Gadget : GPS device on bikes

[WE300B]

For the Nuvi 500, can you create and store routes? Also, does it have bluetooth connectivity to headsets for the voice directions? Thanks.

[BlackAngel]

For the Nuvi 500, can you create and store routes? Also, does it have bluetooth connectivity to headsets for the voice directions? Thanks.

 

Theres additional waypoints to route the destination and the route can be saved. Bluetooth connectivity, unfortunately is not available in this model.

 

Im aware that the voice volume is not as loud if you are going at an average 110km/hr, so glancing the gps unit once in a while is needed. Distant judgement for few hundered metres ahead after each turn is something you might want to get used to it if you want to ignore the voice turn-by-turn.

 

I think this Nuvi500 is 1 of the better ones, known to its waterproof capability and price. Bluetooth technology aside, this one will stick with me for now.

[shhhhh]

hi, was wondering anyone uses their mobile phone equipped with GPS programs like Garmin on their bikes? im using a HTC HD2 and i tried Garmin in a cab it seemed quite reliable.. dono bout how to fix it on a bike thoh.. but any reviews?

this would beat the cost of getting a GPS device tat costs 300+ isn't it?

[lacrimosae]

depends on model, environment conditions, maps loaded, screen brightness and volume level.

 

typically, when brand new, at least 2.5hrs.

 

I prefer to use a GPS that relies on AA batteries and not on proprietary batteries. If you run out of juice and your bike's dead, and you're navigating to the nearest town on foot, AA is safest.

 

My Garmin Oregon 300 uses AA batteries, is waterproof (IPX7 submerged 1m for 1 hour), and lasts 14-15 hours on a new pair of AA Duracell Lithium.

 

I use it for riding, driving and trekking. Its pretty hardy and I've dropped it quite often. Other than scratches on its casing, no other damages.

 

As I get free maps for every country and city in the world, I use it for driving and trekking overseas too, about 2-3 times a month. Not very environmentally friendly to use expendable AA batteries so I use rechargeable AA batteries, about 12hrs for new batteries, 8-10hrs for old rechargeables.

Edited July 24, 2010 by lacrimosae

[ORen]

Can Garmin GPSs lithium battery be replaced by another brand of batteries? A bit like on a Canon camera for example, you can fit a battery from another brand, as long as it's the right specs battery. (hope my question is clear enough...)

 

Another question: I suppose the answer is no, but just in case you guys would know for sure: is the Nuvi 3790T available in SG?

Edited August 1, 2010 by O'Ren

[ORen]

Double post sorry

[Demon]

Can Garmin GPSs lithium battery be replaced by another brand of batteries?

 

You have to be more specific on the model.

 

All garmin handhelds use standard dry cells. Garmin automobile gps use proprietary garmin batteries which are usually non-user replaceable, except for Nuvi500, and the umos.

 

A bit like on a Canon camera for example, you can fit a battery from another brand, as long as it's the right specs battery. (hope my question is clear enough...)

 

Are referring to third party batteries ? I'm sure it is available if you know the sources however, I wouldn't advise you trying it because most of these batteries are sub standard and have a tendency to explode under constant charging.

 

 

Another question: I suppose the answer is no, but just in case you guys would know for sure: is the Nuvi 3790T available in SG?

 

Only the local distributor, navi-comm will know when the 3790T will be made available here. Otherwise, just ordered it online.

 

[ORen]

Hi Demon, thanks for your reply to my questions

 

You have to be more specific on the model.

 

All garmin handhelds use standard dry cells. Garmin automobile gps use proprietary garmin batteries which are usually non-user replaceable, except for Nuvi500, and the umos.

 

Are referring to third party batteries ? I'm sure it is available if you know the sources however, I wouldn't advise you trying it because most of these batteries are sub standard and have a tendency to explode under constant charging.

 

I've been using aftermarket batteries for years now, for most of my "gadgets" and some of them have even outlasted the original Canon/Panasonic ones. Charging them like mad and so far, thank god nothing exploded in my face

I'm asking not just because aftermarket ones are usually much cheaper, but also because I want to have a couple extra batteries on top of the original one, in case I roam around with my future Garmin more than 3-4hours

 

But now I guess I will have to focus my attention on ways to recharge the existing battery. Just so I'm sure I understand, does this mean that the battery is not removable ? A bit like the iPhone where you have to actually open the whole thing to see/replace the battery ?

 

I know nothing about sat nav units, but this surprises me, i would've thought for this kind of devices, having a removable battery would make it more user friendly in case of battery issues or just getting too old and needs a new one to perform better, no ?

 

 

 

Only the local distributor, navi-comm will know when the 3790T will be made available here. Otherwise, just ordered it online.

 

 

I asked Eastgear, and they said they have no plans to bring it in. Have not asked navi-comm yet.

[Demon]

I'm asking not just because aftermarket ones are usually much cheaper, but also because I want to have a couple extra batteries on top of the original one, in case I roam around with my future Garmin more than 3-4hours

 

Like I wrote earlier, what model do you have in mind ?

 

Automobile GPS such as Nuvi, and Zumo do not have long battery endurance because their primary power source is from the vehicle. The built-in batteries are intended for only short period of time when primary power source is not available such as when stopping the car for a break.

 

If you need more than 3-4 hrs battery endurance, then Handhelds will be your choice.

 

 

But now I guess I will have to focus my attention on ways to recharge the existing battery. Just so I'm sure I understand, does this mean that the battery is not removable ? A bit like the iPhone where you have to actually open the whole thing to see/replace the battery ?

 

I know nothing about sat nav units, but this surprises me, i would've thought for this kind of devices, having a removable battery would make it more user friendly in case of battery issues or just getting too old and needs a new one to perform better, no ?

 

Most Nuvis, except for Nuvi 5X0, have batteries sealed within so it is not intended to be changed by the user. However, there are well documented postings on how to change the battery on the internet.

 

I asked Eastgear, and they said they have no plans to bring it in. Have not asked navi-comm yet.

 

Eastgear seems to be pulling out of garmin gps as most of these items have been "out of stock" for the past 9 months. One of the reasons could be that their prices are not competitive anymore as Navi-comm has dropped their prices, and the localised sets have more features which are not available on parallel imported sets.

[Mark C.]

Yo Demon!

Whats your take compare GPS as its own and those Mobile phone GPS?

Saw a friend using his samsung galaxcy with GPS downloaded from a software company(Cost 45+ euro, sing dollar abt 80+), detail not there compare Garmin.

Any thought on it?

[ORen]

I'm interested in the Nuvi 3790T, a handled one as I often travel overseas for work and 3G just ain't possible seeing the roaming charges.

Reviews gives it a life battery of 2.5 to 3 hours so not really good for bike trips and not even for visiting a city on foot.

 

Ideally a spare battery would have sealed the deal for me, now I have to look into putting a cigarette lighter on my bike to power a USB charger for the GPS and also figure out how I'm gonna charge this baby when on foot, other than by sitting at a starbucks or some other coffee place that provides you with access to power sockets..

 

Maybe some kind of battery that would unload itself in the GPS via USB, a little like those batteries you can plug in your iphone/ipod to recharge them...

[Demon]

Yo Demon!

Whats your take compare GPS as its own and those Mobile phone GPS?

Saw a friend using his samsung galaxcy with GPS downloaded from a software company(Cost 45+ euro, sing dollar abt 80+), detail not there compare Garmin.

Any thought on it?

 

I have a Samung Jet, and you can either use Route 66 map, or Google Map. Using GPS with Route 66 map is free but the map is really old. Google Map is more current and it has street view but data is very expensive especially when using overseas. Both of these maps can never be as current as MFM or MSM.

 

Comparing with a Garmin, say an older model like Nuvi 205 which gets its initial fix almost instantly while the Samsung takes ages, like 15 mins. Features wise, definitely cannot compare with garmin.

 

Currently, Garmin standalone GPS is still way ahead of any Phone GPS, even their own Asus Garmin Fone sucks.

 

[Mark C.]

I have a Samung Jet, and you can either use Route 66 map, or Google Map. Using GPS with Route 66 map is free but the map is really old. Google Map is more current and it has street view but data is very expensive especially when using overseas. Both of these maps can never be as current as MFM or MSM.

 

Comparing with a Garmin, say an older model like Nuvi 205 which gets its initial fix almost instantly while the Samsung takes ages, like 15 mins. Features wise, definitely cannot compare with garmin.

 

Currently, Garmin standalone GPS is still way ahead of any Phone GPS, even their own Asus Garmin Fone sucks.

 

 

That clear my doubt.

Thanks Demon.

[CMYRS]

I prefer to use a GPS that relies on AA batteries and not on proprietary batteries. If you run out of juice and your bike's dead, and you're navigating to the nearest town on foot, AA is safest.

 

My Garmin Oregon 300 uses AA batteries, is waterproof (IPX7 submerged 1m for 1 hour), and lasts 14-15 hours on a new pair of AA Duracell Lithium.

 

I use it for riding, driving and trekking. Its pretty hardy and I've dropped it quite often. Other than scratches on its casing, no other damages.

 

As I get free maps for every country and city in the world, I use it for driving and trekking overseas too, about 2-3 times a month. Not very environmentally friendly to use expendable AA batteries so I use rechargeable AA batteries, about 12hrs for new batteries, 8-10hrs for old rechargeables.

 

that is so true.

 

unfortunately, my non-replaceable batts in the highly unwaterproof nuvi (IPXminus7) has endured many hardships with me

 

i have gone thru severe flood/rain riding with it condom-less. the kind of floods that can send sheet after sheet of water up and over goldwing height kind of windscreens and your front wheel is perpetually half submerged in water as you aqua plane for kilometres.

 

ive got a cig socket on the bike n in the car so pwr is not really an issue.

on foot, both mobile phones have gps too.

 

my school of thought is quite simple.

 

waterproof or not, whether the GPS stands up in to weather, after 12 mths, the warranty is void.

 

Hi Lawrence, how are you mate?

[CMYRS]

On another note, has anybody bought anything from JK Trading and tried to claim warranty on parts after?

 

Ramount is stating lifetime policy on their site for local residents in the US but it does not apply to the rest of the world.

 

I wonder if JK supports this warranty, unless of course, the rest of the gets 2nd grade items?

[Demon]

On another note, has anybody bought anything from JK Trading and tried to claim warranty on parts after?

 

Ramount is stating lifetime policy on their site for local residents in the US but it does not apply to the rest of the world.

 

I wonder if JK supports this warranty, unless of course, the rest of the gets 2nd grade items?

 

Just like you have stated, the lifetime policy is from Ram Mount, so it is only logical that all warranty should be claimed from Ram Mount, and not JK

 

[khaitronic]

The nuts on my ram mount start to rust...it is not suppose to rust rite?

[kmax]

that is so true.

 

unfortunately, my non-replaceable batts in the highly unwaterproof nuvi (IPXminus7) has endured many hardships with me

 

i have gone thru severe flood/rain riding with it condom-less. the kind of floods that can send sheet after sheet of water up and over goldwing height kind of windscreens and your front wheel is perpetually half submerged in water as you aqua plane for kilometres.

 

ive got a cig socket on the bike n in the car so pwr is not really an issue.

on foot, both mobile phones have gps too.

 

my school of thought is quite simple.

 

waterproof or not, whether the GPS stands up in to weather, after 12 mths, the warranty is void.

 

Hi Lawrence, how are you mate?

 

nuvi500, local JK set

 

[yt]

[/yt]

[Demon]

nuvi500, local JK set

 

[yt]

[/yt]

 

Your wife looks great in bikini

[CMYRS]

Just like you have stated, the lifetime policy is from Ram Mount, so it is only logical that all warranty should be claimed from Ram Mount, and not JK

 

 

I did speak to him about warranty upon purchase but I dont remember his reply.

 

just wondering if anyone did try to make a claim from him.

 

some bits of plastic are not cheap my friend, im sure u know

[CMYRS]

The nuts on my ram mount start to rust...it is not suppose to rust rite?

 

if your nuts break, not rust, then maybe u have a functional issue?

 

opps, dat just sounds so wrong.

[CMYRS]

nuvi500, local JK set

 

[yt]

[/yt]

 

 

u have quite a large pool to be needing a gps to swim around without getting lost?

[kmax]

Your wife looks great in bikini

 

thanks for compliments.

 

u have quite a large pool to be needing a gps to swim around without getting lost?

 

like u said, before warranty over, wanted to test waterproofness

[lacrimosae]

that is so true.

 

unfortunately, my non-replaceable batts in the highly unwaterproof nuvi (IPXminus7) has endured many hardships with me

 

i have gone thru severe flood/rain riding with it condom-less. the kind of floods that can send sheet after sheet of water up and over goldwing height kind of windscreens and your front wheel is perpetually half submerged in water as you aqua plane for kilometres.

 

ive got a cig socket on the bike n in the car so pwr is not really an issue.

on foot, both mobile phones have gps too.

 

my school of thought is quite simple.

 

waterproof or not, whether the GPS stands up in to weather, after 12 mths, the warranty is void.

 

Hi Lawrence, how are you mate?

 

Hi Andre,

 

My point wasn't really on warranty but more on the issue of buying a GPS that requires proprietary batteries and a short life without the ciggie socket charger.

 

Maybe I'm a pessimist, or just very into risk assessment, but I like to have a Plan B. I can imagine myself riding up NSHW, then try to navigate through some small backroads not updated on current maps, get lost, bike runs out of juice (you know how crappy our RS125 batteries are), try to navigate back to civilization on foot only to realise you have 2 hours of battery life in your GPS. Oops. Ok I think I might be paranoid, but still...

 

I am still sticking to my RS after 7 years. It's spiffy now. haha...

[CMYRS]

Hi Andre,

 

My point wasn't really on warranty but more on the issue of buying a GPS that requires proprietary batteries and a short life without the ciggie socket charger.

 

Maybe I'm a pessimist, or just very into risk assessment, but I like to have a Plan B. I can imagine myself riding up NSHW, then try to navigate through some small backroads not updated on current maps, get lost, bike runs out of juice (you know how crappy our RS125 batteries are), try to navigate back to civilization on foot only to realise you have 2 hours of battery life in your GPS. Oops. Ok I think I might be paranoid, but still...

 

I am still sticking to my RS after 7 years. It's spiffy now. haha...

 

Oh so so true, there's nothing better than running GPS on AAs, just too bad Nuvis and Zumos dont have this advantage.

 

Jesus, 7 yrs!! u're the undisputed Lord of The RS, world's no.2 cornering bike.