Greymane

I, also, would like to thank Sen. Bryant for his support in this matter and for his timely response to my email. Based on his reply, I have a renewed faith in the direction this country may be headed. It seems some politicians still have proper perspective. Good luck today!!

40 (for two more weeks, at least)

Perhaps if you had seen the video of the testimony, you would not be so eager to jump in their corner. The representative (Ceips) who pushed passage of this bill used a series of half-truths and misinformation to convince the House to pass it. I don't know if this was intentional or just another misguided politician doing what she thought was "right", but it was hog-wash just the same.

Are you looking for maps to load into the Garmin, or maps to use in conjunction with the GPS? I know Map Town has digital maps of Mexico that will work with Memory-Map Navigator. And Memory-Map will work with the Garmin to import / export routes, tracks and waypoints.

Could have been a bad day for him, but sounds like plain old bad customer service to me. I have had no issues with my Maggie so far (knock on wood), but I use my PPCs more than my GPSrs unless it is long periods of time. Working with electronics and computers as much as I do, when it comes to things like bad boards, there are three reasons: (1) the customer did something abnormal with it, (2) it was a bad component from the start, or (3) we are manufacturing crap products. I am venturing a guess in this case that (1) and (3) are out. If it is (2), then step up and make it right, Thales! It happens.

In Memory-Map Navigator, when I create a route, it shows me bearing and direction from one waypoint to the other (which would allow for multiple projections). Great for orienteering as I can do multiple legs at once. This is a very extensive program, though. Lots more to it. I use it on my Axims all the time. (I use an Aquapac with the unit to keep it out of the water and dust.)

I use a Dell Axim x50v (but I also have an x30 and an X5). I use them all of the time. I have an Aquapac case for extended outdoor use. It is waterproof and I can use the PDA through the bag (a membrane of sorts). I have an Otterbox for them, but it is a bit bulky and the Aquapac keeps the rain and dust out. Battery life is a bit of a concern. I use the PPC when I am doing close in work or for general reference (since it has all my maps on). With the battery upgrades, it is much better. I use a CF card GPS unit in the x50v. It keeps everything in one tidy package. I still have the SD slot for my memory card (maps) and it still fits in the Aquapac. I can also put all my cache info on the PPC with GSAK. It makes tidy little HTML pages I can view on the PDA.

To verify that the PPC is not causing the problem (and I bet it is), either turn off ActiveSync, or go into the settings under FILE > CONNECTION SETTINGS and deselect the box that says ALLOW SERIAL CABLE OR INFRARED CONNECTIONS TO THIS COM PORT.

I assume you can set the radius on those (like you can in Memory-Map). If that is the case, they would be very useful for cache placement. I download the caches in the area and then set the proximity radius to 528 feet. This shows me where a cache could be placed without violating the placement criteria. (Although, you are out of luck for stages in multis.)

I use Memory-Map Navigator with my PPC for caching. I also use GSAK for my cache information. They work wonderfully together. As far as the concerns about banging the unit around, common sense will take you a long way. I use my PPCs all the time in the field and have yet to break one. If it is wet or dusty (most of the time), I put the PDA in an Aquapac. These bags are waterproof and you can use the PDA right through the bag. There is even a little holder for your stylus on the outside. Memory-Map does not do street navigation (well, it won't give you directions anyway), but that stuff is useless out in the hills anyway. Topo maps are the way to go when you are off-road. In town, I much prefer the aerial images (DOQQS). I can usually tell which side of a building to look on just by where the program puts the icon on the map.

moonpup, you exagerate. I have spent a great deal of time in New England and seldom have I seen a pothole that didn't have to break a car up into three or four bit-sized chunks.

WGS84 and NAD83 are, in fact, independent datum, but the difference is negligible. It shouldn't be more than about a meter in most cases. The latest USGS maps are indeed in NAD83, but you have to remember that the USGS is only a portion of the available maps in circulation. We tend to think of things in terms of what we do here in the US, but there are dozens of map formats, datum and projections in use around the world.

New York style would be attached to a cement block in the bottom of the East River. Jeep_Dog, when you say LA style, do you mean Los Angeles or Lower Alabama? LOL. Had to ask!

I have used the Pharos CF GPS, the Crux II CF GPS and the Holux CF GPS. I have had decent performance out of all of them. I know the Coast Guard uses the Holux on some of their small rescue craft. I use the Pharos for my everyday unit with my Dell Axim x50v. There are a lot of nay-sayers around here that will tell you that a PDA is no good for caching. I have used three different PDAs for all kinds of field use for over two years. I have never damaged one or banged it up. If it is wet or dusty, I put it in an Aquapac. Not only is it waterproof, but I can use it through the bag. I use Memory-Map Navigator for my software. It comes with both a PC and PDA version bundled together. I can use all types of maps with it, as well. The aerial photos (DOQQs) are the best, especially in urban areas.

Not bad at all. If they are going to take on the "Big Boys", they are going to have to try harder, though. Waypoints and routes numbers are a bit weak. Also, are they really going with a CF card for memory? I don't understand that choice. That said, overall, it is very respectable.

USAPhotoMaps has very limited import and export ability, but for the price it is a sweet little program. For the very casual user, it is quite a tool.

I have worked with the Lowrance (iFinder Pro and H2O). They are fine for the price. They do a decent job. I would have to agree with JohnnyVegas, however. Having taught GPS use to kids before, you will be much better off using the same model for the group. It may cost a few bucks more, but the eTrex is a great unit with a strong reputation. My only real complaint (and it is a mixed one) with the iFinder is that the memory card (kudos for including one) is in the battery compartment and a pain to get in and out. You have to remove the batteries to get to the card.

Memory-Map Navigator will do all that you are asking. You can get maps from the company or it will allow you to import third party maps, or even scan in paper maps. With elevation data, you can view the maps in 3D or add relief shading (makes maps look 3D). You can import and export data from most handheld GPS units. It also comes with a PDA version of the software, so you can use a PDA with an attached (or Bluetooth) GPS for navigation or just for reference. You can print the maps with your overlay data (tracks, routes, marks and text). You won't be able to move the waypoint titles, but you can hide them. Then you can use the text tool to add wording as needed. You can hand draw tracks, routes or marks. You can even create and import your own icons. The standard version will allow you to print up to 13" X 19". (The Professional verion allows printing at plotter size!) I just love the program and use it all the time.

Thanks for the information.

Does anyone know if Mapsend has any kind of data export feature (i.e. gpx, csv, etc.)?

WH, that is just wrong! If you didn't want her, what makes you think anyone else does? My EX just got remarried and I truly feel sorry for the guy because he is very nice. Back on the subject, I think custom made stuff is the best. The kids think everything is a treasure. Think about the old adage, you buy a kid a $50 toy and it sits in the corner while they play with the box for days.

I recently went from New York to California and back for a trade show. I had the following in my carry-on: Magellan SporTrak GPS Magellan GPS 315 Garmin Etrex Garmin GPS 12 XL Lowrance iFinder Pro Dell Axim x50v PDA w/ CF card GPS Dell Axim x30 PDA Tablet PC Dell Laptop Pharos Pocket GPS for the Axim x30 My wife was "marked" as fitting a "profile" (I guess the thick long black hair could appear Middle-Eastern). They did a more thorough search (but not intrusive) and also flagged my tablet PC because it was in the same bin as my laptop case (which was empty). Ran the "sniffer" over my tablet and we were sent on our merry way. Regarding GPS use on flights, I have asked and been given permission a few times, but never able to pick up a signal even at the window.

I was just thinking the same thing. It seems to me the time he was out checking this is just about the time we would have been getting effects from the solar storm. That could definitely put a wrench in the works.

Rocky, Try this driver and see if it resolves your issue. Serial to USB Driver

You know you are addicted to Geocaching when... ... you have the coordinates for you toilet in your GPSr. ... your child has to recite his address in kindergarten and gives the coordinates. ... your dog knows the scent of an ammo can. ... every time you go to Wally World, you buy fifty things that fit in your hand and cost less than $2. ... you watch Fear Factor to get ideas on how to make your caches more challenging. ... you buy Happy Meals with no intention of eating the food. ... you truly believe hunters should stay out of the woods during 'caching season. ... you wonder if Donald Trump is hiding something green and waterproof under that hair. ... you pass container trucks on the highway and envision ammo cans. ... you explode at the PTA meeting because they refuse to recognize geocaching as a vital school function. ... you carry your GPSr more than your cell phone. ... you address your mail 123 Jones Lane, My Town, New York 45º30'N, 76º30'W. ... you get poison ivy rashes more often than you catch a cold.