What is everyone using for a GPS that can be used with an intercom headset that I won’t need a mortgage to pay for. Please and thank you.
GPS
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bdalameda
PaleoCyclist
There are the Chinese motorcycle gps units on Ebay that some have had success with. If I were looking at buying a new GPS I would seriously look at the new Tom Tom Rider 550. I have seen them on Ebay new for 319.00. Garmin makes a good unit but so very expensive.
I've found my cell phone works great - and if you use google's my maps you can download tracks too - tho I've not done much w that. For trips w/ multiple way points and/or shaping points you have one of Garmin's toys. They are cheaper if you search out ebay or get a reconditioned unit.
PM Uncle Phil - he loves the Chinavision unit and that is much much cheaper than anything else out there (I think). Be forewarned, UP is a computer whiz so if you are not, maybe the CV is not for you. I would stay away from this unit (talking about myself only, here) for two reasons - I'm an Apple computer guy and have forgotten most of what I knew about PC's, and I'm no 'pewter expert.
PM Uncle Phil - he loves the Chinavision unit and that is much much cheaper than anything else out there (I think). Be forewarned, UP is a computer whiz so if you are not, maybe the CV is not for you. I would stay away from this unit (talking about myself only, here) for two reasons - I'm an Apple computer guy and have forgotten most of what I knew about PC's, and I'm no 'pewter expert.
OP
OP
Thank you sir. Appreciate the feedback.
Great question! I've been wondering the same thing.
Two units were mentioned already. Tom Tom Rider 550 and the Chinavision unit. But I didn't see if these will connect to a bluetooth headset. Will they?
Two units were mentioned already. Tom Tom Rider 550 and the Chinavision unit. But I didn't see if these will connect to a bluetooth headset. Will they?
Uncle Phil
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Chinavasion 5" - Waterproof, glove friendly, economical!
bdalameda
PaleoCyclist
Yes the Tom Tom Rider has bluetooth. - It also has WiFi connection that allows map updates without the need for a phone or computer. Free worldwide map updates as well.
iPhone 8+ is my go to w/google maps. BT to my SENA. Works good. Have an inexpensive Garmin for a quick reference.
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I have a Garmin Zumo 390 on my Goldwing. It works perfectly and does Bluetooth. The current unit is a Zumo 396LMT and sells for $399. I am currently using a Nuvi 2597 on my ST. I will be ordering a Chinavasion 5" unit to replace the Nuvi before spring. Keep in mind that the Chinavasion unit needs software to make it work. Uncle Phil has the name of the guy who can provide it...
Uncle Phil
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And the total cost is way below $399 - in fact I could probably get 3 units for that price.
The unit has both Bluetooth and a hardwired headset jack. IIRC, I helped Cheese get his hooked up to his Sena at Vinny's tech day. They do everything that a Garmin does as far pure GPS function, but no weather, traffic or music player.
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I've used a modified auto gps placed in a waterproof case with a ram mount that mounts on my heli bar riser. The gps speaker was disconnected and I soldered in a mini rca jack. I run a scala intercom and added a 2 into 1 jack so I could connect the scala speakers and the gps. I do run a 3' cable from the gps to my helmet intercom
Advantages:
- Easy modification to the gps
-reasonably economical I did mine for about $250( gps, and waterproof case)
-I never lose my gps signal as I have done with a bluetooth gps when renting
-can upgrade the gps as newer models come available with reasonable cost
Disadvantage:
-the 3' cable can be an inconvenience
If there is any interest, I'll post pictures of my set up
Advantages:
- Easy modification to the gps
-reasonably economical I did mine for about $250( gps, and waterproof case)
-I never lose my gps signal as I have done with a bluetooth gps when renting
-can upgrade the gps as newer models come available with reasonable cost
Disadvantage:
-the 3' cable can be an inconvenience
If there is any interest, I'll post pictures of my set up
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Chinavasion unit now , - my garmin before only lasted 2 uses !
bdalameda
PaleoCyclist
And the total cost is way below $399 - in fact I could probably get 3 units for that price.
Phil - What map set do you run on the Chinavision GPS and how do you update it? Also would it be possible to load a Topo map set on a Chinavision GPS?
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
I believe the latest set I have is a Tom-Tom version - whatever the supplier supplies. Updating the maps are a lot of trouble -
You delete the folder called MAP on the microsd card in the GPS, then you copy the folder called MAP from the new microsd card over to the GPS.
The nice thing is you can backup all the software to a desktop for safekeeping. And since everything 'lives' on the microsd card, you can get your settings to suit you, then backup so you can easily 'recover'. And if the unit dies, you just pull the card and stick it in a new unit and everything is there.
The supplier emails his customers on a periodic basis when he has new maps and what the charge will be ($30-40 usually). I update maybe every 2 years.
IIRC, there is a 'topo view' for the GPS but I haven't played with it. The map files appear to be '.fbl' files if that helps.
There are tons of 'mods' to the Primo software and several websites just about the subject and how to do it.
I have the MC 1.9 mod which I really like because it lets you toss waypoints in flight and has 'big' buttons on the screen for those of us with clumsy, large hands.
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bdalameda
PaleoCyclist
Does the Chinavision have an Android operating system? If so could you just download an Android Navigation app and use it?
Dan
Dan
Uncle Phil
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Dan - There is (or was) an 5" Android unit - PaulCB got one. He'd be the man to ask on that subject.
The units I have run Win CE 6 I think. It can be 'hacked' to open it up, but if you make a mistake in the process, it turns into a nice paperweight. I have hacked one successfully just for grins.
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Second the cell phone. Plus with Android Auto (if you use Android) you can set it to launch as soon as the phone connects to your headset. It, essentially, turns it into a car stereo head unit (minus the radio, of course). You've got Navigation (I use Waze), Music player, (Google play. Spotify, SirousXM, etc...), phone, and text. Best of all is you can use the Google assistant to do most things (i.e. "Ok google, call xxxxxx" or "... directions to the nearest gas station.") hands free.
Hey Dan. Yes, there is a an Android version. IIRC, it runs KitKat. It's pretty much just a waterproof 5" Android tablet. It comes with iGo Primo, but I've downloaded a few apps to it off of the Android store, i.e. Google Maps. I'm still trying to figure out the memory, i.e. moving apps/data to a card, but there seems to be some limitations doing that with KitKat. I'm not an Android guy, but learning. It's biggest negative is it's not glove friendly.
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I am aware that's available, but I am limited on the data I can use every month and those apps use a good bit in a short time. I have located a Sena SM10 used for about $50 bucks, so I think I am going to try that. I already have a subscription for SirriusXM for a unit I switch between my car, which I am going to sell and my Goldwing, so I just have to pick up a mounting kit for the Sirius Radio I already have so I can hard wire it on the ST. That way I can switch the actual XM receiver between bikes.