Mithrandir Posted April 14, 2003 Share Posted April 14, 2003 Ok guys, seems we're missing a GPS thread here, and I'm in a shopping mood ($2500 tax return - yeaaaaaahhhhhaaaaaaaaaa guess what that's being spent on baby!). Been looking around at the various Garmin models. Looking for recommendations. I do a lot of loooong distance touring on the XX so ability to cover large areas of the country are a requirement. Also, Some detailed maps of the destination city are needed too. Typically I only visit one or two cities on a trip, so number of detailled map stored is not a real huge issue. Visible area on screen is a good thing too. I like to know what's coming up 2-3 turns from the one I'm about to make. Route planning and other bells and whistles are not a high requirement. Major requirement is weather protection. This bike gets ridden in all sorts of weather - much of it many hours at a time in rain. If it can't handle doing a lap of the pacific ocean, I'm not interested. Thoughts on usability of colour v B&W screens? Gut feeling says B&W will be far easier to read while on the move/in traffic etc. Right now, I'm leaning towards the Map 176 or GPS V. Suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BDAZ XX Posted April 14, 2003 Share Posted April 14, 2003 Justin I use the GPS V and love it, I switch it between bikes. Viewability is fine, waterproof, and has more than enough functions to keep anyone happy. My.02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBRXX Posted April 14, 2003 Share Posted April 14, 2003 I have the Garmin 3+ (same as the 5, but less memory) but haven't gotten around to hooking up on the bike yet. I need to get another mount and power wire. Anyway, I would also consider 176C if buying for the bike. Having twice the screen size and color would be nice. The drawback to the 176 is the size of the unit. But a large color screen would make it much more readable while moving. If you prefer the smaller size, I think the 5 is the way to go. Definitely get the Ram mount from cycoactive.com or elsewhere. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodeRash Posted April 14, 2003 Share Posted April 14, 2003 Have you looked at any of the Garmin marine units? Most of them have bigger screens than the automotive/handheld units. They can also load the same map programs as the others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mithrandir Posted April 14, 2003 Author Share Posted April 14, 2003 Got a preferred site where would I find good info about the Marine units? (apart from Garmin's site direct) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodeRash Posted April 14, 2003 Share Posted April 14, 2003 Take a look at the Garmin 176 or 176C. Look at Riders Warehouse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodeRash Posted April 14, 2003 Share Posted April 14, 2003 Take a look at this link as well. Some of Garmin's GPS systems have some battery problems due to vibration. (the 176 is one of these). The fix is to shim the battery pack. http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/gps_batteries.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBRXX Posted April 14, 2003 Share Posted April 14, 2003 Cycoactive also has some comparisons of the different models and the RAM mount. I would suspect that battery issue is with any units with multiple batteries. I plan to get a hardwire for mine. Why have to keep buying batteries?? I think the wire is only $20 Mirth, that 176 really is one of their smaller marine units. I don't think you would want to go any bigger on a bike. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIM Posted April 15, 2003 Share Posted April 15, 2003 I have used 3 on the XX, all Garmin 76S GPSMAP STREET PILOT STREET PILOT III DELUXE Unless you specifically need route planning and the feature of being told when to turn (as you wrote you didn't) then the SPIII may be overkill. the 76S screen is a tad too small, but wonderful unit. The B&W STREETPILOT is my favorite because: -screen is the largest between SPI, SP COLORMAP and SPIII -cheap used off ebay $200 -can load up to 50 maps, so you could plug in a 32 or 64mb cartridge for good results. -if it falls off onto the road no big $$$ lost. -same waterresistance as the other high end garmins '7'. got any questions specific let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ConqSoft Posted April 18, 2003 Share Posted April 18, 2003 If you want built in auto-routing (ie, pick a point or enter an address and it will tell you turn by turn how to get there from where you are), go with the GPS V or the StreetPilot III. If you don't need that, and want a larger screen, go with the 176C. If you want to save $100 or so, get the B&W 176. Comparisons: http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/gps_compare.html I have the 176C and it works very well. Definately go with your instincts on the hardwire. It'll eat up batteries quickly. (The 176/176C comes with the hardwire kit, since it's meant for a "fixed-mount" marine applicaiton.) I also used a RAM mount, attached to my right clip-on pinch bolt. http://www.cbrxx.org/cbrxx/images/misc/gpsmount1.jpg http://www.cbrxx.org/cbrxx/images/misc/gpsmount2.jpg http://www.cbrxx.org/cbrxx/images/misc/gpsmount3.jpg http://www.cbrxx.org/cbrxx/images/misc/newcockpit.jpg They all come with a decent basemap of the major US roads. Plan on getting at least a 64meg cartridge for it, and the Garmin MapSource software so you can load detailed roads, gas stations, rest areas, etc. With 64megs I can get the whole state of NC and a good portion of the surrounding states. Depending on the density of your area, your needs will vary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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