non-bluetooth gps question

[wyliec]

I know there are those who use a gps without directions piped into your helmet. Do you find it easy enough to just view the gps for directions?

I have a gps in my car and I'm not sure if I rely more on the audio than I do the visual. I feel the extra money saved on a non-bluetooth gps could be spent on other mods.

Any suggestions for a non-bluetooth gps would be appreciated. I know there are plenty of non-bluetooths to choose from. But, maybe someone has found one with other options that offsets the lack of hearing the audio portion.

Thanks

 

[docdoru]

Zumo 450 minus bluetooth wireless technology, text-to-speech and XM Satellite :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

I rode yesterday with the GPS audio disconnected, just to see if I could live with one less cable. With the GPS in the center above the dash, the routine route information was visible, even in the sun with my sunglasses on. Sometimes I had to strain a bit to see the smallest writing. I'm not sure if it would be as visible or as noticeable on either side on the handlebar, however. I think one could miss the periodic update announcements and the first warning for a turn if he was not paying attention without the audio. Near a turn (when it would be announcing) my GPS flashes the turn info in large black boxes which were very easy to see. I'll probably leave the cable home most of the time.
-Scotty

 

[zzneonzz]

I know there are those who use a gps without directions piped into your helmet. Do you find it easy enough to just view the gps for directions?

I have a gps in my car and I'm not sure if I rely more on the audio than I do the visual. I feel the extra money saved on a non-bluetooth gps could be spent on other mods.

Any suggestions for a non-bluetooth gps would be appreciated. I know there are plenty of non-bluetooths to choose from. But, maybe someone has found one with other options that offsets the lack of hearing the audio portion.

Thanks

I don't have any problems glancing at the GPS.

 

[bjt]

I rode yesterday with the GPS audio disconnected, just to see if I could live with one less cable. With the GPS in the center above the dash, the routine route information was visible, even in the sun with my sunglasses on. Sometimes I had to strain a bit to see the smallest writing. I'm not sure if it would be as visible or as noticeable on either side on the handlebar, however. I think one could miss the periodic update announcements and the first warning for a turn if he was not paying attention without the audio. Near a turn (when it would be announcing) my GPS flashes the turn info in large black boxes which were very easy to see. I'll probably leave the cable home most of the time.
-Scotty

I don't have any problems glancing at the GPS.

Same here. Most of the time I don't plug in my audio cables. I just pay a bit closer attention to the GPS if I am relying on it for directions using visual only. If I know I am coming close to my turn, I'll glance at the GPS more frequently. If I'm miles from the next turn, I don't worry about the GPS. :thumbup:

 

[dltang]

I rode yesterday with the GPS audio disconnected, just to see if I could live with one less cable. With the GPS in the center above the dash, the routine route information was visible, even in the sun with my sunglasses on. Sometimes I had to strain a bit to see the smallest writing. I'm not sure if it would be as visible or as noticeable on either side on the handlebar, however. I think one could miss the periodic update announcements and the first warning for a turn if he was not paying attention without the audio. Near a turn (when it would be announcing) my GPS flashes the turn info in large black boxes which were very easy to see. I'll probably leave the cable home most of the time.
-Scotty

Scotty, regarding your GPS, I really like how you have it mounted. Since we both have the same kind, can you tell me which Ram mount you are using and how the cradle fits it. By the way, I just updated the software on my Lowrance XOG last night too. I was running 1.6.0 and I updated to 1.8.0, you may want to check and see what yours is running and do an update. You can do it right from their website.

 

[NancysToy]

Scotty, regarding your GPS, I really like how you have it mounted. Since we both have the same kind, can you tell me which Ram mount you are using and how the cradle fits it. By the way, I just updated the software on my Lowrance XOG last night too. I was running 1.6.0 and I updated to 1.8.0, you may want to check and see what yours is running and do an update. You can do it right from their website.

Deb, The center mount uses a RAM-B-337U ball instead of one of the adjusting knobs on the CHAD. You might have to try an alternative method. The handlebar mount uses a RAM-B-231 bracket, but there are others that fit as well. I bought that, the arm, and a cradle to fit the Lowrance all together from GPS City. Their cradle is really great! The XOG fit quite tightly. They also have a huge variety of mounts, including suction cup, screw-down plates, etc. When my first XOG failed (during an update) They sent a new one with 1.8.0 already on it. That version didn't land on the Web site until a few days later. I put the original cradle and suction cup mount into my truck.
-Scotty

 

[barkingspyder]

I know there are those who use a gps without directions piped into your helmet. Do you find it easy enough to just view the gps for directions?

I have a gps in my car and I'm not sure if I rely more on the audio than I do the visual. I feel the extra money saved on a non-bluetooth gps could be spent on other mods.

Any suggestions for a non-bluetooth gps would be appreciated. I know there are plenty of non-bluetooths to choose from. But, maybe someone has found one with other options that offsets the lack of hearing the audio portion.

Thanks

I have the Garmin 660 and bought the RAM mount for it with big plans for the perfect set up but I don't want that big thing on my bars. I just stick it in my pocket when I need it and use headphones. It works great. I turn on the tunes and listen for the prompts. Simple.

 

[bjt]

Deb, The center mount uses a RAM-B-337U ball instead of one of the adjusting knobs on the CHAD. You might have to try an alternative method. The handlebar mount uses a RAM-B-231 bracket, but there are others that fit as well. I bought that, the arm, and a cradle to fit the Lowrance all together from GPS City. Their cradle is really great! The XOG fit quite tightly. They also have a huge variety of mounts, including suction cup, screw-down plates, etc. When my first XOG failed (during an update) They sent a new one with 1.8.0 already on it. That version didn't land on the Web site until a few days later. I put the original cradle and suction cup mount into my truck.
-Scotty

How is that XOG treating you? Deb's seems to take a long to to find itself when first powered up. My Garmin has taken to doing that randomly also and maybe 5% - 10% of the time it says it can't locate any satellites. :dontknow: I'm thinking of contacting Garmin CS to see what they say about it.

 

[NancysToy]

How is that XOG treating you? Deb's seems to take a long to to find itself when first powered up. My Garmin has taken to doing that randomly also and maybe 5% - 10% of the time it says it can't locate any satellites. :dontknow: I'm thinking of contacting Garmin CS to see what they say about it.

I haven't had a lot of occasion to use the thing. It seems a bit variable in its acquisition time. I don't usually notice, since it fires up right away, and is normally ready by the time I'm ready to leave. I have it mounted low in the truck, and it can take a while longer there. Probably would be better on the dash or windshield. Always has located within about 500 feet leaving the driveway, though. Seems to locate faster under motion?
-Scotty

 

[dragonheart]

I know there are those who use a gps without directions piped into your helmet. Do you find it easy enough to just view the gps for directions?

I have a gps in my car and I'm not sure if I rely more on the audio than I do the visual. I feel the extra money saved on a non-bluetooth gps could be spent on other mods.

Any suggestions for a non-bluetooth gps would be appreciated. I know there are plenty of non-bluetooths to choose from. But, maybe someone has found one with other options that offsets the lack of hearing the audio portion.

Thanks

I turned the audio off of our Zumo 550 as it cuts off our Scala Q2 headsets often enough, it becomes annoying. We bought the GPS mount with my Kewlmetal risers. Rode yesterday with this set up for the first time, and I could see it great. It is certainly true, though, that you have to glance at the screen more often than with the audio, but I would rather "Jill" not interfere with my conversations with my hubby on his bike.