| Author | Message | ||
     Carl (Cdoug3) New Member Username: Cdoug3 Post Number: 13 Registered: 01-2003 |
I am looking for a navigation system for my discovery II. I would like something that will not look out of place in the discovery. The main application will be on-road navigation with the ocasional off-road nav with waypoint markers. any input appreciated Thanks | ||
| Tommy Dougherty (Skydiver) Member Username: Skydiver Post Number: 112 Registered: 03-2002 |
I've got a Clarion AutoPC which I love. It's actually a WindowsCE computer. Does everything you want (street nav, offroad waypoints,etc) . You can buy them new off of ebay for around $350 or $400. It replaces your stock radio. It's a bit 'out of date', since Clarion now has the Joyride model (which replaced the AutoPc), but the Joyride will run you over $1500. Any specific questions, just ask. -Tommy | ||
| Carl D. (Cdoug3) New Member Username: Cdoug3 Post Number: 14 Registered: 01-2003 |
I had an Autopc installed in my disco I a couple of years ago when I owned it. at the time I was not pleased with the head unit especially as much as I paid for it. I also had problems integrating it with the factory amp without getting alternator whine. Another problem with the autopc was the lack of expandabilty (no monitor jacks, limited memory options when compared with the joyride) I think that the joyride is slick looking but i am afraid of getting into the same thing situation that I did with the Autopc. | ||
| Tommy Dougherty (Skydiver) Member Username: Skydiver Post Number: 113 Registered: 03-2002 |
I had my AutoPC in my 97 DI and moved it to my 2001 DII when I got it. I didn't have any problem replacing my factory deck - no alt whine's or any other problems. One nice thing about the Joyride is that the map is now one DVD's vs multiple CD's - so you get the entire USA/Canada on one DVD, vs 7 map cd's. Until my money tree starts to sprout, I'm sticking w/ my AutoPC.  -Tommy | ||
| Neal Glessner (Nealg) Senior Member Username: Nealg Post Number: 561 Registered: 02-2002 |
are either of these systems capable of running topo maps? | ||
| Tommy Dougherty (Skydiver) Member Username: Skydiver Post Number: 114 Registered: 03-2002 |
I don't think so.... for TOPO's, you'll prob need a handheld GPS w/ a laptop connection. Most of the 'vehicle navigation system' only have street level data. There is a free application you can d/l for the autopc/joyride which shows a track w/ waypoints & markers (like a handheld GPS would.) -Tommy | ||
| Tom Rowe (Trowe) Member Username: Trowe Post Number: 19 Registered: 02-2003 |
Probably more than you want, but I use Delorme Street Atlas USA and Topo USA on my Laptop connected to the Eartmate GPS. <$100 off e-bay (not including the laptop which I already had) | ||
| Goswin de Rouw (Goswin) New Member Username: Goswin Post Number: 3 Registered: 02-2003 |
You'd better look out for the next generation AutoPC's ... called JoyRider (from Clarion) http://www.clarion.com/joyride/joyridefm.htm The AutoPC is an old, outdated, slow and very instable system. If you want the top of the line, you'd better check out the Joyride. If you want to go for a good reliable system you can also look at the VDO Dayton systems. 4200 / 5000 / 6000. I preferred the 4200 because this is a 1-din slot CD/Radio/Navigator system that can be purchased for a resonable price. Good luck with it! Goswin Goswin @ AZET.com | ||
| Reed Cotton (Reedcotton) New Member Username: Reedcotton Post Number: 4 Registered: 01-2003 |
I use a Garmin StreetPilot Color. The Dash mount almost looks factory (My interior is gray). The Garmin MapSource CD's have Topo, City and Recreation variations (The recreation series is probably designed more for inland boating). It works well. The only complaint I have is that the map cards are proprietary, and therefore EXPENSIVE. I have heard the new generation of StreetPilot talks to you ... | ||
| John Abrams (Jabra2) New Member Username: Jabra2 Post Number: 10 Registered: 02-2003 |
I was in the same dilemma a few months ago. I decided that a nav system that stayed solely in my truck was a waste of money, at least for my purposes, so I got a Garmin GPS V that does the turn-by-turn thing, along with topo, etc. It was just $400 new off eBay, and I got the CD's brand new off eBay for $50-60 a piece. Best of all, you can move this thing from car to car, and take it kayaking (it's totally waterproof and can take a swim), boating, hiking, mountain biking, and so on. It gets incredible reception under thick forest cover, especially with my $15 low-profile magnet mount antenna on my roof. The only drawback is the smallish screen, but the color StreetPilot III fixes this with a nice big color screen. It doesn't bother me though, but I've got eagle eyes. I know you want something that doesn't look "out of place" and for mainly on-road use but I just thought I'd throw this out for you to consider since I know I couldn't live without mine (rather literally, it's saved my butt a couple of times on long hikes and river running trips). | ||
| Carl D. (Cdoug3) New Member Username: Cdoug3 Post Number: 17 Registered: 01-2003 |
Reed, I sure would like to see a picture/s of that streetpilot installed. I can visualize how it would look but it would be nice to see where you have it places and how it looks with the grey interior ( I also have). Goswin, I have checked out the VDO stuff but it seems like it is only offered over seas, am I missing something? | ||
| Reed Cotton (Reedcotton) New Member Username: Reedcotton Post Number: 7 Registered: 01-2003 |
Carl, I think I got this right...  Image quality is poor due to the camera being stolen from a friends "Barbie Dream Photo Shoot" kit, or something like that. The StreetPilot is mounted to the dash using the Garmin Dash Mount, and the adhesive disc's provided. It only came loose once, and that was a really hot summer day in the Mexican desert. It makes a great digital speedo, and as far as speed goes is more honest than the analog on the Disco. (Back when it mattered, I got some warantee work done, I told the service manager that the optomistic odometer on the Disco had expired my warantee early. But he was a pretty nice guy, and let me put his kids through college a little later.) -Reed | ||
| Reed Cotton (Reedcotton) New Member Username: Reedcotton Post Number: 8 Registered: 01-2003 |
I also wanted to mention that as yet I do not have it "hadwired" into the Disco, as the power/data cord is the only one I own that works. Another cord I have came from the factory dead. You may want to test such a cord right away. I didn't, and now keep thinking I will repair it someday. -Reed | ||
| Carl D. (Cdoug3) New Member Username: Cdoug3 Post Number: 27 Registered: 01-2003 |
I think that I am sold on that system!! I like the way it looks on the dash and I like that it is portable between cars. Thanks for the picture!! | ||
| Todd Rooker (Tryrook) New Member Username: Tryrook Post Number: 6 Registered: 12-2002 |
Why not get a laptop mount, an overhead drop downscreen, wireless mouse and use something like Delorme's GPS antenna and software packages? That way you get the flexibility to do hi-res topo and street maps in 2 and 3-D and you can take it out when you don't need it? That's what I have done in my Disco and I love it! You can watch DVDs and listen to your MP3s too...all for about the same price as Clarion's complicated head unit... | ||
| Carl D. (Cdoug3) New Member Username: Cdoug3 Post Number: 28 Registered: 01-2003 |
When I had my disco 1 I bought and tired many things, Laptop, Autopc, Garmin streetpilot (greyscale), pocket pc, and a custom in car computer with screen. I never really liked any of the setups, Mainly because of software and route mapping capabilities. I have also thought of buying the Audi system Sold in europe for my audi but with more than one car that wouldn't be ideal. I think that the best solution for me would be the garmin streetpilot III. I will not have to make any custom modifications to the disco and I will be able to use it in every car. | ||
| Reed Cotton (Reedcotton) New Member Username: Reedcotton Post Number: 9 Registered: 01-2003 |
Todd, It may seem like overkill, but with the serial connector on the Garmin power/data cord, you can plug in a laptop, and I have used Street Pilot. But my laptop is really hard to read in the bright light. But it can be done. I have also plugged it into various navigation programs on my Palm IIIc. (OK! So I'm a techno junkie!!! Otherwise I would only be enjoying my 109). Carl, I tried the Grayscale SP first, and it works, but after years of use, I can say that the color is the only way to go. -Reed | ||
| John Lombos (Rover4us) New Member Username: Rover4us Post Number: 3 Registered: 02-2003 |
Todd, do you have any images of your setup? I have recently run into a problem with outfitting my DiscoII with navigation/dvd/cd/am/fm w/ fold out screen by Pioneer. The factory radio is an odd size and the shop is having a hard time finding an instalation kit to fit even the dvd/screen unit. The navigation unit is seperate. I'm interested in your "drop down screen" idea. Where did you mount? | ||
| Reed Cotton (Reedcotton) New Member Username: Reedcotton Post Number: 10 Registered: 01-2003 |
Todd, My apologies. I must have been trying to speed read and slammed into a semi-colon, but I completely misread your last post.  Sounds like you have quite a setup there. I would like to see some pictures too. -Reed | ||
| Goswin de Rouw (Goswin) New Member Username: Goswin Post Number: 6 Registered: 02-2003 |
Carl, Sorry. I live overseas (in the Netherlands) and I thought that VDO was worldwide supported, but I guess I was wrong. I do believe PIONEER has also a great DIN1 - CD / DVD / Navigation set. See also: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Pioneer/CDA/CarProducts/CarAlbum/0,1427,40~401 0~4010100,00.html Bye, Goswin. | ||
| Erik Olson (Jon) Senior Member Username: Jon Post Number: 308 Registered: 02-2002 |
I use the Delorme Earthmate with TopoU.S.A. 4.0 and a 14" IBM Thinkpad. The Earthmate is Velcro'd to the dash, and the Thinkpad can go in a JottoDesk or Velcro to the armrest cover. Nice maps, less than $200 for the kit (less laptop). I'd love to run it on the dashboard with one of those CE Toshibas (Libretto?) - anyone try it yet? I also use a removable, rechargable Handspring Visor / Magellan GPS Companion for out-of-car orienteering. I know Frank Rafka has multiple systems (higher-end stuff) in his D2, but [as of September 02] the Delorme is the center of his world as well. Cheers, e | ||
| Christopher Dynak (Adtoolco) Member Username: Adtoolco Post Number: 73 Registered: 08-2002 |
Hey Goswin...Everything you say about the Autopc is pretty correct...except for being unstable and outdated. Mine has never crashed and its still ahead of most systems and at a fraction of the cost. For what it is and the features you get out of it, the unit is quite extrordinary. I know the platform is due for upgrading. It is a tad clunky, but the price of "joyride" is too much for the various improvements. Anyway the voice activation, turn by turn, waypoints, etc. along with a bunch more features(Flashmemory, Voice memo, CD Player, MP3 player,screen savers...lots of usefull stuff) Well let me put it this way, there is nothing that has given more bang for the buck other than my Rover itself. It is definitly worth a look see for anyone who wants an onboard navigation system. Its a clean install to boot. I should add some negatives that pop to mind. As Goswin mentioned its a hair slow to the point of mild anoyance. The NAV-SYS uses multiple maps that are pretty pricy approximitly $100 per map(I think there are 7 maps of North America) But I have seen maps on Ebay for cheaper and trades are not uncommon. The maps also have some rural roads missing. And you can't play another CD while the NAVSYS is running, your stuck with the radio. Although, as whole the Autopc makes up for its flaws. -Chris | ||
| Tommy Dougherty (Skydiver) Member Username: Skydiver Post Number: 117 Registered: 03-2002 |
Chris, You can play another CD while navigating... you just need the 6disk changer. I've even got the nifty carport (ODBII) kit. You're right about the slowness part.. the hard drive based units are lightning fast, but you also pay alot more $$ for them. -Tommy | ||
| John Lombos (Rover4us) New Member Username: Rover4us Post Number: 4 Registered: 02-2003 |
I decided to just go with the Pioneer P7490 in-dash screen with combination Navi unit. We'll see how it turns out. It should come in tomorrow. | ||
| Todd Rooker (Tryrook) New Member Username: Tryrook Post Number: 7 Registered: 12-2002 |
Sorry guys...no pictures available right now. I haven't got a digital camera and I just gave my scanner to my dad so he could scan all of his old slides. I will try to get something posted ASAP, as I want to post the before/after shots of my Green Benders 3" lift. The screen was mounted just in front of the sun roof switches(between the sun visors), which required a bit of custom work. The one complaint I have is that it is a little too far back in the cabin which makes it a little difficult to see at times. The other complaint is that I should have gone with a higher res monitor - something at least SVGA in resolution...next time I guess. You could probably move the sunroof switches and take out the whole center console and fit a 10-14" screen up there with a little creativity. I have the video input coming out on the passenger side of the center console on the floor which allows quick in and out access with the laptop. I have also mounted a small IR receiver for a wireless optical mouse in the dash so no mouse wires to deal with either. I have tried using my Sony Clie which as color and 320x320 resolution (very easy to see in bright sun), but you just can't get the same level of detail as you can with a bigger screen. The PDA sized screens are much better suited to hiking and backpacking, than driving. I had considered going the in dash route, but I just couldn't find anything that supported the topo maps we need when we are out in the middle of nowhere. I also didn't trust a pop out screen bashing around while doing serious off roading (I guess that is what extended warranties are for). I also considered an on-dash mount screen but decided that it would provide too much of obstruction to my view while driving. It would have the advantage of being removable though. Cheers, Todd | ||
| Tony DiFranco (Nhrover) New Member Username: Nhrover Post Number: 39 Registered: 11-2002 |
I have to agree with Eric and Trowe. I have the delorme earthmate and street atlas delux. It is simply the best for on road and has a recordable "breadcrumb" trail for off road. So far its been great. have some great trails mapped out. -Tony | ||
| Todd Rooker (Tryrook) New Member Username: Tryrook Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2002 |
Tony, Have you used Delorme's Topo maps? They have fairly extensive trail information and can map in 3D. I have the TopoUSA which does vector mapping of the trails which is a little inaccurate, but good enough for me. They also do the TopoQuads which give you the USGS maps in bitmap form for greater accuracy (but greater cost!) | ||
| Tony DiFranco (Nhrover) New Member Username: Nhrover Post Number: 40 Registered: 11-2002 |
Todd, I have not tried the topo yoet but am thinking of ordering the cd or cd's. I assume its worth it? I am a big fan of delorme now that i see what kind of detail they have. -Tony | ||
| Todd Rooker (Tryrook) New Member Username: Tryrook Post Number: 9 Registered: 12-2002 |
Tony, It depends on the detail that you are looking for. The TopoQuads give you much more detail and more roads/trails than TopoUSA. The down side is that if you offroad in more than one state, it can get expensive very quickly. I am quite happy with TopoUSA as you can breadcrumb trails that aren't there and add them that way, and you get the entire US in the process. I, too, am a big fan of Delorme's stuff. | ||
| Garret Curtis (Garret13) New Member Username: Garret13 Post Number: 10 Registered: 01-2003 |
I have a StreetPilot and build a custom mount for it, under my cup holder/clock on my Disco I. However I noticed that I have problems locking my differential into Low. However it does look as if it is part of the dash. I will take a picture tomorrow and post it. -- Garret Curtis | ||
| Garret Curtis (Garret13) New Member Username: Garret13 Post Number: 21 Registered: 01-2003 |
Sorry for the dilated response, I have been super busy! I have a Street Pilot mounted in my 1997 Discovery I. I had to build a custom mount in order have for it to fit; NO drilling (into the Discovery) is required. As you are able to see in the pictures, the cup holder still functions correctly. I have an external antenna installed on the roof. Very small (1’ x 1’ x 1/4') I also added an extra 12V adapter behind my dash in order to provide external power. Therefore the GPS unit powers off when the vehicle is turned off. If anyone would like more detailed instructions of my creation please feel free to email me anytime. -- Garret Curtis GarretCurtis@att.net http://garretcurtis.home.att.net/Photos/AUT_8027.jpg http://garretcurtis.home.att.net/Photos/AUT_8033.jpg | ||
| Chris Marcel (Gumarcel) Member Username: Gumarcel Post Number: 106 Registered: 11-2002 |
That is a really good idea, does it get distracting when you are using it haveing to keep looking down at it, apposed to just a little to the right? | ||
| Land Rover Certified Used A**hole (Jason) Senior Member Username: Jason Post Number: 305 Registered: 04-2002 |
That doesn't look bad at all, Garret. I assume you were using double-sided (3M?) tape...? Too funny on the second pic...reading the disclaimer/warning on the screen | ||
| Garret Curtis (Garret13) New Member Username: Garret13 Post Number: 22 Registered: 01-2003 |
Jason, I actually took the unit apart, and then put screws exiting towards the back that I attached to a custom build mount. However in those pictures I do believe I used double sided 3M tape temporally, only to find where I should drill holes in the mount. Chris, I find it no more distracting then looking over to the right like most other units. It is just as if I were driving another car with a factory center mounted navigation unit, Jaguar, Audi, etc. Over all it probably took me a little over 2 hours to completed the task. (I had to make it up as I went along). I also took apart the center dash in order to install the 12V power for the unit. -- Garret Curtis | ||
| R. B. Bailey (Rover50987) Senior Member Username: Rover50987 Post Number: 317 Registered: 07-2002 |
Holy cow, I need one of those Barbie Cameras! | ||
| Lawrence Tilly (L_tilly) Member Username: L_tilly Post Number: 80 Registered: 02-2002 |
What scared me was that Reed said it was a "friend's" Barbie Cameras...not "a friend's daughter's" or something like that. Sounds like he has some interresting friends. -Lawrence | ||
| Steve Biggs (Steve) New Member Username: Steve Post Number: 7 Registered: 02-2003 |
Does anyone know of a hand held gps that is mac compatible. | ||
| Carl D. (Cdoug3) New Member Username: Cdoug3 Post Number: 31 Registered: 01-2003 |
I don't think that there is one available. The only option would be buying a gps reciever and plugging it into your mac laptop unless you have virtual pc. I know that I have seen them for the Ti powerbook with OSX. Other than that I would say use a windows box. Unfortunetly that is my course of actions. | ||
| Joey Cox (Joey_cox) New Member Username: Joey_cox Post Number: 17 Registered: 02-2003 |
Macs are junk | ||
| Reed Cotton (Reedcotton) New Member Username: Reedcotton Post Number: 15 Registered: 01-2003 |
Lawrence- I do have interesting friends. Those that lend me their Barbie cameras are usually the daughters of friends of consenting age.  -Reed | ||
| Steve Biggs (Steve) New Member Username: Steve Post Number: 8 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hey "Joey"! You obviously don't know shit! Don't get me wrong all you pc lovers out there. Pc's are great machines for certain aplications. But Joey if you new a damn thing about what you so freely speak you wouldn't say such ignorant things. Try buying a digital video camera and editing your movies and turning them in to dvds with all your favorite music as background music, complete with voice over narration, of all your good wheelin day or what ever you do, with the same ease and quality on a PC as you can on a MAC! And "Joey", if sitting on you ass behind a computer screen all day gameing is what you use a computer for,then, my apologies. PC's are better. For the rest of you. Sorry about debating this shit on DISCOWEB! | ||
| Neal Glessner (Nealg) Senior Member Username: Nealg Post Number: 582 Registered: 02-2002 |
loks like a part of the dash?????? | ||
| Carl D. (Cdoug3) New Member Username: Cdoug3 Post Number: 32 Registered: 01-2003 |
Steve, The mac comment was kinda a joke directed towards me. Both Joey and I are Mech Eng's who mostly use pc's but my senior year I turned away from the darks side (pc). It is all good | ||
| Joey Cox (Joey_cox) New Member Username: Joey_cox Post Number: 18 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hey Steve, Don't get too excited. Like Carl said it was a joke directed at him. We both like to have the best and newest electronic toys. It just so happens that we went separate ways when purchasing computers. As far as PC's and Macs go, they both have their own benefits and drawbacks. No harm was intended to you with the Mac comment. Joey | ||
| Steve Biggs (Steve) New Member Username: Steve Post Number: 10 Registered: 02-2003 |
Joey, Your right. I got a little excited! Peace! STEVE! | ||
| troy emerson schott (Tscars) New Member Username: Tscars Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2003 |
the magellen neverlost 760 nav is what i use, it has the best graphics, voice prompts, and offroad capabilities that ive seen i have a 2000 discoII it cost $2000 but it is worth it |
