New Map update for Cobra 5550

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by drillbit, Mar 26, 2012.

  1. drillbit

    drillbit Bobtail Member

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    Oct 5, 2009
    sullivan il
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    Has anyone downloaded the new map update for 2012 for the cobra 5550 and if so Did it actually help. I am really unhappy with the performance of my cobra and there are still no software updates and not sure i am willing to pay $80 to get a new map update unless it greatly increases the accuracy and performance of this qps. I am about ready to go back to my tomtom car gps.
    Please let me know if you have tried the new maps and if it helps.

    Thanks
    Drillbit
     
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  3. Mic

    Mic Road Train Member

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    I see the map updates available for my 7750 too...but 80 Bucks on an update for a product I spent 500 bucks for...geez really...if I save up a bit more I can just get the Garmin with lifetime updates....Gee thanks Cobra...
     
  4. darmok

    darmok Bobtail Member

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    Mar 25, 2012
    Sault Ste Marie, ON
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    There is no map update "download" It appears that Cobra is trying to keep it's bandwidth cost down by saying the update it too large for online updating and then tells you to buy the Disk. I had my 5550 for 3 days before getting fed up enough to turn it back in to the Pilot J for a full refund. It's interesting.. I bought it originally because it claimed "free updates" but on digging farther into it... they only offer free software updates. Maps aren't considered software I guess they refer to the maps as content.

    If you did buy it from a Pilot J.. if you are still in the 30 day window for exchange and you are passing the same store. Ask to talk to the manager they "Might" consider allowing you to trade it towards credit on a different unit instead of another 5550. Be polite. Calling it a steaming pile of mung and tossing it at the counter usually doesn't yield good results. It must be returned in the original packaging with ALL the accessories it came with and in excellent condition. I was told this will sometimes work at different stores other than the one you got it from but not all the time. 7 day full money and points return encompasses any Pilot J in their network.
     
    Last edited: Mar 28, 2012
  5. Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

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    Weatherford, TX
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    Get a Garmin. They are the big boys. Free updates. Does take about 45 minutes on 6mb DSL line. Even for older units they charge $45. None of them are perfect but Garmin is the leader.
     
  6. darmok

    darmok Bobtail Member

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    Mar 25, 2012
    Sault Ste Marie, ON
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    Just want to point out. Garmin's "software" updates are free. BUT the first map update is free within XX days of the unit acquiring a GPS signal (whether it's registered or not at this point.) Unless you buy a model designated as LM or LMT (they will be more expensive than a LT or plain model.) You can buy Lifetime maps for ANY Garmin unit not designated a LM or LMT (good for the life of the device) for $90 and up depending on model.

    Another interesting thing to note on the DEZL LT I've been testing for my boss. the Free Lifetime traffic is supported by ads and the collection of usage data. When you register the device you do have the option of dis-allowing Garmin access to some if not all of the usage data. (The main advertiser seems to be Shell Gasoline at the moment).

    I wouldn't say Garmin is "the Leader" but they have been around for a long long time. The Navteq base-maps as do all of the different unit's base-maps will never be perfect it's how the companies obtain information and update the flaws that really make a big difference. That being said. If you got a box you are not happy with it will always sting a little with the price these units are.

    Sorry for getting off the topic of the Cobra Maps. Just had to point out that not all Garmin's come with free map updates. The DEZL LT my boss bought doesn't after the first free one (If one is available within xx days of first GPS position acquisition), The one my buddy bought a DEZL LMT does.

    I'm not saying you wouldn't be happy with one.. Just everybody has different tastes.
     
  7. Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

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    Who would you call a leader? Garmin and a couple of others started this for aircraft/marine decades ago.
     
  8. darmok

    darmok Bobtail Member

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    Mar 25, 2012
    Sault Ste Marie, ON
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    There is a difference between "The" and "A" Leader. Garmin is A leader among a select few GPS unit companies used by the drivers in our industry. I don't believe there is any clear out dominating company but several that are doing an excellent job working at satisfying our more difficult routing demands.

    (and to stay on topic) Cobra unfortunately fell way short of my expectations. They have a long way to go to be competitive. It's just too bad their attractive price point might gain them a few unhappy bargain hunters before they get their unit up to the quality to make it a good economic choice.
     
  9. Mic

    Mic Road Train Member

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    I have not found the update at any of the locations cobra lists....no one even knows what I am talking about either...
     
  10. darmok

    darmok Bobtail Member

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    Mar 25, 2012
    Sault Ste Marie, ON
    0
    I believe you are looking for a download link for the update.. There is no download or ability to order directly from the Online portal. You must call and they will take your order and ship you a DVD with the updated maps on it.

    From Cobra's 5550 FAQ basically the same as the 7750 FAQ

    "The mapping database is much too large to download from the internet. Map updates are
    supplied on a DVD.
    To order a map update, please call Cobra Customer Service at 773-889-3087."

    2012 DVD Map update listed at 79.95... Click me for link to 5550 page Click me for link to 7750 page

    Hope this info helps. No matter what they do to the mapset it has to be an improvement over the one that came on the unit. I looked in a few nooks and crannies and i couldn't find a DVDrip of the update disc anywhere. They probably tie it into your unit's serial# to prevent copies floating around anyways.

    I hope this is much closer to the actual topic and I apologize for going off thread more than I thought
     
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2012
  11. drillbit

    drillbit Bobtail Member

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    Oct 5, 2009
    sullivan il
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    still wanting an actual review before I spend my money any tried it
     
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