GPS map upgrade

[Geri]

Understand that neither Forest River nor Magnadyne supply map updates, and that upgrading is a pain. I had RV in for warranty work, advising them that GPS was complaining about outdated maps, and requesting them to update the maps. Sure they said. They didn't, they upgraded the operating system and said that they couldn't do maps. That's the gripe. The question is, can a camera memory card be used to download the maps allowing me to slide the radio out, swap the cards, and slide it back in; or do I need to remove the existing map card and use it to download?

[Mike & Molly]

I've given up on the Magnadyne GPS.
It's just a inferior system "when" it works.
I don't bother anymore & just use my Garmin.
I'm a happy camper again......

[Displaced2]

I agree and I can use the GPS in my toad as well!

[DennyH]

One of my biggest compaints with the Magnadyne GPS is the view angle from the drivers seat! I am so used to my Garmin being easy to see/read. Just my 2 cents!

[RvBill3]

Originally Posted by Geri

Understand that neither Forest River nor Magnadyne supply map updates, and that upgrading is a pain. I had RV in for warranty work, advising them that GPS was complaining about outdated maps, and requesting them to update the maps. Sure they said. They didn't, they upgraded the operating system and said that they couldn't do maps. That's the gripe. The question is, can a camera memory card be used to download the maps allowing me to slide the radio out, swap the cards, and slide it back in; or do I need to remove the existing map card and use it to download?

I am in the process of updating my maps. You need to use the card that is in the unit. On naviextras.com there is a software tool that you use to update. It asks you to connect your GPS to the computer. When you connect the SD card from your Magnadyne it recognizes that the GPS unit is "connected". Then you can proceed with the update. Also the software prompts you to do a backup before proceeding and it backs up to your computer. Also has a restore tool built into it.

Will let you know how it goes when I finish. Looks like it will take about 30 minutes to download all the files.

[paulmlac]

Originally Posted by RvBill3

I am in the process of updating my maps. You need to use the card that is in the unit. On naviextras.com there is a software tool that you use to update. It asks you to connect your GPS to the computer. When you connect the SD card from your Magnadyne it recognizes that the GPS unit is "connected". Then you can proceed with the update. Also the software prompts you to do a backup before proceeding and it backs up to your computer. Also has a restore tool built into it.

Will let you know how it goes when I finish. Looks like it will take about 30 minutes to download all the files.

How much does an update cost?

[RvBill3]

The update went well. Took about an hour overall. There are several options for updates--one time, one year (several updates), updating points of interest, etc. I spent $70 for one update and updates of poi.

[Displaced2]

Two years of updates buys a new GPS with lifetime free updates that are much simpler

[RvBill3]

True, but I really prefer an in-dash system. This update will last me a couple of years then I will likely replace the whole Magnadyne with something better.

[Geri]

Sigh - If the Magnadyne was only a GPS, it'd be gone; but it does so many other things - still... The 'years worth of updates but no more than quarterly' carries the caviot 'but not necessarily quarterly. Now nearly 4th qrtr of this year and last update was first quarter. Sounds like consensus is that Garmin is best. It worked on the boat; never got lost.

[paulmlac]

Agree. $70 seems expensive. I say that given the system overall. It's just 1 more thing to update, slower to boot up (IMHO at least), one more thing to learn that's not that intuitive (again, IMHO, compared to Garmin) & not really sure how it would interplay with the DVD function (we play movies for the kids when driving most of the time).

For those reasons, I generally just bring my Garmin. Several years ago I paid (actually my company did) for updates 4 times per year for the life of the device. I do those quarterly like clockwork since I travel for work a lot.

The other option, & I've used it as a backup in the RV, is the always free / always updated iPhone Google Maps app.

Little off topic: My wife drives an '04 Honda Odyssey. When we got it, I insisted upon GPS in it as we relocate for work rather often, especially back then. I think it was a $2,000 MSRP option. If I had to replace that car right now, I can't imagine paying a dime for a factory in-dash GPS system. There's just too many other options out there including Garmin, iPhone Google Maps, etc. Almost surprised that GPS is in RV's. As for me, I'd rather FR reduced by price by any amount & remove the GPS function (suggestion for BCLEMENS).

[DXSMac]

My biggest complaint about the MagnaDyne is it's way too complex. I'm pretty technilogically literate, but it's way too complex.

Also, the MagnaDyne feeds my front and rear TV. Ok, this might be laziness, but if I'm watching a DVD on the rear, if I want to "see that last scene again" I have to get up and walk up to the front and fuss with it. (Ok, go ahead and play your violins.....)

And I agree, paying that much for updates is crap. We should have gotten free updates for a year.

Oh yeah. IS that what the "pigtail" is for that is hanging from the MagnaDyne? I've got a PIGTAIL with a large USB thingie hanging from the dashboard.

[RvBill3]

Originally Posted by DXSMac

Oh yeah. IS that what the "pigtail" is for that is hanging from the MagnaDyne? I've got a PIGTAIL with a large USB thingie hanging from the dashboard.

The SD card for navigation is a short pigtail in the rear of the unit. The longer "pigtail" that comes out the front is a 30 pin connector for an iPod to play music through the system.

On very new units the navigation SD card plugs in the front. Until recently that card slot was another way to add music to the system or even display pictures.

[TomG]

I love my Sunseeker, but after playing with this for a long time, and downloading the large manual (that didn't come with it), I've also decided the GPS part isn't worth the effort. It does seem to control the whole AV system so I'm going to try and use it, but whoever decided to make them standard equipment sure never tried to use it. I'm going back to my own GPS like everyone else.

[Mike & Molly]

$70.00 for 1 years worth of upgrades is outrageous.
I bought lifetime upgrades for my Garmin for only $89.00.

[bclemens]

Part of the issues is licensing. We've asked for the Garmin RV version to be installed on new radios....but that will only happen if the radio mfg can get the licensing figured out.

Frankly its hard to beat an iPhone with GPS (or google maps for that matter). I think the POI's are way easier to find vie a connected phone with google search.

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by paulmlac

Agree. $70 seems expensive. I say that given the system overall. It's just 1 more thing to update, slower to boot up (IMHO at least), one more thing to learn that's not that intuitive (again, IMHO, compared to Garmin) & not really sure how it would interplay with the DVD function (we play movies for the kids when driving most of the time).

For those reasons, I generally just bring my Garmin. Several years ago I paid (actually my company did) for updates 4 times per year for the life of the device. I do those quarterly like clockwork since I travel for work a lot.

The other option, & I've used it as a backup in the RV, is the always free / always updated iPhone Google Maps app.

Little off topic: My wife drives an '04 Honda Odyssey. When we got it, I insisted upon GPS in it as we relocate for work rather often, especially back then. I think it was a $2,000 MSRP option. If I had to replace that car right now, I can't imagine paying a dime for a factory in-dash GPS system. There's just too many other options out there including Garmin, iPhone Google Maps, etc. Almost surprised that GPS is in RV's. As for me, I'd rather FR reduced by price by any amount & remove the GPS function (suggestion for BCLEMENS).

Same with the Toyota in-dash nav system. Expensive and useless.

[NCIC105]

Little off topic:

Does these units play blueray..

[paulmlac]

Originally Posted by NCIC105

Little off topic:

Does these units play blueray..

No.

I will probably need to figure out a solution for that at some point though. Pretty much every new movie we buy now is Blu-ray.

Although I walked into a Target store a couple weeks ago & picked up the following DVD's for less than $5 each: Airplane, Caddyshack, Coming to America, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Major League, Planes Trains & Automobiles, and Risky Business.
(sorry to go further off topic)

[NCIC105]

Someone should make a direct replacement for this unit..Shame a new unit comes with sub standard equipment.