REVIEW COMMENTS: Holux CR-100

Dave · Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 7:41 pm Post subject: REVIEW COMMENTS: Holux CR-100

I have been talking a lot with Holux recently and something I have had to keep 'under my hat' for quite some time is a new car cradle they have been designing, and I'm glad I can now show it off in all it's glory!

The Holux CR-100 is a 4-in-1 device. It's a Car Cradle, a Powered Car Cradle, a GPS Receiver, and a Loud Powered Speaker!

Several companies recently have been making similar mounts, but one thing that always strikes me is many of these mounts always feel cheap (hollow plastic).

What I wasn't ready for is how small the device was in the average sized box. The CR-100 is tiny, and it's built as solid as a rock but isn't heavy. That contradicts virtually all laws of physics.

The full review is available here.

Grahame · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 11:22 am Post subject: Holux mount test

This sounds ideal, just one thing that isn't clear though - can it take an external GPS aerial feed? Both my cars have treated windscreens and my iNS/Navman sleeve will not get a good enough signal for practical use without a roof-mounted aerial.

Cheers,
Grahame.

Dave · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 2:18 pm Post subject:

The CR-100 doesn't have an external antenna socket, however if you do have an Athermic coated windscreen then for around £45 you can purchase a Re-Rad-45 that will broadcast the signal from outside the car to inside the car, but will require another accessory socket in-car.

istvan24 · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 3:49 pm Post subject:

Newbie here!

The CR-100 be available for Dell PDAs from friday apparently - am going to get this to replace my GM-210.

Holux UK also said that there will be provisions for an external antenna in the second release of the CR-100.

Fantastic site by the way! I have used this (in lurker mode) to gen up on my old 3400 navman, my present choice, the GM-210 and now my next purchase, the CR-100...THANKS for all the info!!!!
:D

Dave · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 4:08 pm Post subject:

I'm glad to see I've managed to pull you out of 'lurker' mode Wink

Also nice to hear you like the reviews and have chosen previous GPS on that basis.

The CR-100 is great, small and does the job really well, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

istvan24 · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 4:15 pm Post subject:

I presume it should perform better than the already great GM-210? I don't suppose you tried it with TomTom 3 perchance? I was worried that it might not be recognised as it won't be on the list of known GPS modules.... Question

Dave · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 6:43 pm Post subject:

It works well with TTN3 and CoPilot Live 5. You just select the NMEA 0183v2 4800 driver COM1.

gilbem1 · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 11:56 pm Post subject:

Good review, many thanks !

Is there the opportunity to vent mount the unit ? Also would the unit & therefore the GPS receiver benefit from being hard wired to a power source in order to ensure the receiver is permanently locked to a signal for a 'fast' start ?

Thanks again !

Dave · Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 9:39 am Post subject:

Good questions! Currently there is no vent mount, but the cradle is fairly light weight and I can see no reason why it couldn't be mounted off a vent mount, just that there are no current solutions to do that, but I'm sure someone can rig up a solution.

Continually powering the cradle will only stop you having to acquire a 1min fix when you start your journey so it's really not saving much time and also draining more power from the so personally I wouldn't hardwire it, but I know a lot of people prefer to do this with BT GPS's.

sjaddy · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 1:47 pm Post subject:

Hi there, loved the review and am going tp purchase one of these just for the blessing of better sound.

One question if I may please, you mention that there are interchangeable bases available for differing PDA's do you happen to know which ones come with the device.

I have had a look on their website and there is little to no description about the device and nowhere does it ask what PDA you currently own.

All I have to do then is find someone to buy my trusty etrex vista off me :P

Dave · Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:43 am Post subject:

I'm told there will be interchangable bases to support the most common PDA's, so I would hope that it will cover most of the PDA's that Holux cover under their normal GM210 cable selection. I don't have any info whether these are available now though but I'll try to find out and see if these are user changeable.

himpressive · Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 7:04 pm Post subject:

himpressive · Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 7:08 pm Post subject:

Hi Dave,
Thanks again for such an insightful review!
I own a Tungsten T3, can you please advise what GPS software will be compatible with the new Holux offering?
Thanks.

Dave · Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 8:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks!

Unfortunately the current CR-100 only currently supports the:-
- IPAQ 2210/4150
- XDA/XDA2

and is available here.

In theory other connectors will be created in the near future. What you'll probably be better with though is a Bluetooth GPS, like the Holux GR-231.

KJS · Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 5:20 pm Post subject:

Dave, Thanks for the excellent review which made up my mind up to get one.

All arrived safely from Total PDA. As you say this is compact but exudes quality. Up and running very quickly and works as it should with good signal and loud clear speakers.

Just one question in my instructions it says that the gps light should flash green when it has a fix, mine flashes orange - what did yours flash?

Regards

Keith

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