1. Novice Driver

    Novice Driver Bobtail Member

    15
    2
    Jun 14, 2009
    Carlisle, Ontario, Canada
    0
    I have to add this to the comments pertaining to the PCMiler 450. This time though it isn't so much the unit itself.
    Let me explain, I already had the 450 that I purchased from Diesel Boss or Don Jr. back in 02/11.
    I had several issues with it that Don Jr corrected over the phone (see earlier posts). Outstanding customer service IMO.
    My latest issue was the purchase of a higher end desktop PC that for some reason wouldn't recognize my 450 and couldn't use the dock.
    Again we tried many variations but no go. Don, if you recall you said to try a USB booster of some sort. So I went to the tech store where I purchased but these guys were adamant that couldn't be the problem or they had never heard of such an issue, the problem must be the GPS. Suggested doing a complete software upgrade $275, more than the GPS is worth.
    Anyway to get to the point they decided to try a USB hub which is AC driven.....well lo and behold it connected right away and my PC had no more issues.
    Don you are the man! All these so called computer tech guys at this store didn't have a freaking clue.
    So guys and gals if you want to try and save a few $ on any of these units by shopping around, save your time and future frustrations. You will not find better or more helpful CS anywhere, again in my opinion.
     
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  3. Dieselboss

    Dieselboss Technology Contributor

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    Feb 19, 2009
    DieselBoss.com
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    Thanks!

    Although this has been said it several threads here, it is a common enough issue to be said again:

    In order to squeak out every bit of extra battery lifetime and also to adhere to the green "Energy Star" type of standards, all device manufacturers look for ways to reduce energy consumption down to its lowest possible levels.

    Well, somewhere along the way in the last 2 years or so, newer laptops (and once even a desktop support call that I had) involve a reduction by only a few millivolts in the USB ports just low enough to drop below where Windows does "not recognize the device." It sees that SOMETHING got plugged in but can quite finish the required handshaking to fully connect.

    The ways around it vary from any of the following:
    - get a powered (and even one unpowered that Mark from Rand found) USB hub.
    - try a short, high quality cable to reduce the resistance properties in the cable itself.
    - or do your updates on a computer that it will connect to.

    This issue has to do with a battle between device makers and motherboard manufacturers around what the definition of the current "USB standard" is. It is NOT connected to any one maker. I have had it occur with Rand, Garmin, PC*Miler and even a Canon camera.
     
    Last edited: Nov 22, 2011
    Novice Driver and Mark Kling Thank this.
  4. Dieselboss

    Dieselboss Technology Contributor

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    Feb 19, 2009
    DieselBoss.com
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    Well, that gets two answers actually. Personally, I am an "ALL-IN-ONE device" type of person and spending 80% or more time in a given month in the truck again would compel me to have a 10 to 11" tablet PC (touch screen) mounted in a Ram mount on near the dash. It would be 4G cellular capable so it would also be doubling as a hands-free cell phone, or connecting my Verizon phone service to a B250-XT hanging next to my head for when there was too much noise in the truck at the time. Then it would be running CoPilot Truck GPS and Eclipse Log simultaneously which would take care of navigation, real-time traffic, real-time weather, real-time messaging, and E-Logs using one piece of hardware. Then, I'd have one camera pointed forward (inside out the windshield) and one pointed backward (outside) on a loop recording onto the same tablet for CYA. Then, when parked, I'd unclick the tablet from the front and click it into another mount on a short Ram arm in the bunk. So if I wanted to surf internet, read the TruckerReport forum, email, game, or watch movies - still the SAME device.

    Best lower-cost example of such a device would be one of the Asus Slate series. Best "bullet-proof mack-daddy" example would be the Toughbook H2.

    NOW, lest anyone break my stones about the cost of this setup, it is ALL about where you set YOUR priorities. He asked what I would do. For example, I had a driver in the shop a while back who insisted that he wouldn't buy a $200 GPS unless I sold it to him for $175. I noticed SERIOUS BLING on the front of his rig, so I complimented him on the new chrome bumper and grill. He then proceeded to tell me that he had $8000 in chrome so far and that he wasn't done yet. Then he changed the subject back and asked if he could get that $25 off... His priorities were on shiny stuff, and mine are on taking hard-earned dollars and turning them into well-deserved profits.

    But getting back to the second part of the answer because I believe that you are asking about the bloody battle going on for the 5" and 7" windshield/dash truck GPS supremacy and not a laptop solution. Having been involved since day-1 on these devices from a testing and usability standpoint, it is important to understand that NOT JUST the manufacturers, but THE MODELS from WITHIN each manufacturer are "leap-frogging" each other. For example, at the time that your PCM 540 was new - THAT was the most solid brand and model in my opinion. Rand had a great start with the 500, but it was young and it suffered a bit too much from a route and detour calculation-speed problem despite the additional features. They have since greatly improved that aspect by improvements in the software, but by a much bigger improvement in the 510/710 hardware (although there is NO model still today that does the raw "entire route" calculation or quick recalc during a forced detour faster than PC Miler.) The speed issue really bugged me because there is nothing better to panic you in downtown Chicago with the city blocks passing you by while the GPS says "recalculating." And again, it is no longer the show-stopper any more.

    It's important to note that we are fans here of both PC Miler and Rand technology for different reasons, and of the Garmin 560 to a lesser extent due to some routing challenges that they need to overcome. SO, if you are generally happy with the PCM540 interface and want a newer, updatable unit with mature and versatile truck routing, I would go with a 750R with a 2-yr extended warranty. In that manner you get good warranty and low price but still have a big screen and loud speaker. The "x50" models have much more current maps and clearer screens than the x40 series. Also, they are the ONLY units that show you the low bridge heights, "no trucks" icons, and hazmat classifications on the maps while in planning mode and while driving - including on the roads near and around you. The downside is that you will however sacrifice some considerable features that Rand does admirably (mile markers, real-time traffic option, extractable and editable state mileage logs, seriously enhanced POI, multiple HOS and odometer recording, and a variety of upcoming alerts to name some of my favorites.)

    I know that you wanted a "this is clearly the winner" type of answer, but I have learned not to give one WITHOUT more thorough conversation because not every brand or model fits every driver's priorities. One minute someone says, "I want the lowest price truck GPS that does good routing" and I send him a PC Miler. 2 weeks later he sends it back because he NEEDS to be able to easily extract the state mileage report onto a computer and have real-time traffic. The next guy I send a TND model, and he sends it back because his company only pays for PC Miler "practical" miles and he needs to match their prescribed routes.

    At this time, the "devil is in the details" but I am always happy to fit any driver to the one that will make them the happiest if you want to call me. If not, I also have a huge detailed comparison of the 3 brands spoken about in this post so you can see if a particular aspect jumps out to help you decide.

    And just as soon as this post grows cold, the next "leap" will occur and it will all shift again...
     
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