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Arturic
Mexico
16 Posts |
 Posted - 14 déc. 2010 : 19:28:08
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@AlmostLost
If you are looking to buy this unit you may like better the "Columbus V-900" (available at Semsons too) since it has the MTK II instead of the MTK I.
I don't own either of this units nor I'm affiliated to Semsons in any way other than I'm a customer, but a while ago I was looking to buy this GPS, if you want to see my conclusions see my posts above.
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Cheers! |
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NCC
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - 27 août 2011 : 07:04:24
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Hi. My first post in your forum. I found it after spending hours reading and getting frustrated reading about GPS Data Loggers.
I've owned two of the VisionTac VGPS-900s. I lost the first one after putting in on the roof of my car and driving off (DOH).
The second one "blew up" after I left it connected to the car's 12VDC port continuously for several weeks.
I don't know if it was the continuous charge, or maybe exposure to high heat in the parked car that made the battery expand, forcing open the device's case.
It emitted a long beep at that point, but it continued to function for a few weeks before dying completely.
I emailed the dealer several times, included photos of the screwed up device ... never got any response. Not even an "I can't help you" ... NOTHING.
So, now I'm in need of a replacement. I really liked the VisionTac device. I liked it enough to replace the first unit with the same model.
Although, I wish the included software was a bit more advanced, it worked. I also wish the data was easier to use with MS Streets & Trips. That can be done, but certainly not with ease.
I see the above post which mentions the Columbs V-900, which is one unit I stumbled across this evening in my quest. I decided it was a rebranded sample of the VisionTac. But, I see above that this isn't the case??
What I need in a GPS data logger. The ability to run off of both rechargeable battery and 12VDC power port. Auto On/Off with vehicle power is desireable, but not an absolute MUST.
I need the ability to store massive amounts of data on a card ... like years (32GB would probably do it, at least 16GB??). My intention is to pretty much log my car's every move, for years. It could be a hard wired device, but not necessarily. If the device ships with either mapping software OR an easy way to port the data to MS Streets & Trips (and optionally, Google Earth), it would be perfect. OH, and it has to be able to tolerate high temperatures in a closed vehicle in Summer ... like 140F. I would like to stay under $200 USD.
Wow, LONG post. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks for reading. |
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gpspassion
93392 Posts |
Posted - 27 août 2011 : 08:07:53
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Not sure it was the heat as I've forgotten mine on the dash a few times and it survived, but you're right, shouldn't have happened and they should have addressed it. I think the Columbus is indeed a "clone" but with an updated GPS chip, MTKII vs MTKI.
It's hard to beat the convenience of the microSD card, especially if you need to log a lot of data. I do my logging with my Garmin nuvi though now as it's even less work (logs when it's on). For your needs though a permanently wired system might be better. I'm sure there are "pro" systems but that might be expensive...so maybe you can give the Columbus/Vtac another go ;-) |
Discounts and Assistance/Réductions et Assistance (Club GpsPasSion) / Où commencer? |
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NCC
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - 28 août 2011 : 06:33:31
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Thanks. I'm now inclined to get the Columbus unit. I've got a long drive coming up in a couple weeks. Maybe I'll have better luck ... third try is the charm.
I'm also considering TrackStick Pro and the Qstarz CR-Q1100P, but haven't done much research on them yet. |
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Arturic
Mexico
16 Posts |
Posted - 29 août 2011 : 08:26:03
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Hi NCC, I only know of one device that can sync to the car engine, the i-Blue 747ProS (available previously at Semsons), anyway I guess the memory is not big enough for your requirements, may be you would have to download the data more often. There are other units that go to stand-by and wakeup automatically by means of a motion sensor.
Cheers! |
Edited by - Arturic on 29 août 2011 08:34:10 |
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NCC
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - 03 sept. 2011 : 00:26:55
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Just thought I'd post an update.
Today I ordered a QSTARZ Q1000XT. Nothing I looked at offered an exact match to my "ideal" logger. But, I think I'm going to be happy with the Q1000XT by just backing up my data a half dozen times a year (that should do it). $106.99 shipped.
I don't know if it can be semi-permanently attached via USB 12 Power Port. If not, I'll just have to add charging to my routine. |
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iks
Belarus
80 Posts |
Posted - 28 sept. 2012 : 16:18:34
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Hi there again!
I've lost my V900's datacable. And when using other similar cable device doesn't want to turn on/off automatically.
Does anyone know where's the difference between original and third-party mini-usb cables?
It seems to me, there (in original v900 cable) data wires may be connected because they are never used for data transfer.
Can anyone confirm that?
Thanx a lot! |
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khaytsus
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - 07 janv. 2013 : 16:46:18
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I've had my Columbus V900 for about three years, and for the last year the battery life has been dropping, and a few months ago I found it was only running for 10-15 minutes by itself, so I had been running it plugged into a small portable charger while cycling etc to have its track logger. But I started looking around to replace the battery, and while I saw a few such questions on line, I didn't find anything.. I looked into cellphone batteries and found a few that might be close, but I hit the jackpot and found the exact right battery on Sparkfun.
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/339 - Polymer Lithium Ion Battery - 1000mAH - PRT-00339
Same exact battery, wired, has a connector on it but I don't think there's room, so I carefully clipped, soldered, secured the connections, arranged the wires, and my V900 is working great again!
I didn't take any pictures of the process, but if you know how to solder you shouldn't have any problems. Take out the tiny philips screws on the end, lift up the metal back cover, push the black top section away from the silver back on the button side (there are two small tabs here that the silver back slides into). Just look at it carefully and you'll see. There are some snaps on the sides too, but my battery had popped those open (!) so I didn't have to deal with those, but I suspect you just need to carefully pry at them with a soft tool like a guitar pick or such.
Once it's open, I desoldered the wires from the existing battery to keep as much length on them as possible, plus I didn't have to trim them up etc, prepare the new battery taking great care not to short the connections, use something sturdy like heat shrink tubing with some small amount of electrical tape (I find the tiny shrink tubing can move as it doesn't shrink much) and then carefully align things and close up after you make sure the button is in place. It falls out easily.
So the battery is in good shape.. I still have problems with my button sticking sometimes, not sure if it's wearing down or what.. I probably should have attempted to make it more secure while I had it open, but I left it for now.
This is from a post on my (useless) blog, but wanted to put it somewhere so Google will find it and wanted to post it here as well. Hope this helps someone. |
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gpspassion
93392 Posts |
Posted - 13 janv. 2013 : 00:50:55
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| Hey, thanks for sharing, I'm sure it will help others. I haven't used mine for a while. It seems your battery just wore out because of regular use. No memory effect on Lithium but the charge cycles are still limited... |
Discounts and Assistance/Réductions et Assistance (Club GpsPasSion) / Où commencer? |
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[TOPIC] Visiontac VGPS-900 - Logger with voice
