CoPilot 11 Truck

[Malaki86]

Yes, it's made by ALK and uses the map data from PCMiler.

No, it's not a perfect product for truckers even though it's made for use by truckers. However, there's not much to choose from when it comes to a GPS solution for big trucks.

[DieselBoss]

Guys, I don't mean to bother you. This CoPilot, is it buy the ALK Technologies? I have Microsoft Streets and Trips on my laptop and have always had no problems with it. I have also used the Tom Tom, have you guys used anything else or do you feel that this CoPilot, is the best product for trucking? Thanks

Yes, the developer is ALK / PCMiler. I have been using, selling, and supporting the program for 6 years. A new version (11) has just come out, and so far, it is a large improvement in terms of visually and mapping / truck routing. The previous version (9) was a good program, but it did suffer from some map data issues on certain addresses. Also, the ver 9 was difficult to make run correctly on Windows Vista but Ver 11 is installing and working fine on our Vista machines now.

Don
www.dieselboss.com

[Ratdog]

Thanks guys for the information. I'm lookind over it now. I also found your web page dieselboss, and will go thru it to see what you have for purchase in the distant future!

[uglymutt]

Anyone know about themes for copilot, all mine has is DEFAULT and nothing else, where does one get custom themes for copilot 11??

[Malaki86]

I "think" I saw something about the Themes in the users manual. Not sure how to use them, though.

I've stopped using version 11 and went back to 9. Just having too many problems with it. The phone calls and emails to ALK were a waste of time I guess.

[Malaki86]

I forgot to post the "problems" I'm having with CoPilot 11 (this is the same list of issues I've talked to with ALK):

• Bring back the map editor. The avoid/favor roads feature is invaluable
• Bring back the Save Current and the POI manager
• The map data may be updated, but it's still wrong. Look at a map of West Virginia. It only shows a couple roads that allow trucks. Sorry - there are very few roads in WV that DON'T allow trucks. I've been on designated truck routes in WV and CoPilot is telling me to turn around because I'm on a truck restricted route.
• When CoPilot is running, my cpu usage stays at 100% for the program about 98% of the time. CoPilot 9 used about 5% of the cpu
• CoPilot randomly crashes for no reason. It doesn't matter if I'm sitting still, moving, editing a trip, etc - it just crashes
• Where is the patch for the screen resolution issue? 1024x768 is fine if you have a standard monitor. My laptop is a widescreen and that resolution stretches everything this is a known issue with the program, but they won't even acknowledge it in the product FAQ page
• The Live feature is still as useless in version 11 as it was in version 9. It worked fine for a few days, then I started receiving messages from random people, the tracking info (if it didn't say "Device not connected" on the live.alk.com site) definitely wasn't tracking me. I created a new account - still doesn't work. This is the exact same problem I was having with version 9 pretty much from day 1 with it

[mike3fan]

I've stopped using version 11 and went back to 9. Just having too many problems with it. The phone calls and emails to ALK were a waste of time I guess.

I take I should not buy version 11?

Or did you get a fix?

[Malaki86]

I've stopped using version 11 and went back to 9. Just having too many problems with it. The phone calls and emails to ALK were a waste of time I guess.

I take I should not buy version 11?

Or did you get a fix?

I wouldn't have v11 if I would've had to pay for it. There's still no word on any fixes for it. The last time I talked to them, they said that they'll release patches in the coming months...

[Malaki86]

I just got a response from ALK concerning the availability of the HORRIBLY needed patches for CoPilot 11. Here is the email I sent to them, along with their response:

I apologize, but unfortunately the update has been delayed indefinitely. Once I know when we will have a fix, you will be contacted.

Regards,
*********(name removed)
Technical Support Supervisor
CoPilot Division
ALK Technologies, Inc.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:xxxxxxx.net]
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2008 10:36 AM
To: *********(name removed)
Subject: Re: CoPilot 11 Issues

Is there an update to the ETA for the patch for CoPilot 11? I'm sorry, but this is ridiculous. A company doesn't have to wait until they figure out every little thing wrong before they issue one patch to cover everything. Release patches to fix individual things on it.

I've been waiting since I received this program to use it. But, with this huge delay first in releasing the program itself and now with the patch, I'm sorry, but you're driving me away from EVER purchasing another ALK product.

Also, I speak to a number of other truck drivers online and in person. When they ask me now what software I'd recommend for them to run for navigation, I always tell them to run Microsoft Streets & Trips.

If your company isn't worried about losing it's customer base - fine - stop marketing it as a product with great support and made for trucks - it's NOT.

So, they've officially lost me as a customer. I'll be purchasing Centrafuse in the next week or so.

[rjallen]

Co-Pilot 11 may or may not be a fine program. I would not know. Brought a package from Diesel Boss including stand etc plus Co-Pilot. Just got a brand new HP Laptop running Vista 64.

Co-Pilot 11 WILL NOT WORK in 64 bit machines. ALK told me it will NOT be addressed in a future release. Perhaps in 12 when, if ever, it is releaseed. On the plus side, Diesel Boss took Co-Pilot 11 back and promptly credited my card

RJAllen :

[DieselBoss]

Co-Pilot 11 may or may not be a fine program. I would not know. Brought a package from Diesel Boss including stand etc plus Co-Pilot. Just got a brand new HP Laptop running Vista 64.

Co-Pilot 11 WILL NOT WORK in 64 bit machines. ALK told me it will NOT be addressed in a future release. Perhaps in 12 when, if ever, it is releaseed. On the plus side, Diesel Boss took Co-Pilot 11 back and promptly credited my card

RJAllen :

Confirming what rjallen has stated:

We find that about 10% of users who are getting new laptops are getting Windws Vista 64-bit pre-installed on them. It is really not common that users even notice or know about the fact that the 32-bit and 64-bit versions exist. MANY programs are not yet up and running for the 64-bit Windows Vista so BE CAREFUL if you have a 64-bit machine when you are buying software out there.

ALK has told us that they will not be re-writing the Co-Pilot 11 version for 64-bit but instead will incorporate it into version 12, and we don't expect that out untill some time next year.