GPS/NavSat

Hi Eric,

I've done a lot of research into this recently! Although more expensive, in my experience the best satnavs for Cobra use are motorcycle ones such as the TomTom Rider or Garmin Zumo. Their screens are easy to read in bright sunshine, and they're waterproof too.

TomTom stopped supporting route-planning waypoints some time ago, but brought back waypoint support again last year. However, the implementation of this on the new Rider 400/410 models is useless, and they have also just withdrawn new map support from the old Rider models. As a result, the Garmin Zumo has taken over from the TomTom Rider as the most popular satnav for bikers.

The other advantage of motorcycle satnavs is headset support, so that you can actually hear the instructions at speed! The problem you have in France is that over-ear or in-ear headphones are now banned for car drivers, but there is a solution to that using "bone conduction" headphones like these:

aftershokz.co.uk/collections/wired/products/sportz-titanium

Rob and I have Starcom1 motorcycle intercom systems in our cars, so we use the Starcom1 Bluetooth module to pick up the satnav audio. We also have car-to-car communications using PMR radios, again controlled by the intercom system. We've both just replaced our TomToms with Garmin Zumos. Rob bought the 395LM model, and I bought the 345LM. The 345LM is cheaper, but only has Western Europe maps (which don't inlcude the Czech Republic). The 395LM has full European maps, and also includes a windscreen suction mount to enable the satnav to be used in a car. Both have "lifetime maps", i.e. free map upgrades.

With all the vibration and wind buffeting we prefer to use a more secure mounting system in the Cobras. The Zumos come with a very good cradle system which is designed to attach to motorcycle handlebars. However, this heavy duty suction mount enables the cradle to be securely mounted on top of the dash:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAM-2-75-Diameter-Suction-Cup-Base-with-1-Ball-RAM-B-224-2U-/112080926559?hash=item1a188b375f:g:cPgAAOSwZVlXoSty

I ordered one of these, and it sticks like superglue!

So when you park up, the satnav can be easily removed from the mounting cradle. As it happens, I was planning to play around with pre-defined routes today, so I'll let you know how I get on - I'm not expecting any problems though as it's fully supported either by using their own BaseCamp route planning application or a third party application like Tyre.

I'd be happy to help further if I can!

Alan

Hi Nigel,

It comes with a wiring kit with an in-line fuse to a 12v to 5v converter and then to a two-pin mini plug that slots into the holder - so no USB connection is required. The lead has two bare wires at the input end, so you could either connect a suitable plug for your socket, or you could splice them into a suitable 12v supply behind the dash, thus leaving your socket free. Your Bluetooth headset should pair OK - my Aftershockz phones are wired, so unfortunately I can't test this for you.

Yes - the suction cup I ordered effectively replaces the part of the supplied mount that is designed to clamp around the handlebars - so instead you stick the suction cup to the top of the dash and attach the mount to that.

Going back to headphones, by far the best arrangement was my original set-up of wired over-ear headphones with a boom microphone. I'm currently working on an alternative headset solution based on these:



These are noise cancellation ear defenders, used mainly for shooting. They block out loud noises such as gunshots, but the microphones and noise cancellation circuitry allow you to hear ambient sound and have conversations - so that's why they have the lead connecting both sides. However, they have a 3.5mm jack socket to enable them to be used as headphones ......

My thinking is that they should be legal in terms of the French law banning headsets - the input audio lead can be quickly pulled out as required, and then they are simply ear defenders that still enable me to hear car horns, sirens etc.

There are three issues. First, there is no microphone - instead I'll use my current handheld one with a push-to-talk button. Second, the input is only active if the battery-powered noise cancellation is switched on - so I've wielded the soldering iron to change that. Third, the driver/speaker units are cheap ones, so I found a set of £130 headphones with a snapped headband on eBay for £20, and will swap the driver units over. Can you tell that I like tinkering?

Alan

Well our government seems to be hell bent on antagonising our European neighbours, so my services may well be required in due course

Be afraid, be very afraid!

Far more accurate and reliable than all those gimmicks, believe me...

Just watch this and you'll see that having the seat next to you occupied with a 'map-reader' is not always a guarantee for success... Still, could be worse..

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrYe3i_kYeo

RandY