I presently use a Garmin IQ3600 and love it except for the small screen and the fact that it is difficult to use the tiny little icons while driving.
Has anyone done comparisons on the Delorme and Streets & Trips GPS software?
Touch screen would be nice but I think maybe a track ball or similar pointer might work.
Thanks,
Len Silva
Hi Len,
I use the Pioneer AVIC N3, and I can't find anything that it doesn't do!!
Product Title: Pioneer AVICN3
Description: Pioneer AVICN3 In-Dash DVD Multimedia AV Navigation Receiver (AVIC-N3)
Details: Screen Size/Aspect Ratio6.5 inch / 16:9
Pixels336,960 (1,440 x 234)
Touch Panel
Anti-Glare Screen CoatingAG
Background Picture12 Navi, 15 A/V
Import Custom BG PicturesJPEG (CD-R)
Dimmer ControlIntelligent
Picture AdjustmentBrightness, Contrast, Color, Hue, Dimmer Settings
5 Selectable Viewing Modes
Motorized DisplayMotorized Open/Close
Selectable Angle Setting50 ~ 110 degrees
Automatic Display Positioning
Set Back ModeYes
Half Close SettingYes
10 Character Sub DisplayDVD/CD Player
Drives Included1 (DVD)
DVD Video PlaybackDVD/DVD-R/-RW
CD PlaybackCD/CD-R/-RW
Compressed AudioMP3 (CD)
ID3 Tag / WMA TextID3
CD Text
Auto Scroll
CD Track ListX (CD Text Only)
MP3/WMA Track ListMP3
Sampling Frequency44.1/48/96kHz
Quantization Bits16/20/24-bit:Linear
Frequency Response5 ~ 44,000Hz at 96khz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio97db (1kHz)
Dynamic Range95db (1kHz)
Distortion0.008% (1kHz)
Number of Channels2chNavigation
Navigation TypeBuilt-in DVD with Memory Nav
Map Data2 DVD-ROM (CNDV-60MP)
Coverage AreaUS, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii
Data Size15GB
Memory Navigation Mode Yes
Home Area Map Memory Corridor/Rectangle
3D Hybrid Sensor (Gyro & G-Force)
GPS Receiver and Antenna8 Channel (Included)
Touch Screen Operation
Voice Instructions PlaybackRecorded Voice
Multi-Language Display CapabilityEnglish/Spanish/French
Voice Control (Voice Recognition) Optional (CD-VC1)
Points of Interest (POI)11 Million
Brand Icon POI'sIncluded
POI Database Categories271
POI Categories by BrandIncluded
POI Shortcut KeysYes
Detailed City Map23 Cities
Highway Lane Information50 Cities
XM NavTraffic Ready
Emergency Mode Display
1-Year Roadside AssistanceIncluded
Display Mode - Map ViewYes
Display Mode - Guide ViewYes
Display Mode - Route ViewYes
Display Mode - Driver's ViewYes
Display Mode - Twin Map ViewNo Display Mode - Rear ViewYes Vehicle Dynamics Display (VDD)Included Vehicle Dynamics Skins5 (Original, Carbon, Hologram, Sharp Metal, Classic) VDD Gauge Selections7 (Voltage, Clock, Direction, Slope, Acceleration, Side Acceleration, Angular Velocity)TV Tuner TV TunerOptional GEX-P5700TV or GEX-P6400TVAM/FM Tuner SupertunerSupertuner IIID 24-Station/6-Button (18FM/6FM) Presets BSM (Best Stations Memory) Local Station SettingSelectable (4-Step)Receiver Features Bluetooth Adapter ReadyNo IP-Bus System Control XM Satellite ReadyYes (Enhanced Graphical) Sirius Radio ReadyExternal iPod Adapter ReadyYes (Full Control, Multi-Line) Multi-CD Control DVD Control Auxiliary InputCD-RB10 or CD-RB20 required External Unit Control2 AV-Bus Input Composite A/V Input1 (AV1) Back-Up Camera Input Rear-View Camera Mode Composite A/V Output1 (Rear Out) Dual Zone Audio/VideoTri-Zone (Front/Rear/Navi) Independent Rear A/V Source ControlDVD-VAudio Features Built-in Speaker Power MOSFET 50W x 4 Continuous Power Output22W x 4 EqualizerEEQ (3-Band Parametric) EQ-EX SFEQ (Sound Focus EQ) Loudness3 Mode Source Level Adjuster (SLA) High-Pass Crossover (HPF)50/80/125Hz, -12dB/Oct. Subwoofer Crossover (LPF)50/80/125Hz, -18dB/Oct., +/-12dB RCA Preouts3 pair (Front, Rear, Sub/Non-Fading) Preout Voltage2.2V, 1k OhmMulti-Channel Audio Multi-Channel Processor Optional DEQ-P8000 Multi-Channel Controller Required?AXM-P8000 requiredGeneral Detachable Face Security Remote ControlOptional (CD-VC1, CD-SR11, CD-RV1) Rotary Volume Control Wired Remote Input Dimensions (Main Chassis)7' x 2' x 6-1/2' Dimensions (Hideaway Unit)7' x 2' x 6-1/2' Optional Off-Set Installation KitAD-GA10 Warranty1 Year
Thanks Nick,
That's beyond my budget by a factor of ten.
Len
Len I have tried about all of them and dollar for dollar Delorme is very hard to beat. On sale usually at Best Buys for $99.00.
JCB
Len,
We use a hand mouse (see photos) It has a thumb operated track ball, a trigger that is the enter key and 2 thumb operated left and right mouse keys. We pickied this up a flea market. I have no idea where to tell you to find one.
We have Delorme 2006 and Streets & Trips 2005. We like, and dislike, some features of each. We split screen and run both simultaneaously on our laptop. Now, if I could find a way to make our laptop a touch screeen. Jack
Quote from: Len Silva on June 14, 2006, 07:25:18 AM
I presently use a Garmin IQ3600 and love it except for the small screen and the fact that it is difficult to use the tiny little icons while driving.
Has anyone done comparisons on the Delorme and Streets & Trips GPS software?
Touch screen would be nice but I think maybe a track ball or similar pointer might work.
Thanks,
Len Silva
Len, your Garmin should have a serial interface. If so, you can use it with the Delorme software on a laptop and it will function same as the Delorme setup with their own GPS receiver. I currently use Delorme software with a Garmin Streetpilot III and it works great. If you already have a laptop, this may be your most cost efficient approach.
Fellowes Micro Trac Mouse
www.nextag.com/handheld-trackball/search-html
Seems like a great way to control the GPS while on the road...
We really like the one we have. With the laptop mounted on a small moveable platform attached to dash, the laptop can be seen by driver or co-pilot. I can make changes on the computer and still keep both hands on the wheel, or for more complex computer task, I just hand the hand mouse to my wife. And to think we used to use maps that could never be re-folded correctly LOL Jack
Let's also not forget that Delorme responds to voice commands as well. I have driven with a small lightweight microphone/headset (one ear only) and it worked quite well. ... and that is with software that was 4+ years old. The newer voice recognition and voice synth. would probably be even better.
I have a hard time picturing any kind of mouse being used while I drive. Although, I am sitting here looking at my son's joystick he uses with a PC flight simulator. Hmmmmmmm.
Jack, I too like the little mini hnd held mouse I have one I picked up at Wally World! Although I don't have hi tech redneck stuff like a gps to use it with! LOL! Maybe some day I'll catch up to today while ya'll are space traveling I'll be here at yer present level! BK
:) ;) :D We gonna Party at the "TN Fall Bus Bash" at Knuckle's ::) 8) ;D
I just started using the Streets and Trips w/GPS, I choose the Streets and Trips becuse I had S&T for 5 years without GPS, I know how to use it and don't want to learn another system. I just did a 200 mile trip and am happy with the performance, the vocal prompts are a big help.
I currently have a regular PC (non-laptop) in my bus, Wally world has a 14inch LCD monitor for $115, which I plan on making a mount for in the dash area. Those 5,6,7 inch screens just are not big enough for me! I'll buy a monitor Y adaptor and extension cable to run from PC to monitor. So for about $250 I'll have a large screen GPS monitor with voice prompts. This is the plan for now, unless someone has a better idea?
HTH Jim
I attended a seminar at GLASS by a gentleman who has both, and some others. He prefers DeLorme. Streets and Trips is far far better in Canada, if you go there. I have Street Atlas and have used it for years. I am on my second GPS unit. Street Atlas works very well for us. I taught my wife how to use it so I have no distraction, other than her, while driving.
I bought Streets and Trips yesterday because of a planed trip to Canada. It will take some getting use to. The DeLorme GPS is supposed to also work with Streets and Trips.
George Myers
Hello George,
We are glad your posting! And we sure enjoy your Collums in Bus Conversions Magazine!
Feel free to keep us in line here.
Nick Badame-
Been using delorme & street& trip for the last 3years. I started with Delorme, night driving option, voice, gps. Street & trip 06 got voice, night driving option too, + construction update, canadian map also, that's what pull me to it. Delorme GPS take time to initiate & prone to quit & if fall twice on the floor, better buy an other one, If you plan to use a earth mate(delorme gps) with street & trip make sure you choose the option that state that you will be using it with & other mapping sotware at the installation time. I now use a rikaline (bluetooth enable) gps with a bluetooth dongle on the laptop, lot faster to initiate & more acurated. I don't go 25 miles away without one of the laptop & the map, done with going around the block 3-4 time & not getting where you want to go. + She got more time to bring me donuts & coffe now!! Got 3 panasonic, CF28, CF71,CF72 & 1 toshiba which stay on the desk. If you going to carry it around, get a panasonic tougbook, you will be happy you choose that. For mapping, diary, phone book, a 3-400mgz is fat enough & you find CF71,CF27, on fleetbay for 150-200. & they can take the beating of moving between vehicule,drop on the floor,coffe or soda on the head.
hope it help
wrench
Thanks guys,
I think if i had done a poll, Delorme would have won.
Len
Good thinking len, people don't respond well to polls :D ;D
I'm going thruough the same issues, does anyone use thier Pocket PC for there GPS?
I have both delorme and MS. I purchased the MS because of issues I was having with the delorme but I like delormes software better. The delorme gps has a very thin cable that can not take much abuse. (moving) The MS has a much nicer cable better quality of gps just their software is weak. I am currently on a 6400 mile trip thru lots and lots of areas. My vote from tons of experience now not prior to purchase is that MS gps is much much better but their software is lamer.
Quote from: airless on June 20, 2006, 08:08:35 AM
I have both delorme and MS. I purchased the MS because of issues I was having with the delorme but I like delormes software better. The delorme gps has a very thin cable that can not take much abuse. (moving) The MS has a much nicer cable better quality of gps just their software is weak. I am currently on a 6400 mile trip thru lots and lots of areas. My vote from tons of experience now not prior to purchase is that MS gps is much much better but their software is lamer.
The mistake I've found that a lot of people make is that they figure that the only GPS receiver that will work with they're software is the one that came with it.
I have 2 different GPS receivers and about 5 programs. Both of them work with all of the software and only one came with mapping software. The other I bought off eBay for $30 and works with the Sirf II system. It sees up to 22 sats at once and seems to be a lot more accurate than my old Rand-McNally.
If you are having issues with the delorme receiver, try changing the parameters so that the other one is seen by the software.
Good Luck on your trip!
Dallas
Quote from: Dallas on June 20, 2006, 09:36:42 AM
... It sees up to 22 sats at once and seems to be a lot more accurate than my old Rand-McNally. ...
That's funny. Probably just a marketing ploy, but that's impossible. It would a neat trick if it were actually true, but the constellation is configured such that at most, only 11 satellites are visible at any one time at any particular location on the globe.
Maybe they designed it for anticipated space travel :D
Quote from: gumpy on June 20, 2006, 09:48:21 AM
Quote from: Dallas on June 20, 2006, 09:36:42 AM
... It sees up to 22 sats at once and seems to be a lot more accurate than my old Rand-McNally. ...
That's funny. Probably just a marketing ploy, but that's impossible. It would a neat trick if it were actually true, but the constellation is configured such that at most, only 11 satellites are visible at any one time at any particular location on the globe.
Maybe they designed it for anticipated space travel :D
Hey Craig, Check it out:
http://www.holux.com/product/search.htm?filename=gpsreceiver_mouse_gr213_chpts.htm&target=gpsreceiver10&level=grandsonson
http://www.sirf.com/products-ss3.html
Oh, and I was wrong. It's 20 sats. not 22. Sorry about that.
Ok, now I get it. It's designed for aviation up to 60,000 ft, and it's tracking up to 20 satellites, not necessarily seeing them. Once it's acquired them and they go out of view, the unit continues to "track" them using mathematical predictions. When they reappear it can immediately reacquire them. I suppose that' useful if you're flying around the world in your personal jet at 60,000 feet.
Wasn't doubting you, Dallas, I just found the advertisement a bit amusing. My military GPS receivers are only 12 channel capable, though they are a bit more precise.
well, read this thinking I might learn about those GPS gizzmos.Afraid I'm not smart enough. Guess I'll just keep workin on map folding.Damn
Tucson
Quote from: Dallas on June 20, 2006, 05:35:44 PM
Quote from: gumpy on June 20, 2006, 09:48:21 AM
Quote from: Dallas on June 20, 2006, 09:36:42 AM
... It sees up to 22 sats at once and seems to be a lot more accurate than my old Rand-McNally. ...
That's funny. Probably just a marketing ploy, but that's impossible. It would a neat trick if it were actually true, but the constellation is configured such that at most, only 11 satellites are visible at any one time at any particular location on the globe.
Maybe they designed it for anticipated space travel :D
Hey Craig, Check it out:
http://www.holux.com/product/search.htm?filename=gpsreceiver_mouse_gr213_chpts.htm&target=gpsreceiver10&level=grandsonson
http://www.sirf.com/products-ss3.html
Oh, and I was wrong. It's 20 sats. not 22. Sorry about that.
It does seem a lot more accurate than my old GPS. I don't find my track driving through lakes and off to the side of the freeway nearly as much as I use to.
One problem I have seen is that as it samples different satelites and you are standing still, the altitude will vary by up to 20 feet.
It can get weird watching the the altitude wiggle up and down. The old one never did that.
Quote from: Dallas on June 20, 2006, 11:50:17 PM
It does seem a lot more accurate than my old GPS. I don't find my track driving through lakes and off to the side of the freeway nearly as much as I use to.
One problem I have seen is that as it samples different satelites and you are standing still, the altitude will vary by up to 20 feet.
It can get weird watching the the altitude wiggle up and down. The old one never did that.
20 feet is within the SPS accuracy, but it shouldn't jump around noticably.
GPS receivers typically use only 4 satellites of the up to 11 visible to produce their solution. They choose the 4 satellites with the best positions to one another for optimal reduction in error. As satellites go out of view, or others become better positioned, they will be swapped in and their data will be used resulting in variations in the output solution. Typically, the data is passed through filters to reduce the jitter.
I wonder if there's some user options you can enable to better smooth the solution and reduce the altitude jitter?
There are also some DGPS and WAAS capabilities available which will virtually eliminate errors in precision, but I'm not very familiar with those or where they are available. They're primarily used for aviation and surveying, but I think some of the consumer hand held units incorporate these
capabilities.
I also have the Ique3600 and love it. It is mounted on the steering column with a homemade mount and if viewed thru the steering wheel.
Laptops are technaclly illigal in CA if they can be seen by the driver, although have never heard of anyone be ticketed for it.
We also use our gps for out of vehicle use. Our favorite is GeoCaching. Try doing this with a laptop.
The issue that I am having with the delorme is the poor quality of USB cable that they have attached to it. When I land I will remove and resolder a better cable in place of the OEM. The OEM is just using to small of guage wire for the movements it is subject to.
Well, all this talk about GPS got me kind of fired up. I went and ordered a Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx, external antenna, cigarette adaptor, dash mount, and TOPO Map set.
I've been wanting to get one for some time, but I'm cheap and couldn't justify the cost. I finally decided if I was ever going to play Geocaching (http://www.geocaching.com), which I've been interested in for some time, I should probably just do it! So I went all out :D
I was going to get the Rino 530 with FRS/GMRS radio, but finally decided I really didn't need the radio. We already have FRS radios, and unless everyone has the Rino units, the position inquiry and mapping feature of other radios nearby is not usable. Also, use of the GMRS requires an FCC license, which costs $75 for 5 years. Plus, the Rino didn't have an external antenna port and it's memory was pretty limited. So I decided on the 76CSx. gpsnow.com (http://gpsnow.com) had a pretty good price on it, plus there's a $100 rebate from Garmin. It has some mapping software on it which supposedly will tell you what's at each of the interstate exits, plus a ton of other features, so should be beneficial in travel, too.
We started planning for some geocaching already. Seems like a great way to get rid of some of those little trinkets you collect all your life which are basically useless, but which shouldn't be thrown away. Dr. Phil had a show on chronic hoarders yesterday, and we got all fired up (i.e. scared) and started cleaning out some drawers last night and finding all sorts of things which will work great in geocaching. I've been planning cache locations out in WY for some time, so this summer we're going to place some, as well as search out some that are close to where we go camping.
This is going to be another great way to enjoy bussing with the family!
Geez, Craig!
You sure make it hard for a guy to ignore a doctors orders.
I was told yesterday to get some special stuff for my hips and knees, and to do a lot more walking. (I guess 3 or 4 miles a day via pedometer isn't enough).
I've also been interested in the geocaching stuff. Now I'll have to get a hand held and start doing it.
Gee, thanks a LOT! LOL
Hey, maybe at the Timmonsville Teaparty in October, we could set up a treasure hunt for the kids or adults!
Kids could look for candy and video games and stuff.
Adults could look for their keys and glasses and false teeth.
Think it would work? Especially after a night of cold fluid intake?
Dallas
LOL :D :D
Well, you could take the coordinates off the web site and plug them into your mobile unit. It'll get you close. Before you leave home (unless you have onboard internet) plug them into Google Earth and get printouts of the exact area. When you get there, you can use the printouts to find the caches :)
There are some other topo mapping sites that you can use to plug the coordinates into which will give you topo pages of the area in question.
On the other hand, a nice handheld would give you everything you need, including the pedometer equivalent :D