hi any satnav guru's here? i just got a job as a courier and would like some advice on satnav's. Anyone?
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hi any satnav guru's here? i just got a job as a courier and would like some advice on satnav's. Anyone?
My wife has an AWA satellite navigation gismo that she bought from Big W for $399.00.
When satellite navigation systems first came out I was a bit sceptical, thinking that a $20 street directory would do the job just as well. However, since my wife bought the little AWA unit I have changed my tune. It is a real handy little item. The things I like about it are that a voice tells you where to turn etc., so you don't have to take your eyes off the road and there is no need to juggle a street directory on your lap. The other good thing about it is that if you do miss a turn it will automatically, and quite quickly, plot you a new course and tell you how to get back on track.
The unit from Big W runs on "Destinator" software and uses the latest Sensis (Telstra) maps. Many of the more expensive units use the same software and the same maps, so if you're going to buy a more up-market one just make sure that there are extra features to justify the added expense.
My wife works for Big W so the usual disclaimers don't apply. :)
Goat,
the SatNav satellites were turned off about ten years ago, what you want is a GPS:rolleyes: . Sorry, can't tell you anything much about the little road map type GPS navigators, but I'd suggerst you look at one you can hook up to your ''puta as it may make it easier to load up updates.
Mick
funny really cause my wife tells me how to drive and it annoys the hell out of me now i'm lookin for a gadget to do the same :~ lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Mirboo
yer thanks for the correction mick :p i knew what i ment. i think:wink:
I thought the terms "sat nav" and "GPS" were almost interchangeable. :- Shows how much I know. The little AWA gizmo the my wife bought is a GPS then.Quote:
Originally Posted by journeyman Mick
"SatNav" was a "brand" of satellite navigation system, very slow and expensive compared to today's Global Sattelite Positioning system. I only know the distinction because a boat I was refitting ten years ago had a SatNav unit on board, bought at great cost when state of the art, but absolutely worthless as it had been made redundant by the newer system. That and the fact that the sattelites were about to be turned off.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mirboo
Mick
I have a navman and though the maps are a bit old 2004 it workes fine
There are some cheep Asian ones about but the maps arn't quite accurate
The tom tom also seem ok
There are also available via norman whats his name called road angel ( I think) that give warnings of school zones speed cameras and the road maps
The prices vary but I think the cheepest I have seen is from that strathfield mob
Rgds
Goat,
I have a Navman GPS. Works great. Has some good features that most brands have, like user defined POI (points of interest) files. I use this to load speed cameras, red light cameras and school zones. Problem with all GPS navigators is the cost of the map upgrades, but I suppose as you are getting all the major towns in Australia, it's not too bad. But I wouldn't be upgrading every year.
Even though most units use the same maps, they don't seem to be transferable between different brands of GPS navigators.
My son just bought a Tom Tom that has bluetooth and he uses his mobile through it. There are some units that are MP3 players but the ones I've seen play through the GPS unit and are therefore mono. Waste of time. Although I know someone who loads audio books onto his unit.
Bob
Then you hear the horror stories
http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/02/07...-in-australia/
But they don't abuse you.:DQuote:
Originally Posted by goat
I have a Garmin purchased in USA preloaded with US, Canada, Hawaii, etc Have Australian maps on SDcard for here. It is regularly updated with fixed speed and red light cameras etc, speed zones for schools and other areas, and you can put in your own info etc.
Just received the latest map updates and get emails of all updated info when it becomes available. Has 2 female voices 1 American we call her Guadalupe the other English we call her Be-arch. It is affectionately known as the Nav Bitch. Also have free translations for about 10 different languages and can be loaded with maps for anywhere in the world.
I use it all the time. When not in use for finding addresses it is switched on for travel information. The speed readings are 100% accurate unlike the speedo in most vehicles and traffic warnings for speed zones, cameras, etc keep you out of trouble.
By far the best play-thing I have ever purchased in my life. Wouldn't be without it.
Cheers - Neil :U
I have one that operates out of my Pocket PC/Phone called Co-Pilot Live which operates with a Blue Tooth satellite antenna. I live in the country and it amazes me how accurate it is and I can put in somebodys address including the street number and it tells me when I am outside the house.
I have had it for about 12 months and I haven't consulted a street directory and have just thrown all my street directorys away.
It uses the Sensis map system.
The beauty of the system with this one is that it comes with software for the computer and you can plan trips on the computer and down load onto a SD card and use it in the Pocket PC and you can even track where the vehicle is from home on the computer via the internet.
Not much good if SWMBO finds you are sitting outside a pub.
They have developed the system especially for transport companies and courier services with a lot of added benifits other than a straight out GPS system.
Have a look here.
http://www.travroute.com.au/
Technically they are the same. The GPS is the Global Positioning System which is powered by 24 or so satellites. The little devices in your car are navigation systems. So Sat Nav is quite acceptable.Quote:
I thought the terms "sat nav" and "GPS" were almost interchangeable
Mate of mine got one fitted and within 2 days it was ripped out of his car before he had time to notify insurance co. so they refused to pay out on the claim ...this included smashed windows etc
To see a GPS work on a tractor is a sight to behold, van actually turn the steering and shut off spray uints as it comes to a corner/bend/end of run.
Tonz
I'm with Barry but use Copilot for the laptop. The new upgrade to 10 (which is the one I have) has much better maps IMHO than Sensis however it does not give locations of cameras like 8 did. I am going to find out why this week.
Indispensable.
The current GPS system runs on the Navstar system, owned by the US military. The older, now defunct system ran on the SatNav system. A bit like calling a ball point pen a "biro", everyone knows what you're talking about, put you're actually referring to a proprietry system. (like calling all wet grinders "Tormeks").Quote:
Originally Posted by Grunt
Mick (being pedantic, and it doesn't really matter because evryone knew what Goat was talking about:wink: )
Yes SatNav was a particular system but Sat Nav is just short for satellite navigation.
Strictly speaking GPS is not a navigation system. It only gives you the coordinates of your location. You need a navigation system to tell where you are and how to get where you're going.
FWIW, there's a system being tested by a mate of mine that's set up for blind people. Uses Sensis maps but has a heap more info. Don't have the details, but if anyone's interested I can find out & put you in contact.
Should be a big help when you're driving.:D
For me the best value was the Mio P350. Not only is this a full GPS unit with all the features of the others. but it is a full PDA as well, inc MS Office etc. It also function as a iPod thingy.
Cost about $500, but only makes sense if you need a PDA too.
Otherwise Big W and Strathfield $300 odd ones are best value.
Two generic problems, first in the city (Sydney anyway) you loose the signal amongst the big tower blocks, and the Sensis maps aren't great when out in the bush and off the main roads.
Its actually quite funny to hear the voice giving you orders then 'abusing' you for following them. Once out near Riverside Oaks the thing would have had me doing a u turn 100 metres up the road, the another 100 metres the other way and on and on.
Nonetheless, a great device.
Have to agree Neil. I have a NavMan who guides me all over the country.Quote:
Originally Posted by ubeaut
As far as gadgets go they are tops. Good fun to play with and very practical and helpful.
Be warned--You will find yourself talking to your GPS Nav unit. "Yes i know i'm going the wrong way, I have to get petrol." "No i won't do a U-Turn, I'm just dropping Jim off then i'll get back on track" :youcrazy:
"I am not speeding, I'm just following the........" wait a minute that was the wife not the Navman. :doh:
I jumped in a cab the other day and the driver had one. They tend to favour major roads, but as it was peak hour I pointed him towards some back roads which got us there quicker. Pretty cool devices and have used them for work a time or two, not the street directory function, but used in surveying/monitoring.