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· Mark – Super Moderator
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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
This might be a useful option for those not wishing to mount their phone on the bars. It’s also glove friendly, which is a boon.

 
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2017 R1200R
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It is also high on my consideration but will go with my initial plan to use my old iPhone 7 without SIM hot spotted to my iPhone 13.

My initial concern is on how it will function with the my Cardo in intercom mode as the instructions claim that you may have to switch the Bluetooth output from the C5

The C5 unit is getting good initial reactions on other boards and I have been already looking for an AMPS adapter that will allow it up mount to the Navi cradle if I end up getting a C5 CarPlay unit.


AliExpress had a cheaper version of the Winderlich part but it is no longer available.

And use a BMW part to connect to the Navi cradle socket.
83300413585 REPAIR PLUG, 3-PIN - NO. 611656 GPS Connector
Function: 3-pin for LED of anti-theft alarm, optional-accessories plug (device end). Can-bus plug that allows you to splice to a GPS power cord and connect to switched power on your Can-bus model. Middle not used, RH wire is power, LH wire is ground.
 

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2020 R1250R in Pollux Metallic Matte
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This might be a useful option for those not wishing to mount their phone on the bars. It’s also glove friendly, which is a boon.

If of decent quality, that's a heckuva price for a cell-phone substitute. Too bad it isn't compatible with the current stock cradle for a stock look (and powering). That empty cradle is bad enough, I don't think I'd want this bracketed next to it. For those not bothered by clutter as much as I am, though, it appears to be a very interesting option.
 

· Mark – Super Moderator
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Discussion Starter · #4 ·
If of decent quality, that's a heckuva price for a cell-phone substitute. Too bad it isn't compatible with the current stock cradle for a stock look (and powering). That empty cradle is bad enough, I don't think I'd want this bracketed next to it. For those not bothered by clutter as much as I am, though, it appears to be a very interesting option.
If your not using the cradle, you could probably remove it and fix the CarPlay unit to it, maybe using the rear part of the cradle it a fabricated block to match the four RAM-style plate holes.
Note, of course, it doesn’t replace your actual phone, merely providing a CarPlay interface to it. But a hiccup seems to be that while it can pair with a helmet headset, only the speaker functionality operates, not the microphone.
 

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If one didn’t already have a GPS, I could see the benefit of that. Certainly cheaper than a higher end GPS.
 

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I prefer to use an old iPhone for navigation mounted with an SP Connect mount & case with wireless charging. I can load a bunch of offline maps and music on it and it works as a back up phone. If it fails, then my main phone will work as the backup navigation device, and also attaches to the SP Connect mount.

I prefer not to use my main phone on the bike to make sure I don't lose it if the mount fails and I can have it next to me in case I'm separated from the bike in an accident (and am able to actually use it then ;-).
 

· Mark – Super Moderator
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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
I have my Nav6 and my iPhone mounted (latter on a charging base). The biggest issues with the phone for navigation are that the screen is not designed for gloved hand use and pop up alerts that obscure the screen and are difficult to dismiss. I do have a stylus in the top zip pocket of my tank bag when touring, but that’s only useful when you have tine and space to safely use it.
 

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My gloves are touch compatible, so that's not an issue for me. The pop-up alerts (I assume you mean notifications) are all disabled on my phone. If you have an iPhone you can also configure "Do not disturb while driving" to activate if movement is detected.
 

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@Panzermann might be your issue is the gloves are not tech-sensitive or touch-screen friendly. What about going to your nearest motorcycle accessory store and testing your screen with one of their tech gloves?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

· Mark – Super Moderator
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Discussion Starter · #10 ·
I do have one pair of gloves that are touch-screen suitable, @mikeS, but even so, nowhere near as accurate as needed with apps/keyboard designed around finger usage.
Good point, @serrge, re settings. Hadn’t thought of that.
 

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I'm not certain I understand the issue - I use Waze and google maps as well as my Nav. With Waze and Maps, I have notifications set on alerts only when navigating. All my gloves are touchscreen friendly. However, any brand glove never gives the fine touch of skin-to-screen.


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So many versions of this unit!

Here is the “Pro” version with updated firmware

Check the notes in red for inclusions and exclusions of what works etc. For example, You have to disconnect your smart watch Bluetooth connection.


C$ 202.36 51% Off | MAXCA XPlay C5 Pro Motorbike Wireless Android Auto Apple Carplay Monitor 5 inch Touch Screen IPX7 Waterproof
 

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I'm not certain I understand the issue...
Neither do I. My mobile is firmly mounted in the inside pocket of my jacket, in the powered off position. If I even remember to bring it. Never felt the need to use it for much of anything, except to communicate with my children and grand-children, certainly not for moto navigation. I don't even use my Nav V very much; it's most useful to me when I'm riding in a non-metric country, so I don't have to translate speed limits in my head.
 

· Mark – Super Moderator
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Discussion Starter · #15 ·
I'm not certain I understand the issue - I use Waze and google maps as well as my Nav. With Waze and Maps, I have notifications set on alerts only when navigating. All my gloves are touchscreen friendly. However, any brand glove never gives the fine touch of skin-to-screen.
Some like to have their phone in their pocket rather than mounted on the bike, should they and the latter part ways.
Just as in a car-mounted CarPlay situation, the apps are optimised for driving (hence riding) use/interface, and as you say, are more glove friendly.
Most phones aren’t IP67 waterproof, some Samsung models being an exception, so unless you’ve fitted a good screen, mounting on the bike may not be practicable. I watched a movie last night where not only did the phone still operate under 25 metres of icy water, it still had reception! I couldn’t catch the brand/model …
And finally (as if .. 😅) if some don’t ‘get it’ because they have no use for phone functionality mounted on their bike, then they don’t need to ‘get it’. Heck, I don’t need tassels on the end of my handlebars, but all power to those who have fitted them.
 

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All iPhones since the iPhone 7 are waterproof. I’ve been using an iPhone 8 for navigation without any sort of rain cover and it works great, rain or shine. There’s also several Android phones besides Samsung that have at least IP67 for quite a while.

With the gloves touch compatibility sorted out I much prefer a device that gives several navigation options (i.e. apps) that are also updated frequently as opposed to a device whose software is at the mercy of a single vendors’ will.
 

· Mark – Super Moderator
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Discussion Starter · #17 ·
Thanks for the intel on iPhone IP ratings @serrge - I wasn’t actually aware my XS was IP67. It won’t cable-charge though if moisture gets in the Lightning port.
Re the comment on alternative navigation apps, some (many?) are designed to work with CarPlay, which is something of a plus for the CarPlay screen over buying a GPS device if those apps suit you.
 

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Yep, definitely better to use wireless charging to prevent the phone from stopping to charge due to moisture ingress or a fried cable connector.

The Carplay screen still doesn't seem beneficial to me compared to using an older iPhone, given that the Carplay device's functionality is limited (to Carplay), whereas the older iPhone can do a lot of stuff, including running non-carplay apps and act as a backup phone if needed.
 

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2012 R1200R, K27, Light-grey Metallic
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whereas the older iPhone can do a lot of stuff...
I can imagine that, if you are an Apple disciple, you are reluctant to use a new iPhoney on your handlebar ;)
But as an Android Adept we can get a fully Military specced rugged smarthphone, water and shock-proof, glove-operatable, wirelessly charged, on your doorstep for WAY under the price of any dedicated bike-proof GPS unit like a garmin Zumo. I do not see why I would not buy a smartphone dedicated to my bike, keeping my daily high-end phone safe in my pocket. As a fact... I did. Under € 200,-- is a reality...

 

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Yep, definitely better to use wireless charging to prevent the phone from stopping to charge due to moisture ingress or a fried cable connector.

The Carplay screen still doesn't seem beneficial to me compared to using an older iPhone, given that the Carplay device's functionality is limited (to Carplay), whereas the older iPhone can do a lot of stuff, including running non-carplay apps and act as a backup phone if needed.
I too use my iPhone as my everything on the bike and find google maps fine for touring, but the one issue is full sunlight readability, particularly with a tinted visor. If the CarPlay Lite addresses that issue then for me it would be a consideration.
 
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