GPS systems who uses what and why?

[seqfisho]

Hey Guys,

Being able to read a map isn't an issue for me but the co-pilot read SWMBO has all sorts of trouble navigating the refidex let alone trying to work out where she is or going. I have always used a Eagle explorer handheld unit as a backup to topo maps and in the boat, but it is about 8yrs old now and only shows plot trails and lat long etc.

Of recent times I have started to see some neat setups with PDA's and nav software in cars allowing voice prompting and download upload to PC abillities, this I though may be a great idea for the boss as all she needs to do is enter the destination and follow the instructions, which will be fine by her as long as its not me giving them :roll: :roll:

So who is using this sort of system round town or even in the bush with topo overlays etc and how do you find them for accuracy etc

Given the price these are getting down too they seem to be a very attractive item. I saw a ACER pda with intergrated gps and copilot live nav s/ware for $745 at our IT wholsaler.


Glen.

[nutgrass]

You might find this useful???

http://www.ja-gps.com.au

might be worthwhile info on the systems your'e talking about.

I don't need one with my navigator, does nothing but tell me where to go.

it's not somewhere you can take a landy either.

[PCH]

I bought a new Magellan Meridian - Platinum model with the MapSend s/w that has tracks covering all over Australia loaded on a 256MB SD card. Also picked up the widscreen mount and 12VDC adaptor.

I bought it on ebay from a guy who is in Watsonia (Melbourne). Cost me about $800 all up.

The reason for going with the Magellan Meridian was that I knew it had all the tracks of each State and if I needed to upgrade to the latest version of MapSend which is now called Discover Aus I could. The latest Discover Aus will be released mid this year (Retails for $270). Its really easy to use but I'm sure the other brands like Garmin are as well.

Uploading from the PC to the GPS is really simple using the serial port. Marking way points and linking them together to form a route on the MapSend s/w is really easy. There is probably heaps more I could do but I haven't really needed to try it out. From a cold start it pick up satellites pretty quickly even when really overcast. Sometimes it looses track in heavy forests but as soon as it gets back to a clearing it tracks again.

The GPS unit has the 3D compass and barometer/weather forecast but isn't really that important for me but I still bought this model just in case I needed them (especially if camping). You could equally buy the Meridian Gold traveller pack which retails for under $1K and on ebay it would be even cheaper. You get everything for 4WD'ing (GPS, 256 Mb SD card, Discover Aus CD, GPS windscreen mount, 12V adaptor and PC cable).

The only downside I've found so far is that if you get a reflection on the screen it is really hard to see the route even with the back light on it's highest setting. The screen should have a anti reflective coating or finish like on in-car GPS's

Chris

[Redback]

Navman PiN works well, we load Oziexplorer 125,000 topos into it to get more detail couldn't be happier and as well the SmartSt street & track navigation voice command is great albeit something else telling me where to go 8O

Baz.

[incisor]

on the irc channel inchome some some gps manuals you can download from him. how to use type stuff... look pretty good...

[Moses]

I use a Garmin Geko 201. Not much chop for in car nav but works a treat in bushwalking situations, which is my primary use. I love it! Connects to the PC and can use the PC with Oziexplorer maps to create waypoints etc and send them to the GPS. I can recommend Johnny Appleseed GPS on Ipswich Rd. (Brisbane). Decent range, knowledgable people and keenest prices around.

[Bytemrk]

I use a Magellan Meridian Platinum.

Why.... cause it was cheap style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif I got it from ebay - was a US model - but with a little internet know how and a bit of spare time - the Aussie firmware and how to swap it was not that hard to find :twisted: :twisted:

No Aussie warranty - but then it cost me $350 when the Aussie model was over $900... I'll live without the warranty!

Oh.... and as well as being cheap it is a bloody good GPS with plenty of useful features.... :wink:


But seriously if you have major GPS questions you need our resident forum GPS expert.

RMP wrote the book....really... GPS Vehicle navigation - really good read I'd strongly recommend you get your hands on it if want to know more.

[sclarke]

I Use a Magella Meridian Colour.
256mb card and running Discover Aus.

I have on CD Discover Aus and Hema Desert Maps if anyone wants a Copy.

I'm looking for 50,000:1 natmaps also.

Steve

[kaistuff]

I am using Magella Meridian Siries with 256SD card and reradiater antenna. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Good track detail and very acurate style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif and easy to use

sclarke wrote:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I have on CD Discover Aus and Hema Desert Maps if anyone wants a Copy.[/b][/quote]
Steve can i get a coppy of discover aus

thanks

Kai

[sclarke]

Kai,
I've PMed you.

I'll rip a copy for you.


Arrrrr Pirate Steve

[seqfisho]

The Magellans seem popular but isnt anyone using PDA's with voice and GPS adaptors?



Glen.

[Michael2]

I'm planning to get GPS Flashcard (about $100 on ebay) and use it on the PDA and the Laptop, probably with oziexplorer (though I'll need the CE version for the PDA). Every time I nearly buy one, other expenses occur (like a gearbox style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif ).

I've heard they work well, but haven't heard any detail. I was given an older PDA for free, so this seems to be my most econimical solution. The PDA can also communicate with the laptop, and on it's own I can still use it for emailing etc when travelling.

So any info on the PDA solution from anyone out there would be appreciated by more than one of us.

[PCH]

Originally posted by sclarke
Kai,
I've PMed you.

I'll rip a copy for you.


Arrrrr Pirate Steve

Is the DiscoverAus CD restricted 3 GPS serial numbers?

I wouldn't mind one if it can be copied. When I get the newest version (Next Destination told me maybe mid this year). I'd be happy to return the favour.

Chris

[sclarke]

I'll sling you a copy as well young man...

Hey you joining us on the long weekend for playing in the bush...
No serious stuff just a drive.

[PCH]

Thanks Steve,

I owe you one when I get an updated version.

Yes I'm going but don't make it just a drive.

Chris

[sclarke]

It wont be, but it wont be damaging

[seqfisho]

Anyone using a GPS Map 276C, especially with the voice nav system.

It may be better than a PDA as I can t/f it to the boat aswell, I hear PDA's arent that keen on getting wet 8O

Glen.

[camel_landy]

Originally posted by seqfisho
Anyone using a GPS Map 276C, especially with the voice nav system.

It may be better than a PDA as I can t/f it to the boat aswell, I hear PDA's arent that keen on getting wet 8O

Glen.

I'm using the GPS Map 176C.... I wish I'd waited for the 276 as it's a slightly better unit.

IMO, I think it's a better option then a PDA based system. I went for the GPS Map as it's got a decent sized display (so you can read it while driving) but the unit is small enough for you to carry on foot.

The PC software is also quite easy to use for uploading maps, routes, etc...

I've also got the external antenna for it and it's the mutts nuts!

Mark.

[VladTepes]

Originally posted by Moses
I use a Garmin Geko 201. Not much chop for in car nav but works a treat in bushwalking situations, which is my primary use. I love it! Connects to the PC and can use the PC with Oziexplorer maps to create waypoints etc and send them to the GPS. I can recommend Johnny Appleseed GPS on Ipswich Rd. (Brisbane). Decent range, knowledgable people and keenest prices around.

Yep I bought the same thing for my folks, from the same shop.

First great service from the shop and good prices too.

Dad loves it - uses for in car nav (sort of) and bushwalking. Very handy - easy to find your way back to the car.

Also Glenn - Jason in the LR club has a gps tied to a PDA. It's a good laugh coz its probably worth the same $ as his series truck style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[one_iota]

I have a Magellan Gold.

The "native" mapsend maps are very detailed much more so than the topos that Auslig provide and usable with ozexplorer (I also have these)

It's a great unit straight out of the box. A bit like a Land Rover.

[barney]

i'm running a garmin gps2plus. i bought it a long time ago and it was pretty hot back in the late '90's. i mainly use it for getting un-lost in conjunction with my topo's and for marking up the maps with tracks that need special attention.
it's saved my bacon a couple of times.
i wouldn't mind upgrading to a garmin map 60C, but have the money otherwise allocated at the moment

[CraigE]

I am using a Garmin GPS11 plus. Pretty basic but OK for the price. I am in the process of setting it up through my laptop using Natmaps Raster and TrackRanger software. Should be awesome and a lot cheaper than buying a new colour GPS. Having said that my Brother in law has a Magellen Gold which is great and fairly simple to use.

[rmp]

The Garmin 276 is a great unit but cannot ever hope to match a PDA or laptop for mapping. The advantage of the PDA/laptop is that it can run *any* map at all, digital or otherwise. If it's not already digital you scan it.

The screen on late-model GPSRs are good, but still not as good as a VGA PocketPC like the Toshiba e8xx or iPaq 47xx series.

However, PDAs aren't robust and if you're a boater avoid them or protect them.

My personal setup is a GPS V with an e800 VGA PocketPC PDA running Oziexplorer. I use a laptop and/or a Magellan FX324 for competitions.

The Geko is ok but I recommend against the basic ones as for 4WD use you really want external power, a data port and an external antenna is handy too.

Both Garmin and Magellan will be updating their maps in the next few months. Upgrade pricing will apply, except of course to pirates who will drive prices up for all.

PDAs can also run autorouting, as can Navmans and some Garmins.

[p38arover]

I have a Garmin eMap which does have an Australian base-map built in (although it's a good 20+ years out of date - the local M4 motorway is shown ending at Blacktown and Penrith).

I was given it as a farewell present when I was made redundant from Telstra 3-1/2 years ago. The reason for selecting it was that it did have the base map and was portable in the sense of only needing two 1.5v batteries which is probably good for bush walking. It's very easy to use and it is very light and will easily fit into one's pocket. I quite like it.

Disadvantages?

1. Very expensive to fit a proprietary Garmin data card for uploading new maps.

2. The limited memory restricts one to 2048 data records before it starts overwriting data. it needs more memory or an external data recorder (which I have recently been given).

3. The screen is nowhere as easy to read in the car as a colour display (but that's not what it was designed for). For car use, my view is that colour is essential.

4. The eMap is very tight in its power supply requirements - about 3.13 volts max - I made a regulated supply for use in the car. A 12 volt unit would be easier in a car.

5. The external antenna socket is tiny and the plug that fits isn't very robust.

6. For car use, it doesn't give any voice prompts. This may not seem important but having just come back from Victoria, I can assure you this is essential for an in-car unit. Victoria has appalling signposting on major roads. NSW is far, far superior in this respect.

7. The data link is the older serial port and getting it to work with the USB adaptor is problematical. My new laptop doesn't have an RS232 serial port.

8. The flat 4-pin power/data plug sometimes disconnects in a mobile (car) environment and has to be pushed back in. Other Garmins with the round plugs are probably better in this respect.

Re mapping software, I have OziExplorer and the eMap interfaces to OziExplorer quite well (when the USB converter works) and it's interesting to look at one's track plot when overlaid onto the Auslig Raster 250K maps (or other maps I have loaded). Too bad OziExplorer won't read the UBD 5 Cities on Disc maps (UBD haven't made it easy) - I could have used that function in Melbourne.

I'll have to buy Robert Pepper's book to learn more about mapping and track plotting.

Ron

[RR5L]

Ive read this thread, I get the idea, but to be honest im still lost as to what to look for in a GPS. I like the idea of the PDA only because I can see other uses for i.e. work, which also means I could probably depreciate it like a home computer. But are they robust enough to go 4 wheeling with? I see a lot of you have the Magellan units, this probably is cheaper than a PDA+GPS unit?

From a map point of view my main interest is for 4x4 tracks in the bush, desert driving, which provides the best Australia wide coverage? And like Ron said when interstate a GPS would be awesome, I hate driving in Sydney with the volume of traffic etc and the number of streets etc.

I think I need to get together with some of you more knowledgable folks and get a demo!

Gotta say I like the idea of voice prompting, though I dont know if SWMBO will like competeing for my attention style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[RR5L]

Think I might get a copy of RMP's book and have a good read first!

[hiline]

Originally posted by RobG65
Think I might get a copy of RMP's book and have a good read first!

i'm with you rob, been reading through all the posts on this and still lost 8O :wink: :wink:

just not sure which is the best way to go :evil: :evil: :evil:


RMP................helpppppppppppppppppppppppppppp ppp please style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[rmp]

OK, ask any questions you want...but I can't do much with a general "I'm lost!"

Ron's given a good summary of the eMap, but bear in mind the eMaps are about 5 years old now and many of the points he makes would be addressed in newer models. However, his post does indicate the disadvantages of older units.

If you have a USB-only laptop (no serial port) then you can get a USB to serial converter. As Ron found some of these, especially the early ones, are problematic although they're getting better. I'd keep the receipt.

PDAs and robustness. My PDAs have been everywhere, including on the Outback Challenge '04, through various deserts and many hard day trips. Yes they are robust enough provided you take care of them. You can claim the tax back too, not depreciate them. Handy to know.

The Magellans would be cheaper than a PDA/GPSR combo like I run. The great advantage of the Magellans is mapping coverage. However, the screen, controls and features aren't the best so though the detail is there it's not that easy to actually use. Garmin's maps are nowhere near as good as Magellans for offroad use, but in reviews I've found their receivers to be better-featured and more user-friendly.

If you want mapping coverage for 4WDing then either get a Magellan with the optional DiscoverAus maps, or any other GPSR linked to a PDA or laptop where you can run any map you like.

If you want on-road turn-by-turn directions, known as autorouting (also see a review in this month's Overlander mag) then Garmin and Navman are two main options. There is also autorouting software for PDAs and laptops.

OziexplorerCE (the PDA version) will give you voice prompts after you've set it up to do so with a route you've put in it. For autorouting the dedicated autorouting GPSRs from Garmin and Navman will generally voice prompt. All software voice prompts. Voice is much safer than looking at a screen.

If you know you will buy a GPSR and intend to hook it up to either a laptop or PDA then I would spend less on the GPSR compared to if you know you'd only ever use it by itself. This is because you can get a less fully-featured GPSR and compensate with the laptop/PDA.

Everyone has a personal preference, and having tried pretty much everything mine is a PDA.

Next month's Overlander will contain a review of the top-end Magellan, the Meridian Colour. I'm also thinking about one on the topic of PDAs and GPSRs, seems like there's enough interest.

[RR5L]

Originally posted by rmp
I'm also thinking about one on the topic of PDAs and GPSRs, seems like there's enough interest.

Thanks Rob....and yes I think there is a heap of interest in this area of PDAs and GPSRs...go for it.

[p38arover]

Originally posted by RobG65+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RobG65)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-rmp
I'm also thinking about one on the topic of PDAs and GPSRs, seems like there's enough interest.

Thanks Rob....and yes I think there is a heap of interest in this area of PDAs and GPSRs...go for it.[/b][/quote]

I agree. I have been using a PDA (Palm IIIe) for about 8 years and it goes everywhere with me. But I can't justify buying another unit that would be replace a functioning PDA and a functioning GPS. But that may happen when the prices drop even more. (I admit I came close when I dropped the Palm and broke the screen. Palm wanted A$260 to repair it - but my daughter found a new screen for $15 on eBay and I replaced it myself.)

Ron

[rmp]

Ron, I wouldn't replace your Palm with a PocketPC. I recently broke my iPaq 4700 and replaced with it a Palm T5. A much better unit, quick, reliable, easy to use. Cheaper, too at $499.

However, I do run a PocketPC PDA in my 4WD. The VGA models are definitely worth it, but in reality you could just as well run one of the older models like an iPaq 3800 which is no worth around $100, check out eBay, Trading Post etc. All you'd then need is the cable for around $100 again, see www.gpsoz.com.au. There are expensive mounts but mine is made of metal bent in a vice, angle-grinded and spray-painted matt black. So the PDA option need not cost a lot, especially as being a laptop owner you will already have electronic maps. OziCE is $40 I think.

[p38arover]

Thanks for the ideas, Robert.

I had been looking for a HP LX620 but you've made some other good suggestions. I will check them out.

Ron

[Disco300Tdi]

Robert

I currently own a Garmin GPS72, great for in the boat on the water,

but I seem to be running around in circles chasing Rays' tail

or is he chasing me??? 8O 8O when it comes to an in car mounted system

:idea: Might just go down to Johnny Appleseed in StKilda

:idea: See it all set up and go from there

Hopefully the EBay gods could be helpful after I decide

Regards
Gavin

[rmp]

The "what GPSR do I buy" question is as easily answered as "what 4WD do I buy".

The only way is to research, look, ask and keep that loop going until you're as comfortable as you get with your own opinions.

[seqfisho]

Hi RMP,

My decision has come down to either a Garmin GPS276C Map or a HP iPaq H5555 or similar with Navman GPS 3450 sleeve, I currently use a eagle explorer hand held a unit that has given 8 years of off road and marine (open and wet tinnie) use without a hitch, but due to the great gains in technology would like to be able to get some better use with a new unit in regards to mapping interfacing aswell as voice direction etc, the latter would be of great use for work and the better half and I'm sure makes for safer city driving in unfamiliar areas.

I like the ability of weatherproofing of the GPS276 and it gives me the flexibility of being transferable between car and boat, but the bulkyness on the dash of the company hack falcon might be an issue, I doubt it being an issue in the disco, on the other hand I may end up getting a combo unit for the boat as the current sounder is showing its age (technologically)

I suppose the question I really need to be answered is the ability between the PDA combo I mentioned and the GPSMap276C, as pricing for either option is similar so what is the best system for placing routes and trips and map data etc on the units and the best mapping on screen ability, are the voice direction programs as effective on both etc, as both sales info suggests that they are, or is one system clearly better than the other, something thats very hard to compare unless you can get the units together in real life situations.

I hope this is reasonably easy to answer as the more that I look at it the more I seem to get confused and think I'll stick to my Explorer, nav charts, topo's, refidex (UBD) and directions from SWMBO.

Regards Glen.

[rmp]

The 276 will be robust, easy to use, have autorouting and handle waypoints, routes etc.

The PDA option, and I'd recommend an iPaq 4700 not the 5555 as the 4700 has a VGA screen, will be less robust but still strong enough for 4WDing. It will be more complex to set up. It will do autorouting but will require more software. You have an unlimited choice of maps.

You could link the PDA to the 276.

The speaker on the PDA won't be all that great in a noisy vehicle, but can be improved easily by an external speaker or linking to your car stereo.

SWMBOs are ok for navigating, but let me list the advantages of an electronic router over a SWMBO:

1. Tells you to turn before you get to the turning.
2. Knows left from right, and right from left.
3. Stress level remains at 0.
4. Does not need to turn its map upside down to read it when heading south.
5. Automatically recalculates the route if you deviate, as opposed to spitting the dummy so far it goes into orbit.

cheers

[VladTepes]

It sure is a confusing area for most of us, this whole GPS thing.


Originally posted by p38arover

I dropped the Palm and broke the screen. Palm wanted A$260 to repair it - but my daughter found a new screen for $15 on eBay and I replaced it myself.)

Ron

Lucky you. We use the $400 iPaq's at work for collecting stats when we interview people :roll: (don't get me started). Three people (none me I;m happy to say) have managed to break the screens, simply by dropping thje things from around hip height. None too strong.

How do the all-in-one GPS units stand up to this sort of abuse? Are they much better?

Now aside from the question of the GPS unit itself, it the question of "which PDA is best". Perhaps someone, ahem RMP :wink: , might write a thread on this issue itself. i.e the pros and cons of each model.

[seqfisho]

Originally posted by rmp+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rmp)</div><div class='quotemain'>

The PDA option, and I'd recommend an iPaq 4700 not the 5555 as the 4700 has a VGA screen,[/b]

:?: So what PDA do you recommend if I was going to use the Navman GPRS 3450 Sleeve, why the VGA screen and what type is the 5555?

<!--QuoteBegin-rmp


SWMBOs are ok for navigating, but let me list the advantages of an electronic router over a SWMBO:

1. Tells you to turn before you get to the turning.
2. Knows left from right, and right from left.
3. Stress level remains at 0.
4. Does not need to turn its map upside down to read it when heading south.
5. Automatically recalculates the route if you deviate, as opposed to spitting the dummy so far it goes into orbit.

cheers[/quote]

Yeah I've tried various SWMBO options, even completely changing models once, but it always seems to end up in tears :roll:

Sometimes even mine 8O

Glen.

[RR5L]

Originally posted by seqfisho+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(seqfisho)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-rmp


The PDA option, and I'd recommend an iPaq 4700 not the 5555 as the 4700 has a VGA screen,

:?: So what PDA do you recommend if I was going to use the Navman GPRS 3450 Sleeve, why the VGA screen and what type is the 5555?
[/b][/quote]
Reading the PDF file from the Navman site it states for the 3450 sleave the following are used - HP iPAQ™ H3600, H3700, H3800, H3900 and H5400 Series.

Does this mean its limited to this lot, or that was what was currently available at the time of publishing?

OMG this has opened a whole lot of cans of worms! (and my interest in buying one)

[rmp]

I recommend the Toshiba e800, e830 or iPaq 4700 as all these have 4-inch VGA screens. With PDAs for mapping, the bigger the screen and the higher the resolution, the more effective it is.

[Pirate]

I am running a Garmin eMap and find it a great little unit. I also use the laptop for moving map if required.

The maps on the emap are very basic but have found then adequate. Generally whack in waypoings or routes from the laptop before I head out.

Would like to get into the PDA GPS scene but not enuff of the folding stuff at present.

I use map and compass a lot recently and enjoy the challenge. Only seem to use the GPS to record points of inerest.

If all else fails there is always the HF :wink:

[RoverOne]

Originally posted by seqfisho
Hey Guys,


So who is using this sort of system round town or even in the bush with topo overlays etc and how do you find them for accuracy etc

Given the price these are getting down too they seem to be a very attractive item. I saw a ACER pda with intergrated gps and copilot live nav s/ware for $745 at our IT wholsaler.


Glen.

G'day Glen,

I'm using a Magellan Meridian Platinum, all optioned up with outlet for a laptop, bolted into swivel mount, cost about $1100 with everything, I wouldn't buy this type of gear on ebay etc too much risk even at $400 which I've seen them at and not that clever on the internet.

http://www.aulro.com/albums/album307/Defender_Magellan_Platinum_GPS.sized.jpg
gpsoz.com.au Brian or Kirsten will give all the info you will ever need or ask they are the experts 02 99992313 at Mona Vale they offer update to soft ware yearly free on all brands and they carry all brands.

I am amazed at the accuracy of this unit especially on the side tracks and trails that the moajority are all the there.

I've been around Australia a couple of times, crossed deserts without wheel tracks, a lot of tracks now out of reach and not needed one before, but they are fun, confirming your hardcopy, that you are where you thought you were much quicker than driving to the next intersection and having to come back.

Cheers
Bryce

I'm still amazed at the detail of side tracks

[hiline]

so i take it, your amazed at the side tracks style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif :wink:

[RoverOne]

Originally posted by hiline
so i take it, your amazed at the side tracks :lol: :wink:

The more I think about it, I'm really amazed :roll:

[Robbo]

I have used various Garmin GPS units but now for my Forby I use my IPAQ 2210 coupled to a 16 channel Bluetooth GPS unit that is re-chargeable and costs about $100 on Ebay. This unit has a similar battery to a Nokia Phone, is not much bigger than a matchbox, comes with both a car charger and mains Charger, provision for external aerial if required and last about 20 hrs on one charge. Brilliant unit, as good as anything I have used. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Bushie]

I have been using a Garmin12 with Ozi (on home PC) for around 8 years with a datalogger as my own gear. (recorded a 4 week trip at 10sec inervals with the datalogger from http://homepages.tig.com.au/~robk/datalogger.html )

At work I use a Garmin76map (just replaced the Garmin12XL 3 days ago) also have an Ipaq 3970 with OziCe and a Haicom CF GPS (this usually ends up on trips with me). We are about to go to Ipaq 4700 later this month


Bushie

[p38arover]

I've got a Garmin eMap which was a farewell present from Telstra when I was made redundant in 2002.

Jim Gardner (LROC) recently gave me his old data logger so I have to see if I can adapt that to the signal levels of the Garmin.

Ron

[DionM]

I'll chime in with my GPS setup.

I use a bluetooth GPS receiver which sits on the dash, and then I use either my Ipaq with street mapping (for sat nav) or oziexplorer. Or I use my laptop with bluetooth receiver.