Using a Navman Pin 570 on a bike

[CRM]

I use a Navman Pin570 in my car and trying to figure out if it usable for adventure riding (its the GPS in a pda model - don't think they make them any more).

I'm thinking of getting a tank bag and putting it in the waterproof map compartment, maybe running some earphones out of the jack to get verbal instructions and listen to mp3's at the same time! Only problem I can foresee (apart from the obvious crashes and drownings) is it only comes with road maps so when you leave the road it has a mild case of panic. Anybody know if you can get topo maps for these?

Anybody tried this? Is it workable or do you think it will all end in tears?

Thanks guys

[xgnr]

Hi there

I used a Navman 570 for a while (clear tank bag like you suggested) and it worked sort of ok UNTIL I discovered the Garmin Zumo.

imho the Garmin Software is much better but I guess thats a personal choice. Sensor is much much better in picking up satellites as well.

Only downside is cost eh

No worries about the rain and these are solid units. Get an SD card and you can load up with all your sounds as well as hear the directions. Also comes with a separate car mount so I just move from bike to car to bike

Cheers

Stu

[cooneyr]

Memory maps topos can be used on PDA's. Maybe give it ago?

Cheers R

[Cary]

I used the Navman 530ICN for a while in a 'click clack' box mounted on the 'bars. Worked ok untill the power cable became a bit lose form vibes etc. Last time i used it was for Rusty's 1000miler.

Did the whole weekend great till i got home and left it on a wet, hot bike and got steamed up Didn't work for a couple days but then came right, don't use it on the bike any more.........

Gonna get a Zumo when they get under a grand or befor the next 1000miler!

Use it in a tank bag but don't leave it in there if bag is wet would be my advice!!

So, XGNR how u rinding the Zumo???

[jrandom]

the Garmin Software is much better

Did you not think that this is a small country, and someone on this forum might take that personally?

Sensor is much much better in picking up satellites as well.

Absolutely. That's what you get for paying dodgy Taiwanese companies to design a GPS receiver!



Of course, that dodgy penny-pinching Taiwanese contract manufacturer owns Navman now. I guess they got the last laugh, eh?

[xgnr]

Did you not think that this is a small country, and someone on this forum might take that personally?

hey its KB 'course someone will... just my opinion eh... I bought one so I can comment on it from a users perspective rather than what I read, was told or just dreamed up eh..

[jrandom]

hey its KB 'course someone will... just my opinion eh... I bought one so I can comment on it from a users perspective rather than what I read, was told or just dreamed up eh..

Heh. Just taking the piss mate. You may have a user's perspective, but I know for a fact that they're shit.

[xgnr]

So, XGNR how u rinding the Zumo???

I guess rinding = finding

Works a treat. I find that I use it as a speedo/MP3 player heaps. As I am fortunate enough to use the bike for work its great to plug in an address and find my way there without a map. The ETA and fuel / accommodation find features are very useful.

Makes life a bit easier/enjoyable on the GC as its great to know how long to the next checkpoint/average speed etc. A tool in the kit for getting through it rather than a magic bullet.

Cheers

Stu

[xgnr]

Heh. Just taking the piss mate. You may have a user's perspective, but I know for a fact that they're shit.

yeah wondered about that but you never know in this place lol.

Having worked for a NZ award winning SW development company and seeing the crap that came out of there... that they believed their own publicity was the big problem methinks.

Navman SW is ok but has no comparison to Garmin end of story... try before you buy eh.

Cheers

Stu

[CRM]

Thanks for the quick feedback. Can't really justify the cost of another GPS just yet and this one still goes fine although it's a few years old. I'll check out the topo link.

Just need to find a small enough tank bag to fit the GasGas maybe one with a built in extension fuel tank - there's a thought - does anyone make those?

Only problem with the Pampera as a serious go-absolutely-anywhere adventure bike is the fuel range.

[jrandom]

Navman SW is ok but has no comparison to Garmin end of story...

Yeah, these days, anyway.

We kicked Garmin's arse with the iCN630 in 2003; before that unit, the in-car GPS market was a bit moribund, and the iCN was quite a leap ahead.

Its development was a bit of a skunk works project, half-funded by a Government R&D grant, but after its release and success all innovation at Navman essentially just stopped while management shifted to "pump and dump" mode so that Navman's handful of private shareholders could cash in and run off laughing into the sunset.

Garmin and TomTom, of course, spent the following 5 years pouring resources into developing their products and shitting all over Navman and booting them back out of the market.

It's a shame the success didn't continue, but I had some fun times and made quite a few good friends working there, so... no worries eh?