SandRaven

I was looking for a way to import caches, there descriptions, and their URL into DeLorme TOPO from EasyGPS or ExpertGPS. The problem is that a waypoint in TOPO can only have one piece of text attached to it. The solution was to create 3 sets data, each one with a different piece of text. Each set of data is imported to a different drawing layer. Since thay are on separate layers, I am able to turn them on and off, and only display what I want. I was able to use GPSbable for this. I created 3 style sheets which contain: lat,lon,name lat,lon,description lat,long,URL To use these style sheets, I created two batch files. gpx to topo.bat and loc to topo.bat They will take a file named topo.gpx or topo.loc respectively, and convert it to three files named topo-caches.txt topo-desc.txt topo-url.txt The description and url are set up to appear in little text boxes, and the cache names appear with waypoint symbols. The way point symbol used is the one that is selected at the time the file is imported. to import these files: 1. Click the Draw tab in the DeLorme software. 2. Click File and then click Import. 3. Browse to the location where you saved the text file created in step 1. Note: The type of file may need to be changed to either All files (*.*) or Text Files (*.*) depending on the application. 4. Click Open. The file is imported as a new draw layer. If any one has any interest, I have put all of this into a zip file, but I don't have it posted anywhere yet. If you would like a copy, send me an e-mail at geotrax@sandraven.net

I just got TOPO 4.0 and I'm trying to figure out how to import caches. (.loc or .gpx) I can send them thrm through my GPS, but then I lose the descriptions. I tried GPSbable, but I can't seem to find a format that works.

My 2 year old managed to set the contrast all the way up, so nothing could be read. (in about 30 seconds) The following keystrokes will fix it. power off power on page page page page up arrow ok down arrow ok down arrow ok you can now adjust the contrast up or down with the arrows. You can also do a master reset, but this removes all of your way points.

Typically you need a driver that maps the USB port to a comm port. try this link below for starters http://web.belkin.com/support/download/dow...09〈=1&mode=

WAAS can be turned off, under Setup System GPS Mode you can select: Normal WAAS Battery Save Demo I believe the only place the WAAS shows up is on the Sat screen. The Geko does not make any sound what so ever.

I'm interested in some Topo software, and had some questions. 1. are there any included aerial photo maps, like USAphotomap, or expertGPS? 2. can you do trip routing like in mapquest? 3. If I have a D sized plotter at work (24" x 36") will it let me print very large maps? I have streets and trips, which I like for car trips, but I'd like to be able to use the turns as waypoints, but my copy of Streets and Trips(2001) dosen't give you the lat/long of your turns. You can use a location tool to find the lat/long, but you have to write each one down, as you can not copy and paste. Thanks

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I use a Belkin USB PDA Adapter Part # F5U109 I bought mine refurbished from Belkins website for $7 about 1 month ago (new they are $30) I just looked, and I can't find a link to their refurbished products. It seems to work fine for up and downloading waypoints to our Geko 201.

I got a Geko 201 fro ecost.com, in early December and I am very happy with it. I only went looking for one cache so far, and the Geko 201 got me to within 3 ft of it. It does go through batteries pretty quick, I bought 4 NiMH AAA, and I get about 8 hours out of a set, before they need recharging. Ive been using the trial version of ExpertGPS (available at expertgps.com), and it works great I can up and download routes and waypoints. As far as reception goes, I usually get between 10-25 ft out doors, and 40-100 indoors. The WAAS seem to help for me here in northern Illinois bringing the accuracy from 40ft down to 10-25ft. only some of the etrex have WAAS Here is a link where you can compare them side by side. http://www.garmin.com/outdoor/compare.jsp

To fix the power switch problem I just used a glue gun, and placed a bit over the switch. When it dries, it gives you a re-enforced button. You actually want a fairly thin layer, or it will be very hard to press. If it dosen't turn out the way you want it, let it dry, and then just pop it off and try again. Here's what mine looks like.

I have a Geko 201, and it works great. It gets about 40 ft of accuracy indoors. I haven't seenthe 301, which I guess has a compass and a altimeter? anyhow, you can get a Geko 201 for $109 including shipping from ecost.com

I have found a simple fix for the problem of the power accidentally being switched on. My solution is to use a hot glue gun. Place a small amount over the top of the power button, and it will flow over the sides of the button and make contact with the housing. Depending on the thickness, you can get more or less pressure required to activate the button. I used low temp glue, and it did not seem to affect the materials of the GPS or the electronics, but proceed at your own risk. Here's what it looks like on my GPS

You can pick up the Geko 201 from ecost.com for $109, and that includes shipping. Here is the URL, they have 39 in stock http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=178090

I found on E-bay "DESCRIPTION: For sale in a brand new factory-sealed package is one copy of DeLorme's Regional TOPO - Version 4.0 from an authorized DeLorme retailer. This award-winning CD-ROM set contains detailed topographic maps for an entire region at 15 zoom levels. A feature-rich software interface will enable you to create custom maps for your purpose. These maps are more detailed than the USGS 1:24,000 scale maps (1:24,000 is zoom level 12 and there are three more closer zooms). In addition, the maps in DeLorme Topo Regional have much better road and trail identification than USGS provides. " Is DeLorme's Regional TOPO - Version 4.0 better than 1:24,000?

What do you guys think of Maptech products?