Author Topic: GPS for the 690  (Read 1805 times)

Alabama Adventurer

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #15 on: April 05, 2014, 12:02:09 am »
Dogfarm,

I would like to know more about the mounting system that you are using. ???

I am looking into using the Android platform.

I found the BackCounty Navigator app for Android that looked pretty interesting; has anyone used it?
Link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license&referrer=utm_source%3DWebsite%26utm_medium%3DLink%26utm_campaign%3DSeeAppButton



« Last Edit: April 05, 2014, 12:08:32 am by Colorado Rider »

Dane1960

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #16 on: April 14, 2014, 06:04:31 pm »
Just installed my Garmin 665 with the touratech mount that I had from a previous bike. The bolts and everything fit perfect  so $0 :)....all that left is to mount the weather radar XM antenna.

Dogfarm

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #17 on: April 15, 2014, 05:53:22 pm »
Colorado Rider, you asked about the Montana mount. I just bolted the Montana rugged mount to the dash of my Lynx Fairing.
2009 KTM 690r
2009 KLR 650
2008 WR250R

smoker300

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #18 on: May 24, 2014, 07:38:09 pm »
Garmin 660 for me.


Alabama Adventurer

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #19 on: August 26, 2014, 10:52:52 pm »
I'm looking at the GPS again.  The Monterra review seem to be expensive and terrible.  The Montana appears to be the most mature developed Garmin product.  I did see this neat Android application called OruxMaps http://www.oruxmaps.com/index_en.html.  It is free and showed the trails that I ride on by name!  Impressive!  Now the not so great - it doesn't navigate.  It knows where you are and can cache the data you need when you are connected, but won't tell you how to get there.  I guess it's okay if you know the area and just need your location.  Personally I don't like to have one system for everything on something this critical.  Also not useful for riding on the road.  Rusty how did the Montana hold-up this year?

Rusty Shovel

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #20 on: August 27, 2014, 09:46:04 pm »
Rusty how did the Montana hold-up this year?

I have to spray WD40 on the mounts pins every now and then.  Until the WD40 dries, the GPS will sometimes come up with an error that I'm using an "Unsupported Battery."  It still works fine.  I'd get it again.  The only reason I'd consider the Monterra is so I could reduce the number of devices I carry.  Of course, the downside of "all-in-one" is I might lose my GPS, Camera, ebook, email, and compass all at once.

D==[#)
2014 KTM 690 Enduro R

Alabama Adventurer

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #21 on: August 27, 2014, 10:04:08 pm »
Yep; great point!  Thanks for the update.

SDMF_Reaps

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #22 on: September 04, 2014, 08:49:20 pm »
I ended up getting a monterra. I chose this over using my galaxy for a few reasons.

First was the screen. In direct sunlight the galaxy isn't as visable as the monterra.

Second is waterproofing. While the 5s active is waterproof the battery won't last long enough for an extended trip with the screen on all the time and location services turned to high accuracy.  Of course you can run a usb cable to it but then it's not waterproof anymore.   The garmin in the mount retains its waterproof rating.  I'm sure you can get a case of some kind that would allow the phone to charge and be waterproof,  but I'd have to remove it every time I wasn't using it to navigate.  I just wouldn't like a big bulky case in my pocket. 

Third would be the mount. Honestly I didn't really look into this one but it would have to be secure so it couldn't pop out. It would also have to have a tether.  Both of which would make it a pain to remove each time you wanted to take it somewhere so you wouldn't miss a call.

This was enough to push me toward getting a dedicated unit.

DaveKubler

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #23 on: September 04, 2014, 10:42:46 pm »
Screen glare isn't bad at all with no screen protector...but I concede not as good.  We don'tneed our devices to be waterproof...you are not a submarine. With the power port on the bottom of the phone..even during a downpour the phone is fine.  Ran mine for over 20000 miles always plugged in regardless of weather. Realize though you a can always just unn plug it during the heavy rain. The x grip from ram (I also put some velcro on back of phone and the mount) will not fall off.  I have dropped the bike pretty hard...phone stays out.   The point of this is its ridiculously cheaper....much more versatile of a device.  But... to each their own :)

Bartlioni

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #24 on: September 27, 2014, 10:19:58 am »
I really like the Montana units, but in the end I went with a Zumo 350 for my 690e.  I use a Zumo 665 on my Harley and so I figured I'd be happy.  I was right.  Its supposed to be compatible with the topo maps but I haven't downloaded any yet.  It also has a fuel remaining calculator and a really bright screen.  It also came with a really solid handlebar mount that I would have to have paid an extra $80 to get for the Montana. 
- Bartlioni

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #25 on: September 27, 2014, 11:51:04 am »
Bartlioni,

Tell me more.  Sometimes I struggle between the Zumo and the Monterra and I'm days away from making a purchase.  A previous poster put forth that the Android (or equivalent) is the best solution.  I don't think that the poster is wrong, if cost was my primary concern, that would be the best solution.   My priority is that I have to have dependability and performance for a vast area where you can ride all day and nearly every turn looks just like the last one.  95% of my riding is commuting, but I won't go with 50/50 tires.  I just bought a new D908RR for the rear as on my last ride my buddy could hardy even make the ride on his 50/50 tires, I know I would have struggled without the knobbies.  It's the same with the GPS for me it has to work in the remote areas.  Have you tried the Zumo off rode yet in a remote area?

Thanks,

Colorado

Bartlioni

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #26 on: September 27, 2014, 12:09:47 pm »
Hey Colorado,

I used to live outside C. Springs, and so I can kind of imagine your situation.  I don't have a lot of experience with this unit yet on very rugged terrain, but I can say that I've jumped it and its gotten rained on a couple of times without so much as a burp.  But here's what I think is the deal.  The mount that comes with the Zumo is totally solid.  I didn't have a lot of confidence in that fact then I bought mine, but they cut some slots into the inner section of the u-bolt, where it contacts the bar, that keeps it from slipping under heavy bouncing.  After a number of jumps my GPS sits right where I told it to.  I've looked at the handlebar mount for the Montana, and it looks pretty good, but I think the mount for the Zumo is better for rough terrain.  The Zumo mount locks your unit into the mount where the Montana mount just clips your $500 computer into plastic.  Otherwise, the Montana is just as good as a Zumo, if not cooler with its camera and all. But if I wanted to drop a bike from 500 feet in the air to the ground (lets hope not) then I'd put my money on the Zumo mount.

Later

Bartlioni
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Bartlioni

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #27 on: September 27, 2014, 12:39:10 pm »
Oh, one other thought there brother.  I'm totally sold on buying refurbished Garmins off of eBay for a $100 less or so than buying a new one.  Why?  The new ones are stamped out and sold with a failure rate of 10%.  The refurbs are actually inspected and tested by human hands.  I'll never buy new again unless I can't get a deal on a refurb.  Just a thought.
- Bartlioni

 "Bwaaaaaaa.  Get that little Pointy-Head!"

Alabama Adventurer

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #28 on: September 27, 2014, 05:50:09 pm »
Thanks Bartlioni, I appreciate the input.  Touratech does have a rugged mount for both with an embedded power connecter; pretty neat.  They are also give a discount on the mount if you buy both from them.

Colorado

Bartlioni

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Re: GPS for the 690
« Reply #29 on: September 28, 2014, 01:45:43 pm »
Hey Man,

I just read up on the Monterra unit you mentioned and I have to admit that it looks like zee bomb!  But I just read a review that says the compass was way off on multiple units as of about a year ago.  Overall the user reviews online don't seem to be too kind to it.  I love it on paper, but I'd look into that compass issue.  The Montana seems to have a happier following.  I know you can't go wrong with a Zumo 350 but it doesn't have all the fancy features.  But I got it for ~$350 on ebay.

Later
- Bartlioni

 "Bwaaaaaaa.  Get that little Pointy-Head!"