Earthmate GPS is too good to be true

[Pawpaw]

Originally posted by Wheaties

I'll also add that I've tried the Delorme software and the ALK Copilot, and I like the Copilot better. In all honesty, the maps don't seem to be quite as accurate, but the user interface is designed so all the buttons are huge, and can be navigated using the cursor keys and space bar. This reduces the number of times that I have to stop just to click on some button. Copilot costs almost three times as much, but for me, it's worth it.

How long has it been since you tried the Delorme software? If it's been over 2 years, you might want to take another look.



It now comes with voice recognition software. I use a $10 headset tucked into my sun visor and only plug in the microphone to the laptop. Sure is handy to say "Show next turn", and have the laptop respond. I don't think they can make buttons big enough to replace that!

 

[Wheaties]

Originally posted by BobHall

How long has it been since you tried the Delorme software? If it's been over 2 years, you might want to take another look.



It now comes with voice recognition software. I use a $10 headset tucked into my sun visor and only plug in the microphone to the laptop. Sure is handy to say "Show next turn", and have the laptop respond. I don't think they can make buttons big enough to replace that!

Bob,



Yes, so does the Copilot, but to be honest, installing one then the other has screwed up the voice recognition and speech, so for now, I have been living without it. I tried the latest version of Delorme, the icons are still the same size and that's what I take issue with. You really have to pull over to do something the voice recognition doesn't do. I forget, can you change the map resolution by voice with the Delorme?



Specifically, I can do things like change my route (or at least specify that I don't want to take a particular road), pick a new destination, or request a detour. You can't do that with the Delorme and drive the vehicle at the same time, at least not safely.



Another thing the Copilot does is reroute automatically if you miss a turn. This is a mixed blessing. Someone mentioned that the Delorme sometimes showed him driving down the median, well Copilot does the same thing. I think it's inherent in the nature of GPS and/or the quality of our antennas. Anyway, the Copilot will get the idea that you are say, 50 feet to the north of the highway, traveling parallel, and keep rerouting you to get you back on the road. It can get annoying to say the least



I am not saying Copilot is better. Delorme is quite good and as I say, the map seems to be more accurate. Just that I prefer the Copilot. I'm usually the only one in the truck, so being able to drive and change the route means a lot to me.



Matt

 

[Pawpaw]

Matt



It never even occurred to me that you were knocking Streets Atlas. I wouldn't care if you did, but your original post clearly stated that you liked the Copilot better. It all boils down to preference and you clearly stated yours. I haven't tried Copilot. If I did, I might like it better too!



Yes, it is dangerous to try to change routes (or any one of a number of tasks) while driving. I assumed this was true of all the software packages. My experience with other programs is extremely limited. Actually, I prefer to stop to do any of the more complex tasks.



You can use the VR to zoom in and out. Also, "Show next turn" will automatically zoom in to a point where the next turn is on one edge of the screen and the green arrow (you) are on the opposite edge.



If you miss a turn, or decide to alter your route, you can always say, "Back on track". The computer will drop a waypoint at your current position and recalculate the route to use it. I actually prefer this to the older "automatic back-on-track" method Delorme used.



At extremely close-in zoom levels, Streets Atlas will sometimes show you are in the median (or driving through the field to the right), but the software evidently thinks you're smarter than it is and assumes you're really on the road.



These things are not 100% accurate. Today, you can pretty much count on them being accurate to 50' or so. If you ask me, that's pretty darned good for figuring out where I am, when it has the entire planet to choose from! Military systems with accuracy down to a few feet do exist, but are many, many times more sophisticated and expensive than what we have available.



TO ANYONE CONSIDERING GPS SOFTWARE:



Each and every one of these mapping programs have their own strong points and weaknesses. It is not possible for anyone to tell you which one is best. There is no best, there is only what works best for you. You gotta figure that one out for yourself!

 

[FJfonda]

The only caution I can add... GPS mapping software is ADDICTIVE!! I have almost every DeLorme version since the ancient Map-n-Go. Yesterday, I upgraded my reciever to the new USB unit... . this stuff is as bad as dabbling in performance mods!!! When we travel without it, I feel like I'm "flying blind". I'm hooked so bad I bought a GPS MAP unit for the boat...



I made a Lexan mount that slit on top of the fold down console which did not interfere with the 5-sp. This has a port replicator on it to allow for quick 1 button removal of the lap top. It also allows for folding the whole unit up to get it out of the way. I sold the truck last week so no pics available but will be making something similar for my new truck when it arrives. The only mod I will be making is a swivel feature so the passenger can use the mapping software and look up restaurants, fuel and stuff.



The DeLorme TOPO product is pretty cool as it shows elevation changes on your plotted route. Unfortunately it does not show grade (usefull for towing) and only plots 1 elevation chart for the whole trip. 2 features I wish for but that don't exist: 1) A grade preference selection similar to the highway preference feature. 2) Bridge height data as NY and CT are littered with low RR bridge overpasses.

 

[Wheaties]

Bob,



Good post! I'll be the first to admit that I've had mixed results using the voice recognition. I think it's the engine noise. But I do know the training routine helps. If anyone does this, I'd reccommend doing the voice training of your laptop in the cab with the engine running



Matt

 

[Pawpaw]

Matt,



Thank you. I hope that our friendly exchange has helped put some perspective on GPS software for some of those 1000+ people who have been reading this.



Yes, due to engine, road, & wind noise, voice recognition can be kind of hit-and-miss at times. You never really know for sure if it's going to accept a command.



My solution is this... For about $10, I bought an Altec Lansing mono headset at Staples. It has a noise-cancelling microphone.



I only plug the microphone into the laptop. Out on the highway it stays trapped between my sun visor and the headliner, with the mic hanging down (not too low) and pointed at my face. If the computer doesn't respond to a command, I can usually just lean closer to the mic and get it to work.



When I'm in town where there's more traffic, I will take the headset down, loop the headband around my neck, and position the mic close to my mouth. This allows me to focus on driving, yet still issue commands as needed.



Voice recognition is not perfect, but it works well enough that it's got me spoiled. I'll never be without it again. Oo.



I use this setup in lots of different rental vehicles when I (all to frequently) have to fly out of town for work. The laptop simply rides in the passenger seat with the screen facing me. In traffic, I can say a command at any time and quickly glance at the screen when it's safe to do so.

 

[Figgy]

I have the topo software by delorme and the regular street software, actually I have the first laptop GPS software and receiver by Delorme and am completely satisfyed with them. IMO if you were to compare $$... .

Just do a little research.

Matt, Im not saying I dont like your software I think its good also... I just dont like the $$

 

[btrom]

Hi All,

I am considering the laptop route for my new truck but

have found the screen to be hard to view in daylight. I was

thinking of mounting a spare laptop I have in the console and

mounting a 6" TFT screen on the dash and using a Bluetooth

wireless GPS receiver. Do you guys find it hard to read your

laptop screens?



Thanks

 

[Wheaties]

Originally posted by Figgy

I have the topo software by delorme and the regular street software, actually I have the first laptop GPS software and receiver by Delorme and am completely satisfyed with them. IMO if you were to compare $$... .

Just do a little research.

Matt, Im not saying I dont like your software I think its good also... I just dont like the $$

I agree with you Figgy, for me it's worth the extra scratch.



Matt

 

[Pawpaw]

Originally posted by btrom

Hi All,

I am considering the laptop route for my new truck but

have found the screen to be hard to view in daylight. I was

thinking of mounting a spare laptop I have in the console and

mounting a 6" TFT screen on the dash and using a Bluetooth

wireless GPS receiver. Do you guys find it hard to read your

laptop screens?

On Streets Atlas, you can change to "Mobile Map Colors". This changes to a black background with contrasting lighter colors for the roads & stuff.



It does not eliminate the problem, but helps a great deal.

 

[Wheaties]

I have been able to pitch my screen to an angle where the contrast was pretty good depending on conditions. Dimming the screen at night is important too; I believe most GPS software offer some remedy for this.



Matt

 

[tpuig]

Just got back from the first voyage using the Earthmate. I'm in big trouble, now I'm hooked. Took Tool Man Tim Taylor's tip and bought the Targus 12v adapter and it's great. I'll have to look at the DeLorme manual now to find out all the features. Laptop mount, here I come...

TP

 

[btrom]

Hi All

Thanks for the input. I will be picking up my truck from

Tomeygun in St. Louis next month and want to have a nav

system to insure the trip back to NJ is a smooth one.



Bill

 

[RJOL]

Originally posted by 99guy

That’s OK, we have done that too, but if you’re picky about a lot of clutter in the cab find a 12v supply and skip the inverter.

Try this one on eBay:



http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42166&item=3473181241&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by RJOL

Try this one on eBay:



http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42166&item=3473181241&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Those things suck! I paid $70 for one of those universal 12V laptop adapters, and my laptop would just die for no reason. Got a $29 inverter and plugged it into the 12V, ran my laptop off the house adapter, never had a problem. Got my $70 back.

 

[Wheaties]

jeepdude,



I think I know why. Every once in awhile, I'll go over some pothole and my laptop beeps, just its way of telling me that it is switching from outlet to battery. The jouncing causes the cigarette lighter connection to back out just enough... .



Seems crazy to step up to 110 just so you can step back down to the 6 or 8v a laptop uses, but for $25 for an inverter, the price is right!



Matt

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by Wheaties

jeepdude,



I think I know why. Every once in awhile, I'll go over some pothole and my laptop beeps, just its way of telling me that it is switching from outlet to battery. The jouncing causes the cigarette lighter connection to back out just enough... .



Seems crazy to step up to 110 just so you can step back down to the 6 or 8v a laptop uses, but for $25 for an inverter, the price is right!



Matt

That wasn't the problem at all. I even tried to use it while parked to watch some DVD's while camping... same problem... it would just cut out for no reason. BTW, my laptop requires 19V, not 6 or 8. Maybe I just got a bad one, but I don't think it's stupid at all to use the invertor... makes it convenient to use other AC items as well without having to buy their DC equivilent... such as cell phone chargers, my AA battery charger, and even the charger for my DeWalt cordless stuff. That one $29 inverter was sure a lot cheaper than a 12V version of all those other adapters, plus I can use it on my boat which doesn't have a cig lighter, just use the pigtails to clamp onto the battery posts.

 

[RJOL]

Originally posted by thejeepdude

Those things suck! I paid $70 for one of those universal 12V laptop adapters, and my laptop would just die for no reason. Got a $29 inverter and plugged it into the 12V, ran my laptop off the house adapter, never had a problem. Got my $70 back.

Well I can't testify for this particular one, but I've been using one on my compaq laptop and it appears to work just fine. I also have access to a inverter, but don't like it cause it gets hotter then h... when I use it. Another point... I'd never pay $70 for either one of these. You can find them all day on eBay usually for less then $20. Have fun...

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by RJOL

Another point... I'd never pay $70 for either one of these. You can find them all day on eBay usually for less then $20. Have fun...

Yeah, but I paid $70 with the plan to return it all along... I was leaving for a sudden road trip and needed the power ASAP... couldn't wait for shipping... and of course we all know how much the local electronic stores rip us off on stuff like that. Anyways, it worked good enough for the trip and I switched to the inverter before the next one. As for your inverter getting so hot, that doesn't sound right. Mine's a piddly little 300W peak (probably 100W continuous?) and it barely gets warm when I'm running both my laptop and battery charger from it. It'll be nice with the 3G because there's a ciggy in the console... one of those little perks that made me sell my 2G.

 

[gradylaw]

We have the Delorme Topo which has a relief map of the U. S. on 7 CDs similar to their atlas/gazeteer books. Used it on a trip through the hills of Arkansas with the laptop and Garmin GPS 76. Amazingly accurate! We took dirt back roads (some more like trails) that we never would have taken in unfamiliar areas. Can't wait to try it in the rockies. Highly recommended.