Looking for a GPS unit

[SouthmtJim]

Looking for some help on buying a GPS. I did some searching on the form, but did not find what I am looking for.
The questions is, what unit is preferred to be able to load tracks and routes such as the BDR or what Patrick sent out for the rally.
I looked at the GPS Map 276cx, Montana 610T, and the 64st. I could not tell from the brief description if they work with tracks and routes.
Any feedback or recommendations would be appreciated.
thank you

 

[maverick2076]

https://advrider.com/f/threads/ultra-rugged-kyocera-phones-gps-smartphones-my-guide.1206076/

Check out this option

 

[SouthmtJim]

https://advrider.com/f/threads/ultra-rugged-kyocera-phones-gps-smartphones-my-guide.1206076/

Check out this option

thank you for the info.
for the money I am going to find a pro and try it. it may take me some time to set it up, but from what I read of the 105 page post it sounds like the way to go.

 

[Talltourer]

Been running my Galaxy S8+ with a quadlock mount this summer. I'm never going back to a Garmin and others... this is 2018(soon 2019!!!) there is no reason they cant make better devices much cheaper than what they do currently.

 

[maverick2076]

Swappa.com is where I got my Pro.

 

[moaralpha]

Sounds like a durable Android is the way to go!

 

[jpward]

I took the advice given by Globe Rider's and got the Garmin Montana 680T. http://www.globeriders.com/article_pages/article03_gps/article03_montana.shtml
My smartphone is unable to get a map in many areas I ride in Idaho, Oregon and Nevada making it useless.
The Montana series lacks an S.O.S. signal that the InReach Explorer has, but the screen is much better.
And, I got the Garmin bicycle mount for this unit, and it holds it securely on my handlebars for a really clean mount - cost is only $25, no RAM mounts needed.
I am glad to get you a photo of the mount if you're interested.

 

[RCinNC]

For years now, I've been using a Garmin Nuvi LM2455, which is actually a car based GPS unit. I "waterproofed" it (actually water resistant) using information I found on a Youtube video. It's been in countless rainstorms over the past several years and it keeps on going.

The Nuvi has a feature called Trip Planner, which allows you to import .gpx files via a USB cable. I've downloaded .gpx files from online sources and loaded them onto the Nuvi, and the Nuvi would follow them with turn by turn directions. I've also created custom routes on both the old Tyre to Travel and its replacement, MyRoute, and uploaded them to the Nuvi with no problems. I did have trouble with the MABDR .gpx files; they were too big for the Nuvi, and when I tried to view them on Tyre to Travel, they looked like a plate of spaghetti and all the waypoints were out of order. I had to recreate those routes from scratch using the Butler map as a guide, to be compatible with the Nuvi. I've used the Nuvi and custom created maps to ride all over the country. It mounts to my accessory rail with a RAM cradle and a homemade ball mount.

I don't know if the non-car GPS units use the same feature called Trip Planner; they may, and it just might be called something else

The Nuvi 2455 is getting harder to find, but they're still out there. They've been superseded by newer models, but they're still cheaper than the motorcycle specific units like the Zumo. The Zumos, being motorcycle specific, are better in general. The screens are brighter in sunlight, and I believe they have some vibration resistant qualities. Still, I stick with the car based ones, because they work for me.

I've tried the cell phone based GPS (a Droid Turbo running OsmAnd) and I still prefer the Nuvi.

 

[Cycledude]

I’ve heard that folks using a phone for GPS don’t need cell coverage if the maps are downloaded to the phone ahead of time because most smartphones have satellite tracking built in so it almost always knows exactly where you are.
I don’t even own a smartphone so this stuff is way over my my knowledge level.

 

[ballisticexchris]

I have the 595 LM. It will do everything you want and more. I also installed a Class 4 32gb micro SD card. That way you can save your tracks on the device instead of putting them back on the computer to save space.

If you use the Touratech mount get the small extension otherwise your tach and turn signal indicators will be blocked.

Before and after:

 

[AVGeek]

I’ve heard that folks using a phone for GPS don’t need cell coverage if the maps are downloaded to the phone ahead of time because most smartphones have satellite tracking built in so it almost always knows exactly where you are.
I don’t even own a smartphone so this stuff is way over my my knowledge level.

That is correct, smartphones have gps chips. However, some are better than others, so there is an option for an external gps antenna (usually connects via Bluetooth).

Also, there is another map app called Avenza. There are both free and paid maps available in their store; I believe most of the government maps are in the free category...

 

[HeliMark]

I did the phone GPS for several years, and then bought the Garmin Zumo 390LM. Much easier for me, and been through many a rainstorm without a worry. Of course the SiruisXM (car)radio on the bar is "waterproofed" by a sandwich bag.