easily see the screen when I need to refer to it for a POI, or track, or turn-off, etc.

It has worked for me so far. I do enough computer work in the real world, so when I escape to the arid lands, I want to leave all that "high tech" crap behind. I spend between 30 to 50 nights a year in the swag, and am pretty sorted. A GPS update is to make for easier visuals as I now depend on spectacles to see properly while driving & navigating. The eXplorist XL screen is just a bit too small for me, and a bit fiddly to scroll through & use while mobile.

Please feel free to tell me I have got some/all of this wrong, as I am open to ideas, & value the experience of all of you.

With thanks,
Rick

You guys are talking about a chines one from ebay. Can you save me some time searching and give me a brand or reseller name to narrow it down. I too have been looking at the HEMA & VMS units thinking that they are the best out there. Clearly ther are many ohter options available.

Cheers,
ChrisK