[Rainbow-Walker]

Finally got around to sorting out SatNav, heres my requirements :-

1) To utilize the Compaq Ipaq 3970 I have. (Bluetooth version)
2) To be fully portable so I can use it in both our cars. (Mini and Fabia)
3) To be able to use Europe maps (as I work in Europe sometimes).
4) Able to walk around with the system
5) Ideally to be able to use system in conjunction with an Intercom system on my motorcycle.

Heres what I ordered :-

1) Navman 4400 Bluetooth with SmartST Pro mapping software (£370) http://www.navman.co.uk
2) Expansys (http://www.expansys.com) cup holder mount (£23+vat)
3) 256MB SD expansion card (to hold all the maps I need) (£58+vat)

I still need an in-car power lead for the IPAQ, but can pick that up anytime.

I hope there are some pics below.....

[beej]

Great post I've been wary of external GPS units before because of the whole walkabout issue, but this one is Bluetooth? Sweet! Any reason why you didn't choose the Navman 3300, which looks like a more traditional CF slot GPS?

And presumably the iPaq talks directions to you?

[Rainbow-Walker]

Thanks beej,

Why not the 3300 ? (now the 3400 with voice I think)....

The GPS is line of site, and with the mini's steep windscreen, I wasnt sure that I would get a good fix if the Ipaq was in the car (with the GPS expansion jacket) rather than stuck to the windscreen with the supplied mount kit. If I did fix it to the windscreen, then I would have the trailing wires to the power source down the dashboard. Basically I can get a fix without worrying about the position of the IPAQ.

This allows me to put the GPS unti in the optimal position (at the base of the windscreen as far forward as possible), but keep the Ipaq unit in the car (and relatively unaffected by glare).

Saying that, I was tempted by the 3400, but I'm a gadget freak, and love to try new concepts, also as the Compaq is Bluetooth enabled, it seemed to make sense.

YES the IPAQ talks directions, in either a female or a male voice (havent tried the male voice yet!).

Final note, the product guide said that it might not work with 'heated windscreens', and might need an external aerial... I was sweating with that as our Mini it, but it seems to work fine.

Cant think of any negatives at the moment..... the GPS unit needs AAA batteries, but I just put rechargeable Nimh's in, and 'should' get 30 hours from each charge.

Cheers.

[klint]

Nice set up you have there and a good taste in Radio stations too...

[ALD0]

Yeah good set up, I have got A Toshiba Pocket PC thing with TOMTOM navigator (not the blue tooth version)
Is the Blue tooth version good? It dosen't lose signal loss or anything? I suppose the good thing about blue tooth is that it cuts out the wires on the dashboard.

[ALD0]

Is the PDA mounted to the centre stalk?
I have mine mounted to the windscreen but it gets in the way, so am looking into other ways for mounting

[Rainbow-Walker]

Thanks for the positive replies..

interceptor, in answer to your questions......

1) I havent had any problems with losing the Bluetooth connection (yet) between the IPAQ and the GPS unit. It did take a bit of messing around to set it up, but the instructions were pretty good. I wouldnt bother changing if I had another version that wasnt bluetooth though.

2) The IPAQ mount is pretty cool, its a cupholder mount (there should be a pic below) from http://www.expansys.com . I didnt use the cradle, but superglued a supplied plate onto the back of the jacket that I normally have the IPAQ in. The only note of caution on this, is that you might want to check the clearance when changing gear (1st, 3rd, and 5th), although expansys should let you return the goods if they are not suitable. My mini is CVT auto, and it fits OK.

[d.griffiths]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rainbow-Walker

Thanks beej,

Why not the 3300 ? (now the 3400 with voice I think)....

The GPS is line of site, and with the mini's steep windscreen, I wasnt sure that I would get a good fix if the Ipaq was in the car (with the GPS expansion jacket) rather than stuck to the windscreen with the supplied mount kit. If I did fix it to the windscreen, then I would have the trailing wires to the power source down the dashboard. Basically I can get a fix without worrying about the position of the IPAQ.

This allows me to put the GPS unti in the optimal position (at the base of the windscreen as far forward as possible), but keep the Ipaq unit in the car (and relatively unaffected by glare).

Saying that, I was tempted by the 3400, but I'm a gadget freak, and love to try new concepts, also as the Compaq is Bluetooth enabled, it seemed to make sense.

YES the IPAQ talks directions, in either a female or a male voice (havent tried the male voice yet!).

Final note, the product guide said that it might not work with 'heated windscreens', and might need an external aerial... I was sweating with that as our Mini it, but it seems to work fine.

Cant think of any negatives at the moment..... the GPS unit needs AAA batteries, but I just put rechargeable Nimh's in, and 'should' get 30 hours from each charge.

Cheers.

I run a 3450 jacket on iPaq 3970 (fitted to gooseneck on downtube) I get very good ttff and quick hot & cold "lock" Though my ipaq, like yours, IS bluetooth, I chose the jacket for ease of powering it from cig' socket. Heard battery life was very poor with bluetooth, but hadn't thought of rechargables!!

[Rainbow-Walker]

Interesting post Dave, you mean I went Bluetooth for no reason... lol...

Nice setup BTW..

[MarkW19]

Dave: got the numberplates yet?? Hehe

Where did you get your iPAQ downtube mount, and does it fit any iPAQ (thinking of getting a 1940, the smaller one with bluetooth)? Also, does it just clip on so you can remove it easily when you don't need the iPAQ mounting?

Mark

[MarkW19]

BTW,

If I was to mount the 4400 in the rear window, would a 30% tint on there (also thinking of gettings tints!) mean the adaptor wasn't as effective at locking onto satellites etc.?