Excited ... then disappointed

[colin...@gmail.com]

Hello Steve
I only stumbled across your app today so was keen to try it out.
I've been creating routes using Plotaroute.com then following the .gpx using Track Navigator for years.  Plotaroute only does exactly what its name suggests, as does Track Navigator (which I'm sure you know).

The routes I plot are stored on Plotaroute and I (manually) download them onto my Android phone and store them in a folder of my choice.  Track Navigator finds them on the phone whatever folder or sub-folder they are in.  That works fine for me.

I was hoping Bike Tracker would do the same, but it seems to need to start with RWGPS - and seems to need Bike Tracker to make that initial connection to RWGPS ...  I tried dopping a .tcx onto the phone but Bike Tracker didn't find it.  Would it work if I gave the folder a specific name ?  And if so, would it have to be a .tcx or could a .gpx work ?


I've got a (free) RWGPS account which I don't use normally, but I thought I'd try it.  Next problem is that my Android phone is on 4.4.2 and there isn't an update.  I saw the note about using the apk file and tried that without success.  It simply won't log in.  Bike Tracker simply has a never-ending whirling thing and never logs in.


As I haven't been able to try it out, I don't know what your app sounds like and I'm interested to know ...
Track Navigator reads the directions that Plotaroute creates, but which I amend if any clarification is necessary - and it speaks to me very nicely.
I've also tried Osmand, which ignores my directions, reads the map, talks too much as if I'm on the Monte Carlo rally - and sounds like a robot.

Can you tell me which app Bike Tracker is more like, then I'll know whether or not I need to feel disappointed :)

[John Ellerton]

I'm just a Bike Tracker user, like yourself. Bike Tracker is like Track Navigator. It reads the directions that your route plotting software creates.
I have had a quick look at Track Navigator, but use Bike Tracker as it is much more customisable and is good at getting you back on course if you deviate off course.
Bike Tracker will only work with TCX files from PlotARoute. Put these in your phone's internal storage in folder data\TCX. Then start Bike Tracker, press the menu dots, select Load Route, press Cached button which will change to TCX and your TCX files will be listed. Select the TCX file you want to ride, press the GPS button to activate your phone's GPS, press Start and off you go.
Read the Help information in the app - it's well written and informative.
Sorry can't help you with your Android 4.4 issue.

[colin...@gmail.com]

Thanks for the reply, John.
I have to confess that I have now used Bike Tracker and I might well drop Track Navigator in favour of Bike Tracker.
As for the folder for .tcx files ... I think I saw the General Help at some early point but after that only used the ? from the top of screens and it didn't occur to me that the General Help was different ... and told me where to put the .tcx files.

Anyway, I've followed only one track so far and if nothing else, the Spoken Information saves me clicking buttons on my bike computer on route.  Tomorrow's going to be hot and sunny in the UK so an ideal opportunity to be out again. 

As for the Android 4.4.2 issue, Steve provided an updated version which connected to RWGPS straight off.  However, it's much easier for me to just save .tcx tracks to my phone.

All in all, Bike Tracker looks like the future for me.
 

[John Ellerton]

I'm glad you're sorted. I've been using it for about 2 years now and still think it's excellent ... and free ! I've tried most other similar apps but none as good as this, in my opinion. I do however have OSMAnd on my phone as backup. The offline Open Street Maps have fantastic detail showing paths, bridleways, cycle ways, which some other maps do not show. Normally I let Bike Tracker guide me back onto the route, but I was so confused once that I did resort to looking at the map. It also has the ability to create a route in an emergency situation.
I too am UK based in Costa del Stockport - too hot to ride at the moment !
Good luck with it.