Laptop GPS on Bike

[snoopy]

For anyone interested in another viable approach to a dedicated unit or a PDA then this might be of interest. When I started researching this my specification was thus:

1. A GPS program on the laptop that read out instructions
2. A GPS program that would AUTO reroute
3. Very good map coverage

The only program that will do this is Garmin nRoute. Sadly this software only works with garmin GPS units, not NMEA. That was until I downloaded a hack program called GPSProxy and Com2Com.

[ MS Autoroute 06 does not auto-recalculate. ]

With nRoute (better version of MapSource) the bike performed effortless guidance to my test center at the weekend. I'm using Navigator 6 NT and because nRoute will work with any unlock code (unlike Garmin units where the unlock code is particular) it is shall we say, cheap to setup.

Of couse some will argue that taking a Laptop is a pain in the arse, and I agree, but if you're taking lots of pictures on the SLR it's needed. As is a large screen for planning routes, WIFI spots and so on. With the screen closed and in GPS mode I'm only looking at 20W power consumption. You can also listen to music in the background and record audio/visual with a capture card and a bullet cam.

Getting all this setup is a bit of a pain but worth it in the long run. I've bought a small alu case that goes on the back seat for the laptop.

As for size/weight the laptop is the same as my AA European map. I wouldn't have only took the PDA based GPS on tours so this works out less size and weight.

Food for thought anyway.

 

[Fanum]

I presume you're just using voice guidance??

To me that's the bit that isn't used....I use the screen but not voice mostly, and in town or on more convoluted junctions or roundabouts, voice alone would be extremely confusing if not useless I'd have though

I can see it being ok on a long ride with few junctions but otherwise......hmmmm.......

 

[wilbjr21]

It's good that you don't experience hard disk problems with this set up - that's why I had to switch to the ipod shuffle from the normal hard disk ipod. I love voice guidance and always use it with my 2610.

 

[wilbjr21]

I should have added I agree with Fanum's remarks about voice and convoluted junctions etc.

 

[snoopy]

Fanum, you could be correct because I havn't tested it in a really dense area, but the CPU is obviously fast and nRoute is suitably quick when it comes to commands. I've had no problems so far, you turn off a roundabout and the next command is instant.

wilbjr21, some laptops won't work/well unless they have a shock mechanism for the hdd. It was by chance that my Sony does.

My only concern is with the GPS mouse, those SIRF ones are more sensitive than my stock 12 channel model. There were occasions when I was on a roundabout and it said turn left after I'd just passed it. Also the reliability of the map is most important and I only use V6.

In all though I agree. Not so good for dense areas. Great for elsewhere.

What would be cool is if I bought one of those £100 touch screen's on Ebay and replaced the dash with electonic GPS, clocks et all. A project for when I have lots of spare notes.

 

[ebbo]

Cunning plan Snoopy , though I couldn’t manage without a display myself.

 

[Mick_rw]

When...

Fanum voice alone would be extremely confusing if not useless I'd have though

first had my SPIII I carried it in my rucksack for months till I purchased a handlebar mount for it and never found any problems with voice only both on the open road or in towns ...