GPS for bad eyesight?
 

I'm considering buying a gps unit for my bike. I like the eTrex Vista HCx but the screen looks pretty small. I'm far-sighted. I have to put on my reading glasses for anything close. It would be a real drag if I had to put on glasses every time I wanted to see what my gps device was saying. I'm wondering if a model made for a car would be better, like a nuvi 200w or nuvi 260. I realize that charging the batteries might be a hassle, but I carried chargers for my phone and mp3 player on my last tour and plugging them in at restaurants, libraries, and even the post on an empty full-hookup campsite was not big deal. Of course, they're probably not waterproof, and maybe not as sensitive, I'd have to rig up a handlebar mount, etc.

On my bike computer I can read the mph numbers easily (they're big.) The odometer numbers below (or elapsed time or average speed, etc.) are smaller. I can usually make them out but it's hard. I have to squint.

How do you think the Vista HCx would be for someone with eyes like mine? If anyone actually owns these models or something similar I'd love to hear from you. Thanks!

Yes i own this model and i can say this is a great GPS. I dont know if this would work with your eye sight. I think this might be something you will need to just try out. The size of the numbers on my setting are about a 1/4" in size. I hope this helps, if not just disregard. As far as charging I use the solar charger(link attached)
http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=280

You can adjust the size of the fonts on the Vista HCX. You can really make the data on the trip computer screen really large easy to be seen. But as with any handheld GPS unit, map screens are small to look at.


The 76Cx and 60Cx Garmin series are larger and should be easier for you if you want to go that route. The software is almost identical to the Vista HCx.

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/7838/smallfr2.png
small data fields

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/4976/bigpb0.png
big data fields

Ummm..

have you ever considered the one contact lense strategy? I do a lot of diving where if I can't see my gauges, I am in trouble.....so I just got them at Costco. I have never worn glasses, this is like instead of reading glasses. I love it, it has solved a lot of issues for me.

I have the Garmin 305, but I don't think I could see the smallest numbers without the lense.

Stick on bifocals. 13.95 or 9.95

http://img-srv.dtcbuilder.com/engine...0/8/file/4.jpg

I have several GPS devices. One of which I have for the car is the StreetPilot. The screen is very similar to the Nuvi. This would be a poor choice for touring IMHO. It just does not show you the detail that my 76CS does. I prefer the 76 over the vista, the screen is just a little bigger but you still might have problems seeing the display.


I like the stick on bifocals idea.

Here is the solution for recharging a GPS unit, cell phone, or any other device that uses a USB port for recharging.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r.../DynamoUSB.jpg
The 4 Ni-MH batteries regulate and filter the power produced by the dynamo and bridge rectifier. You may switch S1 to the headlight leaving any USB devices plugged into the USB port such as when going through a tunnel. An in depth description is here.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=390107

I have the Garmin Nuvi and it's fantastic if you're a driver in a motorcar. There's an device you can attach it to your bicycle. Unfortunately, you'll need to recharge it with a computer or an automobile as it does not use regular batteries! You also cannot create your own routes which is a major issue since I'm fairly certain these GPS's are made for auto users. I've yet to use it on my bicycle but the routes it makes would probably be unsatisfactory. It might have an option to create routes for cyclists but this is an unknown.

Since you don't have a GPS, all you really need is one that uploads or allows you to create routes. Once you get to the starting point, use the "Arrow" screne to get you to your destination. If you can follow and see the direction of the arrow, then ANY gps is piece of cake. Look how big the picture of that arrow is? This is really all you need to see and map details are insignifcant once a route is created. I've been able to follow routes using this "Arrow" screne for over 60 miles and prefer to use it in this mode. I rarely use the map because it's just hard to see.

Learn how to skip a way point or delete one in case your route has problems. Learn how to determine how far by eyesight .16 of a mile is from your turn in point. This is usually about a block but it will prepare you for the turn! Very important or you'll be backtracking alot. Also learn how to create routes avoiding highways and going through smaller roads or subdivisions. Believe me, this takes quality time but have fun with it.

Having the software for your computer that allows you to create and download routes is more important than color or memory size.

You are forever posting this but I've got to create one. The new GPS's like the Garmin Nuvi only allow recharging from a USB port or auto lighter.

Fresnel lens like they used in the movie Brazil (to magnify the tiny terminal screens) :-)

I have a Garmin GPSMAp 60 CSX and use it on the bicycle, motorcycle, car, and for geocaching. I purchased this magnifier from RAM mounts to help see the screen on the motorcycle (thinks pass real quick on the MC!)

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...equestid=10496

On the bicycle I don't have that issue as much and its easier to move closer to see it. I also purchased some of those stick on bi-focal lens for my sunglasses which help greatly.

Brian

Yes I know; but once your able to recharge your toys using a dynamo as you ride along with the freedom that brings you'll be shouting the joys of that as well.:D

Copycat Solar added my design to there product. I don't have anything to do with this company, they just coped my design. Showing people how to DIY there on system so they can build there own instead of buying one makes me feel good. BTY, the solar part is useless while riding as you cant keep it in or pointed at the sun for serious battery charging.
http://copycatsolar.com/index_files/Page619.htm
http://copycatsolar.com/index_files/image331.gif

No direct help here, but my current eyeglasses I had the bifocal line cut very low in the glasses. The eyeglass people for some reason want to almost force you to have the dividing line right in the middle of the lens or just slightly below the center line. But I almost had to force them to put mine in the lower 1/3-1/4 of the lens. Works great for seeing the road, and for reading or seeing up close objects such as a GPS or watch or lunch menu. Might be something to consider.

Before I retired I worked for the Army on tracked combat vehicles including the M1 Abrams tanks and M88 recovery vehicles. I had prescription safety glasses made with bifocal lens at the top instead of the bottom. The reason for this was needing to crawl into cramped locations and work on stuff looking up instead of down. This caused serious mental problems with some optometrists! After asking for these special glasses in 3 shops the fourth shop actually understood what I was asking for and happily made them for me.
http://www.anad.army.mil/%5Cimages%5Cmainpic.jpg

My dad was a machinist and had tri-focals, or double-bifocals. His glasses had distance in the center portion, then a reading strength at the top and another at the bottom of his lenses. Bottom portion was for reading the machine handles and seeing the parts up close, top portion was for reading the digital display and electronic gear sitting on top of the machinery, middle portion was for general looking around. And, yep, he had to go to a couple of places before finding someone to do what he needed.