GPS Navigation System

As an Elite Way Express driver, we can help equip you with a modern GPS navigation system that provides instant maps and directions on demand from your vehicle and tracks and displays your vehicle's location in real time! This is for the driver's benefit only. The GPS device is a receiver only, not a transmitter. The Elite Way Express cannot track your vehicle's location using this type of GPS device.

Advantages

• Never get lost! Even if you have no clue as to your location, the GPS receiver and software will show your location and give you directions to wherever you specify.
• See exactly where you are in real-time!
• Accurate to within three meters (using WAAS signals)!
• Saves miles, fuel, time, and money.
• Provides information on nearby restaurants, lodging, gas stations, ATMs, attractions, etc.
• Your existing vehicle insurance should cover any theft or damage to the equipment.
• NO vehicle modification required!
• NO Internet connection required!
• NO exterior vehicle antenna required!
• NO subscription fees!
• Can easily be removed or moved from vehicle to vehicle!

How GPS Works

GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites are in a precise orbit above the earth constantly transmitting information. The GPS receiver in your vehicle needs to find the signal from at least two GPS satellites to determine your latitude and longitude coordinate position. At least three satellites are required to also be able to determine your elevation above sea level. WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) further improves the accuracy of the GPS signal by using 25 ground stations around the country that correct the signal and broadcast it to two geo-stationery satellites.

What You Need (2007)

1. Notebook computer
   • PC with Pentium III or higher processor; Pentium 4 or newer recommended
   • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional or later operating system; Microsoft Windows XP recommended
   • 256 MB of RAM (512+ MB recommended)
   • 1.9 GB of available hard disk space for full installation
   • USB port (Bluetooth GPS devices are also available although we do not recommend them for a notebook computer since they require a separate power source and are more expensive.)
   • Vehicle power source for notebook computer (90 watt minimum power inverter recommended or DC adapter)
     Other recommended
     • Wireless Networking (for Internet access from your vehicle)
     • DVD drive if you wish to watch movies on DVD
2. Current version of DeLorme Street Atlas USA or Microsoft Streets & Trips, both of which include coverage for the US and Canada
3. GPS receiver device that supports NMEA 2.0 or later

Costs

• If you need the entire setup, you can get the minimal requirements for around $400 including a used notebook computer, the GPS receiver, and software.
• If you already have a notebook computer and just need the software and GPS receiver, the cost is around $90 - $130 retail.
• If you just need the software (updated annually), the cost is around $40 retail and is available at electronics stores including CompUSA, Best Buy, and Circuit City.
• If you are considering purchasing any of these items, let us know as we can usually find these items for around 20% - 30% lower than the retail prices listed above.

There are several different types of available GPS devices (PDAs and other handhelds, vehicle installations, cell phones, etc.). Here are some of the advantages to using a notebook computer as described:

• Flexibility. Many other devices are not able to be updated as easily and inexpensively. To update this system, all you need to do is buy a new version of the software and install it. You can also switch to a different software package if you prefer one over the other.
• Cost. Even though the initial investment is moderate if you don't already own a notebook, the cost for a used notebook is still considerably less than most of the other GPS systems available. You also don't have to pay any installation costs and you can easily move it from vehicle to vehicle.
• Quality. A notebook has a larger and better quality display than other GPS systems allowing for improved visibility and details at a glance. The software available allows more options and customizations than other devices.
• Convenience. You can use the notebook as a regular computer. You can easily remove it from your vehicle and/or conceal it from sight. You can also take it in your house and use it as a regular desktop computer.
• Entertainment. Having a notebook computer lets you play games or watch DVDs on a bigger screen and without the installation costs of having an LCD monitor permanently installed in your vehicle!

Note: The GPS receivers usually come with a 5' - 6' USB cord, but you can use a USB extension cable if desired as long as the total length does not exceed 20'.

Vehicle Mounting

The answer is you can buy an expensive professionally-made kit for over $300 or you can build something better for usually less than $20.

Most notebook mounting kits are made from plumbing fittings. The ones that are not are usually not as strong. Some of the kits put a decorative sleeve around the pipe, but it is still plumbing pipe. You can go to any hardware store (Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.) and get galvanized plumbing pipe and connectors. Many of the kits even tell you that you may have to get elbows and such from hardware stores for your exact application. This is the same way many commercial vehicles, such as police cruisers, are equipped.

You can use any size pipe you want, but I recommend either 1/2" or 3/4" galvanized steel since they are common, strong, and rust resistant. You should be able to buy pre-threaded pipe in lengths that will work with your vehicle or you can thread custom cut sizes. It is usually best to mount the floor flange between the driver and passenger seats toward the front of the passenger seat and then extend the base that holds the notebook toward you. On Ford vans you can mount the floor flange by either the passenger or driver seat next to the armrest on the outside of the seat belt buckle. You could just mount the floor flange in the middle between the seats but then you are taking up floor space where you could have something else installed or kept. An 18" vertical piece usually works well for vans followed by a 90 degree elbow facing toward the driver seat with an 8" pipe extending from it. Follow this by a 90 degree street elbow facing up to connect to the other floor flange. That flange is used to hold the (20 gauge steel metal or Plexiglas or 1/2" plywood) plate that your notebook will rest on. Attach an "L" for a lip to the bottom of the plate so the notebook doesn't slide toward you and get a Velcro strap to hold it down. Do not use elastic straps because they do not hold tight enough and do not fit all sizes of notebooks. If you want to get really fancy, you can buy split corrugated loom (you will need 1 1/2" if you use 3/4" pipe) to add a finished look to the mount.

You say, "Well I want to be able to swing it around to the passenger and do all kinds of adjustments?" No you don't/can't. Adjustable units are not practical and can cause accidents. If it can move then it can hit or distract you while driving. An adjustable system would need to be able to be locked in place. If you know or can figure out any way of accomplishing this then please let me know! There are some professionally built kits that are adjustable but they use custom manufactured parts and I don't know if they are safe.

I have seen kits that use electrical conduit with thumb screws instead of regular screws on the connectors to make an "adjustable" model. This does not work well because thumb screws can loosen with normal driving and could cause an accident.

Other Options/Accessories

You can also use your notebook as an MP3 player so you don't have to try to keep searching for a local radio station you like. You simply extract the songs you want from your CDs and use any MP3 player program with a random play option (many times referred to as shuffle play) and plug in your FM transmitter. Windows Media Player, which is included with Windows, works great. It is a lot cheaper than paying for XM satellite radio and you don't have to keep searching for a radio station. This is also great if you play DVDs on your laptop since you can get much better sound from your vehicle's audio system.

The FM transmitter I recommend is the Belkin TuneCast II Mobile FM Transmitter (Part # F8V3080). It offers the most features and options.

Advantages
• Transmits on FM channels 88.1MHz-107.9MHz
• Memorize up to 4 FM frequencies allowing you to save the clearest station wherever you go
• Powers on and off automatically
• Features low-battery LED indicator
• Includes a Mobile Power Cord for optional battery-free operation - will not charge the batteries
• Operating Range: 10-30 feet (a distance of 10 feet or less will minimize interference and provide the strongest signal)
• Includes 2 AAA batteries
• Radio Frequency Range: 50Hz to 15Khz
Color: Gray and Black UPC: 722868498545 http://images.belkin.com/F8V3080/FUL1_F8V3080.jpg http://images.belkin.com/F8V3080/STD1_F8V3080.jpg Note that this is different than the Part # F8V3080-APL. This model is made for the Apple iPod and does not come with the mobile power cord. It is obvious by its color of white and gray. Powered by included car adapter or batteries (10 hours on 2 AAA). LCD display Available at Best Buy and Wal-Mart in the electronics department for approximately $30 (April 2005).

• Travel Case (Around $40 for a Targus CPT400)
• USB Notebook Light (Around $10)
• Extra power supply (to keep one in your vehicle) ($15-$20)
• Power Inverter (Around $30 for a 400 Watt Inverter like the Coleman PMP400 or Husky HSK064HD)
• Inline surge protector (Around $15)

Copyright © 2009 The Elite Way Express, Inc. & Dave White. All rights reserved.