 |
10 Apr 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: London
Posts: 92
|
|
|
GPS Help - Europe,Middle East, SE Asia, Australia
Hi all,
Never used a GPS before. Leaving on the 1st of May from London going to Australia (Europe, Iran, Pakistan,India, China, SE Asia, Australia)
My budget is less than £350 (ideally)
What should i buy? And how good our the free maps available for DL?
I considered buying a Garmin and downloading the free maps (from the sticky thread in this sections) But how good are they?? Especically for Middle East, India and SE Asia (China not really a problem as i am with other overlanders and a guide)
Help please??
Thanks
|
10 Apr 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
For £350 you might get hold of the ever-so-up-to-date Montana 650, or maybe the 600 which doesn't have the camera built in.
I asked something similar in here http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...rmin-gps-62780 and there are not a lot of views about the best value Garmin but therein it amounts to the Montana at the high end of the market and the 60cx/60csx at a lower price. Both are waterproof.
A few folks in here say they use the Nuvi series and waterproof it "as and when".
As for the software aspect; Tom Tom don't seem to have any free software - the free software market appears to be concentrated on Garmin and the apps for smartphones. There are threads in here about both of those options, but they don't differentiate between regions/continents, not so far anyway. In other words, I have never seen anything in here that points to one particular freebie being better than any other for certain parts of the world, with the possible exception of "ozzie explorer" (or some similar name) which covers the obvious location.
__________________
Dave
|
11 Apr 2012
|
|
Lifetime Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 365
|
|
|
Before my trip, in the reverse direction of yours, last year I too had never used a GPS. I bought a Garmin a week before I left and then relied on the free open source maps . I used for maps Russia, Mongolia and most of Europe and found them all excellent - really good quality with minimal problems. Since getting back I've found the map of Australia is equally good. Based on this I'd expect maps of Iran, India etc to be fine.
As to which GPS to buy my non-expert view is:
- buy a Garmin so you can use the free map sources.
- buy one with a memory card facility so you can load the maps.
- buy the cheapest one you can; If you haven't got one already I suspect you are like me and not a geek - cheap generally simpler and easier features.
- lots of people recomend large screen GPS but for me small = good because it is easier to remove and stick in your pocket when you are off the bike.
My GPS was an ETrex Vista - I think this is at the lower end of the Garmin price range and I found it fine. Suggest you don't stress too much and just buy whatever is in your price range.
When you make it to Australia feel free to look me up - always able to provide space to a fellow traveller.
|
12 Apr 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: London
Posts: 92
|
|
Thanks all.
Btw i am travelling in a Mitsubishi Delica, so im not as concerned of the elements (as someone who needs on a bike)
i looked at the vista... based on my complete inexperience with GPS's and my inability to just make a choice...i have seen this on amazon
Deal or No Deal?? 
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Handheld GPS: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics
Thanks all
|
12 Apr 2012
|
 |
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: sLOVEnia
Posts: 43
|
|
Now that is completely another story..If you intend to do also hiking,handheld would be fine but for cage only I would consider something with bigger screen:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_...ctronics%2C615
|
12 Apr 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: London
Posts: 92
|
|
|
ok cool... So if i go far a basic garmin nuvi, i can load the opensource maps and go from there....??
Cheers
|
12 Apr 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: sLOVEnia
Posts: 43
|
|
|
Basically any Garmin with wide screen and SD memory card slot is OK.(IMO)
|
13 Apr 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
|
Nuvi rules OK for you
It seems that the Nuvi fits your needs.
See post number 28 in here:- http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...in-gps-62780-2 which indicates that maps can be loaded to the Nuvi.
Caution: there are various models of Nuvi so I agree with the last post; make sure it has a SD card slot!
Caution 2: Do your own research, ultimately! I have a Tom Tom!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (see my other threads for more about that)
__________________
Dave
Last edited by Walkabout; 13 Apr 2012 at 00:15.
Reason: caution 2 added
|
2 May 2012
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 16
|
|
|
Hi,
it depends on your needs and personal preferences. When I roam around in SE-Asia I have a 60series or 76series Garmin with me.
@ Nüvis: These kind of GPS units are primary designed for the "street-cowboy in the suit". A nice gadget for non-adventureous use. The lack of Nüvis: only limited navigation functions (a Nüvi cannot really navigate, it can only street-routing, when off the road, a Nüvi dont know what to do), limited battery life, more fragile than others.
GPS units like 60/76, 62/78, Dakota etc. are designed for versatile use and for this have full navigational functions. The display is also better for use in sunlight.
So, think about the environment you wanna use it, think of hardware requirments and think of navigational functions. Then go to a dealer and look what will fit to you.
Regards,
Paul
(Navigation expert and map developer)
|
13 May 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: London
Posts: 92
|
|
|
Thanks Paul. Just caught this.... I have been on the road for a couple of weeks now and bought a Nuvi back a month ago... It has been dissapointing to say the least... Could be faulty i dunno..... (btw i am very new to sat navs) But always re-calculating, loosing reception and will for no concievable reason change its route half way through a route (this usually lasts for 10 seconds, then changes back to its original route after it comes to its sensors)
i am thinking of buying another one perhaps in turkey.... As i need something more reliable in middle east,Central and SE Asia....
Any suggestions as what to do with my current Nuvi?
|
14 May 2012
|
|
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Seoul/Yang Pyung
Posts: 545
|
|
|
POS Garmin
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew White
Thanks Paul. Just caught this.... I have been on the road for a couple of weeks now and bought a Nuvi back a month ago... It has been dissapointing to say the least... Could be faulty i dunno..... (btw i am very new to sat navs) But always re-calculating, loosing reception and will for no concievable reason change its route half way through a route (this usually lasts for 10 seconds, then changes back to its original route after it comes to its sensors)
i am thinking of buying another one perhaps in turkey.... As i need something more reliable in middle east,Central and SE Asia....
Any suggestions as what to do with my current Nuvi?
|
Same here on both of my Nuvis.
Sell that POS to a local ,,
Flip out your smart phone ,, go read here,,
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...armin-et-63191
|
14 May 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew White
Thanks Paul. Just caught this.... I have been on the road for a couple of weeks now and bought a Nuvi back a month ago... It has been dissapointing to say the least... Could be faulty i dunno..... (btw i am very new to sat navs) But always re-calculating, loosing reception and will for no concievable reason change its route half way through a route (this usually lasts for 10 seconds, then changes back to its original route after it comes to its sensors)
i am thinking of buying another one perhaps in turkey.... As i need something more reliable in middle east,Central and SE Asia....
Any suggestions as what to do with my current Nuvi?
|
What you describe is similar to how my Tom Tom performs (apart from the loosing reception aspect which happens only when out of sight of the satellites, such as inside a tunnel) when it is following a route from which I deviate; if you are doing the same i.e. following a route that you have chosen in the Nuvi then I would suggest that it is just doing what it was designed to do, and recalculating the route as things change.
As you say, an alternative is that it may be faulty - is it new?
There is feedback in this forurm about Garmin after sales service which may vary in the world; it does appear that a unit has to be returned to the country where it was sold originally.
Assuming that you do buy another (& probably cheaper outside the EU!!) then I would tend to keep the Nuvi as a backup - see my earlier link in post number 8 above, in which two Garmins have been used, including one Nuvi.
__________________
Dave
|
15 May 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: London
Posts: 92
|
|
|
Cheers mate.... the changing of the route often occurs even though i have done exactly what it asks for... Sometimes ill be travelling on a motorway with still many more miles before ill have to exit for example... It will completely freak out and tell me to turn left when clearly their is no option to do so.... will then return back to the proper route.... very weird
but yes i caught be bothered missioning to return it...i bought off amazon in the UK, so ill keep as back up i reckon and invest in a new one in Bucharest perhaps.....
Cheers
|
15 May 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew White
Cheers mate.... the changing of the route often occurs even though i have done exactly what it asks for... Sometimes ill be travelling on a motorway with still many more miles before ill have to exit for example... It will completely freak out and tell me to turn left when clearly their is no option to do so.... will then return back to the proper route.... very weird
Cheers
|
Yea, that is weird.
Something like that has happened with my Tom Tom when I have used an out of date map which ends up showing me driving in a field, or similar, because there has been a new road constructed since the map was published; but it hasn't happened as often as you seem to be experiencing.
Other threads in here indicate that Garmin Europe will completely replace a new but defective unit rather than repair - I guess it is their choice, but if it is very new it may be worth the effort??
__________________
Dave
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
