Handheld GPS to Auto GPS

[CND SuperCrew]

For anyone interested in using their handheld for auto routing.

I have a Garmin 76Cx, so I went and bought a RAM mount using the suction cup base to attach to windshield. I ordered the connector from http://pfranc.com/ bought some appropriate cable and for newer vehicles, still under warranty, I used a Fuse Tap I picked up from Walmart. Did some soldering and now have a duel purpose GPS that is hard wired into the truck. I'll try and get some pic up.

Ron & Lori

<b>TV</b> <font color=blue>2003 F150 SuperCrew FX4 4spd auto w/tow pkg 3.73LS</font id=blue>
<b>PUC</b> 1997 Starcraft 1021
2007 Nights camped out:

Edited by - CND SuperCrew on May 15 2007 11:28:26

 

[jhower]

We have a car mount that came with our first mobile phone -- which was a bag phone larger than our current phone/answering machine combo. I mounted that on the center console and it works great to hold the Garmin Vista CX. It looks a lot like the RAM mount, with a longer stem and padded holders on the sides.

I knew there had to be a reason that old mount sat in my toolbox for the last 10 years!


John & Cindy in Pennsylvania
2007 Flagstaff 620ST <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_pu.gif border=0 align=middle>
-SOLD-'89 Coleman Sun Valley <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_pu.gif border=0 align=middle>
'95 Dodge Dakota 4x2 3.9L <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_suv.gif border=0 align=middle>
His <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_kayak.gif border=0 align=middle> & Hers <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_kayak.gif border=0 align=middle> Pelican kayaks
http://community.webshots.com/user/jhower55

 

[mostlyok]

We use our Garmin Etrek in the car too. With the Jeep's cloth roof, it picks up the signals just fine, sitting on the between-seat console. We hook it up to the laptop and use Microsoft's Streets and Roads program to keep us on track. The laptop sits in the back seat, and whoever is passenger gets to navigate.
Only one problem unsolved: the GPS is running on AA batteries, which only last about 5-6 hours continuously on. So we change batteries out every 4 hours.
The laptop runs off an Inverter from the TV, and we have a small solar charger on the dashboard keeping the AA batteries charged.
We like using the combination, especially when we are heading to parts unknown.

Heidi & Paul <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_camping.gif border=0 align=middle>
MostlyOK
<img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_pu.gif border=0 align=middle> '94 Starcraft Space Flyer
<img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_suv.gif border=0 align=middle> '05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
<img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_canoe.gif border=0 align=middle> Old Town Guide
http://community.webshots.com/user/mostlyok

If its got zippers and Velcro it's got to be fun!

 

[jhower]

One thing we need to get before traveling too far is the cigarette lighter adapter for the Garmin. The prices on their accessories are amazingly high! Our Vista CX runs quite a while on the AA batteries, but the compass has to be calibrated after each battery change.

We have the Garmin Mapsource software, which is pretty nice.


John & Cindy in Pennsylvania
2007 Flagstaff 620ST <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_pu.gif border=0 align=middle>
-SOLD-'89 Coleman Sun Valley <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_pu.gif border=0 align=middle>
'95 Dodge Dakota 4x2 3.9L <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_suv.gif border=0 align=middle>
His <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_kayak.gif border=0 align=middle> & Hers <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_kayak.gif border=0 align=middle> Pelican kayaks
http://community.webshots.com/user/jhower55

 

[Calman]

I have a Magellan Explorist 210 GPS which I use in conjunction with Delorme TopoUSA 6.0 that is loaded in my laptop.

Before I leave for a planned trip I load the planned route (including known rest stops, etc.) into the Delorme program then plug my laptap into the Inverter I keep in the Tracker. I then plug the GPS into the laptop and activate the GPS routing program which will lay my actual track (in a different color) over the planned route. If I deviate from the planned route or make a wrong turn I immediately know.

And, oh yeah, the 14.1-inch screen is really easy to read.



Cal - "On the Road Again"
00 - Chevy Tracker
07 - Aspen Sentry
17 - Days on the road in 07

 

[Fairview 2001]

I also have the Magellan Explorist 210 GPS and had been thinking about buying the Delorme TopoUSA 6.0.
My was purchased as a bundle and came with the Magellan MapSend Topo 3D USA software. While it is excellent as far as the topo mapping goes, I had not found a way to use the GPS live, with a display on the laptop. I assume that you are happy with the Delorme software?

<font color=red><center><img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_ranger.gif border=0 align=middle> Ron & Barbara <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_bike.gif border=0 align=middle>
'01 Coleman Fairview W/GlideOut <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_pu.gif border=0 align=middle>
2004 GMC Sierra 1500 W/Sway Control
3 Fantastic Boys</font id=red> <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_camping.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_kayak.gif border=0 align=middle>
Our General Store

<font size=4>Click Here To See Our Photo Site</font id=size4></center>

 

[LynnAllen02]

Mostly OK:

We have a Garmin eTrex we take camping...only use it then...not really familiar with all its features...we like the "retrace of our path" from base camp...especially out on our kayak!

But how do you hook this to Streets and Maps, which we use extensively on all our trips! And sometimes I have wished for the GPS because we can't get an intersection of where we are to map ourselves out of being lost!

This is very exciting, but afraid to believe I have the same model and it will work!

We have the Liberty, but have to hope the roof won't be a problem...

Lynn

2006 Pony 283*2005 Liberty*14 Nights Reserved 2007:14 Camped: 2 nights

 

[CND SuperCrew]

The Garmin eTrex is not compatible with mapping software.

[url="https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=144&pID=6403]eTrex Specs[/url]

[url="https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/assets/pdfs/specs/etrex_series_spec.pdf]eTrex PDF[/url]

Ron & Lori

<b>TV</b> <font color=blue>2003 F150 SuperCrew FX4 4spd auto w/tow pkg 3.73LS</font id=blue>
<b>PUC</b> 1997 Starcraft 1021
2007 Nights camped out:

 

[theseus]

It depends on which eTrex you have. The older base model can't have maps. The new models, like the Legend and Cx, you buy Garmin's software and use it to add the maps.

______________
<img src="http://www.cambigue.com/serendipity/uploads/Image4.gif" border=0>
2000 Explorer
2000 Palomino Mustang SL-SG-FT
http://www.thecampingchild.com

 

[phipps]

The base eTrex will export coordinates to a third party software. The eTrex line is supposed to be recognized by the DeLorme software.

Gary N8WSQ

Charlotte DW
Gary Lee DS
Kortney DD

1997 GMC Sierra
1997 Camplite 2218

 

[backwoodzbum]

Just bought a Magellan Sport Trac off CL for cheap fun. Can it be hooked up to my laptop for serious mapping while traveling?

<img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_pu.gif border=0 align=middle alt="PopUp">...02 Flagstaff 620ST
<img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_suv.gif border=0 align=middle alt="Tow Vehicle">...01 FORD F150 Scab 4x4
Steve 64, Gina 66, Robyn 87, Tabitha 96, Emily 97

 

[CND SuperCrew]

You should be able to find your unit on Magellan's web site and get all the specs.

<b>TV</b> <font color=blue>2003 F150 SuperCrew FX4 4spd auto w/tow pkg 3.73LS</font id=blue>
<b>PUC</b> 1997 Starcraft 1021
Nights camped out in 2008 - 4