Why the WayPoint is a great choice for RV users.

While RV users like and need many of the same services that are prevalent in other vehicle navigation systems they also have unique needs that need to be met, but some features are easy to overlook when browsing the shelves for a new GPS system. This page will cover a few of these features.

General Features

The WayPoint shares general features with other navigation systems including an excellent map system from NavTeq and door to door routing with voice prompts. It also includes all of the cables, mounts and other items that are needed to get it going right out of the box. Some systems may make some of these essential features optional and you won't know you need them until the installation is attempted.

A full color display on a 3.5" screen is important for vehicle navigation systems. Some compromise this display by turning it sideways. This means that the information ahead of you isn't shown as well as it is on the WayPoint screen. Often used data on the WayPoint is already programmed on hardware buttons on the device providing easy to use entry while traveling. There is quick access to thing like detours and nearby gas stations and restaurants. Zoom is on the thumb wheel while the four button menu provides 8 quickly accessible functions. The D pad provides panning on the map screen or turn information when navigating.

A large speaker with amplifier built into the mount provides excellent voice quality for turn instructions and other navigation messages. This can be especially important in a noisy RV environment.

Rollover Image for More Features

"TrafficWatch enables your WayPoint to display delayed and real time traffic information. Traffic information consists of highway speed information, incidents and accidents in both visual and audio format. See the TrafficWatch product pages for more information. Free 1 year subscription."	"Weather Underground is a location based service (LBS) that can pull down delayed and real time weather satellite imagery. See the Weather Underground pages for more information. Free 1 year subscription."	Automatically re-routes if you make a bad turn.	Improve Accuracy	Automatic Day & Night Mode	Sets clock using GPS Satellite atomic clock

While navigating the WayPoint will show the estimated time of arrival with surprising accuracy so that the user can plan what will need to be done after arrival. If traffic conditions alter the plan the user will know this instantly by the recalculation of this probable arrival time.

You can install the contact list from your outlook database on your computer and the navigation tools will even plot the route to their addresses.

Specific RV features

An RV user is often off the main roads and even in roads and camping areas not available on any road map. For this reason a system must provide location information that is not locked to the roads on the map. The WayPoint GPS can be set to not lock to the roads at all and still provides the same capabilities of accurate routing as those units that require road lock to work properly. WayPoint provides a track log that accurately shows the path the vehicle took. This can be important if you need to retrace your steps. It can also substitute for the lack of a road map in a large camping area. These tracklogs can even be saved and restored later to provide maps of favorite campground areas that you wish to return to.

Orientation to the maps can be provided by saving locations as icons on the maps. The user saved locations are stored at the exact spot where they are located. They are shown on the map with user specified icons and can be searched and referenced in user definable categories. The number of these locations is unlimited. The user can add supplementary data to the locations with a 3 line comment field. Many competing systems store locations without visual icons and are referenced to locations on nearby roads instead of the exact location.

An RV user often has more than one vehicle so the ability to take the WayPoint with him is essential. The fact that it works on batteries as well means that it will work on bikes or while hiking. It can even provide the essential guidance back to the RV campsite. The fact that it is also a PDA means the user can add specific mapping products to support topographic maps or marine charts with their own GPS program optimized for that environment. The WayPoint GPS supports standard NMEA mode which will work with a wide variety of specialized programs.

A RV can present some special reception problems for GPS users. WayPoint supports versatile installation strategies on its WayPoint 200 where the GPS Bluetooth receiver can be placed up to 30 feet from WayPoint PDA. Both WayPoint units support the addition of an external antenna when utmost reception is needed under difficult conditions.

Weather and terrain is always a concern for RV users. The WayPoint GPS reports accurate altitude information so that you can relate altitude to probable snow levels when needed. If you have an internet connection available the unit can provide accurate up to date weather maps including Doppler radar that are referenced to your GPS location. Current conditions are not just limited to official weather stations but also include a plethora of amateur weather stations reporting local conditions including temperature, wind, and rainfall conditions.

In the evening you can take the unit back to the lounge area and use it to plan the next day's trips. You can predefine routes and even save them to recall later. You can guide the router to take the way you want by adding vias to force the path it will compute to be the way you want to go.

If you want to set up your satellite dish for a little TV viewing the exact GPS location is shown on your WayPoint. This data is needed to accurately set the dish so that it points to the satellite.

PDA features

Since space is limited in an RV you may find that this is the only computer you need to have with you. Even if you have a laptop stored away somewhere you will find the convenience of the WayPoint PDA will keep you from having to dig it out. With a live internet connection you can get mail, browse the internet, and keep up with what is going on in the world. The Bluetooth capability on the 200 can be used with a Bluetooth phone or laptop to make the connection or you can use a Compact Flash WiFi card or modem to connect to the outside world.

For entertainment you may like the built in audio / video player and ebook reader. If audio books are more your style these are available also. Of course you can also play many of your favorite games or work mind challenging puzzles. There are also several tools you can use to keep track of your RV maintenance and even your shopping lists.

And, if friends drop by you can show them pictures of your grand kids with the built-in picture viewer. The versatility of this unit is unlimited.