Navigation Question and new to forum (again)

[DPohl]

Hi everyone-

I actually used to come to this site about 5 years ago. I own a 2001 Ram 2500 SLT Quad cab 4X4 and unfortunately and fortunately a drunk driver hit me. The positive is that it gave me a good reason to buy a new truck, so I am going to sell the damaged one but I did buy an 05 2500 Diesel Laramie 4 door 4X4. Anyway, my question is... . does anyone know if there is a way to disable the navigation function that only allows the input to be performed while stopped. It is really annoying if a passenger wants to input data for navigation and I have to pull over to do it. I checked the manual. If nobody knows, maybe someone knows who the actual manufacturer is and I can do some research with them????

Thanks for any help.

Dave

 

[mberry]

The newest software update allows for input to be done up to 10mph.

 

[vagabond]

Where can you get the software updates?

Thanks, Tommie

 

[southwos]

I would like to know if there are any updates to the GPS software as well. I have an 05 3500. I have asked the local dealer about updates because I'm unhappy with the display being just an arrow and would like to have a full map on the screen.

 

[LEEH]

Nav Question

I just purchased an 06 2500 4x4 Quad cab with the Laramie package. Before taking delivery, I opted to upgrade the Sat radio/6CD changer to the Alpine unit that has the Sat radio/6CD changer/GPS Nav with the 5. 8 inch screen. Used it coming home from Kellog, Id. and am very pleased with the unit. The one thing that I would like to see the manufactures/software people do is add the altitude option for display on the map screen. I am one of those people that likes to keep track of the altitude I am at while traveling.



The exchange cost was $1750, but I feel it is well worth the cost. I had tried the Garmin V GPS unit which was completely unsatisfactory, then purchased a GPS mapping software package for use on my laptop. This proved to be extremely dangerous as I could be distracted from the driving chores to look at the laptop screen on the center console.



My advice - spend the money and get the Alpine GPS/6CD/Sat radio unit. I think you will be as pleased with it as I am.

 

[MCrossley]

That is not an update...

You opted for the RB4 that will never give you mapping, you are thinking of the RB1... .



If you have an 05, I think you have the latest release on the software.

I would like to know if there are any updates to the GPS software as well. I have an 05 3500. I have asked the local dealer about updates because I'm unhappy with the display being just an arrow and would like to have a full map on the screen.

 

[viper700]

To LEEH

I agree that mounting your laptop on the center console could be very hazardous. I made a table out of Aluminum that swivels from passenger to driver that is in front of the consol and the Averatec 12" laptop is real easy to use and see close to the dash. In fact it is exactly where you see your screen now but 12" Diagnal and the top of the screen is no higher than the dash. I have the GPS 18 USB and it is a sweetheart to use. With my eyes I could not use a small screen. I have the RB4 POS in my 04. 5 and it is a waste. I can plan trips from the comfort of my desk in side and not have to sit out in the truck trip planning. It does seem that the new unit has a larger screen and is much better than what dodge sold me. Each to there own I'm happy now .

 

[JTryles]

I just purchased an 06 2500 4x4 Quad cab with the Laramie package. Before taking delivery, I opted to upgrade the Sat radio/6CD changer to the Alpine unit that has the Sat radio/6CD changer/GPS Nav with the 5. 8 inch screen. Used it coming home from Kellog, Id. and am very pleased with the unit. The one thing that I would like to see the manufactures/software people do is add the altitude option for display on the map screen. I am one of those people that likes to keep track of the altitude I am at while traveling.



The exchange cost was $1750, but I feel it is well worth the cost. I had tried the Garmin V GPS unit which was completely unsatisfactory, then purchased a GPS mapping software package for use on my laptop. This proved to be extremely dangerous as I could be distracted from the driving chores to look at the laptop screen on the center console.



My advice - spend the money and get the Alpine GPS/6CD/Sat radio unit. I think you will be as pleased with it as I am.

So the top-of-the-line factory radio is made by Alpine? Didn't know that! Kinda cool.

 

[LEEH]

To VIPER700:

My laptop had a 17" screen which I appreciated very much as far a visibility goes, however, I found that I appreciated it a little too much and was an accident waiting to happen. Really did like many of the programming options I had with the laptop and software, which I haven't found on the new unit in my dash yet, don't know if it is there or not. Some of the things I miss on the new unit is the availability of altitude and ground speed readouts. Also, I think the new unit is more limited in determining routes than the laptop was. But overall, am happy with the new GPS Nav unit in the new rig. the 5. 8" screen is very readable as it is mounted in the center of the dash, just below the top of the dash and easily seen by myself and my wife. Will know more after I get a few more hours in using it. Voice directions from the new unit is outstanding.



Winter up there in the Northland yet? Winter has definitely arrived here in the lower 48. 12 degrees this am.

 

[fozzy]

LEEH



In the GPS INFO screen you and view the altitude and long/lat cordinates.

 

[viper700]

LEEH

My neighbor told me this morning it was 1 degree, but I was not there I am wintering in Yuma and AZ . It was 68 here with real high winds for the last 24 hours. Still sunny though and clear blue sky.



My DEL 8000 was way to big also and way to heavy. The Averatec 3200 series is very light and compact unit. If you were thinking down the road about a lighter laptop go to "Refurb.com" and the unit was a $2200 but as facory refurb it was in the high $700 range and they had lesser models of this. This one had a 80 gig HD and double DVD burner with 1. 6 gig clock speed. For $79 you can get a 3 year warrenty also. I am real pleased with how it works and hardly ever use the DEL anymore.

 

[LEEH]

LEEH



In the GPS INFO screen you and view the altitude and long/lat cordinates.

FOZZY: Will give the info screen a try the next time I'm in the rig. Thanks for the help

 

[GWBourne]

LEEH

My neighbor told me this morning it was 1 degree, but I was not there I am wintering in Yuma and AZ .

AHHHH!!! SNOW BIRDS!!



nah, im just kidding, i miss my house in yuma :{



i am also one of those laptop on the center console people... . i plan on getting a tablet PC, the full size lap top with the swivling screen, a stylus screen with touch capability. then i will mount it next to the radio facing the driver. get a new head unit in the truck, run audio inputs into the radio from the lap top, now i have GPS, Music and internet all in my truck with the cell phone. should be nice, but ill have to watch what im doing a bit more when it comes to driving.

rgant