Route 66 Map of OZ, Any good?

**alligator** · 05-02-08, 07:16 PM

I'm looking at a El Cheapo Satnav with route 66 maps. The seller says I could put TomTom maps on if I wanted to. Two Questions
(1) Are the maps any good?
(2) Is it easy enough to install TomTom maps on the GPS?
Here is the link if you need more info

**typan** · 05-02-08, 07:21 PM

I was looking at a unit with route 66 map in it too, but what about the OS is it going to work with the new map??

**fandtm666** · 05-02-08, 07:41 PM

it should have windows ce installed .Ask him if it has and if so which version and language as some have v4.1 others have v5 also some overseas ones have Chinese version installed .As for installing other navigation systems have a read through this thread

**alligator** · 05-02-08, 08:15 PM

I have just read this review which is very impressive regarding the R66 maps.

**Farmsky** · 05-02-08, 09:48 PM

Yes. The key to running the latest TomTom version is a WinCe 5.0 OS. WinCe 4.2 will run TomTom 5.2 and dated maps only. For TomTom you'll need to do a registry edit on the OS. So if you're not prepared for this .....

But 4.2 appears to run every other PNA navigation software thrown at it. Screen size of 480x272 should provide good compatibility with the various GPS software.

Important things missing in the specs which should be clarified prior to purchase are:

# Battery size and duration of operation without power
# Processor type (probably an ARM something)
# Processor speed
# OS
# speed of shipment after payment. This is the key bugbear with Chinese eBay providers. There's no feedback on GPS yet.

Route 66?

R66 uses Navteq maps in Australia and they're are out of date. Good in some country areas, but messy at times. Poor in the city where new roads abound.

Sensis r14 is generally accepted as the best in Aussie (TomTom, Mio/iGO etc)

No TTS (go for TomTom Mio3.3 or Destinator 7 for a TTS experience)

Basic controls and very crude map graphics. Not much can be customised.

R66 works, no doubt about it ........ but IMHO it's the GPS for a trained monkey (or your mother). Thinking folk move to Mio, with TomTom somewhere in between.

**alligator** · 05-02-08, 10:03 PM

Thanks Farmski, These are the specs.
Don't you think it's about the same as most GPS units? If it took sensis maps, would it be a good buy?

**Farmsky** · 05-02-08, 10:08 PM

Like I said, it'll run any GPS software 'cept the latest TomTom if it's a 4.2 OS.

Up to you wot software u run on it. Find one u like and stick to it. R66 might be your favourite.

Read the thread linked by fandtm666 for some ideas.

PS That's a very small battery btw, so it won't run more than 15 - 30 min away from a power point. That may or may not be important. Some run for 5 hours so that you can watch a movie on the plane etc.

**Alpine** · 05-02-08, 10:39 PM

Farmsky I love your avatar.

**combie2000** · 09-02-08, 08:59 PM

Hi
I just had to reply and give you my opinion NOT to buy Route 66 software on a GPS. I have it and its terrible, I had posted on Mtekk as i see you've read their review - but have you read the 6 pages on route 66? most of my story is on their so I'll be brief.
I got my no brand GPS from china, it has route 66 on the sd card, not on cd, and their are functions that dont work. I cant type in street or suburb it always says "no search results", also my house is around the corner from me, but i can manually click to the location i want to get to and it will plan the route, (meantime i'm waiting on if the seller can get problem fixed).
I contacted route 66 and they couldnt help me, they explained i had chicago software that was modified to fit a GPS that wasnt thier chicago brand GPS, so wouldnt help at all. On route 66 web site you can see which software is for different devices, none are for GPS, only for their Chicago GPS device. So china wheather legal or not tweaks the software to fit on SD card, mine was already activated and normally you have to do that yourself. So if you buy from anyone that isnt selling the software for right model you wont get any software support.
Besides that if someone says "the latest Australian Maps", then you find out they're "June 2006" with no current upgrades would you but it?

combie2000

**alligator** · 11-02-08, 12:10 AM

Someone on this thread said that you can install sensis maps, have you tried that?

**Jaz808** · 11-02-08, 01:09 PM

I dont like Route66 software, but prefer there maps, they actually name streets better, Where TomTom, Dest & Mio all call flemmington rd-smithfield rd - geelong rd, Princess hwy or S30, Route66 names them there real name

**simmo_24** · 14-02-08, 11:53 AM

i have R66 maps on my nokia navigator, i have just updated all of australia and also europe(coz im going there this year) and have no problems at all good clear and precise.

**joezep** · 14-02-08, 04:12 PM

hey simmo what version have you got? I have the navigator also, great phone.

**alligator** · 15-02-08, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by simmo_24

i have R66 maps on my nokia navigator, i have just updated all of australia and also europe(coz im going there this year) and have no problems at all good clear and precise.

Thanks for the info, I'm going to Singapore, and KL in June. Can you give me a link to your map source?