HN7 vs HX1 - Hema Review Pt1/2

[@sergeant5848]

Unfortunately not the complete review I was after. I appreciate the superficial information, screen size, battery life, touch capability, however; 1. what is the unit like in the wild. 2. Can also be used as Sat Nav - yes. Good 3. Custom scanned paper map use. 4. Alternate routing to waypoints if track blocked 5. backtracking 6. data transfer PCHema for large screen viewing/ planning (can planning only be done on the hema itself?) 7. current track traversed log and stats 8. type of battery it uses. AAA been around for 40 years. Custom Lithium 10+ years old hard to get now. Perhaps a part 3 to cover these questions? :-)

[@great_offroad_adventures]

1. HN7 difficult to use, HX1 better....both clunky. Robustness unknown, I’m not going to do a destruction test unnecessarily. 2. Both can do satnav, but maps are out of date and difficult to update now, iPad with Google maps = much better. 3. Can’t add offroad maps to either unless formatted and catalogued by Hema. 4. Simple or zero offroad routing available on either....no smart routing. 5. Backtracking = just follow your breadcrumb trail 6. HN7 = removing SD card and placing into PC then using HN Explorer software. HX1 = wifi sync both directions to the Hema Cloud, so much easier and simpler. 7. HX1 can offer you stats for each track you log, HN7 cannot. 8. Both custom lithium’s, both I’ve seen fail & swell & push the screen out cracking it.....after 3-4yrs. Hope that helps you out

[@sergeant5848]

@@great_offroad_adventures Thanks for that. Helpful, but seems tablet of some sort the future rather than dedicated hardware. I think as a 4wd community we need to come together and get someone to design an open platform that accepts community input to improve and add features *we* want. The more active the community the better. Seems out of the 3 main players none is the perfect one. Each missing a feature that adds that thing that makes the trip so much easier to navigate/process/enjoy. Thanks for the reply. :-)

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Yeah mate - tablet is definitely the go, unfortunately I have to agree, their isn’t a perfect solution on the market....I’m hoping something comes along, but won’t hold my breath, I’ll find a solution that works for me and hopefully share it to help quite a few of my viewers as well.

[@PaulMotu]

Graeme. Honestly, as a fellow West Australian there is an App that no-one has commented on that in my opinion pretty much pisses over these two systems you have reviewed (no offence intended). I am using an App called Memory Map on iPad Pro (obviously with GPS) and after watching your review I have to say it pretty much leaves those options for dead. With Memory Map I can upload all of the WA Maps at 1:25k for the whole of the south west as well as 1:50K and 1:100k maps where the 1:25k maps cease coverage ie for the rest of the state. Ditto for all the other Australian states. These cost circa $99.00 when purchased as a set. If you have ever used the old CALM 1:25k paper maps then you will be familiar with what I am referring to. They’re now in a digital format that you can buy and use within this App. I can also then (via a sep purchase) upload all the HEMA regional or 4WD maps. (Again 2 separate purchases - or they were when I bought them about 4 years ago). It is brilliant and we use it extensively. It also comes with the iPhone App automatically so I can use it hiking or driving / out bush remote travelling on either my iphone or the ipad (usually both). I can plan my routes on another iPad app called GAIA GPS (or on Google Earth just like you with the HX1) OR on the computer version of Memory Map - and then very easily transfer them onto my phone and ipad. With the GPS on my iPad Pro I can navigate the best maps (including all the HEMA maps - an additional subscription purchase though) for the whole of Australia plus any other maps of choice (again separate purchases) but considering MM only costs $0.99 (you have to pay for the maps though - which you buy as a set eg HEMA Australia 4WD maps will set you back $149.00). Using it really is easy and once the maps are downloaded onto your iPad (that takes a while) - it is a brilliant system. If you split your iPad screen you can have Google Earth AND Memory Map open at the same time when you’re in a WIFI area eg at home OR when travelling I might have MM and the Numbers App open in split screen (as that is the app that I store all my trip logistics/trip notes etc in) so I can see both at the same time. This is a handy feature when trip planning sitting in front of the TV. It gets a bit squishy but you can use them very effectively and still zoom in if need be. You need a phone or iPad with GPS functionality but if you’ve got that you’ve got all you need PLUS more! I find it nice to be able to plan a journey on my iPad sitting with my wife in the lounge and not have to mess with a computer to do my planning to upload. Any other research eg touristy points of interest (places to explore or visit) are also being done on the same device (eg on Safari to research history of Ora Banda - before you decide to add a waypoint to go there). So you are using the same device to map your journey with and also planning all trip logistics on (I use the numbers app to plan and document in). In essence it’s all done on the one device AND I can share all those files to my phone and / or vice versa and email the route and waypoints to accompanying persons as well. I can screen shot my map and route to upload to social media and so on and so on. You CANNOT use it to direct you like Apple Maps does when you are driving so it does not tell you to turn left / right etc but you can see yourself on the map as you are driving. With the touch of the screen I can flick between all maps for my current location enabling me many many views of the area from topo to tourist type information. My wife would often tell me “... that mountain range over there is blah blah blah or there’s a Gnamma hole 100m in from the road up here. I can switch to Topo maps when I want to hike an area or to get a feel for the lay of the land - change to a larger map or to a more detailed map as the case may require - all whilst on the go. I can use the same app on my iphone walking / hiking so my ONE device can be used as my “Out Bush Navigator” (although it is small to use) - that multi-function facet of the app makes it a clear winner in my books. I have all the HEMA 4WD maps from the same purchase available on my iPhone and can share the same route across devices by syncing via the cloud. Can you put the HX-1 in your pocket and leave your vehicle then use it to hike around and then navigate back to your vehicle (in the bush)? I can! So I can load a point of interest (eg a plane wreck in remote bush) and after using the app to navigate in my 4WD to drive as close as I can I then jump out and carry my phone using the GO-TO feature of the app and follow the directional arrow to the point of interest I have targeted. One device does it all. The phone and iPad have the same information because I can cloud sync my data / routes / waypoints etc. The following spiel is from their website (it just saves me typing).... The Memory-Map iOS app turns your iPhone or iPad into an outdoor GPS and allows you to navigate with 4WD maps, Topo maps, Street Maps or Marine charts without the need for maintaining a phone signal. How it works Maps are downloaded on-the-fly or uploaded from your PC in advance. Once the app and maps are loaded to the iPhone or iPad, cellular network coverage or internet connection is not required for real time GPS navigation. Although the Memory-Map app is designed to be used as a standalone GPS navigator, best results are achieved when used in conjunction with Memory-Map on your PC (free download) for planning, printing and loading up maps, waypoints and routes to the iPhone/iPad. Memory-Map includes free access to small scale topographic maps and many other free maps around the world. More detailed maps are available for download and purchase via the PC application. All maps, including the ones supplied on DVD, can be used on both your PC and iPhone. Note, due to changes in our business model with Apple, the iphone app is no longer free. It is currently $0.99. If the app enhances your enjoyment of your leisure time, we hope you will agree this represents excellent value. Features include: Intuitive design Fast scrolling and zooming Access a vast range of Worldwide maps and charts. Automatically downloads a free map of your current location Create and edit marks and routes. Import and export marks, routes and tracks in the open GPX format Display; Position, Course, Speed, Heading, Altitude and averages Position coordinates include Lat/Long, UTM and GB Grid Units displayed in Statute, Nautical or Metric Auto-rotate screen (can be locked in preferred orientation) Shows speed and direction of travel, even while walking slowly Support for GPS and Compass sensors, where available. Placename index, Moving map, lock GPS position and automatically scroll the map Records breadcrumb trail / tracklogs. Email position marks or tracklogs as GPX files As I live in Perth I can show you if you like sometime. Just reply via here and I will work out a way to get in touch. I would prefer not to post my phone or email here though - which I am sure you’d understand. Regards Paul 😀

[@bigfishfishing-111]

Not even a reply after this massive comment lol

[@rjl110919581]

THANK YOU FOR DETAIL VIDEO

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Our pleasure, glad you found it useful.

[@ozzyplinkster8841]

Great video, would you be able to do a video on how to use Google Earth to creat waypoints and how to transfer your waypoints to the HEMA cloud, I had the hn7 but went to the HEMA explorer on a ipad. I used to use a normal windows PC and Google Earth to plot my routes but now I have a macbook and I am not sure how to plot my routes in Google Earth then transfer those waypoints via the MacBook to HEMA cloud

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Yeah - I’ll probably address it during a trip planning video.....good topic to knock over whilst not being able to travel.

[@ozzyplinkster8841]

Ahh cheers for that, look forward to that video,and as always keep up with the awesome channel and glad the cruiser is back on the road

[@MudducksTouringAustralia]

Based on this I'll grab the HX1 next. My HN5 is past its use by date. Stay safe. Cheers Steve

[@great_offroad_adventures]

HX1 is a good unit, but i reckon you should wait a fortnight for my next review 😉

[@mbedsor]

When are you releasing pt2? I've been looking at either buying the app for my phone or dropping the extra money on a GPS unit

[@great_offroad_adventures]

In a fortnight - definitely wait for part 2 if your picking up what I’m putting down 😉👍🏻.

[@oldluxy]

Value for money I wish I had got the app instead of the hx1

[@jamescullis]

Hi Graham, thanks for the vids mate, you're doing a cracking job. An idea for a future vid is "how to use Hema Explorer", there are no in-depth videos demonstrating all of the functionality within the Apple or Android versions I've come across.

[@StuartBridge]

Great review. Looking forward to part two!!

[@roblackie]

I've got the hn7, looked at getting the hx1... even though its older it has a couple features the hx1 can't do -- with the hn7 you can get maps from other suppliers or you can make your own maps ... you can use Google earth images and calibrate them then set the image as a map which you can then "drive along the image"

[@dichulley6341]

Very interested on the next part as I have not used any digital maps b4, only paper. Thanks for the information/review 🤘

[@garyweir5635]

Great review thanks for the info as trying to justify the price is it worth it or not as we are now fulltime travelers so far just using my phone.

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Wait for next fortnight’s review 👍🏻

[@lastknownlocation8760]

Thanks for the great review. I find the HX1 way too bright at night even on its lowest setting. I don’t know why they haven’t fixed it yet. Yes- it’s so bright that I just turn it off. Very disappointing. Had I known it would be unusable at night I wouldn’t have bought it. The other thing I find frustrating is that in street mode you can’t zoom out far enough. So I for example I’m driving from Roma to Longreach and wanting to see where I am in my journey. All I have is a straight blue line up the middle of the screen showing the road I’m on. Useless without the reference of Roma and the next town etc

[@ryanheldoorn]

Hema can't even fix a simple search function on their hema cloud destop version that's been an issue for over 2 years, let alone roll out a firmware to address brightness on something you've already paid for.

[@cliveedmead2091]

Any chance of a comparison of the HX1 with the just released Garmin Overlander for which they want an eyewatering $999 RRP for. Just wondering if it has a much faster processor for that kind of money and the mapping stacks up or its just another rip off.

[@great_offroad_adventures]

If someone wanted to buy a Garmin Overlander & send it my way for a few months, then yeah I can get my head around it & film a comparison. I’m not going to go out of my way to buy myself one, I’ve got a system that works for a fraction of the price & im happy with that, so for now.....most likely won’t get a companion from me.

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

Interesting look at the HEMA tech. We thought about one of their devices until we saw the price. Very expensive for what it is and the screens are a bit small for me. i have always wanted an app that will give me satellite style views (similar to Google Earth) when I am offline. The only thing I have found so far is an app called Australia Topo Maps. You can download various sections of the state - although you do need quite a few GB on your device to make it worth while. We haven't done much testing yet and the download process is a bit dodgy but so far it seems to be the best offline sat view we have found. We are also trying out the ExplorOz Traveller mapping software which again, is a new addition so not a great deal to say yet except that it is done by a W.A. business and looks like it may be ok for out in the bush but is hopeless for towns and cities.

[@Craqthump]

Hey mate, nice review, Ive got the Hn7 & like you have found it to be starting to show its age, i bought mine 2nd hand for around 350 i think, looking to upgrade at some stage so interested in seeing your tablet comparison, as im thinking the functionality of a tablet & app over a smaller screen dedicated unit might be a better way to roll. But the hn7 has served me well & has been in 3 4wds

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Yeah - check the review on the apps is coming in a fortnight, I’m sure that will help you decide 👍🏻.

[@benlux2625]

I have the hx1 just need to learn it more to get the most out of it.

[@79cruiser]

Hi Graham, Thanks for another great informative vid. Any thoughts on the 4WD Supa Centre VMS unit? Cheers Graeme

[@Chris-by8eh]

might be old, but the price you pay for a good sat nav. OMG it shold last for decades.

[@robmacca67]

I certainly wouldn't worry about using any of there GPS units as I don't think they are reliable (ie: handling in-car heat) + they are slow. I've always used Garmin and their Basecamp for planning and it works well for remote touring and very easy to use and transfer files. Hema's Navigational Apps is more what I'm interested in learning more about and will be watching your next video

[@4xplore64]

Good review mate, I have the Hema HX1 and it sits in my office 😆. I currently run the latest iPad mini which I have Hema 4WD and Explorer on along with Avenza maps. I find switching between them gives the ability to have the bit of everything, probably an expensive way to go but I haven’t found the perfect system yet. Google earth would be the way to go if you had internet everywhere at least you could dial down into the image. Looking forward to the next episode with the tablets 👍🏽

[@bigfishfishing-111]

Bought one today. It's absoloute crap

[@shaungwatkin1638]

Hi Graham I don't know if you received my last comment but I have had a hema hx1 for 2 years and it has caused me a lots grief screen going it to grey squares and went to use it 2 weeks ago and it worked fine for the Wednesday but on Thursday it would not turn on 😂 so I rang hema over East I would have to send it to them it could cost between $200.00 or $50.00 to get fixed as I paid $700.00 for I don't think so so I am going to a tablet much cheaper my experience on hema 😞👎 not worth the money cheers shaun

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Yeah I got it - but I can only share my experience with it and my experience has been positive, albeit slow & laggy. Come back in a fortnight for part 2 and you’ll see what I think of the tablets & apps 👍🏻

[@markcottierkw950]

5:40 if you want to start watching the actual reveiw. Half an instructional video rather than a review though.

[@ryanheldoorn]

Maybe some of the best products in the industry but since the young fellas took over, the absolute worst customer service I've ever experienced! Period!!!

[@great_offroad_adventures]

That’s a shame to hear, I haven’t had to use their customer service centre yet.

[@ryanheldoorn]

@@great_offroad_adventures I use the used to use the hema cloud desktop map to plan my trips, but even something as simple as the search function does not work at all. I've emailed them a dozen times over a two year period about this, one email reply and that was to say they would look into it, even though I know they know its an issue. Hell any halfwit who can talk and chew gum at the same time, and has minimal experience with coding can fix this problem, but since the sons took over hema, they just don't give a shit

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Yeah I use Google Earth mainly to plan my trips.....just have to use the cloud to sync it.

[@Dorko85]

Geez they are slow - do my head in. iPad for sure.

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Your not wrong aye 😂

[@greebo7857]

Only Hema?? Not watching this then.