GPS Units

[garyl62]

I know there are a few threads out there about GPS units, but with the new Red Pine Mapping sponsor it has peaked my interest again in getting a unit. I'd consider a new one, or picking up a used one. Probably only use it on the sled, and mainly in the UP and N WI. I have the Polaris app on my phone, but thought it might be nice to have one mounted on the sled that you can see all the time. Suggestions on which one works well?

 

[MZEMS2]

I'm a bit biased toward the Garmin models myself. I used to use a Garmin Oregon 200 handheld unit. Worked great, and of course weather proof. I had a power cord wired direct to the battery also. The handhelds will save you some money, but of course they're smaller. I kinda liked the smaller size, as it didn't get in the way of anything on the sled. Sorry no pics.....no longer have the sled

 

[polarisrider1]

Montana with topo maps with a hardwire mount. Used it for past 6 days. Worked perfectly. Would buy again.

 

[rodehard]

older color garmin with big screen. I have a 276C with red pine mapping. Take it in when you stop or it will disappear.

 

[2TrakR]

it might be nice to have one mounted on the sled that you can see all the time. Suggestions on which one works well?

Garmin

Montana 600 (bigger bucks, bigger screen, outdoor/weather-proof, batteries or hardwire)
Oregon 600 (smaller version of above)
GPSMap 78 (same as above, button instead of touch screen)
Zumo [any model] (bigger screens than above, bigger bucks)

Nuvi [any model] (big screens, can be cheap, NOT waterproof, MUST be powered off the machine). Nuvi 50 or 52 can be picked up from $60 and up, have a 5" screen and work fine.

RAM Mount is the way to get these mounted on the sled. http://www.rammount.com

GPSCity.com makes it a bit easier to find the particular RAM Mount for a particular GPS model. Their prices are usually pretty decent too. Typically end up with ~$35 in the mount.

 

[groomerdriver]

Good info by 2TrakR

Garmin here as well. I have a Garmin nuvi 500. The nuvi 500 and 550 ARE waterproof as well as the zumo series. Used nuvi 5xx are VERY hard to find likely because people (like me) are very happy with their performance. The zumo series is easier to find and I've seen some complete setups for $200 which to me is a smoking deal (are you reading this Kevin?).

nuvi's CAN be run off of battery either in the car or on the sled but battery life is short especially in the cold.

In the case of the nuvi and zumo, if you don't just use the cig lighter plugin, you have to buy their power adapter that converts 12v down to 5 (??) volts. You can't just snip off the plug and wire it up.

GPS City has most everything you are looking for. RAM mounts for my two sleds came from GPS City I bought my 12v adapter kit and nuvi mount off of Amazon.

I run a different company's mapping program and are extremely happy with it.

This is a pic of the setup on my 14 Vector LTX. Don't have one of my 05 Vector which is NOT mounted on the bars.

 

[Hoosier]

Rsi has a $20 plug in adapter on their website that allows you go power a garmin off your sled

 

[harski]

Good info by 2TrakR

Garmin here as well. I have a Garmin nuvi 500. The nuvi 500 and 550 ARE waterproof as well as the zumo series. Used nuvi 5xx are VERY hard to find likely because people (like me) are very happy with their performance. The zumo series is easier to find and I've seen some complete setups for $200 which to me is a smoking deal (are you reading this Kevin?).

nuvi's CAN be run off of battery either in the car or on the sled but battery life is short especially in the cold.

In the case of the nuvi and zumo, if you don't just use the cig lighter plugin, you have to buy their power adapter that converts 12v down to 5 (??) volts. You can't just snip off the plug and wire it up.

GPS City has most everything you are looking for. RAM mounts for my two sleds came from GPS City I bought my 12v adapter kit and nuvi mount off of Amazon.

I run a different company's mapping program and are extremely happy with it.

This is a pic of the setup on my 14 Vector LTX. Don't have one of my 05 Vector which is NOT mounted on the bars.

I CAN'T SEE A THING, I CAN'T SEE A THING, I CAN'T SEE A THING! I got Groomer! I've committed to purchase the Zumo! Now, just to figure out which mapping I want?! Decisions, decisions....

 

[groomerdriver]

Rsi has a $20 plug in adapter on their website that allows you go power a garmin off your sled

Link?

 

[Hoosier]

Link?

Don't know to do that from phone but go to rsiracing.com then find usb power cables on left side bar. The one that will power a garmin is $20

 

[2TrakR]

Don't know to do that from phone but go to rsiracing.com then find usb power cables on left side bar. The one that will power a garmin is $20

Looks like they have sled brand specific units for a bit more as well, presumably to make install a bit cleaner. The $20 item claims to be not-for-apple-devices: http://www.rsiracing.com/NON-APPLE-DUAL-USB-POWER-CABLES_p_102.html but doesn't say why, I'd guess that they found Apple equipment to be a bit fussier. They don't list that issue on the sled-specific models.

The kit is providing two standard female USB plugs to connect devices to. For $20, that's pretty decent, not tried them though and they don't list the wattage so not sure which units it will run.

Question I have, hoping you've used this with a Garmin GPS, is does it work? Many of the Garmins need about 1000mA to run and charge, lots of USB "power sources" don't put out that much power.
More importantly, those GPS units need a special cable to recognize they are getting power to run and not power to connect to a computer. If pin 4 on the mini USB cable isn't tied to ground, it will put the GPS into "computer mode" instead of "GPS mode".

I've used the Glisson and Garmin "direct wire" connection kits for the GPS units. GPSCity lists the Glisson for $22:
http://www.gpscity.com/gilsson-bare-wire-power-cable.html

Only trick with that setup is that the USB cable is on a 90 degree connector and it will not fit some of the Garmin models due to case or mount design. I've used the Glisson with my Nuvi 550 and (pretty sure) Oregon 450.

I normally run a Montana and 60csx, though I don't recommend 2 units for the average bear.

Same setup on the bike:

 

[geolith]

I have a few Garmin GPSmap 76s units new in the box, $100.00 each if anyone is interested. I use this unit snowmobiling, and boating, and it works great.

 

[garyl62]

Thanks for all the info so far. GD I remember seeing that picture before, looks like you've got more electronics on that thing than my pilot buddies do in their airplanes!

Good info by 2TrakR

Garmin here as well. I have a Garmin nuvi 500. The nuvi 500 and 550 ARE waterproof as well as the zumo series. Used nuvi 5xx are VERY hard to find likely because people (like me) are very happy with their performance. The zumo series is easier to find and I've seen some complete setups for $200 which to me is a smoking deal (are you reading this Kevin?)....

This seems to be very true. While I wasn't looking to just buy one right away, I did a little searching on all the usual places and couldn't find anything that was priced seriously (saw a couple for over 2 grand LOL) but at least now I've got some things to keep my eye out for.

 

[Hoosier]

Looks like they have sled brand specific units for a bit more as well, presumably to make install a bit cleaner. The $20 item claims to be not-for-apple-devices: http://www.rsiracing.com/NON-APPLE-DUAL-USB-POWER-CABLES_p_102.html but doesn't say why, I'd guess that they found Apple equipment to be a bit fussier. They don't list that issue on the sled-specific models.

The kit is providing two standard female USB plugs to connect devices to. For $20, that's pretty decent, not tried them though and they don't list the wattage so not sure which units it will run.

Question I have, hoping you've used this with a Garmin GPS, is does it work? Many of the Garmins need about 1000mA to run and charge, lots of USB "power sources" don't put out that much power.
More importantly, those GPS units need a special cable to recognize they are getting power to run and not power to connect to a computer. If pin 4 on the mini USB cable isn't tied to ground, it will put the GPS into "computer mode" instead of "GPS mode".

I've used the Glisson and Garmin "direct wire" connection kits for the GPS units. GPSCity lists the Glisson for $22:
http://www.gpscity.com/gilsson-bare-wire-power-cable.html

Only trick with that setup is that the USB cable is on a 90 degree connector and it will not fit some of the Garmin models due to case or mount design. I've used the Glisson with my Nuvi 550 and (pretty sure) Oregon 450.

I normally run a Montana and 60csx, though I don't recommend 2 units for the average bear.

I actually haven't used the rsi adapter yet - I just bought it for this season, and I won't be on a trip until mid-February. My Fusion has e-start so I could just route it to the battery, but I thought this kit would do the same thing and it connects easily right under the dash.

I have used a 60csx for several years with lithium batteries (works fine for power) but was planning on trying out one of the 5" nuvi's this year - which is why I need power off the sled. I'd like a bigger screen but can't justify the cost of the Montana's for the amount I ride. Why do you run two units? I have the feeling you know your way around a GPS - any units in particular you recommend?

 

[groomerdriver]

Thanks for all the info so far. GD I remember seeing that picture before, looks like you've got more electronics on that thing than my pilot buddies do in their airplanes!



This seems to be very true. While I wasn't looking to just buy one right away, I did a little searching on all the usual places and couldn't find anything that was priced seriously (saw a couple for over 2 grand LOL) but at least now I've got some things to keep my eye out for.

Here's is what I bought for my two sleds: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CX4INE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They work extremely well.

Look for used Zumo's. They are waterproof and if memory serves are a bit larger than the Nuvi. A fellow member just picked up a good used one for $200 complete.

I'm a gauge freak.....can you tell!! LOL!!!

2TrakR knows his stuff!

 

[2TrakR]

I actually haven't used the rsi adapter yet

Would be interested to hear if it works well with a Nuvi. The 60 will run either way, though it's better with the round 4 pin serial power cord as it can take 12V direct, is waterproof and much more robust (the mini-USB is pretty fragile in comparison).

Why do you run two units?

I make maps.

Running 2 units gives me redundancy (if one flakes, the other should be fine) and I can also run 1 at the "big view" and the other at the "super detail" level.

I have the feeling you know your way around a GPS - any units in particular you recommend?

Anything Garmin is pretty good. More about budget and features + screen size.

Montana 600 is great but pricey. With the rugged mount for hard wiring, it's a nice setup. No cords to plug in as it gets power through the cradle. 4" screen makes it easier to see more. The 650 adds a camera that most don't use and so is not worth the extra $$ for our activities. Have seen the 650 on sale recently where it was cheaper than the 600. On sale, I've seen them $350 and up.

All of the Zumo line are nice but pricier. They are geared for street bikes and have some features that are better suited for that activity. The 590 has a 5" screen which is as big as Garmins get in waterproof units until you get into the fishing units and those are not a good choice for sled use (maps don't work so well with them).
The Zumo 220 is a re-badged Nuvi 550/500 (and they updated the price too), they have been replaced by the 390 now.

Handheld units work fine. The Dakota and eTrex line are the smallest screen. Oregon/60/62/64/78 are all same relative size physically and screen. Do you want touch screen or buttons? That's the main differentiator. The 78 also has the older round 4 pin power plug which is great for external power (and it's buttons are better).
Can get into a handheld in the $150 range and up.

Nuvi units work well. Not waterproof (excluding 500/550 that are long discontinued). Batteries won't last in the cold so must be powered off the sled. Upside is you can get into a unit with 5" screen for under $100. They don't have all the features as an outdoor unit, but do what most care about. Can make them waterproof with a case or ziplock bag. Lots have an old one they ran in the car that they can repurpose and get some more life out of on the sled.

RAM Mounts for all the above for the best way to get them on the sled.

 

[old abe]

Montana 650 very easy to use and see.

 

[Hoosier]

Would be interested to hear if it works well with a Nuvi. The 60 will run either way, though it's better with the round 4 pin serial power cord as it can take 12V direct, is waterproof and much more robust (the mini-USB is pretty fragile in comparison).

I'll call RSI this week to see if they know if it will power a Nuvi. I suppose it would still be useful for charging one or a phone, but that's not what I was looking for. If they don't know, I may be able to hook one up to my sled this weekend to see if it works. I haven't picked up a Nuvi yet but hope to get around to it soon. Are the Nuvi's all about the same as far as snowmobile use is concerned?

 

[2TrakR]

Are the Nuvi's all about the same as far as snowmobile use is concerned?

Generally speaking, yes. Different size screens, but otherwise function the same.

 

[Clintondf]

I run a garmin 1490. Large color touch screen. Not waterproof but I "waterproofed" it myself. Silicone caulking around all seams and tape up the speaker port. I plug it into my always on 12v accessory port on my sled. Mount it on my lake effect riser with attached RAM mount ball. Ram adapter and cradle as well. works great. I use vv mapping. I also have a Nuvi 2597lmt that I have used but now it's just sitting on a shelf. Like new with ram cradle. Not waterproofed. But could be with silicone caulk or a plastic baggy.