Garmin GPS routing

[crawl]

Hi,

I've never used a GPS before, but have got the bug. I know these things will guide you to a destination address automatically, but will they give you directions based on your own route? Right now I map everything out turn by turn on MS Streets and Trips, but if I could do the same in the gps software and have it guide me along that would be much easier to keep up with. I'd rather do it on the PC as well and not have to sit with the unit in hand and map them out.

I seem to be looking at the more expensive ones now, but I think I may be overbuying just to be sure it will meet my needs. If anyone has some less expensive recommendations please pass them along. A cheaper waterproof handheld one sounds tempting but I still want all the US maps and features that the nicer models come with. I don't mind swapping maps around, etc, if the functionality is still there. I keep reading specs but I don't know the terminology enough to understand what it all means.

I've been reading about these for days and my head is spinning! :giveup:

Thanks,
Paul

[AutoRotate]

Hi,

I've never used a GPS before, but have got the bug. I know these things will guide you to a destination address automatically, but will they give you directions based on your own route? Right now I map everything out turn by turn on MS Streets and Trips, but if I could do the same in the gps software and have it guide me along that would be much easier to keep up with. I'd rather do it on the PC as well and not have to sit with the unit in hand and map them out.

I seem to be looking at the more expensive ones now, but I think I may be overbuying just to be sure it will meet my needs. If anyone has some less expensive recommendations please pass them along. A cheaper waterproof handheld one sounds tempting but I still want all the US maps and features that the nicer models come with. I don't mind swapping maps around, etc, if the functionality is still there. I keep reading specs but I don't know the terminology enough to understand what it all means.

I've been reading about these for days and my head is spinning! :giveup:

Thanks,
Paul

I am officially a GPS dork. I use them in my career as a pilot and have a unit in anything I drive. I have owned them since they essentially became available for "civilian" use. That being said, I have only owned Garmin products. There are several reasons for that, but the main reason is user ergonomics. Garmin's units are very simple to operate and have grown more and more intuitive over the years. Even the IFR GPS units in our helicopters and airplanes are very simple to operate. Garmin customer service is also second to none. They are located in Kansas and have always gone above and beyond what I have ever asked of them. Enough with the Garmin plug and on to some of your questions.

Garmin units are able to accept different "map files." The most common software used on Garmin units is MapSource City Navigator (CN). Each Garmin unit has a "base map" preloaded. This is a VERY basic map containing most of the major roads. Many of the newer Garmin units come with the CN maps for the entire US pre-loaded. Other units have either internal or removable memory that allows you to load all, or several "chunks" of maps to the unit. This depends on the amount of memory available internally, on a compact flash card, or proprietary memory card available through Garmin. These memory options vary from unit to unit. The CN is a very detailed mapping program that also contains your Points of Interest (POI). These POI's range from your eating, lodging, fuel, banks, atms, government offices, etc. This allows you to "find the nearest Taco Bell" while out and about.

The joy of the MapSource software loaded on your home PC allows you access to these detailed maps and POI's while sitting at your desktop. You can create your own personal waypoints and build your routes on the PC, then shoot them to the unit via USB. For example, I just returned from an eight day Colorado trip originating in Dallas, TX. I planned each day of the trip, including the routes prior to leaving. I also created waypoints using MapSource. These waypoints came from other folks suggestions on places to stay, eat, see, etc. Some of the waypoints were already in the database. Others were not. Either way, I create an actual waypoint for them so they are easy to find and plan in the routes.

MapSource can use several different parameters for route building, just as the units can do on the fly. You can choose "fastest time," or "shortest distance," or "off-road" (as the crow flies). Once MapSource builds the route, you can click on the route and "bend" it to the preferred route of travel you wish to take. In other words, if MapSource initially routes you down IH-35 from Dallas to Austin, you can click on the route and "bend" it over to US-281. When you click on that spot on US-281, MapSource will re-route you to that location. You can do this as many times as you want, or turn by turn, to create your own custom route. This can be saved for later and/or downloaded to the unit. You can also do this on the unit itself, however it is much easier to do it on the PC and shoot it to the unit.

As for units, my only suggestion is to not settle on something that is cheaper, even though you think it is all you might want. Generally, after you start using these, you might find you wished you would have waited and spent some money on a little more complex unit. You can also find a WIDE variety of prices online. I buy all my units through a company out of Oklahoma called GPS Discount (http://www.gpsdiscount.com). They have great prices and very good customer service.

My current unit is a Garmin 2610. I like the StreetPilot family. There are newer StreetPilots, such as the 2820. They offer features such as XM radio and Bluetooth capability. At the time, the 2610 was the newest one on the block and that is the one I purchased. In the future, I will look at the 2820. I'm not really a fan of some of the newer Garmin units because I feel Garmin has "dummed" them down for the mild, average joe user. Some of the geeky GPS features like altitude, satellite tracking, and such are no longer available with some of the units. Garmin has a great side by side comparison feature on their website. You can select several units and compare the features.

Sorry to ramble on. I hope this helped some. Holler if you have more questions.

Clay

[Rick572]

Very educational. I too am interested in a GPS and know little about them. I know a GPS will add to my riding experience and I like Garman a lot.. Really looking at the basic Zuma 550. Got GPS Discount bookmarked.

Thanks Rick

[crawl]

Wow Clay, that's fantastic! I'm glad I posted the question here. I have been looking at all brands, but from searching about it seemed Garmin was the way to go.

Does the Mapsource software to do all this routing come with the units? The Zumo models mention it, but some others do not. I can't seem to find a price for it one their website either...

[AutoRotate]

Wow Clay, that's fantastic! I'm glad I posted the question here. I have been looking at all brands, but from searching about it seemed Garmin was the way to go.

Does the Mapsource software to do all this routing come with the units? The Zumo models mention it, but some others do not. I can't seem to find a price for it one their website either...

I'm not sure that all the newer models come with the MapSource City Navigator DVD; however it appears the Zumo 550 does. I have heard that some of the "ChartPlotters," such as the Garmin 378 have the CN stuff pre-loaded on the unit itself, but you must purchase the DVD to have it on your PC separate. As I mentioned in my earlier post, I don't like the direction Garmin is heading with some of their products. I think if the CN is pre-loaded in the unit, then you should also get a hard copy of it for your PC. Oh well. Here is the standard package contents:

Package Accessories included with the Zumo 550
zumo 550
Preloaded City Navigator® NT North America (full coverage)
MapSource® City Navigator NT DVD (full-unlock) (This is it!)
Motorcycle mount with RAM mounting hardware
Automotive suction cup mount with integrated speaker*
Dashboard disk
Carrying case
AC charger
Vehicle power cable
Motorcycle power cable
USB interface cable
Security screwdriver
Custom caps (silver and black)
Garmin stickers
Owner's manual on Disk
Quick reference guide

----Also, the GPS Discount site sometimes requires you to "add the item to your cart" in order to see their prices. When I added the "Standard" Zumo 550 to my cart, the register showed $689.99. That did not include the XM stuff, in case you are interested. Take care and be safe!

Clay

[FJR Bandit]

AR,

Thanks for the link to GPSDISCOUNT. I too have been looking for a replacement GPS for my old GPS V. I just order the Zumo 450. I will let you know if it comes with the NT DVD or not.

[Rob_S]

Yes you get Mapsource and City Navigator (the maps) with the Zumo. The Zumo comes pre-loaded with the maps as well. I too give Garmin an A++ for their customer service.

I used a 2610 for 2 years and just recently upgraded to the Zumo 550. Far as I can tell I still have all the same functionality that the 2610 has plus added features (bluetooth, XM radio capability). But, I was very happy with the 2610. Unfortunately, this model has been discontinued although you might still be able to find used ones on ebay or some sites that are selling refurbished units.

rob

[Squeaky]

I love my Quest. It's small and portable, but I don't mind the small screen bewcause it stays out of the way and I can simply refer to it when/if I need. It's also waterproof, so riding in rain and dirt/dust isn't an issue.

[Gilk51]

Garmin's main software is City Navigator v8.

please note - the Topo USA package (USGS topological charts) is based on charts that are ancient and will probably be missing any recent road changes in your area - like the last 20 years! :eek2:

Unless you really need the elevation contour lines, I would skip the Topo package...

[Quick-Silver]

Thanks to this post I think I have about decided to buy the Zumo 450 for the KLR. I learned to use the Goldwing's navigation system on my trip to Montana and now I feel lost without a navigation system on board.
:sun:

[AutoRotate]

Thanks to this post I think I have about decided to buy the Zumo 450 for the KLR. I learned to use the Goldwing's navigation system on my trip to Montana and now I feel lost without a navigation system on board.
:sun:


I am the same way. The more you have it, become familiar with the various options, and use it - the more enjoyment you get out of it. I move mine from vehicle to vehicle, even running around Dallas - but like I mentioned above, I am dorky like that :lol2:

[crawl]

Ok, I'm still reading about these and I seem to be coming to about three types/models:

Gpsmap 60cx
It's rugged and waterproof, but not as many features or memory. And quite expensive compared too....

Streetpilot c3xx or 5xx models
There not waterproof, but have more features and can be had for under $300

Zumo
They seem to do it all, but we're talking pretty big bucks here.

It doesn't seem like Garmin ever combines the feature set that I think I would want, so all these different models they sell become compromises. Some of the problem is I want this to work well in the car (which admittedly it will spend most of it's time) and on the bike for weekends. All the waterproof ones are either light in features or expensive like the zumo. Is anyone running a non-waterproof model for bike use? Maybe a tank bag and ziplock if the rain catches you out???

[crawl]

Forgot to mention... The wife does most of the commuting and I'd probably leave it in her car for daily commutes, and move it to the bike for night and weekends. Hence the reason I'm not sure if the handheld models would work too well. We stopped by a store today and she definately prefered the touchscreen models.

[AutoRotate]

Ok, I'm still reading about these and I seem to be coming to about three types/models:

Gpsmap 60cx
It's rugged and waterproof, but not as many features or memory. And quite expensive compared too....

Streetpilot c3xx or 5xx models
There not waterproof, but have more features and can be had for under $300

Zumo
They seem to do it all, but we're talking pretty big bucks here.

It doesn't seem like Garmin ever combines the feature set that I think I would want, so all these different models they sell become compromises. Some of the problem is I want this to work well in the car (which admittedly it will spend most of it's time) and on the bike for weekends. All the waterproof ones are either light in features or expensive like the zumo. Is anyone running a non-waterproof model for bike use? Maybe a tank bag and ziplock if the rain catches you out???

I do not know much about the 60cx series. I have not heard good things about the StreetPilot c3xx or 5xx models. I would look very hard at the StreetPilot 2820 or the Zumo 550. I know they are expensive, but you may regret buying something less. The StreetPilot 2820 is waterproof to a mil-spec standard that makes it acceptable for motocycle use.

Forgot to mention... The wife does most of the commuting and I'd probably leave it in her car for daily commutes, and move it to the bike for night and weekends. Hence the reason I'm not sure if the handheld models would work too well. We stopped by a store today and she definately prefered the touchscreen models.

The 2820 or Zumo would be very easy to move between the car and the bike. You may want to purchase a mount for the 2820 series, and possibly a motorcycle friendly, dedicated power cable. That is one nice feature about the Zumo - it comes with almost everything to move between the car and motorcycle on the fly.

Before making your final decision, I HIGHLY recommend you spend some significant time at the site. These are some of the best GPS related product reviews I have ever seen.

General Site Home Page (http://gpsinformation.net/)

Good "Which GPS Should I Buy Article" (http://gpsinformation.us/main/whichgps.html)

Very good Garmin 2820 Review (http://www.gpsinformation.org/penrod/2820/sp2820.html)

Very good Zumo review (http://gpsinformation.org/zumo/zumo.html)

I'm sorry to bombard you with this information, just don't rush the purchase. Take your time and get educated, then if need be, wait until you can afford the one you like and meets your needs. Just my two cents.

[sherob]

+1 for the Zumo 550. After recently relocating to the Denver area, I just pulled it out of the MC mount and plugged it into the car mount... "Mr Zumo, find me a Barber!"... BING... "Find me a Super Walmart!"... BING... "Find my apartment!"... LOL!!! :lol2:

Unlike the sprawling Houston area, Denver is zoned, so everything is hidden off the streets and is hard to see... LOL!!!

[crawl]

Ok! I took the plunge today and ordered a refurbished (overhauled, as they call it) Garmin 2720. After hours, and more hours, of reading, it seems to do what I need and the price was much better than the Zumo. I almost went for the 2610 that seems to be so popular on various motorcycle forums but the 2720 has a slightly better screen along with announcing street names and an optional traffic service, both of which my wife thought might be useful for the car.

Total with all the motorcycle mounting hardware, RAM brackets, shipping etc, came to a bit over $350, so a lot cheaper than the Zumo models with most of the features of the Zumo 450. I'll post some info when it comes and I've had some time to play around with it.

To anyone who may be interested, I found it here:

https://www.edgegps.com/eCart/viewItem.html?idProduct=268

It may ship with outdated maps, but the dealer confirmed that Garmin will mail the latest City Navigator 2008 disk after I register it on their website.

Found a lot of info regarding this deal over here:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242858

Thanks,
Paul

[Squeaky]

Are the 2720/2610 waterproof? That's one of the reasons I love my Quest, but I could eventually be persuaded into getting a model with a bigger screen.

Edge GPS looks like they have some great deals...

[AutoRotate]

Are the 2720/2610 waterproof? That's one of the reasons I love my Quest, but I could eventually be persuaded into getting a model with a bigger screen.

Edge GPS looks like they have some great deals...


Most newer Garmin® GPS units are waterproof in accordance with IEC 60529 IPX7. IEC 60529 is a European system of test specification standards for classifying the degrees of protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment. An IPX7 designation means the GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. An IPX8 designation is for continuous underwater use.

The 2610/2720/2820 are made to this specification. They will handle water on the motorcycle all day long without problems.

[terrebandit]

I've got a Garmin quest for the bike and its a real nice unit. A full battery will last a whole day, and then some, without a re-charge. Its compact and easy to take with you at stops and such. It does most everything that the bigger units do as far as navigating, route info, etc for a lot less money...

Enter the Garmin 378.... I picked one of these up for work duty on the land and lakes and tried it in my work truck the other day. That larger screen is a BIG plus for blind people like me but you pay for the privilage of having it. I like it too.

I would recommend the Quest for anyone who is just getting into this GPS game and doesn't care about the MP3 bull hockey. Go for the bigger screen of the ZUMO, or other models, if money is not a problem.

[crawl]

I forgot to mention the waterproof factor of picking that model. It also has the software to do route preplanning, which all the current cxxx model streetpilots apparently can't do from what I've been reading. They recalculate the route everytime.

The only thing I would have liked was an internal battery. This one must be connected to a power cable at all times. It comes with a cig cable for the car and an AC adapter for indoors, and the MC mounting kit includes a direct wire to the battery, so I'm all set.

Now the hard part, waiting on the shipping. I get so impatient once I order something online!

[AutoRotate]

I forgot to mention the waterproof factor of picking that model. It also has the software to do route preplanning, which all the current cxxx model streetpilots apparently can't do from what I've been reading. They recalculate the route everytime.

The only thing I would have liked was an internal battery. This one must be connected to a power cable at all times. It comes with a cig cable for the car and an AC adapter for indoors, and the MC mounting kit includes a direct wire to the battery, so I'm all set.

Now the hard part, waiting on the shipping. I get so impatient once I order something online!

Good choice, you won't go wrong with that unit. Don't be surprised if Garmin charges you to upgrade to City Navigator 2008. It is the newest CN product and often confused with City Navigator Version 8; which is the lastest version of the "old" City Navigator. Either way, it will be worth it to upgrade. That is a heckuva price on that unit and all the trimmings.

[crawl]

Garmin isn't really publicizing the free update, but some other websitse have the details:

http://www.autocomamerica.com/news.cfm/newsid/50191

I called the website to confirm before ordering, so it better not be a problem!

[ucwinters]

Might also try www.getfeetwet.com for a refurbished Garmin 2610. They include an additional year's warranty on top of the 1 yr warranty that Garmin gives you. I bought a "refurbished" 2610 from them a few years ago for about $400 and it looked like a new unit (might have been overstock bought by them) that came in the original box with all the cables, etc. They had some 2610 units on their site recently for about $220. Nice thing about this unit is that it is waterproof. Down side is that the screen tends to wash out in the sun light and that there is no battery back-up for when it is disconnected from the power source.
I just checked their website and the refurbished 2610 is $210.

Ed W.