Help me choose satnav/detector
Discussion
Not sure which is the best forum to post this in, so I guess I'll start here, seeing as I'm getting to know you lot 
I have a pathetic sense of direction. Also, I have, in the past, had one or two close calls with a "Talivan" speed trap in my MG. Given the wonders of technology, I've decided to remedy these shortcomings by accessorising the 111r with a satnav unit and speed trap detector (but not diffuser). However, I wonder if any on you could help with my choices?
For the detector, I have pretty much settled on an Origin B2. Does anyone have any experience fitting one into an Elise? Where did you mount the unit and how did you route the wiring?
For the satnav, I'm torn between the new TomTom Go and the StreetPilot 2610, and can't decide which is the better one to go for. Whilst the TomTom is much cheaper, I don't know what the quality of the map & routing is like. Does anyone have either of these units who could offer some guidance?
Thanks in advance!
[k]
I have a pathetic sense of direction. Also, I have, in the past, had one or two close calls with a "Talivan" speed trap in my MG. Given the wonders of technology, I've decided to remedy these shortcomings by accessorising the 111r with a satnav unit and speed trap detector (but not diffuser). However, I wonder if any on you could help with my choices?
For the detector, I have pretty much settled on an Origin B2. Does anyone have any experience fitting one into an Elise? Where did you mount the unit and how did you route the wiring?
For the satnav, I'm torn between the new TomTom Go and the StreetPilot 2610, and can't decide which is the better one to go for. Whilst the TomTom is much cheaper, I don't know what the quality of the map & routing is like. Does anyone have either of these units who could offer some guidance?
Thanks in advance!
[k]
Origin is good...Id get a diffuser also - Ive been using one for about 5 years now - wouldnt be without it - legal or not.
I also use the TomTom go - much tidier install (like no wires at all ) - great maps, easy to use etc.
Only down side is that it only comes with major roads of Europe....and you have to load these onto the memory card. The additional maps are about £180 + the cost of a bigger memory card so you cant fit the whole of Europe on....still not an issue if you stick to the UK !
I also use the TomTom go - much tidier install (like no wires at all ) - great maps, easy to use etc.
Only down side is that it only comes with major roads of Europe....and you have to load these onto the memory card. The additional maps are about £180 + the cost of a bigger memory card so you cant fit the whole of Europe on....still not an issue if you stick to the UK !
Interesting post - a subject I was discussing with a friend in Dixheads the other day.
TomTom comes well recommended for the UK, maps are clear and concise - I think I'd go for that if I were buying, plus you can get a nice new PDA at the same time!
As for detectors, would appreciate your thoughts on why the Origin is the weapon of choice so to speak. Cheers, Tim
>> Edited by S Works on Tuesday 7th September 12:20
TomTom comes well recommended for the UK, maps are clear and concise - I think I'd go for that if I were buying, plus you can get a nice new PDA at the same time!
As for detectors, would appreciate your thoughts on why the Origin is the weapon of choice so to speak. Cheers, Tim
>> Edited by S Works on Tuesday 7th September 12:20
Thanks for the input, guys.
Unfortunately, I'm no nearer making a decision on the satnav, but I'm going to try to have a play with each of the units to see which I prefer. Whilst I like the price, no-wires and apparent simplicity of the TomTom, I was worried about the detail of the basemap, as it's database seems to be about 20mb less than the StreetPilot's, but that seems not to be an issue? How good have you found the TomTom to be for POIs like fuel and parking? Have you had it come up with "odd" routing or is it generally pretty reliable? Is the map up-to-date or are updates available for download?
I decided to go for the Origin as it covers everything other than radar, which is little used these days anyway, but the feedback I received is that it has the best and most frequently updated location database. Also when it warns you, it gives you the limit of the road you are on, which is a nice bonus, plus it can interface with the LRC100 diffuser, firing it automatically when it detects a laser. However, I don't want to start pulling the front clam of my new car apart to fit the diffuser, plus I don't want to get into any avoidable legal wrangles. Knowing my luck, I'd probably get done for having it, and they (the scamera people) would no doubt try to make an example of someone like me to continue to propagate their myths, lies and revenue stream.
I'll just have to keep a better eye out for Talivans. Chances are they probably wouldn't get a good initial fix off an Elise anyway because of the shape, giving a chance to slow down.
[k]
Unfortunately, I'm no nearer making a decision on the satnav, but I'm going to try to have a play with each of the units to see which I prefer. Whilst I like the price, no-wires and apparent simplicity of the TomTom, I was worried about the detail of the basemap, as it's database seems to be about 20mb less than the StreetPilot's, but that seems not to be an issue? How good have you found the TomTom to be for POIs like fuel and parking? Have you had it come up with "odd" routing or is it generally pretty reliable? Is the map up-to-date or are updates available for download?
I decided to go for the Origin as it covers everything other than radar, which is little used these days anyway, but the feedback I received is that it has the best and most frequently updated location database. Also when it warns you, it gives you the limit of the road you are on, which is a nice bonus, plus it can interface with the LRC100 diffuser, firing it automatically when it detects a laser. However, I don't want to start pulling the front clam of my new car apart to fit the diffuser, plus I don't want to get into any avoidable legal wrangles. Knowing my luck, I'd probably get done for having it, and they (the scamera people) would no doubt try to make an example of someone like me to continue to propagate their myths, lies and revenue stream.
I'll just have to keep a better eye out for Talivans. Chances are they probably wouldn't get a good initial fix off an Elise anyway because of the shape, giving a chance to slow down. [k]
TomTom base map is excellent - no issues with routing and lots of options on preferences - very up to date and you can download free updates from their site etc. POIs - well its had every one Ive needed in it so far ! I use it daily and drive about 150-300 miles a day all over the UK&I...Ive also used it in Holland on the main roads and also in Northern Ireland recently
You dont have to pull apart the clam to fit the diffusers - they mount just underneath the lip on the front no probs..and work justt fine
You dont have to pull apart the clam to fit the diffusers - they mount just underneath the lip on the front no probs..and work justt fine
Thanks everyone
In the end, I went for the Origin b2 and the StreetPilot 2610. I am very impressed indeed with the satnav. It took me from my driveway straight to the door of Demon Tweeks (helmet buying for trackdays!), then found me a nearby petrol station when the low-fuel light came on. Despite my deliberate efforts to confuse it on the way back, it navigated me home perfectly. Plus, it has all the maps I need for my planned trips to the Nurburgring, and replicating the Top Gear DB9 race to Monaco
.
As for the Origin, that's not so good. The unit I bought is faulty and has to be returned. The vocal warnings and beep tones are extremely quiet - I think the speaker is broken
. Also, the "at home" cable doesn't clip into the unit properly on one side, meaning it has to be held together to maintain the connection. So whilst Origin may have the best Gatso database, there appear to be some build quality issues, but hopefully it's just a one-off dud unit. We'll see what the replacement one is like, which will most likely come into stock with the reseller next week.
[k]
In the end, I went for the Origin b2 and the StreetPilot 2610. I am very impressed indeed with the satnav. It took me from my driveway straight to the door of Demon Tweeks (helmet buying for trackdays!), then found me a nearby petrol station when the low-fuel light came on. Despite my deliberate efforts to confuse it on the way back, it navigated me home perfectly. Plus, it has all the maps I need for my planned trips to the Nurburgring, and replicating the Top Gear DB9 race to Monaco
. As for the Origin, that's not so good. The unit I bought is faulty and has to be returned. The vocal warnings and beep tones are extremely quiet - I think the speaker is broken
. Also, the "at home" cable doesn't clip into the unit properly on one side, meaning it has to be held together to maintain the connection. So whilst Origin may have the best Gatso database, there appear to be some build quality issues, but hopefully it's just a one-off dud unit. We'll see what the replacement one is like, which will most likely come into stock with the reseller next week. [k]
I stuck mine to the outside of the "glovebox" extrusion immediately to the left of the centre console which holds the heater controls. I tilted it at a slight angle to make for easier reading. I'll post a pic if that would help.
I've not had it jump out of the cradle once. The B2 itself is magnetically attached to the base. Might be worthwhile seeing if the magnets in yours are aligned correctly. The base just unscrews with a small allen key (supplied). The button magnets should flip themselves round the right way if left loose in their holders, and the unit is plugged in whilst the base is unscrewed.
I did have some build quality issues with the B2 I first received and had to return it. Origin were very good about it and keen to make sure I was satisfied with a new one quickly. If you continue to have a problem, I would suggest emailing their customer services department, and they will see you right.
[k]
>> Edited by [k]ar| on Monday 8th November 21:11
I've not had it jump out of the cradle once. The B2 itself is magnetically attached to the base. Might be worthwhile seeing if the magnets in yours are aligned correctly. The base just unscrews with a small allen key (supplied). The button magnets should flip themselves round the right way if left loose in their holders, and the unit is plugged in whilst the base is unscrewed.
I did have some build quality issues with the B2 I first received and had to return it. Origin were very good about it and keen to make sure I was satisfied with a new one quickly. If you continue to have a problem, I would suggest emailing their customer services department, and they will see you right.
[k]
>> Edited by [k]ar| on Monday 8th November 21:11
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