biggestmuff

nice to know. Thanks guys! Then I'm off to the cigar store after work!

thanks, man!

I changed my 'heading' block on the road screen to 'COG'. I just thought the compass band on that road screen was the readout of the MeriPlat's internal magnetic compass, but I guess it's not. It has to be a COG readout. Is there a certain position to hold the MeriPlat so the heading/magnetic compass (same thing, right?) readout is steady and doesn't jump all over the place?

New MeriPlat user here. Thanks for everyone's input in my MeriPlat/Topo thread. Quick question: I'm at work right now and while searching the web I've found a cigar store that I'd like to visit. I punched in the address at maps.yahoo.com and located it. I then started up my GPSr and found the exact same spot and created a waypoint. I'm indoors and can not receive any GPS signals at all. Once I go outside will that waypoint that I created be usable since I set it using the map alone while 'off the network' so to speak?

hey, prez! I started a thread last week before I bought my MeriPlat asking a similar question: http://ubbx.Groundspeak.com/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=5726007311&f=7116058331&m=39360656 I'm happy with the Topo and MeriPlat so far, but haven't done any geocaching or put it to hardcore use yet. I don't think it will be a problem, though. The topo maps are extremely detailed compared to the basemap. I live in the DC area and can use the topo map to plan short trips around the area or to find an alternate route in the hellacious traffic.

I noticed the same problem with my MeriPlat today in the car driving around. On the Road screen the compass seems to be dead on, but the 'heading' reading is off anywhere from 5 to 100 degrees. The 'heading' measurement is constantly jumping around and not a steady reading off of the compass reading. The GPSr is sitting vertically in my dash mounted retractable cupholder angled slightly towards the driver's seat. Is the inaccuracy in the 'heading' readout do to it being mounted vertically? I changed it's position, but the GPSr still reacted the same. Is it because it's in a metal vehicle? Why doesn't the metal affect the compass reading? When I got out of the car the 'heading' and compass reading were still of and the 'heading' reading continued to jump around, but not as bad as it was doing in the car. I have changed the road screen's 'heading' area to 'COG' now. I'll try and get out later and see if it now matches up with the compass, which it should.

I forgot to mention that I also bought the MapSend Topo software. I'll be installing that this afternoon! A slow day at work makes me want to start on finding my first cache. There are about six within 5 miles of my home. hmmm...

a piece of Saran (plastic) wrap also works and costs next to nothing.

Thanks for all the usefull info! My MeriPlat arrived yesterday and I tinkered with it a little and read both of the small starter manuals. So far I've just marked my apartment. I'm going to pick out some caches around my area (22079) and see if I can use it this weekend.

Thanks for everyone's help. I ordered the MeriPlat a few days ago along with the Topo software and am patiently awating their arrival. stutzismydog, I have found a link to the software upgrade on Magellan's website. Go here: http://www.magellangps.com/en/support/products/upgrades/upgrade_meridianplat.asp It's easy to find. -Start at the Magellan homepage: http://www.magellangps.com -On the upper-right, mouseover "Products" then click "Meridian Series". -About one third of the way down, click "Meridian Platinum". -Near the top of this page, click on the light gray "Support" in between "Specifications" and "Datasheet". -Here is where all of the electronic manuals are. Click "Software Update" at the bottom of this list. -Scroll all the way to the bottom and you'll see a link for the software upgrade.

wow, thanks for the quick responses, everyone! What size of SD memory do I need? Is there a certain size required or or can I just store more topo data the larger SD card I have? What is the minimum memory size acceptable? I don't want to buy a card and find out I needed the next size up.

I've been a lurking guest over the past several months and finally decided to join. Thanks to other members I have decided to purchase a Magellan Meridian Platinum since there is a rebate going on. I want to know if it is worth it to purchase additional software to use with the GPS since an additional $25 off can be had. I'm mainly asking about the Mapsend Topo because the Mapsend Streets and Destinations doesn't sound very helpful or interesting as others here have confirmed. So, is the additional software needed or is it just a nice enhancement? The Magellan Meridian Platinum sounds like a great unit right out of the box. Do those of you that have the Topo maps use them everytime you use your Magellan Meridian Platinum? Thanks! I look forward to receiving my unit and learning all of the ins and outs of it! Todd