Using Navigon and other Iphone sat nav’s abroad

mcchalk · 28-07-2009, 9:13 AM

Quick question. I’m going to France next month and I want to use my iphone as a sat nav while I'm there but I was wondering if it uses internet data and would then cost a bomb? I'm guessing it would even with Navigon but just wanted to check.

Really not worth having if this is the case as I only really use it abroad.

sneeks · 28-07-2009, 9:14 AM

Navigon does not need/use a internet connection to work. Be sure and turn data roaming off on the iPhone.

mcchalk · 28-07-2009, 9:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sneeks

Navigon does not need/use a internet connection to work. Be sure and turn data roaming off on the iPhone.

Thats great. My mate has it and i have just run a test. i turned off wi-fi and and 3g and my 3g/E icon turned into a little o. I then went on to navigon and the little o turned into E which i guess is using edge? And that would cost?

Just need to be sure as the wife has a sat nav which i could use but she likes to use it for work.

sneeks · 28-07-2009, 9:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcchalk

Thats great. My mate has it and i have just run a test. i turned off wi-fi and and 3g and my 3g/E icon turned into a little o. I then went on to navigon and the little o turned into E which i guess is using edge? And that would cost?

Just need to be sure as the wife has a sat nav which i could use but she likes to use it for work.

The E probably appeared as it's available in your area, that should happen anyway. Remove the sim card and start Navigon, it will continue to work minus any data connection.

sneeks · 28-07-2009, 9:57 AM

This is from Navigon's own website:

"The application includes the latest map material from the market leader NAVTEQ and can be used without an Internet connection, which is of enormous benefit abroad, for example, as no extra charges are incurred"

NAVIGON AG - Products - Navigation Systems

mcchalk · 28-07-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sneeks

Remove the sim card and start Navigon, it will continue to work minus any data connection.

Will try this when we find something small enough to remove it! What sort of an office has no paperclips??

Cheers for the info

sneeks · 28-07-2009, 10:14 AM

You could try placing the iPhone into Airplane mode but I don't know if that switches the GPS chip off too. I suspect it will.

keith_d99 · 28-07-2009, 10:44 AM

Power off the phone - turn it back on - leave the SIM locked - and give it a go - guaranteed to have no data then and a good test before you head off.

Let us know how you get on - as I am planning using Navigon for my trip abroad!

One thing I noticed after a 2 hour journey - that the battery drops even if plugged into a car charger. Anybody else get this?

sneeks · 28-07-2009, 10:50 AM

The Navigon link I posted earlier does say it does not use data so I think that's accurate enough.

mcchalk · 28-07-2009, 11:02 AM

Just tried it without the sim card and it works fine. I’m in the office and it said there was no reception but when I went to the window it found it no problem.

Must just use 3g/E when it can. Just hope it doesn’t turn on 3g/E when I’m in France. Otherwise I will have to take the sim out to use it!

sneeks · 28-07-2009, 11:03 AM

With data roaming off it will not use data at all while abroad. To be extra sure add incorrect data settings into the iPhone and it will then have no connection anyway.

daveb975 · 28-07-2009, 1:55 PM

I used Navigon abroad earlier in the month, and it worked fine with data roaming set to off. It did take quite a few minutes to lock on to the GPS signal, compared to just seconds in the UK.

Someone on the Navigon thread suggested that Navigon might use the cellular data network to speed this initial connection up when it is available.

Make sure that data roaming is turned off and you will be fine.

StuBFrost · 28-07-2009, 2:13 PM

The iphone itself will use the network (if it can) to speed up the initial position, hence AGPS (assisted GPS).

Stuart

OuiOui · 28-07-2009, 3:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keith_d99

Power off the phone - turn it back on - leave the SIM locked - and give it a go - guaranteed to have no data then and a good test before you head off.

Let us know how you get on - as I am planning using Navigon for my trip abroad!

One thing I noticed after a 2 hour journey - that the battery drops even if plugged into a car charger. Anybody else get this?

Yes I've been using Navigon here in France and it works really well. The car charger almost compensates for the battery drain but not quite!

neil.atkins · 29-07-2009, 5:01 PM

I'm in France on holiday at the moment and used the Sygic app. Have to say that it was great and didn't let me down at all on a 500 mile trip from Calais.
I left roaming turned on just to see it the assisted gps positioning cost me anything (I'm on Payg so would see straight away) but it didn't. Got a Gps signal in seconds

I would imigine that Navigon would be the same.