GPS for Truckers

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by Beanfacekilla, Sep 20, 2006.

  1. kc0rey

    kc0rey Medium Load Member

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    microsift STreets and Trips doesn't have a clue that you are in a Big Truck. It will get you into huge trouble.

    My Garmin iQue 3600 knew I was in a big truck and was also a PDA. It could do anything a PC could do.
     
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  3. Truckin Juggalo

    Truckin Juggalo Medium Load Member

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    AS Far as i am aware the only GPS Software that knows your in a big truck is CoPilot that proably explains why it also costs 400bucks.. but it has a option on it that shows you bridge height and low clerances and you can program in your vehicle height and it will route you arround low clerances it also knows authorized STAA routes..all the stuff a trucker would need to know... thats why they made it
     
  4. kc0rey

    kc0rey Medium Load Member

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    But for the price of that software, you can get a whole iQue 3600. Tell it your in a truck and it will never route you where you should not be. Plus you get the PDA. A few hours online nets you a ton of free software.
     
  5. BearGator56

    BearGator56 "The G stands for GOOD!"

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    I have the iQue 3600, too. It is a great device! You can find them for around 400 bucks... maybe less these days. It does have a "truck" setting. I've used it, but it doesn't really change the route any that I've noticed. When I use "truck", I notice that it will be more accurate with the ETA.

    One thing that is cool about the iQue is how compact it is. I used it on an airplane a couple of times to see where we were. It will tell you the MPH, and altitude. We hit about 530 MPH. Cool!

    I also highly recommend the suction cup mount for the windshield. It's about 40-50 bucks.
     
  6. BearGator56

    BearGator56 "The G stands for GOOD!"

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    Siemens VDO Unveils Truck Navigation System

    9/22/2006
    Siemens VDO says such time-consuming nuisances as unexpected dead-end streets, forced U-turns and too-low bridges will soon be things of the past for truck drivers using the company’s true truck navigation system.
    Due to go into series production in 2007 in Europe and later in North America, the system was shown to the world press this week at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2006 show in Hanover, Germany.
    The operating software has been adapted so that recommended routes take into account not only vehicle-specific attributes such as height and weight, but also the driving characteristics of large trucks. What’s more, the company uses an expanded commercial vehicle map database and incorporates numerous points of interest for truck drivers.
    To make sure that vehicles and their goods reach their destinations by the best routes, Siemens VDO has developed what it terms the first true truck navigation system based on its well-known in-car systems. The company incorporated commercial vehicle map data in addition to software that includes the truck’s specific characteristics, such as width and axle load. The vehicle-specific data is matched with clearance heights, bridge weight restrictions and other information contained in the map data. Furthermore, algorithms for the route calculation have been modified to take the driving characteristics of large trucks into account. To set a destination, the driver first enters data about his truck. On the basis of length, width, weight, axle load and hazardous-materials class, the navigation system selects only the routes that present no problems for the vehicle. This data needs to be entered just once and is checked each time the navigation system is restarted. The weight of the load or the hazardous-materials class can be changed quickly and easily after unloading for the return trip.
    Once the vehicle data and destination address have been entered, the electronic route guidance starts automatically. Because Siemens VDO has integrated a so-called TMC (Traffic Message Channel) receiver as a standard feature of the truck navigation system, the system provides the driver with traffic information and – if the driver desires – suggestions as to an alternative route in case of traffic congestion. Here again, route restrictions for trucks are taken into account so the driver is not directed onto narrow streets or bridges.
    Providers of digitalized map material have incorporated truck restrictions and points of interest, such as truckstops, special trucker restaurants and gas stations. Where bridge clearances or axle loads are not yet included, Siemens VDO guides truckers to their destination by using the conventional car navigation data that is available for those areas.
    As one of the first integrated navigation systems, the Siemens VDO truck navigation uses a compact secure digital (SD) card, which covers the entire road network and special points of interest – in Europe next year and North America at a future time.
    The device Siemens VDO will supply to vehicle manufacturers is equipped with interfaces that allow an ergonomically optimal integration of the truck navigation system into the ####pit. If the vehicle manufacturer wishes, navigation directions can be displayed directly onto the instrument panel, for instance. Manufacturer-specific control elements can also be incorporated. A large-format screen that is clearly readable in all light conditions is integrated into the ####pit for the map display, which can be designed to the customer’s requirements. Other telematics, information and entertainment functions can be added, and the vehicle manufacturer’s workshops and service stations can be integrated into the map display.
    In a second development phase, integration of further-reaching vehicle-specific functions is conceivable. If other vehicle systems use data such as terrain profiles, ascents and descents supplied by the navigation system, the transmission system, for instance, would know to change gear before an incline and could make for substantial fuel savings.
     
  7. NomaD76

    NomaD76 Bobtail Member

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    I just ordered a laptop from Dell a couple days ago and got CoPilot from them with my system for an extra $60. Streets and Trips was like $100-110. I didn't know it knew if you were in a truck.....glad I picked it.
     
  8. hawkrh

    hawkrh Bobtail Member

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    Oct 29, 2006
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    Kcorey is right on. A Garmin Ique 3600 with updated V8 maps (2006) and car kit can be had for around $220. It is a referb unit that carries 90 day limited warranty. If this unit ever fails, out of warranty, they have a flat rate for repair. I have also contacted Garmin and the new units (M4~M5) have the truck selector also. They are basically the same as the 3600 but the palm is more up to date. They also start at 2x the price of the 3600....

    Thanks Kcorey, good advice taken!:smt023
     
  9. Cerberus101

    Cerberus101 Heavy Load Member

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    The iq 3600 sounds cool. where would one pick this up at? I would like to check it out. thanks
     
  10. BearGator56

    BearGator56 "The G stands for GOOD!"

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    Check out amazon. That's where I got mine. I highly recommend the windshield mount w/suction cup to add to it-look for the car kit. It has the 12v plug in the kit.
     
  11. kc0rey

    kc0rey Medium Load Member

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    eBay has some...........The Garmin site will point you in the right direction as well. The iQUE 3600 is being phased out I think, so the prices should drop. The car kit is a must have and works very well with it's amplified speaker.
     
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