Got my C100 today...first report and recommendations for improvements
My C100 arrived this morning. I immediately unpacked it and did an update. But, as advertised, it already had the latest updates installed. But I updated anyway just to get familiar with the process. Update process worked great. The software found a free Com Port and the update took about 3 minutes.
Next I took it out to my truck to see how quickly it locked on the satellites. First thing I noticed was a very long connection cable. I suspect it's the same one as the Cheetah mirror, so it's made to go from the mirror all the way around the window to the lighter plug. But for a dash or steering column mount, this cord is way too long. Perhaps Cheetah will sell a shorter coiled cord in the future? One like the radar detectors use would be ideal for the C100.
Second thing I noticed was the connector to the C100 unit didn't go in all the way. I had read about this with the Cheetah mirror, so it wasn't a big surprise. The unit functioned fine, it just looked wrong.
Lockon to the satellites was quick. But the volume as shipped was loud!!! I found the volume knob and turned it down. Much more understandable voice when lowered. I set the clock, and unlike the other product made by the competition, this clock was accurate even after it was turned off and retains the Mountain Standard Time setting I use. Glad to see that
Brightness/visibility was fine for me. I see no need or reason to dim it down.
I drove away and at 9 MPH the clock switched to speedometer mode. I knew my cruise control only worked at exactly 25 MPH so I brought the speed up to 24MPH and hit the cruise button. Nothing. Excellent!!! I nudged the speed reading up to 25MPH and held it there and hit the cruise button and the cruise activated. So I know that the accuracy of the GPS is quite good at low speed. On the way out of town I passed two squads, one using radar and one just passing by. (I don't have the link to use a detector yet, but I am beginning to think I will get one.) The C100 got me up to 55MPH and I set the cruise control. I passed the radar squad and no lights came on, so I can assume I was okay with the reading.
Mounting...the unit comes with a mounting bracket and suction cups. But it also warns in the instructions against mounting it in the sun. So I don't see much point in the mounting bracket. A better solution would be to include a couple of velcro strips. Since the C100 has excellent reception of the GPS signal, it can be placed just about anywhere. Since I am mainly using it for a speedometer, I velcroed it to the top of my steering column. I have perfect vision of it and no worries about it being exposed to the sun. As an added protection/security measure, I found some black cloth and covered it up when I park. So it's all but invisible from any prying eyes.
One complaint I have is the lack of protection of the display window in the box. Mine came with a few abrasions on it. It doesn't affect the readout, but it is a shame that they didn't take the extra effort to protect it. It wouldn't be all that expensive to cover the display window with a peel-off piece of plastic like they put on new cellphone displays. The little ziplock bag it was enclosed in was unzipped when I got it, so that's not a good way to protect it.
Compass display...really neat. It uses the standard N,S,W,E in little letters that are visible even in bright sunshine. For NW they use a little arrow pointing between N and W. Still pretty cool.
The on/off switch...I really like that it has this feature. My cigarette lighter plug doesn't shut off with the engine. So this switch is a nice feature. However, I wonder at the durability of the switch. Too many times switching it off and on may wear it out quickly. It's a very small switch and I just don't know about it's durability.
So to sum up the things I think need improvement:
#1 A shorter coiled power cord. One the size of most radar detectors would be fine.
#2 Connector needs to go in further.
#3 Toss the mounting bracket and suction cups and include velcro instead.
#4 Better protection of the display lens during shipment. Suggest removeable plastic cover of the lens.
Overall I am very happy with this unit. It seems well made and works great. All it needs is some minor improvements/changes and it will be perfect. It's already far superior to the competition.
Dep
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is to remind you not to leave it sitting in the full sun in a parked car all day. Where we are in Arizona, if you do that with any electronics they melt. You should not do that with your RD either. It's just common sense. All we're saying, is if you do mount them there, please remember to move it when you park for a long time. Stick it it the glove box, under the seat, take it with you in your pocket, whatever you want to do.
Originally Posted by Deputy
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