ecltech

OnCourse Navigator 6 (OCN6)
Purchase From: www.buygpsnow.com
Version: OCN6 North America Premium Edition (2GB)
Price: $115.00 (with $20.00 discount)

I was excited when I read about OCN6 on Aximsite.com. I promptly reviewed the videos available and looked at the features. One thing that caught my attention right away was the 30 day money back guarantee offered on OCN's website and also by Buygpsnow.com. Since I owned TomTom Navigator 6.0 the money back option gave me added incentive to purchase OCN6 and if I did not like the features I would return it. Within 2 days of placing my order with Buygpsnow.com I received the package via FedEx.

Contents
I was a bit surprised to see the package it came in was a FedEx envelope. I expected a software package. When I opened the envelope it only contained a receipt and an SD card in a plastic case. No documentations or instructions were included.

Installation
Installation was very simple as stated by OCN's website - just insert the SD card and follow the direction. I have a 2GB SD card with software installed so I had to remove it to have OCN work. I find this a little annoying because each time I need to use OCN I will have to switch SD cards. It's not a major gripe as when I'm driving and using the GPS I don't need the other programs installed on my SD card. After installing the card the I was prompted to accept running "autorun.exe". It went through the installation without any problems. I was ready to use OCN6.

A small dll is also installed on the PDA to place an icon on the main screen.

First Startup
OCN Main Screen

Upon executing OCN6 it goes through a few questions such as preferred language, voice prompts and accepting the EULA. OCN6 then displayed the main screen but a warning message came up stating that it's searching my contacts and during this time performance will be slow. I clicked on the OK button and when I click on any option on the main screen it took about 2-4 minutes to respond. Thinking I did something wrong I forced a restart of the PDA and restarted OCN6 but got the same result. I decided to let it run and it took about 30 minutes to map out 122 contacts. If you have a lot of contacts and would like to avoid this search initially, take a look at the OCN6 FAQ: http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/for...px?f=10&m=5314. It states to download and place the "sys.txt" in the OCN6 folder but the file is not downloadable. You may have to contact OCN or Buygpsnow.com.

I think a progress bar could have helped with this issue so I would know I have to wait. OCN should include an option upon execution of OCN6 which asked the user if they would like to search the contacts or not. Some users may have a lot of contacts and I'm not sure how long it would take to import and map the contacts.

After importing the contacts the system was very responsive. I exit OCN6 and restart the program. It takes about 5 seconds to get to the main screen.

Settings
There are a number of settings available within OCN6. Take a look at the following screen shots. I have not gone through all of them but they do allow you to change a number of things, which is always good. There are few included themes for day and night. The system also can be setup to automatically display the day/night theme depending on the time.



The above screenshots will give you an idea of all the settings.

Views
OCN6 includes two view - Map View and Cockpit View. The Map view shows just the map in either a "3D" perspective mode or 2D mode. The Cockpit view shows the map in addition to other information (configurable) including current road, speed, direction, estimated time of arrival, upcoming turns, etc. Both views has zoom and tilt. The tilt allows you to configure the angle of the perspective view.

Map View


Cockpit View



In both views the Menu option allows you to plan a route and to enable/disable some features.

GPS Functionality
By default I have my Bluetooth disable. When OCN6 starts it enables Bluetooth but it's not able to find the BT GPS receiver. To get this working I had to enable Bluetooth prior to starting OCN6. Not a major problem but could be improve. I went into the system to auto-detect my GPS and it scanned the ports and found the GPS device.

OCN6 allows you to create two locations - Work and Home - that is reference when creating routes. I updated both and it found them without any problems. On the map I noticed it listed certain contacts from my contact list.

I plot a quick route from my home to work. OCN found the correct route within 5 seconds. One of the features I was excited to test was the Fly-Over feature. This allows you to fly over the route with voice prompts, which is nice. I don't see myself using this a lot but it's one of those added bonus (for myself).

For the short time I used OCN6, it was able to do what I needed - find the location, provided voice prompts for direction changes, and gave good estimated ETA.

The route plan allows you to create an Itinerary with multiple destination.

Re-routing
Re-routing is very quick and there are settings available to change how the re-route feature works. I left mine at the default. When the system is re-routing the voice prompt states it's re-routing.

Voice Prompts
The voice prompts are good. I'm using the female US voice. It comes with several voices for other languages. One thing that TT6 has over OCN6 is the voice transition. I find TT6 to have a smoother transition between commands, whereas OCN6 is not as smooth. It's not a major problem but it is something I've become accustomed to in TT6.

Prior to a voice prompt there is a "ding", which is configurable. It can be used as an alert to get your attention to the voice prompt. This setting can be set to a single or double "ding" or can be turned off.

Interface/Graphics
The interface is very clean and easy to navigate. While driving the reaction time on the map and the movement is very smooth. Compared to TT6, OCN6 has much better map/GPS movement. Map reaction time in general is very fast and smooth.

Overall Experience
I've only used OCN6 for 2 days and not on many routes. For the few routes I've used it for, it was accurate, fast, and provided all the features I rely on when I use TT6. One of the major problems with TT is old maps. I've compared several locations that I know TT has problems finding (about 1/2 mile off) and OCN6 was able to find the precise location. This is just a matter of having updated maps. This is helpful because I don't have to constantly double-check my destination using a second mapping software such as Google Maps.

So far I have not find anything that I dislike about OCN6. There are a few minor quirks but the features and functionality of OCN6 out weights the minor issues I've found (I've mentioned them in the article). The interface is very easy to use but it is different compared to TT6 so it will take a few days to learn. The Cockpit view is nice and having the ability to change the zoom level and tilt is a plus.

Pros

1. Very responsive
2. Clean interface and graphics
3. Automatic change of theme depending on day/night (configurable)
4. Included 12.5 millions POI (Premium version)
5. It's all on one SD card - easy to change between devices if necessary
6. Cross country route planning
7. Quick re-routing and route planning
8. Multiple Destination (Itinerary)
9. Log tracking

Cons

1. No included documentation for installation - they should at least include a note about the import contact issue.

My rating for this would be a 4.5 out of 5 based on my current usage of the program. Compared to TT6 I definitely see myself using OCN6 more, however, I will keep TT6 installed. I'm very impressed with OCN6 and I would recommend anyone considering a GPS software to try OCN6. With the 30 day money back guarantee, you can't go wrong.

I hope this review is helpful. If there are any specific questions please IM me and I can provide additional info about the software. Take a look at this FAQ for OCN6:
http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/for...px?f=10&m=5314.

Enjoy!

-Mike

Noisy Crow

Great run through of the app! :approve:

I was poking around the OCN site... here's the link to their forum, which has info the "sys.txt" as well as a bunch of other useful stuff... http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/for...ault.aspx?f=10

joekee

Hi Mike,

Nice review and lots of screen captures! Good job man!

1) Yes, we plan to include a Quick Start Guide soon.

2) Link to download sys.txt if you do not want to use the contact import feature:
http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/fil...ntacts/sys.txt

3) Tip to increase the speed during fly over simulation.
Prior to tapping on Fly Over button, press-and-hold on to your device's Hardware button 1 and then tap on Fly Over button on the screen. Enjoy!

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ecltech

joekee,

Is there any documentation for the sys.txt file? I haven't looked myself so I figure I go right to the source. :)

Thanks for the tip on the fly over simulation.

-Mike

Schira

Looks almost same as my MIO310X's program.
One thing that I wish it had was " Warn Near POI" like tomtom. Checkout here for some customization ideas. Don't know if something like changing the skin will work since the program is tied to the card. I use a self modified version of the GC skin for the night mod. http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/f...sp?FORUM_ID=37
Also, http://www.fredlynx.info/

joekee

Originally Posted by ecltech

joekee, Is there any documentation for the sys.txt file? I haven't looked myself so I figure I go right to the source. :) Thanks for the tip on the fly over simulation. -Mike

Mike, you are welcome. Actually all possible modifications (or key value pair parameters) are listed here:
http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/for...px?f=10&m=5328

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joekee

Originally Posted by Schira

Looks almost same as my MIO310X's program. One thing that I wish it had was " Warn Near POI" like tomtom. Checkout here for some customization ideas. Don't know if something like changing the skin will work since the program is tied to the card. I use a self modified version of the GC skin for the night mod. http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/f...sp?FORUM_ID=37 Also, http://www.fredlynx.info/

Speedcams and their settings appear only after a valid GPS position after a clean install, except in Switzerland. (The menu is located on the same page as "Add POI".

If the GPS position (or the last known GPS position) is in Switzerland, then the speedcam feature and their settings are disabled.

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HCDavos

im thinking about getting this

pablonhd

I am torn between tomtom and this now.

Schira

Originally Posted by pablonhd

I am torn between tomtom and this now.

Well, a few points from my limited exposure to TomTom from what I had written earlier - This could be different now with a new version.

Pros
Custom POIs and categories which will show the distance from home
Large, finger-sized menus
Decent 3D display with names
Can easily adjust the volume with hardware button
Reasonably fast map bowsing. ( But nothing in the market can compare to an iGO based system)
Adjustable speed demo
Can display the favorites on map with icons, same with custom POIs
Almost fluid motion of map while running
Will show you where you are and the map will continue to move if you shift from the calculated route. Recalculation will take place in the background.
One Click option to find an alternate route. And you can keep hitting the button and everytime a different route will be given.
"Warn when near POI" option is great - note , you can make custom POI and you can specify how far ahead you want to be notified (I won't miss any more rest areas)
Very fast to display house numbers on a route when you click.
Its okay if you don't exit Tomtom before putting your PDA off (It can just wake up and go)
Very easy to filter the POI result with key board.( same with iGO based systems - may be easier)
POIs will be shown to give an idea if they are on the planned route or if the deviation is much or you can even filter it to show only those on the route.
Will help you to get to the road from where there is no road by showing you a visual aid in the map. ( not very helpful if the distance is more)

Cons

Voice prompts are not descriptive(Does not say which highway going where)
3D does not look much far ahead and it looks like a slope( I love the automatic zoom and tilt of my MIO which always tries to give to give me the best view)
No way to set zoom at a particular level. (If you zoom out or zoom in, it will restore the default soon)( same with iGO based systems - but you don't realy need it here plus, you can set max zoom in and out limits))
Multi point calculations not easy.(much easier with MIO)
Can't make a road block sticky(well, I don't know if any program does it)
Too thin highlight in 2D (Difficult to see the traveling route if fully zoomed out
No option to show the name of all POIs on screen(if you touch it, it will pop up and show you the name though)
No ATMs or Banks in the POI list!
Can not pan while driving.
Navigation stops at the entrance of private roads (map will display where you are and will show the route but no voice prompts)
No speed limit display or warning


Somebody who knows can tell you if I am wrong and I really hope they will . Most of the comments above are in comparison with OCN5. I assume that MIO310x uses the same software but may be with a few limitations compared to OCN6 (for example that disappearing letter key board for address entry) But that zoom and pan (map browsing ) can be very addictive:)

lorrborr

Thanks for the review. Beautiful screen shots.

joekee

Originally Posted by Schira

Well, a few points from my limited exposure to TomTom from what I had written earlier - This could be different now with a new version. Pros Custom POIs and categories which will show the distance from home Large, finger-sized menus Decent 3D display with names Can easily adjust the volume with hardware button Reasonably fast map bowsing. ( But nothing in the market can compare to an iGO based system) Adjustable speed demo Can display the favorites on map with icons, same with custom POIs Almost fluid motion of map while running Will show you where you are and the map will continue to move if you shift from the calculated route. Recalculation will take place in the background. One Click option to find an alternate route. And you can keep hitting the button and everytime a different route will be given. "Warn when near POI" option is great - note , you can make custom POI and you can specify how far ahead you want to be notified (I won't miss any more rest areas) Very fast to display house numbers on a route when you click. Its okay if you don't exit Tomtom before putting your PDA off (It can just wake up and go) Very easy to filter the POI result with key board.( same with iGO based systems - may be easier) POIs will be shown to give an idea if they are on the planned route or if the deviation is much or you can even filter it to show only those on the route. Will help you to get to the road from where there is no road by showing you a visual aid in the map. ( not very helpful if the distance is more) Cons Voice prompts are not descriptive(Does not say which highway going where) 3D does not look much far ahead and it looks like a slope( I love the automatic zoom and tilt of my MIO which always tries to give to give me the best view) No way to set zoom at a particular level. (If you zoom out or zoom in, it will restore the default soon)( same with iGO based systems - but you don't realy need it here plus, you can set max zoom in and out limits)) Multi point calculations not easy.(much easier with MIO) Can't make a road block sticky(well, I don't know if any program does it) Too thin highlight in 2D (Difficult to see the traveling route if fully zoomed out No option to show the name of all POIs on screen(if you touch it, it will pop up and show you the name though) No ATMs or Banks in the POI list! Can not pan while driving. (What if I want to see the road on the side without changing the zoom? Navigation stops at the entrance of private roads (map will display where you are and will show the route but no voice prompts) No speed limit display or warning Somebody who knows can tell you if I am wrong and I really hope they will . Most of the comments above are in comparison with OCN5. I assume that MIO310x uses the same software but may be with a few limitations compared to OCN6 (for example that disappearing letter key board for address entry) But that zoom and pan (map browsing ) can be very addictive:)

Sorry but I am lost. Which two products are you comparing here? Would you please clarify?

Thanks.

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lorrborr

joekee,

Would you know if I can use the ocn6 sd card in the axim's cf slot? (with a cf2sd adaptor: http://www.datafab.com/product/flash...ant_cfiisd.htm)

That way, I can keep my own sd card with programs in the ppc's sd slot.

Schira

Originally Posted by joekee

Sorry but I am lost. Which two products are you comparing here? Would you please clarify? Thanks.

It is all about TomTom unless specified otherwise.

Cheers!

joekee

Originally Posted by lorrborr

joekee, Would you know if I can use the ocn6 sd card in the axim's cf slot? (with a cf2sd adaptor: http://www.datafab.com/product/flash...ant_cfiisd.htm) That way, I can keep my own sd card with programs in the ppc's sd slot.

Yes, I think it is compatible.

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Sales Team at buyGPSnow.com