Stupid question on GPS/ Sat Nav

[midliferider]

When driving I rely on paper maps. I do not use sat nav system. It is not easy to carry a big road map when cycling. While cycling, I have used Google map in Blackberry when I got lost on couple of occasions.

I am planning couple of tours in the spring and summer both here in the UK and in Europe. It will be useful to have access to a sat nav/ GPS for touring.
I do not need an integrated cycle computer.
I do not want to use my phone when touring. I switch it off. I have it if I want it for emergencies but I do not want others to disturb me with e mails/ texts/calls etc. So do not want to use map in the phone.
Do not want to spend a fortune on a Garmin like device.

So my stupid question is, Can I use an ordinary Sat Nav like Tom Tom when touring?
I am sure Tom Tom will still show me where I am. What is the problem of using it in a cycle. I can carry it in my pocket to use it I need to.

 

[terry_gardener]

if you are going to just use the road network then any car sat nav will do really, it will only get tricky/confusing for the sat nav if you start using cycle paths or cycle only entries on roads (eg no entry except cycles).
or you could look out for a cheap 2nd hand garmin edge with sat nav feature, like a older model.

 

[andrew_s]

So my stupid question is, Can I use an ordinary Sat Nav like Tom Tom when touring?

The problems with using a car satnav such as a TomTom are...
a) Battery life. There's lots of power available in a car or on a motorcycle, so battery life is generally no more than is required for exploring a town on foot having parked the car - maybe 3 or 4 hours.
b) weatherproofness
c) sunlight readability
d) lack of suitable handlebar mounts

B and C, and possibly D can be resolved by using a motorcycle satnav.
If you have overnight power (hotel/hostel/B&B) and are only going to be using the satnav for spot checks rather than navigating a day's ride, A might not be a problem. Otherwise, there are possibilities such as powering it from a dynohub, but these are likely to end up costing more than a bike GPS such as a Garmin would.

Alternatively Handtec are selling refurbished Etrex Legend HCx for £95. Maps are free (OpenStreetMap), and it lasts for aboiut 24 hours use on a pair of AA rechargeables. "Refurbished" are generally warranty returns that have been fixed back at the factory.

 

[ufkacbln]

As above, batery life and mounting

YOu can extend battery life by using a USB power pack for some models, but it is bulky and wires trailing around an be anissue.

As above, look at some of the cheaper map based walking devices.

Finally mapping can be solved as some systems can use the OSM cycle maps

 

[midliferider]

The problems with using a car satnav such as a TomTom are...
a) Battery life. There's lots of power available in a car or on a motorcycle, so battery life is generally no more than is required for exploring a town on foot having parked the car - maybe 3 or 4 hours.
b) weatherproofness
c) sunlight readability
d) lack of suitable handlebar mounts

That is a very comprehensive answer. Thank you very much.
As I am thinking of doing some European tours over next couple of years, I will look for a cycle walking specific device.

 

[andrew_s]

In general, walking models are powered by AA batteries that last 15-24h, which can be quickly swapped, and cycling models have internal batteries that last 8-12h and which require some hours to recharge when flat.

If you are looking at touring, consider the likely availabilty of charging points at overnight stops. Hotels & B&B are generally OK, hostels often are but may sometimes require leaving your device charging in a public location such as a dorm. Campsites are more difficult - it's ask at reception & tie yourself to their opening times, charge in the shower block (public, may be wet), or take a bulky caravan hookup plug and pirate off an unoccupied pitch. "Ad-hoc" charging may also be possible (eg at a cafe whilst you are eating lunch), but this will likely be top ups rather than a full charge.

For off-mains charging, the most reliable solution is dynohub + hub to USB converter, either separate (eg e-Werk, USB-Werk) or built into a light (eg Axa Luxx 70 plus, B+M Luxos 179U). Dynohub options also allow the possibility of powering the device directly from the hub so little recharging may be necessary.
Solar, given clouds, northern latitudes and the fact that a panel on the back of a bike won't be square on to the sun, needs a panel with at least 20x30cm of solar cells to be good.

Taking 6xAA rechargeable (2 in and 4 spare) will likely last for a couple of weeks. Disposable lithium AA are also good, and half the weight, but are relatively expensive.
For devices with internal batteries, you can take Li-ion battery packs that will allow a few days between mains ("few" depending which pack you get). Bear in mind that charging one of these will take longer than charging the small battery in your device.

 

[HLaB]

Last year when working away from home I used my car Nuvi but as said above the battey life was poor (about 3hours iirc). And I only used it for tracking rides (it'd be in a case in my pocket); if you were using it to tour you would face the other problems listed above of mounting and robustness (water proofing).

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Have a look at Satmap. Can use AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack. Comes with OS mapping for GB and European maps are available. You may even be able to pick up second hand one or a refurbished one.

If you want a new one, Amazon are normally the cheapest place to buy them. If you want to look at one in the flesh, Cotswold stock them.

I should point out that I have a connection with Satmap, but I have used one for several years for walking and cycling and am very happy with it.

http://www.satmap.co.uk/

 

[midliferider]

Thanks.
Andrew you must consider writing a permanent post on this subject. It is very informative.
I had a look at various options on line. I would like to spend up to £100.
I found two products, Etrex 10 and Dakota 10. I can see that Etrex has buttons and black and white screen. Dakota has touch colour screen.
Any views on these?