BlueOakleyz

I'm seriously considering ordering the navigation system or a navigation alternative that's cheaper but similar and/or portable considering I'll only be getting an auto w/sports package next year and maybe a few accessories and that's it.

My question is.. does it always know where your current position is?

Like if I get lost will it always track me and tell me where I am?

Also what ist he website for the navigation system?

It's a DVD navigation system so that means it reads off a DVD that's inserted? How often will this be updated?
Also what if the DVD is accidentally ejected while driving, when you stick it back in will it have memory of where you were?
Thanks

o_town_racer

Let me just first preface this with I don't have NAV in mine....but I played with it in another RX-8 when I was test driving....

I'll try to answer as much as I can....

Yes, it always knows where you are because it has a GPS receiver integrated into the system.

See above....yes.

I don't now.

The DVD is inserted into a DVD reader located in the storage compartment between the rear seats....not the CD slot in the radio.

I don't know.

Based on the location of the DVD unit, this is NOT possible. It won't get ejected while you are driving. It won't forget where you are because it uses GPS.

Hope that helps.....in my book, it's kind of pricey for what you get. There are other options out there that will give you nearly the same functionality for a fraction of the cost. Do a search on GPS on this board and you will find the threads. Of course you wouldn't get the cool pop-up screen

RobDickinson

Usualy you buy updated DVD's, released anualy, from the dealer.

There all based on the same data/map/company type thing, but modified for that system(manufacturer?).

I think its about £80ish for a new disk in Uk (average). Prolly converts to $1.20, or 2435234523452345yen.

medcina

Wow! $1.20 for an updated DVD! Man that's cheap. :D

I think you mean $120.00. The U.S. uses periods where you guys use commas and commas where you guys use periods. Why does everything have to be different? In any case, that period you put after the 1 is not correct in either country.

dvarapala

I used to have an IS-300 SportCross with a Nav system. The update DVDs came out approximately once per year, and cost $600

The exact same Navtech map data sells for $30 in packages like Microsoft Streets & Trips, but I guess they figure Lexus owners can afford to pay 20 times as much...

Yes, fatory nav systems are pretty pricey, but nothing beats the ergonomics and sheer cool factor of having the system integrate seamlessly with the interior.

There is absolutely no doubt that my RX-8 will have the factory nav system.

RobDickinson

Nope - $1.20 was correct, I was 'taking the ****'.

Its a rip-off-britain thing, to convert currency its 0.65 or so ratio, to convert costs of things at least a direct $ to £ is needed (i.e. $100 = £100) but usualy more.

E.G. Mazda RX-8 Strakes - GBP there £175. I bet there $175 or less in US.

CruelNewb

I don't think the dealers will install the NAV once you have purchased the 8. You need to buy one that has it preinstalled. I read this on one of the forums where several dealers rejected him for installing the NAV after purchase.

BRx8

yes...it uses GPS satellites (4 of them i believe) to pinpoint your exact location and then place you on the maps from the DVD-Rom...if for some reason less than 3 satellites can locate you (you need at least 3) then the computer can even tell just by how fast your going as well as in what direction and will correct itself as soon as 3 or more satellites get a hold of you again.

Quote:

Like if I get lost will it always track me and tell me where I am?

that's the point

Quote:

Also what ist he website for the navigation system?

It's a DVD navigation system so that means it reads off a DVD that's inserted? How often will this be updated?
Also what if the DVD is accidentally ejected while driving, when you stick it back in will it have memory of where you were?
Thanks

i have no idea how you can accidentally eject it...the unit is located in a closed bin in the backseat...someone would have to open the compartment, slide the cover down, and press the eject button...and yes, it IS a GPS so it can and will locate your exact position at any given time and place

pelucidor

Currently there is no alternative dash-mounted NAV system, the RX-8 has a factory installed NAV option (i.e. cannot be installed at port or at the dealership). Of course you can get a laptop or PDA based GPS system - my boss at work has a bluetooth PDA (iPAQ) and a battery-powered bluetooth GPS unit from Pharoas that he likes.

So long as the GPS receiver can see the sky it will know where you are to within 30'. So in tunnels, covered carparks and areas with tall buildings (e.g. Manhattan) the GPS may not track where you are going. At that point an inertial system takes over to track you movement and direction changes until the satellites are aquired again. On the NAV screen a GPS icon appears to show that you have aquired 3+ satellites and are getting your position from them.

Yes - happened to me just last night. I missed my turnoff on an unfamiliar highway and had to go on for a few miles to the next exit - rather than suggest a U-turn the NAV instantly did a recalc and found a quick shortcut back to the original road I should have taken.

I don't think there is one. The software is Navman. I forget who makes the hardware - Panasonic maybe.

Yes it reads from a DVD. The DVD will probably be updated every 1-2 years and will cost you perhaps $150-$300 (just guessing) if you want it - it will have updated maps etc. The DVD does not go into the CD slot in the dash - it is in a special cubby under the rear seat armrest and cannot be ejected accidentally. If you remove the DVD and then reinsert it I think you may have to go through some setup options (I vaguely remember this from the small manual that came with my car's NAV system) and then it will start working.

jtdwab

The company that does the software is NAVTECH. Their websight is www.NAVTECH.com, but it doesn't offer that much information. The maps used to be 300-400 us depending on the car. I looked today at the seciton on their page about buying updates ( http://www.navtech.com/vehicle/enduser_na.html ) and they had posted new lower prices 199 for the country and 129 for one region. CD systems have a different disc for each region. Mazda is not listed in the US to get updates so we will have to wait and see when they bring one out. I would imagine that mazda will send us a letter when its updated so we will buy it after they mark it up.

As for keeping track the satallites are primary but the system does have an input for wheel speed for times when the satallites hidden. The system also has it set in software so that the car can only follow the roads (mostly). Basicly if you are within 30 feet of a road and following the same course it assumes you are on that road. The only time it gets confused is if you get on a parallel road and the system does not pick up the move. I've gotten off the highway but since the off ramp was close to the highway and parallel it kept the car on the highway. Once I turned off though it caught up within a few seconds. The system is very intelligent.

VelocityRedRX8

1) yes, and if you lose GPS it relies on dead reckoning and a gyro to estimate position.

2) www.navtech.com

3) navtech constantly updates their disks, and accepts user feedback (I'm going to send some in for some local map errors). Check their site for current version info.

4) it always knows where you are, because it uses GPS to get a really accurate fix of your position.

hope this is helpful to you.

dvarapala

Just out of curiosity, anyone know where the GPS antenna is mounted on nav-equipped RX-8's?