sideloading a GPS app

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Brad Haack

The native app lacks some basic features such as

waypoints

show gpx tracks on the map

waypoint and tracks manager

ability to create a track when offine

So, I'm looking for a good app to sideload.   Any suggestions for what works well on the Karoo?   My 1st choice was Locus since that's what I've been using, but the map themes don't show up.  

 

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    Charles Lambourne

    I have OsmAnd+ installed on mine, though there's a bit of a learning curve. Downsides are that it seems more power hungry, and no sensors i.e cadence, power etc. but the maps are excellent. The app is free (open source), but you first need to sideload the f-droid open source market.

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    tricki

    I have side loaded Locus Maps as this gives a wide range of available maps and is very feature rich.  Tend to use for hiking and mountain biking.

    It will do waypoints, gpx tracks and create routes when offline.

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    tricki

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    Brad Haack

    I have OsmAnd installed, but it can't find my location.   Yes, it's allowed in the settings, I've tried everything I can think of, except deleting and reinstalling the app.   I get the impression that OsmAnd & OsmAnd+ are the same other than unlimited map downloads.  Charles, Did you have to any tricks to get it to work?

    I am running Locus & that seems OK. No issue getting location with Locus.  I did have trouble selecting a map theme due to the small screen.  I posted here: https://forum.locusmap.eu/index.php?topic=7593.msg65472#msg65472 and the developer suggested a workaround which seems to be working.  

     

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    Charles Lambourne

    Hi Brad, yes you're right about the app (regular/paid version from the google play store & OsmAnd+ being the same as the paid version - but free.

    As to why it's not working for you I don't know - can you go to 'sensors' in the app menu & make sure GPS is enabled? I guess it is is though if Locus works? Have you tried it outside as my unit struggles indoors? I assume if you start a ride with the default Karoo software it detects your location correctly?

    I did have problems with OsmAnd APK files downloaded from my phone backup & also from PureAPK I think... but I thought they crashed on launch.

    I ended up downloading the 'F-droid' APK which is an Open Source Software market. Then you can install OsmAnd+ (for free :-) ) and have unlimited map downloads. You can also get contours and hillshading if you want.

    If you get it working, it's possible to map the upper 2 physical buttons to zoom in & out.

    Tbh I use the default Karoo Software normally these days as it displays my cadence, heart rate & power & also feel like it uses less battery. I still love having OsmAnd+ as a backup ( I used to use it on my phone before I got my Karoo 2) and find it's maps slightly better/clearer to understand than the Karoo maps.

    I might have a play with Locus Maps, but I don't know if you need a paid version to get offline maps or ANT+ sensors working and I'm not sure if the can be done on the Karoo with no google playstore?

    Good luck.

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    Charles Lambourne

    Hi tricki,

    Quick questions - do you use any ANT+ sensors with Locus Maps, and if you do, did you get the paid APKs from your phone or somewhere else?

    Thanks.

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    Brad Haack

    Yep, it works with Locus and the built in app.  Yep, Tried it outside. 

    I have used a heart rate monitor with the phone.  It's not something I need though.  I have LocusMap Pro on the phone, I think they've redone there pricing, so if I want more features on the Karoo I might have to pay for premium.    I downloaded the apk from a locus repository linked here: https://forum.locusmap.eu/index.php?topic=7592.msg65452#msg65452

    I installed it with adb - Android Debug Bridge on a linux computer.

    I may use the Karoo app most.  I'd like to figure out how to make the maps better.  I can use Locus on the side for the tracks and waypoints that Karoo is lacking.

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    Charles Lambourne

    Cheers for the link Brad, I'm still a little confused how tricki has Locus Pro running on the Karoo 2 without Google Play.

    Also great to see another Linux & FOSS user. I'm not sure you can make the Karoo maps any better though. I actually find them to be fairly comprehensive for my region - I ride my Turbo Levo on canals & bridleways around London/Buckinghamshire - it's just hard to differentiate path types or road names for me sometimes. I'm fine if I'm following a pre-planned route with it though.

    I use OsmAnd+ much like you use Locus from the sound of it. If you wanted to give it another try I strongly recommend getting it from F-Droid, but hey it sounds like you're happy with Locus already.

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    tricki

    I purchased Locus Pro from the Amazon App store to get it running on the Karoo.  

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    Charles Lambourne

    Ah, I hadn't thought of the Amazon App Store, thanks tricki.

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    Andrew RIGBY

    Hi, I managed to get Locus Maps (free version) on to the karoo via the amazon app store, the app works but I want to buy a map from the Locus store. This does not work, any ideas how I can work around? I've tried a couple of old devices samsung android, amazon fire tablet) but none will let me load the locus app in order to sign in and buy credits...

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