SAT Nav

[rj2para (Bisto)]

Hi all,

Currently looking to buy my first SAT nav. I have used them in cars before; in the take me to a specific postcode by the fastest route method; but never on a bike.

I have read about bike specific waterproof sat navs but they seem expensive.

I want to be able to use an on line mapping tool like google, then download specific routes with waypoints to my sat nav.

When in the car I would like the option to easily add favourite points, so that I can go back on the bike at a later date.

I would like it to be able to remember and enable me to download a days route should I opt to go off route at any point.

It needs to be able to bluetooth or connect via cable to my helmet as I want to be given all the turn left/right instructions.

Happy to keep it in a plastic bag for waterproofing but an option to power it from the bike/car would be good.

Have any of you got a sat nav that meets these requirements that you would recommend?

Cheers
Rj

[De Graaf van Salland]

Well, in that case, don't copy my set-up: www.stoeretassen.nl/My_NTV650/Navigatie/Navigation.htm

I'm seriously considering a re-design of the set-up.

Problems I had during my recent trip to Beaulieu:
- 12 V power being disconnected (twice),
- not being able to see the screen because of (a) low contrast of the screen and/or (b) direct sun light on the screen.
- sat nav, becoming disconnected from it's fixation because the velcro fastening was not strong enough for the rough UK-roads.

GvS

[rj2para (Bisto)]

More than happy to copy your designs GvS.

www.stoeretassen.nl/My_NTV650/Navigatie/Navigation.htm

Actually personal choice on this one, but I do not like taking my eyes off the road in a car and even less so on a bike. Hence my comments. re Audio directions.

That said in the tank bag may make it shower proof and enable quick look potential

Tips on electrickery would also be good.

As with most things SAT NAV choice seems to be vast so all input is good.

Cheers
Rj.

[Buzzin (^_^)]

Well to be blunt about it: Don't mess around and buy proper kit.
All 'simple' solutions seem to lack something.

Garmin is the brand of choice if you want a triplog. Mind you, you could easely buy a seperate triplogger (around 15 euros I believe) and they work great, even on pushbike of while hiking.
Waterproof + wired and wireless audio + routes + triplog = Garmin Zumo. They even come with car and bike mounting options.
The 220 is the little kid in the family and doesn't have wired audio, but it does do BT
The 660 is the current model, with snazzy software like lane assist, and a wide screen.
The 550 (the one I have) is sturdier and has physical buttons on the sire, very handy for pressing them without taking your eyes of the road. The software might be a bit older, but it does everything and has been tested by loads of people Small problem: it's big, bluky, 'old' square screen and it's more expensive. Advantage: the bike holder can very easley be transfered from 1 bike to another (not realy an option on the 660)

I'm not sure if the 220 does do routes well or if it keeps a tracklog (should do though)
If however you want a cheaper option then the 550/660 it should be ok.
Simple hook up (only USB power) and comes with a buildin speaker for car use (so does the 660, not the 550...it has a special car mount)

I don't know about the TomToms, as I haven't used them.
From what I gathered on it, it seems they now do routes as well, although they still don't do them as well as their Garmin counterparts.
These too come with bike and car mounts so should be fine in both.
They sertainly don't do tracklogs....

On both you should be able to easely add a favorite off your current location. I know the Garmins will do it....but I can't see why the Tomtoms wouldn't.

Putting a satnav in your tankbag is pretty much a guarantee that you won't be able to see the screen half the time....

[rj2para (Bisto)]

Thanks for the posts guys, I will have a look on the net this evening.
Good to get some model numbers Buz, thanks for that.

I suspect my bike may need some for of GvS mount but I need a SAT Nav to mount first.

[rj2para (Bisto)]

Like all good projects why rush.

That said, I have started to look at this one again. Not interested in looking at the screen so a car model in my pocket or tank bag woud be fine.

I would however like to plan routes on my computer then be able to upload these to the sat nav. Then I can just run the route and enjoy the ride; rather than having to look at screens or maps.

Having a looked round today, at bike specific versions; they seem to require the blue tooth route.

The car types, not supprisingly using speakers but so far from what I have seen, they lack headset or extension speaker sockets.

Have any of you found solutions to this please, and if so could you share a few model numbers.

Thanks.
Rj.

[Buzzin (^_^)]

Well...here I go again
The more recent TomTom rider model do allow some route planning using seperate software and are available at a decent price. Only the card material doesn't cover the whole of europe... (but be fair to yourself, do you really need that?)
Only downside, there is no 'active' mount included, meaning you'll always be running on batteries. No good for camping.

Garmin now has a cheaper option as well, the Zumo 210/220. Both are the same, the maps just differ. (not sure if the 210 is available in the UK, as the only one I can find doesn't cover the UK). They can do routes and and keep a log of your trips, so if you got of the beaten track, you can see it back on the computer.

Mind you....none of these options are very cheap......and as the 210 doesn't seem to be on sale in the UK, a zumo starts at around 300 pounds I think...
Some sales for the TomTom do include an active dock on the bike for free, but these still cost around 250 minimum.

Also, keep in mind map updates. Both garmin and tomtom offer options. Garmin has lifetime updates for 120 euro, but with some models it comes standard. Tomtom (afaik) offer a subscription.....but if you end that, no more updates...

[rj2para (Bisto)]

Not that bothered about updates as for the bike I would be telling it where to take me most of the time.

Don't need a mount just a earphone jack, as I want to listen to it, not look at it.

Mainland Europe would be ideal but UK only would be a start as long as I can add my own routes, and as you say it needs to be 12v.