ThisWayOut

Many software applications that use COM1 (Synch software for handhelds), UPS auto-shutdown software, etc will continue to hold on to the COM port even if the device is not physically connected. That would be one thing to check.

Ths screens are just a little different in size and resolution, with the MeriGold being a bit larger. Otherwise the feature sets are about the same. The Merigold has expandable memory which for me is a BIG plus. I can have larger DirectRoute maps as well as more of them. Without a USB port, downloading to the ST Pro was a pain. I have a card reader for the MeriGold which makes downloading pretty painless. For GeoCaching, I like the ST Pro's form factor. It fits my hand much more comfortably. So this is the one I will use most for GeoCaching (and probably carry the MeriGold in my pack as a spare.

I just got this the other day Comp-U-Plus

You should have no problem using 1gb cards. I just got a 512 and it works great. The map (region) size in MapSend DirectRoute is limited to 64mb. You are only allowed 1 regeon to be uploaded within an image file at a time. To remedy, you have to create multiple maps (I would suggest a bit of an overlay) and save them to the card. But note - once a map is saved to the card via the MapSend software, it will have the name detail00.img. The next map you upload will have the same name, which means you just overwrote the previous upload. So you will need to rename the image file BEFORE uploading the next one. In Mapsend Topo v4.2, you can create regions up to 16mb (I understand Topo 3D has increased the max size), but you can upload multiple regions within the same file. I'm not sure what the limitations are, but one guess is the image file cannot be over 64mb. This is just what I have learned so far from playing around with my new MeriGold. Hope you find this somewhat helpful.

Just found this on the web and thought I'd pass it on. Great Price on SD cards

My first GPSr - SporTrac Pro. I love it except for it's lack of expandable memory. I just came across a deal on a Meridian Gold so now I have both. I will probably use the MeriGold for driving and the ST Pro more for hiking.

I just picked up a 512mb SD card at OfficeMax for $44.99 (+tax) OTD. There is a $15MIR that brings cost down to $29. One Rebate per Household.

One note - the largest map that is readable by the Meridian units is 64mb. So don't think the information you received it incorrect or that there is something wrong with your GPSr or PC software. Now, you can put multiple maps on the card and use the Card Utilities on the unit to switch between them.

Correct. And the disks are copy protected. A copy will not work on the second computer.

But Preesi, you would have lost the first one, so now your in it for $700

I like using the map view until I am within about 100 feet or so. Once I am there, I will either sit for a few minutes to allow the averaging "feature" of the GPS to settle down or I will cycle the power on the unit which is actually a faster method. But you must remember to reset your GoTo to the cache. I then switch to the Road screen (Pg 36 in the manual). I like this screen because the compass window gives you an arrow showing you the direction you need to head. The distance to the cache is also shown. Some of the other screens can be setup to show you how many feet in front and how many feet to the Left or Right the cache is from you. Between your movement, the strength of the signal, and correction factors all taking place at the same time, it can almost drive you nuts. So remember to move slow and be patient. All the screens on the ST Pro are customizable. You can replace many of the displayed values with the fields of your choice. Hope this helps some. Now, get out there and find something!

I found this: xImage from Garmin allows you to retrieve and update images on your Garmin GPS and makes it possible to get a screenshot from most Garmin GPS models. From this Website

OK, maybe I'm thinking too logically here, but the sole purpose of a GPSr is to tell you where you are, so naturally it knows where it is. And it also know what ime it is. So why can't it figure out if it's day or night for crying out loud?

How long were you stationary at that position before set the waypoint. If you were moving around quite a bit before hand, the unit may have still been in "averaging" mode which could account for the difference in location. To get a better lock on your position, some folks say cycle the power on the unit. This will kill the averaging it was doing from moving and lock onto your actual position much faster. But for real accuracy when recording waypoints, the longer you can leave it in position, the more accurate the lock will be. Also keep in mind that other factors can affect the accuracy (tree cover, weather conditions, nearby buildings, etc).

I purchased my ST Pro end of August - received my $50 rebate last week.

Thanks for the info on where you bought the Merigold. I agree with Embra. I don't depend on the DR SW for anything more then over-the-road routing. For that, I am quite pleased (except for some of the anoyances they built into the new firmware. The road accuracy is much better then those found in MS Topo.

Great price for the Merigold. Wht Walmart did you prchase that at?

I bought my ST Pro+Mapsend Topo in Aug, '03. I finally got to talk to someone at WMR who said the check was mailed and I would have to way 60 days to get it reissued. So I called back last week and they said the check should be delivered in about a week. The clock is ticking...

When using DirectRoute, I always use Track Up. It seems easier for me when the map is oriented in relation to the road ahead of me.

OK, here's the latest news on $50 donation. I sent it in Sept., it is on WheresMyRebate, and when I called, they said it was mailed on the 3rd of January. Well, I never got it. Now I have to wait until March (60 days) before they will re-issue the check. This should be interesting.

How about an IR port so you can beam waypoints, coordinates, routes, etc. back and forth to other units?

That sounds like a lame solution. What they should have done IMO, is if you set the primary use of the unit to LAND, let the elevation be what it may. If you set it to SEA, limit it to 0. I'm not a programmer, but I can't imagine it would have taken much to add this logic, would it?

I uploaded a map of most of Wisconsin to my ST Pro. The map size was 20816k. My baud rate was set to 115k on the GPS. No problems encountered

Yes, that's exactly what happens. I just used my DirectRoute on my ST Pro yesterday. IMO, if they thought about enough to call it a feature, they would have thought about adding the option to NOT turn on the light at every turn.

dave and maime is right. The Palm Pilot HotSync cradle can definately cause problems for your if you have one installed. The HotSync application (which typically starts up at boot up) has to be stopped. Anything else that uses the serial port may cause similar problems.