How to choose a navigator for a car

Every car owner is faced with the question of how to choose a navigator for the car. Not surprisingly, this straightforward equipment makes driving comfortable, economical, fast, especially in unfamiliar areas.

The atlas of roads has been replaced by electronic navigation, which is difficult to choose, since there are hundreds of models on the market.

Content

How the navigator works

For the navigation to work and the driver to see the location on the screen, three things are required: a map of the area, coordinates, and a navigation system. Positioning on the ground is done via GPS. The basis of her work is the use of navigation satellites.

In theory, the operation of navigation is simple. Through the built-in antenna, the car navigator exchanges information with satellites, if they are in sight. Accuracy is determined by the quality of the signal receiver, antenna, software, weather conditions, type of terrain.

If a car drives into a tunnel or settlement with high-rises, this eliminates the technical characteristics of any device.

The main points

At registrar or radio there are characteristics, parameters, functions, navigation is no exception. I will consider the criteria that are recommended to be based on when choosing a navigator.

Screen size. The parameter determines the comfort when viewing information, weight, dimensions. A model with a large screen is more convenient, but an excessively large device takes up a lot of space in the cabin and reduces visibility. When choosing a navigator, consider the model of the car and the size of the windshield. A 5-inch screen is enough for a sedan.
Software. The firmware determines the type of cards, displaying the speed of the car, the time of arrival at the destination. When buying a navigator, find out if you like working with popular maps of countries and cities.
Speakerphone. A convenient feature that not all models support. If you connect the mobile phone to the navigator via Bluetooth, you will get a hands-free system.
Rear View Camera. Sometimes this auxiliary device is included in the package, which facilitates the fate of the driver when parking a car in an unfamiliar and busy place. Through the video input, you can connect other other videos to the navigation system.

A car navigation system is a sophisticated device comparable to a tablet or netbook. They provide for additional functions: reading mp3 files, viewing photos.

Car navigators from the middle and high categories are suitable for viewing photos and videos of all formats. They listen to music through them, which is facilitated by the FM transmitter, which transmits a signal to the radio. Some systems come with a USB connector. Information is stored on the memory card.

TOP 5 most popular devices

If you have not had to use this equipment before, take the choice seriously. In this part of the article, we’ll talk about popular car navigators.

The navigator provides convenient and short routes. If auto is the meaning of life, it’s hard without it. Five of the most popular models.

Garminnuvi 150LMT. The top of the leadership went to the Garminnuvi 150LMT with a good screen, simple menu navigation, a robust body, loud and pleasantly sounding speakers, a responsive sensor. Quickly finds satellites and makes routes. There is one drawback - the price.
Garminnuvi 2495LT. Climbed to the second line climbed the Garminnuvi 2495LMT.Supports work with GPS and GLONASS, FMI interface. Among the pluses are reliable assembly, voice control, an intuitive menu, detailed screen settings, and an integrated player. The list of minuses included the price along with a small screen, prolonged download, poor performance of the Bluetooth module.
LexandSTA 7. The golden mean went to the LexandSTA 7. It has a good battery, a 7-inch display, USB and Wi-Fi. Equipped with a reliable housing, a cigarette lighter connection, Android platform, instant communication with satellites. Among the shortcomings are the lack of RAM, a short cable, the lack of 3G support, and heating of the case during prolonged use.
GeoVision 5050. The fourth line of the ranking is occupied by the GeoVision 5050 model. Advantages: price, screen, mounts, menu, assembly. The advantages also include sound, the absence of glare, two styluses. Cons: weak battery, poor color rendering on the screen, long search for satellites, slow operation.
Garminnuvi 50. In fifth place is the simple and reliable Garminnuvi 50 model. The list of advantages includes loud speakers, a bright screen, reliable mount, and appearance. Disadvantages: a small number of objects on the map, connecting the charging to the device, and not to the mount, a short cord.

If plannedcar purchase for frequent trips, do not forget to put the navigation system.

How to use

The navigation system is used by citizens, tourists, fishermen and car enthusiasts, because it helps to easily determine the location.

Although the navigator is easy to operate, some car owners have difficulties. If you plan summer rest in an unfamiliar place, be sure to read the instructions.

Understand the principle of operation of the equipment. The integrated receiver receives a signal from the satellite and, after decryption, determines the location relative to the coordinate system. A signal receiving system works everywhere except in places with shielding obstacles. With a weak satellite signal, the position is determined longer.
Install the device in the passenger compartment so that the screen is in view, but does not interfere with the view. After switching on, the satellite search window will appear on the screen. Later, the system will begin to receive information that will be displayed on the work surface. Setup takes a few minutes.
The next step is to study the navigation system interface. To facilitate the task, the position of the control elements, compare with the instructions. Some keys have advanced functionality. Remember them.
In the menu, configure the type of data displayed. Settings depend on the model of the navigator. Look for their detailed description in technical documents. Specify the time zone, select the unit of distance and the coordinate system.
As you progress along the route, periodically review the information displayed on the screen.
To save the coordinates, press and hold the corresponding key a little. By default, it saves the path to memory. Usually, a return road mode is also provided, which displays the distance covered on the screen.

Using the navigator resembles working with computer equipment, and additional or auxiliary equipment (cameras and flash drives) connect via ports.

How to restore the navigator

Often problems arise with firmware that crashes, which is why it is useful to know information about restoring the navigator.

There are two ways to bring the navigator back to life. The first is to install a new firmware, the second is to reset the software programmatically.

Method number 1 - installing a new firmware

The first option is simple, since changing the firmware of the navigation system is no different from the procedure carried out with a smartphone or communicator. Download the archive with firmware from the network, save to the computer and unzip.
Insert the removed memory card into the reader and copy the firmware, saving it in the root directory. Then insert the card into the navigator, turn it on and wait until a window appears on the screen asking if you want to install the firmware.
After confirming the operation by pressing the key, the procedure will start. After the process is completed, press the OK button. A window appears on the equipment screen containing further instructions and instructions.

Method number 2 - software reset

Software resetting to factory settings is a simple procedure. To restore the equipment, go to the ResidentFlash directory, find the JBSA4UI folder and in the jbssetting.ini.bak and jbssetting.ini files in the Default Setting line, replace the zero with one.
After rebooting the system, go to the settings directory and select the “Info” folder. Icons will appear on the screen, including Werkseins.
By clicking on it, a window appears confirming the procedure for restoring factory settings. After confirmation, the initial parameters will return, and the navigator will be restored.

If you cannot restore the navigator, look on the Internet for detailed information on this issue or contact a person who understands this.

Car navigator is not just another additional toy to brag to your friends. This is a hardware-software complex.

When choosing a navigation system, consider the relevance of the model and the quality of the software. Even an advanced platform will not be completely satisfied if its work is based on software with an outdated interface and without address search.

An expensive and high-quality model will not bring joy if the heart of the system is an old-generation GPS chip. Instead of the long-awaited picture, get a notification of signal loss.

That is why I recommend choosing equipment brands that have proven themselves in the market. These navigators have a decent supply of memory, a powerful processor and a GPS module. But other electronic components in them are reliable. See you!