Simple speedo for my SIB

bobfather · 18 January 2020, 15:52

SIBing in the Lakes means I need to be aware of my speed. I've been trying to find a way to know my speed without too much expense. I came up with this simple solution. Old smartphone with a speedo app installed (doesn't need a sim card) and a waterproof bike phone mount. Phone was free (my old phone) and the waterproof case was only £7. I can clamp it to one of the seats so that it's always visible to me

paintman · 18 January 2020, 16:23

Clever!

Locozodiac · 19 January 2020, 12:42

What's the name of the Speedo App installed if possible to know ? Does it works OK

Happy Boating

bobfather · 19 January 2020, 13:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locozodiac

What's the name of the Speedo App installed if possible to know ? Does it works OK

Happy Boating

It works very well, also records total NMs, trip NMs, max & min knots. I've used it for the past couple of years but found it awkward to access my phone to monitor it. This independent phone with app set to 'permanent screen on' means I no longer have to fiddle around.

The app is free from GooglePlay. It's Jens Peterson GPS Speedometer

pagick · 19 January 2020, 22:55

I use the same solution. After a bit you will know rpm= speed and not need it anymore.

Locozodiac · 20 January 2020, 14:43

Thanks, does the App records motor rpm too at any throttle range or just applications that deals with knots ?

Happy Boating

babbot1 · 21 January 2020, 14:50

I do the same thing as well. Works great.
I use Navionics as my app so I also get chart navigation. One time purchase and you can use it on other devices under the same license. There is an option to show your speed and it usually has a big number in the corner.

You don't need internet access while under way if you download the maps at home. The maps are relatively small so you can grab a huge area.

bobfather · 21 January 2020, 17:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locozodiac

Thanks, does the App records motor rpm too at any throttle range or just applications that deals with knots ?

Happy Boating

It's just GPS speed & distance, no connection to other items

stevejrowe · 21 January 2020, 18:25

I use an app called boat speed which works well giving course and speed also the ability to view position using an open street map overlay

Locozodiac · 22 January 2020, 15:53

Thanks Bobfather, have downloaded it to my phone, will check how it works out this coming Saturday..

Happy Boating

Locozodiac · 23 January 2020, 22:28

Tested the Speedometer today, what a fantastic and simple app to play with, has everything you need to know about speed...

Happy Boating

Locozodiac · 27 January 2020, 16:21

When resetting the screen data values to 0 while the Speedometer is in use, the Odometer always shows a reading, how to reset it to 0 or always will show a reading ?

Happy Boating

bobfather · 27 January 2020, 17:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locozodiac

When resetting the screen data values to 0 while the Speedometer is in use, the Odometer always shows a reading, how to reset it to 0 or always will show a reading ?

Happy Boating

I've got the same issue. I'm hoping that it'll clear that data if I uninstall and reinstall it but I've yet to test that. I think it has been programmed to act like a car speedo, total miles isn't something you'd normally be able to reset but I would like to reset it on my boat speedo because I use the speedo for other non-boating activities

bobfather · 27 January 2020, 18:42

Scrap that idea, uninstall and reinstall doesn't remove the data. I've posted a comment on The App Store to the coder, hopefully he will spot it and offer an updated with an odometer reset option

lightning · 12 February 2020, 08:45

The speedometer app is a great idea, l also use the GPS computer from my mountain bike which works very well.

The screen on the Garmin bike GPS can be configured to show speed only, or speed and distance, etc.

It’s smaller than a phone but the battery lasts about 12 hours. It also has a rubber band mounting with twist off clamp which will attach to anything and being designed for cycling the unit is fully waterproof.

However as shown in the pictures above an old phone will give a picture of an actual speedometer dial which many may prefer.

Fenlander · 12 February 2020, 14:44

If like Bobfather you have a spare smartphone a good cheap option.

It caused me to creep over to Ebay and see what the handheld Garmin Etrex and similar models were fetching. Really surprised to see loads make £20ish or less. For a rugged waterproof device that will give you speed/distance/heading and so much more that's a bargain. I think they all have a smallish speed display though, not speedo style.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GARMIN-ET...p2047675.l2557

jeffstevens763@g · 13 February 2020, 13:53

speedo and more

https://www.marinesuperstore.com/fis...99542450&utm_c