| Author | Message | ||
     Dfbutler |
Does anyone use one? Local? Touring? What kind? Do you mount it where you can have it on and see it or just pull it out if "temporarily misdirected" - never lost? | ||
| Cataract2 |
I use the Magellan Meridian Platinum. I can expand it's memory with SD cards. I use it for long trips a lot. I'll get some pictures of my setup and post them if you'd like to see it. XB9SX. | ||
| Madduck |
Use it all the time. Older GPS Map12, don't leave home without it. Get RAM mounts from cyclegadgets.com and place it where you want. | ||
| Rek |
I'm a big Garmin fan. Mainly because I used the 800 GPS/Plotter a lot in Alaska and became familiar w/ it. That model is a little too big for a bike though... Rob | ||
| Bomber |
I've got a Lorance modle sumpin or another -- I use it primarly to track where I've been, so I can find that nice road again when I want to -- I ran it for two years in the tankbag map pocket, but this sumemr I sprang (sprung? what's the past pluperfect?) for a RAM mount -- great product, cheap, well engineered, I'd recommend it to all and sundry -- the newer models (of all makes) are coming out with larger screens, which is good, I'm thinkin -- I can't quite wean myself from the paper maps, though -- I like both, both have their place, but it's great to go get lost and then figure out how to get home before dinner gets cold, yes? | ||
| Jackbequick |
I'm using a iPAQ 37xx PDA in the Buell tank mounted map case. Made a little padding for it to lay on. I'm running the Tom Tom 5 software and the GPS antenna is Altina GGM-308 mouse style GPS receiver in the tail housing (wrapped in foam rubber). I wired in a DC adapter socket and have that strapped to the downtube behind the panel by my right knee. A DC-DC adapter (provides 5VDC to the GPS receiver and the PDA) plugs in to the DC adapter socket and comes on in the "IGN" position on the switch. From the DC-DC adapter, one cable goes back to the GPS receiver, a second comes out between the seat and tank and goes to the PDA in the map case. I can unplug the PDA and put it in my pocket when I get off the bike if I'm concerned about theft. The GPS receiver gets a fix in 15 seconds or less less from power up so it works good even in stop and go situations. I did not want a big unit or anything that needed a mount. Using the PDA is good enough for me, its like glancing down at an instrument. I see a moving map display of where I am and an easy to see display counting down the distance to my next turn. Audio is there but I don't use it, and I refuse to focus on the PDA for more than a glance. If I don't understand what I see, I look for someplace to pull over. Tom Tom 5 software is good, you can preplan your trips and force it to go via any routing you want. And you can save all your routes and destinations and bring them up for reuse later. Mine looks like this. Jack | ||
| Dfbutler |
One thing for sure, if you have a question, there is always answers in this group. Couple of mentions of a RAM mount, what is that and will it work on my 99 S3T? I'm in SoCal and plan to do a loop up PCH and back an alternate (to be determined) route, which is why I'm looking at GPS possibilities. Suggestions? | ||
| Jim_sb |
I use a Garmin V GPS. It's good for street as well as dual sport rides (oh, and you can use it in the car as well). Best bet is to hard wire it to your battery (or add a power outlet). I also use the RAM mounts. Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Cruisin |
butler - RAM mounts cover almost anything you might need to mount somewhere on something. They are basically either flexible or locking mounts that can adjust for the application. I picked up a RAM mount for my Garmin StreetPilot 2610 that I just put on the bike. It's a U bracket that bolts to the handlebar with a ball on it. The GPS clips into a mount that has a ball on it as well. The connector is adjustable with a locking screw so you can position it just right. I'll take pics tonight of it. You can probably get the same one for your bike as well. http://www.ram-mount.com/products/motorcycles.htm gives a pretty comprehensive list. RAM makes one specifically for the model GPS I have. Then it's just a matter of wiring in the power. As to the GPS, I love it. Touch screen, autobrightening display, etc. Uses a compact flash card for storage. I just got a 2gb card to hold the 1.6gb in maps that the entire US and Canada information uses. It's great for regular use if you're going riding - you have a constantly tracking map to see where you are, and if you route it ahead of time, you can see distance and time to the turn - which lets you enjoy the road. Another great feature on it is the find - I can find the nearest gas station and route myself there...or find it along the route if I have one planned. I took a new route a couple weekends ago and was able to just relax. No more watching for the next turn, guessing mileage, etc. Just ride! | ||
| Jim_sb |
PS. A limitation for the GPS V is the memory size (not upgradeable). So you have to download the detailed maps for your route into the unit. It may not hold enough for a really long trip (depends on where you're heading). The pricier units hold more. Jim in SB | ||
| Dfbutler |
Ordered a GPS V, RAM mount back ordered. Let you know how it works out. Thanks for the input everyone!  | ||
| Mbsween |
Hey Garmin fans, I recently got an older model, the Emap , with 64 MB of ram. I ordered the map source cd, it seems to work okay, I can load maps to the unit and so forth. I also purchased a bicycle handlebar mount , works well, up to about 120 anyways. I didn't get an unlock code with the mapsource cd. Do I need one? Thanks Matt | ||
| Captjim |
I have the Garmin 2610 mounted on my Firebolt using the RAM mounts. Great unit! Check here for detail on the RAM mount. One of the benefits of the 2610 is that all of the maps and routes are loaded on compact flash cards. This means you have limited space but that there is no hard disk to fail under vibration. Also, the 2610 can be had for cheap because everyone wants a 40GB hard drive in their unit so they can navigate their Lexus to the grocery store without fear of loading new map coverage. You can plan routes to new twisties on the computer load them into the GPS and follow the directions. Have a grand time and when your done just "Go To Home" and off you go without fear of getting lost. It even talks to you if you have headphones on the bike. In the car the speaker is built into the power cord. I have discovered many places by having a moving map with me all the time. Although I am comfortable with this form of navigation because that's how we do it on the charter fishing boats. Here are a couple of quick picks: View from the cockpit.  Side shot of the mounts.  | ||
| Jim_sb |
CaptJim, Nice setup. But your map is upside down. I can tell because the ocean is supposed to be on the left.... <g> Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Jim_sb |
And just to elaborate on the GPS V, I'm taking a trip with the family this week. Lake Tahoe then the Bay Area. Downloaded those detail maps into the Garmin GPS V and it filled the unit up. I believe capacity is around 19mb. Regards, Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Cruisin |
Captjim - I should follow your example and put my crap in totes...I spend all my time working on stuff and with the fam that I never get time to organize! I use the 2610 as well...the entire US and Canada takes about 1.6gb - you can get a 2gb CF card for about $100. I now have all the maps I'll ever need wherever I go without having to remember to load them ahead of time.   The RAM mount works great and if I want to remove it it's quick and easy. | ||
| Captjim |
Hey Cruise, Great minds think alike eh! Like looking in a mirror.  | ||
| Snail |
I've been using the Garmin V for a couple of years. Its o.k., but I think I'd shop for something with more memory. Relaoding maps for the different areas is a pain. I have Map Source, Streets, and the Road edition too for dual sport riding, I have to be carefull what maps I load for the areas I plan to ride. More memory would be more better. | ||
| Blake |
"More memory would be more better." I think they have pills to help with that now.  |
