Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Worcester
Posts: 34

Looking for a visor GPS

I am looking to buy a Visor GPS system. I want it mostly just for interest, and for driving. Thus, I want one that can be used with maps to have driving directions. What experiences do people have with the three different ones out there (HAndyGPS, MAgellan, and Geode) and which are recommended?

Chris

Registered: Jul 2001
Location: Utah
Posts: 19

I heard that the Magellan is the best overall. There is a HandyGPS Pro that is supposed to be pretty good. As for the Geode, it's pretty much defunct.

I use a stand alone GPS (Garmin eTrex Summit) connected to my Visor via a modified Hotsync cable http://www.pcables.com. This allows me to place the GPS receiver on the dashboard while I drive for better reception and still be able to see my maps on the Visor. It also frees up my springboard to be able to store maps on my 8MB expansion module. I just got the Matchbook CF adapter and a 64MB CF card. That way I can carry around tons of maps instead of being limited to the few MB left on my main RAM.

Another benefit of going with the stand alone GPS is that they are waterproof of 3+ meters. If I drop my Visor in the water then it's a goner. I can also hook my GPS up to any other PDA or Laptop by just switching cables. You can't so that with a GPS module.

You can buy a stand alone GPS and cable for about the same price as a GPS module. Check it out.

If you want to sty with a module then go with the Magellan .

Registered: Jan 2002
Location:
Posts: 2

What software do you use to translate the GPS data from your etrex on your Visor? I have a standard Garmin etrex (the little yellow one) and a Handspring Visor Deluxe (8MB). I've been eyeing the cable at pcables.com (http://www.pcables.com/cat1.html). With the cable and (some sort of software), will I be able to use my etrex to update my location on a map on my Visor in real time?

Registered: Jul 2001
Location: Utah
Posts: 19

I used Solus Pro.. It has been the best for my uses. Rand Mcnally streetfinder is really good too. If I had to choose I'd probably pick Streetfinder.

I could never get mapopolis to work very well with my CF card.

Registered: Jan 2002
Location:
Posts: 2

You lost me... what's a CF card? I thought all I needed was the cable and doesn't it plug into the HotSync port on the bottom of the Visor (rather than using the SpringBoard slot)? The cable looks like it just plugs one end into the HS port and the other (square) end into the etrex dataport (behind the GSP antennas).

Thanks for all the information! I plan to use the Visor to get me close to my geocaching destination (in the car), then using the etrex (leave the Visor in the car) to do the legwork.

Registered: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 40

How to use MemPlug and GPS???

I have had the Magellan GPS for almost a year now, and it is really equal in accuracy to the stand-alone models. Problem is, Delorme's software sucks IMHO. I've looked for the perfect combination, and I think I've found it. Mapopolis is an excellent program, with editable POI's, address lookup, Directions, but you have to buy one map at a time (for the high detail ones). You can get a yearly subscription for 40 or 50 bucks with unlimited downloads ( I should do this now that I have a burner and DSL).

QUESTION ::::::::::

I now have a Memplug CF adapter, hoping to hold many maps. Do I have to move individual county maps in & out of Internal memory using PI Mover for whatever county I need to look at while using GPS? I guess I can open any one from the card to lookup addresses or plan some directions huh?


Thanks, Chris

__________________
Christo

"it's not the quantity, but the quality"

Last edited by christo1970 on 01-21-2002 at 07:48 AM

Registered: Dec 2001
Location:
Posts: 7

Hey Chris -

I bought a used HandyGPS on Ebay. It works great! It is soooo cool to be driving along and see your position updated on your Visor. You can change lanes on the freeway and see your indicator move to the side!!

I am just using the standard Ubigo software, which is completely adequate for your use. I downloaded maps for the 3 counties near me, and voila. It is amazing that two little AAA batteries can cause this device to connect to multiple satelites - amazing! 3 satelites, and it can track wherever you go. 4 or more satelites, and you get a '3D' lock which can also determine your altitude!

So here's the deal - I'm finding that my trips are just too short, so I'm not using it as much as I would like - I only live 2.5 miles from work. SO, I'm gonna sell my HandyGPS as quick as I can, so that the next owner can download their maps before the original account expires, which I think is in March...

Interested?? I paid $95 bucks for it, and I'll sell it for $90. Sucha Deal!

--Steve

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Nebraska- the Good life
Posts: 695

Information on using CF cards, MemPlugs, and Mapopolis and other stuff can be found at www.launchplug.com.

I have a HandyGPS. it works well enough for my current needs, but I want to get a standalone GPS unit.

Any ideas where can I get the best value unit for the best cost?

__________________
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are at!

Registered: Feb 2002
Location: apopka, fl
Posts: 1

Magellan companion

Got a Magellan 1dec01 as a gift.
VERRRY cool.
Accuracy off by 200meters position wize/ 100 meters elevation. Still better than a compass here in flat Florida.
Not at all user friendly, no documentation, no troubleshooting included. Signal not a problem in a moving vehicle here in south (FL / GA). Used it for about 12 hours (one set of batteries) usage. Replaced batteries, used it for a few minutes and it was fine. Tried to update position next day (hadn't moved, but wanted to see elapsed milage to destination) visor not recognizing handheld.
Magellan does not respond to email despite several contacts, haven't had the time to follow up with phone during their limited hours. No troubleshooting on their website or disc with software. Before it crapped out I had emailed several times (will they update to WAAS?/which standard gps documentation is closest to visor so I can use some documentation >>==> no response).
Clanggedin definitely has it right >>==> go with the stand alone gps (I doubt I would go with with Magellan with their lack of support).