Inbuilt satnav - what's the go?

new2ford · 11-02-2015, 10:51 AM

Given the growing trend for manufacturers to install satnav as standard (and facing the prospect of our next car having one), I'm keen to educate myself about the implications of factory-fitted satnav. So far I've been using a portable one - TomTom - which has been excellent. I even put it in our luggage and took it to Europe, downloading the local map (about half the price it was in Australia!) and driving with it over there.

With the portable one of course you can take it indoors and hook up to your computer for updates etc. I know various brands are different quality. We bought a Garmin for our son and it's dreadful compared to the TomTom.

So when satnav is factory fitted in a car, how do you know what brand it is and how do you subscribe to updates, download them etc? Or is it another money-making venture by the car manufacturer as only they can do updates etc?

Apologies if questions are naive - I haven't explored this subject at all but it's something that's obviously going to become standard over the next few years.

Heck I only graduated from using maps and street directories a few years ago! But I still carry them in case, remembering how much use the satnav was when I came across a bridge unexpectedly closed for repairs in the wilds of the Czech-Austrian border in the middle of the night in a fog!

**GasoLane** · 11-02-2015, 11:08 AM

Not too sure how relevant this will be but it might help.

We replaced our Factory Stereo/Nav with an aftermarket one on our CLK240 but I would assume that the updates would be very similar.

Alpine give free updates for 3 years, they can be downloaded online then transfer them to the headunit via the USB input.

I'd say that most manufacturers would have a similar system (our original factory one did)

simon varley · 11-02-2015, 11:30 AM

you can normally download an update from the manufacturer's web site onto the SD card.

http://www.ford.com.au/ownership/sat-nav-map

looks like you might have to pay though. I know some of the Ranger guys managed to score updates as the factory software was out of date when it arrived.

vztrt · 11-02-2015, 11:43 AM

I'd say they're all putting them in as standard as a lot of people would like integrated sat nav in their car.

I would prefer it to a portable GPS as there is too much stuffing around with them if your car gets parked where thieves can break in.

In terms of brand this is a Ford world wide system. They would have had another company do it but updates will have to go through them. Sync 2 should be a lot easier then previous falcons/terri's.

new2ford · 11-02-2015, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon varley

you can normally download an update from the manufacturer's web site onto the SD card.

http://www.ford.com.au/ownership/sat-nav-map

looks like you might have to pay though. I know some of the Ranger guys managed to score updates as the factory software was out of date when it arrived.

Thanks. I note a couple are "dealer fit" only, the rest link to Whereis which is I believe a Telstra company. I'm wondering if I've been spoiled by TomTom and software like Whereis isn't going to be as capable?

Yellow_Festiva · 11-02-2015, 03:04 PM

The Sat Nav in my new Mitsubishi is a bit of a let down.

* No way to orient the map to show the direction you are driving as forward. (have set it to 'birds eye view').
* No speed camera / speed alerts.
* Can't be used when the car is moving - at least link it to the passenger seat sensor to allow the passenger to use it.
* Map zoom, even at closest setting makes the may way to small. I don't want to see the surrounding 300 metres, just where I am now and where I'm about to go.
* I bet the updates cost a mint as well.
* Green arrow pointing down to where you are on the street, very, very confusing when there is a red arrow that it your position pointing in the opposite direction.
* Poor user interface - still haven't worked it out correctly.

It was part of the car, but I would NEVER option one. $130 for a stick on unit with free lifetime updates will be just fine.

Vesper Martini · 11-02-2015, 03:14 PM

I think I read that the stick on windscreen Navman or Tom Tom type is illegal, at least in Victoria.

So its not so much a trend its so its legal.

PS I fitted an aftermarket one to My Territory, it has an SD card which holds the maps etc

Yellow_Festiva · 11-02-2015, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

I think I read that the stick on windscreen Navman or Tom Tom type is illegal, at least in Victoria.

Would it depend on its position IE if it was positioned in the line of sight? I would be very surprised if the rule was black and white, IE, they are illegal when stuck to the screen, no ifs, no buts.

vztrt · 11-02-2015, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Would it depend on its position IE if it was positioned in the line of sight? I would be very surprised if the rule was black and white, IE, they are illegal when stuck to the screen, no ifs, no buts.

Pretty sure the rule is the device needs to be mounted. The line of site rule would apply. Your not gonna get done here for having an aftermarket sat nav unit.

**GasoLane** · 11-02-2015, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

I think I read that the stick on windscreen Navman or Tom Tom type is illegal, at least in Victoria.

They're ok as long as they're not in your field of view.

mik · 11-02-2015, 04:12 PM

Been using my galaxy note as a GPS mounted on the dash for a couple of years now........ Never been hasseled about it.

Whitey-AMG · 11-02-2015, 04:42 PM

I wanted GPS for my BFGT, but didn't want it mounted on the windscreen with its umbilical cord hanging out and looking messy. I didn't want the factory option either, too expensive and too limited in functionality and updates are a PITA.
So I hardwired in a 5" garmin with lifetime free map updates. Unit clips off if I need to remove it from car and it also turns on and off automatically as it registers the power via ignition.
Fits on the tissue box void like it was meant to be there and works brilliantly.

Vesper Martini · 11-02-2015, 05:46 PM

Yes I meant it was directed at the portable ones, stuck on the window with a suction cup.

mine takes over the normal LCD screen with a flick of a switch, has an inlay touch screen $300 self installed

olfella · 11-02-2015, 05:57 PM

There are inbuilt sat nav systems and inbuilt sat navs systems - even Ford has two or three. In my case in my 2013 Falcon the maps have not been updated in that time (I do keep checking). So my feeling is unless the manufacturer keeps supporting their own system they will soon be obsolete. Manufacturers need to get out of that business and leave a way of getting updates from other providers. My iPhone mapping is more useful than the incar. Just as an example, any one who uses the Hume highway know the Holbrook bypass was opened by Gillard.... My maps still show the highway going through town.

csv8 · 11-02-2015, 06:59 PM

Queensland sat nav has to be mounted bottom right corner of dash near A pillar. Or $350 fine !! Mine stays charged for 24hrs only turn on when needed . It's a Tom Tom Worldwide 150, Map updates are $95 a year ,

b2tf · 11-02-2015, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

The Sat Nav in my new Mitsubishi is a bit of a let down.
* Can't be used when the car is moving - at least link it to the passenger seat sensor to allow the passenger to use it.

Am I missing something here, how is it meant to direct you on a trip if it cant be used when the car is moving?

martyal44 · 11-02-2015, 07:14 PM

Mine is hard to access and expensive to update. Came with car.

cheap · 11-02-2015, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

Queensland sat nav has to be mounted bottom right corner of dash near A pillar. Or $350 fine !! Mine stays charged for 24hrs only turn on when needed . It's a Tom Tom Worldwide 150, Map updates are $95 a year ,

Not correct, refer to the TMR publication

Minor Modifications Vehicle Standards Instruction G19.1
Released March 2014 Updated July 2014

Yellow_Festiva · 11-02-2015, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b2tf

Am I missing something here, how is it meant to direct you on a trip if it cant be used when the car is moving?

Can't be programmed. If you want to tinker with it the car must be stationary.

Same with the phonebook...

Quite annoying actually.

olfella · 11-02-2015, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Can't be programmed. If you want to tinker with it the car must be stationary.

Same with the phonebook...

Quite annoying actually.

Probably in the name of safety. Better sticking with the iPhone...

zilo · 11-02-2015, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Can't be programmed. If you want to tinker with it the car must be stationary.

Same with the phonebook...

Quite annoying actually.

Shhhh...earth the wire at the rear of the unit that says "parking brake"

works for me.

Also the Whereis updates are 300 bucks, have been copying the dual layer dvd on mine for years and cost sharing with a few mates.

cya

CyberWasp · 11-02-2015, 09:36 PM

Inbuilt satnav is so yesterday.
They are working on 'follow me ghost car navigation' now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOHnJa9wACI

csv8 · 12-02-2015, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheap

Not correct, refer to the TMR publication

Minor Modifications Vehicle Standards Instruction G19.1
Released March 2014 Updated July 2014

http://www.racq.com.au/cars-and-driv.../sat-nav-sense

mcnews · 12-02-2015, 07:59 AM

Have had no end of GPS units from various players hated them being on the window or having to get them out and power them up etc. Inbuilt FGII system rocks my world, no ugly accessory to plug in and crappy cables, nice big screen, auto subtle speed camera warnings dependent on speed I am doing as I approach, nice subtle fade in and fade out of stereo for instructions, quite a comprehensive index of places etc. when I am down the city and trying to find a shop I can look said company up, see their closest stores and ring one from the unit to check they are open etc. etc. There have been no downsides. Once it got a little erratic so I pulled the fuse for a minute and put it back in, no problems again since. Three years now. Love it.

cheap · 12-02-2015, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

http://www.racq.com.au/cars-and-driv.../sat-nav-sense

The official rules - end of story.

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/Sa...splayUnits.pdf

vztrt · 12-02-2015, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olfella

There are inbuilt sat nav systems and inbuilt sat navs systems - even Ford has two or three. In my case in my 2013 Falcon the maps have not been updated in that time (I do keep checking). So my feeling is unless the manufacturer keeps supporting their own system they will soon be obsolete. Manufacturers need to get out of that business and leave a way of getting updates from other providers. My iPhone mapping is more useful than the incar. Just as an example, any one who uses the Hume highway know the Holbrook bypass was opened by Gillard.... My maps still show the highway going through town.

Don't expect anymore updates. The last one that came out (Version 20 IIRC) was the last one.

**GasoLane** · 12-02-2015, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zilo

Shhhh...earth the wire at the rear of the unit that says "parking brake"

That would be the same wire that lets my the passenger watch video's whilst moving

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheap

The official rules - end of story.

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/Sa...splayUnits.pdf

Pretty much says the same as what csv8 posted.................

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

http://www.racq.com.au/cars-and-driv.../sat-nav-sense

cheap · 12-02-2015, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasOLane

That would be the same wire that lets my the passenger watch video's whilst moving

Pretty much says the same as what csv8 posted.................

Rewind back to post #15. "Queensland sat nav has to be mounted bottom right corner of dash near A pillar. Or $350 fine" I was pointing out this is not correct.

Vesper Martini · 12-02-2015, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Can't be programmed. If you want to tinker with it the car must be stationary.

Same with the phonebook...

Quite annoying actually.

Prado one is the same,

mik · 12-02-2015, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olfella

There are inbuilt sat nav systems and inbuilt sat navs systems - even Ford has two or three. In my case in my 2013 Falcon the maps have not been updated in that time (I do keep checking). So my feeling is unless the manufacturer keeps supporting their own system they will soon be obsolete. Manufacturers need to get out of that business and leave a way of getting updates from other providers. My iPhone mapping is more useful than the incar. Just as an example, any one who uses the Hume highway know the Holbrook bypass was opened by Gillard.... My maps still show the highway going through town.

Yes the smart phone GPS is not bad, I use either Waze or google maps on my galaxy n4 and its very fluid and fast .
Neither is perfect though, no speed limits, Waze maps are a bit out dated but still use able ...... But both are free.
Mind you a have a tom tom sitting in the console.... I find the smart phone 3 times nicer to use and both show heavy traffic .