GPS trip tracking with the new Verizon HTC thunderbolt

[JaxHiker]

I've really been tempted to try that software. I'm going to download the trail to use on my AT hike next week. I figure I'll have the phone with my anyway and that'll let me leave the other two GPSs at home. How are the maps and navigation features compared to a standalone GPS?

[Eliteoomph]

They are great! You choose from a few different sources of maps. I use the topo maps... They normally have trails and poi already marked so I really like that.

[JaxHiker]

You might just convince me to drop the money and skip the trial. It looks slick.

Just ordered a 3-pack of batts and charger for the T-Bolt so I should be set there. Only out for a week so with airplane mode and spares I should be golden for some GPS usage.

[Eliteoomph]

as long as your are not using the gps all the time you should be fine...

provided you have a droid like mine this may help you as well...

Another trick to turn off your radio or switch from 4g to 3g (which will save a lot of battery) is to go to your phone menu and dial

*#*#4636#*#*

you dont have to press send..
a menu will pop up press phone information...
scroll down and change the setting from CDMA +LTE/EvDo auto to CDMA auto(PRL)

that switches the mode from 4g to 3g (which will save a lot on battery life).
It is a good idea to just leave your phone in 3g unless you are planning on doing a lot or downloading or uploaded because this will save on your battery.

just reverse the process to turn 4g back on.

You can also turn off your radio from here which will insure that your phone will not be searching for a cell or data signal which will also save on battery.

yeah it is a good app. I think you will like it a lot.

[JaxHiker]

Oh man I'd never remember that. I just go to Settings -> Phone info. I only run 4G when I'm doing data (downloading, tethering, etc). I love the Thunderbolt!

[keg]

Not sure if this is the right spot to post this so please move if necessary...

I wanted to talk a little bit about the new HTC Thunderbolt from Verizon and how wonderful it was to have on my last hike/trek/tramp in the sipsey wilderness (Bankhead National Forest, AL).

Before I left for the Sipsey I installed some software on my new smartphone called Backcountry Navigator. BackCountry Navigator is software for your Android phone that turns it into a capable outdoor gps device. Using your Android gps, the app can show your location on topographical (topo) maps, that you can preload for offline use. ...

It's a great app and I've used it a fair bit (only app I've actually bought). Of course battery life is a problem so I've tended to only turn it on periodically/when needed during a trip. Down side of that is that it takes a few minutes to get a first fix when turned on but that also forces me to take a break from the stupid pace I sometimes set.

The maps get downloaded in advance so you don't need any cell/4G/3G/wireless signal to use it and the maps are a bit older but the land doesn't change that much.

I do have a real GPS for longer trips but for 2 or 3 days, my android (HTC Desire, Nexus S) does a good enough job.