a bit of help needed

[birdseye]

I want to put a gps and mapping software on my bike but have a limited budget. As it happens, I have a Garmin gps 76 available (I have a boat) and I also need to buy a new PDA.

So which way do I go? PDA? And if so, which system (Palm or PC) and whose mapping software and whose GPS? Any idea of costs? And how do I waterproof a PDA in this application.

If I use the GPS76 then presumably all I need is a mount and the necessary software. Recommendations as to mount? Software presumably has to be Garmin - any body used iton this GPS?

Or is it the common view that bioth ideas are duff and I should simply buy the BMW kit or a clone of it? If so, which one?

Am fairly computer / gps literate so what I'm hoping for is practical advice on the best (ie lowest cost that will work properly) solution on a bike.

 

[richie]

If you want an autorouting GPS yours will work if its a 76C... There are lots of 76GPS in Garmins catalogue.

If its a 76C all you need is the software ...

 

[Kropotkin]

Waterproofing a PDA can be a tricky business. You have three basic options:

1. An Otterbox, big, bulky, pricey, but very effective. Available from here, amongst other places. Remember, you need the Otterbox, the connectivity kit, a bridge mount and a handlebar mount. This is probably the best solution, but is also the most expensive solution.

2. Stick the PDA in your tankbag. Advantage is that this is cheap (you probably already have a tankbag), the disadvantage is that you have to look down to look at your tankbag to see the PDA.

3. A custom solution. Which is what I have. I took an Ortlieb document wallet, and had a mount made (by EVA motorcycle parts in Holland), and mounted the custom mount using a RAM mount. The advantage is that it is reasonably affordable, (and fun to design and make), the disadvantage is that I have wires going all over the place, and I have had to tape the bottom of the bag shut.

Here's a pic:

If you want voice directions and autorouting, then a PDA is a cost effective option. The other alternative is the Garmin Streetpilot 2610, which is fairly pricey (but apparently, prices are going to be cut on November 1st). If you don't need voice directions, then you could also consider the Magellan Meridian series, which is pretty cheap.

David