Vehicle mounted GPS or hand held?

[kbnorth99]

I am thinking of getting a gps to use while riding. I'm trying to decide between vehicle mounted and hand held.


I am looking at the Trail Tech Voyager...

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo159/kbnorth99/Pics%20for%20posting/voyager_w1000.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo159/kbnorth99/Pics%20for%20posting/voyager_main_w1000.jpg

or a hand held model like this Garmin.


http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo159/kbnorth99/Pics%20for%20posting/lf-lg.jpg


The mounted is nice because it has speed, engine temp, etc and it runs on vehcle power, but it also has hard wired cords on the back so it doesn't lend itself to being used on foot. The hand held is more versatile but it lacks the vehicle info and you have to keep track of your batteries.

If you use GPS, what did you choose and why?

[deathman53]

I use the Garmin and I have power cords to externally power them. Garmin will sell you a blank cable w/ end attached, 2 of the wires are for power and other 3 are for some kind in unit-unit interface. You need a 12-26v DC power source to power it. This is coming from the 60csx manual. I have maps for street/direction atlas and Topo maps. I did think about the trail tech unit, I was concerned about detailed Topo maps and the enduro clubs around here don't like gps's being on either. I mainly use the gps to get me back when I am lost or provide street directions(rare occasion).

[tri5ron]

The Garmin would be my choice.
as was already stated,It also has an optional 12v power cord.
It ALSO has the 2-way FRS/GMRS radio.
as well as, you can get a aftermarket helmet mounted speaker/mic with a PTT button for the handlebars.
I use these when riding with my wife, and it is VERY nice. I am able to warn her of upcoming obstacles, on oncoming riders, etc.

(She feels better too, when she is able to bit*h at me for riding too fast, or she needs help) haha.

The other thing nice about the Garmin is,If any of your riding buddies have one, you can then "Ping" them from your garmin, and it will tell you where they are !
THAT is a VERY nice function to have when you are trying to locate a fellow rider.

If you are that stuck on the Tach/Temp functions, why not get a XR'sOnly temp dip stick, and any cheap tach

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A15%257C66%253A2%257C39%253 A1&rt=nc&_nkw=atv+tachometer&_dmpt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&_sc=1&_sticky=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_sop=1&_sc=1


http://www.xrsonly.com/atv-quad-parts-1/honda-atv-parts/honda-trx400ex/xrs-only-oil-temperature-dip-stick-honda-trx400ex


here is a good place for the helmet headsets and various radio accessories.

http://www.ixcessory.com/


with these combinations and available options, I wouldn't even consider the trailtech.

and also you'll want the RamX handlebar mount for the Garmin

[kbnorth99]

Thanks Triton that's some good intel.

The model I was looking at doesn't have the 2 way. What model do you have? The inexpensive 2 way models I have seen on Garmin's website are all 1 watt. Is yours the 1 watt? If so what kind of range do you get on the radio? (I only ask because I tried a couple of cheap Cobra radios and they lost signal in less than a quarter mile.) I have a buddy who has is HAM radio license and he is after me to get mine too so I may be getting a more powerful radio too (I like gadgets). Does the PING feature use the 2 way radio or does it have longer range than the radio?

[deathman53]

the feature of the PTT and PING is only on the models that are targeted for hunters, hikers, most of them don't have alot of space or abilty to put additional maps on them. I have a 60csx, great model, its discontinued(for more expensive unit), you can get it at bass pro and other outdoor sites for under $200. TourTech sells the kit to hardwire it(to a battery) for ~$30. Get the Ram mount also, it will survive almost anything you do to it.

[CJM]

No matter what those GMRS/FRS radios say the most I ever got out of the like 19 mile or whatever ones was 3-5 miles. They are all 1W so I have no idea why they even claim to get further than 3-5 miles.

As for GPS, garmin period. I dont have a handheld one but a really nice vehicle one I used to use when I drove a tow truck. Not only was it more accurate than any other brand, but it was easier to use and had a good battery life to it. Id buy a 60cx if you can or whatever model they got out now.

[deathman53]

you can get a garmin 60csx on amazon for $219, there is others for cheaper and most others are atleast $100 more. The ones w/ PTT and ping are atleast $500, don't know if you want to spend that much and it will only work if others in your group have the same ones, can you/they aford that?