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CVO Technical => Electronic Toys and Gadgets => Topic started by: Chief on November 14, 2006, 10:06:44 AM

Title: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: Chief on November 14, 2006, 10:06:44 AM
Hi All,

Been lurkin for awhile, thought I'd jump in the pool fer good.  Waiting on my very own Cherry FLHTCUSE-2 which should be here sometime in December, so I'm spending some time working on my christmas list.

I've been using Garmin GPS's for about 5 years, working my way from GPS III+ to a GPS V and then on to my current Streetpilot 2610 which I thought was the cat's pj when I got it in 2003.  THe 2610 is an awesome unit, and thought the only thing that could get me to upgrade would be live, or almost live, weather radar.  Well, this year Garmin decided they want more of my money and brought out 2 units that can receive NEXRAD Radar images, the 2730 and the 376c.

Has anyone used one of these units with the XM Weather packages?  What are your experiences with the quality of the information?

I know there are a lot of people that feel Garmin has let us experienced users down by "dumbing down" the StreetPilots to make them simpler, but that is a different thread.  I really want to hear about the Weather, because if the Weather information is good enough, I think I can live with the less sophisticated routing capabilities of the 2730.  If not, I'll keep my 2610 and wait for the next generation of Weather units and hope for the best.

Thanks in advance,

HarleyDudeAtl

(Oh yeah, I'm in Atlanta)
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: RJ749 on November 14, 2006, 10:22:21 AM
HarleyDudeAtl,

Great to have you here out of the closet.  Welcome aboard [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

As you know you should have the Garmin users cranking up here soon.  Good luck with your request [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: hard10 on November 14, 2006, 11:28:46 AM
Hey HDA,
I posed this same question about the 478 in another thread. I'm down here at the coast so we do ALOT of boating. I have the 276c Plus (nickmaned Barbara)which I love. I use it for everything from fuel management to finding HD dealerships in my travels. I too would like to know if anyone has used the XM weather? If not, I may be the one that 'takes one for the good of the group' as I have already purchased on ebay the GMX 30. Now mind you I haven't bought the GPS yet just the anntena. AJ
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: flyingwillie on November 14, 2006, 11:30:25 AM
Welcome aboard ! KC in Roswell is having a pretty good sale tomorrow night starting at 7 pm.
You might want to start loading up and satisfying the OCD that you will catch on this site...very contageous and people here LOVE to help you spend you money.  [smiley=cherry.gif]

I have no experience with the GPS' you mention.  
BTW you are getting the best color for 07 for sure ! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: WFP on November 14, 2006, 11:43:16 AM
Not sure, but I do not believe the 2720/2730 (I have one)  can show the RADAR images...at least the XM Weather site does not list them nor does any of the Garmin Literature in the box.

I would love it but it aint cheap...

/Bill
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: naitram on November 14, 2006, 11:48:13 AM
if i had a GPS that could do it, i would consider sigingup for the service before a big road trip and cancleing it when i got home, $30/month is a bit much but an extar $30 for a road trip is nothing
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: WFP on November 14, 2006, 11:55:02 AM
The 376C appears to be the best choice...at this time.

http://www.garmin.com/xm/#compatibility

/Bill
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: Chief on November 14, 2006, 01:02:51 PM
Sure thought the 2730 and the 376c had the same weather options, since they both use the same receiver / antenna, but that doesn't look to be the case.  It is now a lot clearer that the only weather available for the 2730 is the forecast info that comes from the NAVTraffic subscription.

I guess I'll be using my 2610 on the new scoot.

Thanks for everyone's input.  Mama will be happy. :(
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: cigarmike on November 14, 2006, 01:20:58 PM
Welcome HD dudeAtl. Enjoy the site, Congrats on ur new scooter.
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: WFP on November 14, 2006, 02:43:49 PM
Believe me, I would love the feature!

/Bill

Quote
Sure thought the 2730 and the 376c had the same weather options, since they both use the same receiver / antenna, but that doesn't look to be the case.
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: flyingwillie on November 14, 2006, 02:55:55 PM
Do you guys get LOST that much ?  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif] [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

 [smiley=cherry.gif]
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: WFP on November 14, 2006, 03:24:15 PM
Lost...can beFun, Wet...tolerable, Cold...not fun, Lost, Cold and Wet...FORGET it!

Quote
Do you guys get LOST that much ?
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: Fired00d on November 14, 2006, 04:22:01 PM
Quote
Lost...can beFun, Wet...tolerable, Cold...not fun, Lost, Cold and Wet...FORGET it!

You are much better then me.... Lost...can beFun, Wet...tolerable, Cold...not fun, Lost, Cold and Wet...FORGET it!

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: flyingwillie on November 14, 2006, 08:13:47 PM
I still say spend your bucks on chrome and engine upgrades and  [smiley=drink.gif], not avionics !! On the ground there are too many  [smiley=drink.gif] places to ask directions.  I don't want to clutter my
handle bars with stuff that takes my eyes off the road.  I made an exception with the XM radio because of Elvis   [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif] [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]
 [smiley=cherry.gif]
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: hard10 on November 14, 2006, 11:03:04 PM
Quote
The 376C appears to be the best choice...at this time.

http://www.garmin.com/xm/#compatibility

/Bill

From what I understand, the 376 only added the XM radio & weather but you still need to add maps (like the 276c which I have). The 478 has the expanded maps already downloaded. AJ
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: Chief on November 15, 2006, 10:27:32 AM
Quote
Do you guys get LOST that much ?
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: Fired00d on November 15, 2006, 10:50:25 AM
Quote

One thing I realized once I got my first GPS, and even more-so with the routing ones, is that I found myself trying all kinds of new routes.  Knowing you can always get where you want to go, especially with group of riders in tow, gives you all kinds of confidence to try unknown roads, instead of staying with the tried and true.  

Having the GPS, besides making you the instant goat when a U-turn is required because the map data is wrong, has helped our group find some really cool roads we never would have been on without one.  There's always more than one way to get from "A" to "B".
Exactly the reason I'm thinking about getting one. Sure there are a lot of nice roads I know of in my area, but it would really be nice to find new ones. The ability to come to a "T" in the road and be able to pull the map up and find out where the unknown will take me, and be able to find my way back home after I have found that new route is worth having one in my book.

On top of that I save the Garmin routes from MV 2006 rides to have for when I go back there again. Wasn't able to make all the rides but from the pictures of the rides I missed I'm definitely going back to enjoy them.

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: wiskymike on November 20, 2006, 11:00:41 AM
I have 478 installed and weather is excellent until you zoom to see if it is raining in the backyard then it becomes pixelated.  
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: no one on November 20, 2006, 01:19:10 PM
AJ wants to know what mounting system you are using.
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: Fired00d on November 20, 2006, 03:13:29 PM
Quote
AJ wants to know what mounting system you are using.
Heh, what do you know it's AJ's "Better Half". Welcome aboard Sassy, glad you joined us. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: custardglide on November 20, 2006, 04:28:58 PM
I GOT ONE OF THESE WEATHER RADARS ON MY 05 SEEG, ITS CALLED AN IGNITION SWITCH! ITS SIMPLE, I TURN IT ON, IT PISSES DOWN ITS REALLY THAT ACCURATE, WORKS A TREAT HERE IN THE UK! :( [smiley=banana.gif] [smiley=banana.gif] [smiley=banana.gif]
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: no one on November 20, 2006, 05:53:45 PM
Quote
Heh, what do you know it's AJ's "Better Half". Welcome aboard Sassy, glad you joined us. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]
Thanks for welcoming me.  I'm new to all of this.  I've having a ball.  I never thought I would enjoy something so much especially since I had a really bad bike wreck when I was in high school (I'm really new but excited!)  We had a great time in Myrtle Beach for fall bike week and then I talked him into going to the mountains later.  I think I'm sold.  I love reading all your comments and hearing about your adventures and seeing your pictures.  
When we went to Savannah on Sat. I saw a sad sight doing something I've never seen across the floor at the dealership.  A man who is extremely uncoordinated but adorable!! [smiley=banana.gif] and excited when he heard his new vin #.  [smiley=jalapeno.gif] Oh my goodness!  I said STOP it
Title: Re: Onboard Weather Radar (Garmin)
Post by: Fired00d on November 20, 2006, 05:59:40 PM
Quote
.....  
When we went to Savannah on Sat. I saw a sad sight doing something I've never seen across the floor at the dealership.  A man who is extremely uncoordinated but adorable!! [smiley=banana.gif] and excited when he heard his new vin #.  [smiley=jalapeno.gif] Oh my goodness!  I said STOP it