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GPS for Navigation
There are 2 different GPS systems for RV users.
- Stand Alone - Cost <$150 to >$500
- PC Laptop - <$50 - >$200
- Garmin - GPS 18
- DeLorme - Earthmate
- GlobalSat Technology
- Microsoft Streets & Trips
- Alk Technologies - CoPilot 9 Navigator
GPS - Garmin GPS 18
I initially bought a Garmin GPS 18. This system has lots of features, a good user interface and low cost.
PROs
- Comprised of 3 parts.
- GPS Receiver
- Mapsource - Maps
- nRoute - Routing Program (Free)
- Mapsoure can be run stand-alone.
- Mapsouce Version 6 is updated 3 or 4 times a year. Updates are free.
- nRoute & Mapsource share the same GUI interface.
- Fully configurable via the Preferences.
- Most if not all functions either have Function Key assigned or combination of keys to display/invoke the function.
- GPS simulator function.
- Voice Instructions
- Off Route Configuation
- 2 GPS Receiver interfaces
- Serial with 12v plug
- USB
- Windsheild mount included
- Low Cost.
- $100
CONs
- GPS 18 has a proprietary GPS Receiver/Data Stream.
- Address lookup needs some work.
Example - 73 rd St may not find 73rd St - Map updates cost $75. You can actually buy the GPS and software cheaper off the net than just the map update from Garmin.
- Fairly steep learning curve.
- Not RV friendly
- No RV option - Bus or Truck
- No Low Bridge info
- Poor RV POI's
What you get
Setting Preferences
F8 Status Display - Daytime View
F10 Trip computer - Night Time View
F11 Satellites
F9 Driving Directions
GPS - Microsoft Streets & Trips
2008 Update
I was given a copy of Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008 with the GPS antenna to evaluate before going to the 2008 IRV2 National Rally in Perrin, TX. The 2008 update (software only) is a cheap map upgrade compared to Garmin's $75. But, if you don't have any laptop GPS software Microsoft Streets & Trips is good place to start.
The antenna uses the new Pharos GPS 500 interface to attach to the PC via USB connection and is compatible with the Pharos GPS 500 accessories.
2007 Info
I also have Microsoft Streets & Trips 2007. I originally purchased Microsoft Streets & Trips 2005 for $10 (just the software), as it was the last 2 disks of MS Works in 2005. I updated it to the 2007 version. I use my Gamin USB GPS receiver by using Franson GPS Gate to create a virtual Serial Port that Streets & Trips uses.
PROs
- Can be purchased with or without a GPS receiver.
- All in one routing and mapping program.
- Configurable.
- GUI interface.
- Real-time construction updates.
Note - This function requires an Internet Connection. - Voice instructions. "Text to speech".
- Install allows coexistence of the previous version of MS S&T or it will remove the previous version for you. This eliminates the need to shut down the install process, remove the old version and restart the install.
- Fairly good routing. Aadjusting road preferences and adding stops can change this.
- Good RV POI's
- Low cost.
- 2008 version with antenna for as low as $56
- $89 for Software and GPS Receiver
- $39 for Software only
CONs
- No map updates from year to year.
- Moderate learning curve.
- Not RV friendly
- No RV option - Bus or Truck
- No Low Bridge info
What You Get
Configuration Screen 1 & 2
Planning/Driving Mode - Daytime
Planning/Driving Mode - Night Time
GPS Guidance Mode
GPS - CoPilot 9 Navigator
Lastly I have CoPilot 9 Navigator that I got from Dell for $29. CoPilot 9 Navigator, like the Garmin PS 18, has a proprietary GPS Receiver/Data Stream.
PROs
- Low Cost (Software & GPS Receiver)
- $29 Dell.
- GPS Receiver - USB 2.0
- Good address location.
- Configurable.
- 2 Modes
- Planning - Default if no GPS found
- Guidance
- Voice instructions.
- Pre-Recorded sound files (John or Lisa)
- MS Windows "Text to speech"
CONs
- Proprietary GPS Receiver/data stream.
- Full screen GUI interface only in Guidance mode.
- Address lookup naming convention needs work.
County Road 467 is County Hwy 467 - Moderate learning curve.
What you Get
Startup - Planning Mode/No GPS
Planning Mode Options
Planning Mode - Trip/Options
Run Trip Planner
Exapnded View - Minus Driving Directions
Startup - Guidance Mode With GPS
Run Saved Trip/Route
Guidance Mode - Options
Guidance Mode - Ready To Navigate
Which GPS Is Best?
The real answer is, "The one that works for you".
Best bang for the $:
- Garmin GPS 18 based on features and normal purchase prices.
- Microsoft Streets & Trips is a close 2nd.
- Copilot 9 Navigator would be the obvious choice solely based on cost.
Ease of Use:
- CoPilot 9 Navigator wins as it has shortest learning curve. This is directly related to the number of features available.
- Microsoft Streets & Trips comes in 2nd with a little steeper learning curve due to added features.
- Garmin GPS 18 is last as it has the most features and not all of them are used a lot.
Bottom Line - A PC laptop based GPS is a low cost way to navigate in a RV.
MIO Tech C320 Hand Held
I decided that I would look at a hand held GPS receiver to supplement my laptop versions. Why? The laptop versions are great while you are on the road. But, when you get to your location and start driving around in your car it is easy to get lost or find places. I found that the MIO C320 fits the bill.
MIO Features
- Low cost <$200 - On sale for $199 or less.
- Fully configurable.
- Large screen for a hand held - 4"x2.25".
- It will fit in your shirt pocket.
- GPS Antenna port.
- Windshield mount.
- Cigarette light adapter power - mini USB connector.
- MP3 player.
- Headphone port.
- SD card support - 1, 2, 4 or 8 gig.
- POI Loader
I added a cigarette light outlet to the driver's side dash so I didn't have the cord stretched across my feet to the Newmar supplied outlets. I also added a "Y" adapter to the headphone port and hooked to my Sony mixer unit. This allows me to play my cds via the MP3 player though the radio speakers.
I also found a coiled power cord, a Sun Shade and Dash Mount that Base Mount fits it. So now I can set it almost anywhere.
