edelsite

For geocaching, should your gps be set to magnetic or true north? Will it be accurate either way?

I'm currently waiting for my Triton 1500 to show up as a factory replacement for my recently deceased Explorist XL. From what I've read, the Triton is campatable with the Nat Geo topo maps, but I'd like to know if it will also work with the Mapsend Topo that I already own? Even the tech rep to gave me the new unit couldn't answer the question. I don't want to pay $99 for each state topo when I already have the entire country on CD.

I used the search, but didn't find my exact problem so here it is....I have a Explorist XL and a new Gateway computer with Vista. When I try to use the Magellan conversion manager to transfer map regions, it says it can't detect the GPS unit. I never had a problem using the manager with my old computer and this GPS unit. Could it be a compatibility problem with Vista? More info: The GPS unit seems to be working fine. When I connect it using the usb cable, it pops right up on the computer as "drive L" and I can access all the folders on the unit. I just can't get the conversion manager to see it to transfer map regions. I looked around on the Megellan website to see if there were any patches or updates, but I didn't see any info and I noticed they dropped the Explorist line from the site. Any help would be appreciated

Got it! Thanks a bunch!

Couple years ago, I read a thread that explained how to edit lines of code in the Magellan Mapsend topo and Direct Route software that allowed it to run without having to put the last disk in the computer. I did it and it worked great. My hard drive just crashed so I lost it and had to reload all the Magellan software. I did a search, but couldn't find the thread anymore. Does anyone know/remember how to do it? All I remember is that you needed to download some program that allowed you to edit individual lines of code. Then you had to know which line to change. Erick

I'm a person who is interested in finding and visiting old aircraft crash sites. (military aircraft) I don't do it because I want to excavate or treasure hunt, I just enjoy visiting the sites to pay my respects to fellow airmen who gave their lives in service to our great country. That being said, I would like to start placing geocaches at some of the sites. My initial reason for wanting to place caches is to bring recognition to these downed aviators and to remember them for their contributions to aviation. My only dilemma is that I fear some people may exploit the sites for a profit. I know that 99.99% of all geocachers have good moral fiber, but it only takes a few disrespectful individuals to ruin a site for future generations. Before I go forward in placing geocaches at any crash sites, I'd like to get some feedback from the community first. Any thoughts or comments?

Is the Mapsend Direct Route 3.0 you mentioned the latest release which is on DVD?

I currently have an explorist xl for doing my GPS activities. I am thinking about buying a second, smaller unit like the explorist 600, for use with my mountain bike. (no bike mount for the xl). Since I already have the mapsend topo software, is it possible to download maps to SD cards and use them in both units? I heard talk that you can only use one copy of software for each unit. Can anyone validate that before I buy another Magellan GPS? I don't want to be forced to buy another copy of topo. Also, if the former rumor is true, does Garmin do the same thing with thier software? This may be a good time to switch brands if Garmin allows mulitple units to use one copy of software.

I recently took my niece geocaching and she loved it. She's 12 and is pretty good with electronics as are most kids these days. I'd like to buy her a GPS to start caching with, but I'm not sure she would need or understand any of the advanced features on some of the expensive models. However, I'm not sure if a base model would hold her interest long. Just wanted some input from others who got thier kids into the sport. Those with experience with kids and caching...what's a good unit to start with?

Just a follow up...I bought an inexpensive cigarette to USB adapter designed for a Sony PSP and it works great. Paid $6.72 for it at Walmart.

I read a post a while back that described exacly how to edit the Mapsend topo 3d software so that you don't have to continually insert the 3rd CD. Can anyone refer me back to that original post? I did a search and couldn't find anything. Erick

Anyone who owns one of the new Explorist XLs has probably encountered a problem in finding the cigarette lighter adapter for it. I've been looking everywhere (even from Magellan) and still haven't found the factory one. When these unts are attached to the computer, it gets it's power from the USB connection. I recently noticed that my wifes ipod is charged the same way and there is a cigarette lighter-to-USB adapter available to power the ipod in the car. Question is: has anyone tried using one of these adapters on an Explorist yet? I don't mind being a guinea pig and trying it, but I'd much rather ask first and save my self from possibly having to buy a new GPS.

I wish that was an option, but the unit doesn't come with an A/C cord for a wall outlet, nor are there any provisions to accommodate one.

I think that Magellan doesn't have them available. I had no problems buying the case or the swivel adapter, but it wouldn't let me add the cigarette lighter adapter to the cart. After checking several (all) of the authorized venders and ebay, I've noticed that nobody has them for sale. You can buy all the other accessories, but not the 12v adapter. I couldn't get ahold of customer support by phone, but I did shoot them an email...who knows how long that will take to get back. Anybody out there no what the input voltage is supposed to be for the Magellan XL? It appears the 12v adapter plugs into a power port at the end of the stock USB cable.

I've been looking for a used copy of direct route to use with my Explorist XL, but no love so far. Therefore, I started looking at the new software online. There is version 2 on CD and the newer version V3 on DVD. Anyone know what the difference is and if I need to use the more expensive DVD version for my XL model. If the CD version works on this model, it's substantially cheaper! Cheaper software = more gas money to go geocaching.

I'm interested in a copy of DirectRoute too, so if you luck onto a good source let me know. I'll do the same. The current retail prices are a bit more than I want to pay for something that might or might not work for me. (Recently got burned that way on a copy of Microsoft Streets & Trips 2005. It's not "bad", it just isn't as good as I'd hoped.) I broke down and bought a copy of the topo 3d on ebay for $50. Not too bad since they want $149 on the Magellan website. Cheapest I could find the direct route was $68 for version 2.0 or $100 for the Version 3 on DVD. If find a decent deal, I'll let you know about it.

Where can I find the 12v adapter for my Explorist XL? I've tried Amazon, Radio Shack, Walmart, Big Five, Ebay and the Magellan store. All of the above retailers are directly from the Magellan dealer locator. When I tried to buy it directly from Magellan, it won't let me add it to the cart...indicating that they don't have it either. What gives?

Just wanted to clearify that I'm interested in direct route, topo 3d or both.

Currently have: Magellan Meridian Magellan XL Soon to own: Garmin 60csx

I'm still fairly new to geocaching, but I was wondering if anyone ever hides them underwater?

I've got an Explorist XL model, so I need the version of direct route thats compatable with this unit. I also want to pick up topo 3d. If anyone out there has either of these for sale, I'd love to hear from you. Email me at edelsite@yahoo.com Thanks Erick

Also check this link for some more info. I hope this helps answer your question. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAIM Thanks, that exactly anwsers my question

In another post about the altimeter function on GPS's, Peter mentioned and briefly explained a little about what RAIM does. I'd like to know a little more about that function. Specifically, is it a function of the GPS (or software installed on the GPS) or is it another signal similiar to WAAS that aircraft GPS's are built to receive and process to give more accurate position fix? Peter, you seem to know this subject...any info is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

After reading many posts and much research, I've decided that the 60csx is probably a safe bet. Now comes the purchase....any good resources out there other than ebay? If not, seems the going price on ebay is about $400, new.

In addition to the improved accuracy provided by WAAS, probably an even more important addition to standard GPS for aircraft approaches is the RAIM (Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring) technique to identify abnormal situations where the GPS position/altitude measurements should *not* be trusted which could be due to multipath, local interference, a faulty satellite, etc. WAAS is one method by which the receiver can get sufficient redundant GPS data to make the RAIM determination that the data is either valid or questionable. That's interesting, is this RAIM function an additional calulation process added to aircraft GPS receivers or is it an additional signal that is received and processed?