This is exactly why I went with this unit. It is very rugged and the view rivals that of a PC. I really wanted to go with a PC but space is tight (at least if you want to have full control from the driver's seat) and I felt almost any PC would get the snot beat out of it in a short period of time.
The topo maps are excellent. There is something like 40 steps of zoom-in.
The down-side: The UI on this unit is clunky and cumbersome. Downright archaic IMO. The screen is not touch screen. Everything is done with buttons and they are burdensome. There is no keyboard. The first time you try to type a name with that clunky UI you will want to scream. It looks/feels like the controls on a 1970's era analog TV transmitter.
BTW, I think there is a much better way to mount this. And my method keeps your mirror intact. I will post some pics when I get back from my latest travels.
I think the controls (UI) are fine myself, the unit has alot of information that can be tracked. I really don't want a bunch of buttons myself, I would rather scroll through and keep the viewing size as large as posible. I used these units on ships for years, the interface is fine IMHO. If your a Windows Geek, I guess it would be a little clunky to use your words I don't mind myself, the unit still beats the hell out of the other GPS systems out there IMO.
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FJR Colorado previously said:
FWIW, the external antenna can be mounted in the dash area and works just fine right there.
You don't necessarily need to roof mount it.
That is true, but this unit is not like a hand held unit, it is a Vehicle mount GPS. Therefore the Antenna will be mounted to my roof, I don't want a large white puck sitting on my dash myself. It's not like I'm going to be removing the unit in and out of the vehicle like a handheld smaller GPS.
Quote:
fhp6 previously said:
Mike--
I just took a peak at your FJ after clicking on Raptor. Impressive!!
Where will you mount the antenna for the Lorance?
Semper fi,
Mike
See my above post
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"Good people sleep peacefully at night safe in the knowledge that rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf" (George Orwell)
I do find the UI a bit easier to use the more I log c*ckpit hours with it. I just find it like a trip back in time when I use the Lowrance vs. my Magellan.
Notice I say "UI" instead of "GUI" because there is nothing "graphical" about this interface.
I decided to make this my Install thread. I designed and built a mount for the GPS for the vehicle. The Lowrance unit comes with a "White" colored puck antenna. This will work great on all the other FJ's except the TRD SE's; because of the Black roof.
I was talking on the phone with Larry (uphill) about our Lowarance units. I told him I had made and mailed out a GPS bracket for him along with new hardware for mounting the unit. He wants to mount his in the same location as myself. I explained to him that I used a new product made by "Tool Dip" they make a rubber coating that you dip your tool handles in. I have used this product for years for all kinds of projects. I explained to Larry that they had a new product out instead of dipping, it's in a spray can. I decided to use a rubber coating instead of spray for more durability and since it's inside up next to the head liner the metal won't tear it up.
Well during our conversation I explained that I was going to have to paint my GPS Antenna Black to blend into the roof, that I didn't want it sticking out on top because it's white. Larry said you should use the same Black rubber coating that it would provide even better outside wear then black paint would, I agreed, that it would stand up alot better then the paint.
This morning I decided to go ahead a coat the GPS Antenna with the Tool Dip Spray. here is a pic of the unit.
I am waiting to install the Antenna unitl my ARB Half Roof rack comes in this Tuseday and my Custom One-Off BAJA Light bar arrives sometime in the next two weeks. Once these come in, I'll have a better idea on where I want the Antenna to be placed on the roof along with how and where I'm going to run all the wiring for the lights and antenna. I'll post up when everything is in.
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"Good people sleep peacefully at night safe in the knowledge that rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf" (George Orwell)
Mike, great unit.
There is an article in the new Overland Journal on several GPS units, and that one I believe was reviewed.
Cool, I guess I'll have to wait to get my copy in the mail to see what the review says. I personally love it, I think it is going to be exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Corey
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"Good people sleep peacefully at night safe in the knowledge that rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf" (George Orwell)
Cool, I guess I'll have to wait to get my copy in the mail to see what the review says. I personally love it, I think it is going to be exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Corey
That was the edition that came out in early November.
I don't mind myself, the unit still beats the hell out of the other GPS systems out there IMO. 
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