VMS gps / mapping, any good? What are there bad points?

Depends on which unit you are talking about.

If its the double din all bells and whistles the only downside is the price.
In this months issue of Caravan & Motorhome there is an article on a new VMS unit for about $500 that looks Ok.
The Polaris in dash unit now has ability for off road maps as well I believe.

http://www.vms4x4.com/home


www.polaris.com.au

Other than the cost they will run their own mapping as well as Oziexplorer.

GN, as Graham says, they have their own that now competes with HEMA systems, but has NavNiGo software instead of Route 66 software. That is a major step up over Hema's Route 66. NavNiGo is great.

The in-dash unit, I have and I find excellent. I have a 16gig SDHC card in the dash to carry the maps. I bought from GpsOz through Sydney. They specioalise in the bigger carded systems.

I am not sure which unit you are looking at on the web site. You will find a few pictures of my unit with the profile page.

I like the ability to have my radio on and have the Bluetooth cut the radio and the VMS take over the phone control in seconds. It is pretty clear to me, though not all people can hear me as clearly, but that may be back to the phone and transmitted from it.

I can run a video for the rear seat and have the mapping running in the front. The sound though would be DVD with interruptions of directional turn by turn.

VMS though set a native system with Memory Map for Topo Maps which is like the very first version of OziExplorer and in my mind is VERY light weight. It has the Hema maps that are for MM's proprietary mapping format. I think, NOT GOOD ENOUGH as I was used to using OziExplorer and have the licences to run Ozi and convert maps. I have talked to VMS but so many of their customers aren't strong computer users.

I am not sure if yo u know the GPSOZ VMS Discussion Forum but the 3000 II is the new in dash one. You will find there instructions for running Ozi instead. I haven't run MM in months and will delete it. I have a licence if anyone wanted it for Memory Map.

I have an 8gig thumb drive in the dashboard for music beyond the radio distances. Easy to shuffle in the laptop. GN, the mobile number is with the profile mate. Leave a message if you want to ask and I don't answer.

Hi GN.

I also have an AVNC unit from VMS.Mine is the older unit and any issues I have appear to be addressed with the most recent version. It is great - a big step up from my previous setup of GPS and PDA with lots of cables.

You need to set a budget and then look at solutions within the budget range.

Have fun.

Hi all
Thanks for your info.

Sorry i didnt get on last night to keep the discussion more open, the bloody internet dropped out AGAIN.

Many hanks
GN

HI go to www.vms4x4.com you can see the new models touring 430 and touring 500 and dash kit as well prices are also there.
430 starts $425--$690 500 starts $625--$990.
Been thinking of buying one myself
cheers reggy2