Can I get GPS on my 2024 S2S 10.25" screen; or GPS Software/Hardware, Apples to Oranges, or maybe not...

[Ages]

I've been scouring the net trying to figure out whether I to switch to Apple Carplay or find a workaround for my Android phone, being that I can't use my Android on my 2024 RT S2S. To make a long story short, while searching I came across a video explaining how BRP Ski-Doo can get GPS on their newer model sleds with a 10.25 inch screen. Evidently there is a GPS Embedded Maps Module available via the Ski-Doo site. I think it is the same Software that BRP is using in the Can-Ams. I'll post the short 3 min video link here and the link to the module. I remember reading in these forums about someone finding an adapter to what they thought went to the new 2025 back-up cameras. They posted pics. Anyway, if BRP can make it happen for the Ski-Doos with the same BRP software then it may be vailable for the Can-Ams. The adapter the Ski-Doo GPS Map Module plugs into is very similar to the adapter in those pics. Anybody ever heard of a GPS Map Module for these Can-Am Spyders?

Module: https://ski-doo-shop.brp.com/us/en/860202727-gps-module-for-embedded-maps.html

Video:

 

[racoon]

I've been scouring the net trying to figure out whether I to switch to Apple Carplay or find a workaround for my Android phone, being that I can't use my Android on my 2024 RT S2S. To make a long story short, while searching I came across a video explaining how BRP Ski-Doo can get GPS on their newer model sleds with a 10.25 inch screen. Evidently there is a GPS Embedded Maps Module available via the Ski-Doo site. I think it is the same Software that BRP is using in the Can-Ams. I'll post the short 3 min video link here and the link to the module. I remember reading in these forums about someone finding an adapter to what they thought went to the new 2025 back-up cameras. They posted pics. Anyway, if BRP can make it happen for the Ski-Doos with the same BRP software then it may be vailable for the Can-Ams. The adapter the Ski-Doo GPS Map Module plugs into is very similar to the adapter in those pics. Anybody ever heard of a GPS Map Module for these Can-Am Spyders?

Module: https://ski-doo-shop.brp.com/us/en/860202727-gps-module-for-embedded-maps.html

Video:

In the Specifications section on the Ski Doo website link for the GPS module the last line says:

• A software update must be done by your local dealership and will be required to use the built-in navigation features.

Watching the install video at about the 2:09 point in the video it says:

Your 22 or 23 sled will have the GPS wires zip tied to the back of the display.

I'll bet good money your 2024 S2S won't have the GPS wires on the back of the display.
Also, look at 2:32 in the video. It shows a picture of the plug that the GPS module attaches too. It's oval, about 1" long, and has at least 6 pins, so not the same as the connector someone found at the rear of the Spyder.

Have you considered a mount for your Android phone for your handlebars? You can plug your phone into the USB port in the glove box. It won't activate the Apple Carplay GPS features, but should still keep your Android phone charged. But then your phone will be exposed to the elements.

 

[Ages]

In the Specifications section on the Ski Doo website link for the GPS module the last line says:

• A software update must be done by your local dealership and will be required to use the built-in navigation features.

Watching the install video at about the 2:09 point in the video it says:



I'll bet good money your 2024 S2S won't have the GPS wires on the back of the display.
Also, look at 2:32 in the video. It shows a picture of the plug that the GPS module attaches too. It's oval, about 1" long, and has at least 6 pins, so not the same as the connector someone found at the rear of the Spyder.

Have you considered a mount for your Android phone for your handlebars? You can plug your phone into the USB port in the glove box. It won't activate the Apple Carplay GPS features, but should still keep your Android phone charged. But then your phone will be exposed to the elements.

According to a his Feb 11th post WCLVR was able to get the BPR software/firmware to update itself by plugging his wi-fi in. A trip to the dealer to update the software may not be necessary. I'm guessing it may depend on the year of your Spyder, he has the same Spyder I have.

I am considering this as an alternative, either that or just cave in and get an an Apple i-phone:

Aoocci C6 Pro All-in-One Motorcycle Dash Cam with GPS & Anti-Theft

C6 Pro emergency recording dash cam uses a built-in G-sensor to detect accidents, even when your car is parked. If something happens, the camera will automatically start recording. You'll get a voice alert when you turn your car back on, so you can review the footage and have peace of mind.

aoocci.com

 

[racoon]

Yes, and I have updated the software on my 2024 Spyder using the Wifi at my home a couple of times.

But the point I was trying to make is that the GPS for the SkiDoo requires an update to the SkiDoo computer.
And a software update written for the computer in a SkiDoo is unlikely to be compatible with the computer in a Spyder.

 

[WRCLVR]

@ ages - Yes to what racoon just said. OTA updates for the Spyders are just updates on the software for the on road vehicles... nada for the GPS. I don't know if any "module" could be used to attach to the cluster... or to the wiring needed. As others have said, you are gonna hafta get an iPhone and a mount - something to display from your Android phone, iPhone, or a Carpuride standalone.

For Android, just get a mount, get helmet comms, and hook them up. You can then display Google Maps on the phone and hear directions in your helmet. And ask Alexa for stuff... as long as you have signal. Don't overthink it.

 

[jcthorne]

Have you considered a Magic Box 2? It's a wireless android auto converter box for Apple Carplay installations. I have not tried it but the company and reviews show it works.

 

[racoon]

Another option might be a Garmin Zumo XT or Zumo XT 2. They are specifically designed for mounting on the handlebars of a motorcycle.

Garmin zūmo® XT | Motorcycle GPS Navigator

The zūmo® XT is an all-terrain motorcycle navigator with an ultrabright, rain-resistant, glove-friendly 5.5” display and preloaded on and off-road mapping.

www.garmin.com

 

[Jetfixer]

Or this. We have two and they work very well.

INNOVV N1 Pro: Motorcycle Navigation Camera with CarPlay & Android Auto

Explore INNOVV's N1 Pro Navigation Camera System for seamless motorcycle navigation with CarPlay, Android Auto, and dual-camera functionality.

innovv.com

We use Android Auto only.

 

[SpyderKen58]

@ ages - Yes to what racoon just said. OTA updates for the Spyders are just updates on the software for the on road vehicles... nada for the GPS. I don't know if any "module" could be used to attach to the cluster... or to the wiring needed. As others have said, you are gonna hafta get an iPhone and a mount - something to display from your Android phone, iPhone, or a Carpuride standalone.

For Android, just get a mount, get helmet comms, and hook them up. You can then display Google Maps on the phone and hear directions in your helmet. And ask Alexa for stuff... as long as you have signal. Don't overthink it.

The “as long as you have signal” is the piano part (ol saying for the ‘trouble’)… and is the major benefit of a GPS over phone navigation. Clear to semi-clear skies means you will always have nav with a GPS. We lose phone signal on rural roads quite a bit out in my neck of the woods! So, I am very interested in a GPS solution, and built-in is obviously preferred! I hope a fix/work-around happens soon.

 

[McClendons]

The “as long as you have signal” is the piano part (ol saying for the ‘trouble’)… and is the major benefit of a GPS over phone navigation. Clear to semi-clear skies means you will always have nav with a GPS. We lose phone signal on rural roads quite a bit out in my neck of the woods! So, I am very interested in a GPS solution, and built-in is obviously preferred! I hope a fix/work-around happens soon.

There are multiple phone GPS apps that use downloaded maps for navigation, including Google Maps. Losing cell signal is NOT an issue. I have used Sygic and Maps both without cell signal. I just started trying MyRoute, not sure about offline though. There are others that can be found by a google search.

Sygic for sure is a solid solution for offline maps,

 

[racoon]

So, I am very interested in a GPS solution, and built-in is obviously preferred! I hope a fix/work-around happens soon.

A built-in, like some sort of plug in upgrade is unlikely, regardless of what might be available for other BRP/CAN-AM products.

As for GPS, either a Carpuride system, or a Garmin Zumo XT or XT2 motorcycle GPS can be mounted to your handlebars.
I purchased a Garmin Zumo XT to use with my 2024 Spyder while CAN-AM was still figuring out the problems with CarPlay.
A Zumo XT goes for about US $500, and an XT2 for about US $600.

The Zumo's have a USB port on the back, which can provide power while you're on your bike, and allows for software and map updates when connected to your computer.

 

[Ages]

I installed an Aoocci C6 Pro, works great. I have front and back cameras (w/live video) and GPS plus tire pressure monitoring. I already had TPM. The system only comes with two TPMs. The C9 Pro has replaced the C6 Pro at Aoocci.

 

[SpyderKen58]

I installed an Aoocci C6 Pro, works great. I have front and back cameras (w/live video) and GPS plus tire pressure monitoring. I already had TPM. The system only comes with two TPMs. The C9 Pro has replaced the C6 Pro at Aoocci.

Looks like a great setup. I would do same if I had a ’22 or ‘23 Spyder (and I may end up there), but the beauty of a 10” screen would be to have all the tech integrated into the one, big, beautiful screen. Not a big fan of handlebar mounts… but in the end, ya gotta do what ya gotta do!

 

[SpyderKen58]

There are multiple phone GPS apps that use downloaded maps for navigation, including Google Maps. Losing cell signal is NOT an issue. I have used Sygic and Maps both without cell signal. I just started trying MyRoute, not sure about offline though. There are others that can be found by a google search.

Sygic for sure is a solid solution for offline maps,

Thanks for the info, very interesting.
Ok, say you have downloaded the map, but you lose cell coverage. How do you know your position on the road, and thus distance to your next stop? Or are you prompted that the road on the right is YOUR turn? I am sure they have made a way around that, but I want to be sure before I invest in the phone navigational approach.

 

[racoon]

For an iPhone, it depends on which Google result you trust.

The iPhone has an "aGPS" chip, which stands for Assisted GPS. I've seen it referred to as aGPS, Assisted GPS, and Assisted-GPS.
It uses GPS data, but it also uses cellular networks and Wi-Fi signals to determine your exact location. One site says that the iPhone 3 released in 2008 was the first that included the aGPS chip. (iPhone 16 is the latest model)

Here's an article from 2011 about aGPS:

Comment l’iPhone sait où vous êtes – Navigation Mac

www.navigation-mac.fr

The article title is in French, but the article is displayed in English.

 

[racoon]

While the signal from a cell tower doesn't include it's physical location, the location of your phone can be determined by the signal strength from each tower it receives a signal from. Anyone who watches enough police TV shows has probably seen the police locate a cell phone by determining which cell towers it is "pinging" off of.

WiFi Positioning has similar capabilities for WiFi signals.

Wi-Fi positioning system - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[McClendons]

Thanks for the info, very interesting.
Ok, say you have downloaded the map, but you lose cell coverage. How do you know your position on the road, and thus distance to your next stop? Or are you prompted that the road on the right is YOUR turn? I am sure they have made a way around that, but I want to be sure before I invest in the phone navigational approach.

All smartphones today (that I know of) include a GPS chip on board - Android or Apple. It has been that way for 10+ years. The GPS is often augmented by cell, but your phone functions just like a GPS device if cell data is not there. For example, I am on a cruise ship in the North Sea and my phone shows exact LAT/LONG and speed of the ship. If you have a downloaded map, it acts just like a standalone GPS device. I've driven through NC mountains, and have no idea when my cell coverage drops off and when I have it, the GPS keeps plodding along. I used Garmin devices for years, but my phone has replaced them.

Apps like Sygic can be downloaded and used for free if you want to try them. Most have added features (traffic etc) if you pay, but it's easy to try.

 

[racoon]

I went with the Google Maps app for my iPhone. It comes with Apple Maps, but Apple's map application does not support the import of GPX files, something I find useful. With the Google Maps app I can create a route on my computer, even doing drag and drop to get the exact route I want, then tell Google Maps on my computer to sync the route to the Google Maps app on my iPhone. The map/route is then available on my Spyder using Apple CarPlay. It works the same on my 2023 Honda Ridgeline, although no helmet headset is required for the Ridgeline.