School bus driver GPS

[BlueBoy]

I’m trying to find a turn by turn audible GPS.
Needs to save multiple stops and multiple routes.
Nothing fancy just something to help me until I learn all the pick up and drop off locations.

Anyone have one they like?
Somewhere in the $100 range. But willing to go $200 if need be.

Thanks!
Blue

[Albatross]

I'd look up "trucker GPS", and see what pops up.

[cadillackid]

I use copilot app.. its only downfall is it doesnt do apple carplay or android auto.. but ive had pretty good luck with it..

[nikitis]

I'm about at this stage. I'll look at copilot app. I'm making a mount for my ipad and Android phone for the Bus, so I can just run the apps directly.

I have Android Auto and Carplay in my Camaro and I never find it easy to use as the controls are far more limited which I dislike. (Because they don't want you fiddling with things) but that's crap because I end up fiddling more trying to figure out how to do more things on the applications. It's so restrictive it ends up making the situation it's trying to stop worse.

So I buy head units with HDMI Video screens now, hook up (depending on phone type) a Chrome Cast, or Miracast Device to the HDMI port, and just screen mirror to the head unit from my phone. This gives me all of my phone options, and doesn't limit what I can do. In most cases I can set it and forget it. An HDMI screen and a casting device is all I need and is way more functional than Android Auto or Carplay.

I'll look into the copilot app. Google Maps is the only decent Android auto app that seems to work well with a simpler interface, but good luck trying to turn off "Avoid tolls, or Avoid Highways" with the simpler interface mid travel. (You cannot.) So I end up just using Google Maps on the phone and casting it to the HDMI area, then I can lay my phone down till I need to edit a route. But maps doesn't avoid bridges for trucks in their routes.

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by nikitis

I'm about at this stage. I'll look at copilot app. I'm making a mount for my ipad and Android phone for the Bus, so I can just run the apps directly.

I have Android Auto and Carplay in my Camaro and I never find it easy to use as the controls are far more limited which I dislike. (Because they don't want you fiddling with things) but that's crap because I end up fiddling more trying to figure out how to do more things on the applications. It's so restrictive it ends up making the situation it's trying to stop worse.

So I buy head units with HDMI Video screens now, hook up (depending on phone type) a Chrome Cast, or Miracast Device to the HDMI port, and just screen mirror to the head unit from my phone. This gives me all of my phone options, and doesn't limit what I can do. In most cases I can set it and forget it. An HDMI screen and a casting device is all I need and is way more functional than Android Auto or Carplay.

I'll look into the copilot app. Google Maps is the only decent Android auto app that seems to work well with a simpler interface, but good luck trying to turn off "Avoid tolls, or Avoid Highways" with the simpler interface mid travel. (You cannot.) So I end up just using Google Maps on the phone and casting it to the HDMI area, then I can lay my phone down till I need to edit a route. But maps doesn't avoid bridges for trucks in their routes.

my favorite head units are the ones that run on android... I really wish someone made one where the screen was detached from the head unit so i could mount it to the dash much like I have done with my redbyrd screens.. and not have a big head unit hanging off the back.. but i havent found any yet that are even remotely modern.. for me to buy an android head unit it must be runnign the latest current version of android when I buy it.. most of these will rarely ever get more than one update...

[nikitis]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

my favorite head units are the ones that run on android... I really wish someone made one where the screen was detached from the head unit so i could mount it to the dash much like I have done with my redbyrd screens.. and not have a big head unit hanging off the back.. but i havent found any yet that are even remotely modern.. for me to buy an android head unit it must be runnign the latest current version of android when I buy it.. most of these will rarely ever get more than one update...

Just buy a small screen with HDMI, and then grab a chromcast and plug it in and mount it behind the screen with tape so it's not noticeable, then you can screen cast your phone to it. You'll receive all the android updates because it's on your phone.

[BlueBoy]

Originally Posted by nikitis

I have Android Auto and Carplay in my Camaro and I never find it easy to use as the controls are far more limited which I dislike. (Because they don't want you fiddling with things) but that's crap because I end up fiddling more trying to figure out how to do more things on the applications. It's so restrictive it ends up making the situation it's trying to stop worse.

OK, if no one wants to say it, I’ll say it!
That’s what liberals do! They try to fix something and it just makes it worse. Always the opposite of what they’re trying to do.

Disclamer:
My comment about liberals doesn’t mean I hate them. I just can’t understand them.
God loves his children, all of them.

Originally Posted by nikitis

I'm about at this stage. I'll look at copilot app. I'm making a mount for my ipad and Android phone for the Bus, so I can just run the apps directly.

I tried connecting my iPhone to iPad but it wouldn't navigate, just shows what's on the screen until you move it.

I'm thinking more of a stand alone unit.
I like how Garmin looks but if you read the negative comments kinda makes you 2nd guess. The negative comments because that's the luck I have. Electronics HATE me!

[BamaBus]

Originally Posted by BlueBoy

I’m trying to find a turn by turn audible GPS.
Needs to save multiple stops and multiple routes.
Nothing fancy just something to help me until I learn all the pick up and drop off locations.

Anyone have one they like?
Somewhere in the $100 range. But willing to go $200 if need be.

Thanks!
Blue

Assuming you drive for a school system, will they allow a distracting device?

[BlueBoy]

Originally Posted by BamaBus

Assuming you drive for a school system, will they allow a distracting device?

Um... IDK
I do know people use them. I've heard over the radio people asking for an address so they can put it in their phone. (when their on the road and dispatch has another student for them to pick up)
But I know what you mean.

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by BamaBus

Assuming you drive for a school system, will they allow a distracting device?

its government.. the cops arent likely to stop a school bus driver for putting an address in a GPS... the police play on their dashboard computers going down the road all the time..



i dont think i can chromecast an iphone to another monitor.. I hate navigating with a teeny little phone screen...

[BlueBoy]

From what I've read Garmin isn't what they used to be. Poorly made and unreliable.
BUT, there are a lot more comments that like them.

[BlueBoy]

Originally Posted by BamaBus

Assuming you drive for a school system, will they allow a distracting device?

BTW
I didn't mention I want one with audible directions.
Keeping my eyes on the road is WAY more important than making a wrong turn.
YMMV

[nikitis]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

its government.. the cops arent likely to stop a school bus driver for putting an address in a GPS... the police play on their dashboard computers going down the road all the time..



i dont think i can chromecast an iphone to another monitor.. I hate navigating with a teeny little phone screen...

I believe you can get a Roku dongle. I believe it supports Airplay casting from an iphone. Plus you get Roku features too. Hook the dongle into the back of a screen and cast iphone via air play to it.

[BlueBoy]

I pulled the trigger.

http://https://a.co/d/j98Nel3

Incase the link doesn't work.
Garmin DriveSmart 65 & Traffic: GPS Navigator with a 6.95 inches Display, Hands-Free Calling, Included Traffic alerts and Information to enrich Road Trips (Renewed)
$130.00

[syntaxterror]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

my favorite head units are the ones that run on android... I really wish someone made one where the screen was detached from the head unit so i could mount it to the dash much like I have done with my redbyrd screens.. and not have a big head unit hanging off the back.. but i havent found any yet that are even remotely modern.. for me to buy an android head unit it must be runnign the latest current version of android when I buy it.. most of these will rarely ever get more than one update...

This 10.1 joying unit has a detachable screen.
https://www.amazon.com/JOYING-Androi.../dp/B0B7JFKF7H

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by syntaxterror

This 10.1 joying unit has a detachable screen.
https://www.amazon.com/JOYING-Androi.../dp/B0B7JFKF7H

I saw that one a couple months ago but its ancient(android 10 is a few years old)... (and unavailable)

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

trust me as a man that has wondered the woods trying to follow ancient trails garmin has to be updated every year and its still a few years behind.
google maps is a few years behind even if they just drove right past you mapping a road.
paper maps and compass not the one on your phone.
learn your route and area you are in even if you need to drive around in your personal vehicle after work.
yes i use my phone for maps alot when i go places unknown but thats just to get me in the general area.
like i had a job labeled tryon palace i knew the general area and i get there there was no job at the palace it was a building given to them in 1890 once i got the actual name of the original building then i used paper maps to find it and google maps to figure out the one way streets.
get a paper map of the area and learn your route.

[Kentucky Dreaming]

Originally Posted by blueboy

ok, if no one wants to say it, i’ll say it!
That’s what liberals do! They try to fix something and it just makes it worse. Always the opposite of what they’re trying to do.

Disclamer:
My comment about liberals doesn’t mean i hate them. I just can’t understand them.
God loves his children, all of them.

I tried connecting my iphone to ipad but it wouldn't navigate, just shows what's on the screen until you move it.

I'm thinking more of a stand alone unit.
I like how garmin looks but if you read the negative comments kinda makes you 2nd guess. The negative comments because that's the luck i have. Electronics hate me!

wtf????????

[Albatross]

Originally Posted by Kentucky Dreaming

wtf????????

He's saying that the liberal mindset likes to cripple, limit, and otherwise disable people from doing things "for their own good" (and/or the good of society), which is essentially a prohibition-mindset. People who have more trust in other people, and the legal system are more inclined to tolerate the "dangerous freedom" that America was founded upon.

[Crown_Guy]

How did we (me included) ever survive without all the electronic crutches today, and auto transmissions, and... well you get my drift. Get a paper map and a printout from the district of the route map. They have one for sure. They still pass those out to the driver, or at least they should. Make them if not. Then make the effort and learn the route. Doesn't take but a few days to learn. The first days are always rough and they all know it.

By the way, you may not know it yet but, you're carrying a load of professional back seat drivers who know the route better than you and they will most definitely let you know if you make any kind of mistake or miss a turn, trust me. The kids are a great resource, ask them until you get it all sorted out for yourself. It also helps lower barriers so they don't see you as a target for abuse and sport. Just a working driver doing the best you can and something they can look forward to as they get older, role model and one of them only older is all.