Seems to be to good? RESULTS! (1 Viewer)

Trikeman

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Hi All,
some results for the 'too good to be true' Chinese Satnav.
As in the other thread on the Chinese Satnav I was sceptical (to say the least) about purchasing one of the 7'' Truck Satnavs that are coming to our shores. I listened to the good points and the bad but decided to give one a punt for the money - thankfully one of our fellow Funsters sent me a concise instruction book, in English, which made understanding of the kit very easy (compared to the little book that came with it). MANY THANKS for that!
:thumb:

Overall initial impressions????? A cracking bit of kit and I could buy 6 of these set-ups for the price of the TT motorhome and camper I was going to save for....... WELL IMPRESSED to say the least.
:thumb:

I don't want to bore you to death but here are some initial results - on the Satnav feature only, the unit is stuffed with loads of other applications that all work as they should too.
Firstly I set the unit to pair with my iPhone via Bluetooth which worked superb for phoning and receiving, no probs there.
Set the vehicle parameters to motorhome and set the dimensions and weight. I then selected a route that I knew would throw up a few problems as far as dimensions were concerned and straight away the unit warned against this. I was using it in my 107 toad and went for another route I knew without dimension/weight issues for the MH dimensions, all OK there and off we went (we had another TT with us for comparison).
Superb 3d mapping, clear voice directions, fuel garages, eateries and speed cameras highlighted also.
I drove a well trodden route and nowt went wrong at all - the TT dropped once or twice (satellites) but this unit didn't once.
Anyway, tried going off route towards a height restriction on a lane I knew was there and almost immediately I was warned of the impending doom..... Brilliant, then an alternative route emerged that would have got us around the issue. I turned back on to initial route (much, it appeared, to the relief of Fay the Satnav girl).::bigsmile: The screen quality is superb with the lightest of touches enabling scrolling through the navigation tools - postcodes are readily accessible (something that some said they couldn't find - under address) as are other methods. The POI's are interesting both here and in Europe, find me a restaurant, pub, fuel, sleepover all readily available to en-route or close-by.

Although this is a 'quick stab' test, I am completely confident of its capabilities, a longer term test will be forthcoming after the Xmas break. Seeing what I have so far, even with the initial ribbing I gave it, it really is a fantastic bit of kit for the money. If it lasts a year I could throw this one away and get another for several years to come before equating to the big named ones...... I could be wrong, but it is well worth the 'risk'.

I dunno, reverse engineering, copying, same as, better than, being robbed by the big boys,,,,, I really don't know how these can be delivered for such a reasonable price - the big names may feel the brunt if these and 'help' them be realistic.

Regards,

Trikeman. :winky:
 
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Trikeman

Trikeman

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Here you go ShiftZZ, this is the link to the identical one (bought mine direct).

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Hope it helps old chap.

Trikeman. :winky:

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WynandJean

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Had ours from them and equally delighted after using it here and in France this year.:thumb:

Wyn
 

DP+JAY

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Here you go ShiftZZ, this is the link to the identical one (bought mine direct).

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Hope it helps old chap.

Trikeman. :winky:

Direct from where please (link)?

Have you been able to put your own POI's on it?
Thanks.
 
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Trikeman

Trikeman

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Direct from where please (link)?

Have you been able to put your own POI's on it?
Thanks.

Direct from them, the same people. (no link, just drop them an email)

Not yet attempted to put my own on yet - that's one of the Post Crimbo jobs, I'm getting 'grief' at the moment for playing with my new toy,,,, she says.
:roflmto:

Regards,

Trikeman. :winky:

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GJH

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Purely on the POI question. The following is a conversation I had with Navibuzz last June via eBay messaging. My questions in plain text, their answers in italics.
Is it possible to add one's own sets of PoIs to this device? I have a set of over 1600 UK parking places for motorhomes which I would want to add if I bought the device.
Yes, you could add poi into the device as you wish
Thank you. Is the software for adding sets of PoIs (rather than single ones) included with the device or does it need to be obtained separately? Also, what is the PoI file format, same as TomTom, Garmin or something different?
The format is poi. Not sure if it's the same as other brands. And i'm sorry that you might need to add it one by one.
Thank you. poi is not the same format as other brands. Unfortunately only having the ability to add PoIs one by one is not practical with a dataset of over 1600 entries.
Sorry about that. Hope you could get your ideal item elsewhere.
 

Tootles

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Great write up mate. Ordered mine last week, still waiting, (Xmas rush, I would think), anyway, got an ebay mail on Friday, from the seller 'navibuzz', saying that their new batch of 12 volt multi-plugs just unpacked, had been found to be damaged. They asked if it was OK to dispatch an undamaged one after Christmas, and they would refund ÂŁ2.00 for my trouble, fine, I replied, as long as the GPS unit arrives and is OK.
Any chance you can post either a link to this concise instruction book, or if not, inform me where I can get a copy????
Cheers! ::bigsmile:
 
Mar 2, 2011
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We have much the same results to report as you and have also mentioned on here somewhere , in threads about these gps units . Been using ours for about a year now . Taken us around UK,France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg with no particular problems . Postcode input in UK and usually coordinates input for France etc . Ours is not the truck version , so we just set the thing to ( I think ) bus /easiest route setting. It also has an enormous built in data base of POIs for UK and Europe. EG , an A to Z of shops ,shopping malls , fuel stations , camp sites etc . You can also add your own sets of POIs .

Particularly like the journey "home page" settings options . It having quite a large choices permutations . We have the option set to show graphically and via voice guidance , full detail of the next 2 manoeuvres required . Say , 2 miles to roundabout 3rd exit , then 1 mile to next roundabout 2nd exit , so giving loads of time to prepare for reaching them .

Battery life isnt great , but it is after all feeding a 7 inch screen , so having on power during a long journey is required .

Have used tomtom in the past and use a small garmin unit for work journeys. This 7 inch unit is up beside them , if not actually better in some ways . Its not going to break my heart if the thing gives up on us . I would simply buy another one . They are now on ebay for ÂŁ42.99

For Dave ,,,,,,,,,,,,, heres a link to one I bought last week for a family member ...Its not the truck version , but at ÂŁ42.99 , still good value.

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with bluetooth from same seller ÂŁ49.99

Link Removed
 
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colyoung

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Could anyone please tell me what the sat nav software is ie igo,sygic etc

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Moodybrook

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Was looking for your write up on original thread. thanks so far. Ok, did you sus which set of maps are installed, 2013 ?? :thumb:

Looks like you are gonna cost me ÂŁ50 or so, why didn't you say it was crap ?
 
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JockandRita

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An interesting writeup Trikeman. Thanks. :thumb:

I can't find the thread or post, but freelanderuk (Chris) put up instructions some weeks ago, on how to convert Aires and Stellplatz type POIs, for uploading to these iGO software Sat Navs.

I did try searching, but didn't get any joy. :Sad:

Cheers for now,

Jock.

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freelanderuk

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its in this thread Jock:Smile:

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the poi file has to be converted to a kml file and then the kml files must be placed in the content/userdata/poi folder. Custom icon must be placed in in content/userdata/usericon folder
you must then check the custom poi's in - Map Settings - Place Markers

to get the motorhome icon to show you have to opeen the kml file with note pad and insert this text

<metadata><igoicon><filename>Motorhome_Parking.bmp </filename></igoicon></metadata>
<Placemark>Motorhome_Parking

so it looks like this when opened with notepad

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?>
<kml xmlns="http://earth.google.com/kml/2.1">
<Document>
<name>motorhome_parking.kml</name>
<metadata><igoicon><filename>Motorhome_Parking.bmp </filename></igoicon></metadata>
<Placemark>Motorhome_Parking

this would also be the same for any other poi's , change to klm file and add to the correct folder and your bmp file to the correct folder . open the klm file with notepad and insert the text below changeing any name to the name of your bmp file

<metadata><igoicon><filename>any name .bmp</filename></igoicon></metadata>
 
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JockandRita

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Morning Chris. :Smile:

Yes, that's the one pal. :thumb: I didn't realise it was that far back in the year. :whatthe:

Cheers for that.

Jock.
 

Moodybrook

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its in this thread Jock:Smile:

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the poi file has to be converted to a kml file and then the kml files must be placed in the content/userdata/poi folder. Custom icon must be placed in in content/userdata/usericon folder
you must then check the custom poi's in - Map Settings - Place Markers

to get the motorhome icon to show you have to opeen the kml file with note pad and insert this text

<metadata><igoicon><filename>Motorhome_Parking.bmp </filename></igoicon></metadata>
<Placemark>Motorhome_Parking

so it looks like this when opened with notepad

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?>
<kml xmlns="http://earth.google.com/kml/2.1">
<Document>
<name>motorhome_parking.kml</name>
<metadata><igoicon><filename>Motorhome_Parking.bmp </filename></igoicon></metadata>
<Placemark>Motorhome_Parking

this would also be the same for any other poi's , change to klm file and add to the correct folder and your bmp file to the correct folder . open the klm file with notepad and insert the text below changeing any name to the name of your bmp file

<metadata><igoicon><filename>any name .bmp</filename></igoicon></metadata>



Wow !! that looks easy :RollEyes:

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Feb 27, 2011
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I love the look of these. Only thing holding me back at the moment is it runs on windows :Doh:

I have only just got rid of the last Apple and Microsoft devices in my van and am not sure I want to let the gits back in :winky::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:

Thanks for the review and the tech details. I think this is now on my shopping list.
 
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Trikeman

Trikeman

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More test results!

Well, we had to do the circles yesterday visiting several far flung relatives and did it all via our 'Cheap Chinese Truck' satnav - it functioned perfectly all the way, and back. My Wife was driving as I was fiddling with the gadgetry.

Impressed with the way it goes from extended 3d view when driving to the auto, overhead view when approaching any junctions, all with excellent voice guidance. The accuracy of the roadside warning signs and changes in speed limits is deadly accurate, the second you pass the speed sign for example the satnav changes the sign on the display and tells you exactly at that time of the change. Speed camera locations, especially if you are just over the limit, she gets all excited about and not only bleeps but tells you about the potential doom of being speeding. The countdown to junctions/roundabouts is progressive and accurate.

On the motorway there is a slight, and I mean slight, lag (less than a second) where you go under a bridge and the satnav identifies this visually, probably down to processing, certainly no longer than Tomtom who was sitting next to the test one.
As time went on and it started getting dark the unit auotchanged into night view which was great on the eyes. Naturally the mountains (which were also accurate in day view) in the distance view disappeared during night mode but was replaced with a nice starry evening view - nice. One feature I thought was excellent was the terrain view which showed the distant mountains and the route meandering through the range as you approached, you can view in some detail what's ahead. I don't suppose this is much benefit if you are driving but made for a brilliant representation of the view ahead for a passenger who could take time to look around - I held the screen up just below the horizon and it was identical to what was in front - Crookes Peak (a steep lump on the Somerset levels) was spot on. I think the 7'' screen may not be liked by all (may be a little distracting) but I think you could paint the windscreen black and still get home with the unit on though - its big and although you can dumb it down, there is a lot of information for the gadget men with a touch of the screen inc services (and what's in them) a compass and directional information, speed, duration left, miles left ad a journey bar that increases as you drive.
:roflmto:
So far - so good, I can't fault it yet but will keep trying.

I will carry on testing this unit and keep you abreast of happenings - anyone else like to add to the test with theirs and experiences?

Regards,

Trikeman. :winky:
 

treetops1

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I have to say i am impressed with this sat nav ,not being the too clever with them in the past .With thanks to Trikeman for help and advice i am delighted with it .we went for a run up to Sheffield to visit family and it was excellent ,i deliberately went for a low bridge and it changed the route .Still learning to use it but very impressed,even managed to get my phone working through it lol.:Blush:

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JockandRita

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Does this take post codes ?
Thanks
Jim
Taken from the info on the above link..............
"+Multiple searching options

By postcode, an address, part of an address, category, points of interests (POIs), favourite destinations, or history."


HTH,

Jock.
 
Jan 1, 2013
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Thank you for this thread. Our Garmin has stopped recharging and we really wanted to replace it with a satnav which would take the size of the MH into account. Branded options have the potential to be a very expensive mistake, whereas even if this one isn't perfect it hasn't cost us an arm and a leg. Ordered placed this morning from your link Trikeman and I'll be attempting to download the manual too when it arrives! Thank you!::bigsmile:
 

davidallan

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....ANY Info Re 'MAP UPDATES' ?

What a great series of 'Threads' and replies.....I may [most likely] have missed any info about obtaining MAP UPDATES from the supplier or wherever.

Does anyone know.....Thanks ALL ::bigsmile: :Smile:

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JockandRita

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What a great series of 'Threads' and replies.....I may [most likely] have missed any info about obtaining MAP UPDATES from the supplier or wherever.

Does anyone know.....Thanks ALL ::bigsmile: :Smile:
Hi David,

Using the link Trikeman gave for his purchase, scroll down to "Description", and the features are listed there, including free map updates. :thumb:

Cheers,

Jock.
 
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Trikeman

Trikeman

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There is additional info that comes with the satnav, a small card and on it is the following link for free map updates. The ID is pnavi however the password is one that is given on the card - a series of numbers that I assume is specific to the satnav bought - keycode.

http://www.freemapsupdate.com/

Regards,

Trikeman. :winky:
 

JockandRita

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There is additional info that comes with the satnav, a small card and on it is the following link for free map updates. The ID is pnavi however the password is one that is given on the card - a series of numbers that I assume is specific to the satnav bought - keycode.

http://www.freemapsupdate.com/

Regards,

Trikeman. :winky:
I never got the that small card with mine Trikeman. :Sad:

When getting to know the unit, I noticed that the iGo Primo software is dated 11 May 2011, and the Navteq maps are all dated 2012, except the base map, which is dated 2009. :whatthe:

Having programmed it to take me to an address 1.2 miles away, but over a bridge with a 7.5T weight limit, in truck or bus mode (using the MH dimensions), it wanted to take me 9.5 miles out of my way, even though the weight was set at 5T. In car mode using the same dimensions, it tried to do the same. In car mode again, with the same measurements, but with the weight set at 3.4T, it took me straight over the bridge this time. It's definitely a 7.5T weight limit, and not a 5T weight limit on that particular bridge. :whatthe:

Apart from the above points, and bearing in mind I've not been anywhere with it yet, I am very pleased with it's functions and different options for planning a journey.

Cheers,

Jock.

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