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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: ilyafish on October 29, 2008, 08:07:35 PM

Title: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: ilyafish on October 29, 2008, 08:07:35 PM: I currently use a Garmin....not sure of the model, but it has quite some troubles.

One of which being it loves to take me through small residential areas that are clearly not made for a bus, not to mention a trailer. And going into settings there is no highways option....just shortest time, shortest distance, and off road. i have yet to try off road but i am willing to bet that will not fix the problem :)

The other, is one of my favorites, one time it had me on a highway, had me exit off and drive on a parallel unpaved road for 5 miles, and then get back on the highway.

After that I am clearly determined that i am done with Garmin.

What do you guys use? Or should i stick to good ol' maps?
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: cody on October 29, 2008, 08:32:24 PM: I use delorme with my laptop, that screen I can see, the other ones have a screen that is too small. And besides you haven't lived until you've chatted with slow rider and dallas in the bus garage at 70 MPH on the interstate lol, I'm sorry, that would be totally irresponcible of me, the speed limit is 65 lol.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: WEC4104 on October 29, 2008, 08:38:56 PM: I have used serveral different styles of GPS units, including a laptop-based Delorme Earthmate, a Garmin Nuvi 260W, and a factory dash unit built into my car.

I can't remember the last time I actually used the Earthmate for GPS, because firing up the laptop and hooking up the serial cable remote antenna was a pain. I really liked the software however, and I still use it when planning long vacation treks. Bopping around the screen with the mouse and changing the intermediate stopping points makes playing "What if?" scenarios so easy. I can rough out a nine day trip and easily judge the total mileage and driving time, as well as intermediate point-to-point estimates.

I regularly take the Garmin with me on business trips, and it seems pretty good. I sometimes find that the address I want is not in the database. I can't say whether or not it is better than others out there, but I think it was worth the money.

Overall, I find GPS units very useful and I rely pretty heavy on mine. But I still think there are many times when a map is easier in certain types of situations. Let's say I am sitting at location A, but I want to estimate the driving distance between point B and point C. Most GPS units would require 3-5 minutes of button punching, if they could even do it at all. But I can flip out a map, find the points and estimate the distance in 10- 20 seconds.

Each method has advantages and it depends what you are looking for.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: ilyafish on October 29, 2008, 09:04:56 PM: I am in a touring band, and we do roughly 200-400 miles of driving every day. sometimes more, sometimes less. so we are pretty much just always on the go, and dont have many stops. our only stops are the shows we play, and walmart supercenters late ate night to stock up on supplies and things such as canned and microwavable food.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Barn Owl on October 29, 2008, 09:14:28 PM: I use a TomTom One LE because that is what I got for a good price last year during the black Friday sales. The one feature I like the most about it is that it will display almost all of it's information on the first screen without having to flip between different screens (mph, time, eta, tta, miles etc. located across the bottom) I wouldn't travel without it and the speedometer is much more accurate than what is in my bus. Stay with the big names and you should be happy.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: ilyafish on October 29, 2008, 09:27:14 PM: yea my garmin has a screen that gives all that information. very helpfull. especially where it says time driving and time stopped.....and makes you realize that the reason 4 hour drives take 10 is because you decide to stop for 5 hours hahaha

im just looking for a gps that isnt.....stupid.

haha
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Barn Owl on October 29, 2008, 09:30:20 PM: Yes, I know what you mean. Mine has made some weird mistakes. I think smarter ones are not to far off in the future.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Paladin on October 29, 2008, 09:42:35 PM: I have a Garmin Nuvi 550 with a flexible goose neck mount which we use in the car and totally love although I recently used my sisters Nuvi 770 which has the wider screen and more options including built in fm xmitter and bluetooth and I'd now like one of those some day when prices fall a bit more.
Also have MS Streets and Delorme on the laptop with usb gps receiver and I like that a lot and feeds into the 7" flip up lcd screen on the stereo (no fancy laptop mount for me yet) .

For me if I need to do much of my own routing while driving etc I prefer the Nuvi but if I can pre-plan the route in advance or have a co pilot I think I kind of like the laptop with the larger screen etc.
The Nuvi still has much better voice prompts etc though imho and I cant seem to leave it at home when we travel.
Also, the Nuvi can also fit in shirt pocket for walking around or in a toad whereas the laptop would be quite a hassle. Laptop seems better suited for co-pilot use in the bus to me.

I'm planning on running gps video out of the laptop and through a modulator to the tv's in the bus so that anyone in the bus can see where we are, ETA etc just by flipping to the channel, sort of like first class air travel. Also good for using the tv for external monitor. On other channels would be the Voyager cameras, especially forward facing so that the bedroom can see out the front (or other views) by tuning to the appropriate channel.

-Dave
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Lin on October 29, 2008, 10:01:29 PM: I have Tom Tom software on my Treo and use a little GPS receiver. It is not as good as a separate unit, but it does work. I find that the GPS will always get me where I want but not always by the best route, so I will also look at a map or google if I can. If I can't, I accept what it gives me. There is a problem occasionally with it giving nonsensical routes that, as you say, do things like take you off a highway only to go back on it some miles down the road. It also does choose routes through streets that I do not want to get stuck on with a bus.

I recently received an ad to join Good Sam. One of the benefits that was making me interested in joining was a route planning service designed for large motorhomes. I do not know anything about how it works though. Even maps and Google can take you down an inappropriate street. I would say that the GPS is a good tool, but does not replace looking at a map-- not yet anyway.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Nick Badame Refrig/ACC on October 30, 2008, 03:46:39 AM: Hi Peach,

Here are some older threads from the bbs.
http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=7872.msg77342;topicseen#msg77342

Nick-
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: FloridaCliff on October 30, 2008, 04:27:31 AM: iminaccess,

There should be a setting on your Garmin where you can select vehicle type.

If you put it on Bus or Truck it will generally not take you down side streets.

It will also plot a large loop when you hit detour, instead of a U-turn.

Cliff
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: John316 on October 30, 2008, 05:11:55 AM: iminaccess,

We have a ATAT Blackberry. We have the ten dollar a month plan for GPS. That has absolutely worked AWESOME. We have tried a PDA software called Co-Pilot in the past. That did some of the really strange detours, and some really strange routes. The Blackberry's GPS has been the best one we have ever had. Since it works off of the internet it does require a cell signal. Even things down to one can type into it, "where is the nearest...McDonald's...Gas station...Wal-mart...Olive Garden...etc. It hasn't put on really strange routes yet, or any of the like.

That is my .0002 about the GPS.

BTW, when is your next trip?

God bless,

John
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: luvrbus on October 30, 2008, 05:36:58 AM: Peach, the key to a gps is what FL Cliff stated knowing how to program ( haven't figured that out myself) my wife uses the AT&T voice activated it does work good.Last year I programed my GPS going to a rally in CO at the Gardens of God RV park I left out the words RV park and believe me a one way narrow road through the Garden of Gods park is no place to be with a bus and tow vehicle.They will all work if programed right good luck and check the voice activated units also
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Dreamscape on October 30, 2008, 06:52:07 AM: I have a BlackBerry with GPS also and have found it to be very handy. Another thing, you don't have to keep upgrading the unit for newer maps and directions.

It's small size makes handy, should be looking at the road anyway! My co-pilot just lets me know when I make a wrong turn. ;D

FWIW,

Paul
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Hartley on October 30, 2008, 07:07:49 AM: I have a Garmin for the Car and Enroute/Garmin for the laptop.

Both tend to take me on adventures great and small no matter what the settings.

It appears that the problem is with Microsoft Streets & Trips being totally screwy.
They can't even get street names right most of the time.
The other error is that when selecting by address, Watch out. You will or could be off by as little as 600 feet or 30 miles if a road is called the same from two different cities and the numbers switch somewhere in between.

The worst is that "recalculating" and insistent message to make 4 right turns.
when you pull into a parking lot or rest area.

We have found that trying to argue with the GPS will only keep you awake if not already off course and lost...

Dave...
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: jjrbus on October 30, 2008, 07:10:49 AM: In the bus I use Streets and Trips with my desktop. I mounted a screen by the driver. I tried the portable units and dont care for the small screen also entering info is much eaiser. Far from perfect, but a map will not tell me to get off at the next exit. Jim
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: cody on October 30, 2008, 08:10:29 AM: The nice thing about my delorme as opposed to the old system we had was that this one comes with a mute button lol (I hope libby doesn't see this).
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: redbus on October 30, 2008, 08:32:49 AM: I just got a NUVI 255W and love it. I love my wife the navigator, also,so she has the last word of course.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: cody on October 30, 2008, 01:14:53 PM: GPS= Granny Pointing System,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, credit to Dallas for the definition lol
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: CindyandJohn on October 30, 2008, 02:59:40 PM: On my wish list is the newest Garmin Nuvi - the 880 model. I was on the phone with Garmin about it in the summer time and they told me it was supposed to give options on the type of vehicle you are driving. I haven't been able to play with one yet, as they just came available and places like Target only have it online not in the stores. It is a very high priced unit - $899 or so... that's why it is still on the wish list... we need to remember - you get what you pay for! I won't buy it till I can mess with one in a store or find someone else who went out and bought it... Just my two cents worth.... Anyone out there have one yet?
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: bobofthenorth on October 30, 2008, 03:31:07 PM: There's two things getting discussed in this thread - the actual GPS unit and the trip planning software including the database. In my experience all the GPS hardware is pretty good - personally I'm partial to Garmin hardware but it probably doesn't really matter whose you use. One feature to watch for is a unit that will spit out NMEA code because that is the universal standard. My eTrex Legend (Garmin) won't so do that and it is a genuine PITA when I want to use it with non-Garmin software. That's entirely my fault because some Garmin units will do the NMEA thing.

The bigger issue for trip planning is the software and the accompanying database (maps). I use MessySoft Streets 'n Trips, mainly because that is what I have always used. It is reasonably accurate but by no means perfect. The map detail has actually downgraded since 2004 in some cases - small prairie towns in western Canada that had street level detail in 2004 now just show a few streets, none of them with names. So that sux. But that's also brand-independant because there are only a few map suppliers - probably only 2 AFAIK so the shortcomings of one unit will generally carry over into all units using that map supplier.

I've been sent down residential streets with no exit and no freeway access. I've been told to turn off interstates onto cross roads where there's no access ramp. I've been sent on cross country, off-road excursions. So don't ever think you can trust the GPS completely - see my tagline for my real opinion. In general I think the GPS and trip planning software is an excellent addition but there are times when it is also a genuine PITA. We wouldn't leave home without it but we've also got a cupboard full of paper maps for anywhere we travel.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: makemineatwostroke on October 30, 2008, 04:49:54 PM: WorldNav, is the best you can have for a bus,type in the weight, width, length and height and it will keep you out of harms way also shows fuel stop and overnight parking a backup camera can be added also, they have a camera for $300 that puts all the RV cameras in a wannabee class.It can be bought in a GPS or a trip router price range $350 to $800 have a great evening
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Charles in SC on October 30, 2008, 06:24:18 PM: None of them are any better than their data base and set up. I was involved in aviation from a time before lorans and gps were affordable. The problems are still the same. There is no good way to have a 100% correct database so you need to know where you are going and keep your head out of the cockpit.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Kirby-XL40-FL on October 30, 2008, 07:21:07 PM: This is Linda, not Kirby... (can't seem to get Firefox to let me log out of his name) -- Charles in SC is absolutely correct in his comments above.

Our first GPS was a Garmin Street Level III which had the same problems mentioned by iminaccess at the beginning of this topic. The options are/were Fastest Time, Shortest Distance, and Off Road, as he stated. In addition to his "favorite" side-track route, ours would send us on a useless, pointless loop that would simply take us right back to where it had us turn left/right, which of course will make you feel like an absolute dummy, except there you are in unknown territory and faith or fear makes you follow the directions of the GPS.

We were looking for something better, but then my brother said that Consumer Reports gave the highest rating to Garmin, so we decided to give it a try.

We now have a newer unit, with the newest database in it, a large screen Garmin 7200 so we can both see the screen. It does have routing options for Car, Bus, Truck, etc. and you'd think that actually meant something, wouldn't you? After some friends told us about their little adventure involving an overpass clearance lower than they needed, I changed the setting from "Car" to "Bus" and guess what? It didn't mean doodley-squat. This summer in our travels, it gave us a route that took us right up to a tunnel with 10' 8" clearance.

It still (just like the older unit) gives street names for turns that bear no resemblance to the name actually on the street sign, and highway numbers that don't appear on the map. Wal-Mart is in there, but depending on which moron was in-putting the data, you'll have to search three different spelling configurations to find one nearest to you.

So not only is the newer unit not an improvement over the old one in terms of routing, it is actually worse in one respect -- on the old unit, highway rest areas were shown at the 5-mile scale, but on the newer unit I can't find the rest areas displayed at all at any scale.

Notwithstanding all of that, we still wouldn't travel without one but we've learned not to trust it and certainly wouldn't recommend Garmin over any other brand.

Linda
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: John316 on October 30, 2008, 07:28:05 PM: One thing I forgot to mention. We also print out Google directions (again those still aren't flawless), and use those to match against what our ATAT GPS (run by a Blackberry) is saying. Between the two we usually arrive within a couple of feet or miles of our destination. ;D ;D ;D

God bless,

John
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: belfert on October 31, 2008, 06:06:31 AM: Highway and street names are a big problem with Internet maps and GPS maps.

The issue is that many roads, especially in rural areas, are labeled with both a regular street name and a county highway number. To make things worse, some roads can have both a county and state highway number or two county highway numbers. Even some Interstates have a Interstate number and a name like in Chicago.

The highway officials may report one name to the map makers, but the signs they use show the other name.

I remember using Mapquest directions last year and I was was on a major state highway, Hwy 169. The directions said to continue onto some road I had never heard of. It took me a while to figure out that the road they referred to was Hwy 169 that I was already on. The directions also said to turn off at a road. I missed the turn because the directions used a Highway number and the road was marked with a street name.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Hartley on October 31, 2008, 09:20:09 AM: The real reason that GPS maps and Google Maps are "OFF" is that the Map printing companies still want to sell paper maps because they make the most profit on a yearly basis.

The GPS will get you to an area where you may have to buy a paper map to get to the final destination. That is their purpose.

Google will take you on some of the silliest routes using street and highway directions that make no sense from either direction. Here again enters that flaw in the mapping systems. Mileage is never what it says and detours due to obstructions are never shown.

I would trust at least that a GPS will at least show you how to get out of a place by some stretch of the imagination where a google map would be of no help at all after you made several wrong turns according to "finite" directions which were wrong at best to begin with.

The Vehicle rules for GPS systems basically are only as good as what was keyed in by someone that has no clue and lives in some big city and never has travelled.

"May the Farce be with You..."...

Dave...
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: belfert on October 31, 2008, 04:28:37 PM: I highly doubt mapping companies are selling inferior mapping data to GPS manufacturers and Internet map websites.

I drove from my house in Minneapolis to a hotel in Amarillo, TX using an Internet map and the mileage I drove was within one mile of the estimate. I have pretty good luck with Internet maps except in newly developed areas, but paper maps don't show those areas either.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: rwc on November 01, 2008, 07:27:14 AM: I use Garmin and mine allows me to select Interstates and exclude secondary roads from my route. Or exclude interstates and take only secondary roads. You do have to update the map program every year or so and it does sometimes take you on routes that are longer than needed. As far as laptop programs Delorme is absolutely the best and most accurate. Microsoft will take you to the nearest intersection but not to an address. Leaves me about 1 mile from my daughters house with 30 or 40 houses between where it takes me and her house. Would not be wanting that for a place I had never been.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Lin on November 01, 2008, 11:00:42 AM: There are two mapping companies that provide the information to Mapquest, Google, and GPS companies. We found this out when searching for our new house on Google. They had it wrong, as did Mapquest and the GPS. We tried to contact them to correct it, and they referred us to these other mapping companies. We did write to them about 6 months ago, but nothing has been changed yet. I think they wanted some sort of proof that my house was where I said it was. Anyway, that is why we get some of the same faulty information from different sources. In theory, these systems are being gradually changed from input from the general public. It is therefore necessary to upgrade your software periodically. Hopefully, they are correcting some of the company-specific idiosyncrasies along with the mapping. As mentioned before, it is an excellent tool, but you can not follow it blindly.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: JohnEd on November 01, 2008, 10:51:15 PM: I am pretty much set to use my laptop for the GPS. The only one I see here is the "Delorme" system and it seems to get positive comment. Is it the best for laptop applications or are there other systems?

Thanks,

John
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: JackConrad on November 02, 2008, 03:31:39 AM: Quote from: JohnEd on November 01, 2008, 10:51:15 PM
I am pretty much set to use my laptop for the GPS. The only one I see here is the "Delorme" system and it seems to get positive comment. Is it the best for laptop applications or are there other systems?
Thanks,
John

We use DeLorme & MS Streets & Trips on our laptop. We run both programs at the same time with 1/2 of the screen showing Delorme and 1/2 the screen showing Streets & Trips. Although similar in operation, each has specific features that we like. Running both also give us redundancy if one fails (has only happened a couple times). Jack
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Busted Knuckle on November 03, 2008, 06:26:03 AM: Well for starters I have trucked all over the US for 18 yrs with out a GPS! I thought the was the silliest, dumbest, goofiest waste of $ when they first came out available for the general public! But with that said, I have been using MS Streets & Trips on the office computer and my laptop for yrs!
Well not so long ago (about a year ago) dad bought "Lola" a Garmin C336 (I think) and I laffed about him needing one.
But then came a trip where dad left Lola in the bus I was driving. So I decided to play with it "just of r kicks". Well low and behold I liked it! So then I too questioned here on the board, and got lots of great advice from everybody.
Well in the end I decided to go with Sean Welsh's recommendation of the Garmin 7200. So I bought "Susie" off ebay. I loved it from the start. I have been using it since around Thanksgiving of last yr, and have no major complaints! Now I didn't say NO COMPLAINTS, as I have had trouble with it not going exaclty the way I do sometimes. But I love it! It does occassionally try to give me a bogus rte, but I always screen ahead and "double check the rte. So I am never shocked at the way it wants to go, I just "go my way" if I don't like what it shows.
Well it wasn't long after I bought "SUZY", that he decided that he liked her too. So I was asked to watch and find him one on ebay too. So dad got a 7200 also, and the first trip out he named her "Luceile". When asked where he came up with that name he said well she "picked a fine time to leave me. With four hundred children on the buses and a cop wanting me to pull into a field!" So she became "Luceile" named after the one in Eric Clapton's famous lyrics! Dad say's the only thing "Luceile does faithfully is lose signal when she's needed the most!

But even with "Luceile's" fault (which I have seem to have cleared up with an external attenna) we are very satisfied with our Garmin's. Of course don't just trust them 100% and they will get the job done great! As I said in the beginning I trucked across this great country for 18 yrs before they were even thought of by the general public, and could always find my way with out one. So if needed to I could do it again.

As a side note as a daily drive I detest "MapQuest" it is wrong more than "Luceile" loses signal! And I haven't tried any others.

FWIW ;D BK ;D
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Sojourner on November 03, 2008, 08:49:02 AM: Busted Knuckle....you have a way of sweet sense of humor and talking about your father & mother together on board. I love it. It a America from the old school. We need you!

Thanks for sharing.

Sojourn for Christ, Gerald
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: JohnEd on November 03, 2008, 09:06:52 AM: Jack,

Thank you. DeLorme it is!

BK..a most excellent post...Thanks
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: John316 on November 03, 2008, 04:56:05 PM: BK I agree one hundred percent about Map quest no being accurate a lot of the time!!! It has left us stranded a lot of times.

We like using a combination of GPS (via Blackberry), Google maps (disclaimer: not great but better that map quest!!!), an old fashioned atlas, and when in a pinch, using the laptop, with cell connection to the internet, with Google maps to figure out exactly where we are (like when we "happened" to end up in downtown El Paso TX and a lot of the main on ramps onto the interstate were closed). With that combination we usually don't end up too lost ::) ;D ;D.

God bless,

John
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: BJ on November 04, 2008, 03:25:51 PM: I have a garman 4.5 screen. being a commercial charter driver I think they are lifesavers. But the are not perfect. Yet. We have drivers that have other units that are not happy with them, wishing they bought a garman. Which by the way is what consumer guide recommends. I find that I also make a map for backup. Microsoft trips for anything electrical can fail....This is my second one and I find the newer ones are more reliable. ;D
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: zimtok on November 05, 2008, 06:22:18 AM: I just got a Magellan 1400 about 2 months ago. (Crutchfield for $179)

Some new roads don't show up on it so it looks like I'm off-roading. But I use it mainly for a speedometer and odometer to check the mileage driven.

I have used it to a couple times to navigate, but only in general terms. I still look at maps and plan my routes the old way. (I like trying out of the way routes when I'm not on a schedule)

.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: belfert on November 05, 2008, 08:07:14 AM: I must be lucky with Mapquest as it just works 99% of the time. Usually when I have issues, a Google or Microsoft map isn't any better. The only reason I continue to use Mapquest is the user interface is better than Google. Google expects the address all as one line and half the time it claims there is an error with my entry. Mapquest has the street, city, and state seperate.

I don't own a GPS as I just don't go to unknown places often enough to need one.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Lin on November 05, 2008, 08:16:49 AM: I was at a truck stop yesterday. There was a GPS system there that claimed to be designed for truckers. Don't know anything about it though.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: makemineatwostroke on November 05, 2008, 09:00:26 AM: Lin, we use use WorldNav 7200 for our trucks, best out there like I said before type in address,weight,width and,length off you go will even tells what turns are going to be a problem for you length our drivers love these and you can buy it with a 7 inch touch screen( I have one in my coach) have a great day
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: BJ on November 05, 2008, 06:46:42 PM: :-[ :-[ ALERT! Last month a truck driver got a large ticket from a HPO for having a lap top in the driving area. He claims that he was using it for a GPS only but the officer told him it was unlawful to have anything that can play a movie, etc in the driving area of a moving vehicle and the courts would have to decide.. Info from our insurance company advising the charter company not to use GPS on laptops. I understand that DOT is also involved in this and will make a decision on GPS laptops ??? >:(
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: John316 on November 05, 2008, 06:49:51 PM: That is too bad. That is interesting because police officers usually have laptops up front with them.

God bless,

John
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: PP on November 05, 2008, 07:32:03 PM: All of our Law Enforcement Officers have laptops mounted up front with them. Of course, they feel they're above the law ;D ;D FWIW
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: makemineatwostroke on November 05, 2008, 07:58:38 PM: John316 and PP, those are not lap tops in police cars they are called mobile computers if you notice they have no key board only a touch screen and use 12 volts for power and I have never saw one with a GPS dispatch will send directions if needed have a great evening
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: quantum500 on November 05, 2008, 09:13:42 PM: I can say first hand that there are "lap tops" with key boards in many cop cars around the united states. Most but not all do have touch screens, and cops do think they are above the law and usually get away with it.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: John316 on November 06, 2008, 06:13:04 AM: In our city or officers have laptops with key board dvd players and the works.

FWIW

God bless,

John
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: makemineatwostroke on November 06, 2008, 06:48:01 AM: Well guys I stand corrected but I live in the Phoenix area and the Houston area and no lap tops in the police cars in these 2 cities have a great day
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Paladin on November 06, 2008, 08:32:54 AM: Quote from: makemineatwostroke on November 05, 2008, 07:58:38 PM
John316 and PP, those are not lap tops in police cars they are called mobile computers if you notice they have no key board only a touch screen and use 12 volts for power and I have never saw one with a GPS dispatch will send directions if needed have a great evening

Interesting this came up.

I have a touch screen mobile computer which runs off of like 13.8 volts and that also accepts a keyboard and mouse. The brand is Intermec but I forget the model. It's the type used by UPS, DHL and other delivery or warehouse type purposes and it also is WiFi capable for networked use.
I bought it for home automation use but have since sort of wondered about using it in the bus. I still haven't messed around with it much yet but I've wondered about if and how the touchscreen might be programmed for use with GPS or other uses.
Maybe someday I'll finally get more time and get around to messing with setting it all up. It might be interesting or it might be a bust. There are limitations to the thing and what it can do I'm sure.

-Dave
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: luvrbus on November 06, 2008, 09:17:03 AM: We bought the General Dynamics Ironix VR-2 for our depts where I live no key boards touch screens can see them clear in the AZ sun they are about bullet proof can even submerge in water or drop from 3ft and have a embedded GPS with the laws of our county and state. Data cost for this type is about 1/2 the cost of laptops. The US government will give a grant to pay $2900.00 each for these units but will not pay for $800.00 laptops figure that one they work from wireless or radio signals and will even print you a ticket for the violation.But the best part of the system officers can not receive any personal information on you with out going through the proper channels and we have had some that abused the old system good luck
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Hartley on November 06, 2008, 12:53:46 PM: Quote from: makemineatwostroke on November 05, 2008, 07:58:38 PM
John316 and PP, those are not lap tops in police cars they are called mobile computers if you notice they have no key board only a touch screen and use 12 volts for power and I have never saw one with a GPS dispatch will send directions if needed have a great evening

I picked part of this back up from another thread and placed it here where it started.. sorry...

Don't know where you got that idea. Cops use laptops everywhere.

Before laptops they did use an old in-car computer terminal in some places but most
were replaced by generic laptops due to costing a lot less to operate and buy.

I know because I used to install all that stuff. It's changed now in 99% of places.

Officers must now type out their status reports in-car along with their paperwork. It's all done on laptops. They have GPS, Dispatch and many functions that everyone else has and they CAN play movies and cruise the Internet while driving and having that dammned cell phone jammed up to their ear at 90mph.... Just watch one on a call..... They will say they don't but who have been the biggest liars about stuff like "enforcement".....

The TV camera playback is viewable on their screens also...

Having a TUNER with antenna used to be the catch-all.... Streaming Video or CD/DVD is now standard on most computers.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: DSweet on November 06, 2008, 08:05:05 PM: We use a Dell laptop [15" screen] with DeLorme's GPS software and the usb powered GPS antenna. It works very well, we use it on the
bus and now with a small inverter, in our car. I think the best thing to do is to look at what is available as well as the various features,
if you can try some of the out.
Blessings,
David
PD4104-2977
Winton, CA.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: circusboy90210 on November 07, 2008, 01:02:46 PM: best gps 2 use is an experienced driver witha map,ruler, & a pieceof string then write it all down turn byturn ;-)
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: circusboy90210 on November 07, 2008, 01:04:57 PM: Best GPS? Map 'Ruler, Sting, Paper, pencil, & Thousands of Seat miles;-)
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: johns4104s on November 07, 2008, 01:08:58 PM: I was thinking about one of the small lap tops? Anyone have experience?

John
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: circusboy90210 on November 07, 2008, 01:14:30 PM: I was at a truck stop yesterday. There was a GPS system there that claimed to be designed for truckers. Don't know anything about it though. Biggest piece of "quality merchandise" ever produce a slick packaging that not for trucks and it put me down into many restricted roads & did not tell him till after I was on it. Do not use computer for grades or figure if turns are possible for having an attached trailer. Does not work for 10 or 11 hour rule, then to find a truck stop or stops for you. It lost me my job. No tech support. USB does not work automatically. You have to find additional for USB GPS to adapt to software.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: cody on November 07, 2008, 03:51:14 PM: Huh?
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Hartley on November 07, 2008, 04:19:13 PM: Musta got too close to the bumper cars again???

Or trying to use a cell phone to type real words...

Wierd... :o
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: PP on November 07, 2008, 05:51:26 PM: Okay Circus Boy,
We're an amazingly patient bunch here, but you need to slow down and use spellchecker so we can understand you. Dig? ???
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: John316 on November 07, 2008, 07:16:43 PM: Circus boy, I agree with the others. Do you now how to use the spellchecker? If not, I am sure we could explain. This board's software puts a red squiggly line under a misspelled word. If you have other questions I am sure that we could help. It is just that we have a hard time understanding your posts.

PP, you are right we have a LOT of patience!!!

God bless,

John
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Sojourner on November 07, 2008, 08:32:19 PM: Quotes from circusboy90210 "I was at a truck stop yesterday. There was a GPS system there that claimed to be designed for truckers. Don't know anything about it though. biggest piece of "quality merchandise" everproduce slick packaging not 4 trucks @ it put me down many restricted roads, & did hot tell he t:11 after I was on it . Does not compute use per grades or figure if turns are possible per having an attached trailer. Does hot work for 10 or 11hour rule, then find a truck slop or Stops 4 you. It lost me my job.No tech support uSb does not work Automatically, you have 2find additional for usb gps2 adapt.software" Unquote.

About spelling errors..."Spell Check" only see 3.."in red". So I don't think spelling is the problem. You will notice everywords is spelled correctly and perhap a very good speller. USB is Universal Serial Bus and GPS is Global Positioning System. Per = for? hot = not? t:ll = till?

I rewrite to what I believe is closer to what he saying:
"I was at a truck stop yesterday. There was a GPS system there that claimed to be designed for truckers. Don't know anything about it though. Biggest piece of "quality merchandise" ever produce a slick packaging that not for trucks and it put me down into many restricted roads & did not tell him till after I was on it. Do not use computer for grades or figure if turns are possible for having an attached trailer. Does not work for 10 or 11 hour rule, then to find a truck stop or stops for you. It lost me my job. No tech support. USB does not work automatically. You have to find additional for USB GPS to adapt to software."

It may not be completely corrected to his statement.

I admire him for trying to communicate while many other read our post and but afraid to post.

It something else.

I know I am not perfect...so that make 2 of us.

Sojourn for Christ, Gerald
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: John316 on November 08, 2008, 05:12:13 AM: Gerald, Thanks for the needed reminder!!! And thanks for you post.

God bless,

John
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: circusboy90210 on November 08, 2008, 01:18:48 PM: sorry smashed my keyboard in a fit of rage. being micromanaged out of income, sleep, control of my life. :-\ :P ??? >:( ;D :D :) :'( 8)running through complet range of emotions here
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Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: Hartley on November 08, 2008, 05:44:53 PM: Oh.. Then you MUST own a bus.... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: circusboy90210 on November 08, 2008, 05:47:39 PM: ;)building one soon :-\
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: BJ on November 08, 2008, 10:21:53 PM: :-\ the mobile computers in law enforcement cars do not have the ability to show/play movies from discs or internet. the dot law does not refer to them for this reason. But they can and do punch the screen while in operation so to me it seems that they are violating federal law. But, cops get away with things like that. Like red lights to the donut shop....haha ;D
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: rwc on November 09, 2008, 03:54:45 AM: Circusboy That red line runs across page just fine . Print too small to read. If you are trying to communicate stamp your foot three times I will get as much information that as the red line ;D ??? ::) ??? ::) ??? ::)
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: cody on November 09, 2008, 06:52:30 AM: RWC, I believe he is just trying to get attention, for whatever reason. if you notice in reading his posts he makes them virtually unreadable at times but at other times he can be perfectly lucid, it's almost like the mind wanders into unknown areas, kind of like mine does lol.
Title: Re: What is the best GPS to use?
Post by: circusboy90210 on November 09, 2008, 12:56:48 PM: http://no keyboard :D ;) ??? ::) :P 8)