Installing the Magellan RoadMate in a Vehicle
Figure 11: Magellan RoadMate 9250T-LMB, Mounted in the Car
Installing the RoadMate 9250T-LMB in the car is a quick and simple process that you can do yourself, and doesn’t require any professional installation.
Pick a spot on the windshield where you’ll be able to see the GPS easily, but it won’t interfere with your view of the road. I typically install the GPS in the center of the windshield, about midway between the rear view mirror and the dashboard. Some people also like to install the GPS in the lower-left corner of the windshield.
Figure 12: Connect the Vehicle Power Adapter
Plug the included vehicle power adapter into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
Figure 13: Magellan RoadMate 9250T-LMB, Connected to Windshield Mount
Press the base of the mount (the rubber suction cup part) against the windshield glass, and then push the lever all the way down (towards the windshield) until it locks into place.
Slide the GPS all the way down until it rest on the two ‘feet’, and you hear a click. Once the GPS is docked to the windshield mount, turn the device into the desired viewing angle and then twist the locking ring to secure the GPS in place.
Figure 14:
Magellan RoadMate 9250T-LMB, Connected to Windshield Mount
The RoadMate 9250T-LMB is significantly larger (and heavier) than previous models, and the included windshield mount doesn’t feel up to the task of holding the GPS securely in place.
Throughout my testing, the windshield mount would periodically fall off the window. Also problematic was that the RoadMate would shake around so much that I had to rest the bottom of the RoadMate on my dashboard (as shown above) to reduce the vibration while driving.
Using the Magellan RoadMate 9250T-LMB
Figure 15: RoadMate 9250T-LMB, Main Menu
Using the RoadMate 9250T-LMB feels virtually identical to previous Magellan RoadMate models: you can navigate to a street address, intersection, city center, or Point of Interest (e.g. restaurant or gas station).
Figure 16: QuickSpell
As with previous models, address entry is relatively straight forward: Magellan’s QuickSpell feature checks the database for cities or streets that begin with the letters entered. Any letters that could not be used to spell a city or street name are grayed out. This helps speed address entry and reduce errors.
Figure 17: Map Screen
The RoadMate 9250T retains the same basic map layout as previous Magellan GPS units.
Figure 18: Magellan’s Map Screen, Explained
Most of the time you’ll be looking at the Map screen, shown above. The map screen displays the following elements:
- Turn instructions for next maneuver. Tap to display the turn list, and repeat the last verbal instruction.
- Traffic – Indicates the GPS is receiving traffic data. A green triangle indicates traffic signals are being receiver and no delay is found on the route. A red triangle indicates the traffic delay is more than 15% of the entire route. The delay (in minutes) is displayed.
- Information display – Displays speed, time of day, elevation, compass direction. Can also display the distance to destination, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and time remaining. Tapping this field lets you choose what you want displayed.
- Zoom in and zoom out controls to change the map scale
- Access to the Main Menu
- Access the list of nearest Highway Exit POIs (only displayed when driving on a highway)
- Volume controls
- Bluetooth functions (for hands-free calling when paired with a cell phone)
- OneTouch Menu – shortcut to saved searches and favorite destinations
Figure 19: Speed Limit Information
When available, speed limit information is also displayed on the map screen.
During my testing, most major roads had speed limit information available on the RoadMate 9250T.
Figure 20: Avoiding A Specific Road
The RoadMate 9250T-LMB easily lets you avoid a specific road along your planned route:
Access the maneuver list from the Map screen (by tapping on the maneuver icon in the top left corner of the map screen). Then just tap the Avoid icon (circled in figure 20 above) for the maneuver you want to avoid.
Figure 21: Highway Exit POIs
The Highway Exit POIs is a handy function that lets you easily see what businesses are available at upcoming highway exits along your route.
Highway Exit POIs include restaurants, gas stations, car repair facilities, and hotels. Tapping on a business name will allow you to navigate to that business. Note that the distance, direction, and AAA rating are displayed next to each business name.
Figure 22: Route Options
At any time, you can manually change the routing method the RoadMate 9250T uses to calculate the route to your destination. By default, the GPS looks for the fastest time to your destination. However, there may be times when you want to force the use of highways, or avoid highways.
To change the routing method, tap Options from the main ‘Go’ screen.
