GPS, which one works best?

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by chevyluver, Oct 15, 2013.

  1. 379exhd

    379exhd Road Train Member

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    That's what a phone and pad of paper is for. Call ahead for directions and write the #### things down.
     
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  3. Flightline

    Flightline Road Train Member

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    I've used several different models of GPS and have always found the Garmin to be most reliable and user friendly.
    Now have the Garmin Dezil 720. Gotta be the best gps I've used. I think the most pricey but well worth it to me.

    My experience, they all have a few flaws. They tend to lock up when getting out dated also.
    Though I still use a map, the gps really makes things easier.
     
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  4. J_FROG

    J_FROG Road Train Member

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    Hmm, that's interesting. When I reported to the RM thread and Mark Kling that my 510 was freezing up I was told they don't do that only the 710 did that and it could be fixed by pinching the usb plug slightly.

    I bought a Garmin and have not had any issues with it.

    I do like the 510 and all its features and have continued to play with it in an attempt to resolve the issue myself. Right now I'm lead to believe it is a power issue or actually a lack of power issue. I've shut down the driver timers and have seen improvement. I then shut down auto-zoom and have seen even more improvement. Turning off unnecessary poi's seems to have helped some too.
    Right now, I've hit a record of 2 days without having to hit the reset button. I will see how it goes. My next step will be to find a slightly larger charger than what they use and see if that works better.

    I hope the mods don't move this thread as requested by Mark because things seem to get buried in the TND thread.
    Just my honest opinion.
     
  5. NewNashGuy

    NewNashGuy Road Train Member

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    Garmin hands down. A lot of truckers do not use a Garmin since they wanted the big Randy screen. If you update the Garmin with the latest maps, it will take you all over the US and Canada without an issue. Another mistake a lot of guys make is they just take the GPS out of the box and drive. The maps are likely outdated already while it was sitting on the shelf. I know someone will disagree but I have first hand knowledge and know for a fact the Garmin is very accurate. The only place it errored was in Rochelle IL because it tells you to take a left while on an overpass so you just have to simply turn and go underneath the overpass first. You name the city I have been there and Garmin was always right. I hear truckers always say "man that GPS wont take you there!" and it takes me right in front of the building that I am going to every time. Anyone who tries to argue with me about this is wrong.
     
  6. Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    So you would rather risk your route to whichever minimum wage earner answers the phone that day?

    Or routing from a device designed by the people that publish your atlas bible?

    Mikeeee
     
  7. Mark Kling

    Mark Kling Technology Contributor

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    I do believe we went back and forth a lot on your issue. It is hard to fix an issue with you there and me here. I can grab files from you, try your routing, etc etc. I try to keep all support issues on one thread, otherwise I am all over the site trying to answer questions.

    Freezing, black screen, Locking up, etc etc can be viewed differently by anybody as to what the meaning is.

    I would determine yours to be more a locking up issue.

    Now if you wish I can remote into your computer and view the TND as it is connected. I use TeamViewer. Just PM me when you have available.

    I do not like to leave a driver with a non-working or slightly working TND. I try my best to get you back up and running. I have worked with drivers on the website, via E-mail, Phone, and remoting in.

    I do test TND's on my desk constantly. I leave them running for weeks on end without rebooting. You have an issue, then it is my issue also.

    Thanks,
    Mark
     
  8. white wolf

    white wolf Light Load Member

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    The garmin series tend to work the best for me because there simple to use and understand no unessesary junk on them either
     
  9. Casual Trucker

    Casual Trucker Medium Load Member

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    you can download The updater Here After the update see if your problem is resolved.If Not do a diagnose & Repair Located on the updater Screen.
     
  10. Palazon

    Palazon Road Train Member

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    I'm a big fan of the TND 520/720 (5"/7") series. Mines the 520 which is highly accurate. Only time it has trouble is new construction areas like the new US 395 in Reno area, etc. Just waiting for them to be updated in the maps.
     
  11. J_FROG

    J_FROG Road Train Member

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    I don't really want to get into it with you here Mark, after my last conversations with you and dzel it ended with me feeling like you 2 were calling me a liar and didn't want to listen to what I was saying. But I will explain what I'm saying again.

    Its apparent that the power supply does not keep up with the usage when the truck is moving. When the gps has the timers going, is reading constantly moving/changing positions, is looking for pois to display, constructions zones, speed limit changes...ect, ect..
    When the devices are sitting still as they do on your desk most of this doesn't happen. Now add in a bouncing power socket, at both ends of the cord and you lose even more power to the processor. Turn up the display brightness because you are running in daylight and there goes even more. With enough of this happening the power needed to effectively run the device drains and the lockup or freeze happens.

    By shutting down many of these background operations and reducing the power usage I've extended the amount of time between freeze ups by hours. Now I am looking for a better solution such as a stronger battery and charger system. Something that will be stong enough to endure the blinking light effect of the power cords bouncing around and keep the unit properly supplied with enough power to run the processor effectively.
    If this proves to be the case, Ill just solder the charger cord into the device and hardwire a better connection to the other end.

    This is just my theroy. I don't believe it is a software issue because if it was, you folks would be fixing all the devices because we would all have the same issues.
     
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