I'm contemplating a GPS for the FJ, and looking for any advice on which brand, or model I should be looking at. The extent of my knowledge of GPS technology is limited to typing in a destination on my wife's Tom-Tom in her car, and then following the directions.
I'd like to get into the whole GPS thing, and would like to at least get started on the right foot with a decent unit. I'd like to get a unit that I can program routes on the PC, and download routes to the GPS unit. (and visa versa?) I don't know what units are capable of this or what mapping software is better? Google maps? Microsoft Mappoint?
My Tom-Tom came with all that stuff and wasn't very expensive.
Our first rally I entered all the locations on the lap top with the provided software and transferred them over.
No one got lost so it must have worked pretty well.
Travis, If I remember correctly, you were using google maps for the routes?
Just to post the routes online. I entered all them points on the tom tom software and plugged the tom tom in to down load them.
I prefer Garmin but to best serve you there are a few things to make sure your model has.
Lifetime maps update ( a must for the garmin as updating without this service will cost you 80 bones so not something you would do as you could by another for the same price)
Ability to put in Routes... ask about this but my 1300 model does not have this ability -- I think Marsh's does and he said it was a 1390 model.
If you go the ones designated for motorcycles ..typically have bigger buttons/weather resistant they can be expensive.
I just use a normal auto one and it works fine but wish I have one I could put routes into.
The main reason I like the Garmin is you have the ability to scroll the GPS with your finger and move the map around -- so when I want to find a road I just zoom out a little and scroll around etc... I don't believe you can do that with the Tom-tom.
Other than the above options I find the rest is just fluff and they are all about the same
stevecc
Quote from: moparman70 on June 07, 2012, 11:03:50 PM
The main reason I like the Garmin is you have the ability to scroll the GPS with your finger and move the map around -- so when I want to find a road I just zoom out a little and scroll around etc...
I own a Garmin and I do use this feature quite often. I found a Garmin mount at SuntekStore (http://www.suntekstore.com/goods-10011450-car_air_vent_mount_gps_holder_for_garmin_nuvi_205w_255w_265wt_465t.html (http://www.suntekstore.com/goods-10011450-car_air_vent_mount_gps_holder_for_garmin_nuvi_205w_255w_265wt_465t.html)) for about $3 and free shipping. I zip-tied it to my handlebar and it works perfectly. The only problem is since it's angled up so I can see it, it's a little hard to see on a sunny day.
Quote from: moparman70 on June 07, 2012, 11:03:50 PM
The main reason I like the Garmin is you have the ability to scroll the GPS with your finger and move the map around -- so when I want to find a road I just zoom out a little and scroll around etc... I don't believe you can do that with the Tom-tom.
Other than the above options I find the rest is just fluff and they are all about the same
stevecc
Not true, just touch the browse map icon, and the tom-tom pulls up a map that you can zoom in and out and scroll left, right, up and down with your finger.
My Tom-tom wasn't one of the expensive ones so I would guess they all do it.
I picked up a Garmin 2720 Street Pilot off craigslist fairly cheap. Came in the box with all the accessories . I picked up a RAM mount and power cable. The 2600, 2700 and I believe 2800 series are all weather proof and you can use map source to program routes . Not the latest and greatest Zumo tech, but some have XM weather and mp3. My wife's Nuvi is not weatherproof and you cant program it.
I have added a GPS and a power port to my Gixxer, both were home grown. Something similar could be doe for the FJ with out too much drama. I discussed them in the below previous threads:
Power Port:
Quote from: Dan Filetti on July 22, 2011, 06:38:24 PM
Speaking of outlets, this is mine. It is a flush-mount DC power port I have on the Gixxer. I ordered it though Amazon it was described as follows:
Marine Grade Cigarette Lighter Socket 12 VDC
Sold by: Parts Express International Inc.
$6.78 each (~$11 with shipping)
I mounted it through the suspension adjustment hole which, when in use is out of the way, just below my knee. It fits snugly, but can be removed in the event I need to tweak the suspension.
I suspect that there is an FJ application for such a thing as well. What's nice about it, is the cover looks to be able to keep it quite dry in wet conditions.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/2/12_22_07_11_5_29_09.jpeg)
GPS Mount:
Quote from: Dan Filetti on January 18, 2011, 05:08:23 PM
Folks-
I recently completed a mod to mount my GPS to my Gixxer. I had bought the basic Ram mount a while back, thinking the diameter of the ball was the correct one to simply snap my Garmin GPS to it. I realized I was wrong when it showed up... So I modified it to do so.
On the Ram Mount, I cut the original rubberized ball off and ground the underlying aluminum shaft down to a new mounting stub. I then cut the ball off a $5. (5 Below) GPS suction mount, and drilled a mounting hole into the Garmin ball that was the diameter of the new shaft. I epoxied the ball on with JB weld, and then wrapped a sleeve of PC-7 around it for a bit more support.
It sits about 2" off the top triple and swivels every which way. I think it turn out pretty well.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/1/12_18_01_11_4_46_11_3.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/1/12_18_01_11_4_46_10_2.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/1/12_18_01_11_4_46_09_1.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/1/12_18_01_11_4_46_09_0.jpeg)
Cheers!
Dan
Edit by Marsh: FYI there is no need to quote tons of pictures and Dan's ENTIRE post...
Thanks haven't even thought about how to mount Trailtech Voyager I'm using for speedo. But I think I've just been shown the way.
Well, I've accomplished the first step and added a couple of power points with a leftover harness and relay that I had. I've got to find 4 black colored screws to replace the ugly SS screws that draw attention to the less than pretty power points. Aside from not looking great, they do work so that's the positive.
Thanks for the encouragement on getting my power source hooked up.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/3/150_11_06_12_4_02_08.jpeg)
Quote from: markmartin on June 11, 2012, 05:17:08 PM
I've got to find 4 black colored screws to replace the ugly SS screws that draw attention to the less than pretty power points.
Whats wrong with some black paint?
QuoteWhats wrong with some black paint?
I agree. I use a black Sharpie to blacken the balance weights on my black rims. I usually color 2-3 times after the previous coat dries.
Quote from: carey on June 11, 2012, 07:42:33 PM
QuoteWhats wrong with some black paint?
I agree. I use a black Sharpie to blacken the balance weights on my black rims. I usually color 2-3 times after the previous coat dries.
+, uh 3, sharpie for me as above.
Dan
I find ACE hardware usually has everything in screws in the small drawer type boxes. I even found the metric screw for the choke know there. If you have one of these stores close to you check'em out
I use a Garmin Zumo 550.
I like it cause it's weatherproof, has glove-friendly buttons, bluetooth, and plays mp3's from an SD card :music:, while giving me directions verbally. It also has an internal battery that lasts a good while.
Yes, the unit itself is expensive, as well as the map upgrades(I bought the lifetime, so as to only do it once)
It does come with 2 cradles, so you can transfer it into the car, and use it there as well.
I hardwired mine to an ignition-only circuit so i wouldn't leave it on accidentally.
there's lots of good ones out there though.
Whatever one you get, make sure you come up with some way to keep water out of it in case you get caught out in the rain. :hi:
"Whatever one you get, make sure you come up with some way to keep water out of it in case you get caught out in the rain."
I have been using Garmin Nuvi's for the past several years, for making one water proof just cary a ziplock bag and wrap it up if and when it rains. I saw somewhere on the net someone that uses a condom to cover the gps in the rain. Cheap and works.....
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=186275 (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=186275)
Post 12
Eric M
http://advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=75 (http://advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=75)
My TOMTOM did the job , but was slow to start, and took forever to find a signal. The Garmin I have now starts up and finds a signal quickly. It has limited options, its either highway or no highway. I find it important to have a mix now. My next Garmin will have the ability to load a route in detail. The price starts getting up there to have these capabilities.
When I said to Klavdy and his Lady I was coming to the US for the WCR and Gunnison she said you must buy a GPS that way if you lose your way you will be able to find your way back to your accommodation, with this in mind when I arrived at Marsh's he took me to COSTCO where I purchased a Garmin Nuvi 1390 LMT it was as it turned out a bloody godsend only got lost several times using it when my pilot (Randy & Chandra wouldn't believe the little lady kept telling us we had to turn :sarcastic:) for the princely sum of $119 dollars with life time maps bloody bargin
Baldy
Good morning everyone,
I have had the good fortune to have traveled the Western states & to Tellico Plains & St. Louis the last several years. I use old school paper maps atop my tank bag and haven't got lost yet...
Just a thought,
Mike Ramos.
To Mikes point - I don't really use my GPS to find or tell me how to go for the most part. The biggest part of using a GPS is for time management on a ride. If you know where you are going you can plug in your final destination and then just get lost until the little device says the time of arrival you want to arrive then you know its time to move on. Its great for getting the stats for the ride as well -- all the stuff I used to keep in my head.
Maps are great at telling you where you started from and where you want to end up. I use them because I can't get good enough detail on the GPS unless I'm zoomed in way too far to see the big picture.
What I use my GPS for is to tell me "where I am" along my route. A map doesn't tell you where you are. Or when you are expected to get to your destination.
DavidR.