CF-29 GPS: Current external GPS better than original internal GPS?

Do you think that the new models of external GPSs provide better performance than an OEM internal GPS on the CF-29? I'm thinking about buying a CF-29 with GPS and I started thinking that maybe the current external models by DeLorme, Garmin, Magellan, etc. would be better because they are much newer and more technically advanced than that installed in the CF-29 a few years ago. I'm not technically savvy enough to install an internal GPS so that's not a consideration. It really wouldn't be a big deal just to buy a CF-29 with GPS and try it but they seem to be fewer of these models available, and those that are available are a few hundred $ more. Any opinions or recommendations would be helpful.

 

I'm kind of a gps freak that uses them for navigation in vehicles (on and off road). I've used units attached via serial port, usb, pcmcia, bluetooth and internal(CF-29 factory). The only advantage that I can see with external units is that they can be remoted (within limits); if you have an application that requires that feature.

I own gps units from Garmin, Us Global SAT, Delorme, and a tiny key chain unit that is BT and Sirf III. My reccomendation, is if you choose to use external units; make sure of their ability to be switched to the different mnea forms and baud rates. Garmin has really good quality gps units and software; however, they are tough (for me) to use with other mfg. products.

The only short comings with my internal gps in the CF-29 are substantial metal buildings and if you like to rest your hand over the factory antenna location when in a signal impaired (no clear skyview) environment.

Other than the observations above; my oppinion of gps units is that the quality of the software is more important than the gps unit itself. If you have commercial considerations like the Captain (poster on this site) you should contact him directly and get ready to hock the family jewels.

 

Pappy42, thanks for the info. Based on what you described, the shortcoming of the internal GPS won't be an issue for me. So I'm going to try and get a CF-29 with internal GPS. Is there any particular software that you recommend?

 

I'll say go for the basic one and hook it up an external gps if you can't mod... the unit. With regards to the OEM gps, don't waste your time and money on that I am pretty sure you will be dissapointed. Ask me, how did I knew that?



ohlip

 

Ohlip, ok, I'll ask: How did you know that???

 

Ok! Just to give you an example; I have one of those OEM gps for CF-29 I tried it so many times on the road using MS street and trips, you know whats the result. You will have a signal about 2-5 satelite, a good signal strenght when you are in a steadily location but at the time you start to travel the signal drop down significantly specially on a turning point location and sometime lost all the signal. Another thing is that it takes a bet of time before it will give a fix signal. There s more.



ohlip

 

My factory GPS was installed by Toughbook, a contributor to this thread. Do you think that might be the difference in our experiences with the factory GPS in the CF-29?

 

I guess it will depend on our loction and the satelite location but using the EM408 and sarantel antena its a big diference wa...ywa....y big



ohlip

 

Just got this in a junk email from PC Magazine. I could not have said it this well myself.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2316534,00.asp
A little ot, but I get asked all the time to answer exactly these answers. Now you can find your a** with both hands.

 

I have played around with all the various GPS engines and setups... Both stock internal, aftermarket internal, external USB and external BT. By far my favorite with the best strength overall would have to be the EM-408 matched wth the Sarantel antenna. you just can't beat it I don't care what anyone says. If it is mounted properly... It works! My second choice would be the stock GPS kit mounted internally. I get just as many satellites as the EM-408... Just not quite the signal. It has never let me down. Occasionally it flakes out but I think that is a software glitch and not the GPS itself. My third choice would be a BT unit and last would be the USB. But as Pappy pointed out... It really depends on what you will be using it for. If you will be using it in a lead lined truck... Go for an external GPS. Otherwise I'd either mod in the EM-408 or just buy a CF-29 with the stock GPS or have it installed.

Obviously the cheapest way to go would be the BT or USB route. If cost is an issue... There you go.

 

Thank you for the input guys, much appreciated.