Q.  What is dead reckoning?

A:  A navigation system that uses direction and distance traveled to predict the vehicle’s position.

Q.  What is map matching?

A:  The system looks at the actual mapped possibilities available to the vehicle and matches the data received on the real-time movement of the vehicle to the most likely scenario – if Main Street is the only road that is .2 miles from the last known position and the only one that requires an 80 degree turn off of First Street and the data confirms that the vehicle traveled .2 miles and made an 80 degree turn, then, the vehicle must now be on Main Street.

Q.  How bad is the drift on your gyro?

A:  All gyros have a tendency to drift over long distances, which is why the system doesn't just use one method for navigation. GPS and or map matching makes the correction for the drift. Currently, most installed GPS navigation system uses a form of a Gyro and dead reckoning to guide the navigation system beside the GPS signal for improve vehicle location accuracy.

Q.  How does GPS work?

A:  GPS is based on satellite ranging. The basic principle uses satellites as reference points for triangulating your position somewhere on the earth. It works by timing how long it takes a radio signal to reach us from a global positioning satellite and then calculates the distance from that time. The GPS receiver chooses the best “four” satellite signals available and then determines its exact position by measuring the distance from those satellites.  

Q.  Do buildings interfere with the GPS signal?

A:  GPS requires “line-of-sight” to receive signals from the satellites. Tall buildings, other large objects such as tress or covers even overpasses can cause interference with GPS receptions. Re-acquisition will occur once the obstacle has been cleared, only takes a matter of second, which, again, is why most of the vehicle navigation systems have more then one method for navigation purposes such as Dead Reckoning features.
Currently SiRF Star III GPS receiver and Centrality GPS receivers are so sensitive they claim to receive GPS signals even in-doors which is a dramatic improvement over what was available only a few years ago. Most company such as Garmin, Magellan, TomTom, Alpine have switch to either SiRF or Centrality GPS receivers for improve accuracy.

Q.  Do you have to pay for the GPS signal?

A:  No, the signals are free to all users.

Q.  How accurate is GPS?

A:  The easiest way to visualize its accuracy is to picture it always being within the radius of a tennis court or 10 meterWhen the map is scaled to 1/10th of a mile per inch, a tennis court and the vehicle icon are about the same size. Currently with WAAS features the GPS accuracy has improved to 2-3 meters in most cases.

Q.  Can’t the US. Government turn-off GPS in times of war?

A:  GPS signals are now unscrambled as of May 1, 2000 by the U.S Government by order of  President Clinton. Accuracy is now down to 10 meters (about the size of a tennis court or less using WAAS. Will that ever change? GPS is the basis for a large and growing industry world wide. It is unlikely that the U.Government would disrupt GPS service if there were a time of war.

Q.  What is the storage capacity on the Navigation Computer?

A:  131 MB or 171 MB PC hard drive card "PCMCIA" or Flash card for PathMaster 1st generation navigation system

3.2 GB Internal Hard Drive: "MicroNav" with 16 MB EDO DRAM for Magellan 750nav/750M and 750Plus systems

9x 640 MB CD's or less for Voyager Nav2001, Blaupunkt DXN, AudioVox VDO MS6000, Visteon NavMate systems

1 x 8.5 GB for DVD Navigation systems for Alpine, Pioneer, Sanyo, Eclipse, Denso navigation systems

Most portable GPS systems such as Magellan, Garmin, TomTom, Navman, Lowrance, Cobra, Clarion uses some form of on board flash memory or internal 10-30 GB hard drives, some use Secure Digital or Compact flash cards for regional or full map software storage along with MP3 and picture viewer features.

Q.  How many PC cards, CD's, DVD's and Hard Drives will be used for the GPS navigation systems?

A:  The PathMaster uses 9 PCMCIA Cards to navigate you to 9 different data base map regions. If you wish to have a complete Coast-to-Coast U.S Map Coverage package, you will need to purchase all 9 PCMCIA cards.

9 CD's or less for Voyager Nav2001, Blaupunkt DXN, AudioVox VDO MS6000, Visteon NavMate systems

1-2  DVD for Alpine, Pioneer, Denso, Eclipse, Xanavi will cover Coast-to-Coast U.S and Canada data base map coverage area.

1 internal Hard Drive 10-30 GB will cover North America map data base including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and Canada.  

Q.  Does it receive real-time traffic information?

A:  Some of the oder GPS systems such as the Magellan PathMaster, 750nav and Horizon NavMate is totally autonomous. If you encounter a problem, you can re-route yourself by varying from the calculated course and / or choosing a different option such as "Least Use of Freeways" rather than "Shortest Time" Route. The 750nav can re-route you automatically.

Most portable and installed GPS companies are selecting from one of the three traffic format, RDS FM traffic, XM traffic or Server base traffic.

Currently portable nav systems such as Garmin, Cobra, Magellan and Alpine will be using the RDS FM traffic

Alpine, Pioneer and Garmin is also using the XM traffic feature for real time traffic info.

TomTom is using it's bluetooth feature to link to their server base traffic information via wireless web bluetooth cellphone.

Q.  Is the GPS antenna active or passive?

A:  Most GPS antennas used for vehicle navigation are 5 volt Active external grounded

Q.  Where is the antenna installed?

A:  On the trunk lid or vehicle's roof or in-front of dash. It is both magnetic and adhesive, and there is also a clip version. The antenna should be mounted horizontally with an unobstructed view of the sky. Some navigation systems allow the installer to place the GPS antenna inside the vehicle, but it is always recommended to place the antenna unobstructed for best GPS reception and performance. Some vehicle is equipped with shield windshield which will interfere with the GPS reception. In this case, it would be best to mount the external GPS antenna outside the vehicle for best performance.

Q.  Can it be installed another way?

A:  Those are the optimum solutions; any other location would be less desirable.

Q.  How long does it take to install the whole system?

A:  Depending on vehicle, average of 3 hours for U.S. and Japanese cars and 4-5 hours for European cars for the PathMaster , Pioneer, Alpine, Blaupunkt, Eclipse, Clarion, VDO, NavMate, 750Plus and 1-2 hours for the 750nav.
No installation labor required for Magellan 750M or Auto Nav Travel Nav I, II and III portable navigation systems.
New portable GPS systems such as Magellan RoadMate, Garmin Street Pilots, TomTom Go etc is design to be a plug and play GPS unit, and you will not have to pay for installation, should you wish to custom install a portable GPS system, Auto Nav 2000 Plus, Inc can custom install your portable system and hardwire the portable unit to your vehicle for a custom look.

Q.  How is it installed?

A:  The PathMaster , NavMate Pioneer, Alpine, Nav2001, Blaupunkt and VDO stand alone display units are mounted on a stalk or a custom In-dash bracket mount plate similar to what is used for a cellular phone. The 750nav/750M display or portable GPS systems could be mounted on a portable windshield mount or a beam bag dash mount. A dash cell phone mount can also be installed for a custom look for a portable GPS system, along with mounting it on a stalk as an option.
If the GPS system has a separate computer unit is in the trunk or under a seat (when a trunk is not available). The external antenna is normally placed on the trunk, dash or roof.

Q.  What does it connect to?

A:  The PathMaster and NavMate, Pioneer, Alpine, Nav2001, Blaupunkt and VDO wiring harness has 5 connections or more - one to the battery, one to the ignition, one to reverse lamp wire, one to the vehicle speed sensor, and a ground wire. Some navigation systems come with additional wiring for night mode and a wire that connects to the park brake safety switch that will disable the use of the navigation unit when vehicle is in motion! When park brake is on, the navigation unit can be used to program addresses or P.O.I's. The 750nav have 3 wires, one to the battery and one to the ignition and a ground wire.

Q.  Can I do my own installation?

A:  A Magellan PathMaster, NavMate, Pioneer, Alpine, Eclipse, Clarion, Nav2001, Blaupunkt and VDO should be installed by an approved GPS navigation installer. The difficulty is about the same as a high-end audio system, and we just want to be sure it is done correctly. A consumer that has basic knowledge of radio installation could install the 750nav. Again, No installation labor for Magellan 750M or Auto Nav Travel Nav I, II and III portable navigation systems.

No installation knowledge needed for the portable GPS systems such as the Magellan RoadMate, Garmin Street Pilot, TomTom, NavMan, Lowrance, Cobra units, just plug it in and go!

Q.  Can it be installed another way?

A:  As you may know, GPS system can be installed in many different ways. We just feel that the stalk-mount or a stand alone display mount is the optimum solution for the PathMaster and NavMate, Pioneer, Alpine, Nav2001, Blaupunkt, 750Plus and VDO, the cell phone dash mount or stalk is ideal for the 750nav/750M systems. The PathMaster and 750nav Navigation system is currently being used in over 50,000 Hertz rental vehicles.
In-dash units such as Eclipse, Pioneer, Alpine, Clarion units normally replace the factory OEM radio and require professional installation in most cases.

Q.  Will the GPS signal interfere with my cellular phone?

A:  Not if the installation is done correctly, Auto Nav recommends the cell phone and or radio antennas to be 12” away from the GPS antenna.

Q.  Will the GPS signal interfere with my AM/FM radio?

A:  Again, not if the installation is done correctly.

Q.  Will the GPS signal interfere with my two-way radio?

A:  Again, not if the installation is done correctlIt should be 12" away from radio antennNote: for Citizen Band Radio users, do not use a radio signal amplifier commonly known as a linear when using your navigation system, the linear may and could damage the GPS receiver board.

Q.  How big is the display screen?

A:  4" for the PathMaster

3" for the 750nav/750M

3.2" for the NavMate

Alpine, Pioneer, VDO, Nav2001 and 750Plus comes with many different size display monitor options, common display size is 6.5" - 7""

3" - 5" for most portable GPS systems such as Garmin,Alpine, Lowrance, Magellan, TomTom, Navman, Cobra, AvMap,

Q.  Is the screen an LCD?

A:  Four-inch diagonal active matrix color LCD screen 479 H x 234 W pixels for the PathMaster.

Three-inch diagonal TFT LCD, High Brightness, 384 H x 234 W pixels for the 750 Nav.

3.2 inch diagonal color LCD display for the NavMate

Alpine, Pioneer, VDO, Nav2001 and 750Plus comes with many different display monitor options.

Most screens are LCD touch screens for portable and install navigation systems.

Q.  How many pixels?

A:  479 High by 234 Wide for PathMaster

384 High by 234 Wide for 750nav/750M

Alpine, Pioneer, VDO, Nav2001 and 750Plus comes with many different display monitor options

Q.  Isn’t it distracting to look at a screen that small?

A:  The PathMaster, 750nav/750M and NavMate is designed to allow the driver to use the system without having to focus on the screen. The audible instructions lessen the need for even looking at the screen while driving.

Most larger display monitors are also used for video input so user can view DVD or VCR movies when vehicle is not moving, some units like the Nav2001 comes with the option of a reversing camera, all this is consider as vehicle entertainment center and is getting very popular in SUV's and higher end vehicles.

Screen size is not as critical as the information that is offered on the screen and the turn by turn audio voice command. When selecting a GPS system, always consider the audio feature along with the information that is available to you on the screen itself.

Q.  Can I use it on my airplane?

A:  No.

Q.  Who does the maps?

A:  Navigation Technologies of Sunnyvale, Calif.

New map software updates are now available to purchase for the Magellan 750Nav/750M and 750Plus systems. For complete details Click Here.

Q.  What areas are covered?

A:  Refer to maps furnished by NAVTEQ. New map software updates are now available to purchase for the Magellan 750 systems and is installed by default on all NEW systems sold. For complete details Click Here.

Q.  How long before my area is covered?

A:  Refer to map furnished by NAVTEQ. All navigation manufacturers are anticipating that all Coast-to-Coast U.S maps will have detailed map coverage by the year 2002. New map software updates are now available to purchase for the Magellan 750 systems and is installed by default on all NEW systems sold. For complete details Click Here.

Q.  What is Detailed Coverage?

A:  Virtually every detail of the city is covered in the database, including: block-by-block addresses; classification of roadways such as freeways, expressways, toll roads, and residential streets; and roadway characteristics, such as one-way information, and turn restrictions; along with digitized maps of all access ways and streets.

Q.  What is Inter-Town Coverage?

A:  Information stored on the database for this type of coverage connects detailed city areas and includes interstate, U.S., State and County roads, as well as roads leading to named locations with a population exceeding 500. It also includes all roads that are contained on AAA state and provincial maps. NAVTEQ is currently working on Full Detailed Map Coverage Area for U.S Coast-to-Coast and is expected to be available soon to end user 2nd to 3rd quarter 2002.

Q.  What kind of information is the Points of Interest (POI) Menu?

A:  A very useful guide to thousands of local services and attractions - including hotels, restaurants, service stations, golf courses, etc. A great feature whether you are at home or in a strange city. This feature allows you to have most of the yellow pages information for most major cities in your vehicles navigation computer for end user to utilize when traveling or lost.
Most navigation systems include as much as 6-7 Million Points of Interest, some systems that is less costly offers only 2 Milliion Points of Interest. The Magellan 750Nav and 750M update offers up to 15 Million Points of Interest and search by Phone number as an option.

Q.  My GPS will not accept Latitude Longitude coordinates that I want to enter?

A:  Change the coordinate system from Deg/Min/Sec to Deg/Min/MM.

Q.  My GPS does not acquire satellites?

A:  Check the initial position, time and date displayed in the GPS to be sure they are correct. Initialization can take up to 10 minutes with a clear view of the sky.

Q.  My GPS will not communicate with my computeWhat should I do?

A:  Make sure the GPS Baud rate is set to 4800

• Set GPS NMEA to 0183B or 2.1 GSA
• Set COM port to 4800 baud, 8 bits per second, no parity, one stop bit and set flow control to hardware.
• Disable or remove any conflicting software from the COM port. (Answering machines, fax software, personal organizers, etc.)

Q.  Why does my GPS receiver show I'm moving when I'm standing still?

A:  The GPS satellites broadcast a signal (Selective Availability) error that can account for up to 2.5 mph of movement.

Q.  Do I have to leave my GPS on to track my position?

A:  If you want a record of the track history, leave your GPS turned oOtherwise, it is not necessary.

Q.  Can I interface my GPS with a Macintosh?

A:  At this time, most navigation company does not support Apple or Macintosh. For hooking up your GPS to a Macintosh, go to Apple.com and search under COM ports or serial ports.
Garmin will be supporting the Macintosh software in Q1 2006.

Q.  Where can I purchase accessories for my GPS systems?

A:  Contact us at AutoNav 2000 Plus, Inc. at 408-298-8188. Or Click Here to visit our OnLine Depot for accessories!

1.  Can I get a DCA map update for my PathMaster Navigation unit?

A:  Yes, but only to version 3.35, which is the latest version available from Magellan. The Magellan PathMaster software is no longer being supported by Magellan and no future updates will be available from Magellan DIS.

1.  Can I get a map update for my 750Nav/750M or 750Plus navigation unit?

A:  Yes. New map software updates are now available to purchase for the Magellan 750 systems. For complete details Click Here.

Now you can order NEW map updates from Auto Nav PathMaster directly. New database maps only available for Database Coverage Area 1,4,7,9 and 10 directly from Auto Nav 2000 Plus, Inc. Click Here

1.  Why does my PathMaster icon freeze when my vehicle is moving?

A:  Check the Vehicle Speed Sensor wire for proper connection, and check the VSS for possible sensor failure. a tell tell sign is if your speedometer or cruise control nolonger works, this normally tells you the VSS is not putting out the proper signal to drive the PathMaster icon and the speedometer in your vehicle. without this pulse, the icon will only move when the GPS relocate the icon periodically.

1.  My Magellan RoadMate 2000/2200 and CrossOver GPS 2500T will not power on, what should I do?

A:  Plug in the Cigarette Lighter Cable and verify that there is power going to the Magellan RoadMate 2200 by confirming that the light on the cable is illuminated. Note: you may need to turn on the vehicle's ignition to supply power to the Cigarette Lighter Cable.



Hold the power button in for several seconds. If this doesn't work, you should raise the flap on the left side of the Magellan RoadMate 2200 and move the Reset Switch from the “1" position to the “0" position and back to the “1" position again.

1.  I can not find an address?

A:  Map data for the Magellan RoadMate vehicle navigation series is supplied by NAVTEQ. Customers can report discrepancies such as missing addresses, missing roads, etc. directly to NAVTEQ via their website at http://www.navteq.com/updates/mapfeedback.html. They will make every effort to investigate any errors reported.