GPS question

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by rbrtwbstr, Mar 13, 2014.

  1. rbrtwbstr

    rbrtwbstr Road Train Member

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    So last night I'm rolling down I81, and I pass a truck. As I'm passing by, I glance over and see the driver has a GPS with a rather large screen mounted directly in front of the steering wheel. But what baffled me was the laptop (I'm assuming) mounted to the right, kinda on the dash, which was on and displaying what appeared to be another GPS. I understand having two units is pretty common these days. But my question is how can that be safe? I mean, the laptop has a rather large, very bright screen, which creates a glare on the windows at night, and I'm sure seeing around it when backing blindside would be a pain. Or am I just getting old and stubborn?
     
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  3. gpsman

    gpsman Road Train Member

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    To the glass, directly in his line of sight...? Isn't that where many if not most people think is the best spot for them? It's exactly like a HUD... 'cept you just can't see through it is all.

    I didn't know that. Probably displaying a "GIS" (map/routing) app.

    I can't say for sure, my laptop rode on a cooler between the seats, but I did not find reflections to be an issue. Of course I didn't ride with the lid open, I didn't often feel the need to constantly need a map.... well, after I overcame the stunning wonder of being able to see on a map exactly where I was to ±3 meters (an effect I coined "GPS Hypnosis").

    My display was set at the lowest brightness level and night vision did not seem to be affected in the dark, wide open spaces, I missed 100% of the wildlife I had a chance to hit (AS FAR AS I KNOW!), anyway.. I used Streets & Trips and due to popular demand they came up with a "night view" that blacked out the map and illuminated just roads and labels, which was a lot more comfortable.

    Whothewhat now? "Kinda on the dash" seems to mean so high and L it might block the view of the R fender mirror, but I'd bet that's nowhere near the case, and closing the lid would remove any obstruction of forward or lateral vision. Laptops mounts tend to put the laptop below the driver's field of vision, and low to the vehicle center of gravity, like many cup holders. It would probably have to be a "post" mount to get it anywhere near high enough to block forward vision with the lid closed.
     
  4. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    .For my road test with Hill Bros,I drove an O/O trk that had his GPS mounted to the dash.I imagine they're use to it and doesn't feel its a distraction.Inever seen anything like that till then and thought it was neat but I would never spend that much money to get a gps like that.When I was driving I kept looking at that thing.He had a beautul trk inside and out.Put a lot of money into it.To me a GPS like that is a safety hazard but that's just me.
     
  5. Vito

    Vito Heavy Load Member

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    That's the problem with these extra large 7" GPS units they make now. They are so large that you MUST mount them on the dash, which in my opinion, is dangerous because it obstructs the view. I've got a 5 inch screen that is just small enough to mount on the side window to my left. It's smaller but it's closer than mounting on the dash so it winds up easy to see. And it doesn't obstruct the mirror. If it were larger there would be no safe way to mount it on the side window because it would obstruct the mirror. So for me, 5 inches is the perfect size GPS.
     
  6. tow614

    tow614 Road Train Member

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    I have a 7" gps and have had it mounted low to the center of the windshield with no problems..

    as for the laptop it is illegal to have any device that is capable of displaying tv or movie content but with the advent of smartphones I guess that law is pointless nowadays...
     
  7. droflex

    droflex Light Load Member

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    This is how I mounted mine. I don't have to take my elbow off the armrest to use it.

    View attachment 63296
     
  8. RevKev

    RevKev Medium Load Member

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    I81? Wonder if it was me! Oh wait, don't have a computer, but do have a large screen GPS.
     
  9. RevKev

    RevKev Medium Load Member

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    I have a Rand McNally ND720 which has a 7" screen. It's mounted on my windshield, just above the dash, right in front of my steering wheel, next to the dash mounted PeopleNet unit. As I look thru the shield, the top of the GPS runs right along the line of the front of the hood. Doesn't block line of sight at all......unless I want to see part of my hood or windshield wiper arm. ;)
     
    mattbnr Thanks this.
  10. mattbnr

    mattbnr Road Train Member

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    This is exactly where I have mine. Same thing. Don't need to see my wiper arm.
     
    follwer Thanks this.
  11. droflex

    droflex Light Load Member

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    Centralia, WA
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    Oops. Guess I was suppose attach image inline.

    IMG_20140313_121714_149.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 13, 2014
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