Questions for GPS users

[pepsX]

I am looking to put GPS on the bike and have a couple of questions. I have never used one, so i need some imput here.
I want to be able to pre-program 2-3 routes and store them ahead of time before i leave the house. is this possible with any of the units?

also want to be able to put in a route to a city or town and not a specific address. is that possible?

I have heard the Garmin 2610 is one of the favorites, but these "getting older" eyes need a large display.
I have checked out the tom tom on line, but it does not answer the 2 questions above. i went to the best buy store...they may have the best buy, but by no means the best employee's. none of them could answer the simple questions on it.

so, a little help here if you could please. :D
thanks

[Night_Train01]

I use a Garmin Legend C and yes you can store 2-3 routes ahead of time....If you buy "City Select" software you can have any city or state in North America at your finger tips, right down to side streets :)

[Outlander]

Pretty much any vehicle navigation GPS on the market will do what you ask. The trick is getting what you want in something waterproof and easy to use on a bike.

Check out the forums at:

http://www.gpspassion.com/

Some of them have a button to automatically re-route you when pressed, but I find the compelling technology to be the units that support receiving real time traffic updates via FM or XM and automatically re-route you around congestion.

Anyway, Garmin has some cheap units on the market to compete with the Tom Tom, the SPI3 & SPI5. The main drawback to the low-end is limited memory which forces you to load regional maps rather than having the entire US available. It doesn't sound like a big deal unless you cross from one region to another regularly.

A person can save by ordering from an e-tailer but check out Circuit City's in store pickup deals. You can order through the website, pick it up at the store in less than a half hour, and save up to $300 off the in-store price.

cnet.com has quite a few reviews as well. I noticed a trend for certain manufacturers to release the product to consumers prior to the software being stable. I believe most of them require a Wintel platform to load updates and software.

Good luck and let me know what you decide!

[txvtx]

so, a little help here if you could please. :D
thanks

Don't overlook this one:
http://www.lowrance.com/Automotive/Prod ... AY500C.asp (http://www.lowrance.com/Automotive/Products/iWAY500C.asp)

Getting a lot of attention on the BMW sites.

[AzAce]

might want to look at this one ..... msrp $375 walmart online $273
a few of the guys I ride with have these and seem to do everything you ask.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=3283148 (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3283148)

[cybrhick]

Is one of those pre-programmed routes going to be from your shop to the hospital? Sure could use that at the next tech session. :lol:

[Blade]

Yes. This is a standard application of most GPS units. These are called "routes, " and you can program basically as many as you want or need.

I will add, that you absolutely can't go wrong with anything Garmin.

[David]

Dan,

Skim the GL1800 boards for input. The 2610/2620 and the new 2700 series are very popular over there.

To give you routes is one thing, but to have data at your finger tips to find points of interest (closest McDonalds for coffee, or Honda dealer for a flat tire) that include addresses and phone numbers is what you get with that data base.

The iWay 500, LaMont has on his Boss, is a large display. The Tom Tom has a wireless earpiece they advertise is comfotable under a helmet.

Then the issue of how to mount it to your bike. Look at CycleGadgets.com and RAM mounting.

Too many to choose from. Good Luck

[Lamonster]

I have the iWay and it has a 10 gig MP3 player built in with a 5" screen.
http://www.gl1800riders.com/forums/view ... hp?t=29042 (http://www.gl1800riders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=29042)

There has been a software upgrade since I wrote this first review. 1.4 lets you plan multiable routes now.
http://www.gl1800riders.com/forums/view ... light=iway (http://www.gl1800riders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=36385&highlight=iway)

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/504/1iway2-med.JPG

[DallasTE]

try this site, I'm looking at the garmin 2720 http://gpsonsale.com ......Dallas

[AllanB]

..... Another tip -

Give some consideration to the type of "storage" that the different units have. Basically there are units with a built in mini hard drive of up to 10 gb; and there are units that use Secure Digital (SD) memory cards for storage. Problems have been reported by some users with units that use the mini hard drive storage capability when used for motorcycle application. Seems that the vibration inherent in motorcycle use rapidly destroys the mini hard drives. This is why I personally chose a Magellan Roadmate 300 (SD memory card storage).

Good luck with your decision.

...VTX-AL
P.S> - luv my bike stand , my 1800R is hibernating on it right now til spring.

[FletchRides]

Sorry pepsX about your eyesight, but I have the same problem with my old eyes. But guess what?? The Garmin 2610 has a bright display that adjusts to lighting conditions and is readable even by me. It does all you want it to do and is a great piece of equipment. I mounted mine with a RAM system and am extremely satisfied-same satisfaction with your bike stand. I'm hard to please, but you certainly build a quality product. The Garmin 2610 is of equal quality and I'm sure you will like it.

I mounted mine with a RAM system and will be happy to let you know what components I used. Just email or PM me. :D

[lurch]

have the 2610 on my beemer LT. capable of all your requests & much more. 57 with less than perfect eyes but have no problem seeing any of the displays. be careful, very distracting.

[wildabouthorses]

We got to see the Iway 500 in action while in Colorado this summer. Friend has it for his goldwing and uses it in the truck too. We hopped in the truck and he punched it to find the nearest Walmart and watched it in action to get us there. Pretty cool and easy to see. Saw LaMonster's while in Ohio but didn't see it in action but that trip in the truck was enough to sell me on it. LaMonster what do you do with it on your bike say when you need to park it at work. Don't you worry about someone stealing it? Is it easy on and off so you can use it in a truck/car too?

[pepsX]

looks like ill be taking IWAY to the Hiway.
now....where to buy????
and yes, I want it NOW :D

[monty]

looks like ill be taking IWAY to the Hiway.
now....where to buy????
and yes, I want it NOW :D

Try www.gpsonsale.com (http://www.gpsonsale.com) at $629.99 or www.megagps.com (http://www.megagps.com) at $669.99. Lastly www.theEwarehouse.co (http://www.theEwarehouse.co) at $680.90.

The first one has the best price (I have found) but they add nearly $22.00 in shipping for UPS Ground to Batavia Ohio but, that is still a $20 savings from the next best price with shipping.

Otherwise, check www.lowrance.com (http://www.lowrance.com) and check for their dealer locations if youy want it "now" at nearly $800.00. Good luck :)

[VTX Aviator]

http://www.shipdog.com has it for $601 and http://www.compuplus.com has it for $603.88 with similar shipping costs that Monty mentioned.

[monty]

http://www.shipdog.com has it for $601 and http://www.compuplus.com has it for $603.88 with similar shipping costs that Monty mentioned.

Thanks for the update VTX Aviator. Now I can save an additional $30. Not to say I am cheap but my wallet has been known to squeak when it opens :lol: :lol:

[pepsX]

going to contact buyeretail today, looks like it is listed for $598.00

[VTX Aviator]

pepsX,

Given that some of these units have been prone to failures (see the GPS forum at http://www.gl1800riders.com), you may also want to consider the extended warranty costs. It's $79.99 at buyeretail and only $22.99 at compuplus ($49.00 at shipdog).

Although LaMonster has reported very good customer service from Lowrance so this may not be an issue for you :)

[Bopps]

I am looking to put GPS on the bike and have a couple of questions. I have never used one, so i need some imput here.
I want to be able to pre-program 2-3 routes and store them ahead of time before i leave the house. is this possible with any of the units?

also want to be able to put in a route to a city or town and not a specific address. is that possible?

I have heard the Garmin 2610 is one of the favorites, but these "getting older" eyes need a large display.
I have checked out the tom tom on line, but it does not answer the 2 questions above. i went to the best buy store...they may have the best buy, but by no means the best employee's. none of them could answer the simple questions on it.

so, a little help here if you could please. :D
thanks

I use the Garmin 2610 on my Valk for long trips, works great. Cycle gadget mount. You can buy a refurbished one for about $500 at http://getfeetwet.com. comes with a 2 year warrenty

Mike
Ps... Great Stand

this one i have seen compared to the others, it blows them away..

http://www.tomtom.com/

and is designed for 2 wheels!!!!!!!!!

[pepsX]

this one i have seen compared to the others, it blows them away..

http://www.tomtom.com/

and is designed for 2 wheels!!!!!!!!!

I like the 5" screen, too bad tom tom screen is smaller

[VTX Aviator]

this one i have seen compared to the others, it blows them away..

http://www.tomtom.com/

and is designed for 2 wheels!!!!!!!!!

I like the 5" screen, too bad tom tom screen is smaller

I was looking at the TomTom Rider also, but for nearly twice the money :shock: , and the smaller screen (my eyes are getting old :roll: ), I'm having to rething that.

[vaughan]

Does anybody here have the TomTom? I would be interested in hearing some real life reviews on it.

I bought a great color screen Magellan, but made the mistake of not researching it to find out it was being discontinued and the street level software was not going to updated for it anymore. From what I have read now, I don't think Garmin does this so that would be a plus for their product line.

[wildabouthorses]

Ah maybe thats why the Magellin (sp) is on sale here in the Sunday papers!

Does anybody here have the TomTom? I would be interested in hearing some real life reviews on it.

I bought a great color screen Magellan, but made the mistake of not researching it to find out it was being discontinued and the street level software was not going to updated for it anymore. From what I have read now, I don't think Garmin does this so that would be a plus for their product line.

My friend does...let me ask him to give me a review on it

[pepsX]

I ordered the iWAY 500C and the extended warranty from Comp-U-Plus
the unit was a little more expensive but the exteded warranty was much cheaper than buyeretail.
so over all comp-u-plus was cheaper than buyedirect by $51.00.

thanks for all who posted and helped me decide. I did alot of reading before i made my desision. most of it was on linked thread that you provided. gota love this place!

[VTX Aviator]

I ordered the iWAY 500C and the extended warranty from Comp-U-Plus
the unit was a little more expensive but the exteded warranty was much cheaper than buyeretail.
so over all comp-u-plus was cheaper than buyedirect by $51.00.

thanks for all who posted and helped me decide. I did alot of reading before i made my desision. most of it was on linked thread that you provided. gota love this place!

pepsX,

Congratulations 8) . Let us know what you think when you get it.

Also, how do you plan to mount it to the bike. I would be interested in what else we need to purchase in order to be 'up and running'.

Thanks,

[pepsX]

I ordered the iWAY 500C and the extended warranty from Comp-U-Plus
the unit was a little more expensive but the exteded warranty was much cheaper than buyeretail.
so over all comp-u-plus was cheaper than buyedirect by $51.00.

thanks for all who posted and helped me decide. I did alot of reading before i made my desision. most of it was on linked thread that you provided. gota love this place!

pepsX,

Congratulations 8) . Let us know what you think when you get it.

Also, how do you plan to mount it to the bike. I would be interested in what else we need to purchase in order to be 'up and running'.

Thanks,

Yeah, Ill be interested too lol
it comes with a short & long arm attachement & motorcycle handle bar bracket.

I want to mount it right in the middle between the risers. I have the 1300 Retro with 27" memphis shades windshield, and 4" risers. but because of the size, it might end up left os center.
ill post when i get it up and going.

[cybrhick]

I still have one of your risers if you want to fab up a mount.

[pepsX]

I still have one of your risers if you want to fab up a mount.

thanks steve, it comes with a handle bar clamp that will fit between the risers.... i hope, if not, ill get the riser from you.


missed you today, i had to cut down some schocks and needed an extra hand hehehehe. :shock:

[cybrhick]

Yea, I could use an extra hand too. :lol: :lol:

[DevilDogger]

Can anybody tell me why I cannot get a signal on my IWAY 500. Got it new on Friday, mounted on truck dash, in clear view of sky through windshield. On Sat could not get it too obtain a fix. Just keeps blinking in the center stating "searching for position". It was raining out and I figured, well it ain't gonna work during bad weather but I saw where Lamont talked about using his during a blinding rain storm.

So I tried again on today, no rain, clear blue sky with same results.

Really really frustrated.

TIA
Devil Dogger

[DevilDogger]

Can anybody tell me why I cannot get a signal on my IWAY 500. Got it new on Friday, mounted on truck dash, in clear view of sky through windshield. On Sat could not get it too obtain a fix. Just keeps blinking in the center stating "searching for position". It was raining out and I figured, well it ain't gonna work during bad weather but I saw where Lamont talked about using his during a blinding rain storm.

So I tried again on today, no rain, clear blue sky with same results.

Really really frustrated.

TIA
Devil Dogger


Still looking for some help please. TIA

[pepsX]

Can anybody tell me why I cannot get a signal on my IWAY 500. Got it new on Friday, mounted on truck dash, in clear view of sky through windshield. On Sat could not get it too obtain a fix. Just keeps blinking in the center stating "searching for position". It was raining out and I figured, well it ain't gonna work during bad weather but I saw where Lamont talked about using his during a blinding rain storm.

So I tried again on today, no rain, clear blue sky with same results.

Really really frustrated.

TIA
Devil Dogger

the first time I used mine, it took a long time (10-15 minutes) for it to locate itself, not it only takes 2-3 minutes. go to main menu, click on statilite and watch it find them.
or just go have a cup of coffee and wait for it.


Still looking for some help please. TIA

[Lamonster]

Can anybody tell me why I cannot get a signal on my IWAY 500. Got it new on Friday, mounted on truck dash, in clear view of sky through windshield. On Sat could not get it too obtain a fix. Just keeps blinking in the center stating "searching for position". It was raining out and I figured, well it ain't gonna work during bad weather but I saw where Lamont talked about using his during a blinding rain storm.

So I tried again on today, no rain, clear blue sky with same results.

Really really frustrated.

TIA
Devil Dogger


Still looking for some help please. TIA

I had mine in a mini van and it did the same thing. Turns out there was some copper in the windshield that was blocking signal. It works fine in my trucks (Dodge) but wouldn't work in that mini van without hooking up the external antenna. I would give Lowrance a call.

[Hal @ Honda Direct Line]

If you are on I-71 and the GPS says you are on I-75, is that a problem with the GPS? Or is that just considered driver error? Can you get a ticket for littering if you throw your GPS out the window?

[DevilDogger]

Can anybody tell me why I cannot get a signal on my IWAY 500. Got it new on Friday, mounted on truck dash, in clear view of sky through windshield. On Sat could not get it too obtain a fix. Just keeps blinking in the center stating "searching for position". It was raining out and I figured, well it ain't gonna work during bad weather but I saw where Lamont talked about using his during a blinding rain storm.

So I tried again on today, no rain, clear blue sky with same results.

Really really frustrated.

TIA
Devil Dogger


Still looking for some help please. TIA

I had mine in a mini van and it did the same thing. Turns out there was some copper in the windshield that was blocking signal. It works fine in my trucks (Dodge) but wouldn't work in that mini van without hooking up the external antenna. I would give Lowrance a call.


Thank you Sir, I will call them today

[netdoug]

I use a Garmin 276C+ and RAM mount to attach the unit to my handlebars. The unit's reasonably water tolerant, seems to handle the bumps and jarring well, has a largeish viewing screen that can be seen in daylight, and multiple info screens. It also seems to like the clear view (through the windshield), gives me an accuracy of about 20ft, and will even talk to you if you want.

I can reprogram the unit on the fly and it updates rapidly. I can choose to go by fastest route or shortest distance (but not most scenic or maximum twisty or fun stuff). It has rechargable batteries (Garmin design and not a good idea, imho) that last 5-7 hours before needing a charge.

I'm in the process of trying to find a way to ge 12V power to the unit as well as my XM so if anyone's done it, I could use the heads up.

I moved up from a low internal memory unit and would recommend that as a major decision point. The 276C+ comes with a large internal memory and up tp 256MB of removable external memory. I got the unit with the Garmin road map software and find it a good combination. You can upload the maps (and select the level of detail you want) that follow your route or upload maps and then routes. My plan is to preplan this summers routes and upload as much map data as I can onto several 128MB chips. That, in combination with the internal database, should make route changing and route support much better.

Finally, there are units with larger screens, built-in XM and weather info, and other goodies but I wanted an unobrusive unit that'd tell me the basics, allow me the flexibility to change my route and destinations, and stand up to the enviroment.

Doug

[Duug]

Dunno what's best for land use but, Garmin helps me find my way back home in zero visibility from offshore.

[Tejas_Ranger]

Sounds like the vechile your in is acting like being indoors at the house. it takes forever to find it self. But on the bike it just takes a few seconds as long as I'm outdoors. Sounds like you may want the external antenna.


Tejas

[Repoman]

Can anybody tell me why I cannot get a signal on my IWAY 500. Got it new on Friday, mounted on truck dash, in clear view of sky through windshield. On Sat could not get it too obtain a fix. Just keeps blinking in the center stating "searching for position". It was raining out and I figured, well it ain't gonna work during bad weather but I saw where Lamont talked about using his during a blinding rain storm.

So I tried again on today, no rain, clear blue sky with same results.

Really really frustrated.

TIA
Devil Dogger
I'm not familiar with the IWAY - I only use Garmin GPSs - but I'm sure all GPSs behave the same way. If your GPS was manufactured more than 500 miles from your location and it was turned on and tested at that remote location, your GPS will need to perform a "cold start". What this means is that your GPS has no idea where it is and will need to download sufficient satellite information before it will function. I've seen some older GPS's take up to 5 minutes on a cold start. Once that initial download of information is complete, your GPS will perform what's called a "warm start" which may only take 15 seconds.

How long did you leave the GPS on while it said "searching for position"? If you only gave it a couple of minutes that may not have been enough time. Also, have you worked your way through the GPS's menus? There's usually a page that will show the signal strength of each satellite that your GPS is receiving a signal from. You may want to park in an open area like a parking lot (not under a tree or between tall buildings) and watch that particular screen for a few minutes and see if your satellite is picking up any signal from the satellites.

One last thing I just thought of! My Garmin GPS's have a "use indoors" option that disables satellite reception (less battery drain) while you use the GPS indoors to look up points of interest or program route information. Might be something you want to check.

Let us know how it turns out.

Greg

[backwoods]

I use the TomTom Navigator software on the Treo 650. It's not the same as the dedicated TomTom Rider but similar software, and only $199, including mounting hardware. Here's a thread about it.

http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=119323&highlight=

The routing and real-time traffic updates work great. The biggest missing feature is the trip-computer screen and track uploads that Garmin units have. I really miss this feature. I don't know whether the TomTom Rider has this feature (I suspect it does).

http://home.att.net/~averyfam/IMGP1128small.jpg