car navigation

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ElZorro
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car navigation

Post by ElZorro »

I've done a fair amount with GPS and navigation software, just thought I'd kick off this section.

My mapping solution involves a Garmin handheld GPS (Etrex, but a 12XL, etc, will work, anything with a serial port on it) and a laptop with mapping software. Throw the GPS on the dashboard, cable to the laptop, inverter from the accessory power port (cig lighter) to the laptop and you're ready to rock. Many states have laws about operating a computer or watching a TV while driving, so I use an organic voice controlled system (my wife).

As far as software, I've used them all.

Microsoft Streets & Trips - probably has the easiest interface, but has less features than some of the others. Includes free PDA software. This probably has the best looking maps (the same maps as Mappoint and mapblast.com).

Delorme Street Atlas - harder interface than MS S&T, but the strip-maps are great (this are alot like the AAA maps everyone loves). Probably the best software for generating paper maps to take with you. Also has the most features.

Garmin MetroGuide/City Navigator/Roads&Rec - Garmin cranks out a bunch of software, some of which is pretty good. This was one of the first to have topo info, and they have software for most of the major parts of the world.

I own Delorme at home, and I have MS S&T at work, and used the Garmin software at a previous job. My preference? Delorme. The printed maps are great.
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DamSedan
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Post by DamSedan »

So when are you going to get the stock Forester Gauge pod housing and mount a 6" monitor screen to connect it to? I have been waiting for someone to do that.
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ElZorro
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Post by ElZorro »

I pondered doing something like that, attaching the screen to a laptop, but I'd rather spend the cash on wheels, tires and brakes. :)
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complacent
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Post by complacent »

now that the mac mini (DIN SIZED) is available for teh cheap there is another viable option. Delorme also makes Route66 for os x. Combine that with a lilliput touchscreen/gps antenna/amplifier/wifi and you've got one cool carputer.

just my .02USD :)

colin
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Post by Sabre »

I'm going to rehash this :) What is the feeling on navigation units?
http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/Dell_GPS_N ... ml?tag=sub
suggests the Lowrance iWay 500c or the TomTom GO. Thoughts on these? BTW, this isn't for me. I'd do the carputer and GPS software :)
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Post by Sabre »

Ok, these are the top rated:

TomTom GO

Garmin Street Pilot III GPS

Lowrance iWay 500c

Cobra NavOne 4500
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Post by Mr Kleen »

I hear that Alpine is working on a double DIN touch screen head unit with DVD, iPod and Nav. as much as I want to build a carputer, the Alpine sounds nice...
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Post by Sabre »

I want a real computer so I can log all the time :) That does sounds like a nice unit though! Just rememeber not to watch pr0n while there are kids in the van behind you! (Yes, someone actually got charged for watching pr0n in a moving vehicle b/c some kids saw it from behind!)
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Post by complacent »

Mr Kleen wrote:I hear that Alpine is working on a double DIN touch screen head unit with DVD, iPod and Nav. as much as I want to build a carputer, the Alpine sounds nice...
Pioneer already has one. Touchscreen NAV, iPod, Sat radio, etc... I've got one. AVIC-D1.

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Post by Mr Kleen »

nice unit, Colin. :lol:

so does Kenwood. I'm looking for the next gen systems. and I'm a bit of an Alpine fanboy. :wink:
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Post by Sabre »

Mr Kleen wrote:nice unit, Colin. :lol:
Quoted for posparity!
Mr Kleen wrote: so does Kenwood. I'm looking for the next gen systems. and I'm a bit of an Alpine fanboy. :wink:
I'm a big fan of the Alpine units as well. When is their new line up coming out?
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Post by Mr Kleen »

not sure. I read the rumor about the new 2xDIN on a NASIOC post. the 06 models are listed for sale at Crutchfield.com in early Feb but no mention of the touch screen NAV one.+
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Post by Katya4me »

sabre wrote:I want a real computer so I can log all the time :) That does sounds like a nice unit though! Just rememeber not to watch pr0n while there are kids in the van behind you! (Yes, someone actually got charged for watching pr0n in a moving vehicle b/c some kids saw it from behind!)
Car electronics manufacturers are required by law to have the DVD functions disabled when the vehicle is in motion if the screen is within sight of the driver, there is a wire connected to the e-brake. Carputers don't have this issue because they currently cannot be mass produced and fall into a legal grey area that hopefully will continue to remain unlegislated.

Going back to the GPS question, I used Routis w/ my carputer and liked it. I've also used MapPoint and done well w/ that on a laptop.
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Post by Katya4me »

sabre wrote:
Mr Kleen wrote:nice unit, Colin. :lol:
Quoted for posparity!
Quoted for posterity. :D
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Post by Sabre »

^^^ Duh!


BTW, for the price they want this for, it better give me oral while going down the road!
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Post by ElZorro »

sabre wrote:^^^ Duh!


BTW, for the price they want this for, it better give me oral while going down the road!
That's too easy. :) http://www.dcawd.com/dcawdfun/funnyquotes/
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Post by complacent »

Katya4me wrote:Car electronics manufacturers are required by law to have the DVD functions disabled when the vehicle is in motion if the screen is within sight of the driver, there is a wire connected to the e-brake.

Pioneer requires a zero volt signal from the VSS wire, a stable output from the gyro, AND a parking brake signal. Just to enter in NAV functions. Or watch the video source.


(but i'm a l337 [-]4xx0r) :wink: and i can watch movies while weaving through traffic... If I wanted to.
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Post by Sabre »

^^^ LOL to both posts!
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Post by WRXWagon2112 »

Katya4me wrote:Car electronics manufacturers are required by law to have the DVD functions disabled when the vehicle is in motion if the screen is within sight of the driver, there is a wire connected to the e-brake. Carputers don't have this issue because they currently cannot be mass produced and fall into a legal grey area that hopefully will continue to remain unlegislated.

Going back to the GPS question, I used Routis w/ my carputer and liked it. I've also used MapPoint and done well w/ that on a laptop.
Incidentally, I've heard that laptop-based GPS programs have some trouble when installed in cars because they don't "know" the orientation of the car. Have you found this to be true?

--Alan
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