Alpha6H

The idea is a good one and I wouldn't mind having one. definitely would need the hardware/software to decode the NMEA strings and to post it and the map data on the screen. As to the mapping software showing the road umpteen feet away from the user's position, as GIS specialist that pretty much boils down to the way the maps were drawn,what data was used to draw them, and how good of day the digitizer was having when they drew the centerlines. Most maps show only the plotted centerlines and do not neccessarily show the width of the road/highway. That and the normal errors from a GPS add up to some distance. Definitely add me to the list to buy it if and when they come out!

From what the people at Garmin tell me is that the WAAS sats are only broadcasting test signals not any actual differential signals. As to when they will actually start broadcasting I have no idea. When I had me Etrex Venture I found no difference between WAAS & non-WAAS other than battery life. Now with my Meridian I do not have a choice of turning WAAAS off and still get the same accuracy. Go Figure!!

From what the people at Garmin tell me is that the WAAS sats are only broadcasting test signals not any actual differential signals. As to when they will actually start broadcasting I have no idea. When I had me Etrex Venture I found no difference between WAAS & non-WAAS other than battery life. Now with my Meridian I do not have a choice of turning WAAAS off and still get the same accuracy. Go Figure!!

If any of you are interested there is a site on the web that will take GPS trade-ins for store credit. It's located at http://www.freshtracksmaps.com/gps.htm I traded in my Garmin Etrex and a GPSIII for a brand new Meridian. They were fair on the pricing and quick on their service. Definitely a great place to shop on the web.Fresh Track Maps