[CHD]

Rather than spend the money on the fixed Sat Nav package for the Mini, I've fitted the Navman 3400/ iPaq system into my MCS with great results.

The system uses an iPaq as the base computer, and Navman provide a GPS jacket and software for this to turn it into a full Sat Nav system.

The kit includes a suction window mount, Navman software and street level mapping for the whole of the UK. You also get a power cable for the cig-lighter.

European street level maps will be released before the start of 2003 and US street level maps are already available.

You mount the unit on the windscreen to allow the GPS receiver to see the sky, and the untit quickly works out where you are and then displays you on a street map.

You can then navigate to any street in the UK, or any point of interest or stored favorite location, and the Navman will work out the route and give you spoken directions as you drive along.

If you make a wrong turn, the Navman will automatically recalculate to get you back on track in seconds.

Cheaper than the stock Mini system, and portable, and you can use the iPaq as a normal PDA as well

You only need a PC to download the Navman software to the iPaq, and an Internet connection to register it.

NAVMAN

Chris

[CHD]

Here's the unit on the suction mount....

[Dom]

It worked a treat on the west mids meet too

[CHD]

...we just didn't know exactly where we were

For the route from Gaydon to the Coventry meet, I selected 'shortest route' rather than fastest route, and the Navam took us down the most fantastic Mini roads, avoiding all of the main roads.

It was great to be able to concentrate on max speed at night, without worrying about where we were going

Ms Navman, as it has become known because of the female voice that gives you the directions, never gets it wrong!

Unlike most human navigators.......

Chris.

[jfelix]

I have the stock Sat unit and the Navman for my SUV, and I can say that the Navman works as well as the stock unit, but is not as easy to use while driving, and the screen is much smaller. Other than that it works great.

James

[tip]

Hey CHD.

Is the system that you use going to be the same Sat Nav system as that advertised on the MINI.COM. called Mini PDA?

Charles

[CHD]

The PDA is the same device, ie an iPaq, it's running GPS route planning software, which has all of the same features as the Mini system.

It has Net and phone access via Bluetooth and a Bluetooth GPRS mobile phone (Better than the hard wired Mini PDA system).

Sony/Erricson T68i would be my phone of choice.

And I can access anything on the web, but not the dedicated Mini portal (at this time), although that's probably only a subscription and software issue I'd guess.

I prefer the mount position as I have it, rather than over the central speedo as Mini do it, as it impacts less on the over-all look of the car, and falls easily to hand for me (being right handed in a RHD UK car).

Plus, I can take it from car to car with all of the same features, and it's not tied to my Mini.

Top marks to Mini for copying the idea though

I'll put together a full spec with pictures and equipment list if people are interested in doing it for themselves rather than waiting for Mini PDA.

Chris.

PS There is a new Bluetooth GPS sat receiver on the market which could integrate into the iPaq 39xx system, providing a wireless connection between the sat aerial and the iPaq, meaning that the iPaq could loose it's (bulky) Navman jacket, and could be positioned anywhere in the car.

I will be investigating

[dcfkan]

I have the same set-up as yours - iPaq + Navman GPS 3400, and it is interesting to see that you mount it in the exact position as I have - save me the time of getting a pic!

I too like the re-route version. I tend to rely on it more when I am driving in unknown territories. I found the re-routing is not quite fast enough for inner city driving when I was up in London last weekend when I took a route different to the one recommended by it

Long and short, it is a great tool and I feel very happy about the purchase

DK

P.S. I believe there is another thread or two somewhere that discuss the merits of the MINI system and stand-alone systems

[Minty]

i really like the set up youve got chris.

any idea what 'one' might pay for the complete kit, if 'one' was to consider getting it.....

thanks
Stephen

[AidenL]

Quote:

Originally posted by Minty
i really like the set up youve got chris.

any idea what 'one' might pay for the complete kit, if 'one' was to consider getting it.....

thanks
Stephen

Prices are on the website Minty......see link above !

[M.2]

A much cheaper option is to follow Chris leaving a 10 foot gap between cars. (good job you are still running in )

[MissouriMini]

Great job!

However, can the iPaq work just as well using its internal battery?

If I do this set up, I don't think I would like the cord running past the steering wheel, across the dash and down to the outlet for its power.

I would rather just keep recharging the iPaq from home on a regular basis. Will that work also?

[CHD]

The Navman jacket price is listed on their website at around £340 list, and comes complte with the street level UK maps. If you then register the software, you'll get the full European update for free as it is released.

You can use a number of iPaq models from 37xx through 39xx range, prices vary accordingly.

Check out TOTAL PDA for online prices that seem better than high street (ie PC World).

Prices seem to be £199 - £420 for iPaq models.

They also sell the Navman products, a whole range of them. Note only the Navman 3400 gives the voice direction commands with their software, and is of course the most expensive

You should also add a Compact Flash memory card to you eqipment list, pref 128 Mb or larger. (£33 from TotalPDA)

This slots into the Navman jacket, and allows you to store all of the UK maps without using the iPaq RAM. It's also stores them even if the battery goes flat on the iPaq.

If you want Net access as well as Sat Nav you can use the iPaq 3870 or 3970 with Bluetooth, and a Bluetooth mobile such as the Sony T68i.

You're paying top dollar here, but they equipment will allow you to use the iPaq anywhere you have coverage to surf the Net, read Email etc etc, all via GPRS, an always on system overlaying your GSM monile phone network.

The iPaq communicates with the phone via wireless Bluetooth, meaning the phone can be in your pocket/case/cupholder and still provide the data link to the web! Very very cool

And of course you can have a Bluetooth headset for the phone that allows you to talk hands free and wireless in the car, using the same Bluetooth connection. The T68i even has voice activated dialing for true hands free use

As for power, youn can run the whole lot off of the iPaq, and the 3970 runs for hours (up to 7) like this, depending on the brightness of the screen backlight, which you can set. Other iPaqs have lower battery life I believe.

However, I use the power from the Mini cig socket, and run the cable from behind the centre console, over the steering wheel boss behind the tach, and up to the iPaq.

You can't even see the cable until it gets to the iPaq (check out my pictures above) and it does not spoil the look of the car.

Hope that helps, any more questions just fire away.

Chris.

[CHD]

..the Navman product for the US market is the 3420, which comes with full street level US maps on two CDs.

It's the same hardware, and will happily run the UK and European maps if you bring it with you on your travels.

(Maps available from Navman as upgrades)

I know it works , as that's the one I bought

As usual, you US guys get a better deal, and the 3420 was just $340 from Fry's in San Diego.

CF memory prices are also cheaper, as are iPaqs

Damn rip-off Britain

Check out NAVMAN US for GPS details.

iPaq models vary in numbering scheme, but the fuctionality is the same if you look at the tech specs.

CompUSA have good deals on iPaq up thru Xmas.

Chris.

[Minty]

thanks for the info chris!

guess i'll be saving for a bit then.......

[ToreB]

I'm thinking of using another setting:
-iPAQ 36xx (cheap second-hand) with jacket, 2xCF slots
-Destinator software and maps
-My old Magellan GPS315 with home made serial port jacket

This setup is cheap and should work perfect. Destinator have scandinavian maps, somewhat short here in Norway though, only Oslo area.
By the way, anyone fancy a Dutch treat on the Destinator software?

A question though:
Standard EMEA output from GPS is 4800 baud, is this fast enough in speeds around 100km/h to give a reliable map plot?

A local dealer of a serial GPS "mouse" says that his 19200 baud speed is needed to give good plotting in high speeds and want to sell me his gadgets (of course).
Anyone?
Regards, Tore

[dcfkan]

Quote:

Originally posted by CHD
Prices seem to be £199 - £420 for iPaq models.

Prices include VAT?

I got my iPaq 3970 + Navman GPS 3400 for a total of 855 GBP (inclusive of VAT and 20 GBP P&P), for a vendor in UK (can't be ar*ed to get the iPaq from the US). The vendor is a ebayer, and I bought the gear directly from him

Just curious, that's all

I once ran the iPaq/GPS on battery power, and it died after about 3 hours (with backlight on all the time though)

One thing to remember (for me at least) is to switch off the power-save function The first time I took it out, I had the power-save on, and the screen went blank while I was driving and I did not know what had happened! OK, I am a girlie

I bought a 128MB CF card and uploaded all the UK and Ireland maps onto it. I know one does not need to have the full set of maps, however, I would rather do it once knowing I have the full set, rather than having to rely on my memory to upload the relevent section every time I go for a long trip

I would probably do the same, and get a CF card and upload the Euro maps onto it when they come out

DK

[Kinster]

Does this iPAQ allow you to hook up to your car speakers, so you can play MP3s?

[ToreB]

I suspect that an external GPS/antenna would be easier to mount in the car, one doesn't have to have the sky directly above the iPAQ.
Doesn't the Navman setup affect iPAQ readability because of placement so close to the windscreen? A lot of light there, isn't it?

It should be possible to connect the audio out from the iPAQ to the stereo. One solution would be to use the phone input in the HU, but this would require a "activity detector" to give the mute and switching signals to the radio. A better solution may be using the "nav" inputs, but I don't know how these work.
I will order a service manual for my head unit as soon as I get the car. (not long now, a week or so, hihi!)
Tore

[AidenL]

Ive just ordered a 3970 and Navman 3400 myself tonight, won't have it for Christmas though........still, I'm sure I'll have great fun playing with it in January though !