LDR/IBA GPS

[DaJuice]

And it's a bummer that, for some wierd unknown reason, the waypoint names don't always show up. Sometimes I'll just have to figure it out bases on the turn-by-turn directions that say "Make a U-Turn". Other times the actual waypoint names or city names show up.

Ah, yes another gripe I've forgot about... I was hoping that was just an issue with the software version in my Zumo, guess not :angry: . Once again - Garmin are you listening?

 

[RoadGlide]

I'm using a 2720 with an old 2610 for data backup. I've also looked at many of the new GPS units and have decided the 2720 works just great. You can still find them on ebay for around $200.

 

[SailorKane]

I'm using a 2720 with an old 2610 for data backup. I've also looked at many of the new GPS units and have decided the 2720 works just great. You can still find them on ebay for around $200.

A question. Why not the Nuvi series? I've used one in my car and also on my bike for quite a while. But never used it for rallying.

 

[Hello Kitty]

I'm using a 2720 with an old 2610 for data backup. I've also looked at many of the new GPS units and have decided the 2720 works just great. You can still find them on ebay for around $200.

A question. Why not the Nuvi series? I've used one in my car and also on my bike for quite a while. But never used it for rallying.

Is the Nuvi waterproof? Maybe certain models are and others aren't? I bought one of the cheap ones for my mother and I'm pretty sure hers was NOT waterproof. Non-negotiable for me. Hers is just for use in her car so it doesn't matter to her.

Edit - just checked a few Nuvi models on the Garmin website and all say they are NOT waterproof. Deal breaker for a motorcycle. They are pushing the Zumo as the model for motorcycles. I don't know for myself, but I know several well respected rally riders say it's a nice toy, but not for the serious rallier.

I use a 2820 as my primary and a 2610 as my back up. Yeah, the maps are getting old and you can't update them as easily as you can the newer units. I like the 2820 because I have my phone and XM radio through it and it works quite well most of the time. I seem to have trouble MAKING phone calls, but not receiving them. Which is fine with me really. If I need to make a call that badly, I'll stop. But if my husband or other worrier wants to call to check on me, it's quite non intrusive and I will tell them if I'm not in a good position to talk, but cruising along on I-90 in South Dakota for hours on end I feel okay chatting on the phone for a little while. I like this set up because I dont' need to add an autocom or other 'thing' that can cause me trouble. Keep It Simple Stupid. And since I'm quite stupid, this is important

Like Chris W said, the weather and traffic aren't very good. I wouldn't quite say useless, but not very good. I use it as a guide in trafficky areas - like my local area. If I'm coming up 95 toward DC, I can get a feel for how bad it's going to get and decide if I want to cut off near Ashland and take 301. The weather is of almost no value in my experience. I haven't cancelled the subscription though... The 476 would be sweet, but like Scooter, I can be a cheap ass.

I like to have 2 GPS running during a rally because it makes it easier for me to check things against each other - like to see how far straight to one location and then on the other I can do to the one location and then insert the second into the route and see how it changes. Especially if I check several different things, I forget by the time I run a few 'options' so I like to leave the thing I'm comparing it to on one GPS and play around with the other. I don't worry too much about the maps being old when I'm doing this. The turn by turn directions may change, but the distance and time don't normally change that much. All that said, I LIKE to have this, it certainly isn't necessary. It is nice to have a spare in the side case though! Just in case something happens - look at Bob Lilley literally HOURS before the start of the 2009 IBR. that could have completely devastated his terrific run!

The way the game is being played now, having a GPS that you are VERY comfortable with is very important.

 

[bigwhited]

I have a Nuvi 550 and have used it on 3 different IBA rides; SS1000, BB 1500, SS2000. During two of the rides we rode through heavy rains and wind. I simply put a baggie over it and secured it with a zip tie...no issues.

 

[Hello Kitty]

I have a Nuvi 550 and have used it on 3 different IBA rides; SS1000, BB 1500, SS2000. During two of the rides we rode through heavy rains and wind. I simply put a baggie over it and secured it with a zip tie...no issues.

Glad that's working for you. For me, doing endurance rallies and especially the Iron Butt Rally, I wouldn't want to have to do that. Especially when it's so easy to just buy a waterproof GPS. Again, for me, that's just too risky. Losing a GPS during a rally because of water would be devastating. In my opinion, rallying is different than doing a ride. While I like having a GPS on a ride, a rally is a whole other event!

As usual and as with most things, YMMV!

 

[DaJuice]

Edit - just checked a few Nuvi models on the Garmin website and all say they are NOT waterproof. Deal breaker for a motorcycle. They are pushing the Zumo as the model for motorcycles. I don't know for myself, but I know several well respected rally riders say it's a nice toy, but not for the serious rallier.

The Nuvi 500 and 550 have a rating of IPX7 which means it is submersible to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This is the same IP rating as all the other units Garmin claims as waterproof I've looked at including the Zumo's and the 478.