I want a Sat nav that can do all this......

[Jebidiah]

Hey guys, a bit of help please.

I'm doing a 10 country tour from England to Bulgaria via Croatia, Bosnia etc
I am bassically after a Sat nav that is easy to use, has (or is cheap to buy) the maps I need, will let me plan a route (ish) and will also let me upload mp3's for some company.
A bluetooth capability for the old mobile would be nice and it would be even better if it comes with the head piece.

So far I have found the tomtom rider but I cant find out whether I can load mp3's on it, the zumo but it's expensive and doesnt come with the head piece or the Becker crocodile but that has no bluetooth.

If someone could point me in the right direction!

Cheers

 

[ST4S]

Zumo 660 has Bluetooth, works with my old Nokia 6310i

Zumo 660 has Bluetooth, works with my old Nokia 6310i (and has an MP3 player too). Yes, you could probably call it expensive.. but mine has so far done everything I need from a GPS unit and is a big improvement over my old Quest.

 

[AdamA]

Deffo a Zumo. Whichever model you prefer. Then get a Scala or Interphone Bluetooth headset (latest one if you want Stereo). Connect the phone and the headset to the Zumo. Job jobbed.

 

[andyclift]

Having used Tomtom Rider and Garmin Zumo (550 and 660) extensively it is my opinion that both Garmin offerings are head and shoulders above the Zumo - and the Tomtom has no MP3 player. For router planning Garmin's Mapsource is great but takes a bit of learning. With Tomtom you are reliant on buying third party software.

If you want phone connection be careful to ensure your chosen sysem is compatible as phones that worked with my 550 wull not work with the 660 as it uses a different flavour of Bluetooth. I am also a believer in hard wired where possible and have given up with the Scala headset. Compared with my Autocom the sound quality is poor, the max volume is too low and it's something else that needs charging - which you can't do from the bike while you are using it so it's a sod if you are touring.

 

[hops]

what

about an iphone with GPS application. Phone/music/GPS all in one package and piped through an autocom, job done.

 

[GS_or_bust]

I have a 660 and it works well for me. You might want to go with plugged in headphones for the best audio quality, it also means you don't have to worry about charging a bluetooth ear piece on your travels. The 660 mounting cradle (included) has a long audio cable with jack sockets at the end to take regular earphones.

My Tom Tom car unit seems to provide better automatic routes but the Garmin range allows you to plan on your PC and then upload to the unit. It also logs your journey in great detail and you can upload the data to your PC after the trip and see it on a map.

 

[andyclift]

about an iphone with GPS application. Phone/music/GPS all in one package and piped through an autocom, job done

Most satnav apps on mobiles rely on downloading maps via a data connection every time a route is planned. I tried to use mine in Cumbria and was glad I had my Garmin as it almost never found a connection. Also unless you have an unlimited data plan it's an expensive solution.

 

[mr_magicfingers]

about an iphone with GPS application. Phone/music/GPS all in one package and piped through an autocom, job done.

I have this setup, using tomtom software on the iphone, piped into my autocom. Plus side is that the tomtom software is good and works well. It has it's own onboard maps so you don't need a data connection. If you do have one it can do the smart routes thing and look for real time traffic information. Great in this country by you might not want the data charges if roaming.

Downsides.

1. You can't preplan and upload your routes, which is fine if you're just driving around in the UK but if you want to plan a holiday route it's annoying.

2. You can't use it wearing gloves unless you mod your gloves, which only works on summer gloves, see my post here

3. You'll need to find a way to make it waterproof. I use a ram mount on the dash under the screen, which has kept it dry so far, I'd probably put a ziploc over it in very heavy weather.

4. If a call comes in or a text, you either need to tap the screen to answer/dismiss it or you need one of the new 3gs models with voice control. I only have the 3g, hence the glove mod.

Right now, this is a really cheap way to get a decent gps for me, but ultimately I want a zumo for long distance tours so I can preplan the routes properly and follow other peoples suggested itineraries now and then.

J.

 

[Bumpkin]

You can't preplan and upload your routes, which is fine if you're just driving around in the UK but if you want to plan a holiday route it's annoying.

Can you not upload and use an ITN file created with Tyre or ITN Conveter

 

[ronnie69]

I think the garmin 2820 will do everything you say. Not sure about the headpiece thing you mention. They appear to go on eblag for anything between £150ish (if you're lucky) and £300+

 

[mr_magicfingers]

Can you not upload and use an ITN file created with Tyre or ITN Conveter

No, at least not any way I've found. I think because your computer doesn't recognise it as a tomtom, only as an iphone, and I think you need the tomtom home software to do uploads. Been hunting online for a solution and haven't found one yet.

 

[Magwa]

Nokia 6110 or 6210 Navigator
Brilliant piece of kit
Its a phone / sat nav/ Mp3 music player/ blue tooth or plug into head seat/ or autocom etc
Has a nice Touratech handlebar mount
Plenty of second hand ones on this site.....( how I got mine)
Ive got rid of my Garmin and now use one of these instead

 

[Bumpkin]

No, at least not any way I've found. I think because your computer doesn't recognise it as a tomtom, only as an iphone, and I think you need the tomtom home software to do uploads. Been hunting online for a solution and haven't found one yet.

I have TomTom on my phone (Win Mobile) and don't have TomTom Home, I just create my ITN file using ITN Converter (or you can use Tyre). I then upload the route to the data-card in the phone and select the route using the 'load itinerary' function having gone 'itinerary planning' > 'options' in the menus. I would assume that the i-Phone version of TomTom is nigh on identical in it's menus.

As I predominantly use a Garmin 2720 I employ ITN Converter to convert the Garmin routes into ITN files which I load onto my phone as a back-up. It works well although my phone is a bit laggy.

 

[mr_magicfingers]

I have TomTom on my phone (Win Mobile) and don't have TomTom Home, I just create my ITN file using ITN Converter (or you can use Tyre). I then upload the route to the data-card in the phone and select the route using the 'load itinerary' function having gone 'itinerary planning' > 'options' in the menus. I would assume that the i-Phone version of TomTom is nigh on identical in it's menus.

As I predominantly use a Garmin 2720 I employ ITN Converter to convert the Garmin routes into ITN files which I load onto my phone as a back-up. It works well although my phone is a bit laggy.

Just spent 20 mins exploring the menus in the iphone version and there doesn't seem to be anything similar to the itinerary planning option that you have, only a depart from and navigate to option in the advanced planning.

Shame.

 

[Human]

I have a 660 and it works well for me. You might want to go with plugged in headphones for the best audio quality, it also means you don't have to worry about charging a bluetooth ear piece on your travels. The 660 mounting cradle (included) has a long audio cable with jack sockets at the end to take regular earphones.

My Tom Tom car unit seems to provide better automatic routes but the Garmin range allows you to plan on your PC and then upload to the unit. It also logs your journey in great detail and you can upload the data to your PC after the trip and see it on a map.

About to buy a sat nav, was thinking the 660 is the one to go for, never realised plug in headphones was an option, thats cool and simple to me, is there a simple way to use your phone like this or do you need to go blue tooth / headset route? ie i am sure my mobile phone came with headphones / microphone can you use the phone as the bluetooth reciever and listen to the sat nav messages and mp3 player when not on the phone if you get my meaning?

Cheers
Rob
1200gs se
748r

 

[andyclift]

i am sure my mobile phone came with headphones / microphone can you use the phone as the bluetooth reciever and listen to the sat nav messages and mp3 player when not on the phone if you get my meaning? No

 

[Human]

If whilst riding with earphones plugged into zumo 660 listening to mp3 music on satnav when direction instructions come up, does the satnav switch from music to instructions then revert back once instruction complete?
If with this arrangement if my phone was paired with the satnav, should the phone ring can i answer but not listen or talk because i have no microphone? not sure what would happen sound wise.
However if i plug my earphones that came with the phone which have a small microphone built into the lead onto my phone and put in my ears, pair the phone to the satnav, can i then listen to the satnav mp3/direction instructions and should my phone ring answer the call. I appreciate if this was to work sound quality may not be top knotch and i probably would need to pull over to talk holding the microphone close to mouth and out of wind, but would it work?
Alternatively if i get a Interphone headset or two i can do all of this plus speak to passenger or biking buddy in addition.
Sorry if this is a bit of a retard query
Rob
GS1200SE
748R
GasGas TXT249

 

[andyclift]

If whilst riding with earphones plugged into zumo 660 listening to mp3 music on satnav when direction instructions come up, does the satnav switch from music to instructions then revert back once instruction complete? YES and it pauses the music rather than mutes it so you don't miss anything. Important if you are listening to an audio book
If with this arrangement if my phone was paired with the satnav, should the phone ring can i answer but not listen or talk because i have no microphone? not sure what would happen sound wise. You can answer and hear through earphones but obviously not talk without a mic
However if i plug my earphones that came with the phone which have a small microphone built into the lead onto my phone and put in my ears, pair the phone to the satnav, can i then listen to the satnav mp3/direction instructions and should my phone ring answer the call. I appreciate if this was to work sound quality may not be top knotch and i probably would need to pull over to talk holding the microphone close to mouth and out of wind, but would it work? All phones have a single plug to handle mic and earphones and this is normally 2.5 mm (Some are 3.5). The earphone socket for the 660 is a standard 3.5 mm MP3 type which only handles audio out with the mic input either being on a separate 2.5 mm socket or using the mic built into the front of the 660 so your phone headset wont work.
Alternatively if i get a Interphone headset or two i can do all of this plus speak to passenger or biking buddy in addition. No experience with Interphone but probably. My Autocom does it all and I don't think you are going to find the cheap and workable system you seek - otherwise we would not all be spending loads of cash on Autocom, etc.

 

[Human]

If whilst riding with earphones plugged into zumo 660 listening to mp3 music on satnav when direction instructions come up, does the satnav switch from music to instructions then revert back once instruction complete? YES and it pauses the music rather than mutes it so you don't miss anything. Important if you are listening to an audio book
If with this arrangement if my phone was paired with the satnav, should the phone ring can i answer but not listen or talk because i have no microphone? not sure what would happen sound wise. You can answer and hear through earphones but obviously not talk without a mic
However if i plug my earphones that came with the phone which have a small microphone built into the lead onto my phone and put in my ears, pair the phone to the satnav, can i then listen to the satnav mp3/direction instructions and should my phone ring answer the call. I appreciate if this was to work sound quality may not be top knotch and i probably would need to pull over to talk holding the microphone close to mouth and out of wind, but would it work? All phones have a single plug to handle mic and earphones and this is normally 2.5 mm (Some are 3.5). The earphone socket for the 660 is a standard 3.5 mm MP3 type which only handles audio out with the mic input either being on a separate 2.5 mm socket or using the mic built into the front of the 660 so your phone headset wont work.[/COLOR i was going to plug the earphone / micro phone to the phone and pair the phone to satnav not plug the earphone/mic to the satnav.Then with the two items paired would they work as reqd?
Alternatively if i get a Interphone headset or two i can do all of this plus speak to passenger or biking buddy in addition. No experience with Interphone but probably. My Autocom does it all and I don't think you are going to find the cheap and workable system you seek - otherwise we would not all be spending loads of cash on Autocom, etc.Your right i am a tight arze and i had heard that Autocom had gone bust and you need a radio to communicate with biker mates more expense and kit, just thinking outside the box as such.[/COLOR]

Thanks for info Andy great ta.
Rob