Hi corne,
There are several different tools you can use to monitor average speed
in your car.
Many cars nowadays do come with a multifunctional speedometer
(commonly called a Trip Computer) which keeps track of average speed
as well as other measurements such as fuel consumption, range etc.
BMW 850CSi
http://www.e31.net/bordcomputer_e.html
To install an aftermarket trip computer, what you buy will depend on
what type of car you have. Each one is made for a specific make and
model. These can be purchased either new or used.
Look at the Google return for : USED “TRIP COMPUTER”
://www.google.com/search?q=+USED+%22trip+computer%22&hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1
There does appear to be ONE “universal” aftermarket trip computer. It
is reviewed here:
“The OzTrip Car Computer is made by OzTechnics in Sydney. As far as
we're aware, it's the first universal trip computer readily available
in the aftermarket. We tested version 1.1 of the OzTrip to see whether
it's an accessory worthy of a home in the modern performance vehicle.”
AUTO SPEED – THE OZ TRIP COMPUTER - REVIEW
http://www.autospeed.com/A_0639/P_1/article.html
The company itself is in Australia. Since I don’t know where you are,
I’m not sure if that is a problem or not. However, it appears that
they ship anywhere, worldwide, so wherever you are probably won’t
matter.
OZ TECHNICS
http://www.oztechnics.com.au/
The other way to calculate your average speed in a vehicle is to use a
GPS. The GPS, rather that using your car’s electronics and features
to calculate speed (which is dependent on your particular vehicle)
uses satellites to calculate your position as you move. I’ve had a GPS
for a number of years and I can assure you they work just fine.
The beauty of the GPS is that is independent and portable. You can use
it in your car (plugged into your lighter or phone jack), or with
batteries carry it with you when you walk or bike, or even use it on a
plane. (It’s kind of fun to find that you’re travelling at 626 mph at
33,000 feet!)
Magellan is a name-brand in GPS devices. I use the Magellan 315 for
hiking and traveling, but I see now that they have models specific for
driving.
MAGELLAN – DRIVING ADVENTURES
http://www.magellangps.com/en/gpsAdventures/driving/
GATEWAY GPS III
http://service.gateway.com/gateway/step/1,,4+120+23951+15960,00.html
And more …
WEBDESK – REVIEWS - GPS
http://www.webdesk.com/gps/
AMAZON.COM GPS
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000066TPN/webdesk/103-7611620-3725433
Also many PDA’s now come with GPS capabilities and software to
calculate trip speed and location.
The Complete GPS Navigation Solution for Palm OSŪ Handhelds
http://www.hallogram.com/earthmate/roadwarrior/
PRODUCT REVIEW - DeLorme's EarthMate GPS
http://www.palmpower.com/issues/issue199811/gps001.html
Remember, any GPS device will calculate speed, distance, and average
speed – whether you are walking, driving, or flying. If all you are
looking for is simply a speed calculating device, you may as well go
with the least expensive (but good brand) model. I suspect you find
that a GPS is less expensive than having your car retrofit with a trip
computer.
Hope this helped you ---
--K~
To find out more yourself, use my search terms below –
gps "average speed" driving
"universal trip computer"
“average speed” indicator
“average speed” speedometer
“average speed” computer car
“trip computer” used
“trip computer” –used
GPS navigation tool |
