My gps takes 15-20 seconds to start displaying the map. I'll get the spinning wheel for a while before the maps appear. Sometimes I'll be almost out of my street before it displays. GPS connections show that I'm getting a good signal. Is this normal? My antenna is mounted in the center of my dash under a mesh speaker grill. I've taken off the grill to see if it helps but it's still the same.

On the first startup yes mine 8100 is the same. But my Android auto hits quick and I use the maps off that feature.

Yea, that seems about right, I wish it would load at start but it doesn't aways....  You'd think that all the 'standard' features would start at the beginning.... The HD Radio is available as the splash screen is showing... 

Two years later, and this appears to be the same situation. I came to the forum seeking answers on my newly-installed 8200 only to see this disappointing thread. I'm glad you posted the question Bear Down. I was prepared to replace my retained OEM GPS antenna thinking that might be the culprit.

This unit is far slower than a (audibly crappy) Kenwood Epsilon, their best.  Any system must have current geo-synch data from GPS satellites, so they're asleep, the more time required.  Our problematic BMW 7er was quick to boot, as the system left the GPS 'hot' for some time, keeping data-current, then allowed it to doze off.

Kw had a faster CPU, quickening boot time.

My 8000 gps boots fast enough.

my 8100 takes forever for the map to display once you choose it