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about to purchase gps (Nuvi)

Chandler

Chandler

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Sep 5, 2013
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273
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Birmingham AL USA
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I am not going to invest in a motorcycle based GPS for $400-650 new... So that limits my options to more consumer grade GPS systems.

I am looking at the 2597 and the 3597, maybe even the 37/2797 model (7" screen).

The 3597 has a high resolution which is a big plus. It also has a magnetic mounting cradle that charges. I LOVE the idea of having a charging cradle however I worry that it may not be secure enough on the bike even if behind the windscreen. If I could get a second option on that - that would be great.

The 2597 is older, lower res, and would use a ram mount cradle and be hard wired - I would have to unhook the wire to take it off the bike when walking out of sight from it.

I am thinking the 7" screen is probably way to big. Does anyone have either of these models?

I am also concerned about the brightness. I have heard good things about the 2597/ 2595- I know some users on the forum have this and are okay with the brightness
 
I used a Nuvi 265W for a year or so. I got it for Christmas one year and so it was very cost effective. I had a RAM cradle and powered it using a car adapter. To waterproof it, I stuck it inside a Ziplock.

It worked well enough but I am much, much happier with my Zumo 220. It's waterproof, works better in sunlight and allows me to make custom routes with Basecamp. It was a lot more money than I initially wanted to spend but well worth it in the end.
 
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I understand that. The 265W is older I believe. the 2597 and the 3 both say they are compatible with basecamp :D

My biggest concern is being able to see it in sun light I suppose, then the next is the docking ability. I can figure something out with RAM for sure for the 2xxx series but the 3xxx I will need to use a ram mount with a ball then go to the magnetic mount (Which I am weary of)
 
Chandler said:
I understand that. The 265W is older I believe. the 2597 and the 3 both say they are compatible with basecamp :D

My biggest concern is being able to see it in sun light I suppose, then the next is the docking ability. I can figure something out with RAM for sure for the 2xxx series but the 3xxx I will need to use a ram mount with a ball then go to the magnetic mount (Which I am weary of)
Click to expand...

Even though my GPS is a bike specific, and has a snap in cradle, I still have a tether to the handlebars. It is just a (loop) piece of nylon cord tied to the GPS and hooked over the ram mount. Small safety device in case it comes loose on a bumpy stretch.

If you do that, the magnetic mount shouldn't stress you out .
 
Oldschool said:
Even though my GPS is a bike specific, and has a snap in cradle, I still have a tether to the handlebars. It is just a (loop) piece of nylon cord tied to the GPS and hooked over the ram mount. Small safety device in case it comes loose on a bumpy stretch.

If you do that, the magnetic mount shouldn't stress you out .
Click to expand...

I would love to do something like that, but ideally the gps would have some sort of eyelet to put a peice of nylon through and use a snap type connector as a safety - But it doesn't. (kinda like a gopro camera safety would be ideal)

If I just put it over the whole GPS itself, it would likely just fall off/ slip out of the loop anyway unless I zip-tied it tight - then this would cover the screen and still not be a 100% secure safety. I want the ability to grab and go, I don't mind un-clipping a piece of string on the side but digging in the back for a USB charger is a little more inconvenient. I may be comfortable with the magnetic mount but I will not know unless I drop the $250.00 on it first and touch the thing.

The safety is an excellent idea though. I will see if I can google image the product a bit more and see if I can fashion something. I wouldn't want to drill a hole and void the warranty though :p
 
Chandler said:
I would love to do something like that, but ideally the gps would have some sort of eyelet to put a peice of nylon through and use a snap type connector as a safety - But it doesn't. (kinda like a gopro camera safety would be ideal)

If I just put it over the whole GPS itself, it would likely just fall off/ slip out of the loop anyway unless I zip-tied it tight - then this would cover the screen and still not be a 100% secure safety. I want the ability to grab and go, I don't mind un-clipping a piece of string on the side but digging in the back for a USB charger is a little more inconvenient. I may be comfortable with the magnetic mount but I will not know unless I drop the $250.00 on it first and touch the thing.

The safety is an excellent idea though. I will see if I can google image the product a bit more and see if I can fashion something. I wouldn't want to drill a hole and void the warranty though :p
Click to expand...

There has got to be a stick on (3M) eyelet available that would do the trick. I'll see what google finds.

Link: http://www.harveynorman.com.au/came...s/gopro-camera-tethers-for-camera-mounts.html
 
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I actually have some of those.
That is perfect I will do that and purchase some snap things to go on the string.

I didn't think about using and adhesive method - thanks for googling out the obvious for me!

One more question, the ball mount on the doc for the GPS: is there a "standard" size for this - IE can I assume whatever I get from RAM will fit?

I was originally looking at this: RAM Motorcycle Bike Mount for Garmin Nuvi 2557LMT 2577LT 2597LMT GPS | eBay

I might need to find a RAM piece that has a ball on both ends and bends at close to a 90 degree angle and put it on the arm and that will solve my problem.
 
I have the Nuvi 2597 mounted using the RAM quick release on the short ball mount. The touchscreen works with all gloves and it does get a bit hard to see in direct sunlight but overall is very visable. You can use it horizontally or vertically, I prefer horizontal. The volume is loud enough to hear over the wind noise and wearing ear plugs.

You can get a reconditioned one from Walmart for about $120 or so.
 
Is that using the Garmin's quick release, or is it connected directly to the ball?

I considered very briefly using my work iphone or my samsung galaxy s2. I decided that even though my galaxy connects to GPS satellites and works without reception, having an application with Maps is a pain as you can't just download them as needed and it would take up a bunch of space. The phone heats up to much IMO anyway. I wouldn't want to wear out the USB port on there either.
 
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