PSHAX

Completely off topic.. So here goes! I'm off to Serre Chevalier in a couple of weeks for a spot of piste bashing and caching, and just found a site where you can get downloadable ski resort maps. So if anyone is contemplating sliding down a mountain avec GPSr, here's the linky.. I've just popped the full Europe mapload on my Colorado, and it looks to be worth the effort to download, especially as the maps are free. And I've also just paid for the Snowranger maps too.. Aint that bloody typical!!

Am I missing the point of a routable OSM map on the Colorado? I just downloaded Talkies latest incarnation of the OSM maps, and am unable to get the bugger to create a route. On the Colorado I goto : Shortcuts Addresses Spell State Province Then it tells me that what ever I enter doesn't exist! If I scroll the pointer to a destination on the map, and then press the GO button, a route is generated..

Not too sure I'd like to be rummaging for caches in the bushes on Hampstead Heath... Might bump into George Micheal!!

The "good stuff" didn't work... It was the Tesco's value white chocolate and peanut butter that finally helped the furry little chocolate thief shuffle off this mortal coil... He is now deceased, gone to meet his maker and join the choir invisible. He is an Ex-mouse!!!

I think the little furry critter found my computer desk last night, at around 04:00!! The bugger woke me up when he was nibbling the corner off a bar of white lemon and pepper chocolate I was saving.... He scuttled off and hid as soon as the light was on.. The traps are baited, set and waiting!!!!

Oh where are the virtuals when you need them... I sense a conspiracy.. (that was a JOKE!)

Handtec.co.uk are doing the 60CSx for £218.39...

Your book publisher does not have common carrier status or anything near it, but strangely enough in essence you have got the grist - which is why from time to time publishers recall books for 'pulping'. As for any criminal offence very very very unlikely unless your intent was to enable robbery with violence. http://www.amazon.co.uk/If-I-Did-Confessio...7266&sr=8-1 http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Commit-Murder-...7663&sr=1-5 I did a search a while back at Amazon.. Some real shockers by Uncle Fester... Just where does true liability lie?

I use both Garmin Topo and the OSM freebies, and the free maps are definitely better, and continuing to evolve into a decent download.. Garmin seem to have stopped updating the Topo maps aeons ago, whereas OSM get added to all the time. I supose it's all a personal choice.. I prefer the vector based mapping of OSM / Topo to the raster based OS maps available, but having said that, I'll be doing a load of screen grabs from Bing maps at work, and importing them into my Colorado!!!

I did say "IMHO". For what I had hoped to use them for, i.e. large area, largeish scale maps) they are of no benefit. I can see that it was probably an unrealistic hope in the first place, as it would risk impacting their map sales, it's just that the announcement I saw made no reference to such very restrictive limitations. Rgds, Andy I would have thought that the free Open Street Maps (Talky Toaster) would have a greater impact on Garmins map sales. Free and useable is a better bargain than £bloody expensive and fuzzy when zoomed!!

I strongly suggest NOT downloading the latest Colorado 3.10 firmware if you use any of the Garmin Discoverer maps (the OS ones). The GPS map image screen becomes corrupt and the unit crashes! The previous non-beta firmware 3.00 is the only stable release I've found for this. Jon. I tried the latest software, and while it did speed up screen refreshes when zooming in and out, I found the lack of popups for geocache names and the huge pink track log to be a PITA... So I reverted to an older version.. 3.00Beta.. I only use garmin Topo or OSM (talkytoaster) maps, but these 2 "bugs" have put me off!! edit to add... Just did another update on my Colorado to 3.10.. All is now good! The bugs mentioned earlier seem to have been fixed.

This'll probably get me lynched, but here goes.... What are peoples favourite MICRO / NANO cache containers.. I'm not talking about bloody film pots, but something a tad more creative.. So, come on, lets see some positive stuff about micros for a change!

If there is a FTF really close, I'll make the effort to grab it.. I like trying to beat others to it! But I must admit, I haven't done it many times. There were a couple of new caches quite close to home, and me and Amberel shared the honours that evening.. One each! I have left a few unactivated TB's in caches I have set. Not to encourage the FTF hounds, but merely as a "thank you for making the effort to find MY cache"!!!

Personally I can't see what the fuss is all about.. Unless you want to hi-jack the cache site for one of your own caches? And maybe kick off "cache war I" with the original cache placer.. If the lack of activity re temp disabled caches narks you so much, then why not suggest, to the owner, that you adopt the cache? I have 2 caches that are temp disabled, one is waiting for the foliage to grow back after some SERIOUS pruning by the land owner, and one needs some quality daylight time to find a suitable replacement site, but other comittments (work, kids, work, kids etc etc) mean I can't do much in the dark!

I have a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx that needs a new home.. It's currently sulking from lack of use, and wants to go to a new loving owner! In mint condition, complete with original box etc, comes with screen protector and Garmin neoprene case, I'll even chuck in a bike mount too! Also comes complete with Garmin Topo UK V2 maps and memory card. £180 (+p&p) and it's yours. Also, I have 10 brand new unactivated Travel Bugs that I know I'll never use.. £25 plus postage..

Ditto HazelS's comments...

I checked in our local Tescos at lunchtime today.. £3.75 for 4... Must be a store specific offer.

I don't know what Garmin have done, but this update (3.02beta) has transformed my Colorado... The map redraws so much faster than it did with the 3.00 official release software! Previously I would wait 5 - 10 seconds for the screen to redraw after twiddling the zoom wheel, now it is almost real time!!!!

There is also "Turpins Rest TB Hotel" (GC1T5DG) located on Hounslow Heath.. Not a million miles from Heathrow..

The personalisation string needs to edited using your 'pooter.. It's real easy to do. And it can span multiple lines on the display.. 1. connect your Colorado to your pc and wait for it to initialise.. 2. open "My Computer" and select the Colorado (drive letter will depend on your setup) 3. open the GARMIN folder 4. right click the startup.txt file and select edit 5. follow the simple instructions in the file, add your chosen words of wisdom, and then save the file. 6. disconnect the Colorado and power it up. SIMPLES.. PSKWEEEK!

Until V2.96 beta firmware, my Colorado was more than a bit schizophrenic! Now it's running on V3.00, it seems to be a different animal!! No lockups, starts up first time every time.. For the sake of a 2 minute download, and 5 mins installing, it's a well worthwhile upgrade.

I have a Colorado 300 and a 60CSx.. Both work extremely well in the UK, and if you add in the FREE maps as compiled by Talkytoaster, you really cant go wrong.

We've never seen any "doggers" while out caching... Must be in the wrong area!! LOL!!

I've made a back-up copy of mine, just to be on the safe side. Have you tried the backup copy yet? I ask this because the majority of software loaded on SD cards is locked to the cards hidden internal serial number.. I tried to use a backup copy of my Garmin maps, but it never worked.

I have to agree with HazelS... My Colorado and 60CSx both get exactly the same amount of useable power from whatever batteries I choose to use... But to only get 6 - 8 hrs from some rechargeables is pretty dire.. I would expect at lease 16 hrs from a decent set. Has anyone tried the new "eneloop" style rechargeables? These are supposed to have a very low self discharge, unlike the regular types.. My choice for online battery store is Component Shop..