Garmin Mapsource

[dixieoutlaw]

I know a lot of you have Garmin GPSes. The following link is a good tutorial on how to use Mapsource. You might want to give it a peek or download.

http://www.bestbikingroads.com/useful_docs/MapSource_Tutorial1.pdf

Gary

[R90srider]

This is a good tutorial. Thanks.

Bob

[pswarren]

Mapsource

Thanks Gary, I needed that.

[Wrong Way]

I would appreciate comments from members about the best Garmin M/C unit. I understand they now have weather proof units with satellite radio. What about screen size and visibility in sun light.

[Bikebum]

Tim, although the rage is for the Garmin Zumo I still prefer the StreetPilot series. The current one is the 2820 although you can still get the 2720 as a refurbished item at a much better price. The 2720/2820 is shock proof (chip, no disc) and waterproof which makes it ideal for M/C's. Also the SreetPilots have features not found on the Sumo. A big plus for the Sumo however, is a larger screen. One source for the discounted refubished units is http://garmn.factoryoutletstore.com/

[Wrong Way]

I like the idea of a XM Radio feature. I guess you have to get the Zumo to get that.

[Bikebum]

I like the idea of a XM Radio feature. I guess you have to get the Zumo to get that.

Tim, the 2820 has XM radio.

[dixieoutlaw]

I am a fan of the 276C series. Basically a marine unit so is totally waterproof. Biggest draw back is that it takes Garmin proprietary card ($$$) to load maps from mapsource. This series includes the 376C, 476C, 378C and maybe some more. ONe of those (not sure which) alos has XM radio and one has weather radio capability (not sure if both on the same unit). 276C gives ability to save multiple tracks (I think the Zumo is limited here) May not be important to some, but I am a big fan of tracks and the ability to use old tracks to go back to some place I have been before. Unit has a large acreen but not as bright as the Zumo. Doesn't do 3D like the Zumo, but I don't care for the cartoonist look of the #D. Iam an old military man who likes the appearance of a flat map.
You can log on to advrider.com, go to their forum page, look under the threads of "Laying down tracks" and you will find more info on GPSes and how to use them than you ever cared to know.

Gary

[R90srider]

Hi Tim

Very good comments from everyone.

The main reason that I chose the Zumo 550 is because of its superior visibility. The screen is bright and clear even while wearing sunglasses. Other good features of the 550 is built in blue tooth, MP3 and XM. However, to receive XM, you must purchase an expensive antenna. Among other good features are the ability to use an SD (up to 2 gig) and relatively easy route planning both with the unit and on your PC.

With that said, if the 376C (built in XM with antenna) had a screen like the Zumo, that would be my choice because of the superior look-up features.

Jamie showed me his Street Pilot and I liked it very much too.

Thing to do, if you aren't in a hurry, is to take a look at the choices at one of the next club meetings. Gary has his 276 C, several of us has the Zumo 550 and Jamie has the Street Pilot, Vernon has a Tom Tom.

I think all of us really like what we have, so good luck with making a decision.

Bob

PS: Please send me your email address. Mine is in the Blue directory. I have attempted to send you emails and received returns.

[Bikebum]

I am a fan of the 276C series. Basically a marine unit so is totally waterproof. Biggest draw back is that it takes Garmin proprietary card ($$$) to load maps from mapsource. This series includes the 376C, 476C, 378C and maybe some more. ONe of those (not sure which) alos has XM radio and one has weather radio capability (not sure if both on the same unit). 276C gives ability to save multiple tracks (I think the Zumo is limited here) May not be important to some, but I am a big fan of tracks and the ability to use old tracks to go back to some place I have been before. Unit has a large acreen but not as bright as the Zumo. Doesn't do 3D like the Zumo, but I don't care for the cartoonist look of the #D. Iam an old military man who likes the appearance of a flat map.
You can log on to advrider.com, go to their forum page, look under the threads of "Laying down tracks" and you will find more info on GPSes and how to use them than you ever cared to know.

Gary

Gary, the 2720/2820 StreetPilot is also waterproof, saves tracks, and does 3D as well as flat maps with North up, or bike direction up. Their screens are smaller though, but still quite visible. Also, all the Mapsource maps of Mexico, North America, and Canada are already loaded so no memory card is needed.

[Norwood]

All of them good with PAPER MAP handy, especially out of your local environment. I just wish I could fully take advantage of all the features. I still learn something new everytime I take a trip and route with it.

I waiting on one with tracking live on-line build in, so family and friends can track you. Cell phone now have that, Star-Traxx as well, would be nice for GPS to do that also.

XM, Weather radar, MP3 are good features if you want or need them.

Touchscreen and zoom are great features..However when I am going at my direction of travel, say North and I touch the screen and it gives me larger map, but it may be upsidedown or headed South... take a lot of getting used to figure where you are at that point to relation to where you where before the touch. I don't like that feature... I want to see where I am going... and not where I have been... in that mode.

When doing cross country, I like the phone numbers and directions to motel/hotel or fuel stop.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

[dixieoutlaw]

Norwood,
Garmin has a system that will give live updates to where you are. NOt sure of the name of it, though. Check out the Touratech website, I think they sell it. Globeriders touring group uses this system for a live Journal and you can follow their tour progress.
On the bit about the map orientation: nor sure what system you are currently using, but I think all of the Garmins give you the choice of map orientation, ie, North up, track up and one other option can't think of it a 2:00 am. I prefer the track up option that way the map is always oriented in the direction I am tracking. ( I don't think good on a normal basis, so I don't need to try and think backwards or sideways why riding down the rode.) I think most nav systems installed in the cars use the track up feature. Your GPS should also have automatic zoom (which activates as you get closer to your waypoint or destination.

[Wrong Way]

I have used Garmin for years. My first was a first generation street pilot with a monochrome screen. It had limited memory, and no auto routing. The next and current unit is a street pilot 111 color map and its nice. Small screen and hard to read in bright sunlight. Both were bought used, and are used in both the car and bike. I'm thinking of grading.

I appreciate everyone's comments.

[Bikebum]

Gary, I'm just trying to figure out why you are on the 'puter at 1:16am.

[dixieoutlaw]

Jamie,
Haven't you heard, the early bird gets the worm. Actually, I am in Virginia so not as bad as it seems (2:16 here). Just could sleep so got up and wandered about for a while. My last comment on GPS unless someone asks me more is "get a Garmin". I don't have any relation with Garmin, but if you look around seems most people have Garmins. Being that is the case, if you have problems or questions you are more likely to get a good response from all the Garmin folks.
go to this link on advrider http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=37 and there are several post of what kind of GPS to buy with comparisons of the various units.

Gary