I've been using GPS and navigation systems for years, starting with GPS on my sailboat, inputting waypoints, etc. I had a Magellan, then a TomTom and a Garmin. They're pretty nifty gadgets.

What is it I don't get about my Acura Navigation that will make it work at least half as well as a $150 model?

Today, I started working again with the Nav System. Granted, it's a royal PITA to sit there and dial in addresses instead of inserting an SD or sending the info via bluetooth, or connecting to a computer, but it was okay.

I was going to a meeting where I occasionally get disoriented. Got out my Garmin and plucked up my previously stored address. Input the address into my Acura Nav. The Acura was sounding good so I turned off the Garmin.

Next thing, it says to go 2 miles--and I KNEW I had to turn right. Weird. I turned right, and I got to my meeting. That made me nervous.

So, on the way home, I turned the Acura Nav (is there a name for it?) and plugged in "home." I knew my way home (duh), so it was good to be a confidence building.

"In 1/4 mile, turn right."

Huh? I need to turn left. The instructions repeated.

Of course, I turned left toward my house. I checked the setting, and I again input to go home.

Another error as I'm going straight toward my house. It tells me to turn left, turn left. I didn't. I saw it recalculate the route. Then it fell silent for the rest of the trip home.

This is a completely different experience from my portable GPSs which talk a lot, and which are accurate. It's NOT a confidence builder and I figure I sure can't depend on it if I really need it. I'd end up in, heaven forfend, Gainesville!

Do you have similar experiences, is this just a lost cause, is there a fix for the GPS or did I do something wrong.

 

It happens. You can "recalibrate" the navigation system.

 

Sorry, but what does that mean, get it recalibrated? Why? It's only been used a few (bad) times, and was just installed in June. This sure is not a positive thing.

Does everyone else with an RDX have a working Nav System? Do you have it recalibrated? How often and how much does it cost?

Sounds like a waste of money to me. The Garmin, so far, is 500% better.

 

The screen brightness and resolution are awful. But I've never had an issue with needing recalibration. Some GPS systems will take you on different routes to get to the same destination. Other then the obvious question of, “Did you set the address to your home?” Because the NAV may be trying to take you to the previous owners house.

 

Additionally, you can pick between 4 methods of routing; Maximize Freeways, Minimize Freeways, Minimize Toll Roads, & Easy Route. (Press Menu, then Change Routing Method) If your trip is set to Maximize Freeways then it will try to put you on the freeway even if the most direct route runs parallel and the freeway takes you out of your way. I’ve had it tell me to make a u-turn in the middle of a bridge when I had it on that setting.

What do you mean, "and was just installed in June."

 

That's a great thought, but the address is correct! And, it's all brand new DVD etc. And yeah, there are different routes according to the programming of the GPS, but going the wrong direction is no good, nor was the earlier decision to overshoot my turn by 2 miles. NOT a confidence builder.

I'm really glad to know this now, because I'll just be sure to take my Garmin or my TomTom with me, and to keep them updated. I had considered giving them away, but not now.

I still love my car.

 

Hmm. I'll check that. It's possible that have it set to max freeways since I have my other GPSs set to that (but they are more sensible and didn't cost an arm and a leg). That could be the answer. Crazy, but an answer. Thanks.

I probably misworded that. There was no DVD, and they "special ordered a new" DVD and installed it. It was the only goofy thing that dealer did that I'm aware of. Ordered the 2007 edition of the Nav System, because that's what the car came with.

 

Should be calibrated correctly if it was done by a dealer.
Hmmm?

 

That's what I thought. I'll have to check on the settings to see if it's something idiosyncratic like that. It would answer my question.

Does anyone find the Nav system helpful or do we all carry portables too <g>?

 

I only use the system in my RDX. I've never had a problem with routes - although it does pick different routes than my wife's Garmin sometimes. The efficiency of the routes picked does vary sometimes, but I always get there. My only issue is with the age of the map and POI database. Even with the updates, they're still way behind most phone and handheld GPS systems.