GPS

[Gary]

Does anyone else use GPS

I use Delorme Street Street Atlas USA 2005

I couldn't be without it :cheers:

Doesn't work well in Canada tho' :HMM:

[Jimbo]

I've never used GPS, but I did use Delorme a few years back. It was by far the best mapping software I had ever used.

[Gary]

Very inexpensive too :)

[Harry]

I am using the same, Delorme.
The only thing wrong with it, it doesn't show the low clearance.
Just had the problem yesterday in New Jersey.(11.8) :yikes:

[teacel]

I also use it and like it very much.

[Gary]

I wish it would list the states, miles & roads driven in those states, like PC miler does. {I don't have PC Miler}
I have to go to "Streets And Trips" and recreate my route so I can record my miles for {is it?} IFTA

Hope you noticed that low bridge before it was too late Harry :omg:

[Harry]

YES , I SAW IT IN TIME ,BUT ALREADY STUCK IN THAT ONE WAY STREET.I DON'T HAVE TO EXPLAIN THAT NIGHTMARE :yikes: :yikes:

[teacel]

Gary

There is a way to plug the GPS into streets and trip so you don't have to do double work. Both programs have to be downloaded and in S & T, you can go into the tools, then GPS and configure responder. It works well.

[Gary]

Yeah but, I'm pretty computer illiterate :wacko:

Somebody would probably have to do it for me ;)

[Lonleyboy515]

We are trying out ALK'S COPILOTTRUCK . It has voice direction and email

We are trying it out on a dedicated CHICAGO run.We often re load were there are low briges.I told him to test it out and see if it does what they say it does . :cheers:

[Uncle Truck]

I was able to use and test a Magellan Roadmate 700 this weekend. Bottom line- compared to using the current setup on my laptop with ALK Co-Pilot Truck GPS, the nearly $1000 Magellan stand alone GPS unit is indeed cool and very computer-like with a hard drive and is upgradeable, but it just did not impress me knowing what it costs.

While it did everything it claimed to be able to do, it does not have the capabilities of the Co-Pilot software, and unless relying on the voice commands which are not based on truck routing the Magellan's tiny screen cannot compare to that of a laptop.
A neat toy, but for only a little more you are into a laptop GPS setup and the dozens of other things that a laptop can do for a driver beyond just being a navigation system.

Drive safely,
UT

[Jimbo]

....did not impress me knowing what it costs.
....Magellan's tiny screen.... other things that a laptop can do for a driver beyond just being a navigation system.


You hit all the points I would have made, right on the head.

[Mack5]

For those of you using a laptop computer based GPS system, do you use it while in motion, and if so, do you worry about the durability of the computer? Laptop hard drives are strudy, but they still suffer greatly at the hands of vibration and shock loading.

[67NOVA]

I've been using Copilot truck for about 2 years now and I must admit that I'm kinda spoiled now, but no matter how much I like it I'll always check out the route that it gives me and make my own decisions, perfect example is one time it wanted me to go by way I80/I94 south of Chicago in route to St. louis using I55 instead of going I69 / I70 because I think it would have saved me 12 miles, but would have added 1-2 hours with all the traffic backups.

I recall Uncle Truck getting info on Copilot at the other site a while back and at that time I was commenting on how much I liked mine.

Normally we'll punch in the addresses and see which route it gives us then we'll put the computer in the overhead and go on our merry way until we get near our stop and then use it to guide us the rest of the way, but I have used it while in motion by just sitting the laptop on this pad which is used the cushion it's ride.

I'd recommend Copilot to anyone that has to find addresses day by day on streets that have no names and companys that have no address on thier buildings and wondering why we're not there yet!!!

[teacel]

Does the copilot also do residential addresses? I hear much about this but never looked into it.

[kswish]

We use a Garmin 2620 for ALL of our routing and I wont be without one in any other truck i operate.

It is a real Love/hate relationship at times, but our GPS have saved us many miles and made us money on most loads we have hauled.

I would recommend a GPS system to all if you are serious about making money and saving miles. They can be quite expensive, but over all the benefits out weigh the cost aspect in my humble opinion. Ours has paid for itself.

We have a name for our GPS, and I wont mention in on here but I'm sure most in this forum can figure it out. Hint: (no I wont even give a hint)

[Uncle Truck]

Just got back home here. Yes, the Co-Pilot software finds any address, residential or commercial. The mapping database is very simlilar to MS Streets, just a little more comprehensive. ALK is true software for trucking, the best in my opinion. :)

Drive safely,
UT

[teacel]

Thanks Mark, I'll talk to ya some more about CP on the way to MATS.

[WILDCHILD]

MACK 5
I HAVE USED MY LAPTOP FOR 4 YEARS AND NOW BOUGHT A NEW ONE,
MY OLD I GAVE TO MY GRANDSON.MY GOOD LUCK I GIVE TO MY JOTTO DESK IT SCREWWS TO MY FLOOR AND HOLDS MY LAPTOP VERY WELL.
I LOV MY SET-UP GO TO JOTTODESK.COM CHECK THEM OUT THEM MAKE THEM FOR COP CAR AND PICK-UP, AND BIG TRUCKS. :bye:
GOOD LUCK

[Twmaster]

Anybody else using the Garmin 2620? I am about

This >< close to either buying a laptop based setup or the 2620.

Personally I like the compactness of the Garmin unit and not having to install all sorts of wires and such for a Laptop based setup.

So you folks who use this stuff every day persuade me one way or the other!

[merkurfan]

A laptop is so much more than just GPS.. Mine is my accountant, e-mail device, web serfer, DVD player, TV, collection of games and oh ya.. GPS unit. If your home every day you probably don't need all of the above but when your in your van 24/7 it is very nice to have. It is also much easier to enter addresses with the keyboard.

[WILDCHILD]

MAKE SURE THE 2620 IS COMPATIBLE TO PC!! 2610 IS NOT. DATA CORD INBOX IS FOR LOOKS ONLY!!!!!BOUGHT IT AND HAD TO RETURN IT AND ALL THE HASSELS THAT COME WITH THAT.

[wshort]

For those of you using a laptop computer based GPS system, do you use it while in motion, and if so, do you worry about the durability of the computer? Laptop hard drives are strudy, but they still suffer greatly at the hands of vibration and shock loading.

I created a cheap solution for my laptop, used a piece of cardboard
and wrapped it with several layers of bubble wrap and secured it with
scotch tape, then set the laptop on top of it's new "air ride" and it work's
great at reducing the the vibration and pounding.

[aquawarrior7]

I have a ms streets and trips and the delorme one.
I am wondering if anyone else is having problems recieving the signals.
I had a ms streets and trips for a while then it started to not be able to find the gps device. Got a new one it worked for a while then again same prob. Got the delorme on too to see if it was the hardware or what. For a while they both worked fine but I didn't like the delorme one as much.
Switched trucks and forgot the delorme gps device in the other truck. Was fine in this one for a while with ms then the signal got lost more often and the stupid could not find gps device started again.oto replace forgotten one and it didnt want to find all the sattelites neccessary to get a fix. It was cloudy but they both have worked in the rain before.

Has any one else had these problems recently ???

[ExpeditersWife]

We have a garmin 2620 and a 2720 there are a few glitches every now and then but have been pleased with both.

[rogernoel]

I have been using GPS in my truck, daily, for 7 years now. The hard drive on all 5 laptops survived. I did have a Sony that had a hinge break off. I think the back and forth movement weakened the white metal hinge bracket.

[ExpeditersWife]

Update to the previous post I placed...We have a garmin 2620 and a 2720. The 2620 is more truck friendly I rate both very high. We just set up a laptop with WiFi but I couldn't imagine using that fulltime as a gps since the garmin takes up very little space on the dash and is made for the bumps and jiggles that these electronic devices get while going down the road. We deal with vans mostly so never have to worry about bridge clearances and such.
There have been instances where an address could not be found but that's when a call into the office comes in handy!

[SPARKY]

VERY good friends of ours recently told us about the Garmin 2720. This is the single best product for the truck that we have purchased so far!!! It is expensive, but worth every dollar. On a recent trip into Brooklyn and then on to Long Island it saved 2 heated discussions (if you get my drift). I can also tell you that it works wonderfully in Canada!! It's easy to set up, easy to use, and will help you not only find the address you are looking for but also hotels, restaurants, truckstops, rest areas, hospitals, malls, the next weigh station, and NUMEROUS points of interests. It tells you what your next turn will be, which lane you need to be in, and will even tell you how much farther it is to the address you have programed into it. That way if you stop for the night, you will know exactly how much farther you have left to go to your destination If you are looking for a GREAT GPS system and a good writeoff for the end of the year, you would be wise to look into this product.

BTW Harry-it will even speak to you in German!!! :yikes: :cheers:

To our VERY good friends that recommended it.......THANK YOU we owe you breakfast, lunch, AND dinner!!!!! :cheers:

[Molly]

How about....Garmin Street Pilot 7500?
Can someone give me more info on this product?

[gumball_anna]

VERY good friends of ours recently told us about the Garmin 2720. This is the single best product for the truck that we have purchased so far!!! It is expensive, but worth every dollar. On a recent trip into Brooklyn and then on to Long Island it saved 2 heated discussions (if you get my drift). I can also tell you that it works wonderfully in Canada!! It's easy to set up, easy to use, and will help you not only find the address you are looking for but also hotels, restaurants, truckstops, rest areas, hospitals, malls, the next weigh station, and NUMEROUS points of interests. It tells you what your next turn will be, which lane you need to be in, and will even tell you how much farther it is to the address you have programed into it. That way if you stop for the night, you will know exactly how much farther you have left to go to your destination If you are looking for a GREAT GPS system and a good writeoff for the end of the year, you would be wise to look into this product.

BTW Harry-it will even speak to you in German!!! :yikes: :cheers:

To our VERY good friends that recommended it.......THANK YOU we owe you breakfast, lunch, AND dinner!!!!! :cheers:


i have to agree with Sparky we have had our Garmin 2720 for a year now.....i love it .....if i make a wrong turn ....Garmin gets me right back on track.....the 2720 model also has Trucks Routing.......... :D :cheers: :cool:

[Harry]

Well, I think I have to get me one :cheers:

[Dr._Wrench]

I'm just curious- seems quite a few have become pretty dependent on GPS systems these days. How would you manage if it suddenly quit working?

I'll admit- I got lost in Manhattan, NY once years ago- & I pull a 53' trailer. Getting lost there is NOT my idea of a good time, and I'm not sure if even a GPS would have worked with all of those tall buildings around. :yikes:

I guess I'm kind of "old school" for someone my age, as I honestly never gave buying a GPS system any thought. I also don't think too highly about automatic transmissions in trucks either- and yes I have driven several trucks with them. :paranoid:

[SPARKY]

I'm just curious- seems quite a few have become pretty dependent on GPS systems these days. How would you manage if it suddenly quit working?

I'm not sure "dependent" is the right word here Jeff. It's more a matter of having another tool to make your job easier. Those of us that work for FDCC have a problem with their directions into the customers place of business. NOT how to get TO the place (ie): I-70 to I-75 etc, it's once you get off the main highway and get onto the smaller roads. Sometimes the directions go on to say.....turn right at the "old" Smith farm and then go left at the 3rd mailbox onto the next paved road. Some of what we call the "locals" haven't been updated in YEARS!!!! Most of you would say "well then just call the customer yourself" WELL...........we aren't "allowed" to call the customers directly. You have to call into FDCC and they set up a conference call. Try to get a "live" person on the phone in the middle of the night!!! Most of the people you get to talk to in these cases only know how THEY get to work, NOT the route that would be easiest for a truck. Since the 911 system has been instituted a GPS system is one of our best tools. IF it happens to lose the signal, you'd have to go back to the old system of "drive around and hope you just happen to run into the place" :rofl:

I'll admit- I got lost in Manhattan, NY once years ago- & I pull a 53' trailer. Getting lost there is NOT my idea of a good time, and I'm not sure if even a GPS would have worked with all of those tall buildings around. :yikes:

Does your cell phone still work in NYC?? Your BEST tool in the case of NYC is a map of the streets in there. HAGSTROM makes a map of NYC and all the 5 boroughs that even show which direction the streets run in.

I guess I'm kind of "old school" for someone my age

MOST of us would LOVE to be "your age" again!!!! :yikes: :rofl: :rofl:

[Dr._Wrench]

That makes sense, Sparky! You're right- "dependent" wasn't too good of a choice of words on my part! :dork:

I haven't gone into NYC by truck in quite some time now. Going to Manhattan in a car with someone who lives there driving can be fun though.

I changed cell phone carriers since the last time I went to NYC- I'm with Verizon now.

Be MY age again? Sparky, I honestly didn't think you were much older than me! :ninja:

[rogernoel]

My Delorme gps did not work when parked on Park Ave. in NYC, but once I was driving around on some wider streets, it worked again. With Delorme , you can see how many satellites it is picking up. Right now, at the TA in Eaton ,Ohio, I am picking up 7 satelites. Around tall building you are lucky to get one or two.

[sidecar]

Sometimes the directions go on to say.....turn right at the "old" Smith farm and then go left at the 3rd mailbox onto the next paved road.

Or look for the billboard of a kid licking an ashtray. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Does your cell phone still work in NYC?? Your BEST tool in the case of NYC is a map of the streets in there. HAGSTROM makes a map of NYC and all the 5 boroughs that even show which direction the streets run in.

This is absolutely the BEST advice that Sparky has ever given me,I wouldn't even attempt to go to NYC without my HAGSTROM 5 borough map in the truck. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

[gumball_anna]

Sometimes the directions go on to say.....turn right at the "old" Smith farm and then go left at the 3rd mailbox onto the next paved road.

Or look for the billboard of a kid licking an ashtray. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Does your cell phone still work in NYC?? Your BEST tool in the case of NYC is a map of the streets in there. HAGSTROM makes a map of NYC and all the 5 boroughs that even show which direction the streets run in.

This is absolutely the BEST advice that Sparky has ever given me,I wouldn't even attempt to go to NYC without my HAGSTROM 5 borough map in the truck. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Maps of NYC (Truck Routing) on the internet free.....:cheers:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/trans_maps/truckroutes.html