Gadget : GPS device on bikes

[Guolong]

 

based on experience, the Garmin USB is not suitable for Singapore (at least for me)

 

bought this as part of package from JK, and after a few months the USB connector got greenish mould even i cover with plastic and twist tie.

 

so GPS was not able to power up by this unit

 

went back to JK, he helped to exchange new one, new model comes with cap to prevent exposure.

 

again after 3 months, USB connector got mould again (even with cap) and loose connection.

 

Tried to use the 3M contact cleaner but still not able to power-up the GPS.

 

So i sent back to Garmin agent (NaviCom at Ubi) since March... no news from them till now.

 

Thanks alot for the information you shared.

 

I will install a 12V cig socket then as it is more universal and could be used to power other devices, quite worried about rain water seeping into the electrical connections (male and female parts of the 12V cig lighter) and shorting when i ride in the rain.

 

Any experience with this?

[Silent Hunter]

I downloaded a free thailand map, but it interfers with my current map replacing the 'Gmapssup' file for it to work.

 

When I use it, the GPS cannot show the minor roads in SG and Malaysia, only the expressways.

Only way is to have 2 sets of files in 2 SD card's chips and swap them whenever I need.

 

What do you guys use?

[huairen]

My gps use internal and external memory. Able to select map from either memory. So it's ok for me. Just have to switch once in Thailand.

If you don't wanna switch, can use malfreemaps but Thailand portion not as updated.

[Demon]

I downloaded a free thailand map, but it interfers with my current map replacing the 'Gmapssup' file for it to work.

 

When I use it, the GPS cannot show the minor roads in SG and Malaysia, only the expressways.

Only way is to have 2 sets of files in 2 SD card's chips and swap them whenever I need.

 

What do you guys use?

 

What model is your GPS ?

 

What other maps do you have in the SD Card, and in the device memory ?

[Silent Hunter]

Using Etrex. Only got the free MalSing2003 map in the mirco SD card.

Got thailand map in another folder in the same mirco SD card but cannot switch from one map to the other without having to overrride one of the files using a laptop, rendering the other map unusable.

[Demon]

Using Etrex. Only got the free MalSing2003 map in the mirco SD card.

Got thailand map in another folder in the same mirco SD card but cannot switch from one map to the other without having to overrride one of the files using a laptop, rendering the other map unusable.

 

Etrex is only capable of reading one map file.

The easiest way is to use mfm map as it consists of Singapore, east/west Malaysia, Thailand. But their Thailand map, especially bangkok is not so detail.

 

Alternatively, you can freely available software such as Sendmap20, to combine all your maps into one gmapsupp.img file. The danger is that if these individual maps do not have a common boundary, then the maps when combined will lose some details.

 

 

Another way is to put individual maps into separate sdcard. So you insert the appropriate sdcard as you journey through different countries.

 

If I were you, just upgrade to a newer model which can accept multiple maps

[Resilience]

Help! Help!

 

Is Zumo 660 compatible with U Clear headset? I asked this as

 

1. I am planning to buy 660.

2. Was unable to pair them ( tried to pair my U Clear with a friend's Zumo 660 but failed).

3. I read about compatibility issue http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-intercoms/uclear-hbc-100/part-2.htm and I am now confused.

 

Thanks in advance !!!

Edited December 17, 2011 by Resilience

[Advrider]

No does not work with u-clear.

[scuddy]

No does not work with u-clear.

Huh? my u-clear can pair leh.

I can only get it to pair with the either zumo OR iphone only.

so i paired the phone to zumo.

then zumo pair with u-clear

but this config got some hiccup for me. if listening to music, then a call comes in, after hanging up, the music will be 1 piece 1 piece

 

PS : there's only 1 model of U-clear around right? haven't been updated with the comms scene for a long while. So pardon me if i didn't get it correct.

Edited December 18, 2011 by scuddy
amendment

[Advrider]

My u-clear keeps dropping signal after I upgrade the firmware in my Zumo 660. Even when it's connected listening to music is a pain while riding.

 

I don't pair the iPhone direct to u-clear, pair it with Zumo then I get the best of everything.

 

I changed to the scala g4 now and everything works perfectly at the moment.

 

One thing found out its very distracting to listen to turn by turn instruction from the Zumo especially if contains the traffic poi speed a bit only the warning tone will come out.

[Resilience]

Thank u Scuddy & Advrider

 

Garmin Zumo 660 & U Clear

I am going to try out pairing in different ways by using my friend's 660. Looks like first, pairing Zumo 660 to U Clear & then pairing Zumo to iPhone.

 

I read somewhere that Bluetooth devices to be paired must have the same pin code + some other specifications in order to be compatible. Is the Zumo's code 0000 like the U Clear's code?

 

Garmin Montana 650 & U Clear

Montana does not have the Bluetooth. Can I resolve it by making Montana a bluetooth device by plugging to its audio port with a bluetooth audio transmitter dongle (that has a 3.5mm pin), then pair it with U Clear? Will that work? Has anyone done it?

Edited December 20, 2011 by Resilience

[Advrider]

Thank u Scuddy & Advrider

 

Garmin Zumo 660 & U Clear

I am going to try out pairing in different ways by using my friend's 660. Looks like first, pairing Zumo 660 to U Clear & then pairing Zumo to iPhone.

 

I read somewhere that Bluetooth devices to be paired must have the same pin code + some other specifications in order to be compatible. Is the Zumo's code 0000 like the U Clear's code?

 

Garmin Montana 650 & U Clear

Montana does not have the Bluetooth. Can I resolve it by making Montana a bluetooth device by plugging to its audio port with a bluetooth audio transmitter dongle (that has a 3.5mm pin), then pair it with U Clear? Will that work? Has anyone done it?

 

If you really need the bluetooth function go for the Zumo. I don't need the Bluetooth that's why I change to the Montana.

[Yatz86]

Hi all, may I know where to get those holders for GPS device?...Preferably waterproof

 

Planning to use my Samsung device for GPS

[Advrider]

eBay or amazon..... Locally JK commercial

[bOtzZ]

Yatz : i'm using RAM Aquabox M size for my 4.3inch screen size car GPS. So far rode in rain with no problems.

[bOtzZ]

Which GPS can accept custom routes created using Garmin Mapsource?

[Advrider]

Which GPS can accept custom routes created using Garmin Mapsource?

 

I know a kaki who uses a china brand gps able to read up to 5 format inclusive of the farming format. It's cheap too.

[Doremi]

Hi all, may I know where to get those holders for GPS device?...Preferably waterproof

 

Planning to use my Samsung device for GPS

 

using this now. Very good. No complaint

 

http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php/346749-WTS-Waterproof-GPS-holder-for-motorcycles

[kmax]

Thanks alot for the information you shared.

 

I will install a 12V cig socket then as it is more universal and could be used to power other devices, quite worried about rain water seeping into the electrical connections (male and female parts of the 12V cig lighter) and shorting when i ride in the rain.

 

Any experience with this?

 

i am using waterproof 12v socket.. so far no problem, you can search in CMO, garage sale, or even ebay for this item

 

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff236/towzatronics/STANDARD%20Sockets%20Looms%20Plugs%20Inlines/12VWaterproofAccessoryPowerSocketChassisMount.jpg

[kmax]

I think it's rider's problem.... hahahahahahaa!!!

 

yeah right

[scuddy]

using this now. Very good. No complaint

 

http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php/346749-WTS-Waterproof-GPS-holder-for-motorcycles

 

i have this for this for the smartphones. but it states on the box water resistant & not waterproof. it will tahan light rains but for heavy downpour, i'll take it out tho' & just put in my rain jacket. dun wanna take any chances hehe.

 

Doremi, you tried under heavy rain?

[Demon]

i am using waterproof 12v socket.. so far no problem, you can search in CMO, garage sale, or even ebay for this item

 

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff236/towzatronics/STANDARD%20Sockets%20Looms%20Plugs%20Inlines/12VWaterproofAccessoryPowerSocketChassisMount.jpg

 

If you read the disclaimer on such power sockets, it states that it is only water-proof when not in used

 

Nevertheless, I have been using the exact model for many years on different bikes, there is very little risk of rain short-circuiting if the socket is positioned in a sheltered location, such as behind a wind-screen. To further reduce this risk, it is recommended to waterproof the plug (ie, the part that goes into the socket), or don't use it when it is raining heavily.

[Advrider]

I'm using the same ones from the BMW bikes. Go through heavy rain still no problem. The down side is you need to changE the socket cos it's smaller in size compared to the ones that's being sold in the classified.

[Resilience]

If you really need the bluetooth function go for the Zumo. I don't need the Bluetooth that's why I change to the Montana.

 

This is my current position and thoughts:

 

Most probably, it's either Montana or 660 for me.

 

In the meantime, I like to figure out 660's compatibility wif U Clear Bluetooth Headset Communicator as I already bought 2 sets.

 

If I buy in favour of Montana ( with its advances), I just need to plug in mono earphone into audio out of the Montana.

 

I certainly need to reexamine my self made device I made for my video cam n gps.

 

Thanks, Advrider! I accept Advrider's experience on Ram Mount holding on well as a holder, in addition to my constant fear that my iphone or gps might fly off from the velcro surface, every time I ride. Another thing is my personal fear of the fixed metal squares ( self designed holder) not far from my chest - can that pose as object which can pierce my chest? Ram Mount is jointed.

Edited December 22, 2011 by Resilience

[bOtzZ]

What u guys think of the Oregon450? Ebay selling at quite a cheap price especially those used set.