The Explorerist: Adventures by bike, kayak, on foot, motorbike, and 4WD.
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • GPX Files
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • GPX Files

DMD2 App – A New User’s Review

9/2/2026

0 Comments

 
This is very much a n00b review of the DMD2 app. I’ve only had it installed for a few days, just enough time to start getting familiar with how it works. I’m planning to purchase the Thork Racing DMD2 Nor7e when it becomes available and have preinstalled a GPS mount on my bike in preparation for the navigation system's arrival.
For reference, I’ve included a photo showing my current navigation screen configuration.
​Today, I loaded a simple GPX file created in the DMD2 planner, and also downloaded another GPX file, which I transferred via Google Drive. It would be great if this process could be streamlined into a single step — similar to Google Maps’ “Send to phone” function — rather than its current method for transferring files.
​*Update* Looks like this is possible with a subscription or a full DMD2 nav system.
The route itself was just a straightforward ride to work, with the intention of inverting it for the trip home.
First Ride – No Turn-by-Turn (User Error!)
On the ride in, I didn’t have turn-by-turn navigation enabled — mainly because I couldn’t find the setting (more on that shortly). The navigation page displayed the track clearly, much like most navigation apps.
I deliberately went off course at one point to see how the app would respond. I really liked how it draws a line — complete with distance — back to the track. That’s a genuinely useful feature.
The second time I went off route wasn’t intentional. I was focused on riding, forgot the route briefly, and missed a turn. When I glanced down, I realised what I’d done. That was the moment I decided I definitely wanted turn-by-turn prompts enabled, just to give me a heads-up like “next turn left in X metres.” Using the off-track line, I was able to work my way back onto the route easily enough.
Finding Turn-by-Turn
Once at work, I was determined to find the turn-by-turn function. The answers I found online pointed me toward:
GPX Settings → Tracks Extra Instructions
But I simply couldn’t find it. After quite a bit of digging, I eventually discovered that enabling:
  • Enable Curves Angle Instructions
  • Show Angle Text for Curves
…provides the turn-by-turn style prompts I was looking for.
With that sorted, I inverted the route for the ride home and set off.
Where It Came Unstuck
This is where things got interesting.
I was watching my shiny new turn-by-turn instructions when it told me to take the second left. The problem? In the ACT, some roads are widely separated, and following that instruction would have taken me down the wrong direction of a one-way section. I should have taken the first left instead.
Tip for young players: the app doesn’t account for this when you invert a track, and it won’t automatically reroute around one-way systems in that scenario. It would be fantastic if that functionality were added in the future — though I understand that may not be straightforward.
For now, it just means you need to apply a bit of rider awareness when reversing routes.
Overall Impressions
Overall, I’ve found DMD2 significantly easier to use than OsmAnd, which I’ve been running for a couple of years. I’ll continue using DMD2, especially since it will be the standard system when I buy the Nor7e. It’s reassuring to know I can still add a shortcut to OsmAnd if I ever need it — though I suspect that will be unlikely.
Customisation is generally very good, and I particularly like being able to control my music without leaving the app.
Feature Suggestions
A couple of small tweaks I’d love the developers to consider:
  • Speed indicator: It would be helpful if the speedometer icon resembled standard road speed signs (even if just a red-outlined square). That would make it quicker and easier to confirm your speed at a glance.
  • Fuel/range indicator: A different colour option for the fuel/range display would improve visibility. My bike doesn’t have a fuel gauge, so I rely heavily on range calculations.
  • Inverted route logic: If the app could better account for separated carriageways and one-way systems when reversing a track, that would be a fantastic addition — even if it’s a long shot.
Picture
Fuel Range and Speedo suggestions.
Final Thoughts
All in all, I’m very satisfied with the DMD2 app so far. It’s intuitive, capable, and clearly designed with riders in mind. I’m looking forward to receiving the Nor7e and having it properly mounted on the bike.
This may be a beginner’s perspective — but from where I’m sitting, it’s a strong start.
0 Comments

Navigation Upgrade: Stage 1

7/1/2026

0 Comments

 
​I’ve had a bit of a dream for a while now — probably since the first month of owning my bike. That dream has been to move towards a more rally-style setup for adventure riding, complete with a proper navigation system. Not long after, I discovered the DMD 2 navigation platform. I was immediately drawn to the larger tablet-style units, but it quickly became clear that the biggest option would be a little oversized for my bike, so the smaller 6-inch model seemed the sensible choice.
That was until DMD announced a new 7-inch unit, scheduled for release in March this year. That changed everything. The size looks like it’ll be just right for my setup — now I just need to work out how to mount it properly.
​Mounting and protection became the next challenge. My current phone mount leaves the device fully exposed to the elements: branches, flying rocks, dust, and, of course, bug splatter. I’d previously tried a Bajaworx windscreen, but the helmet buffeting was unbearable and quickly ruled it out. I even toyed with the idea of building a small fibreglass cowl based on the headlight shroud, though that project never quite got off the ground. Then I came across a GPS mounting system from NICECNC — the same company that made my existing GPS mount. It looks like it might strike the right balance between protection and airflow, without introducing unwanted buffeting.
To fit the NICECNC mount, however, I’ll need to remove the crossbar from my handlebars, which means this project is turning into a multi-stage upgrade.
Stage 1: New BarsTo remove the crossbar, I needed to move to a 1⅛-inch diameter bar setup. That meant replacing several components:
  • Handlebars
  • Bar clamps
  • Barkbuster clamps
  • Grips (which were nearly worn out anyway)
With that done, it was off with the old and on with the new.
Stage 2: GPS MountNext, I’ll need to relocate the ignition and USB charger to make room for the new mount. Hopefully, I won’t need to replace the odometer with something smaller. Until the new navigation system arrives, I’ll continue using my SP Connect phone mount and phone.
Picture
Stage 3: Navigation SystemOnce available, I plan to purchase the DMD 2 NOR7E along with the remote controller and complete the installation.
​For now, Stage 1 is complete — and the rally-style transformation is officially underway.
0 Comments
    Picture

    Head Home

    Author

    Hi, I’m Mark McIntosh — though most people just call me Macr. This blog is where I share my adventures, both big and small, through stories, photographs and now videos. Whether it’s on two wheels, four, or on foot, it’s a place to document the journeys and moments that make exploring worthwhile. For my more serious photography work, you’ll also find me over on Flickr. 
    You can watch my videos on YouTube.

    “Exploring Australia, one shot at a time.”​

    Archives

    January 2026
    November 2025
    October 2025
    September 2025
    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    June 2023
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    September 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014

    Categories

    All
    4WD
    Bikepacking
    Bushfires
    Camping
    Clothing
    Cycling
    DJI
    EBike
    Electrical System
    Exploring
    Fatbike
    GPS
    Gravel Bike
    Gunnies
    Hiking
    History
    Kayaking
    Motorbike
    MTB
    Navigation
    Photography
    Power
    Racing
    Safety
    Snow
    Sound
    Travel
    Victron
    Video

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly