Lazy Daze Owners' Group

GPS ANTENNA ON ROOF

April 07, 2001, 03:25:09 am

Yahoo Message Number: 3117

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Hi, Jack, I'm new to this list. Am considering a gps antenna and unit similar to what you described in your october 2000 posting.

May I wask what did LD charge you for that antenna install? Did they have a tough time with it? Do you think they might do it again for me? (yea, I knoow, I need to ask them!) but... what is your gut feeling on this.

What kind of cable and connections were used?

Thanks in advance for your response.
We expect delivery in early July 2001 of a 26.5 MB.

Steve Newton is giving me one last chance to make changes to my order , but I must "act with dispatch".

Looking forward to your response.
Steve Chandler

GPS ANTENNA ON ROOF

Reply #2 – April 07, 2001, 10:35:55 am

Yahoo Message Number: 3121

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While at the factory recently, Tim told me about your Mighty Mouse 2. We also are having a wire run for a GPS antenna. Now I must do some shopping. I'd appreciate knowing:
1.What does your Garmin emap do?  
2.Do you get turn by turn directions?
3.Voice  activated?
4.Did you consider dash installed systems?  
5.Where will your antenna cable connection be positioned  in your model?
6.If not in the dash, where will  you, most likely, use your laptop to chart?
7. How
 much did your system cost and where did you buy it?

Thanks for fielding these questions, Tom and I wish you well with your new LD.

Regards, Bob

Port Neches, Tx.

GPS ANTENNA ON ROOF

Reply #4 – April 07, 2001, 03:22:52 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 3127

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Bob,

I am going to try and give you some points of contact that will strengthen your understanding of GPS units after each of your questions. Before I do that I would just like to make a couple comments' I selected the emap for it's mapping ability and it's versatility for car, motorhome, hiking or city walking use (has a built in antenna ). Also because it will interface quite nicely with my laptop'a Dell Inspiron 8000..thru the serial port. I currently use it in the car on long trips interfacing with my laptop program MS Streets & Trips. I was able to obtain a patch to MS S&T that allows 2sec signal updates from the Garmin emap receiver. Otherwise, S&T will only update every 15 secs'.not very effective in keeping you on top of your exact location when going 65 miles mph.
There are two other programs available that will nicely interface with the emap'.made by Delorme'Street Atlas 8 and Road Warrior. I like the Street Atlas, as it will give you voice commands for turns, etc. But there have been a few negatives coming out of the news groups that the 8 edition doesn't have accurate map detail.
The Road Warrior will accept your verbal commands and respond'like where am I? You are 2 miles south of exit 5, NJ Turnpike.
There also have been some problems with the Road Warrior particularly in speech recognition and giving back wrong information. However, I think that this has been recently improved and I am now inclined to purchase the Road Warrior.

I find S&T very accurate on the map detail, but it has no voice commands.
I or my navigator (my wife Helga) can look at my laptop screen and always know where we are( small moving auto icon) in relation to the detailed underlying S&T map. Accuracy varies but usually around 10 meter. I also get an exact reading on my screen for lat/log and approximate elevation reading. I also bought the Garmin MapSource program called MetroGuide. I can download small chunks of the United States into the emap itself and essentially do the same things as on the laptop'except it's on a much smaller screen and requires many more key strokes. But then that's where versatility comes into play'.for use away from the laptop'hiking, walking, etc.

1.What does your Garmin emap do?

See above and  these  sites:  [url=http://www.lazydazeowners.com/[url=http://www.garmin.com/products/emap/  [url=http://www.lazydazeowners.com/[url=http://joe.mehaffey.com/emaprevue.htm  and also the news group  'sci.geo.satellite-nav
2.Do you get turn by turn directions?

See  above'.yes/no depending on laptop use and  software  
3.Voice activated?

With laptop and Road Warrior  software, it's possible.
 SEE:  [url=http://www.lazydazeowners.com/[url=http://www.delorme.com/streetatlasrwe/productcomparison.htm  
4.Did you consider dash installed systems?

No, too expensive and not versatile.

5.Where  will your antenna cable connection be positioned in  your model?

It is being routed into cab area,  with plenty of slack cable. I am getting a computer  desk for my wife so she can easily monitor the laptop.
 For safety reasons, as the designated driver, I don't  want any visual distractions.
6.If not in the dash,  where will you, most likely, use your laptop to  chart?  I'll chart routes at times other than when driving,  you don't need the emap to do that. Use the S&T'or  SA8 or Road Warrior and laptop.

7. How much
 did your system cost and where did you buy it?

MS S&T came free with laptop. It can be purchased for less than $25. SA 8 can be bought for approximately $45 and about the same for Road Warrior. The emap cost me about $300 with Metro Guide and 16 MB chip. I got version 2.64 Deluxe. The Mighty Mouse II was around $70 .

I am confident that I have not answered all your concerns, but ask me more and hopefully Jack( Bear Bait) will come on board and

GPS ANTENNA ON ROOF

Reply #6 – April 07, 2001, 09:29:47 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 3131

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Thankyou so much for the very thorough and studied reply, GoGo. I have much to study thanks to your great referrals. Many thanks again.
I may have some follow-up questions.

Regards, Bob Port Neches, Tx.