Phone for speedo

M

Madmag

Joined
Mar 8, 2016
Posts
792
Likes collected
2,887
Location
Lancashire
Funster No
41,919
MH
PVC
Exp
Since 2009
Having read all the threads about poor visibility of dials on the Ducato and having tried bits of lights etc and looked at all the stand alone GPS units around I have decided to go with using a smartphone with a speedo app loaded. I’ve asked all the younger members of the family if they have an old phone in a drawer somewhere but none suitable. I am now looking at either cheap new ones or one off e bay. I know it sounds a bit OTT but it will have other uses. My question is, what do I need in terms of memory etc. I can get a new phone off Amazon or E bay for £26 seems like a basic, probably Chinese smart phone or am I better going for a second hand one with more memory??? I intend to play around with a few different apps to see which is best & then if space available perhaps put a mapping/sat nav on as a back up. Thanks
 
Any ideas greatly received as don’t want to buy one and get the wrong one. Thanks
 
I have a 'cheap' smartphone (Samsung J3) which I have used as a speedo.
Recently I cracked the screen, but phone works ok.
I looked on Ebay and bought a brand new J3 for £80 which I fitted a pyg sim. I now have an emergency phone with a battery I can swap and something I can charge seperately - just have to remember which is which !
 
For the same money as you are contemplating paying for an old phone, you can get a brand new Chinese sat nave with a 7 " screen ! ( Novatec springs to mind )

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
I use my dashcam and turn on the “display speed” setting.
Works really well although I have the dashcam mounted low on the dash to avoid the blinds.
 
John I have a Novotec the mph or Kms display is quite small and takes a good looking at not perfect say in France where a couple of kms over the limit can mean a hefty fine. 50mm high bright green numerals are a lot more easily seen.
 
Thanks for the replies so far. We do have a sat nav which displays speed but don’t always use it. Mainly get used when on continent not in UK. Also husband is a complete technophobe, would use a dial phone again if possible! So much so I’ve just bought him one with big keys etc”for the elderly”! This means sat nav is pointed to me so not visible to home when driving.
I did consider an old IPhone and cursed selling my old one but was concerned that the older models couldn’t be updated. This would certainly be a simple option as all my stuff is Apple, was going Android as cheaper option that’s all. Can most of the apps still be used on an iphone4?
 
Madmag said:
Thanks for the replies so far. We do have a sat nav which displays speed but don’t always use it.
Click to expand...
Why not ? It's what it's designed for. A phone is not designed to be used as a speedo. And visa versa
.
It's like having a poo in the sink.
 
Stewart J Thanks for your reply. Keen on going down the Apple route, have you any problems with downloading any data or apps on an older iPhone? I understand some products become obsolete and cannot be updated after a while.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Trouble is as I said, I have the sat nav my side which means it’s out of drivers view. His choice!! I use it to direct him!! What he would like is a larger digital readout of speed. He has one in his car and I think this is what has influenced his choice.
 
Problem with mine is the bezel plastic on the rev counter has started to show cracks after approx 8 weeks. can still read it.
IMG_1031.jpg
 
Camping Gaza said:
Have you tried specsavers?
Click to expand...

Don't laugh! I now have driving glasses as I found the speedo difficult to read, especially in bright conditions. One lens is clear the other has a minute correction (0.25). It makes all the difference.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Unless you're really set on an old phone then it might be worth considering a GPS speedo. I got this from ebay for £14.00.
I thought about a phone, but was worried about someone trying to break in if I went and left it on the dashboard.

61710296_10218741419149446_7228782000457383936_n.jpg
 
Craigderby Thanks. I saw those but wasn’t sure if they would work but that certainly would fit the bill. The only advantage a phone would have would be if i wanted to use it as a back up for anything. Do these work off a USB or battery?
 
This one works from a USB.
It appears fully accurate, well it said the same as the satnav, so I assume it's correct.
I can see the point regarding the back up phone, but when we are all going somewhere we have 3 between us anyway.
 
TM59 said:
Problem with mine is the bezel plastic on the rev counter has started to show cracks after approx 8 weeks. can still read it.
Click to expand...

Interesting.... Its exactly the same as the speedo and tach in my peugeot. I have absolutly no problem reading it in all lighting conditions and I wear glasses permanently.

Seriously, perhaps some of you good folk really do need a visit to the opticians.

Where's my tin hat?
 
there is a fiat recall - free - that can set your internal dash lights to come on when you turn the engine on. had mine done last year. next time your van is in a garage for anything - mot, service etc - just ask.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Craigderby said:
Unless you're really set on an old phone then it might be worth considering a GPS speedo. I got this from ebay for £14.00.
I thought about a phone, but was worried about someone trying to break in if I went and left it on the dashboard.

View attachment 312078
Click to expand...
Damn another gadget I've had to order:inlove:
 
Madmag said:
Trouble is as I said, I have the sat nav my side which means it’s out of drivers view. His choice!! I use it to direct him!! What he would like is a larger digital readout of speed. He has one in his car and I think this is what has influenced his choice.
Click to expand...
Just tell him how fast he is going when he asks.

Oh, and it's probably illegal to not be able to see the speedo instruments as he's driving. Not trying to be negative, but make him use the Satnav
 
Madmag said:
Thanks for the replies so far. We do have a sat nav which displays speed but don’t always use it. Mainly get used when on continent not in UK. Also husband is a complete technophobe, would use a dial phone again if possible! So much so I’ve just bought him one with big keys etc”for the elderly”! This means sat nav is pointed to me so not visible to home when driving.
I did consider an old IPhone and cursed selling my old one but was concerned that the older models couldn’t be updated. This would certainly be a simple option as all my stuff is Apple, was going Android as cheaper option that’s all. Can most of the apps still be used on an iphone4?
Click to expand...
If you have a satnav they usually have an audible warning (a great big BONG!! noise) when you're over the speed limit on that road. They also have audible warnings for fixed and known mobile speed cameras. You don't have to programme a destination, just make sure it's turned on. It will then activate. It'll also tell you your speed in top top corner.
 
As a general rule of thumb, if you crash into the car in front your probably going too fast, if you get hit in the rear, you’re going too slow..........?

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Join us

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Back
Top