[quote author=pappyman link=board=11;threadid=7572;start=0#73853 date=1038648278]
are the Amplified Garmin GPS Antennas worth the money do you get a better signal with them[/quote]

You do get a better signal with them, but worth the money, not sure.
They seem a bit pricey for what they are, that's why I haven't got one yet.

I do want to get one for the better signal, and so I don't have to have the unit mounted on the dashboard.
Too easy for it to walk away like that.

I need to find some way to mount the antenna outside the truck, so it isn't going through the windshield and losing some signal that way.
I've seen them mounted on top of toolboxes in the bed, on top of headache racks, neither of which I have, or plan on getting. I think it will be kinda ugly just sitting on the roof, maybe a magnetic mount so I can take it off when not GPS'ing.

phox

 

IMO, the biggest plus to the amplified antenna is that it allows you to mount your gps further from the windshield, where it is not baking in the summer sun all the time. If you use your gps daily and it sits on the dash, the buttons are going to fry and the unit will no longer be water resistant. Not a big deal if you use it only in the vehicle, but if you remove it for hiking, it's kind of bad to have the unit go out after the first few rain drops fall.<br><br>

 

My company bought me a Magellen portable unit which has a very easy to read 4&quot; screen. It works great. it costa couple of grand but I don't even carry a map with me anymore. i just type in where i want to go and it gives me several options on how to get there.

 

[quote author=phox_mulder link=board=11;threadid=7572;start=15#73953 date=1038690289]<br>[quote author=pappyman link=board=11;threadid=7572;start=0#73853 date=1038648278]<br>are the Amplified Garmin GPS Antennas worth the money do you get a better signal with them[/quote]<br><br>.............. I think it will be kinda ugly just sitting on the roof, maybe a magnetic mount so I can take it off when not GPS'ing.<br><br>phox<br>[/quote]<br><br>The Garmin kit includes a magnetic plate for the roof. I just run the wire under the front door weather strip.

 

Hi Pappy,<br>I am new to the forum. I have however used a GPS program with our Laptop this last summer. We bought a copy of CoPilot 2002 by Travroute. We made a 3000 mile trip up to Portland Or, down the coast to Trinidad Ca and back to Wyoming through Reno. I like the idea of using a Laptop for a GPS. It has a 15&quot; screen which is nice to view. I am sorry to say that I sent the software back and took a hit of 20% restocking fee :'( after this trip. I was very disappointed with the inaccruatcies of the program. It didn't recognise Forest Lane (KOA) in Casscade Locks Or which had been there for some 30 years according to the manager. Also it put us on a goose chase looking for an Ocean Blvd in Coos Bay and about got me logged jambed while pulling my trailer. It sent us to a Terrace Blvd which was a residential area with tight streets. While in the Portland Area it tried to have us turn onto one way streets going the wrong way. This happened several times. I started using MS Streets and Trips as a back up and it was way more accruate. At this time I am still looking at different options. Also Travroute has poor tech support to say the least, they say to post your problems and someone will answer in 24 hours...they never returned an answer for me. The software will run with Windows XP but they have some problems. For $400+ I thought the concept was great but the software was a joke IMO. One more point I would like to make that could help someone save some money... Check the return policy before you buy just in case you have to return later. I bought my copy from the GPS Store which was a $75 savings from Travroute which was $499 retail. But upon returning the product after I had opened the packaging, Duh! and was several days over the 30 return policy (we were on vacation for 3 weeks) so they popped me 20% restocking fee and had to pay for freight. I was willing to take the hit to get out of the software. My suggestion it stay away from CoPilot 2002. I hope this helps. Just my $0.02 Ken

 

Thanks to everyones for your input Ive been playing with this Garmin III looks like it will work for my needs for awhile...after I get better at using it I think I'll buy a Streetpilot III with the color display and uploadable maps...I did buy a external amplified antenna from e-bay for $20.00

 

Pappyman,<br><br>I found the Streetpilot III Deluxe for $747 at www.mall24-7.com. It is new, shipped straight from garmin. He also has accesories. BUT BEWARE his site is not secured for credit cards, I phone in mine after placing the order. Very pleased w/ it.<br>