Better Value SAT NAV GPS Install

[GazzaK]

I have bought a Dell Axim Pocket PC and a GPS Mouse and Tom Tom Navigator 2 Software, and so for a total outlay of about £500.00 have a SAT NAV system which does exactly the same as the very expensive MINI fitment, plus can be my diary and organiser, and links with outlook.

I feel this is great value for money, and for the last few days have really tested it out, and have to say it works great, both as a SAT NAV system and for it's added benefits.

[GazzaK]

And a view of my dodgy cabling....

[gazah]

how is the unit mounted?

what's left behind when you disconnect it?

can you give us all a close-up of the install?

cheers

.g

[dietcokeplease]

Gazza,

off-topic: I like the look of your Anthracite dash. Think I'll change from Brilliant Silver.

Back on topic: The PDA Nav systems are good up to a point. The main problem with PDAs are that they lack a gyroscope and dead-reckoning by utilising the speed pulse. dcfkan has a iPaq/Navman and ocassionally experiences problems from GPS loss. With a gyro and speed pulse, the fixed nav can approximate your position. As an extreme, one of my friends is Ops Director for ocado.com, the delivery arm of Waitrose. All their vans are equipped with VDO Dayton MS5000 Nav Systems. On bonfire weekend they found it impossible to use the nav due to the high amounts of fireworks blocking the GPS signals.

But PDA navs are cheaper as you mention.

[SugarBelly]

I have been contemplating the same sort of arrangement.

Q: Could it be possible to track your MINI via this system, should the vehicle be stolen?

Thanks all, for responses. *Making the car itself trackable would greatly reduce insurance premiums (some 30%).

-sb

[antsmini]

Very nice, and a cool Pocket PC as well. I have the ipaq.

[Jason S]

I've been using a similar setup (ipaq & tomtom2) for about a month. I'm very pleased with it and have only occasionally lost satellite lock for a few seconds.

The only problems I've had have been with the mount, supplied with tomtom2, being very loose and dropping the ipaq. A bit of ingenuity, a dremel and a trip to www.theclip.com and all is well again.

Mines window mounted as I have the phone kit to the left of the stereo.

For me the cost outweighed the lack of gyro / speed pulse.

Mrs S is so impressed she's buying one for herself.

[d.griffiths]

Have been looking at Compaq 3700 and TomTom2
Is there a better alternative to the TomTom gps antenna? It works well but I hate to see a cable running across the dash top

[GazzaK]

there is no way to track the vehicle with MY set up, as to do that requires a hidden gps system, like the expensive version of tracker.

the cost was the deciding thing for me, I knew the MINI version would be one hell of a lot better, with added features like gyro etc, and the fact it is always there and you do not leave it in the docking cradle at work over the weekend

it works very well, and more than good enough for me.

I will try to get pictures of the mount soon but it is basically a small device sold to secure mobile phones and is basically a tiny magnet thingy stuck to the dash and a small metal plate attached to the AXIM thingy. the mount has a good design where it sticks to the dash, using good quality 3M sticky foam pads, which hold very well, but do come off (I know how difficult this could be) it cost all of £9.00 from a car accessory shop.

[Jason S]

d.griffiths,

you could look at a bluetooth antenna, but it's £££££. You can hide the cable very well, very easily. You only see mine where it comes out at the antenna end (No tools or drilling reqd)


SugarBelly

tracking the car needs a discrete identifier signal to be transmitted from the car on a regular basis, so you need an additional system for this.

I've been considering a cheap pay as you go cellphone (UK) attached to a car charger and hidden in the car, and this service www.mapamobile.com

So I get to know exactly where my car is (to within 50yds) for a one off payment of about £60 and £30 subs to the mapping service.

[DeniseK]

Anyone know of a GPS system that works with MacIntosh and a Palm OS?

[ALD0]

I've got the Toshiba Pocket PC with TOM TOM 2, I think it works ok, but where have people put their antennas amd also are there any other ideas of where to mount the unit and hiding all those cables?!

[SugarBelly]

Thanks much, GazzaK. Great info & inspiration.... [So Long, and] Thanks for All the Fish. - (Douglas Adams)

Jason S,- superb idea-generating, sir.
Thank you!
I'll have to source a Stateside service (if available), - you've provided a great deal of direction.

-sb