New Satnav By Beeline

Any update on this navigation machine?
Regards,Ken.

 

I hope so too.
Thanks for reply.
Ken.

 

I've had an email from them, that it's released tomorrow

 

Great news...let’s hope it’s your one that’s released.
Thanks for update.
Ken.

 

Got mine
Got to charge it now.

 

Really interested to see how this goes. I like the idea of simplifying the information into a small device. I looked for ages to find a small screen I could display a night view of Google maps to via Bluetooth, but no luck, this is the nearest to that.

 

im intrigued to know how this works out

 

Me too.
Ken.

 

I’ve got two of these sitting in the cupboard. Haven’t got around to trying one yet but, when I remember, will have to give one a go.

 

In the meantime there are a few videos and reviews starting to pop up online. The videos give a sense of in use, but the beeline website better explains what it displays, I wish the Beeline website showed all of the symbols, e.g. I think it shows exit number in a circle for roundabouts. I got the app, but thought it must have been for the push bike version as no explanation of symbols, then I found the details about it in use in the faq.

Have to admit, I am close to putting one on my Christmas list! If the only the website was a bit more detailed. I hate how details on manufacturers web sites get dropped or hidden in favour of fancy videos and guff.

 

I’ve got one you can buy!

 

how come? no good? and how much?

 

Almost two years ago I pledged for two of them. They finally arrived a month or so back. One I’ve opened and must get around to using it. The other remains unopened. They are the Black model, which I see is now only available on pre-order, for £149 each. I got them with the universal strap mounts. I’d be looking for £90 which is for one unit plus mount....this is the amount it cost me.

 

Been using mine for a couple of weeks now - despite the crappy weather.
Tried it on the Tiger first but it will live permanently on the Bonnie.

It looks neat enough - not obtrusive like a traditional satnav.



Close up


The mount


You get this one in the box along with a dubious adjustable arm which has to be stuck onto the bike with a sticky pad. As the unit needs to be twisted on and off the mount I can't see this being effective. (or where you would practically mount it). This one is held on by strong rubber bands but seems to work OK - there is a proper bar mount but that costs extra.

Borrowed some images off the internet to illustrate the Beeline app that you need on your phone - the unit won't work without it. Free to download and easy to use - just like google maps (that's because it's using google maps as a base) so the interface is instantly recognisable.


You set your destination as you would on google maps, either by postcode or street name, and you can set route preferences such as avoiding motorways in the same way. The middle picture shows how it would appear with Route Assistant applied - the conventional satnav style directions, which will be transferred to the unit and each turn will be flagged up as you approach it and counted down by miles, tenth of a mile etc. (see image below)



You have to keep an eye on it, especially as you get close to where you need to turn, but as it has an uncluttered face, a quick glance is all you need to confirm that you're on the right track.

Now the real difference - turn off Route Assistant and you get an "as the crow flies" route to your destination. (The example in the RH picture is slightly misleading as they've put two way-points in for the river crossing, but this would normally be a straight line). You can then set off and take whichever turning or direction you want but it will always guide you back along the right direction to end up at your final destination - think of it as a heading like a ships compass.

You can also import GPX files into the app if you wanted to follow a previous route.

The downside? - there's no touchscreen, nor is the screen colour. There's no Bluetooth audio for navigation or calls and there's no traffic information or safety camera or speed alerts. But I think this is what gives the Beeline its appeal. You don't always want to be distracted with loads of additional info, whether that's via earphones or a big obtrusive screen.

 

That's really interesting, thanks, I have tried using just audio nav from phone with an ear piece in my helmet, better than nothing if I don't know a route, but not as good as this and a faf to set up and run leads.

I think I read the beeline holds charge well, any idea how long you get? Also the main problem with my audio only cheapo system is that you have to leave the screen on and drain phone battery, presumably the beeline let's you turn off the phone screen when under way?

 

That's an excellent write up, Steve.

 

Charge is supposed to last 30 hours.
You can get the unit to show how much is left on it and it also tells you how your phone is doing as well!

 

Does anyone know if it's able to display your current speed, as the original cycle (Velo) version does?

 

Thanks @half ton .
The item itself looks good and I'm considering it for my vintage bike (1927 and so doesn't have a speedo ), as well as for my modern Bonnie.