| Author | Message | ||
| AL (205.188.116.135)
Rating: N/A |
What brand,model or make is an inexpensive hand-held GPS? That will get me from point A to point B. I have experience on air craft GPS, but don't know a thing about the hand-held. Or if there is someone that has one, that don't have much need for it anymore e-mail me. AL 4106 | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean) (64.81.73.194)
Rating: N/A |
Al, When you say "get me from point A to point B" do you mean that you want the GPS to figure the route for you, or do you just want something that gives your position? -Sean | ||
| Scott Whitney (69.35.62.177) Rating: N/A |
I know you asked about handheld, but if you would consider using your laptop, you can get a Delorme receiver unit with Street Atlas 2004 for $120. Rotating color map, voice prompts, voice recognition etc. etc. But, you must provide the laptop. Scott | ||
| Jimmci9 (209.240.205.68) Rating: N/A |
i have a garmin g12....it doesn't work inside a vehicle, but if you hold it up to the windshield it will... cheap-o... $99 at west marine... boater's world will match price....its good for speed, kinda iffy on distance, cause it measures a 'straight line'..it gives a good n/s, e/w orientation by degrees...i use it for coordinates for my satelite dish tv receiver... you can set 100 waypoints..i set waypoints for good fishing spots, reefs, net drags....ive used it to go offshore and can always find the jetties at port o' connor or port aransas with it....it seems to be accurate to within 1/4 mile or so....it was more accurate before we invaded iraq..... | ||
| AL (64.12.116.135)
Rating: N/A |
Hi Sean. Yea I am looking for somthing that will plot the route, and that will work from inside the bus. Now I don't know if a hand-held will do all this or am I looking at a bunch of $$$ I don't know. Do this gadgets work with cards or disks that you insert in them? Like I said, the only ones I am familiar with are air craft. AL4106 | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean) (64.81.73.194)
Rating: N/A |
Al, I use a Garmin 176c, which does not do routing (as a motorcyclist, I almost never want to go the "best" way, which is what these things tell you). However, the Garmin GPS-V is a compact handheld with a monochrome screen that will route. Also, many people have (and like) the Garmin Streetpilot, which routes and is available in color. It's larger and with a bigger screen. The new Garmin 276c also routes, and has a bigger, brighter screen than all the above, but you'll likely find it only in marine stores. With all these handhelds, you get a "base" map of the US which has detail down to about the state highway and US highway level. To get local roads, you will need to "load" more detailed maps. These are available on optional plug-in cartridges, or you can download them from a PC (some units, such as the 276-c, require a memory cartridge for this, while others, such as the GPS-V, have some built-in memory). For turn-by-turn routing, many favor the units made by Magellan. They now have a small portable unit that has a built-in map that goes down to the local road level in most of the US. This is the RoadMate 700, and it is the unit I recommend for this use. It does turn-by-turn routing and will guide you by voice command so you can keep your eyes on the road. This unit will set you back about a grand, but it's really the best thing out there. As for using it "inside the bus", you may have difficulty with any hand-held unit unless you use an external antenna. Very small (about 2" by 1" by 1/2") amplified antennae are available for these units on eBay in the neighborhood of $30. Throw one of these up on the roof, and you'll get good reception anywhere but in a tunnel. Even if you can't get it onto the roof, one of these will allow you to have the GPS back by the console, while the antenna sits up as close to the windscreen as possible to get a good sky view. Lastly, don't be fooled by units selling in the range of $100-$200. They simply will not do what you want (unless teamed full-time with a laptop computer and software such as DeLorme Street Atlas USA). HTH. -Sean | ||
| R.C.Bishop (128.123.221.183)
Rating: N/A |
Conspicuous by it's absence in this thread is Co-Pilot...also a laptop program, I understand. Anyone got any comments on it? Thanx. RCB | ||
| CoryDane RTSII (66.155.188.143) Rating: N/A |
YES, I have CoPilot It needs a laptop of at least 300 mhz speed. It comes in two flavours, serial port or USB. It can run from the map on the cd but will access faster if you install the map in the laptop. You get a map on the screen and your location is indicated by an arrow, as you are moving, the arrow leaves a trace. The unit will respond to some audible commands and will verbaly let you know you are going the wrong way, then it finds a route to get back on track. Only time it "blacks out" is in a tunnel. I use it also for finding places, it is pretty accurate. Has an antenna you just lay on the dash. Gets power either from the laptop or from the vehicle. Some people prefer the lap top screen since the size makes it easier to see. I have not had a problem with the sun blocking out the screen. So far had good luck with it. It also allows you to add points of interest or places to stop to the map. Another feature tracks your speed, distances, etc. I am told the tracking feature will hold up in court against a ticket. Any other questions, lemme know "Imagine" cd | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean) (64.81.73.194)
Rating: N/A |
R.C., I didn't bring up Co-Pilot because the original poster asked specifically about stand-alone units. As long as you ask, I evaluated Co-Pilot as well as DeLorme and I personally prefer DeLorme for map detail as well as routing features. I know many feel the other way. Both programs suffer from similar database inconsistencies (overpasses that the program thinks are intersections, mystery gaps, tendency to route over donkey-trails instead of paved roads, etc. etc.). Since many states prohibit laptops in view of the driver, our setup has the laptop accessible only at the navigator's seat, with the GPS' dedicated display facing the driver. That way, we get the best of both worlds -- full routing capability on the laptop, and nice, back-lit full color moving map display with speed, course, etc. in view of the driver. The bonus with this setup is that we can download detailed maps and routes into the portable, waterproof GPS unit, and then mount that up on the handlebars of one of the motorcycles so we still have the full capabilities when we are away from the coach. -Sean | ||
| GPS (199.64.0.252) Rating: N/A |
>>> JIMMCI9 siad ...it was more accurate before we invaded iraq... This is probably all in your mind, or you have a problem with your unit. Selective Availability, which is the intentional degrading of the civil GPS signals during wartime, was turned off a few years ago and is no longer used. Civil GPS remains at the same resolution, regardless of world conflict. The military has newer technology which allows them to deny civil GPS service over a specific conflict area (e.g. Iraq), but this denial of service is localized and does not affect other areas of the world as S/A did. Specialized receivers containing what's known as SA/ASM (Selective Availability / Anti Spoofing Module) and security code keys are required to receive the encrypted high precision P(Y) signals by the military. Civil GPS receivers use the C/A (Coarse Acquisition) code which requires no security codes or specialized equipment. These signals provide for a resolution on the order of 10 meters (about 33 feet). Some civil GPS receivers can make use of what's known as differential GPS which uses ground based receiver/transmitter stations to remove the error from the GPS at a known location and transmit the information the the mobile receivers. I believe the system is being installed and maintained by the Coast Guard and is used primarily by marine users. Not certain of the name, but might be the WAAS system. If I recall correctly, this system increases the resolution to somewhere around 1-3 meters depending on the distance the user is from the ground stations. Probably more information than you wanted to know. | ||
| Phil (204.89.170.126) Rating: N/A |
Since you indicated you are familier with aviation units you may find the Garmin 196 interesting as it is a multi-purpose unit. It is primarily an aviation GPS but has a turn-by-turn land as well as a marine configuration. I love mine but have it for the plane but use as much or more in the RV. The down side of it is the price as you are paying for the aviation database with all the airport information (runway lengths, services available, radio frequencies, etc.), retail about $1000 but can be purchased at the larger airshows cheaper (I paid $825 for mine at Oshkosh). The base map has good details for main routing but it can be upgraded to most of the Garmin detail maps (street level, marine) for a price. I love mine!!! | ||
| John that newguy (199.232.240.183) Rating: N/A |
Hey Al.. My Verizon Wireless cell phone (I have a qualcomm lg4400; other brands and providers may do it also) can give me directions to any place I want to go, from wherever I am. It's got built-in GPS. I had to download the map program (from Verizon) and although is take up some minutes to use, it's easy enough and damned convenient. | ||
| Rodger in WA (64.70.24.67) Rating: N/A |
I've been using DeLorme Street Atlas and Map N Go with an early 90's vintage P166 laptop for about nine years. One CD covers the entire US down to street level detail. Also has Interstate exit services info, such as truck stops and restaurants, rest stops and other useful info. The Map N Go Version includes street detail only in metro areas but includes Canada, Mexico and shows RV parks with facilities info and rates. I think the new Street Atlas includes Canada. Zoomed in, you can just about tell what lane you're in. You can calibrate your speedometer with the speed reading and read your elevation in mountainous areas. Receiver and CD cost around $140, I buy an upgrade disk every two or three years at $39.95. Still using my original GPS receiver although DeLorme has upgraded their receivers a couple of times. I just lay the receiver on the dashboard, plug it in and away we go. The laptop is plugged into the house110VAC and the receiver is powered off the laptop. In the car, I run the laptop off a small inverter plugged into the cigarette lighter. The receiver can also be powered by dry cell batteries but it depletes them pretty fast. No external antenna is needed. Reception problems are rare, mostly in tunnels, narrow canyons or under trees. Besides enroute navigation, it's a great planning aid. Too many features to list here. My vote is for the DeLorme. I use it in my home desktop PC for locating address, driving distances, zip codes and other information. Check it out on Delorme's website. | ||
| Rick White (Ipn) (206.176.148.173)
Rating: N/A |
I personally use the Garmin Street Pilot III+ http://www.garmin.com/products/spIII/ It has color maps with voice directions. With the 128mb data card it can store street level detail maps of about 25% to 30% of the US. For my PowerStroke (Primary Vechcle I use it in)I do use an external antenna but in any of other vechicles I mount it in the beanbag mount and use the antenna built in to the unit. With the unit on the Dash it has no problems. I have used it all over the US and have been very pleased. When I have to travel for business now and rent a car I no longer have to pick up the useless map that the rental car company offers. I have never used it as a "HandHeld" unit but it does have 6AA batteries and can be used that way if needed. In addition it is very user friendly and you don't have to read the book to understand how to use it. Rick | ||
| CoryDane RTSII (66.155.188.213) Rating: N/A |
I understood the "LAPTOP" problem in view of the driver was in reflection to the "GENUIS's" that send EMails as they are driving down the road. Using the CoPilot 2000, on my LapTop, I have never had a problem with any local authority, though I did hear some comments in Georga by the Truckers when I was traveling to Florida. I probably had it coming though, I was having a problem with the RV and could'nt go over 45 in a 70 and the truckers thought I was watching TV, lol. My CoPilot was a 2000 version and used the Serial connection. I am considering upgrading to the USB connection as all new computers have them and the manufacturers are slowly eliminating the Serial ports. There is a lot of talk about GPS with something another does not. That is true. They all have their benefits and short comings. Unless you do an emense amount of detailed study of each unit you are interested in, and that means you need to read the manuals, you will be going for options you need. Portability, compactness, large screen (laptop), voice commands, ease of controls, audible response, accurate maps, ability to insert travel information, etc. They all do at least some of this, probably not all. NO MATTER what is purchased, you will get something MORE than you have now. If you know what you want, a particular function, you will have to find that function and weigh the rest of the units functions to see if that is what you really want. I will eventually look for a portable GPS to work in conjunction with the LapTop, as well as to use to auto pilot my boat as the old "Loren" systems don't seem to be popular anymore. I will say, I really like the GPS mapping and the trace to see where I was and where I am going. Fuel features are great but you have to keep up to date to stay current so that make it hit or miss but just for the mapping assistance, simply wonderful. Good luck with your search. I do suggest you at least look into the CoPilot so you at least know what it provides. Some people like the ability to verbaly instruct the unit to do certain functions, "hands free". Look for yourself and get all the details then you can make an educated decision, good luck "Imagine" cd | ||
| R.C.Bishop (128.123.221.200)
Rating: N/A |
Lotsa good- helpful- and usable information on this topic! Thanx, everybody, for the comments. Good stuff!!  RCB '64 Crown Supercoach (HWC) | ||
| AL (64.12.116.135)
Rating: N/A |
You guys have given me a wealth of information.Thanks AL4106 | ||
| Jim-Bob (205.188.116.135) Rating: N/A |
Do any of the mentioned systems provide overhead clearance information? | ||
| John the somewhatnewguy (199.232.240.48) Rating: N/A |
Of interest? Mapquest and other interesting traffic programs for your cell phone. http://getitnow.vzwshop.com/getgoing.list.do?categoryId=232&phoneId=0 http://getitnow.vzwshop.com/getgoing.list.do | ||
| Gary Carter (68.25.65.172) Rating: N/A |
I use the Garmin Ique. A palm pilot with built in GPS. Use an external antenna in the coach. It does it all. | ||
| Roderick W. Chandler (172.173.77.92)
Rating: N/A |
I use a Garmin 12 and it works fgine in my truck. I plot the course on the computer and load it into the GPS and it works fine. It will even give you messages that your are approaching way points that you have established. | ||
| CoryDane RTSII (66.155.188.14) Rating: N/A |
Roderick Do you have to RePlot the course when you are coming back home, say you go from Illinois to Florida for vacation, then you go from Florida to Illinois. Do you need the computer to replot the course again? "Imagine" cd | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean) (66.134.177.2)
Rating: N/A |
Jim-Bob, I have not found a digital map system of any kind that provides clearance information. In addition to the electronic gizmos, we carry a copy of the "Motor Carriers Road Atlas" (available at any truck stop) which lists all low clearances on every truck-legal route in every state. (We're 13'3", so we absolutley need this information.) Definitely worth having this atlas if you are over 12'6". -Sean | ||
| Jim-Bob (12.46.52.74) Rating: N/A |
Thanks Sean. I've heard of the M.C.R. Atlas but don't own one yet. Thought if one system had all I could carry less "Stuff". |