Hello,
Happy New Year Richard and all.
I'm writing to ask if anybody has experience following a route generated by cycle.travel using the Beeline Velo 2 navigation device (link to Beeline)? I understand that the Velo 2 does not have its own GPS; instead, it uses a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone with the Beeline app. The phone display can be turned off while riding.
Presumably, the workflow would be: 1) generate the route in cycle.travel app or website; 2) export the gpx route; 3) import the gpx route into the Beeline app on smartphone; 4) pair smartphone and Velo 2 via Bluetooth.
I'm curious to understand the extent to which the cycle.travel gpx route can be imported into the Beeline app with/without errors (for example, incompatibilities may occur where Beeline does not recognise a road or track followed by cycle.travel)? I understand that Beeline also uses Open Street Map, so in theory errors should be minimised? Does the level of error vary according to the type of route (e.g. standard, paved, gravel, cycle network)? How does Beeline cope with complex junctions (for example, where a cycle path crosses different roads that radiate out from a large roundabout before rejoining the carriageway beyond the roundabout)?
I'm very happy using the cycle.travel Android app for navigation (I find the mapping and interface are very clear); however, my old Android device has increasingly limited battery life and I'm wondering whether pairing my phone with a Velo 2 (which has its own battery) and turning off my phone display might help extend battery life. (I've also tried using an external power pack to keep my phone charged on longer rides, but have found that the USB connections are not reliable, particularly on lumpy gravel tracks.)
I may be over-complicating things, but I'm loathe to change my phone unless absolutely necessary!
Best wishes,
Jonny
Comments
Jonny, I have no direct experience of the Beeline. You may find a Beeline forum/group online.
However, you can download the Beeline app, import routes and answer your own questions about the importation process and its accuracy. Beeline seems to offer 3 styles, one of which is a 'breadcrumb' trail for the more 'out of the way' routes.
You should save some power by not using the CT app but I'd check that I was already making use of all the energy saving tips and that nothing else was on that wasn't necessary. In any case the Beeline unit using the phone gps is going to draw power. Other Beeline users may be able to indicate how much.
However, such a system would not be my preference. One of the reasons for me to use a gps unit is to be independent of my phone - if your phone dies (for any reason including power) you lose your navigation also.
I'd encourage anyone thinking of a dedicated gps unit to think hard on the reasons for it as there are significant differences between them and how they work. If yours is only to save power on your phone I'd suggest one that works independent of the phone. This is often the time of year when there are deals on older stock and lots of second hand units for sale.
Sorry, I may not have helped much!
Hi Hobbes,
Thanks for your comment, there's lots to think about here. I shall play with the Beeline app as you suggest. It would also be interesting to run a Bluetooth connection (with screen off) to see how quickly my battery runs down.
You make an important point about having an independent GPS unit - I'm aiming to increase my distances this year, so having a backup makes a lot of sense.
Time to do a bit more research!
Thanks and best wishes,
Jonny
I desperately want to find GPS device that does not cost an arm and a leg and is big enough I can read it without having to wear my prescription glasses. There is a need out there, someone should fill it, please.