Opinions/Reviews on CoPilot Truck

Thanks buckeye. Yes definetly would need that. Did you end up getting the copilot? If so, how do you like it compared to the GPS you had?

 

The CoPilot is an entirely different interface than Garmin, so no, not very similar. The routing is from PC Miler and is very accurate if you have set up your truck profile to correctly match your truck and driving preferences. However, there is no such thing as a GPS that is correct 100% of the time. They make it for Windows, Android, and iOS, but each is a separate license / separate program. So whichever licence you get will only go on that kind of machine.

Tablets/laptops/desktops/phones are made in all 3 flavors (Apple, Android, or Windows) and each has its stronger points and weaker points - but that has been beat to death in other threads.

Version "9" is the latest version. But we still carry version 8 also because some drivers use the state mileage calculator in version 8 to verify their state IFTA miles. If you have specific questions about CoPilot, you can continue to ask here.

 

Or if it is a Windows one, then get it with a full-sized USB port so you can plug in a stronger external antenna. Because as Buckeye reminds, the program is useless as a live GPS navigator without some form of GPS antenna (receiver) either BUILT-IN or USB or Bluetooth.

 

Thanks diesel boss. I understand the different operating systems as far as android, i-everythings, windows - well for the most part. I am just asking if the CoPilot GPS (navigation part of it) was similar to the regular truck GPS, or if he perfered one over the other. I just dont know all the technical terms to call everything. I know a GPS is a GPS and a tablet or what not is not just a GPS..it is just a tool on the tablet. Just really wanted to know if people like it before I spend the $150 or how ever much on the copilot. Don't want to spend the money and a month later be kicking myself for not just buying a regular truck GPS. Thanks for your responses and your time.

 

I believe I got my plug in GPS receiver from DieselBoss also. It is a BU-363. It just plugs into the USB port. It really works great. The receiver needs to be where it can get a clear picture of the sky so it you use it indoors to preplan you have get it near a window.

I have never been able to get the BU-363 to work with my Eclipse Logbook software but it should. I just haven't been able to figure it out.

Again, I am not paid by Diesel Boss for recommending his products, nor do I get a discount on my purchases but I am open to that possibility.

 

CoPilot Truck by ALK/PC Miler was the first truck GPS actually. They have been doing truck routing for over 20 years for companies and then added it to GPS for laptops about 10 years ago. There are several threads here previously on other driver opinions generally favorable for CoPilot and PC Miler's routing. I know where the "bodies are buried" on every version of CoPilot since its inception and will give you to honest scoop when I know the answer to something.

If you are wanting to put a truck-specific GPS "PROGRAM" on a device (Windows / Android / i-Whatever) then it is CoPilot in my opinion.

If you are wanting to do a stand-alone product in a windshield, then it is not CoPilot. So one of the main deciding factors is if you want your GPS on a device that you already own, then the program is cheaper than buying a standalone GPS of any reasonable screen dimension (5 inches or larger.)

If there is a specific feature that is a showstopper for the particular driver then THAT can also be the deciding factor. One driver will say that the device or program MUST bluetooth to his phone (Garmin) and then the next will say that is MUST have live weather on the screen (Rand or CoPilot) and the next will say that it MUST have very easy and accurate state mileage logs for IFTA (Rand and Garmin) etc. Many drivers work for a company that pays them by PC Miler routing. In THAT case, the CoPilot is going to match their company pay miles because it is made by the same provider.

So I always ask, what are your top 5 features and do you want it stand-alone or on a tablet/laptop/phone. (tip: there is a free usage period of a program call SmartTruckRoute every day for Android and i-devices. You could also check that out. But the main difference with them and CoPilot is that CoPilot loads all of the program onto your device and therefore does not need a cell connection at the time to work.)

 

The BU-353 is a universal USB receiver. It will provide your GPS position to any program that accepts what they call "serial NMEA data." It works with Windows / Mac / Linux. There is a newer version for Windows 8 and the previous one works with Windows 7 and below (and Mac and Linux.)

The Eclipse Log program will take the GPS position from any serial NMEA receiver (including the BU-353.) It will then automatically put in the closest town into the log when you are doing a status change and that point will also be a "certified" point.

The GPS receiver can only send the position to ONE PROGRAM AT A TIME unless you install and configure the free GPS Gate that comes with Eclipse. So if you do not have your CoPilot running first and you fire up Eclipse with the receiver plugged in, you should get the closest town in the box when you try to do an entry at the PRESENT TIME on the grid. And it will always name the closest own at the bottom-right.

(If you are semi computer savvy, the basic steps for GPS Gate are: Go into the Eclipse folder in the Start menu / Install GPS Gate / Start the GPS Gate and choose "run when windows starts" as an option / restart the computer with the receiver plugged in / run the GPS Gate "wizard" and it should find the receiver port and create 4 output ports / start up CoPilot and you way have to do a "setup GPS" again so that it finds it / Start Eclipse and you should also have the position there too after a minute or so / Done) Remember to have the Gate running first before you open CoPilot or Eclipse.

So if you do not have the GPS position on your Eclipse when Co-Pilot is not running, or if you need help configuring the GPS Gate so that you can use Eclipse and CoPilot at the same time with one receiver, then call us and we'll help you set it up in short order.

 

i have both pcmiler stand alone unit. AND copilot on my tablet and phone. (same company)

been on the road almost 3 years now. haven't had any other brand. minus a 2 week trial with rand. which got traded for my pcmiler.