I have used my phone. It works pretty well as long as I have a signal. My phone is a Note 4 that is supplied by my employer plus I don't pay for it or the data.Originally Posted by Av8er
I just finally thought I might use a dedicated GPS that isn't reliant on a phone signal when I need to set up directions/navigation. Most of the time this isn't a big issue, but when it is, it's frustrating.
"Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up"
Not a bad thing to have the phone stay with you in an accident. Never thought of that. I have an iPhone and an app that I can load routes into. I also dont think you have to have phone signal for the gps portion to work. Please correct me if I am wrong.
You are correct. GPS will work without cell/data signal, but you will still need a mapping program to overlay with it.
2016 F6B Deluxe
Jupiter Orange Metallic
Using a android head unit in the car with Sygic nav on it, excellent little android GPS app. It runs offline maps so you don't have to have a connection but if one is there it'll give updated traffic info as well. That way you could use on phone and still have directions over music if so inclined.
Just an idea.
Thanks for the heads up. Just downloaded the app. Will give it a whirl this weekend. It comes with a 7 day trial for the premium. Don't know what the subscription cost or what I lose once the premium trial ends. It looks promising. I downloaded the maps for the states I will most likely be in this weekend. I have driving app on my phone that gives me all the apps I want in large short cuts. Plus it gives me directs access to music on my phone etc... I have it in a cradle that is installed on my Helibars with charging. The only downside with the phone has been map availability with no phone signal and of course even with the Defender case , it isn't rain proof. It seems no matter which GPS I would choose, there are compromises from what I am accustomed to having with my phone. I'll check out the app more tonight and over the weekend. I'll make a decision after this weekend what I want to do.
"Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up"
Jimmy, I have some NEW (still in the factory sealed plastic envelopes) parts from Ram Mounts if you need them.
RAM-B-347U
RAM-B-201U-A
RAM-B-309-7U
And a dash quick release mount (which I believe works with a Zumo 660 without harness) Cord and dash circular plate still in bag included.
Pay for shipping $10 and it's all yours
Successful people build each other up. They motivate, inspire and push each other. Unsuccessful people just hate, blame and complain.
Do these cheaper non motorcycle gps have Bluetooth to use with a sena? I haven't seen one that did but haven't looked hard either. If not, how,do you hear it while riding?
Is that offer good to anyone? That is the setup that will work with my Zumo 660.
Thanks,
Barender
Somehow I missed this, I actually did get what I needed already. If no one else want to take you up on that offer, I will, just to have extra options. Thanks.
"Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up"
Because Cell Phone GPS Fails
gNot to beat a dead horse, but I need to make my point. Phone GPS units are not designed for what touring motorcyclists do. They can work, most of the time, but when they fail, they really fail. There are several types of GPS systems designed for different tasks and situations:
= Phone based apps that use data as you go. You MUST have access to data for these to always work. Even loading Googlemaps onto a phone before losing data will fail if you have to reroute on the fly. Also phones generally can't get wet.
= Phone based apps that load the maps in advance. Usually free, but the routing software is usually dismal, and they depend on a phone that can't get wet as well.
= Marine GPS: Highly accurate location data but No highway routing software. Wanna find fish? Avoid a sand bar?
= General Purpose Highway units and software, most GPS units from Garmin, TomTom and in your car: Pretty poor motorcyle routing,
Off Roading and Orienteering: Usually small screens, but some are close to what we use on motorcycles when off roading. Cheap units have no real routing software. These are usually good for off road hiking, biking, riding. Can be pricey to get same functions as Garmin Zumo series.
= Motorcycle touring Zumo and TomTom Rider 400: Pricey, most durable, not inclined to interface well with phones, often feature bloated, good m/c routing though.
= Trucking GPS: Really big screens, heavy, readable, never waterproof, designed for drivers who have to stay on truck routes. Sometimes the software for these things is slow -- there is an incredible amount of data in these units that does not have to be in car systems.
= Aviation. I don't fly so I don't know much about the last one.
To sum up...
1. Rural areas = no data. Bad or no phone service. That's the biggest reason to have a regular GPS.
2. Phone Based GPS Software = Crappy Routing algorithms. That means bad programming. Not built for mc riding. Result: you take boring roads or end up in mud roads when you don't want to. Example: Googlemaps when off line, Any cheap or free app that you download onto a phone that calls itself m/c GPS software: low quality routing.
3. Safety: Do NOT trust a phone in rural areas. Not for communication, not for directions. Take a look at a national coverage map from Verizon et all. When I go off road in my jeep or out on big water in my boat, we carry CB or FRS or Marine radios AND GPS units with software specifically designed for the situation. Those of you who carry cell phones when traveling alone in "big country" without cell coverage are fooling yourself -- that thing will be not reach anyone when you really need it. Carry a radio. Keep spare batteries. Why do you think the big Honda still has a CB option?
If all your riding is near suburbia and a city, then OK, the cell phone is fine.
Ride Safe
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