Re - Using Lap Top with GPS

Hi Peter
Default settings appear to be 2.1GSA and 4800 Baud Rate.
Would you agree ?

Thanks
John

Yes that is right.

Peter

Hi John
Thanks for the reply, I have been using it as a stand alone and uploaded the maps I need.
But the screen is a bit on the small side and I would like to try it with a bigger screen to see how much better it is.

The small screen is difficult to read when you are on your own in the car and you are trying to watch the track as well as navigate, this is a real consideration when you are in a convoy with Toonfish and Diamond and Toonie has the only paper map and needs lessons on how to read it, Remember he is the trip leader any wonder we kept getting lost.

Regards
John

John,
I sould warn you that once you've seen it on the big screen you will never go back. I find the big problem with hand held is that you can't see enough of the surrounding map to 'place' yourself. When you hit 'out' a few times all the detail disappears. With a screen mounted on the dash the driver and all occupants can see the moving map display continuously. It really adds an extra dimension to travel. "Are we there yet?" need never be asked again.Bob

Bob
You are spot on with what you say about placing yourself, that the main problem I have had for the same reasons.
I fear you may be right about the never going back situation.

Regards
John

I agree Bob...

Jumping on the bandwagon here, but I recently bought a GPS Mouse ($99 on ebay). Just a GPS receiver that plugs into a usb port on the laptop. IT'S GREAT! I reckon that the etrex will gather dust unless we do some long distance bush walking.

We LOVE the big screen view, and combined with OZI, we have a feature-packed in-car navigation system with scrolling maps for under $250! (Yeah, yeah, if you have the laptop already)

If any of you are considering one of these usb GPS mice, and are worried that they might be dodgy, they work great. With a magnet on the bottom, it rides on the roof. 8-10 birds in view no problem.

Dave

Bob,

"With a screen mounted on the dash the driver and all occupants can see the moving map display continuously."

Do you have a remote LCD screen for your moving map? If so, how did you fix it to the dash and how does it handle rough conditions.

I don't use the laptop as it is too large and cumbersome - the navigator says I can have it on my lap!! (don't blame her really)

Peter

Hi Peter,

Go to post id: 8526 and there's a picture of a pretty good looking laptop mounting system. And down in the replies I think our Bob says that he has a 15" monitor in his wagon!

I think the novelty is wearing off for my navigator as well. Fortunately it's a pretty small laptop, and creating some shelf arrangement shouldn't be too bad.

Dave

Thanks Dave,

I think the best solution if you want to go large screen is the remote screen. Those brackets/stands are a fairly invasive.

Peter

Yep, that would be a great way to go.

Take a look at link text

It even has a touch screen feature! Maybe after Christmas...

If I was certain that it could be fitted easily, securely and could be removed easily when not in use - I would buy it right now.

Peter

I use a Samsung 15" display. I removed the four screws on the back that attached it to the desk stand and attached an aluminium flange that I made. This attaches to an aluminium bracket that stands out from the radio area of the dash and up from the transmission tunnel. When I tried it out the mass of the monitor caused too much flex in the mount so I used mini ocky straps from each corner of the screen to the rear view mirror above and to the transmission tunnel below. While it may sound a bit complex, it didn't interfere with vision at all and works an absolute treat. It is easily removed and stored in an aluminium case from BigW, or simply throw a towel over it when camped in the bush. Cost $540. There are cheaper smaller displays that may be more practical.Bob

I guess folks I will evaluate it all when I do more tripping, but getting dust into my good laptop is not too attractive even though mine is a small one for carrying. The Navigator does not like carrying it much either. The small screen sounds good to mount somewhere when I get some more cash about!

Actually I like the thought of the GPS Mouse that DaveMc suggests as a backup to what I have. Not much more than the combo lead/computer and 12v to the GPS and may be tidier

I have thought some of the mounting systems a bit obtrusive particularly in case of possible impact with the navigator or driver. Some vehicles don't have a lot of dash room when you start mounting large screens too, though my internal mirror is now only used for monitoring the fridge temps.

Am glad you guys think the moving image is not another distraction to the driver. lol

John