Trip computer for Carrera...

[Paul Franssen]

Reading Don Plumley's thread on his "dad and son" road trip, my attention was drawn to the on board road trip computer, on a "regular" (that is: very nice) Carrera.
I am curious as to how these things actually hook up to the car. If it's a simple thing to do (?), I'd consider getting one of those. What are some good brands and what they go for?
Obviously, I'd want to consider a metric machine but your replies would be a nice start, thanks in advance!

[Don Plumley]

Paul - I don't know anything about the new trip computers, why wouldn't a standard handheld GPS work? Mine did. As I understand them, Trip computers require you to program in a destination distance to compute eta, so I'm guessing they need some sort of odometer hookup (probably similar to a speedo sensor?). Again, a GPS seems easier, and more handy as well with the moving map, etc.

The aftermarket car specific GPS units just plumb into power and a remote antenna. Either show metric units as part of configuration/setup.

Don

PS - have spent a lot of time in Brussells; lovely place.

[Paul Franssen]

Hi Don, thanks -very much- for your "soul" reply to my question, which provides all with a de facto demonstration of my total ineptness as regards the concept "trip computer". I never realized the data shown on the screen of your "father and son trip" thread/website were from a hand-held GPS! Which leads me to examine the market for those thingies...
OK guys: next question (as good as a "bump"!) what are the best hand-held GPS models? (are they usually convertible from miles to kilometers? do they work worldwide?). Obviously I'd be interested only in a "European" mapped version, but I guess the brands aren't only focused on the USA (or are they?).
BTW, Don, good for you having had a good time in Brussels - to me, the grass always seems fresher elsewhere!!!

[Jack Olsen]

There are two broad types, and two broad price levels. The first is smaller hand-helds that are useful for hiking or biking, and can tell you your average speed, distance traveled, and such, in addition to telling you where you are and where you've been. They typically sell for less than $200.

The second type is more automobile-specific, and can be loaded with more detailed maps, which include the businesses and service facilities that would be included in an American "Yellow Pages" book. I have a Garmin StreetPilot III, which has color maps, and can -- in addition to its trip computer and broad GPS functions -- tell you how to get to any specific address you enter into it. This is very handy, especially in cities you're not familiar with. No one ever has to give you directions anywhere. You just enter the street address, and the computer figures out the way there. It knows one-way streets and other details, as well. Oh, and it talks to you, showing where you are on the map, telling you how far you've gone, and how far you have to go, including when you'll arrive. If you take a wrong turn, it corrects the route on the fly. You simply can't get lost.

I didn't think I'd ever use the business-directory functions. But when you're traveling, and you want to know where the next gas station is, or bank, or what the restaurants are that are closest to you right now, it's remarkably useful.

With mine, at least, you can have it hold detailed maps of any (well-populated) region of the globe.

Here's what it covers in Europe:



The kind I have cost me about $600. I can use it in any car, but my wife and I like it so much we're considering getting a second one for her.

Here's a link.

[Paul Franssen]

Thaaaaaanks, Jack (and ...good night...!)

[Jupiter]

Paul,

I have the Garmin streetpilot lll now for two years, and I really love it. Just put one cord in your sigarette lighter socket and it works perfect. I use it in all my cars, which is the biggest advantage over the normal build in gps systems. Switches between miles and KM.

Henk

[clnilsen]

To Those who have the Streetpilot III,

I looked at this a while back, and was concerned about having to upload maps frequently. How often do you have to do this? How much area can you load at one time? Lets say you were doing a long drive (ohio to Florida on the East coast, or say LA to Seattle on the West) could you get all your data on it w/o reloading, or do you have to haul a laptop with you?

Thanks!

Chuck

[Rot 911]

I don't have it, but if I buy a Garmin Streetpilot it will be the new Streetpilot 2610 which has all the features of the III, but now has a touch pad for inputting info! Cost is about $100 more than the III

[Don Plumley]

Paul - you asked specifically about Hand-held GPS units. The streetpilot is an outstanding unit and will provide a moving map and turn by turn directions on a large color LCD screen that you can look at whilst driving.

My handheld (a Garmin Legend) does all the "trip computer" stuff you might need. It comes with a general basemap of all major US roads. I presume units sold in Europe would come with a European basemap. Using this, you can set waypoints and end points for estimated time of arrival calculations based on average speed and direction.

You can also buy a CD-ROMs with a detailed road map (or a topo map if you are into hiking or biking) that you can download into the unit. Using your desktop computer, you can program in routes for directions. The streepilot is much easier to set destinations when you are in the car.

Here's the general difference - I got mine (handheld) for hiking, biking, I use it in airplanes to see where I am, and for fun in the car. I did not get it for in-car navigation. For in-car navigation I'd get a streetpilot like Jack and Henk mentioned. The streetpilot will likely come with the European roadmap that you need, where it is an additional $100 or so for the handhelds. And as I mentioned before, either device can be switched between US and Metric units.

Have fun!

[Jack Olsen]

I'm sure they're improving them all the time, but the 128 meg chip on mine holds detailed maps of all of California, Nevada, and anywhere else I thought my car would be going. The unit comes pre-loaded with all of North America in it, but only the major roads. So you're never lost, no matter how far you drive. But if you want to know where all the restaurants are, and you're in Denver or something, then you'd have to bring the laptop, or get a memory stick that's got more storage.

If you're going to want to use it for hiking or biking, then the smaller unit (like Don's) is probably a smarter way to go. The streetpilot isn't big, but it's not pocket size. And its batteries probably last a shorter time than the smaller ones.

[braddb_82SC]

I installed my handheld Garmin GPS III into my SC. The GPS III contains only the general basemap and can't be supplemented with additional more detailed maps. I might move to a GPS V later.
I built a bracket out of sheet metal, primered it and painted it black. I bought a remote amplified antenna with a 15 foot cord and routed it under carpet and panels to the rear deck. I bought a cig lighter adapter, cut the lighter end off and connnected it into existing wiring.

Antenna: $20
Cig lighter adapter: $9
http://www.gpsgeek.com



It also works as a speedometer. Handy when you still have the old 85 MPH type:

My wife took this photo.

-Brad

[JavaBrewer]

Anyone have experience with an iPAQ (or pocket PC) running GPS? One of my projects provided me with a iPAQ h5450 that I'm dying to make useful (at least more useful than my old Palm based Clie) Supposedly kits are available that provide the same functions as the StreetPilot III for ~$200. A quick search turned up a product from Pharos.