Gadget : GPS device on bikes

[CSV]

do it my way.

 

get the 3m command velcro. the one with mushroom head one. stick on your IU cover. stick the other end on your iphone casing back. stick it on your iu, there you go.

 

i have not tried the 3m velcro, just those normal ones and they still stay on going at 90kph. but i dont think i wanna risk it so i'm upgrading to 3m which can carry up to 2.2kg.

 

another thing is where is your iu mounted. mine is directly infront of my handlebar, so easier to see, if yours is also on the handlebar, should be fine.

[ORen]

I mounted mine using the Otterbox Defender case. I got the case because I'm clumsy and drop my iphone at least once a week (yep..). The case is weather resistant, but only for few drops, it can;t resist our local rain downpours.

The case comes with a belt clip-on cradle. I fixed the cradle to the handle bar using tie-ins that go through the belt clip and around the handle bar. The fastest I went is probably 110km/h and it doesn't move. Perfect to use the TOM TOM app.

When it rains, i either put the iphone in my jacket inner pocket away from the rain, or if I really need to look at the screen I just slip a zip lock bag on top of it to cover it and it does the trick.

Edited April 18, 2011 by O'Ren

[ORen]

Got a question for the gps experts here please.

I am using my iPhone as a gps device, with a tomtom app.

Yesterday more than ever before I had a really hard time to see the screen because of the sun. I had to lean forward to cast some shade on the screen to barely make out what i was looking out.

 

I know some GPS come with a "cap" that you mount so it protects it from the sun and casts a shadow that allows you to read it, and now that I'm willing to go MY much more often, I wonder if I should invest in a real gps instead.

 

Could you please share with me your experience reading your gps screen, if you have the same problem with sun reflection on the screen or reading the gps when it's super sunny, and if the GPS you have has any issues with being used under the sun for several hours a day ?

 

The obviously retires as soon as it gets too hot, and gives you the high temperature warning on the screen. It usually works fine for about 4h but after that it surrenders to the heat...

 

How is your GPS doing under the sun ?

[fishtan]

The NT format will have problems running on the older GPS but it should not affect the Mapsource. I am running Mapsource v6.13.7 (latest version is v6.16.3) and I have no problem installing the latest MFM v110411. If your mapsource is really the problem, getting the latest mapsource update is FOC.

 

Thanks again for helping. I did not upgrade cos for Jerome Wee map he suggested not to updated Mapsource as the new updates have security issue, as in have hard time to use 3rd party map and can use only Garmin maps? True?

 

 

when you install Basecamp, it will automatically install all the maps that you have already installed in the Mapsource. So once you launch Basecamp, all the maps will be there.

 

So from what you are saying, it seems like switch over to oregon should be a breeze and just have to re-learn how to use basecamp, as I have read that basecamp is quite different from Mapsource.

[Demon]

Thanks again for helping. I did not upgrade cos for Jerome Wee map he suggested not to updated Mapsource as the new updates have security issue, as in have hard time to use 3rd party map and can use only Garmin maps? True?

 

Technically, the latest update you can use for Mapsource without all the image rendering problem and security issues is version 6.13.7

 

So from what you are saying, it seems like switch over to oregon should be a breeze and just have to re-learn how to use basecamp, as I have read that basecamp is quite different from Mapsource.

 

Basecamp is technically more complex and powerful than Mapsource and it will take some time to adjust. Just to update you that most of Jerome Wee's (JW) maps will have problems installing into Basecamp. Like I mentioned earlier, all the maps already in Mapsource will appear in Basecamp when you run the installer. But to add JW maps into Basecamp directly, you could face some problem. For example JW's SG-R & JOH-R MapSource Installer v4.04 will work in Basecamp but older maps like Thai, Bali..etc all cannot be installed into Basecamp.

[ORen]

When I run a comparison on the Garmin website to have a look at specs for a few models, in the battery descriptions I get the following:

 

removable, rechargeable lithium-ion / user-replaceable, rechargeable lithium-ion / rechargeable lithium-ion / rechargeable lithium-ion

 

1. What's the difference between removable and user-replaceable ?

2. If it just says rechargeable, am I right to think the battery is not accessible for quick access/replacement ? (i.e you can probably replace it but you'd have to open the unit and get your hands dirty..)

[ORen]

Anyone using the zumo 220 and can share their experience please ? It has a much stronger battery life than the zumo 665, yet the latter is twice as expensive...

 

The zumo 220 is supposedly made for bikes, but for the same price, you can get the latest Nuvi from the 3xxx series (3790MLT) which has a better resolution, a bigger screen and is much lighter (half the weight). But the Nuvi is not waterproof and has a shorter battery life.

 

Is it possible to buy the battery wire kit with USB plug to charge the Nuvi, since that doesn't come in the box ? Can I use any type of wires/USB kit or do I need to buy the Garmin ones ?

 

Also if you are using the zumo 220 with a bluetooth intercom device on your helmet, can you confirm that it sees the zumo as a cell phone and not and auio device? Read a review where the owner says that's how it's seen by his Scala set, which doesn't allow him to pair his phone because the phone channel is taken by the gps.

 

Thanks a lot for your replies, been reading the entire thread but didn't see the answers to these questions

Edited April 18, 2011 by O'Ren

[fishtan]

Technically, the latest update you can use for Mapsource without all the image rendering problem and security issues is version 6.13.7

 

 

 

Basecamp is technically more complex and powerful than Mapsource and it will take some time to adjust. Just to update you that most of Jerome Wee's (JW) maps will have problems installing into Basecamp. Like I mentioned earlier, all the maps already in Mapsource will appear in Basecamp when you run the installer. But to add JW maps into Basecamp directly, you could face some problem. For example JW's SG-R & JOH-R MapSource Installer v4.04 will work in Basecamp but older maps like Thai, Bali..etc all cannot be installed into Basecamp.

 

Ok that definitely sounds like I will stick around with my 60Csx for a while more especially it has all the stuff I needed it to do now, including the power cable from my bike battery.

[CMYRS]

Anyone using the zumo 220 and can share their experience please ? It has a much stronger battery life than the zumo 665, yet the latter is twice as expensive...

 

The zumo 220 is supposedly made for bikes, but for the same price, you can get the latest Nuvi from the 3xxx series (3790MLT) which has a better resolution, a bigger screen and is much lighter (half the weight). But the Nuvi is not waterproof and has a shorter battery life.

 

Is it possible to buy the battery wire kit with USB plug to charge the Nuvi, since that doesn't come in the box ? Can I use any type of wires/USB kit or do I need to buy the Garmin ones ?

 

Also if you are using the zumo 220 with a bluetooth intercom device on your helmet, can you confirm that it sees the zumo as a cell phone and not and auio device? Read a review where the owner says that's how it's seen by his Scala set, which doesn't allow him to pair his phone because the phone channel is taken by the gps.

 

Thanks a lot for your replies, been reading the entire thread but didn't see the answers to these questions

 

best to try this at the store before u buy.

different mobiles might/not have different dual pairing requirements.

 

try jk trading, he will be willing to give u a hand.

[Demon]

Anyone using the zumo 220 and can share their experience please ? It has a much stronger battery life than the zumo 665' date=' yet the latter is twice as expensive...[/quote']

 

The Zumo 220 is a Nuvi550 with bluetooth, at about 30% premium.

 

The zumo 220 is supposedly made for bikes, but for the same price, you can get the latest Nuvi from the 3xxx series (3790MLT) which has a better resolution, a bigger screen and is much lighter (half the weight). But the Nuvi is not waterproof and has a shorter battery life.

 

The nuvi3xxx has a higher screen resolution but all that is useless when the maps are produced at standard resolution. Just like using a Full HD LED TV to watch a VCD. Nevertheless, the nuvi 3xxx are miles ahead in GPS technology compared to any Zumo. Having said that, all that technology is rubbish if it is not motorbike friendly ie, waterproof

 

Is it possible to buy the battery wire kit with USB plug to charge the Nuvi, since that doesn't come in the box ?

 

From the Garmin site, the power cable is a standard accessory

 

Can I use any type of wires/USB kit or do I need to buy the Garmin ones ?

 

You can use any usb cable to charge (the word is "charge") the nuvi or zumo however if the charger is not an original Garmin cable, the gps will go into data mode. In data mode that means the gps battery is being charged and you cannot use the gps for navigation. The USB connector of the original Garmin cable is wired different so that it can charge and at the same time use it for navigation. Having said that, there is a way to trick the gps into thinking that you are using a Garmin cable when you are not.

[fishtan]

Technically, the latest update you can use for Mapsource without all the image rendering problem and security issues is version 6.13.7

 

 

 

Basecamp is technically more complex and powerful than Mapsource and it will take some time to adjust. Just to update you that most of Jerome Wee's (JW) maps will have problems installing into Basecamp. Like I mentioned earlier, all the maps already in Mapsource will appear in Basecamp when you run the installer. But to add JW maps into Basecamp directly, you could face some problem. For example JW's SG-R & JOH-R MapSource Installer v4.04 will work in Basecamp but older maps like Thai, Bali..etc all cannot be installed into Basecamp.

 

Thanks... Looks like I will be using my 60csx for a while more to come

[ORen]

The Zumo 220 is a Nuvi550 with bluetooth, at about 30% premium.

 

By premium you mean ... ?

 

The nuvi3xxx has a higher screen resolution but all that is useless when the maps are produced at standard resolution. Just like using a Full HD LED TV to watch a VCD. Nevertheless, the nuvi 3xxx are miles ahead in GPS technology compared to any Zumo. Having said that, all that technology is rubbish if it is not motorbike friendly ie, waterproof

 

Well, I don't know about that.. If the only motorcycle friendly-ness is the waterproofing, it's not such a big issue, a zip lock bag should do the trick. Bluetooth on the other hand is the real ride friendly feature. Absolutely get your point on the resolution - I take it the MFM maps and Cie have a more basic resolution ?

 

From the Garmin site, the power cable is a standard accessory

 

There's a USB cable, and an "FM traffic receiver with vehicle power cable". Is the latter the power cable that goes from the battery to the USB plug on the GPS ?

 

You can use any usb cable to charge (the word is "charge") the nuvi or zumo however if the charger is not an original Garmin cable, the gps will go into data mode. In data mode that means the gps battery is being charged and you cannot use the gps for navigation. The USB connector of the original Garmin cable is wired different so that it can charge and at the same time use it for navigation. Having said that, there is a way to trick the gps into thinking that you are using a Garmin cable when you are not.

 

Yeah I read a few pages back your explanation on how to force the GPS out of the Data Mode when wanting to charge it while still running the navigation, thanks a lot for that. Seems easy enough to do for this charging thing not being an issue, although I would obviously prefer to set up the GPS on the bike without having to fiddle with it every time it needs some power.

 

A few additional questions if you don't mind :

 

1. Am I right to think any Garmin GPS model will be able to run the local "free" maps ?

2. The major difference between paid and free maps are in the POIs added by users, is that correct or am I being too simplistic here ?

3. I'm going to research other brands/models of GPS that can be used on and off the bike. Do you have any to recommend ? What are the ones the free local maps are compatible with ?

Thanks a lot for your time and your help, you and other participants of this thread, I've learned tremendously by reading it

[ORen]

best to try this at the store before u buy.

different mobiles might/not have different dual pairing requirements.

 

try jk trading, he will be willing to give u a hand.

 

Ooh, you think he'd let me try to pair a GPS with my helmet ? That would be sweeeeeet ! Thanks for the advice, I'll pay him a visit this Sat !

[CMYRS]

Ooh' date=' you think he'd let me try to pair a GPS with my helmet ? That would be sweeeeeet ! Thanks for the advice, I'll pay him a visit this Sat ![/quote']

 

no problem, im certain he will let u have a hands on before making a purchase.

[CMYRS]

Before I put this on sale in the relevant section, thought I would drop a note here to see if anyone is keen on a very new 'LIVE' GPS tracker.

 

If you are worried your bike goes missing in Msia, this is the one to get.

 

Holux-007 is the model.

 

Will let go at a very reasonable price, still under warranty, as new, bought it 3 weeks ago and now selling due because it is an unwanted birthday gift. Have receipts with dates to prove.

 

It is IPX6 wateresistant, matchbox size that allows it to be mounted anywhere. Very strong gps signal reception makes even under seat or fairing possible.

 

Happy to provide live tracking demo using iphones, android & laptop.

 

Paid about $480 in total, will let go for $360.

[ORen]

If I'm not mistaken this tracker needs a monthly subscription for the GPRS charges, is that correct ? Pretty good device, but i suppose for me I'd like to be free of a monthly tie and use a prepaid 3G card from MY when I go there so i can control the cost to match the use.

[CMYRS]

If I'm not mistaken this tracker needs a monthly subscription for the GPRS charges' date=' is that correct ? Pretty good device, but i suppose for me I'd like to be free of a monthly tie and use a prepaid 3G card from MY when I go there so i can control the cost to match the use.[/quote']

 

Not an issue, just slot in the Msian sim card, or any sim card for the country ure visiting, minimal configuration and ure good to go.

 

Alerts can be sent via sms or email, updates to the server can be set to constant, min. by min, and various intervals up and hourly, advanced settings to suit a wide range of users.

[nikonll]

Is it good to buy those normal GPS for cars, then buy a waterproof mount/casing?

[ORen]

Yeah you can do that, but you need to make sure you ask yourself the following:

 

- Do I need to hear the turn by turn directions, or am I ok just looking at the screen ?

- How is the battery life

- Can I operate the GPS with my gloves on (big buttons / touchscreen)

- How am I going to mount the GPS on my bike

 

I think these are the main things when it comes to Motorcycle GPS device, the first point covers the whole question of pairing it with a phone and/or a bluetooth helmet intercom device.

[lauhs8]

If I'm not mistaken this tracker needs a monthly subscription for the GPRS charges' date=' is that correct ? Pretty good device, but i suppose for me I'd like to be free of a monthly tie and use a prepaid 3G card from MY when I go there so i can control the cost to match the use.[/quote']

 

Not true,im using a USA GPS with SD card of Spore Map. Just came back from state after 2 yrs.

[ORen]

Was talking about the tracker, not a GPS device

[KingK]

Hi there,

All or most of the GPS that are mentioned are of garmin, there is tomtom gps I saw in the net. If not mistaken is TomTom rider. Anyone here care to comment on this device? It seems to be cheaper and that for this region includes map of Burma, Thailand, Brunei and another country.

[ORen]

Google it for reviews, when I looked into it I read quite a lot of bad reviews, and critics...I won;t be able now to remember what it was about, but bikers in general didn't promote it.

[bradneo]

Anyone knows of a water-proof holder for iPhone, so that it can be used as a GPS on the motorcycle? Sorry if this question has been asked, but this thread is 50 pages thick...

[seagoose]

Anyone knows of a water-proof holder for iPhone, so that it can be used as a GPS on the motorcycle? Sorry if this question has been asked, but this thread is 50 pages thick...

 

Check out the Arkon SM032 or GPS032.

You can buy them online such as on amazon, practical, inexpensive and you can save some $$ using the hp's GPS instead of getting a separate GPS unit. Make sure you have a socket nearby to power the hp or it'd drain the battery pretty fast (the Arkon power socket do not have a good review though).