Excellent comparison. You solidified my choice on the DMD T865. I think a standalone GPS unit is essential because I do not have want to expose my cellphone to the elements and I dont want to mount and dismount constantly. The bike I'm looking at only has a basic LCD so OBD monitoring is a nice bonus and really brings the older bikes into the 21st century.
A great job covering the hardware and ecosystem differences between Garmin and DMD2! You touched on it very briefly but the features and practical usability of DMD2 (as a Nav device while moving) and its built-in map or controlling many other map apps with Bluetooth controller, including having split screen side by side or widgets, raise DMD2 to a level well above other apps or standalone devices. The screen brightness for an Android device is very important but so is the ability to change the map visibility with options for layout, contours, contrast font size, GPX colour/width etc. Lastly, I don't recall if you mentioned the roadbook as well, but I suspect a small subset of adv riders are interested in that.
I recently downloaded DMD2 onto a $120 Umigidi Bison X10 phone. I’ve been running Gaia on it for sledding, so it’s covered in snow a lot. Gaia doesn’t have the option to lock the screen so it does flip between screens a bit. DMD2 has the option to lock, so I’ll be trying that next sled trip. If this works out I may be selling my Zumo XT and get a tablet for the bike.
@@trailsandtires1457 it just died, but it was working pretty good on the sled. Wet and covered in snow all the time though and I didn’t have a water proof USBc cord. Amazon refunded me though and I’ll get another one to use on motorcycle and mountain bike. I need something a little more robust for sledding and with buddy tracking.
I use an older Montana for all my off-road riding and don't see myself changing that anytime soon since it takes a beating and I Haven't had any issues with it. I have been thinking about using a phone for my sport touring bike and just started looking at the DMD setup. Good looking units.
Since I use navigation for road tours, I ended up with a Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 (military-grade protection and IP68 water and dust resistance) running OsmAnd. I have no idea of the GPS precision however it is good enough for road tours. I also have an obd2 device. I run the two pieces of software in Android split screen mode. Negatives compared to these devices, possibly GPS precision and battery size.
I've been looking at the Active 3 also. I talked to a few riders who said it's pretty poor in sunlight and extremely hard to see. To the point they both no longer use it. Not sure what to do yet...
@@kee7678 can't go wrong with the DMD device. Support is great as well. Garmin is still a good option if you don't want the customization of an android based option.
One very important feature is the ability to create a route without internet connection. App based nav systems like DMD2, Rever, Locus Maps, etc cannot create a route without internet. Where I ride, there is no internet or cell signal. So for me, a nav system needs the ability to create a route off grid so Garmin is the only viable solution. I have DMD2 and really like it, but it is limited when it comes to creating routes on the fly.
Great comparison . One point I didnt see, but the Zumo comes with lifetime maps, and I think the DMD2 maps cost something like $30 US a year. The Thork site says upgrades are free, but I'm pretty sure those are software upgrades. If you're doing a follow-up, you might also mention DMD2''s superior off-road type identification. DMD2 also has a reputation for putting a big drain on the power supply, Might be fine for a GS, but it might not work very well on a V-Strom.
Welcome everyone! Please like and subscribe as we try to grow and bring content. A few additional items to add related to the DMD products: - Capable of high Shock / Vibration - certified -> www.drivemodedashboard.com/support/dmd-t865-support/ - The attachable expansion slot on the back which we will be used for future accessories - Auto On / Auto Off / Dock detection - No electronics on the holder and no external power supplies, tab handles 30+V of direct power - On a motorcycle it can achieve sub 1m GPS precisions - Really well calibrated sensors which will be handy on stuff like the fall detection system - SOS System and configurable hardware buttons coming soon which will be great - The total weight of the kit, its a tablet that you can easily use at home / work - Ultra minimal stable and unbolted OS with easy to release OTA updates
nice content, is dmd2 for motorcycle, i plan to get one for my 4x4 truck and somewhere there is no handphone signal, unlike garmin they using gps signal, how about dmd2 has anyone install in their vehicle, please advice. thanks
I don't see why it couldn't be used for overlanding, etc. External antenna option for the 865 tablet too, but no personally experience on my end there.
Personally, I think voice control isn't as reliable from my experience, especially when via cardo or intercom device, but maybe it's just me! I don't use a controller, though, either, so I'm probably not the ideal person yet to give that honest feedback until I try it out.
That's an interesting thought. There might be times when riding alone where it would be useful, say to speak the address of a destination, (usually available when virtual keyboard is onscreen) so having a method to start voice input without touching screen could help ("Hey DMD"). But in general using the buttons with your hand allows multitasking, talking to your buddies while zooming in and out panning around the map, or moving between DMD2 screens, is what I find more useful.
One important thing to mention here is the heat the tablet can produce, just the operating system it self plus the screen brightness in the max, it can overheat and it will shut down to cool down, just like the phones, I have the Tripltek 9 pro behind the windshield, they said this devices don't do that, but it happened to me, and the Garmin never overheated. Another thing: the weight from the tablet does not look like much static, but dynamic weight is when you are moving and bouncing in the off-road, if you don't have a very solid support or a proper tower, that weight can eventually damage the structure you mounted the tablet, be sure it's a solid mounting point. Overall for me, traveling in multiple countries, the table with bluetooth OBD2 to monitoring the parameters of the bike was a better set up, and cell phone as a back up.
You can enter any address, search POI and navigate to it using dmd. You can take a gpx track and convert to turn by turn in dmd, but I don't recommend it. I prefer to follow the track line. I believe they are working on beta route creation capability now as well.
Tried dmd2… no… maybe it’s me but it just feels like a toy and not a dedicated gps unit. All the apps do feel like it is just not the real deal for me. Android is a lot of everything but just not the one thing that will do the trick. Calculating big routes takes forever. So I tried many different apps to navigate and in the end… any android device…. Just suck.
I agree. There is a huge difference between a dedicated GPS unit and a phone anytime. I feel DMD is more for road users and dedicated GPS is for adventure riders.
Very good comparison between both divices. DMD Maps and GPS will work standalone without any internet connection. As we know that Garmin gps work through satellites signal . Thanks
Excellent comparison. You solidified my choice on the DMD T865. I think a standalone GPS unit is essential because I do not have want to expose my cellphone to the elements and I dont want to mount and dismount constantly. The bike I'm looking at only has a basic LCD so OBD monitoring is a nice bonus and really brings the older bikes into the 21st century.
A great job covering the hardware and ecosystem differences between Garmin and DMD2! You touched on it very briefly but the features and practical usability of DMD2 (as a Nav device while moving) and its built-in map or controlling many other map apps with Bluetooth controller, including having split screen side by side or widgets, raise DMD2 to a level well above other apps or standalone devices. The screen brightness for an Android device is very important but so is the ability to change the map visibility with options for layout, contours, contrast font size, GPX colour/width etc. Lastly, I don't recall if you mentioned the roadbook as well, but I suspect a small subset of adv riders are interested in that.
Good comparison on a very hot topic in ADV navigation. Garmin is so far behind with their software and hardware. Thank you for putting this info out.
Agreed. Garmin is behind and others are going to slowly take up market share with these better offerings.
I recently downloaded DMD2 onto a $120 Umigidi Bison X10 phone. I’ve been running Gaia on it for sledding, so it’s covered in snow a lot. Gaia doesn’t have the option to lock the screen so it does flip between screens a bit. DMD2 has the option to lock, so I’ll be trying that next sled trip. If this works out I may be selling my Zumo XT and get a tablet for the bike.
How is the umidigi? I have been debating buying one. Are you just using it on the sled or are you using it as your phone too?
@@trailsandtires1457 it just died, but it was working pretty good on the sled. Wet and covered in snow all the time though and I didn’t have a water proof USBc cord. Amazon refunded me though and I’ll get another one to use on motorcycle and mountain bike. I need something a little more robust for sledding and with buddy tracking.
I use an older Montana for all my off-road riding and don't see myself changing that anytime soon since it takes a beating and I Haven't had any issues with it. I have been thinking about using a phone for my sport touring bike and just started looking at the DMD setup. Good looking units.
Let me know if you have any questions. Dmd support group on Facebook is a great resource
Since I use navigation for road tours, I ended up with a Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 (military-grade protection and IP68 water and dust resistance) running OsmAnd. I have no idea of the GPS precision however it is good enough for road tours. I also have an obd2 device. I run the two pieces of software in Android split screen mode.
Negatives compared to these devices, possibly GPS precision and battery size.
Agree, active tab 3 is another great option for many riders as well.
I've been looking at the Active 3 also. I talked to a few riders who said it's pretty poor in sunlight and extremely hard to see. To the point they both no longer use it. Not sure what to do yet...
@@kee7678 I have an anti glare screen on it and I find it about the same as a Garmin Zumo XT. It is rated at 800 nits.
@@kee7678 can't go wrong with the DMD device. Support is great as well. Garmin is still a good option if you don't want the customization of an android based option.
One very important feature is the ability to create a route without internet connection. App based nav systems like DMD2, Rever, Locus Maps, etc cannot create a route without internet. Where I ride, there is no internet or cell signal. So for me, a nav system needs the ability to create a route off grid so Garmin is the only viable solution. I have DMD2 and really like it, but it is limited when it comes to creating routes on the fly.
Great comparison . One point I didnt see, but the Zumo comes with lifetime maps, and I think the DMD2 maps cost something like $30 US a year. The Thork site says upgrades are free, but I'm pretty sure those are software upgrades. If you're doing a follow-up, you might also mention DMD2''s superior off-road type identification. DMD2 also has a reputation for putting a big drain on the power supply, Might be fine for a GS, but it might not work very well on a V-Strom.
Agree, one reason I recommend the actual DMD device as it comes with lifetime DMD and the supplied powered mount will keep it charged with no issue.
Why do you need to buy another mount from Touratech when Garmin does provide an excellent one? Isn't that an overkill ?
You should try a Tripltek T9 pro.
Will have to check it out
Welcome everyone! Please like and subscribe as we try to grow and bring content. A few additional items to add related to the DMD products:
- Capable of high Shock / Vibration - certified -> www.drivemodedashboard.com/support/dmd-t865-support/
- The attachable expansion slot on the back which we will be used for future accessories
- Auto On / Auto Off / Dock detection
- No electronics on the holder and no external power supplies, tab handles 30+V of direct power
- On a motorcycle it can achieve sub 1m GPS precisions
- Really well calibrated sensors which will be handy on stuff like the fall detection system
- SOS System and configurable hardware buttons coming soon which will be great
- The total weight of the kit, its a tablet that you can easily use at home / work
- Ultra minimal stable and unbolted OS with easy to release OTA updates
nice content, is dmd2 for motorcycle, i plan to get one for my 4x4 truck and somewhere there is no handphone signal, unlike garmin they using gps signal, how about dmd2 has anyone install in their vehicle, please advice. thanks
I don't see why it couldn't be used for overlanding, etc. External antenna option for the 865 tablet too, but no personally experience on my end there.
Why not voice control for the software instead of a controller?
Personally, I think voice control isn't as reliable from my experience, especially when via cardo or intercom device, but maybe it's just me! I don't use a controller, though, either, so I'm probably not the ideal person yet to give that honest feedback until I try it out.
That's an interesting thought. There might be times when riding alone where it would be useful, say to speak the address of a destination, (usually available when virtual keyboard is onscreen) so having a method to start voice input without touching screen could help ("Hey DMD"). But in general using the buttons with your hand allows multitasking, talking to your buddies while zooming in and out panning around the map, or moving between DMD2 screens, is what I find more useful.
One important thing to mention here is the heat the tablet can produce, just the operating system it self plus the screen brightness in the max, it can overheat and it will shut down to cool down, just like the phones, I have the Tripltek 9 pro behind the windshield, they said this devices don't do that, but it happened to me, and the Garmin never overheated. Another thing: the weight from the tablet does not look like much static, but dynamic weight is when you are moving and bouncing in the off-road, if you don't have a very solid support or a proper tower, that weight can eventually damage the structure you mounted the tablet, be sure it's a solid mounting point. Overall for me, traveling in multiple countries, the table with bluetooth OBD2 to monitoring the parameters of the bike was a better set up, and cell phone as a back up.
Good call outs. I haven't had issues with overheating yet with my DMD tablet, but this coming summer will put it to the test!
You have to have a phone plan for the DMD?
yes, you do.
I read somewhere that the DMD software doesn’t offer routing and turn by turn navigation like a traditional GPS. Is that still true?
You can enter any address, search POI and navigate to it using dmd. You can take a gpx track and convert to turn by turn in dmd, but I don't recommend it. I prefer to follow the track line. I believe they are working on beta route creation capability now as well.
Have you tried to use Osmand with the tablet? How does it run?
Very briefly to see how the dmd remote worked with it, but not enough to give a good opinion to be honest
Tried dmd2… no… maybe it’s me but it just feels like a toy and not a dedicated gps unit. All the apps do feel like it is just not the real deal for me. Android is a lot of everything but just not the one thing that will do the trick. Calculating big routes takes forever. So I tried many different apps to navigate and in the end… any android device…. Just suck.
I love it, but it may not be for everyone!
I agree. There is a huge difference between a dedicated GPS unit and a phone anytime. I feel DMD is more for road users and dedicated GPS is for adventure riders.
Very good comparison between both divices. DMD Maps and GPS will work standalone without any internet connection. As we know that Garmin gps work through satellites signal . Thanks