RE: GPS Hardware & Software
|
Logged in as: Guest
|
NOTICE: We are no longer using this forum for discussions. Please follow the links to the new forums.
Catastrophe Central-The Adjuster's Forum : Community Center- Forums
New Site Registration : New Site Login
Login  | |
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 12/30/2005 6:51:22 PM
|
|
|
RandyC
Posts: 62
Joined: 12/30/2005
Status: offline
|
I've been using Delorme for several years now. I also use MS Streets, but mostly Delorme. I 've got a blue logger for my ipaq and my tungsten T3, but blue tooth uses more power so I just use the plug in for lap top in my truck. The handhelds were just too hard for my old eyes to read while driving.
Because of vendor demands for high fees, there are problems with all the gps maps. I try to keep paper maps handy for those times the streets on the screen don't match the ones under my tires. The gps always tells me where I am. Sometimes you've got to get creative with the more accurate paper maps vs. the electronic to know where that little green dot really is.
Anyway, on those long drives it's nice to have someone to talk to. That little guy straped into the shotgun seat keeps me company when I'm about to doze off.
He never laughs at my jokes, but I like the way he says, "Exit, stage right, approaching..........now!"
Randy Cox
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 1/2/2006 8:08:33 AM
|
|
|
bruceDynes
Posts: 5
Joined: 11/17/2005
Status: offline
|
Randy,
You made a good point about the accuracy. My house is across the street and one block East on all of the software I have tried including but not limited to Mapquest.
I looked at an arial map and was relieved to see that my home is indeed where I thought it was.
Bruce
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 1/10/2006 3:20:55 PM
|
|
|
jnhawk
Posts: 7
Joined: 1/14/2005
Status: offline
|
I use the DeLorme Street Atlas 2006, Delome's USB GPS plugin, a Jotto Desk Computer stand, and the notebook computer I use to do all my estimates. If you use Xactimate, you can highlight the claims you want to scope and export all the addresses you have already entered in Xactimate at one time. Open Street Atlas and you can import them so you have a flag on your map showing where each one is. I've mapped over 50 addresses all at once this way - took less than 5 minutes. Then you make all your appointments based on the location of the flags. On many days I only have to drive a few blocks to my next scope because I scheduled by location. Once you finish a scope you can delete the flag off the Street Atlas map so you only see flags for the scopes you haven't done.
After each scope I get Street Atlas to map my route to the next scope. Done right you get the shortest route, and never have to look at a map. In areas where the signs are down, this feature is absolutely necessary. The GPS always tells me where I am. I haven't had to look at a map once these last two years. One less thing you have to work at.
You can turn on the voice feature, and the software will tell you when to turn, or if you missed a turn. Just like having your spouse in the seat next to you.
Also the "Route" feature tells you the exit numbers, next turn, and the miles to your next stop or turn. If you do get off course, the software can re-route.
The software isn't perfect. New housing developments are not on any maps. But when you map with Street Atlas, the flags are color coded to tell you how accurate they are. On the red flags you know you have to ask the insured for better directions. if I ask those insureds for directions ahead of time, I can create a new map note on your Street Atlas map showing where the house is approximately and use the GPS to get real close. That has always done the trick for those hard to find addresses.
If the flags show green, I never have to ask the insured for directions. Saves a lot of time.
Because I have my computer mounted in the Jotto Desk, after my scope I can upload all my photos and even do most of the estimate before I drive to my next scope. The Jotto Desk arm swings the computer real close to the driver's seat. I have a wireless mouse on the arm rest. Because my next scope is usually close by, I often have the time to complete the estimate before I drive away. If I do, I usually submit the completed estimae via a Verizon Broadband data card. The upload is usually done before I get to the next house.
DeLorme Street Atlas is the only software where you can directly export from Xactimate. Sorry I don't know if IntegriClaim can do this. If it can't, I found you can easily type in each address as you go along and Street Atlas will map it almost instantly.
I think having the estimating software and the mapping software on the same computer is the easiest way to go.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 5/17/2006 3:18:57 PM
|
|
|
joeddiew
Posts: 23
Joined: 12/17/2005
Home base: Selkirk, NY
Status: offline
|
WalMart is now selling a 100 watt Inverter for 17.50. The price is right put will 100 watts power a laptop with a GPS unit and all?
_____________________________
Joe Williams
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 5/17/2006 4:27:26 PM
|
|
|
CharlesC
Posts: 130
Joined: 8/6/2005
Home base: Houston, Texas
Status: offline
|
My gps runs off the cigarette lighter socket. But I would not buy a 100 watt. You are better off with a 400 or better as you may want to simultaneously charge your digital camera battery,and your lap top, while running your printer/copier machine.
_____________________________
Charles Calvin
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 5/17/2006 11:02:15 PM
|
|
|
katadj
Posts: 684
Joined: 4/19/2004
Home base: New Hope, PA
Status: offline
|
Just installed a 1500 watt full sine wave inverter. Will power 2-3 laptops, a printer, TV and Coffee pot. What else is needed?
Also added a second battery and associated electronics. Don't leave home without being prepared.
_____________________________
"Excellence often first appears as error. It is only in retrospect that wisdom emerges from ignorance and success from failure." Abraham Lincoln
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 5/18/2006 12:09:22 AM
|
|
|
RandyC
Posts: 62
Joined: 12/30/2005
Status: offline
|
For those times when Delorme Street Atlas can't find the location you want, you can use Microsoft Streets & Trips for a 2nd opinion. You can buy Microsoft Streets $ Trips without the GPS receiver for between $25 and $49.
You can use both programs with the Delorme Earthmate GPS receiver, but you'll have to do some tweaking and download a special driver. It's too complicated to explain here but Delorme has detailed instructions on how to do this on the internet.
RandyC
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 5/18/2006 1:20:37 PM
|
|
|
joeddiew
Posts: 23
Joined: 12/17/2005
Home base: Selkirk, NY
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: RandyC
For those times when Delorme Street Atlas can't find the location you want, you can use Microsoft Streets & Trips for a 2nd opinion. You can buy Microsoft Streets $ Trips without the GPS receiver for between $25 and $49.
You can use both programs with the Delorme Earthmate GPS receiver, but you'll have to do some tweaking and download a special driver. It's too complicated to explain here but Delorme has detailed instructions on how to do this on the internet.
RandyC
I just ordered Delorme/GPS so I will get MSF S&T and will PM you if I caint figure it out.
_____________________________
Joe Williams
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 5/18/2006 10:54:54 PM
|
|
|
rhida
Posts: 52
Joined: 2/11/2006
Home base: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Status: offline
|
I just ordered Garmin, how does Garmin compare with the other GPS software?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 5/19/2006 9:15:49 AM
|
|
|
Storm Duty
Posts: 163
Joined: 8/16/2004
Status: offline
|
In my opinion, it's by far the best GPS that I have ever used. I am actually on my 3rd Garmin GPS. I damaged one, which I now use on my boat or motorcycle, I gave one to my wife, and the other is in my truck. I will continue to use this product over any other, especially TomTom.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 5/19/2006 10:36:50 AM
|
|
|
BobH
Posts: 103
Joined: 2/2/2006
Home base: San Luis Obispo, California
Status: offline
|
How do you input addresses to Garmin without a keyboard? quote:
Garmin... put in about 20 addresses look at which one is closest
By survey, most adjusters use a laptop for GPS, most run Delorme, some using Microsoft Streets & Trips.
I would like to ALSO have a small handheld GPS - do you connect it to your laptop and "download" addresses? How do you input 20 addresses?
Bob Harvey
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 5/19/2006 10:40:34 AM
|
|
|
Storm Duty
Posts: 163
Joined: 8/16/2004
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: BobH
How do you input addresses to Garmin without a keyboard? quote:
Garmin... put in about 20 addresses look at which one is closest
By survey, most adjusters use a laptop for GPS, most run Delorme, some using Microsoft Streets & Trips.
I would like to ALSO have a small handheld GPS - do you connect it to your laptop and "download" addresses? How do you input 20 addresses?
Bob Harvey
I use Microsoft Streets & Trips to set up my adgenda, then input the address in the order the S&T shows. With S&T, you can create your starts and stops, how long you will want to be at each stop, etc. The GPS just helps you find the address without street signs, mail boxes, etc.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 5/19/2006 11:50:44 AM
|
|
|
CharlesC
Posts: 130
Joined: 8/6/2005
Home base: Houston, Texas
Status: offline
|
I have a Garmin 2620 Street Pilot. I imput the addresses using the touch screen on the display. I have each one "Go to" then do the next. I pick which one I want to go to first after arriving there I usually delete that one and look at the distances to all the others and pick the closest one etc. If you have an appointment you would simply go to the appointment. No external key board required.
_____________________________
Charles Calvin
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 6/14/2006 11:08:27 AM
|
|
|
frhtexfla
Posts: 17
Joined: 3/27/2006
Home base: Austin Tx
Status: offline
|
Office depot has Delorme 2006 w/ gps unit for 99 bucks.
_____________________________
Frank Hargis
"may the four winds blow you safely home"
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 6/17/2006 1:15:27 PM
|
|
|
linhoch
Posts: 28
Joined: 10/27/2005
Status: offline
|
It sounds like Delorme 2006 works with Xactimate. The old 9.0 used to work with Xact, but I have not been able to load locations into Delorme 2004+. Is it time to buy a new version that will work?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 7/4/2006 8:01:59 PM
|
|
|
MDC
Posts: 50
Joined: 12/7/2005
Home base: Downingtown, PA
Status: offline
|
I just purchased the Garmin Nu vi 350. Very nice GPS system. This GPS was rated as one of the best mapping systems in this issue (July) of Consumer Reports. It is small, but the screen is almost as large as the Magellan 750. It has a built in battery so if you do not want to be tethered to a car charger you can run off the built in battery. This unit is a little pricey, but go to BJ Wholesale Club and one can purchase it for $ 100.00 less than Circuit City. I did.
I used the Magellan 750 last season and it work great, but wanted something a little smaller.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 7/14/2006 8:36:51 PM
|
|
|
BigOBurrito
Posts: 1
Joined: 3/27/2006
Status: offline
|
I went to Ebay and got a Magellan 360 for $250. Works GREAT, easy to use...Dont have to lug the laptop...
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 7/15/2006 1:32:33 AM
|
|
|
PORTASATGUY
Posts: 316
Joined: 9/15/2005
Home base: Homeless
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: rhida
I just ordered Garmin, how does Garmin compare with the other GPS software?
I have got Garmin...Best thing since the invention of the coffe bean! 330C ...I have been on with Garmin and am Told they are rolling out a Mapping software program that will interact with any of their later model GPS systems......... And for Registered Garmin Users ( www.garmin.com) they will sell for 1/2 Price. it is almost completed Beta Testing. and it will also allow data from the Detours and the Constructions or New Roads to be Uploaded into their databases, with a simple attachment to the GPS and it is small and is plug and play.... I was asked to Beta Test the software, and the Upload module. We will see........... GOOD NEWS!
_____________________________
R. Estes
Life is short LIVE IT!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: GPS Hardware & Software - 7/15/2006 9:09:51 AM
|
|
|
Agility Cat
Posts: 15
Joined: 6/15/2006
Home base: Asheville, North Carolina
Status: offline
|
Okay, everybody, Thanks for the inputs. It is hard to make the choice. I use Microsoft street and trips, and I like it. question: does anyone knows how to import the addresses from Xactimate to MS S&T, like JNHawk does it with delorme street atlas (save a lot of time, does not have to enter each insured address). having the laptop in your car is probably the way to go, you have the large sreen, instead of portable GPS with small one.
any feedback much appreciated.
Thank You
|
|
|
|
!! You are viewing a post in the forum archive.
NOTICE: We are no longer using this forum for discussions. Please follow the links to the new forums.
Catastrophe Central-The Adjuster's Forum : Community Center- Forums
New Site Registration : New Site Login
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts
|
|
User Agreement | Privacy Statement| Contact |Copyright 1995 - 2006 CatAdjuster.org. All rights reserved.
0.156
|
Printable Version
If you plan to go over 150 watts you'll have to direct wire to the car battery.
