Best sat nav please!

trevorstretch
trevorstretch Forum Participant Posts: 52
edited February 2016 in Parts & Accessories #1

Hi

i have seen a garmen sat nav which lets you put in you unit size, however I prefer using a Tom Tom, dunno why just more user friendly I think, I have looked on Tom toms web site and although it lists one it does not give model number or price etc, anyone
help?

thanks

Comments

  • rogher
    rogher Forum Participant Posts: 609
    500 Comments
    edited February 2016 #2

    Having become familiar with the TT interface I think it’s a wise move to stick with what you know. I’m not familiar with what TT provides these days but you can always load POIs for road restrictions according to your size. The snag would be that it won’t
    take them into consideration when routing but would alert you to them as you approached.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,868 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited February 2016 #3

    Trevor

    I am quite a TomTom fan and have had a couple over the years. My Start 60 has a nice big screen. It does not have a facility to enter outfit dimensions but I have added the Camper maps which can be purchased separately (just check this is possible for any
    model you are thinking of buying) All you do is select the Camper option and it will route you with that in mind. The only concrete indication that it works is on our journeys from MK to Oxford via Buckingham. If I set it for the car it takes you through Buckingham,
    if I set it for Camper it takes us round on the bypass. I suppose one could argue that it shouldn't even take a solo car through the town!!!

    David 

  • Tyre Fitter
    Tyre Fitter Forum Participant Posts: 21
    edited February 2016 #4

    Ive just purchased one of these.

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B017VXLCBY/ref=pe_385721_37986871_TE_item

    Andy.

  • layton1837
    layton1837 Forum Participant Posts: 109
    edited February 2016 #5

    I have just purchase a sat nav for under £30 It allows you to imput vejicle hiegth and length (Select Lorry) or you can select car. 49 countries Free map updates. Bought it as a back up for my Snooper which last year cost me £70 for map up date. I have used
    the sat nav for about a week selecting Car & Lorry although i have not yet towed  the carravan seen to work ok.

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261884033919 sat nav from ebay user manual http://download.naviextras.com/content/!application/Manual/NAGHIMOTORS_UserManual_UK.PDF

  • trevorstretch
    trevorstretch Forum Participant Posts: 52
    edited February 2016 #6

    Thanks I have orderd the Tom 5 so thanks farmer, I thought for £30 can't go wrong really, so will see how it goes, I'm doing bit part time taxi work, so will test it alongside the tom tom we use.

     

  • Maysie
    Maysie Forum Participant Posts: 27
    edited February 2016 #7

    Hi

    i have seen a garmen sat nav which lets you put in you unit size, however I prefer using a Tom Tom, dunno why just more user friendly I think, I have looked on Tom toms web site and although it lists one it does not give model number or price etc, anyone
    help?

    thanks

    We have always used Tom Tom and have been trying to source a new Tom Tom Go Live Camper and Caravan for months now with no success. They were out of stock and then Tom Tom themselves didnt know when they would be bringing out a new one. Eventually they announced
    they no longer make the caravan one. 

    We were really miffed as TT is our sat nav of choice, having used them for years now. Ours is really out of date - loads of new roads built since we bought it! Thought we would kill 2 birds and all that. Really don't want to buy another brand but other half
    does fancy being able to put the exact diimensions of our unit in to make navigating and route planning easier.

    It's nowt to do with map reading either as some of the A roads are godawful and some B roads are better! You just don't know until you are heading down a narrow lane with traffic ahead and traffic behind...

     

  • SELL
    SELL Forum Participant Posts: 398
    edited February 2016 #8

    Take a look at farmhouse link where he bought his tom tom from, listing has ended so may be unavailable now but it gives the model number to search elsewhere.

  • Maysie
    Maysie Forum Participant Posts: 27
    edited February 2016 #9

    Take a look at farmhouse link where he bought his tom tom from, listing has ended so may be unavailable now but it gives the model number to search elsewhere.

    Thank you SELL but Tom Tom havent made the camper and caravan one for getting on for 2 years now and we wanted a new model. I will have a lookie anyway, much appreciated.

  • Maysie
    Maysie Forum Participant Posts: 27
    edited February 2016 #10

    And just had a look and it's a standard car Tom Tom?

     

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2016 #11

    We have used a standard tomtom in vairous guises. I find it is best just to use it in default mode. Don't restrict the speed because you are towing as this can push you down smaller roads and be carefull when you miss a turn, is it just me?  As again it
    can take on tracks to recover the original route.  My motto is if in doubt bail out, of a turn that is. 

  • layton1837
    layton1837 Forum Participant Posts: 109
    edited February 2016 #12

    I have tried out this sat nav for the last couple of days and my opinion is that it is as good as my £300 Snooper. Yesterday i tried a route from home to my daughters wher I store the van a journey about 10 miles. With the Tom set to lorry it took me on
    a route that i would never have used but i followed it any way (Driving solo) 8.3 miles, on the return journey i selected an alternative route which is on that i would have used. this was 11 miles.I have to admit that i live in Gower and some of the route
    that i use to get to my daughterd when going or returning are on roads that are so narrow that there is no room for white lines in the centre of the road. When i arrived home i set the same route using my Snooper set on caravan and it took me the same route
    as the Tom . Have trried various routes in the Tom & the snooper and they take me in exacly the same routes . so for me at £30 it's a no brainer.The only mdownside for me at the moment is that i have not yet found a way to add my own POI.

  • KenAndKathleenReay
    KenAndKathleenReay Forum Participant Posts: 61
    edited February 2016 #13

    And just had a look and it's a standard car Tom Tom?

     

    The Sat-Nav suggested by @famrhouse is not a Tom-tom, it is called simply Tom.

    Based on his experience and the fact that for £30 it is worth a punt. I have ordered one, using the link he provided (thanks @farmer).

    @farmer also kindly provided a link to allow you to download the user manual. It is worth a quick read. It would appear you can specify vehicle dimensions. The manual claims you can also use it "off road", which may be useful for walking of cycling. I could
    not find any information on expected usage per battery charge.

    Currently awaiting delivery, but will report back when I have received and used it.

  • layton1837
    layton1837 Forum Participant Posts: 109
    edited February 2016 #14

    For those that are interested the map down load link is http://www.szgoldbay.com/  you have to log in but it’s not a problem

  • layton1837
    layton1837 Forum Participant Posts: 109
    edited February 2016 #15
    Map update for Tom just realised that you need a password Find it below.

    Thanks for your feedback and sorry for bring you inconvenience, pls take it easy, we will help u sort it out.

     

    For map update, there is the website for map update: http://www.szgoldbay.com . and then click Downlaod on the top of the website.

     

    account name : admin

     

    login password : admin888

     

    1.click European map date,after downloading map , please unzip the file > Connect the GPS to the computer->open the file (path:Primo\content\map)->press"ctrl+F" to find "UK or Other countries"->delete them->put the new downloaded map into it.->disconnect
    the computer

     

    PS: the download maps can't be opened in your computer. It's not compatible with computers. But don't worry; the files are ok in the gps

     

    2. Set the navi path as following: Turn on the GPS->Scroll the main screen to the second page->click " navi path"->click the blue button on the right side of " \ResidentFlash?OZ2015Primo? Primo.EXE"->then it will go back to the page" Navi path setting" .The
    setting is done.

  • Maysie
    Maysie Forum Participant Posts: 27
    edited February 2016 #16

    And just had a look and it's a standard car Tom Tom?

     

    The Sat-Nav suggested by @famrhouse is not a Tom-tom, it is called simply Tom.

    Based on his experience and the fact that for £30 it is worth a punt. I have ordered one, using the link he provided (thanks @farmer).

    @farmer also kindly provided a link to allow you to download the user manual. It is worth a quick read. It would appear you can specify vehicle dimensions. The manual claims you can also use it "off road", which may be useful for walking of cycling. I could
    not find any information on expected usage per battery charge.

    Currently awaiting delivery, but will report back when I have received and used it.

    Thank you I will wait to hear your experience with it. Never heard of one ust called Tom?! At that price, like you say, it's worth a punt :)

     

  • layton1837
    layton1837 Forum Participant Posts: 109
    edited February 2016 #17

    a bit more info

    Copying Archies acsi file into Tom  .. Connect tom to computer , open ox215 primo file, select contents file  open then select user data , on mine it has 2 files POI  & usericon Select POI which is possible empty y Create new folder Asci

    From the archie Poi download file select IGO google earth KML copy this file and paste into the new folder Acsi

    Disconnect tom Select a route after you have selected route press the bottom of screen and will come upon the spy glass. Press this will give you the option to find places  from this it gives you the option custom search  ,select around destination from.
    The list you should find the folder  that you created  acsi press this and it should give you acsi sites around the destination

    If you press the accommodation option it also takes you to 2 option one for camping the other for hotels

     

    Hope this works for you any problems please let me know

  • KenAndKathleenReay
    KenAndKathleenReay Forum Participant Posts: 61
    edited February 2016 #18

    @farmhouse. Are you using a Windows PC, or a Mac?

    If Windows, which version of Windows. With Windows 10, I cannot get the device to connect via USB connection.

  • layton1837
    layton1837 Forum Participant Posts: 109
    edited February 2016 #19

    I use window 8 .I have no problems connecting the sat nav As you can see frrom the above i have also added Archies Acsi POI Do you have the same sat nav
    TOM
    5" Car GPS SAT NAV Navigation System TOM FM Speedcam 8GB POI Free UK+EU Maps purchased from
    goldbayrich

  • KenAndKathleenReay
    KenAndKathleenReay Forum Participant Posts: 61
    edited February 2016 #20

    I use window 8 .I have no problems connecting the sat nav As you can see frrom the above i have also added Archies Acsi POI Do you have the same sat nav TOM 5" Car GPS SAT NAV Navigation System TOM FM Speedcam 8GB POI Free UK+EU Maps purchased from goldbayrich

    Yes, I have the same one. Just took delivery yesterday (Friday 12/02/16), so, not had much time to play, sorry, evaluate it. It will not connect to my Windows 10 laptop, via USB, but, does connect to OH's Windows 7 PC.

    I notice, the sofware is by NaviExtras, which is the same company who supply the software for the built-in sat-nav in my Autotrail Campervan. Two points about this:

    a) interesting to see that Autotrail pushed the boat out on an expensive piece of kit as their SatNav of choice.

    b) The Autotrail offering has not filled me with confidence, instructions are often late, and, we have had system "crashes", usually at the most inconvenient times of course.

    I am a Tom-tom fan, but, it will be interesting to see how this unit performs. Already I would say, for c£30, you cannot complain.

    I did contact goldbayrich, re the USB problem. Impressed by the quick response by them, but, they only offered that the unit would connect to Windows 7, which I have established to be the case. Interesting you are getting a connect with Windows 8. I will keep at it.

     

     

  • KenAndKathleenReay
    KenAndKathleenReay Forum Participant Posts: 61
    edited February 2016 #21

    I use window 8 .I have no problems connecting the sat nav As you can see frrom the above i have also added Archies Acsi POI Do you have the same sat nav
    TOM
    5" Car GPS SAT NAV Navigation System TOM FM Speedcam 8GB POI Free UK+EU Maps purchased from
    goldbayrich

    Yes, I have the same one. Just took delivery yesterday (Friday 12/02/16), so, not had much time to play, sorry, evaluate it. It will not connect to my Windows 10 laptop, via USB, but, does connect to OH's Windows 7 PC.

    I notice, the sofware is by NaviExtras, which is the same company who supply the software for the built-in sat-nav in my Autotrail Campervan. Two points about this:

    a) interesting to see that Autotrail pushed the boat out on an expensive piece of kit as their SatNav of choice.

    b) The Autotrail offering has not filled me with confidence, instructions are often late, and, we have had system "crashes", usually at the most inconvenient times of course.

    I am a Tom-tom fan, but, it will be interesting to see how this unit performs. Already I would say, for c£30, you cannot complain.

    I did contact goldbayrich, re the USB problem. Impressed by the quick response by them, but, they only offered that the unit would connect to Windows 7, which I have established to be the case. Interesting you are getting a connect with Windows 8. I will
    keep at it.

     

     

    Just a quick update:

    I can connect to a PC running Ubuntu, via USB.

    I think the problem with Windows 10 is lack of a MediaTek  driver (Media Tek is the brand of the Hardware), I have searched Media Tek website and numerous other supposed sources of drivers, but cannot find driver for MediaTek MT2531.

    I have downloaded the Map files from the website you suggested, but, I am puzzled, the date stamp on the map files from the website is more recent than those on the device as delivered, but, the file names suggest the device versions are the more uptodate
    (eg Device ...Q1-2015...; Website ...Q4-2014....

  • TheAdmiral
    TheAdmiral Forum Participant Posts: 506
    edited February 2016 #22

    Teach other half to read a map, cheaper and more interesing journeys

  • KenAndKathleenReay
    KenAndKathleenReay Forum Participant Posts: 61
    edited February 2016 #23

    Teach other half to read a map, cheaper and more interesing journeys

    We have sucessfully navigated most of Europe before Sat-Nav's, with OH doing the map-reading. We still like and use maps, but, see no reason to be dinosaurs.

  • KenAndKathleenReay
    KenAndKathleenReay Forum Participant Posts: 61
    edited February 2016 #24

    I use window 8 .I have no problems connecting the sat nav As you can see frrom the above i have also added Archies Acsi POI Do you have the same sat nav
    TOM
    5" Car GPS SAT NAV Navigation System TOM FM Speedcam 8GB POI Free UK+EU Maps purchased from
    goldbayrich

    Hi, for anyone interested. I have now used this Sat-Nav for a week, in our campervan. It works better than the inbuilt SatNav in my Autotrail Apache. Considering the price (£30), I think it is outstanding.

    The plus points are:

    You can specify vehicle size, and, if you are towing a trailer or not. The Sat-Nav adjusts speed limits etc in accordance with the vehicle size/weight, and, presence/absence of a trailer.

    The route calculated appears to take vehicle size/weight into account, although it is difficult to be sure just how effective this is at present, but, so far in approximately 700 miles it has not suggested any unsuitable options.

    The calculated route is "sensible".

    The User Interface for plotting a route is straightforward.

    En-route instructions are clear and given in good time. Lane guidance is given.

    Map updates are available free, for a whole list of countries, including of course the UK.

    The mount for fixing the device is simple and effective.

    The display quality is good, I had not problems with reflexions on the screen, even without the (supplied) sunshade.

    To my mind, the negatives are:

    Battery life (between charges) appears to be limited, this is not an issue when running with device connected to USB in car/van, but, you have to remember to switch off if you park, otherwise you cannot use device unti battery is sufficiently recharged.
    This may also limit the devices usefullness as a "hand held" for walking or cycling.

    The interface for updating maps is not as user friendly as the "big names". 

    The hardware is not the latest, certainly, the "touch" screen needs a good firm "touch", or, you can use the supplied "pen".

    In summary, for £30 a good satnav.

  • Oscar2
    Oscar2 Forum Participant Posts: 24
    edited March 2016 #25

    I have just looked at the 2016 version on ebay and it says "speed camera warning (must be swiched on)"

    Does anyone know if this means it cannot be swiched off  - or does it mean it is off unless you swich it on?

    Given these are banned in France and there is a hefty fine for using them I would not want one if the speed camera could not be swiched off..

  • Chestrefeldian
    Chestrefeldian Forum Participant Posts: 53
    edited March 2016 #26

    I use window 8 .I have no problems connecting the sat nav As you can see frrom the above i have also added Archies Acsi POI Do you have the same sat nav
    TOM
    5" Car GPS SAT NAV Navigation System TOM FM Speedcam 8GB POI Free UK+EU Maps purchased from
    goldbayrich

    Hi, for anyone interested. I have now used this Sat-Nav for a week, in our campervan. It works better than the inbuilt SatNav in my Autotrail Apache. Considering the price (£30), I think it is outstanding.

    The plus points are:

    You can specify vehicle size, and, if you are towing a trailer or not. The Sat-Nav adjusts speed limits etc in accordance with the vehicle size/weight, and, presence/absence of a trailer.

    The route calculated appears to take vehicle size/weight into account, although it is difficult to be sure just how effective this is at present, but, so far in approximately 700 miles it has not suggested any unsuitable options.

    The calculated route is "sensible".

    The User Interface for plotting a route is straightforward.

    En-route instructions are clear and given in good time. Lane guidance is given.

    Map updates are available free, for a whole list of countries, including of course the UK.

    The mount for fixing the device is simple and effective.

    The display quality is good, I had not problems with reflexions on the screen, even without the (supplied) sunshade.

    To my mind, the negatives are:

    Battery life (between charges) appears to be limited, this is not an issue when running with device connected to USB in car/van, but, you have to remember to switch off if you park, otherwise you cannot use device unti battery is sufficiently recharged.
    This may also limit the devices usefullness as a "hand held" for walking or cycling.

    The interface for updating maps is not as user friendly as the "big names". 

    The hardware is not the latest, certainly, the "touch" screen needs a good firm "touch", or, you can use the supplied "pen".

    In summary, for £30 a good satnav.

    Write your comments here...I have just purchased a similar sat nav with a different name but using the same software as described above. Similar experience with Windows 10. I'm finding my way around it but so far it's every bit as good if not better than
    my ageing TomTom . One negative is that I paid £37.50.

  • PuttFamily
    PuttFamily Forum Participant Posts: 9
    edited March 2016 #27

    Hi just been looking at the last few posts, have you ever used the itinerary function within the TomTom ? Not all TomTom systems have the itinerary function but if yours does this maybe of use.   Making an itinerary
    route basically overrides the normal route that the TomTom decides upon and allows the user to pick the route and to define the speed.

    It's possible to make an itinerary route using the TomTom but is a bit of a fiddle due to the screen size and the refresh rate, well on my old TomTom 2008 vintage the refresh speed is slow.

    I tend to use Google maps and just set the start and finish of a route, this provides a rough idea of the route involved and allows an easy means to zoom in / out and to take a look at the roads using street
    view.      When happy with the rough outline of the route I then go to
    www.motogoloco.com log in and make the route again, when the route is defined it's possible to move the route and create way points in order to avoid narrow places.

    www.motogoloco.com will allow and export of the route into a number of file formats, the .itn being the TomTom itinerary file format, this will down load to the PC.  Once
    the TomTom is connected up, not using the TomTom Home but using my computer open the itn folder within the TomTom and copy the itn file from the PC into this folder.

    Run the TomTom and select the itinerary function and route, load and you should have a route without any problems, although I always check the route on the TomTom.

     

  • PuttFamily
    PuttFamily Forum Participant Posts: 9
    edited March 2016 #28

    Hi again, a screen shot of the www.motogoloco.com web page.

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