OnX failed me when I needed it. Iphone version RANT

[wapitibob]

OnX does not save to an sd card.

Quit using cell data; turn it off for the OnX app in your phone settings and use wifi only. Don't start onx until the phone is in airplane mode. Close onx if you are going to use cell data for other phone stuff. Both my iPhone and android work flawlessly when I take those steps.

 

[elkchsr]

I decided to update the chip in my Garmin this morning. Update said everything worked, when I turned the GPS on there was no map available. Called OnX and they didn't hesitate, just put a new chip in the mail. It sounds like it has been a pretty common issue for them. Customer service was great, no complaints at all there. I don't think I'll update the chip again during hunting season. I have the mobile app on my iPhone 6 and it is so unreliable that I am genuinely surprised if it ever works. I hate to see the problems with updating the chip.

 

[tjthebest]

ONX has failed me on my Android phone 3 or 4 times. i went with GAIA GPS this year and it has been flawless!

 

[tjthebest]

I decided to update the chip in my Garmin this morning. Update said everything worked, when I turned the GPS on there was no map available. Called OnX and they didn't hesitate, just put a new chip in the mail. It sounds like it has been a pretty common issue for them. Customer service was great, no complaints at all there. I don't think I'll update the chip again during hunting season. I have the mobile app on my iPhone 6 and it is so unreliable that I am genuinely surprised if it ever works. I hate to see the problems with updating the chip.

Same thing happened to me. they have to have good customer service because there product always fails...

 

[tjthebest]

OnX does not save to an sd card.

Quit using cell data; turn it off for the OnX app in your phone settings and use wifi only. Don't start onx until the phone is in airplane mode. Close onx if you are going to use cell data for other phone stuff. Both my iPhone and android work flawlessly when I take those steps.

when you have to use annoying workarounds for something to be even a tiny bit reliable, that is not even close to being flawless...

 

[muddydogs]

when you have to use annoying workarounds for something to be even a tiny bit reliable, that is not even close to being flawless...

I agree. Earthmate doesn't care if i'm in cell coverage, WiFi or airplane mode all I have to do is hit the app icon and up it comes with my location and what ever layer I last left it on. I've been using the maps and answering phone calls or texts at the same time. Sure sounds like ONX has a few issues, hope they get them fixed for the guys that use the app.

No saving to a sd card? How dose one save a bunch of maps to there phone? I have almost 9 GB of map and photo's saved to my sd card on my phone.

 

[COlineman78]

No saving to a sd card? How dose one save a bunch of maps to there phone? I have almost 9 GB of map and photo's saved to my sd card on my phone.

This may be rooted in Android's confusing history with SD cards (thanks Microsoft). In the beginning they all had them and programs could access them fairly easy. Then Microsoft started suing all the big name manufacturers for putting them in their phones so they stopped. Around the same time Android also added some security around that interface that made it hard if not impossible for 3rd party apps to write to the SD card. Recently (about 1.5 yrs ago), Microsoft called a truce and manufacturers started putting SD cards back in and the Android baseline improved the restrictions on 3rd party apps.

So, long story short; maintaining compatibility across all devices of different ages to support SD cards is quite difficult on Android so they probably just skipped it in their rush to get the app out the door. But I completely agree that it's inability to save to SD card is a deal breaker and I let them know that in review of their app.

 

[wapitibob]

I just looked at Gaia and it looked OK till I got to their SAT Imagery.

 

[COlineman78]

I just looked at Gaia and it looked OK till I got to their SAT Imagery.

Yeah, it's pretty bad. If you plan to use it for scouting and spotting terrain features it's not gonna happen.

If you have Android I strongly recommend trying backcountry navigator as it has multiple imagery options and you can choose the best for each area.

 

[wapitibob]

Looks like a deal killer, I rarely use topo maps. I've looked at BCN and that guy hasn't updated his site in years. Seems like a hobby he's lost interest in.

 

[COlineman78]

Looks like a deal killer, I rarely use topo maps. I've looked at BCN and that guy hasn't updated his site in years. Seems like a hobby he's lost interest in.

App still gets minor updates, but who cares if it still works more reliably. Last update was 9/27/17. Also, I'd rather have an app maintained by a guy who it's his hobby. First of all, he actually uses it and is passionate. Secondly, the guys who write mobile apps as their main job are not the best software developers as it's hard to make a real living $3 at a time.

 

[the rookie]

I also have trouble on the laptop ive given up on the phone app all together will stick to my garmin for now

 

[tjthebest]

I just looked at Gaia and it looked OK till I got to their SAT Imagery.

there are actually several different satellite map sources that you can pull from.

i do agree that the features of ONX maps, like the trails/roads, and topo overlays, along with other hunting layers are better, but that doesnt matter if it doesnt work in the woods.

 

[COlineman78]

there are actually several different satellite map sources that you can pull from.

i do agree that the features of ONX maps, like the trails/roads, and topo overlays, along with other hunting layers are better, but that doesnt matter if it doesnt work in the woods.

Both imagery base layers for Gaia are so blurry I can't pick out a pond that I know is there. The CalTopo one is slightly better than Mapquest, but not by much.

 

[wapitibob]

I just got a not from the Gaia boss and they added a new ESRI Imagery source for Premium members this week. For $30 I'll join and check it out.

My OnX and everyone I've been standing next to who's using it has had zero problems. I'm the only one in the group who turns off all cell data possibilities. If it doesn't work with your hardware, it's not much good that's for sure.

 

[widnert]

Well, I'm in the "I like OnX" camp. Been using it for 3 years now. Only time I have a problem is when I forget to download a map before I head out. Virtually everywhere I hunt here in Montana is out of cell range so, if I forget to download a map, that's on me. Also, the note above about not being able to save to your SD card, is not too big a deal for me. I know they are working on it and I can wait.

I use an Android phone, Samsung S7, and when I switch it to airplane mode, using only the GPS function, I have no trouble getting 1-1/2 days of constant use out of my phone. I carry a small, portable re-charger in my pack so, if I need to hit my phone with a boost, I can. Honestly, the best reason to drop the dedicated GPS and use only your phone, in my minuscule opinion, is the screen size. The phone beats the GPS screen hands down.

Use what you like or trust. It's your hide out there, not mine. I have come to trust the OnX tool on my phone. Free advice and opinions - worth almost as much.

 

[wapitibob]

You might try adopted storage on the sd card and see if OnX will use it as internal memory. My G3 is too old.