CarterGPS
Mobile GPS navigation system

Put together your own by following this guide.

Note: as of 01/02/2003 I no longer use the Microsoft "Streets & Trips" for navigation. I have switched to the superior "Laptop-Navstar" which is a talking GPS solution utilizing Microsoft Mappoint. Click here for the Carter Review of "Laptop-Navstar". by John Stead, Orangville, ON email jstead@CarterRV.com We have used computer trip planning for many years now. In the past, my wife Nancy would prepare all the routes and driving schedules on the computer. Upon completion, she would print a trip book with maps and directions and put it in a binder. Our new system provides for flexibility with route changes due to preferences, construction zones or road conditions. We know well in advance of upcoming exits or turns. I can be in the correct lane at the correct time without any guess work. The easiest way for me to describe the advantages of such a system is to walk you through its usage. In May of this year we planned a short 4 day RV trip from Mississauga, ON Canada to Irish Hills, Michigan USA for my niece's graduation. While I made preparations with the van and our 29ft travel trailer, Nancy booked a campsite in Irish Hills and prepared a travel route using Microsoft Street & Trips. She plugged in our starting location near Fergus Ontario and the Irish Hills Campground in Michigan. She specified the types of roads we prefer, updated the construction data and "poof", we had a route with a detailed map and driving instructions.        Click here to see the results   We know exactly where our gas stops will be. We know exactly where our rest stops will be. We know exactly when we will arrive at our destination. The connection to the GPS unit enables Nancy to see exactly where we are along the route. She can now advise me in advance of upcoming turns or exits. There is no need to "figure out" where we are as it is shown clearly on the laptop. When she advises me of an upcoming exit, I too can see it on the eMAP GPS display. I now have a true judgment of how far the exit is ahead of us in order to make lane changes well in advance. No more missed exits or last minute decisions. We know the road ahead in great detail. We arrived at Irish Hill Campground on time, and I press a button on the GPS to record this location permanently. This is stored as a "waypoint" that can later "bring me home" if required. While I get the trailer set up in the site, Nancy is back on the laptop planning the route to my sister's house in Manchester Michigan. Click, click, and "poof" ... another route.        Click here to see the results   We arrived at my sister's place and had a nice long visit. When it was time to return to the campsite, we all piled in the van and I press the buttons on the GPS. This enabled a "track back" feature that directed me back along the same route. The GPS "beeped" about a quarter mile in advance of each turn to let me know it was approaching. I only have to listen for the "beeps" and follow the arrow. A new day, a new mini trip. Find a large department store and Manchester High School. Plan a route from the campground to the the high school with a stop. "Poof" and we're off.        Click here to see the results   The GPS unit may be used all on its own. Same with the Street & Trips on the laptop. Put them together, and you have an amazing system that enables you to know exactly where you are and where you are going in amazing detail. Happy RVing from John, Nancy, Paul and Jake. Connections: 1) The GPS and the power inverter have 12v accessory plugs. These are plugged into the cigarette ligher socket using an accessory "Y" adapter. 2) The laptop power cord is plugged into the power inverter. 3) The map light, (for daytime driving), is plugged into the accessory socket on the dash beside the GPS.  Questions and Answers  Q: What is the difference between "Microsoft Streets & Trips" and "MapSource Metro Guide"? A: I believe the "Streets & Trips" is the best for route/trip planning. The "Metro Guide" has all the detailed maps that can be downloaded into the GPS unit for "stand alone" use. There is no "all-in-one" software that can do both. If I could plan a route and obtain construction information with the Garmin GPS software, (Metro Guide), I would not need the other. Q: How can I get in touch with "Harold J. Carter"? A: You can email John Stead at jstead@CarterRV.com with any questions. John will summon Harold and present your information.  Related Links  Garmin eMap GPS Link to Garmin eMap GPS page. Microsoft Streets & Trips Link to Microsoft Streets & Trips page. Portawattz Power Inverter Link to Portawattz 300 Power Inverter page. CarterCam Rear View Camera System Make your own for $140.00 ($88.00 ) CarterComm, Mobile Internet Communications Cellular internet anywhere, anytime.  Reciprocal links  RVing - The Midwest Connection A non-commercial site for the exchange of information about RVing in the Midwest. RV Hometown! Where full-time RVers and wannabes share their dreams and knowledge. RV Companion Magazine News & entertainment for the road... RVzone.com The Internet RV & Camping Guide  Other Links  Highland Pines Campgound home page Link to Highland Pines campgound near Fergus Ontario. www.carterrv.com FundDealerNet is an Internet based portfolio asset management platform that has been developed to meet the operational requirements of corporations that are part of the financial services sector, such as banks, trust companies, mutual fund/securities distributors and credit unions. If your fincanial advisor is using this application, you as a shareholder will have access to your portfolio online, anytime, anywhere.	(1) Driver (pilot) view
	(2) Passenger (navigator) view The little car in the small orange circle is where the van is. I am parked in a housing complex about 200 feet in from the road. This image follows along with our global position and the map automatically repositions itself.
	(3) Garmin eMap GPS The Garmin eMap GPS provides a visual map of the road ahead including compass bearing, speed, distance travelled, and the name of the next cross road or highway exit. I purchased the Garmin emap Deluxe package which included an 8mb card, and PC interface cable.
	(4) GPS mounting bracket The GPS mounting bracket enables you to position the unit in your line of site while driving. There are other ways of mounting the unit to the dash but this proper bracket will ensure visibility of the LCD display.
	(5) GPS data/power cable The Garmin GPS data/power cable provides connection to the power source and the interface to the laptop serial port.
	(6) Map light for GPS The map light is used to make the LCD display on the GPS visible in the daytime. Without it, the sunlight will over power your view with glare. The light shining accross or down the LCD display combats the sunlight block. Get one at WalMart or Canadian Tire.
	(7) Used Compaq Armada 7730MT laptop computer This unit was obtained from a local computer shop for $550.00 . It is a Pentium 166mhz processor with a 6 gig hard drive, 64 MB RAM, CD ROM drive, floppy drive, battery, SVGA, built in modem, sound card and speakers. It is MORE than is required for this application.
	(8) Portawattz Power Inverter Power source for the laptop. I believe you only need a small unit if you are only going to power the laptop. I have chosen a 300 watt unit which is also used to power the kids Nintendo.
	(9) 12 volt accessory "Y" adapter Used to plug in both the power inverter and the GPS unit. The one picured is a quality "fused" unit.
	(10) Microsoft Streets & Trips software Minimum system requirements are Microsoft Windows 98 or higher, 24 MB of RAM, 875 MB of available hard disk space, and Super VGA (800x600) 256 colors. By todays standards, this will run on an old laptop.
	(11) Optional: MapSource Metro Guide and Roads & Recreation Canada System Requirements: Pentium processor with Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, or Windows ME; 16 MB RAM; 100 MB free hard disk space; CD-ROM drive; available serial port; 256 color display adapter and monitor (24 bit recommended); and mouse or other pointing device. By todays standards, this will run on an old laptop.
	(12) Optional: MapSource Metro Guide OR Roads & Recreation USA System Requirements: Pentium processor with Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, or Windows ME; 16 MB RAM; 100 MB free hard disk space; CD-ROM drive; available serial port; 256 color display adapter and monitor (24 bit recommended); and mouse or other pointing device. By todays standards, this will run on an old laptop.

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