GPS advice? I'm lost.

[markmartin]

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?

[Travis398]

My Tom-Tom came with all that stuff and wasn't very expensive.

[Travis398]

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.

[markmartin]

Travis, If I remember correctly, you were using google maps for the routes?

[Travis398]

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.

[moparman70]

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

[Lotsokids]

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) 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.

[Travis398]

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.

[FJ Flyer]

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.

[Dan Filetti]

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:

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.

GPS Mount:

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.

Cheers!

Dan

[giantkiller]

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.

[markmartin]

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. 

[FJmonkey]

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?

[carey]

Whats 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.

[Dan Filetti]

Whats 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