Garmin Motorcycle Specific GPS (zumo)

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

something interesting I noticed over at that RazorBiker forum is their discussion about the SirfStar stuff taking forever to get a lock.

I loaded a Zumo software image onto that Nuvi I had (for Bluetooth purposes) and the only 'benefit' I noticed is that I had to press the 'reset' button every now and then to get the unit to lock signals.

After I put the Nuvi image back onto it, all was well. I know Sirf is fast and accurate, and waaay too sensitive...that 4 blocks in 30 minutes is a buncha crap or a bad startup. Mine will lock in my laptop bag in my office in 1/2 that time.

I don't get it... what does this mean, "getting a lock"? I got my Zumo late last week and used it for a trip over the weekend. It seeemed to do a good job acquiring satellites, on the road and in my living room. Is that what you mean? The speed at which it acquires satellite signals? And what is "4 blocks in 30 minutes"?

--- D

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

Oh and Europe is on hold right now, so uhh...anyone needing Garmin Europe maps please let me know

Are you talking about the Zumo with Europe maps? They have had the Zumo 500 out for a while now.

[SomeStrangeGuy]

Originally Posted by Duster929

I don't get it... what does this mean, "getting a lock"? I got my Zumo late last week and used it for a trip over the weekend. It seeemed to do a good job acquiring satellites, on the road and in my living room. Is that what you mean? The speed at which it acquires satellite signals? And what is "4 blocks in 30 minutes"?

--- D

Someone on that forum said it took him 30 minutes to get 4 blocks (rickshaws suck btw) and he had the unit on his dash after leaving his office parking (in a garage) and it couldn't get a lock until that 30 min.

Lock is when your position is displayed accurately on the gps. Typically with garmin units you sit there with a ? on you, sitting still on the map, until you get lock.

I have experienced that in my Nuvi, one time, and a reset fixed it immediately.

[SomeStrangeGuy]

Originally Posted by EatnAsphalt

Are you talking about the Zumo with Europe maps? They have had the Zumo 500 out for a while now.

I know that, I was saying that I have a brand new sealed set of europe maps, and I dont need them - so if someone was looking to buy new, ping me first.

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

Someone on that forum said it took him 30 minutes to get 4 blocks (rickshaws suck btw) and he had the unit on his dash after leaving his office parking (in a garage) and it couldn't get a lock until that 30 min.

Lock is when your position is displayed accurately on the gps. Typically with garmin units you sit there with a ? on you, sitting still on the map, until you get lock.

I have experienced that in my Nuvi, one time, and a reset fixed it immediately.

Oh, I understand. I've generally found the lock to be quite fast, usually a minute or two. Once it seemed to have some trouble, but I turned it off and on and it was ok again. I haven't owned a GPS before, so I don't know what's normal or how this compares to other models. It certainly hasn't been a problem for me yet and acquires the satellites quickly enough.

--- D

[SomeStrangeGuy]

Originally Posted by Duster929

I haven't owned a GPS before, so I don't know what's normal or how this compares to other models.

I believe the fast acqusition times are due to the enhanced sensitivity of the SirfStarIII chipset on board, if I am not mistaken.

As for your first gps- welcome aboard . I am a big fan of GPS myself ever since I got my first one a couple years ago.

Here is some useful unfo to the indepth meanings behind 'lock' or TTFF in this case. Pay specifict attention to Hot Warm Cold locks, as these are what some manufacturers spec by (Garmin does ). Interesting info there, and it really helps to know the stuff when you think your GPS may be having issues.

http://www.navigadget.com/index.php/...-to-first-fix/

Just ordered my Zumo last nite...

I'm salivating already. Best price I saw was at NewEgg.

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

I know that, I was saying that I have a brand new sealed set of europe maps, and I dont need them - so if someone was looking to buy new, ping me first.

I was thinking about it. Is it the NT maps ? Which version ?

Thanks