GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

[JB]

I have returned the AstroTek unit for refund. Never worked more than a few days without failure (including the replacement unit).<br /><br />I have had three Garmin GPS and none ever gave me the slightest problem over about 5 years.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I gave away the GPS 38 and the GPS12MAP, and sold the GPSMAP 162 with the boat.<br /><br />Gonna get another Garmin. The question is which one?<br /><br />Who is using the GPS276C in a vehicle? How is the performance/reliability? What do you like and what would you like better?<br /><br />Same questions about the iQue 3600.<br /><br />I suppose I should include the StreetPilot family as well.

 

[ae708]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

JB I have been taking a serious look at the Ique 3600 and also the Navman PIN. I use an old Magellan 2000 XL right now but am kinda Jonesing for one of the above mentioned.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

Hey JB,<br /><br />I have a Garmin GPS V which I use in my truck and I love it. It always gets me where I want to go and I've learned that if it tells me to go left, and I'm sure I should go right - I'm always wrong and it's always correct! <br /><br />After my dad saw my GPS V, he had to outdo me and get a StreetPilot 2650 which is one of the biggest and best. It has some really nice features like a color touch screen and has ALL of the US maps built into it (I have to load maps if I go on a road trip). The screen automatically adjusts contrast for the time of day, it has a wireless remote, and it "talks" (my Fiance loves the British accent that you can select).<br /><br />You're not going to go wrong with any Garmin product. I guess you need to figure out which features you need and how much you want to pay.

 

[PierBridge]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

Welcome back to Garmin all is well now.... <br /><br />I have the Garmin GPS 3 plus a scaled down Garmin GPS V which I hope to upgrade too when the price comes down, my unit has been through heck and back and is awesome.<br />The screen may not be big enough for JB's tastes though.<br />I think he would be real happy with the GPS276C it sure sounds awesome.

 

[JB]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

Thanks, GG.<br /><br />I just bought a 276C on eBay. I went to BPS last week and carefully checked it out, along with the iQue 3600 and the Streetpilot. The 276C was the one that is a portable, a car navigator and a marine unit. I decided it is worth the extra bux.<br /><br />I was fascinated with the new Quest, which looks like a hikers dream, but thought the screen too small for my elderly eyes in the truck.<br /><br />I will let y'all know how it performs.

 

[Terry H]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

JB, I havn't followed this thread, mostly because I don't understand what to do with a gps in a vehicle. So, could you explain exactly what you do with a gps in a car?

 

[JB]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

Hi, Chief.<br /><br />I first put a GPS12MAP in my truck as a way to get used to using it.<br /><br />I found comfort it knowing exactly where I was, how fast I was going, elevation at that location. So I added the US Roads and Recreation program. Then I could find unfamiliar locations more easily. On road trips (one of my favorite pastimes) I could see how far I had to go to a destination or stop-off.<br /><br />Then I got an auto navigator that added route planning and instructions to a first-time destination; sort of a real-time, vebalizing Mapquest on board. I also got miles to destination and ETA added to the information available. If I want to stop for food or fuel, I can locate restaurants and truck stops with the touch of the screen.<br /><br />Finally, when exploring rural areas, I can see what roads go where and how far things are apart.<br /><br />Bottom line? An on-board car navigation GPS adds immensely to my pleasure, convenience and efficiency when doing what my Dad called "motoring".

 

[Terry H]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

JB, that's taking "motoring" to a whole new level.

 

[RetNav]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

JB, While I was working as a construction superintendent I had to do a lot of traveling, all over the east coast. I used a laptop with a program similar to the one listed here http://www.gps4fun.com/main_trav.php and it would put you right on the point. The name of the program I used was CoPilot 2001. Worked well with my old Compaq Presario laptop. You can also find info at www.travroute.com . Good luck.

 

[cvinroot]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

JB, am using an old Garmin E-map in my Dodge Ram 2500 V-10. Has always been great but the screen is small. Also have Ham Radio installed, VHF/UHF and HF along with a couple of cell phones. For some reason, my bride objects when I've got both radios going, trying to look at the GPS and then one (or more) phones ring....<br /><br />Garimin also makes a little GPS that hooks up directly to the USB port on a laptop and with a full map on the screen of the laptop, it talks to you and tells you when to turn. My wife talks to it too. Although I've figured out how to mute the laptop, the other voice is hard to still without getting myself sleeping on the couch.

 

[JB]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

Yes, Captains Choice.<br /><br />I seriously considered the Garmin GPS 18 for the truck but disqualified it because it is not portable (for hiking) or waterproof.<br /><br />My main reason for selecting the GPSMAP 276C is it's versatility.. . .portable, vehicle or marine. Though I would like a larger screen, it is large enough for my use and still small enough to fit in a jacket pocket for portable battery operation.<br /><br />No way can I "afford" to spend that kind of money ordinarily. I bought it with part of the proceeds of selling my Montauk. Sort of a compensation prize.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

Can you hook a depth finding transducer up to it, JB?

 

[JB]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

It accepts NMEA input via 2 NMEA serial ports from other devices to read water speed, depth and water temp, Boomyal. It doesn't have the circuitry to generate those signals, only the ability to display the results.<br /><br />A nice Lowrance X-whatever can provide the signals.

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

jb,<br /><br />I have the 276C with the "car kit". I think the total was just about $1,000 from Boaters World. http://www.gpsdiscount.com/products/index.html?p=808 has the unit for $600 including shipping and insurance and the auto nav kit is an additional $249. (I have never used this company check them out for yourself)<br />As for the unit, I really like it in the car. Very accurate directions and since it comes with a USB cable you can plan a trip/waypoints on the computer and download directly to the 276C. When on vacation I used it on a rented boat, just popped out the street chip and replace with the blue chart. I burned the street maps from Atlanta to South Florida (including the panhandle) and only used about ½ of the chip. The rechargeable batteries lasted all day. Also when it came time to find a place to eat, just click on what type of restaurant you are looking for and it lists them by distance from present location as well as providing the telephone number. All in all I think I bought the best unit for my needs. I have friends who spent over $4,000 on their mapping unit (Harman Kardon), it’s not portable and you have to sit in the car to search for addresses/waypoints.<br />Since you are familiar with Garmin, the key strokes are the same. I just downloaded the Beta version of the latest software; they (Garmin) continue to add features to the unit. One of the nice things about using it in the car is that at sunset the unit automatically changes to a black background to keep the light/glair in the auto to a minimum and to protect your night vision.<br />I don’t think you will be disappointed with the 276C.<br />Just my .02<br /><br />Mike

 

[JB]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

Thanks for the testimonial, Mike.<br /><br />Obviously our wants in a GPS unit are very close.<br /><br />I am anxiously awaiting delivery of my unit. $847 from eBay.

 

[b20]

Re: GPS for my truck? Chapter 2.

Mr JB,i run a furuno GP30 in my truck and it's never given a moments trouble.just took it out the boat when i bought a new GP31 and put velcro on the dash and stuck it there.3 years ago.works a treat.