user13371
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Posts posted by user13371
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...a single 128 meg card in a Meridian Platinum, that was enough for me, for going from Detroit to Lakeland Florida...
What version of Mapsend were you using (S&D, Topo, DirectRoute?)? How did you organize your maps? How many region files did you actually build and how much space did they take up?
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This is mostly aimed at Magellan Meridian users, regarding SD cards for memory expandsion.
How large are the maps that you generally load? Both in terms of megabytes, and miles covered.
So... how much space to you use on your SD card, and what activities are you using it for?
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FOR SALE:
- SporTrak Pro
- Magellan windshield mount
- Magellan bike handlebar bracket
- Auto/lighter DC 12V power cable
- Data Cable
- Firmware and basemaps provided on CD
GPS works great and is in almost perfect condition. No screen scratches, none of the infamous "case cracks."
Currently loaded with firmware revision 4.06 and the 9 megabyte North American (v1.05M) basemap. At buyer's request, before shipping I can install firmware 5.34 and/or the smaller 2 megabyte North American (v1.01B) basemap.
Full specifications on this model are available on Thales/Magellan's website. For comparison shopping, check out new and used ones on Amazon or ebaY
Make offer via private message, thanks.
Lee.Rimar@gmail.com
PS: As an added bonus, I can provide a GMail invitation to the buyer
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... Rather than "almost ideal," I find the eXplorist ... unsuitable for any of these activities due to the lack of a PC interface and associated abiliity to download detailed maps and tracklog data.
Man, that's kinda harsh. Granted - it's entirely unsuitable for the way you want to use a GPS when hiking. Yet by your measure a compass and map alone would be unsuitable also even though those are the first (and sometimes only) navigation tools some people use.
I'd stand by my assessment (almost ideal for hiking) in terms of the core functions: "tell me where I am at the moment, and help me backtrack where I've been on this hike." It will do this quicker and more easily than a compass and map, doesn't weigh much, doesn't take up much space in my pack.
Of course I see the value in the ways you use your GPS; using the computer for planning/recording/review is VERY useful - don't even get me started on computerized maps and trip planning! I just didn't think of those features as core requirements when I made my original remarks.
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Taking your questions in reverse order:
Is the SD card reader/writer worth the $25? Is it really faster?The SD card reader is many times faster than uploading via serial cable.
...why bother with a SD card of larger than 64M if you can only upload one region at a time, and the region can not be larger than 64M?You can copy any number of compiled maps directly to the card using an SD reader, and the Meridian has a menu for switching which map is iun use. This lets you take advantage of the larger SD card.
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I've used one recently. While not great for geocaching, it seems almost ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities.
It's tiny, lightweight, and brightly colored. Easy to pack, easy to see (or find, if you drop it). Seems to get a fix fast and track consistently. I'd say the screen updates smoother/faster than my SporTrak Pro, but that might not be a fair test. My STP is loaded with detail maps that take longer to display - while this isn't even an option for the Explorist.
As noted elsewhere ad nauseum, there is no PC interface. And there's also no external power connection. This probably kept the price down and made it easier to make it waterproof.
So it's not a bad unit - it's really quite nice - it's just geared towards a different target audience than most of the folks on this forum
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... I love this gps though, so much I bought 3 of 'em.
Which of the iFinder models do you have? Do you also have the current version of the MapCreate software?
Main reason I'm interested in getting an iFinder is for the higher-resolution screen on the newer high-end models, and the (claimed) faster scrolling, screen updates, etc provided by the "dual processors." If the mapping software is good also (better than Magfellan's MapSend, for comparison), then my Magellan SporTrak will be up for sale on eBay
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I have yet to find any real user review of the newer iFinder models. All of the reviews I've found so far are for the original ones that have been out for a couple of years.
Some of the newer "iFinder" models are waterproof, have high resolution screens, and faster processors - so sayeth the marketing blurbs. Although there are a range of iFinder models (just as there' a range of Magellan Explorsit, SporTrak, and Merdian models), the delineation within the iFinder line isn't as clearly explained. I think it goes like this:
iFinder: Basic model introduced two years ago.
iFinder Pro: Adds faster processor, hi-rez screen
iFinder H2O: Like the Pro, but ruggedized and waterproof
iFinder Hunt: Like the H2O, but adds compass and barometer
I'd appreciate any fact-checkers correcting me if I got any of that wrong.
I'm personally interested in the iFinder H2O Plus: Waterproof, hi-rez screen, expandable memiory using MMC or SD cards, includes MapCreate software. Can be found online for $270-$280, this looks like a winner. But as I said, I haven't found any reviews of this model yet.
I'm gonna order one just to find out. If I like it, I'll sell my SporTrak pro on eBay - if I don't like it, I'll either return it or turn IT around on eBay :-)
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One other issue...the battery has to come out so that you can get at the memory card in the ifinder.
That's true of the Magellan Meridians also.
Are there any waterproof GPSRs with expandable memory that don't hide the memory card inside of the gasketed battery compartment?
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I've decidced to try the Lowrance iFinder H2O.
SO... where to buy? The package I want, the iFinder H2O Plus (GPS + mapping software) can be had for just under $280 from GPSCity, AdventureGPS, and a few other places.
Anyone know where to get a better price? Where's the best place to buy? Any vendors I should avoid?
Updated 08/20/04:
Planet GPS has it for a few bucks less. Delivered price would be $272, and since they're in Ohio, standard UPS Ground to Michigan is 2-3 days...
Anyone find it for less?
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There are many RS232->USB adapters that will let you use your GPS with your Mac. TGhey range in price and quality, but KeySpan seems to have a good reputation
http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/USA19HS/
For various software options (once you have that all- important cable adapter), check out VersionTracker.
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...what you are seeing on the magellan web site for $150.00 sounds like Map send Direct route, not Streets and Destinations....
Actually, suggested list prices at Magellan's site for Mapsend S&D, Topo, or DirectRoute are all the same: $149.99 each!
But these are silly, inflated prices and I don't think anyone ever pays that. Most copies are sold as part of bundles, or heavily discounted with various rebates, special offers, etc.
Not to mention software piracy, which is why Thales/Magellan has gone to some onerous copy-protection schemes on the later versions. If people would stop stealing from them, maybe they'd be able to offer the software at a more reasonable price.
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Even though it has a patch antenna, its reception is very good because that antenna is a big one. Remember: it's not the type of the antenna but the effective size of the antenna that counts. The iFinder's reception is at least as good as that of the Magellans with a quad antenna.
Cool. But have you used the MapCreate software?
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This review http://gpsinformation.net/ifinder/ifinderrev.htm ... speaks highly of the unit.
I read the gpsinformation review - it's actually for an older iFinder model introduced a couple years ago. The iFinder H2O is waterproof, has a higher resolution screen (240x180, 16 shades of grey), and a faster processor (dual processors, actually). So sayeth the marketing blurbs.
I don't mind loading maps directly to the card - serial xfer is awfully slow. It might seem a bother for smaller data sets like waypoints and routes, but it seems a reasonable design trade-off.
I was a little concenred about the reviewer's comments on memory and CPU requirements for MapCreate. It might be a bit slower than Magellan's MapSend compiling the maps - which could be a problem for me since my "PC" is really a Mac running VPC.
Still looking for other user reviews of the iFinder H2O and the latest MapCreate software...
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Just got A Meridian Gold with pc connection....BUT ...it doesnt fit onto my IBM Thinkpad.
Its a 9 pin connection Female...and the PC Connection a fifteen pin Female....Can I get a convertor or whatever so that I acan download /upload etc.
If you're really looking at a 15 pin connector on your Thinkpad, that's probably for an external VGA monitor.
RS-232 (serial) connectors came in 2 varieties, 9 and 25 pin - the 25 pin connectors were on much older equpiment.
If your thinkpad is a newer model, it may not have an RS232 port at all, but instead just has USB connectors. If that's the case, you'll need an RS232<->USB adapter. These are widely available for as little as $10, though a good one that works all of the time might cost a little more
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An EBay subscriber has (New) Mapsend Streets and Destinations for 50 dollars. The same software is available from Magellan for 150 dollars. The 50 dollars looks like a heck of a deal to me. Has anyone any experience with purchasing this item?
Thanks
I have used various incarnations of Magellan's Mapsend software. They're not very good - but if you want street-level of detail on your Meridian it's the only software option you have available.
Most likely your ebay seller got it as part of a bundle. I think the "traveller's pack" comes with both the Streets & Trips AND the Topo software. A lot of people buy these bundles for a bargain and then sell of the parts they don't need.
If that's the case, expect to get a CD in a case only, maybe shrink wrapped and maybe not. If you don't insist on getting a retail box, it's a good deal.
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Maybe it has a patch antanea?
It does have a patch antenna, but also has a connector for an external. I think the external antenna needs to be passive or have its own power supply, as the connector doesn't provide juice for it. Fact checker needed - do I have that right?
I'm not sure I understand the serial port either. I might have this wrong, but it looks like you can only exchange user data by pulling the MMC or SD card and putting it in a card reader. The serial port is for NMEA live tracking only.
I dunno if I'd call that a nifty design feature, or a "gotcha."
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After reading some rave reviews here of the Lowrance iFinder, I went looking for them online.
GPSCity has the iFinder "h2o" plus mapping software in a bundle for $270. Dunno if this is the best price online for this package, but it sure seem like a helluva good deal.
http://www.gpscity.com/gps/brados/38145.8....inderh2opl.html
WAAS capable, pocket-sized, big high-res screen, extenral antenna connector, expandable memory using MMC or SD cards, mapping software for the whole country, etc etc etc...
What's the catch? Why isn't there more buzz for these units, and why don't they have more market penetration in the consumer area?
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Street Atlas USA still works under OS 9 and National Geographic Topo works under OSX.
DeLorme doesn't list Street Atlas for the Mac anymore - how old is the version you are using?
Thanks for pointing out the National Geographic Topo products! I also found this link on their website, and it looks very promising:
GPS Atlas USA
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There are a number of generic suction-cup mount cell-phone holders that are large enough to hold a SporTrak. You cna often find these in KMart, WallMart, DiscountCrapMart, etc for around $10.
The Magellan cradle has one advantage lacking in all of those cheaper alternatives though: It lets you use the power adapter that plugs into your lighter socket and/or the combined power/data cable. That's a big advantage, and worth the money in my opinion.
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My friend is a Apple guy ( dip stick ) and wants to stick with apple, despite me recomndation to just get a cheep LapTop.
Equating "apple guy" with "dip stick" might not be the best way to win friends and influence people
There are many things that a Mac can do better than a PC - but running PC software really isn't one of them.Some would argue a Mac does run PC software better (albeit slower). VPC certainly does make it easier to recover from a crash and roll back system changes. That's handy for developers but I don't see it as such a big deal running a mapping program.
After he see what he will have to spend just to run a cheep program he might change his mind.The economics here depend on how you do your shopping. All things being equal, VPC is still marginally cheaper than a real PC (still with that performance hit though). A lot of people are going to be able to find PC hardware in local clone builder shops, or on eBay, or even "hand me downs" from friends or relatives - if you compare that kind of shopping against VPC at retail, then the hardware is clearly the best choice.
AND YET - the die hard Mac user in me (not a dip stick) would still prefer to steer clear of the PC realm and all the hassles it brings. That leaves Route 66 - adequate for trip planning, but just barely; no good for geocaching.
Someday, I hope DeLorme, or MS, or SOMEBODY re-enters this marketing space. Even the slightest bit of competition & variety would lead to better products.
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I use my laptop with OSX and Virtual PC to run most of the Windows based mapping programs. ... Works great. ...
I've gone back and forth on this myself.
While my iBook (G4 1Ghz, 1.25 gig of RAM) can run VPC and MS-Streets & Trips, I haven't been impressed with the performance.
Consider also that a Mac user starting from scratch is looking at a couple hundred bucks (retail of VPC with Windows O/S) to run what might be a $20 - $40 (typical street price of MS Streets & Trips) program. And for that price, you get to run it many time slower than it would run on the cheapest "real" Wintel hardware
So, if you're a Mac user but you really really need MS Streets & Trips, or Magellan MapSend, or Garmin whatevers, etc... I think it makes more sense just to go to eBay and buy a cheap Wintel system. It will cost more up front than VPC & related wares needed to run this stuff on the Mac, but it will run SO much faster.
I kinda hate to say that, and I know the diehard Mac hate hearing it too!
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My friend is a Apple guy and wants to use his laptop with a GPS when he is on the road. I don't know if their is any mapping software that works on apples. I am sure their must be, we just have not found it yet.
Route 66 is the only currently available map program that works on a Mac with a GPS. I wrote about it yesterday.
http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=77510
In short: It's adequate (barely) for travel but not geocaching.
There are other programs that let you hook up a GPS to a Mac for various uses (geocaching, waypoint & track management, etc), but they don't include a map database with points of interest.
There are many things that a Mac can do better than a PC - but running PC software really isn't one of them.
Mapsend And Xp Sp2
in GPS technology and devices
Posted
[smarmy]
This is why some people stay at least one, and sometimes SEVERAL revisions behind.
You can always recognize the pioneers by the arrows sticking out of their backs.
[/smarmy]