Cherokeecacher

This thread already exists, and you can read it to find out the severity of the problem. Users stating they have 'the cracks" are from Santa Barbara California Florence, Alabama Palmer, Massachusetts Ottawa, Ontario NYC Southern, California Riverside, California Spokane, Washington Sacramento, California Houston, Texas What would be more beneficial would be to know the date codes of the units having this problem. Then we would have a better idea of what date codes are “good" or “bad” You will find the D/C on a sticker inside the battery compartment. Mine was 23/03 the 23rd week of 2003.

I am with SBPhishy. Check this out Meridian Marine Also readmapsend BlueNav Charts and Mapsend Direct Route Edited to change urls

Read the thread “Sportrak Map Stress Cracks.” http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=62683 Then think about this…. Difference between Magellan SporTrak and Meridian GPS receivers? The SporTrak and Meridian series are very similar in function. The SporTrak units replaced the M300/M320/M330 series, providing a non-mapping base unit and the others are mapping units like the Meridian. The SporTrak are smaller in overall size, with a smaller screen that is slightly brighter. The main difference between the two units, however, is that the SporTrak has no SD card support, which means they are limited to internal memory for storing detailed maps. With a SporTrak, only one detailed map can be uploaded at a time, and it is not possible to save waypoint or track files to an SD card. With a Meridian, you can upload multiple map files to the SD card and change between the files on the unit (handy if you’re going on a long driving vacation and you don’t have a laptop along to reload your GPS. With the Meridian, you can also save waypoint and track files to an SD card. Note - An SD card is usually purchased separately, although some units may include the card as part of a software/hardware bundle. *information taken for Magellan Meridian FAQVersion 2.0 – 10/31/2003

The funny this about tech support people is they are very unlikely to “give you information” unless you know exactly what to ask for or tell them. When I contacted Magellan about the stress cracks in my SporTrack series, the first thing they offered me was to send it to them and have the case replaced for free. This was a fast, courteous, and understanding answer. After learning that others who have done this, experienced the same cracks very soon after receiving the new case. I called Magellan and informed them that I was not going to get involved in an endless loop of sending the unit in to have the case replaced, even if it was for free. After I told them that my unit was less than 30 days old, they suggested contacting the retailer and exchanging it for a meridian Gold. Completely different design but has almost the exact features. They even contacted the retailer so I would not get hit with the usual 15% re-stocking fee. Once Magellan had the “whole” story from ME, they were able to take care of the problem. Sorry about the long post, but it is the only example I could think of. In short, people only know what we tell them or ask of them.

Janx, you are still under the 30 day period from the retailer, so you have an extra option. 1)Return it to the retailer/exchange it with them or you could return it to them and pick another Magellan product not in the SporTrack series. 2)You can send it to Magellan and they will replace the case for free under the 1 year Man. Warranty. If you choose this option, I would first call Magellan and ask what date code starts the “fixed” case production. You can find the date code on your model by removing the battery compartment, and looking on the sticker inside the unit. 3)I will e-mail you information on option 3

I decided to go with the SporTrack series over the Legend. I am very happy with the “user friendly” features, and even as a newbie to the world of GPS and geocaching was able to successfully use it and found 2 caches the same day it arrived. But I have since learned about a design flaw, and the stress cracks that result from it. My GPSr is less than 30 days old, and already has the cracks. The Meridian series seem to have the same features except for your extra memory for downloads is a SD card. When I made my first decision to go with the SporTrack series over the Meridian, I did not see the advantage of purchasing SD cards for downloads versus the built in memory of the other units. From reading posts in this forum, it sounds like the ability to use the SD cards with a card reader makes a BIG difference in the download times . You also have the flexibility to download multiple regions on different cards, and the choice of 16MB, 32MB, and 64MB cards. I have read one post that tells you how to use a 128MB card also. Using SD cards is a personal choice, depending on what you think you will be using the unit for in the future. I hate out growing a new toy in less than a year. I hope this post does not “send you back to the drawing board”

We are using the "scrapbook" method. Yes it is old fashioned, but fun to create and we can take it to friend’s houses with us, and share with them. Michelle, who is the other half of "Cherokeecacher", loves to write, so she enjoys capturing the hunts with her pen and I add the photos. As far as "keeping score" goes, Michelle is also an excel junkie. I had absolutely no say in that decision. This is what we use in addition to the GC.com tracking system as a "just in case" backup.

Keeping in mind that I too am new at this, here is my opinion. My first GPSr was a SporTrack Pro Marine. It worked very well, even in heavy cloud cover and beneath heavy pine tree coverage. The only reason I am changing is there seems to be a design flaw in the SporTrack series. The screws that hold the two case pieces together cause stress cracks in the case. I am changing to the Meridian series, and am excited about being able to use SD cards for extra memory, and faster download times. The meridian Gold seems to have all the same features as the SporTrack pro that I have learned on, and am accustomed to using, plus the added benefit of the SD cards. JMHO for what it is worth. You should be able to find either of these units for around $230.00 www.etronics.com for a starting point

Ok, I have made multiple calls to the Magellan Tech. Support, and they finally made an offer I can live with. They are contacting the retailer so I do not get hit with the 15% restocking fee, and I am going to pay the $5.00 difference in price, and upgrade to the Meridian Gold. The only down side is I will not have a GPSr for 1 – 2 weeks. NO FUN. But Magellan has helped me correct the situation to my satisfaction! That carries a lot of respect as far as I am concerned. A note to those of you dealing with Magellan on your units… I was assured by a Tech. Support Supervisor, that the problem has been fixed. BUT you, as the consumer must press the date code with them to insure your replacement case is after the magic date. This forum has been very helpfull. Thanks everyone

QUOTE Oh, I seem to recall that there was a way to get the updates to Mapsend if you already have an older version. http://www.magellangps.com/en/promotions/directroute.asp

http://www.magellangps.com/en/promotions/directroute.asp How does this deal sound? $99.00 upgrade from Magellan

Is anyone aware of this being a problem with the meridian series? I think I might trade for the Platinum or Gold. Any thoughts?

I have a SporTrack Pro Marine. I received it on December 26, 2003, and It already has “the cracks”. I have enjoyed it, and it does get great reception in heavy foliage, but I have not fallen in love with it to the point that I just cannot send it back and exchange it for a different model.

Taz, You forgot the fourth most repeated advice , buy as much GPSr as you can afford. Welcome to the sport

I am also new, but in the past weak I have found the mapping helpful with some of the areas around Houston. Some of the caches have parking lots close by, and the maps were helpful getting close in the car for the caches in and around subdivisions. JMO. This is what I have noticed in just the first 2 weeks of owning a GPSr. Notice I said helpful, not necessary