Portable sat Nav

[Duncan]

.....on my first proper trip out it couldnt find the gps signal for about 20 mins. Other than that, seems to do the job.

That's probably because it's done what's called a 'cold start'. That is, the unit had been moved a considerable distance since it last had a fix (or hasn't had a fix since being reset) and therefore has to work out where it is from scratch. Now that it has had a fix it knows from the satellite data (ephemeral data) where to start looking next time it is turned on. You should find that next time you'll get a fix within 45 secs, usually much quicker. If not, then the unit is either faulty, or not very good!, and I'd take it back.

I'm assuming you haven't got a reflective screen on your car as that drastically weakens the signal. Also, where exaclty is your unit positioned in the car? If it's set back a bit from the windscreen then that can affect the signal, especially if the receiver in the unit isn't very sensitive.

HTH

D

[Andy]

its been fine for the wife since, so it must have been something i was doing wrong.

[Duncan]

its been fine for the wife since, so it must have been something i was doing wrong.

Probably not m8. If you were the first to use it, then you would have had to wait for it to sort itself out from factory status (takes longer). Once it's done that, all subsequent fixes are then quicker.

D

[dazza-diesel]

Evening.... the ICN520 uses a 12 channel patch antenna so signal pick up should be very good... (i really need to stop talking like this dazza your not at work now )... always get a GPS signal before you start moving otherwise this will delay the signal fix..... i tend to switch on put it in the cradle when i get in the car by the time i have started the car put my seatbelt on its good to go.....

[Maverick]

Be carefull with the tom Tom if you have a heat reflective indscreen.

I bought Sam the Go500, but it does not work very well in her Zaf. So took it back!!!

[dazza-diesel]

no portable satnav will work very well with a heat reflective screen (based on you having it attached to the windscreen) unless you have the external antenna..... around £40

[prm]

Hi, I,ve seen a Dell X30+GPS+Satnav on e-bay, are these any good, or is tomtom a lot better, I have no idea what to get, but the cheaper the better, Ta.

[Duncan]

Hi, I,ve seen a Dell X30+GPS+Satnav on e-bay, are these any good, or is tomtom a lot better, I have no idea what to get, but the cheaper the better, Ta.

What software is it running? What GPS?

D

[prm]

Duncan, it says navigation software, similar to tomtom 5?

[dazza-diesel]

Hi, I,ve seen a Dell X30+GPS+Satnav on e-bay, are these any good, or is tomtom a lot better, I have no idea what to get, but the cheaper the better, Ta.

As duncan said it depends on the software included..... also do you want a PDA???? if you just want GPS but dont feel you will use the PDA then i would say go with a stand alone GPS unit ie tomtom go 300 navman ICN 510 or 520..... If cost is a real issue then possibly look at the Garmin i5 for around £200...

Ive just had a look at a few packages listed on ebay for the Dell x30 and you will have to excuse me as I don’t make it a habit of slating other companies but looking at some of the descriptions of the packages leaves a lot to be desired…. this more so than others Item number: 5822095612

“tomtom like software” but don’t actually name the software although it shows screen shots from Tomtom?!?!?!?

“Condition: New ” so why does it only come with a 3 month warranty from Dell, only factory refurbs or returned stock comes with a reduced manufacturers warranty so its not new!!!!

Some people may say that this is splitting hairs but its your money and you should get what you are paying for ie a NEW PDA if it says new and a licensed copy of tomtom and not a hacked version which im guessing it is

Hope this has not put you off.....(rant over sorry )