Workarounds for CoPilot's problems.

iankb · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 1:09 pm Post subject:

I was running CoPilot on an iPaq H2210, with a Rikaline 6030 with no external aerial, inside a car with a metallised windscreen. I was also suffering from very slow (or no) satellite acquisition, and erratic POI announcements. I finally gave up with the Rikaline and bought a GlobalSat BT-338. That, together with the improved Bluetooth handling in CoPilot version .48, seems to have transformed my navigation. The much more sensitive and intelligent satellite handling of the GlobalSat seems to allow CoPilot to start up much quicker, with all of the cameras being accurately reported.

The point is that some problems with CoPilot may be hardware-induced, and not just software bugs. Given the amount of processing that a navigation product has to perform, I'm sure that some program threads get less chance of running if there is a lack of hardware resources, or an inconsistent source of tracking data.
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Ian

iPaq 2210
Globalsat BT-338
Seidio G2500 Amplified Vent Mount
CoPilot 6, GPS Tuner 4.2, Navio 3.01
BMW 330ci Sport

Bazzer · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 1:09 pm Post subject:

iankb, I am genuinely pleased that you are happy with CP5.

While I accept that no system is perfect, I was totally frustrated from day 1 with CP5.

As examples, I find the following totally unacceptable for a system that claims dynamic voice guidance:-

1) At a major junction of 2 motorways and 2 A-Roads, the only command was the 'Take Liverpool J', with no indication of which way that actually was.

2) Similarly, approaching the M60 ringroad, the command was 'Take M60', with no indication of which direction or sliproad to take.

3) No announcement of 3 staggered junctions on A5104 where the road I was crossing had priority.

4) Did not announce 2 turns in the space of 5 miles on A490

These are just 4 examples of many. If you find them acceptable then all well and good. I don't.

As a comparison, I borrowed a freind's Navman v2, which announced all the above perfectly.

Even though I am now not a CP5 user, I still feel very angry at ALK's complete disregard for their customers. No matter how good CP6 may be, I would not buy anything from ALK again.

Baz

topgazza · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 1:27 pm Post subject:

Functionaly I find CP5, like Ian does, superb. Its runs on my 2210, clip on BT like a dream. A 512 CF card seems to help as its fast and reliable. I prefer CP5s interface and screen menus over any other. There is no doubt that a large numebr of problems with PDAs and Sat Nav are to do with hardware/firmware setups. The problem that the various workarounds try to address is more fundentall than that and is to do with the routing program software. It is rubbish, without the planning facility on the PC it would be almost unusable. Indeed for some it is. Suggestions on altering the settings and parameters in the shortest/quickest algortham is not helpful as they only adjust specific types of routes. Out of all the packages this very basic fundamental function is by far the most important. Every other sat nav prog is far superior and all folk want is for ALK to put it right....as is their responsibility.

You cannot just get in your car and drive without knowing that the route you take will either be too long, illogical or just plain daft. No workaround from well meaning amateurs is going to fix that...unfortuantly.
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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

PONDEROUS · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 2:48 pm Post subject:

Topgazza presents the facts in the balanced way that is needed. One point that he has not picked up, though, is that pre-planning journeys on the Desktop or Laptop PC is only of any use if the starts and destinations are known in advance. This particular "workaround", if that is what it is, will therefore be of no use to many drivers who, like me, have no choice but to input their routes on the hoof.

I would also add that if the "Shortest" and "Longest" routing problems are hardware induced then they are induced by Desktop and Pocket PCs alike. In other words, they are not hardware induced.

topgazza · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 2:59 pm Post subject:

Thats true. I think one of Ian's points was that on a basic hardware/software level CP5 is OK. The whole root (?) of the problem is the ability to plan on the move is useless because of the fundamental flaw in the program.

My "Workaround" should be in quotation marks.Its really only using a feature of CP5 not fixing a problem. I suppose its more of a compromise than a workaround. Which kind of reminds me of one of my earlier points. There can be no workarounds for a piece of software that is so broken. Everything is a compromise. Trouble is, for many many people, CP5 requires far more than other programs
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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

Ako · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 7:16 pm Post subject:

Ponderous said

BMWBiker · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 7:47 pm Post subject:

topgazza · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 8:02 pm Post subject:

As am I Doug.....and Ako.

But really Ako try reading some of the key threads here. The lot of people aren't. Even I know the routing algorythm is utter rubbish. You eitehr drive only on main roads or local roads with little variation. There is NO way on this Earth you can use CP5 for any journey of more than a few miles, infact most journeys, without being "forced" to take some motorway biased route.

Look, I'm delighted you never have any problems and always seem to be routed in the best way possible. Fact is, not many others are and that applies to the USA and Australia. I've never made this personal as as for "slagging" of the software? I use it most days and all I do is realise is serious shortfalls. Explain why it takes me from Basingstoke to Coventry via the M4/M25 and then up the M40. Despite the obvious route being M4/A34/M40 and save about 55 miles. NO matter what type of route preference I choose. TT does it fine as does Navman, Garmin etc. Jeez, all folk are doing is highlighting the obvious to a corpse problem and getting frustrated with ALK and their pants service. Lighten up and I hope you get a good payrise from HR at ALK this year Smile

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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

topgazza · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 8:05 pm Post subject:

...and even though I could afford to switch to TT I won't because I prefer CP5. As Doug said , for me as well, the PC planning bit is worth the money anyway. Perhaps CP5 should be marketed as a PC planned router only and not for the many that need to plan on the fly. Its a thought 'cos they could by a Garmin!
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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

BMWBiker · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 8:38 pm Post subject:

Could it be that CoPilot uses a right-handed algorithm which is never going to work in England and Ireland as long as you people persist in driving on the wrong side of the road?
Confused

_________________
Doug
CoPilot 6.0.1.24 (USA)
Compaq iPaq 3970, with PC2003
Navman sleeve (3400)
Blue Tooth GPS

PONDEROUS · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 9:24 pm Post subject:

You hit the nail on the head again, Topgazza. This is not personal, and that includes criticism of Dave Burrows's performance. Like the software, members of a forum team have to attain a standard of they are not to be critcised. To point the fact out when they do not reach these standards is not the same as calling their mothers rude names and the like.

Recent posts by members of the forum team on this thread and another lead me to wonder if things have really moved on. That is why I have raised the point again.

topgazza · Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 12:12 am Post subject:

Very true Ponderous.

Also, ex colonials like Doug (BMWbiker) raise an interesting point. Maybe CP5 has been written for LH drive cars only. Obviously in a fit of deep regret and bitterness at not being part of our glorious Commonwealth, unlike the clearly superior Canadians, ALK have deliberately written dodgy software. In a desperate attempt to have Brits completely lost whlist they ply our women folk with candy and nylons.

Now its all becoming clearer. Next thing we'll find all our tea tastes of sea water.
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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

Ako · Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 12:15 am Post subject:

Topgazza wrote

BMWBiker · Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 4:22 am Post subject:

topgazza · Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 12:00 pm Post subject:

Its no good sucking in a gesture to get in our good books, its far too late for that. Wink

Actually I've always thought that the bias towards motorways in CP5 is a direct result of US written software. Having driven a lot in California, Tennessee and North Carolina virtually everywhere is reached by some sort of freeway. They are quite often the shortest AND fastest route. Not many people travel across country on smaller or country lanes. Its just too damn big to do that, would take too long and wouldn't make any sense for any other than very local trips. Off freeway roads aren't always the best, except in Knoxville, which was odd. Something to do with the way roads are funded between State and County budgets I was told?

Anyways thats my theory and until ALK write a version for UK/Europe that specifically deals with our more diverse roads it will always be a problem. Tweaking will just not be effective. Its much deeper in the program for that
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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

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