13.03.2018
GPS navigator for trucks - which one to choose?
Navitel is one of the most popular
navigation programs in the Russian Federation
GPS navigator for trucks Today it is a popular and very common device. A GPS navigator in trucks is essentially necessary; truck routes often take place in unfamiliar areas. It happens that there is no one around and there is no way to ask on the radio. In such a situation, GPS truck navigation and detailed truck maps are very, very useful. The choice of GPS navigators is currently huge. Forums were studied, reviews and tests were re-read, prices of various car navigators were compared. And yet, which GPS navigator should a truck driver choose for use in a truck? The answer to this question is ambiguous, let's try to understand the criteria for choosing a GPS for trucks. This includes the size of the screen, the functionality of the device itself, the convenience of the navigation program and, of course, the relevance and detail of the maps themselves.
Let's look at them in more detail:
- GPS navigator screen size. Here you need to choose a compromise between the dimensions of the device and the required image detail. Again, it is necessary that the navigator mounted on the windshield does not unnecessarily block the driver’s view. For use in trucks, we recommend GPS navigators with a screen size of 5 inches or higher. You also need to pay attention to the screen resolution; the higher it is, the more details you can see on it. We consider a resolution of 480x272 pixels sufficient.
- Functionality of the GPS navigator for trucks is not so significant. Of course, this does not mean that you should fundamentally abandon such things as Bluetooth, an FM transmitter, a video input for connecting a parking camera, or a TV tuner. All of these features can be useful in both a truck and a car. For example, the presence of Bluetooth allows you to use a GPS navigator as a hands-free device for a cell phone, as well as receive information about traffic jams. The FM transmitter allows you to output navigation program tips, music or movie soundtracks to the car radio receiver. Of course, a multifunctional GPS navigator cannot become a full-fledged replacement for a portable video player or TV, but it is quite capable of being on hand.
It is also worth paying attention to the amount of RAM of the navigator; it is recommended to purchase devices with a RAM capacity of 128 MB or more. The amount of built-in memory for storing the cards and programs themselves is also important. Today, the minimum required volume is 2 GB. But it’s worth taking a closer look at navigators with 4 GB of Flash memory on board. The version of the installed operating system is not important for most users because... anyway, all the work happens directly with the navigation program. The version of the installed navigation program is more important, but if we are talking about the NAVITEL system, it is not critical. All versions of the NAVITEL program are very convenient and functional, and you can update the program at the same time as the maps. The update does not take much time, and the procedure itself is quite simple. - The convenience of the navigation program and the relevance of the maps used- is a very important criterion in choosing a GPS navigator for a truck. The NAVITEL navigation system is very popular in Russia and the CIS countries. The program itself is convenient and functional; map data updates are released regularly. NAVITEL maps are very detailed, even small buildings are shown on them, and house numbers are indicated. The maps even contain dirt roads and so-called. winter roads. We recommend first of all the NAVITEL system; it also implements the ability to create cargo routes. The program has the corresponding options (settings). But, as with all other navigation programs, you won’t be able to take advantage of this opportunity. To date, there is no cartographic data that would be consolidated. THOSE. a program with freight routes can work, but up-to-date, comprehensive data on where there are traffic restrictions for trucks - today for Russia NO. And it doesn’t matter which navigator to buy or which navigation program to use. Until map data specifically for freight routes appears in Russia- the problem will not be solved. As soon as this data appears in nature and is available in the required form, it will appear in the NAVITEL system and in other systems too. In the meantime, all you have to do is use what you have, and not believe the rumors and tempting offers of various businessmen and companies, where they promise you the loading of cargo routes for Russia. It's a waste of money and time.
The use of the GLONASS system for civilian use, in our opinion, does not have any advantages over the GPS system. The quality of work is no better; GLONASS navigators themselves are more expensive today. The GLONASS system is Russian. But the vast majority of GLONASS navigators, as well as GPS navigators, are manufactured in China. We did not find any fundamental advantages of GLONASS for the average consumer. Unless GPS navigators are banned (which we really wouldn’t like), we consider the use of GLONASS unjustified due to the price and small assortment (narrow model range).
GPS navigators can be purchased in our store in Chelyabinsk, and also purchased with delivery to cities in Russia and Kazakhstan. RealRadio company delivers walkie-talkies and radio equipment transport companies, and Russian Post cash on delivery to cities:
Anapa, Arkhangelsk, Astrakhan, Barnaul, Belgorod, Belogorsk, Biysk, Birobidzhan, Blagoveshchensk, Bryansk, Veliky Novgorod, Vladimir, Volgograd, Volzhsk, Volzhsky, Vologda, Voronezh, Dimitrovgrad, Yekaterinburg, Ivanovo, Izhevsk, Yoshkar-Ola, Kazan, Kaluga , Kemerovo, Kirov, Kostroma, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Kurgan, Kursk, Lipetsk, Magadan, Magnitogorsk, Miass, Murmansk, Naberezhnye Chelny, Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Tagil, Nizhnevartovsk, Novy Urengoy, Novokuznetsk, Novorossiysk, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Orel, Orenburg , Orsk, Penza, Perm, Petrozavodsk, Podolsk, Pskov, Rostov-on-Don, Rybinsk, Ryazan, Samara, St. Petersburg, Saransk, Saratov, Smolensk, Sochi, Stavropol, Stary Oskol, Sterlitamak, Surgut, Syktyvkar, Taganrog, Tambov, Tver, Tolyatti, Tomsk, Tula, Tyumen, Ulyanovsk, Ussuriysk, Ufa, Cheboksary, Cherepovets, Chita, Shakhty, Engels, Yakutsk, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Yaroslavl.
The list of cities to which GPS navigators are delivered is constantly updated.
We also deliver GPS navigators by the transport company Business Lines to the following cities: Abakan, Adler, Bratsk, Bugulma, Vladivostok, Volgodonsk, Dzerzhinsk, Zabaikalsk, Irkutsk, Novomoskovsk, Ulan-Ude, Ukhta, Khabarovsk.
To the cities of Armavir, Budennovsk, Nalchik, Nevinnomyssk, Neftekamsk, Nizhnekamsk, Pyatigorsk, Severodvinsk, Syzran - by PEK company. To the cities of Berezniki, Nefteyugansk, Noyabrsk, Khanty-Mansiysk - by Express-Auto. To the cities of Almetyevsk, Achinsk, Ishimbay, Kiparisovo, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Labytnangi, Neryungri, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Rubtsovsk, Ust-Ilimsk - by the ZhelDorExpedition company.
To the cities of Beloyarsky, Beloretsk, Verkhnyaya Salda, Glazov, Gubkinsky, Kamensk-Uralsky, Kachkanar, Korotchaevo, Krasnouralsk, Kungur, Kushva, Langepas, Nevyansk, Priobye, Raduzhny, Salavat, Strezhevoy, Tuymazy, Urai, Mezhdurechensky, Nadym, Ozersk, Pionersky , Purovsk, Buzuluk, Pelym, Pokachi, Prokopyevsk, Purpe, Yugorsk, Seversk, Serov, Sibay, Solikamsk, Sukhoi Log, Tchaikovsky, Chusovoy, Oktyabrsky, Simferopol, Tobolsk, Ishim, Kogalym, Shadrinsk, Nyagan, Sarapul, Yuzhnouralsk - by KIT company .
Delivery of GPS navigators is possible to any localities by Russian Post cash on delivery or EMS Mail, for example: Alapaevsk, Artyomovsky, Asbest, Astana, Aktobe, Aksu, Atyrau, Aksai, Almaty, Balkhash, Baikonur, Balakovo, Berezovsky, Bogdanovich, Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Zarechny , Ivdel, Irbit, Kamyshlov, Karpinsk, Karaganda, Kirovgrad, Kostanay, Kokshetau, Kyzylorda, Semey, Krasnoturinsk, Krasnoufimsk, Lesnoy, Nizhnyaya Salda, Nizhnyaya Tura, Novouralsk, Pervouralsk, Polevskoy, Revda, Severouralsk, Sysert, Schelkun, Tavda, Vereshchagino , Nytva, Lysva, Krasnovishersk, Alexandrovsk, Krasnokamsk, Ocher, Polazna, Chernushka, Gornozavodsk, Dobryanka, Gremyachinsk, Kudymkar, Gubakha, Yayva, Vikulovo, Yarkovo, Nizhnyaya Tavda, Yalutorovsk, Kaskara, Kazanskoe, Borovsky, Petropavlosk, Romashevo, Golyshmanovo, Pavlodar, Tarmany, Taldykorgan, Zhezkazgan, Vinzili, Bolshoye Sorokino, Bogandinsky, Uporovo, Uralsk, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Shymkent, Taraz, Omutinskoye, Berdyuzhye, Abatskoye, Antipino, Isetskoye, Turtase, Norilsk, Salekhard, Vorkuta, Votkinsk, Ekibastuz.
RealRadio Company follows the latest developments in the field of radio communications and is pleased to offer the most modern means of communication to perform any task. Professional radio communications are our specialty!
P. SHKUMATOV: Now almost all of Moscow is covered with signs prohibiting the passage of trucks. A lot of commercial vehicle drivers use Yandex. Navigator. But they, in fact, have their own network of roads. Such a cargo frame. Will anything be done for them in the near future? Are you working on this at all?
L. MEDNIKOV: Yes. We try not to talk about our plans. Let’s just say, it seems like we don’t have any such plans for tomorrow. But we are thinking about this for the future. We have a project "People's Map". We collect data there. We don’t even collect it, each person can edit the map and in a month they can go with the map they drew in the navigator. We have a field there for trucks. We have set our sights on some future. I can’t say yet when it will be implemented.
P. Sh.: A note on the operation of the navigator with the screen turned off. This is especially important for long routes, that is, not routes around the city, but when you travel long distances. Have you ever thought about making something like this?
L.M.: We were thinking about it. Moreover, I will say that this is very important for the city, because in the city people can receive calls. And even the law on hands-free, people may want to read something at a traffic light, switch, a message has arrived. That's why we're thinking about it. Follow the news. I hope we will make you happy at some point in the foreseeable future.
P. Sh.: For taxi drivers. When they found out that you were coming to us, they asked us to make a forecast for the arrival of a taxi, taking into account the allocated lanes. Is this even possible in principle?
L.M.: Yes, this is possible in principle. Especially due to the fact that we have some kind of taxi fleet connected to Yandex. Taxi. And it is very important for us that we have a signal that this is not an ordinary machine, we can train on them. This is the most important thing for algorithms. The problem is solvable. Again, I won’t say in what perspective. But yes, most likely it will be done by us.
Read the full version of the “Auto Friday” program with Leonid Mednikov below and listen to the audio recording.
About hidden useful options of online navigators for racing drivers and dummies
P. SHKUMATOV: Good evening. Let's start with the topic of navigation. The topic of navigation, especially after traffic jams returned to our cities, traditional autumn traffic jams, became the most relevant. Laying a high-quality route saves time, which means it saves money. And we invited a representative of the Yandex company Leonid Mednikov, an expert and analyst of Yandex.Traffic, to visit us. Leonid, as a person who knows about traffic jams, probably much more than the average driver, and even, probably, can outshine experts who only talk about traffic jams from hearsay. Leonid, good evening.
L. MEDNIKOV: Good evening.
P. Sh.: Leonid, let's start with Yandex. Navigator and with the first question about routing. Many drivers have noticed that the optimal route from the point of view of saving time is not always laid. And there were quite big complaints on this topic on social networks. You answered them. Why is this happening? And what have you done to prevent this from happening?
L.M.: Firstly, our position is this: we are building an algorithm that searches for the fastest route. And it really does this in an optimal way using current data. This is his key problem. It would seem that what else is needed.
The problem is that traffic jams change as you travel, but the route may not change.
Leonid Mednikov
You were sent along this highway, and the traffic jam here grew. And by the time you come to some kind of fork, if you are still looking at the old route, it may no longer be optimal. This time. And the predicted time may be wrong. This is especially noticeable during the morning rush hour. Even before the morning rush hour, if you leave somewhere between seven and eight, then an error in the predicted time can be catastrophic, because exactly as you move, traffic jams grow, and we, unfortunately, do not yet know how to take this into account. That's why I give this example with chess. Once upon a time everyone laughed about how a computer could beat a person at chess, but now no one laughs. We are now somewhere in the middle, 10 years ago no one could have thought that a computer would advise you to avoid traffic jams. Now he advises, but now there is still a basis for a person, he can still beat, because he understands how the situation can develop. The algorithm does not take this into account. But yes, we are working on it, we already have a forecast for the next hour, you can see it from your computer. There is a forecast for the long term. But it is not yet included in the routing algorithm. I hope that someday we will be able to do this well enough, and people will be able to completely relax.
P. Sh.: And you publish so-called traffic jam statistics. Moreover, many drivers notice that traffic jams occur at the same time, in the same place. Due to this knowledge, this experience, the driver beats the computer. But the computer knows about this too.
L.M.: Yes, he knows. It is difficult to explain without going into details. This is a really difficult, primarily technical task. It can even be implemented quite well on one computer, but if you give it a lot of time to calculate. But implementing this on hundreds of requests per second, even on a larger number, is technically difficult. And here, unfortunately, the struggle is right on how to come up with an algorithm that takes all this into account in a reasonable time. And all sorts of other technical nuances, which, it would seem, are such a simple matter that lie on the surface while they push us back in time. But I'm sure we will do it.
P. Sh.: Many drivers asked specifically about changing the route while driving. You are driving, Yandex. Navigator suggests changing the route to a faster one. But here several nuances arise. The first caveat is that the driver has different preferences. Some people prefer to lose time, but move along large illuminated roads, preferably without entering courtyards or some small, cramped streets. And someone, on the contrary, says, make me a more difficult route, but so that I gain three minutes. Will this feature of driver behavior ever be taken into account by the navigator?
L.M.: Yes. This is how we understand the situation .
We had ideas for some settings: “I am a cool driver”, “racer”, “I am a simple driver” and others
Leonid Mednikov
But now it is not implemented in this form. It is implemented as follows: when you build a route, you are offered from one to three options. And usually the first option is the fastest for the current second. The second and third - they are simpler, more authentic. And it is your choice which route you choose. Next, let's talk about rearranging the route. In fact, it seems to us that the wave of questions you were talking about was caused by the fact that we have recently disabled this function altogether. That is, as you move, the navigator does not offer you to change the route, even if there is a faster one.
It will also show a faster one. You will be able to choose at this moment. Therefore, if you are the driver who wants to save three minutes, I personally do this too, at every convenient moment I click on the “review” button, see what options are offered, whether there is something faster or maybe the same, but more convenient . In the direction of travel, at a traffic light, this can be done. But if you are a driver who wants something easier, you chose the route from the very beginning. That's it, the navigator won't bother you anymore.
P. Sh.: Another question arises. If a person goes astray from the route, or rather, his coordinates go astray, this creates the effect of endlessly rearranging the route. This is especially noticeable where the GPS signal is lost. And the coordinates are incorrect. This is quite logical and obvious. The navigator begins to abruptly change the route, thinking that you have suddenly moved a hundred meters to the right or to the left. Is there anything that can be done about this?
L.M.: The navigator, of course, has an algorithm that removes this interference. In general, the algorithm copes correctly in many situations. Yes, let's not say it can't be better. There are also different ideas. For example, you can use an accelerometer. Some more external ideas. There is now computer vision. To the point where you can ask a person to place the camera so that the road is visible, and from the photo understand where he is. There is probably room for improvement.
P. Sh.: A well-known topic. But how many people use Yandex. Navigator now? Because I saw, I just returned from Kazan, they use Yandex. Navigator everywhere.
10 million people in Russia use the navigator monthly, and our global figure is already 16 million, because we work not only in Russia
Leonid Mednikov
We are actively exploring territories that are new to us.
P.Sh.: 10 million in Russia. This is, in fact, every fourth motorist uses Yandex. Navigator.
L.M.: At least once a month.
P. Sh.: Now the influence of the routes that Yandex. Navigator builds is noticeable, as they say, with the naked eye. I was driving to Kazan using Yandex. Navigator, he suggested a way around one of the traffic jams. And when I approached the right turn, I saw that I was not the only one who received such an instruction. There was a whole stream of cars that were turning there. In fact, “Yandex. Navigator”, due to such a wide scope, turns out to be able to shape traffic flows.
L.M.: Yes, unfortunately, this works against us. Especially considering the fact, as I have already said, that we do not take into account changes in the situation.
It turns out that at this moment we are saying that this is the optimal route, this street is now free, and the more people follow this instruction, the faster this street gets stuck in traffic jams
Leonid Mednikov
Therefore, when smartphones were a rare toy five or seven years ago, these people could go where no one knows. Now crowds of people know this. And yes, gradually the entire street network is becoming busy. And I think this is one of the main reasons why people say that before they could drive through yards, but now everyone is already driving through them. Thus, the pressure on the main streets appears to be easing. But the whole network really gets busy.
P.Sh.: What about the effect of highlighted stripes? Because many users of Yandex. Navigator drive along these dedicated lanes, and people exchange conversations on the map whether there is a traffic police there or not. It also happens that a false impression is created that the street is free, although this is not actually the case.
L.M.: We worked on this. We made a powerful change a year ago. The situation should have improved significantly since last autumn. Before this, the situation was indeed often not in favor of those stuck in traffic jams. Very briefly, the idea is simple: there are those who drive slowly, there are those who drive fast along the same street. This situation in general may mean that the traffic jam is over, the route needs to be repainted green. It may also be that people are standing at the turn, and there is a separation of flows. We have worked to maintain this balance. Now, as far as we can see from our instruments, the situation has become noticeably better. Still, in general, the highlighted stripes are painted red if there is a traffic jam. The number of people avoiding traffic jams using dedicated lanes has become less significant. Plus, we screen out taxi drivers separately for obvious reasons.
P.Sh.: But how, since almost all taxi drivers use your program?
L.M.: I mean those taxi drivers who are connected to our Yandex. Taxi service. In any case, we can identify them and we can ignore their data.
About how a navigator can confuse a driver on the road
P. Sh.: There is history with toll roads. The fact is that now Yandex. Navigator creates the fastest route. And quite often it runs through a toll road. Many people who didn’t even know that toll roads exist suddenly find themselves in a situation in front of a barrier where they can’t turn around. And you are also criticized on this topic.
L.M.: That's right. Let me expand the situation. We are criticized from the other side as well. People say why the navigator didn’t offer a toll road. I have already said that we always offer the fastest route. In fact, toll roads are the exception.
We have made it so that the navigator now offers toll roads only if driving along them gives a time gain
Leonid Mednikov
And now we are criticized from the other side.
P. Sh.: Your competitors have this setting: “I want to drive on toll roads.”
L.M.: Yes. Or is it the other way around?
We believe that special fans will find any settings that are hidden in the application
Leonid Mednikov
Plus, it seems to us that there are quite a lot of people who are willing to choose a route depending on the situation. Today I don’t want to pay, but tomorrow I’m in a hurry and can pay as an exception. Today the gain is small, tomorrow the gain is three hours, I am ready to pay. We are now working to ensure that the algorithm works flexibly and always offers two alternative routes. If the route goes along a toll road, there must always be a free alternative. This is our ideal vision for the product. We are working on it. I hope that it will be convenient for you in the near future. And there will always be time to choose.
P. Sh.: The navigator shows green where everything is red, and shows red where everything is green. Does this problem persist?
L.M.: The update now takes less than two minutes. There is also such a nuance, especially if we are not talking about large Moscow streets, there may simply not be enough data there, there may not be enough people who have driven with Yandex. Navigator turned on at the moment. Only they transmit data to us. We have to wait. According to the first driver, we do not repaint the street because there may be emissions. In general, we have a metric, we understand that we are making mistakes, we have a special graph, how many people write: “Yandex is lying” - in small talk. And sometimes I myself, when I look at the map, I see them. And sometimes you see, that they write: “red". And the cork has already been repainted, that is, the conversations are already outdated. That is, we react faster than the person writes. This is usually the tail of the cork, it grows quite quickly. The man poked, it went much further in five minutes.
P. Sh.: You’re talking about two minutes. But, for example, yesterday, when I was returning from Kazan, driving along the M-7 highway, I got stuck in a traffic jam, but for quite a long time this section of the road was green in Yandex. Navigator.
M.L.: Did you travel with Yandex. Navigator turned on and built a route?
M.L.: Then another question. What was the flow speed?
P. Sh.: About 5-10 kilometers per hour.
M.L.: Then one more nuance. Were there any conventions there?
P.Sh.: No. Only for dachas.
M.L.: The road was cut anyway.
If there are large stretches, the program tries to paint them with one color
Leonid Mednikov
There are exceptions when she doesn't. But the tails of the plugs may become rounded and not appear accurately.
About how services for taxi drivers and truckers will work
P. Sh.: Now almost all of Moscow is covered with signs prohibiting the passage of trucks. A lot of commercial vehicle drivers use Yandex. Navigator. But they, in fact, have their own network of roads. Such a cargo frame. Will anything be done for them in the near future? Are you working on this at all?
M.L.: Yes. We try not to talk about our plans. Let’s just say, it seems like we don’t have any such plans for tomorrow. But we are thinking about this for the future. We have a project "People's Map". We collect data there. We don’t even collect it, each person can edit the map and in a month they can go with the map they drew in the navigator. We have a field there for trucks. We have set our sights on some future. I can’t say yet when it will be implemented.
P. Sh.: A note on the operation of the navigator with the screen turned off. This is especially important for long routes, that is, not routes around the city, but when you travel long distances. Have you ever thought about making something like this?
M.L.: We were thinking about it. Moreover, I will say that this is very important for the city, because in the city people can receive calls. And even the law on hands-free, people may want to read something at a traffic light, switch, a message has arrived. That's why we're thinking about it. Follow the news. I hope we will make you happy at some point in the foreseeable future.
P. Sh.: For taxi drivers. When they found out that you were coming to us, they asked us to make a forecast for the arrival of a taxi, taking into account the allocated lanes. Is this even possible in principle?
L.M.: Yes, this is possible in principle. Especially due to the fact that we have some kind of taxi fleet connected to Yandex. Taxi. And it is very important for us that we have a signal that this is not an ordinary machine, we can train on them. This is the most important thing for algorithms. The problem is solvable. Again, I won’t say in what perspective. But yes, most likely it will be done by us.
It has long become a familiar interior detail. It helps you quickly find the shortest route in an unfamiliar area or any address in a big city. Moreover, it can plot a route around traffic jams, traffic police posts and other unpleasant places.
A navigator is even more necessary for trucks, especially for long trips. It will not only pave a path of any length, but will also take into account the requirements for trucks - dimensions, tonnage and much more. In addition, the driver can always see where there is a service station, cafe or hotel nearby.
Of course, not all navigators are equally good, so we will consider here only those models that have proven themselves and are perfect for trucks.
What functions should a navigator for trucks have?
To choose the right device, you first need to know what functions and features to pay attention to. A good navigator can do the following:
- Find the best route to your destination, using the latest data on the condition of different parts of the roads. For example, he must look for a detour to the areas being repaired.
- Find any address or organization on the map by its name.
- Accurately determine your location.
- Notify about traffic jams ahead and look for ways to avoid them.
- Report speed bumps, traffic police posts, cameras, accidents, speed limit areas and other important events along the way.
- Give hints on difficult sections, especially at junctions.
It will be a big plus if the navigator has a voice control function, then you won’t have to be distracted by pressing buttons.
The majority have such functions, so there seems to be no problem of choice. But if for a passenger car you can limit yourself to this, taking into account only the beautiful design, then for trucks you need to pay attention to many more little things. After all, a driver who drives for many hours in a row should experience a minimum of problems when using this useful gadget.
Screen and Active Lane Guidance
The navigator screen is one of the main and most important parts of the navigator, so you need to pay special attention to its characteristics. The main ones:
- Size – of course, the larger the better. But you need to consider where the gadget will be located and ensure that it does not limit your view. If it will be mounted on or on a panel, then a size of 5-8 inches will be quite enough.
- Resolution - the higher it is, the clearer the image is, and the easier it is to read the inscriptions. Resolution depends on the screen size, but modern matrices are quite up to par in this regard and provide excellent detail even at small sizes.
- Brightness – it should be sufficient for all details to be visible on the screen even in bright sunlight. But the brightness should be adaptive, that is, when the illumination drops, it should automatically fall so as not to blind the driver, for example, when entering a tunnel. And you won’t have to adjust the brightness day or night either.
Some navigators have Active Lane Guidance, and this can be very useful on complex multi-lane roads with turns and junctions. This function allows you to divide the screen into two parts. One half displays the usual navigator map. The other half shows the road with lanes and the position of the car on the lanes. Here the navigator shows where you need to change lanes in order to then take the desired turn.
The Active Lane Guidance function is simply irreplaceable in unfamiliar cities and on multi-lane highways, which is especially important for truck drivers. She can help out in the most difficult situations.
Route planner
Plotting the optimal route is the main one. But they can do this with different effectiveness. First of all, it depends on the maps used and their detail. So, for Russia, as well as nearby countries, Navitel maps and software are most often used. There are fairly detailed maps of all roads in all regions and settlements.
Products of foreign origin do not have such accuracy for the domestic segment; they usually have detailed maps only for the largest cities.
A navigator for a truck should have the most detailed maps for the regions through which the route will pass.
Update map data and traffic
A good navigator regularly updates maps with the latest and most current ones. In addition, it should display and notify about various situations on the road along the route - traffic jams, repairs, and others. To do this, it must update information over the network. This can be done several times a year, and this procedure should be free for the navigator user.
The function of tracking the current situation is not available in all navigators, and if the model in question has it, then this is a significant plus for its purchase.
Providing data on service points for trucks
A good navigator can display information useful to a truck driver:
- Parking.
- Gas stations.
- Truck stop areas.
- Hotels.
- Weighing stations.
- Car services that service freight transport.
- Points where there is Internet access.
All this makes life much easier on a long flight, and in case of troubles on the road it also helps a lot.
Logging and additional information
Some navigators can keep a log where they record data on the distance traveled, speed, and fuel consumed. They can track how long a driver is driving and warn him when it's time to stop and rest.
Also, some navigators are capable of warning about changing terrain, uphill or downhill roads, bad roads, weather changes and much more, even about low tree branches ahead.
Often there is a function of recording a route and plotting a return route along the same route.
Top best navigators for trucks
The best navigators for trucks can do many things that are not required for cars. They must take into account the dimensions and, and based on these data, choose a route, and when moving, give useful recommendations. It must lead past a narrow tunnel or street where it is impossible to turn around, or lead to a weak bridge.
Below are the best models of navigators for trucks, which have earned excellent reviews and are recommended by truckers both for trips around Russia and Europe.
An excellent car navigator made in China. It has a large 7-inch touch screen with a protective visor on which all information is clearly visible. Very accurately determines the position using a 20-channel GPS system. Has iGO software with detailed maps of both Europe and Russia. Maps are updated regularly.
This model has a built-in FM transmitter, which is convenient to tune to the radio frequency. The screen is quite sensitive and the maps are very detailed.
This gadget is of Japanese origin, but Chinese assembly also deserves close attention, as it is among the TOP of the best navigators for trucks. You can enter the vehicle's characteristics - weight and dimensions - into it, and it will take them into account when planning a route. iGO Primo software is specifically designed to work with trucks.
The 7-inch screen is large enough to see all the details without straining your eyes. A high-performance processor ensures fast operation of the device, without “brakes”. While relaxing, you can watch movies recorded on a flash drive.
This is a Russian product, so it will be ideal for Russia. Like the previous model, it can take into account the characteristics of the car and build a path in accordance with them. The 7-inch screen with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels provides very clear images, and the 1 GHz processor eliminates the slightest delay.
The downloaded maps have good detail. They can be used not only for traveling around Russia, but throughout the CIS.
This device is essentially a tablet variant and uses the Android system. It determines coordinates very accurately, both using GPS and GLONASS. Can use 2 SIM cards and Wi-Fi. There are many more functions typical for a tablet, which allows you to use the gadget on vacation.
The USA-made gadget is ideal for trucks, as it has specially adapted software and a 7-inch screen. It can even take into account the type of cargo. Has the ability to update maps for Europe for free. Can sync with your smartphone to receive calls and more. You can also connect a rear view camera.
The navigation capabilities of this device are quite high, it builds a route very accurately and can display the estimated time of arrival. This navigator has the Active Lane Guidance function, which shows which lane you need to change into in difficult areas, which is very much appreciated by truck drivers.
This car navigator is produced in the Netherlands, and it is ideal for European countries, although it is also used in Russia. It has all the functions that a good navigator should have - from constant updating of information on the traffic situation to clear recommendations on where to turn and where to change lanes.
Choosing a navigator for a truck is not an easy task. This device has much more specific requirements in comparison with devices that are installed on a passenger car. Thus, a navigator for trucks must have additional functions so that the driver can easily get the desired route by entering data. There are other nuances that are important to consider when purchasing a device.
What functions should a navigator for trucks have?
A modern truck navigation device should allow you to set the following parameters:
- vehicle dimensions;
- maximum axle load;
- travel mode;
- cargo weight;
- body capacity;
- load capacity;
- category of transported materials taking into account the hazard class.
Based on the specified parameters, the navigator determines the optimal route. In order for the device software to truly determine the best route to follow, you must remember to load maps in a timely manner. Obviously, most navigation devices cannot be used on trucks because they do not have the necessary functionality. Many devices only partially meet the requirements and are therefore unsuitable for professional use. A driver who is trying to find a good navigator for a truck quickly realizes the seriousness and complexity of the task.
Screen and Active Lane Guidance
For the convenience of the heavy truck driver, the GPS navigator must have a sufficiently large display. It will provide convenient perception of information along the entire route of the vehicle. As practice shows, a 7" screen will be enough.
How to choose a navigator for a truck that will provide the driver with maximum comfort when driving the vehicle? Professionals advise paying attention to new models with advanced capabilities. In recent years, models have begun to appear that have a unique ALG (Active Lane Guidance) function. Such devices are able to tell the driver which lane will be optimal for driving at the moment. When using the ALG function, the device screen is logically divided into 2 parts. When the program detects a turn, intersection or road exit ahead, it displays the required lane in advance.
To make driving on international highways safer, you can connect a rear view camera to your navigator. It is purchased separately. To connect it, the device must have a video input.
Route planner
The navigator comes with pre-loaded maps. However, not all countries may be available by default. Therefore, you should worry in advance about having the required card in your device. A high-quality navigator for trucks allows the driver to easily set up a route. It should be possible to specify multiple destinations at once. The device software automatically suggests the optimal route.
Modern navigation devices for trucks support the Trip Planner function. It allows you to plan routes by specifying several points at once. The selected configuration can be saved for future trips. In the future, it can be loaded from the device memory.
Update map data and traffic
If the above information still does not help clarify the question of which navigator is best for trucks, it is worth taking a closer look at other useful functions of this class of devices. Perhaps their presence will be a decisive factor for someone to purchase a particular model.
Thus, the navigator can be equipped with a built-in FM receiver that monitors traffic. This information will allow the driver to avoid traffic jams in a timely manner. He will receive timely information about traffic jams and traffic delays along the route caused by highway repairs. More detailed data on the road situation and alternative routes can be accessed with one touch of the screen. The traffic tracking service is available in Russia and European countries. Not every navigator for trucks supports such a function. Therefore, its presence can be a clear recommendation for purchasing the device.
Map data must be updated regularly by the manufacturer. You just need to ensure that the device has access to the network. The procedure can be performed several times a year. This does not require a special subscription. In addition, map updates should be completely free as long as the device is in use. Thanks to this function, the driver will always have the most up-to-date navigation data.
Providing data on service points for trucks
It is important that a truck navigation system provides additional information that is relevant to professional drivers. The category of such information includes data that allows the driver to find out where:
- a place to stop a cargo vehicle;
- parking;
- gas station;
- hotel;
- weighing station;
- point with Internet access;
- auto service center providing maintenance and repair services for heavy-duty vehicles.
Logging and additional information
The information presented should be more than enough to figure out which navigator for a truck is best suited. An additional benefit would be the device's support for IFTA reporting. In this case, the device automatically records data on the distance traveled, fuel consumed, and hours of travel.
The navigator analyzes the time the driver spends behind the wheel and automatically displays a warning about possible overtime. When receiving such a message, it is recommended to find the nearest parking lot on the map and rest for at least 2-3 hours. A professional navigator for trucks is capable of warning about the condition of the road surface, the height of the bridge, adverse weather conditions, sudden changes in the terrain, and tree branches located too low.
For trucks choose. After all, in all cities there are streets where this type of transport is prohibited. In order not to waste time and not create additional problems for yourself, manufacturers suggest paying attention to navigation technology. The range of such equipment is currently quite large. There are both budget models and more expensive ones on the shelves. How not to get confused in this choice?
We suggest you consider the Navitel A730 GPS navigator. This model is universal, it is perfect for both cars and trucks. And advanced functionality will allow you to spend time on the road pleasantly, fun and comfortably.
Navitel A730 GPS navigator: a brief overview
Currently, most car enthusiasts purchase various gadgets to help them that make driving easier. When choosing a device, special attention is paid to advanced functions. Navitel A730 is a navigator for trucks and cars. He is an indispensable assistant to any driver on the road. This device allows you to reach your goal in a timely manner using the shortest routes. Thanks to a large selection of functions and the presence of two high-resolution cameras, it replaces a two-way video recorder. The manufacturer has installed a communication module with built-in high-speed technology, so the Navitel navigator can be used to surf the Internet, download games and other applications.
Design
As for appearance, the recorder will fit perfectly into any car design. The navigator for trucks has acceptable dimensions: 18 cm in height, 10.8 cm in width, the thickness of the device does not exceed 1 cm.
Basic moments
A special feature of the navigator is its convenient mounting, despite its decent size, which is very important in trucks. The navigator comes with a suction cup for the windshield, so it can be installed directly above the panel. If necessary, it can be replaced with a mount to the center console. Thus, the GPS navigator for trucks will not reduce the level of visibility when driving. The mount also allows you to adjust the angles of tilt and rotation, and this, in turn, opens up the opportunity to configure the best display, taking into account the direction of the sun's rays.
Technical equipment
Among the technical characteristics, it should be noted that the modern Android 4.4.2 platform is installed as the operating system. Also, a good 2-core processor from the Chinese company MTK will allow the device to work much faster. A large number of cards are installed in the internal memory, which has a capacity of 8 GB. In addition, the Navitel A730 model allows for the installation of additional memory when installing a Micro SD or USB flash card. And this is very important for those who use a navigator for trucks. Photos of the area in 3D format allow the driver to quickly navigate the area.
The device supports communication with the satellite both through the network of mobile operators and through the use of wireless WI-FI networks. You can use the navigator with wireless headphones for active conversations. A battery with a capacity of 2800 mAh will allow this device to maintain operation for a long time without recharging.
"Cargo mode" works great. The package already includes maps of 12 countries. Thanks to certain options, the navigator for trucks is able to plot routes around prohibition signs, and the shortest route will be offered.
Additional features
When making a purchase decision, it should be taken into account that the wide expansion of capabilities allowed the Navitel A730 navigator not only to fulfill its direct responsibilities for laying the path, but also to take into account the presence of difficulties during travel. In addition, if traffic jams occur while driving, the navigator will automatically change the route.
The voice prompt option will be an excellent assistant on the road, and the display of the remaining distance to the destination and the time of arrival will allow the driver to plan his route as accurately as possible. Based on feedback, this feature of the truck navigator is very important, since it is possible to adjust the delivery time to a certain point in advance.
When driving, Navitel A730 also monitors the vehicle's speed. The display takes place on the screen. If the driver exceeds the permissible limit on a given section of the road, a long, continuous signal and voice notification will follow. A similar notification can be triggered by other traffic signs.
In addition, the navigator has a function that provides additional information about installed cameras and speed bumps. The display of objects on the map fully corresponds to reality. This option is available when the 3D Motion mode is enabled. The city map database always contains the necessary information about the location of gas stations, service stations, shops, food and overnight accommodations, as well as, if necessary, medical institutions.
The installed SMS service from Navitel allows you to constantly send free messages indicating the exact location if your car suddenly gets into an unpleasant situation on the road. The Weather service allows you to get the most accurate forecast without spending any money. Additional functions include watching videos from the Internet or from a flash card, and listening to music files. Most importantly, all the necessary documents for resolving traffic situations with traffic police officers can be kept at hand.
Settings
The advanced settings that come with the truck navigator can ensure the best performance. Driver reviews indicate that all options on the Navitel A730 device are very simple and convenient in location. Now you don’t have to constantly search for something for a long time. The high quality of the sensor will allow you to accurately enter information about the route. In the route settings there is a function that includes searching for roads.
It will become a convenient device for ordinary drivers who love to travel, and for those who work in delivery services, as well as for truckers. A large selection of functions will not allow both the driver and passengers to get bored on the road. And this is very important, especially over long distances. It should be noted that the navigator is made of durable plastic, therefore, in the event of an unintentional fall, it will not break into different parts, but will remain intact and unharmed.
