Directions and bed time.

theoldprof · Sep 14, 2004

1. When receiving a dispatch from the Quaalcom, are you given street directions or only an address.

2. In a cargo van, what degree of warmth is a good choice for a sleeping bag, assuming the use of a 12 volt blanket? I'm talking about for use in mid west winters. Would I want a plus 30 degree bag, a zero bag, or a ten below bag? :+ :+

geo · Sep 14, 2004

depending on how company has there system set up it is able to route you right to spot by hitting a can msg and each time tell ya how
far away you are from x marks the spot

on other question if you look in trucking mag there is a company that makes heating pad for the sleeper used it works great
but will run down the battery's

so two things to do get deep cyle marine battery for thing's like
that and they will save your starting battery's
also get a solar panel for top of your van and let the sun keep your
battery's charged

if you go to marine discount boater store they have
solar panel of vary's size that will do the job

vernon946 · Sep 15, 2004

And make that sleeping bag at least zero degree. That way, you'll only need the 12 volt blanket running when it gets really cold. This will not run down your deep cycle aux battery as much, and remind you to run the engine sometime in early morning before your starting battery gets too cold )batteries lose power when really cold) and your fuel gets too thick (diesel?).

Qualcomm directions depend on the company. Don't depend on them being totally accurate as they seldom are. Learn how to get the better directions by asking in a local store or checking the local phone book. I have great luck getting directions from women, while most men mutter, "I don't live around here".

Vernon in C2197

LDB · Sep 16, 2004

If you get a minus 20 bag you can always unzip it whatever amount is comfortable and even fold it back so only waist down is inside the bag if need be. If you get a plus 30 bag you can't do much but shiver if it's not adequate. I go with the serious bag and open or close it as need demands.

theoldprof · Sep 16, 2004

Thanks, geo, vernon946, and LDB. I am looking into a Garmin iQue 3600 GPS hand held for directions. About $550.00 at Officemax. Anybody have any experience with this type unit? What is the best type of battery to have, a maintenance free, or a gel? The gel batteries are more expensive. What amp rating should I get? :+ :+

the federation · Sep 16, 2004

OldProf. I don't know from personal experience about the Garmin Ique, but from what I have heard from others it is a battery hog. If you are looking for a good gps unit for directions the Garmin 60c or 60cs is a beter deal if you are looking to use the Ique as a note pad as well I can't help out there.

theoldprof · Sep 17, 2004

Thanks, the federation. Looks like Garmin makes several GPS units. Whatever model I choose, it will have a hook up for the cigarette lighter outlet, so batteries shouldn't be a problem. As far as using it as a notebook, I'm of the old school that if it is important to remember, you write it on the back of your hand. :+ :+

LDB · Sep 17, 2004

Unless you are going to use all the pda functions of the ique you can spend less for equal gps or spend the same for more gps. Check out garmins website and also check out magellan. Magellan has a model I can't remember the name of but it comes in platinum, gold and silver variations. The platinum is around $350 and is an extremely capable unit. For around $850 I believe you can get one that has a much larger screen than the ique and also talks you in to your destination. Good luck.

Oh yeah, any decision on the bag yet?

davekc · Sep 17, 2004

Delorme has the same unit that runs through a PDA or a laptop. With GPS it is far below 350.00
They can be located at www.delorme.com
Davekc

theoldprof · Sep 18, 2004

Magellan, Delorme, +20 degrees, -20 degrees. This is more that my poor brain can assimilate at one time. I haven't made any decisions, but I appreciate the input. Is anyone else out there in newbyland getting any good use out of this info? Thanks again. :+ :+

zebra1run · Sep 20, 2004

I think you will be completely satisfied if you go with the Magellan Meridian Color Handheld GPS. There is a seller on Ebay that sells these units for $399 + $16.50 shipping.

The package he sells comes complete, with all the accessories you are likely to need. You'll just need to figure out which map software package you would most likely use.

This Ebay seller has over 4000 transactions with 100% customer satisfaction and he has full manufacturers warranty/brand new units.

If you want to save MONEY and get what is said to be the BEST in a handheld GPS this is the one to get.

I don't personally have one of the Magellans, but I have been researching these units because I'm about to buy one.

Zebra

theoldprof · Sep 20, 2004

zebra1run. Thanks. Since you will probably buy a unit before I do, keep us posted on this. This GPS idea sounds like a live saver for me. My wife says I can get lost if we go to the local mall by a different route. She asks how am I going to drive a truck across country when I can't find my way around town without getting lost. :+ :+

aquawarrior7 · Sep 20, 2004

I don't know much about these expensive gps systems. Until recently I hadn't heard much about it. Last week after my partner squashed her Laptop, we went to see if we could get it fixed or buy a new one. I was walking around Best Buy seeing if there as any games I wanted. I noticed I think a Delorme unit that you connect to the computer. Then over a little Microsoft Streets and Trips had where you could buy the new 2005 version and this little gadget that connects to the laptop for only $130.00. Woo hoo we bought it and are having a blast with it. I dont know how the other ones work but this one you tell it where you want to start the trip add all the stops you want in and the end and all along the way it shows where you are along the map. You can add truckstops or walmarts in with the pushpins in case you are forgetfull like me. Great fun or mabye I just need to get a life.