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Adding GPS to a 2019 RT Limited
- Thread starter lwedwards
- Start date
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
Have you considered the GPS programs like Sygic that you run through BRP Connect from your smartphone?
h0gr1der
New member
You're going to get 2 different sets of answers here, those that use their phone to talk to the display, and folks that have mounted an old school stand alone GPS. I went with a Garmin 595. You have to get very specific parts to mount it, and if you're using the Tri-Axis adjustable handle bars it's a different mount base. I wrote up what I did, other folks give advice on how to use the BRP connect apps. I just like the stand alone GPS, but they call me old school.
billybovine
Active member
Your phone will make a good gps. I looked up the specs and it is rated as IP67. So rain will not be a problem. So just mount it on the handlebars.
Flamewinger
New member
The stand alone GPS has such a slower processor compared to the smartphones. It's way faster to use and much faster at route calculations. You can make a route in a stand alone GPS but it takes all day compared to how fast it can be done in Sygic or Genius Maps. If I were to use Garmin or TomTom I'd buy the app for my smartphone instead of a stand alone unit.
Realtor
New member
I don't "NEED" gps for my normal riding, but I have an ols school GPS, I plug it in the 12V in the trunk, then run the wire under the seat to the area just toward the seat below the toggle switches. I attach it with the suction cup, and it works for what I need.... I would like to have something a little "cleaner" but the mounts are a little $$ for all the more I'd use it... I do plan on getting the mount got the handle bars, and a USB plug installed, but in due time....
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
Sygic is a standalone app, i.e., it doesn't need cell connection to work. Cell is needed only for updates and real time info like construction activities and accident alerts. In fact I use Sygic with my WiFi only Samsung tablet. I'm not familiar with Genius but I would think it would be the same as Sygic in that respect.
billybovine
Active member
I agree with IdahoMtnSpyder. Your phone does not need a cell connection to work as a gps. In fact it may be more accurate and faster than a inexpensive stand alone GPS. Whether you need a cell connection or wifi, depends on the app you are using. For example, a free app like Google Waze must have a cell connection. Google maps is also free and can be used without cell connection, but you have to prepare and download maps ahead of time. In general standalone gps apps are not free.
PMK
Active member
Our recent experiences with Garmins has not been good. The Garmins we have, both automotive stand alone units and our 660 on the Spyder have gone wrong far to many times recently. The units are updated but for whatever reason, the Garmins decide on a crazy and often wrong route. Most recently or automotive Garmin insisted we make a left turn to our destination. Sadly, there was no road, simply a heavily wooded area. The phone was immediately consulted via Google Maps. Within a minute we were on the correct route to our destination.
Garmins have served us very well in the past. However over the last 18 months they have become unreliable in finding an accurate route.
I have yet to use the phone for navigation on the Spyder, but suspect it will be happening sooner than later.
Garmins have served us very well in the past. However over the last 18 months they have become unreliable in finding an accurate route.
I have yet to use the phone for navigation on the Spyder, but suspect it will be happening sooner than later.
JayBros
Well-known member
One must remember the accuracy in a Garmin GPS finding an "accurate" route is a function of the currency of the map loaded in the GPS. Since Garmin's maps are proprietary they rely a good bit on users reporting errors; the number of corrections in updates depends on the squeakiness of the wheels.
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Northofthesix
Member
I downloaded Genius Maps for my 18 RTL and really REALLY tried to like it... I find it impossible to read given how small the display area is and how far the dash is from my face, and since I like to see what is coming up (especially in the twisties) relying on voice commands isn't satisfactory. Installing a Garmin 390LM on the centre of my handlebars as soon as I have a chance.
h0gr1der
New member
I'm a stand alone Garmin guy, but agree on their latest routing being somewhat substandard. Always willing to learn though, so help me out a bit. So my smart phone has a GPS receiver in it and will get direction without cell service. Cool. With the phone connections in the front and rear trunks you will have to make some kind of power plug modifications so the phone has a line of sight on the sky, right? You'll at very minimum have to get the phone mounted on the dash or bars for the phone GPS receiver to work I would think.
C. Lee
Member
I too tried to like the BRP Connect, but found that the bluetooth connection from my phone works very well through my helmet as well as music. Whether listening to music or directions. I did mount a power outlet on the dash for my phone. It worked perfectly on our trip to north carolina and niagara last year. Chris
billybovine
Active member
For many folks who do use their phone with brp connect, on a RT. It's in the front trunk, on the back wall. That's near the engine, metal frame and a lot of wiring. Never heard of anyone complaining of bad gps reception. For me on my F3L. The connections are in the glove box, aka pizza oven. When I put it in there. The gps worked just fine. Except when the phone goes into overheat mode. I no longer use BRP Connect to display on my Spyders screen. So I have mounted the phone on my handlebars. I have a usb power plug on my handlebars if I need it to keep the phone charged. Never had a problem with the gps function. If I wanted to use BRP Connect and I have. I just run a usb cable from the glove box to the phone on the handlebars. I am not going to cook another phone.
For years I used a Garmin Nuvi 255W and 265W in my vehicles and my Spyder. They would not work in my garage or house unless I was in front of a window. My last and current phone gps work just fine inside the house and garage. Your experience may vary.
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
Smartphones for the past few years have included a very good GPS receiver. At least Samsung has. You can keep it in the glove box, trunk, frunk, coat pocket, or most anywhere and it will pick up the satellite signals very well. I've had my tablet in the trunk during rain storms and listened to the voice instructions. Since I don't have the new cluster I use a Bluetooth receiver to feed the tablet audio via BT into the GPS input of the radio.
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