GPS users, your assistance please?

[pritch]

There is a speedo thread hereabout in which several people have mentioned GPS readings. A quick look indicates that there is a wide range of prices, from very inexpensive up to the Zumo at about $1500.

The Zumo might look OK on a GS BMW or an ST1300 Honda but...

In the past I have tended to subscribe to Finn's theory of navigation which suggests that when your way is blocked by water, you stop.

I see that the "mapping" receivers cost about $800, but maps cost a couple of hundred each and I'd eventually need two.

What make and model recievers are you guys using, and what do you actually use them for?

I did see Cowboyz' thread some time ago but it looked technically complicated I don't want to get into hacking or cracking.

If anyone could shed light where there is currently darkness it'd be appreciated

[cowboyz]

I use a garmin legend for ~$200. It does navigate but pretty hopeless at it.

I really only use it for recording. So I can work out what went wrong after the fact and it keeps average speeds etc. Its a pretty good unit. I think its been overtaken by the garmin GPS60 but they are waterproof and pretty much idiot proof.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

I use the Garmin Quest... it does the job

[vifferman]

I use a TomTom 1 3rd Edition, solely because I bought it using FlyBuys points. However (but!) I'd buy another TomTom just because it's such a great GPS. The only things I don't like about it are that the screen could be bigger (it's only 3.5"), the battery has only 1 hour lifetime, and it doesn't have enough on-board memory for the European maps, so we can't take it to Yrp with us next year, unless we load only the smaller maps, rather than the whole Western Yrp map. The features, ease of use, logic, etc. are all fantastic, and I have found nothing so far that I don't like or think could be improved.
We'll probably give it to one of the MutantSpawn when we upgrade.

I've used it twice (2 times) on the bike, and it was good. I just stuck the mount on the underside of the windscreen. Next time I'll stick it on the tacho or speedo face. The only other GPS I've used on the bike was a Navman, which wobbled too much and fell off a few times.

We use the TomTom in the car even when we know where we're going, as it has some features that are useful even when your route is known, like speed checking (I've set it to moo when we go more'n 8km/h over the speedlimit), time of arrival, distance to destination, points of interest, alternative routes, etc etc. I've found too that it's great when driving places around D'Auckland that I don't ge to very often, as I don't have to think about which way to go - just plug in the destination (or click it, if it's a favourite), and concentrate on driving.

[cowboyz]

), and concentrate on driving.

that doesnt sound like an auckland driver.





sorry too easy.

[Rockbuddy]

I use a garmin Zumo550 on my cruiser and use it in the car as well it has bluetooth so the phone connects so it becomes a good hands free unit, has an mp3 player, as far as maps go i use opensource maps found here http://www.nzopengps.org/ they are free and are updated weekly but only work on garmin gps

[ynot slow]

Navman S30 off trade me for $200,as new and accurate,has 3.5" screen.Works for us,haven't tried it on the bike.battery life is good.

[cowboyz]

the S30 is not waterproof is it?

[Nasty]

Navman S30 off trade me for $200,as new and accurate,has 3.5" screen.Works for us,haven't tried it on the bike.battery life is good.

I have the S150 with a slightly larger screen ... its attached to the bike using a RAMM mount and Aqua box.

[Jantar]

The early model Garmin Legends were pretty good for speed etc and the maps (free in NZ) were OK. But no routing and very slow to upload and download. Their accuracy was also pretty good when in exposed areas, but not very sensitive when in deep valleys of thick bush.

The newer Legend HCx (around $400 when bought new on eBay) are much better. Great detail, highly sensitive so they seldom lose lock on satellites and routing. The maps are available free from open source http://nzopengps.org/ and are better than the commercially available ones.

[Devil]

garmin GPS60 but they are waterproof and pretty much idiot proof.

Yep, about $500 new too, and opensource maps are free.
They navigate just nicely and they're a good handheld as well.
Battery life is good too.
I'll probably end up with one of these.
Would love a zumo because of it's bluetooth, mp3, touchscreenyness, but cant really justify the price to the Treasurer, plus apparently it only routes on road. (so no offroad routes, correct me if I am wrong).

Edit: It's the 60Csx that I mean. I'll be getting one of those.

[The Pastor]

I have the garmin gps 60csx something or other, cost about $700 and with the free maps its really good.

Handhelds are great for the bike, i have it cliped to my jacket and i can just pull over and turn it on if i ever get lost. - dont try to mount it so you can see, accident waiting to happen

i bought it for hunting and its great

[Hitcher]

The zumo 550 with the NZ opensource maps takes a power of beating. I also own a Garmin Etrex Legend and can't see it going within 20% of what the zumo can do. It's not hardwired into the bike for a starter, bringing into play the joys of AA batteries and being able to read a screen the size of a matchbox at night, or during the day with associated screen glare for that matter.

Shop around and you'll find you can buy a zumo with change from $1,100.

[Devil]

dont try to mount it so you can see, accident waiting to happen

Sure, but for the rest of us who can handle more than one thing at a time:
Has a nice snug RAM mount and the directions are pretty good.

[ynot slow]

the S30 is not waterproof is it?

No,grabbed it for the car,but can put it in jacket for protection,or mate has radar on his busa behind screen and no weather probs,so if gps was mounted there be similar,need to remove if stopped and raining though.Plastic cover an option as well maybe.