Hi guys,

I thought I'd share with you my SatNav setup in my XR. After thinking long and hard about justifing the expense of the integrated ICC system, I decided up utilise my existing hardware to achieve a satnav system in the car.

I recently upgraded my PDA (iPAQ 3970) to a HP iPAQ hx4700 which in itselfs is a great unit running a tonne of memory - about 1.2Gb when you include the 2x512Mb cards plugged into it plus the internals - and bluetooth / WiFi / 624Mhz processor and the best screen quality on the market it has become my diary, organiser, games machine and MP3 player all in one.

After transfering the NavMan software from the old unit into the new, I then needed a remote GPS as the 3970 used a sleeve which would not fit the 4700.

After purchasing the iPAC navagational system for about $150 it was a simple case of pairing up the two for use. The PPC 2003 operating system makes this very easy and takes about 10 seconds. The unit sits on the dash (or anywhere else) so that it can find a satelite connection.

I have used 3M clip lock tape to secure the iPAC to the console next to the ICC screen. The Clip lock doesn't harm the factory plastic and is very strong.

The GPS unit comes with a incar charger which also suits the the 4700 so no low battery issue effect use of the unit, not that Ive had any yet after 4 hours of driving yesterday.

Overall the costs were as follows:

$350 for the NavMan software

$150 for the GPS

$700 for the iPAC (I purchased this for other reasons)

$2 for 3M clip lock.

The system is totally portable and apart from the PDA lives in the center console when not in use.

I recon if you already have a PDA with bluetooth capability, then this is a good alternative to buying a dedicated NavMan unit

I'd be interested if anybody else is running a similar setup and can add comment on the best location for the GPS unit.

I love it!

How have you mounted the PDA in that position? I'd tend to shy away from hole drilling if I can avoid it, but that setup is absolutely fantastic. I'd much rather have all that and the use of a PDA as well, than have spent the $3600 on the factory option.

Awesome, thanks for the post.

I love it! 

How have you mounted the PDA in that position? I'd tend to shy away from hole drilling if I can avoid it, but that setup is absolutely fantastic. I'd much rather have all that and the use of a PDA as well, than have spent the $3600 on the factory option.

Awesome, thanks for the post.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The PDA is fixed to the dash with 3M clip lock which is a new type of velcro. it is purchased in stick-on strips about 60mm long / 20mm wide and can be cut to size so no hole need to be drilled and can be removed at any time with damage.

The cliplock system has the same male and female surface so you dont get the fuzzy side like traditional velcro.

I also stuck some on the back of my phone so it can also be attached.

Thanks for that. Must investigate further!

I've done exactly the same thing, except I use normal velcro to hold the PDA and my iPAQ is also a phone (h6365). Bluetooth to my car kit and GPS all at once....

My Garage - HP iPAQ h6365

My Garage - Navman GPS4410

My Garage - Blueant Talkpad Car Kit

Great stuff As an avid (some might say insane) PDA addict, I think you have done an awesome job and you chose the right hardware for certain.

A couple questions for you though.

1) Is the Nav Man reg key locked to that pda only (as in, can you change pda and still use the software fully)?

2) Where did you get the software for $350 and what version is it? Is it upgradeable?

I appreciate your feedback as I am well on the same path.

Cheers

1) Is the Nav Man reg key locked to that pda only (as in, can you change pda and still use the software fully)?

Yes, it is tied to your PDA's serial number. When you install the SmartST v3 software, it requires an internet connection in order to validate your license keys.

Thanks for that

I think I'll end up spending the extra moola on a reuseable satnav version, CoPilot and such. Still, top looking job though

Great stuff   As an avid (some might say insane) PDA addict, I think you have done an awesome job and you chose the right hardware for certain.

A couple questions for you though.

1) Is the Nav Man reg key locked to that pda only (as in, can you change pda and still use the software fully)?

2) Where did you get the software for $350 and what version is it? Is it upgradeable?

I appreciate your feedback as I am well on the same path.

Cheers

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

1) I had no difficulty uploading the NavMan software on the the hx4700 which was the same software out of the box used for my old 3970. I did ask this same question of the guy who sold me the NavMan in the first place. He believe that I would need to notify NavMan via a stat-dec that the software was still for my use only, however it uploaded just fine and didn't need too (maybe because its only registered to me already)

2) Correct, the deal I got was for SmartST V2 hence the saving, Bacause I was running a 3970 I could not upgrade since the hardware and operating system couldn't deal with V3. I'll try it no.

1) Is the Nav Man reg key locked to that pda only (as in, can you change pda and still use the software fully)?

Yes, it is tied to your PDA's serial number. When you install the SmartST v3 software, it requires an internet connection in order to validate your license keys.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Same situation with V2 for licence keys but I had no problem with reloading it onto a new PDA - Got luky I guess.

You did well mate, I know a mate who bought the same version software to suit his new XDAIIi and when he wanted to use it on another pda, he couldn't and had to sell em both

Thanks for the helpful replies y'all.