Dirtnapper

I have used the same setup for the last few years with my MeriPlat...works great. I just ordered a cradle for my new 76CSX this am.... Don't be surprised if the RAM cradle for the 76CSx destroys the rubber on the edges of your GPSr. It did on my 76CS. I put the unit into and out of the cradle a zillion times geocaching and traveling and the way that the 76 model cradle works it totally destroyed the rubber on my unit. I got it repaired by Garmin (they did it under warranty for free even though I told them why it was messed up!) and then got the Garmin cradle adapter for the RAM mount. It lets you use the RAM mounting system but use the Garmin cradle that is made for the 76 series and doesn't mess up the unit. The only down side is that you have to buy the entire Garmin auto mount in order to remove the cradle from it to use with the adapter and the RAM mount. I did it anyway and I am extremely happy with the result. You can view the cradle adapter here: Garmin cradle adapter for RAM mounts You are right about some wear n tear.... I did see some wear on the MeriPlat, but not too bad...I will watch this one also...I might get the Garmin one later.

I have used the same setup for the last few years with my MeriPlat...works great. I just ordered a cradle for my new 76CSX this am....

I just got a Garmin 76csx this week...will be getting CN8 later in the week for maps. I had a MeriPlat, and before that an M330 both with USA Topo. 76csx so far seems impressive, nice lock on the birds in heavy canopy!

I feel your pain, I have several post about CS, and "BS" from Magellan...that is why this week I got a Garmin 76csx... Forward and never look back...hit 'em in thepocket where it counts, buy from another company!

I just got the 76CSX two days ago...I have to order mapping, thinking of CN8. I noticed, or can not find, there is no card function utility like on a Meriplat, which I have, that allows you to load maps, foramt the card etc. Are those functions done through the mapping software? Thanks.

I just got a 76CSX two days ago, I haveaa Meriplat also. I like the 76..fast lock and hold the birds under a heavy canopy! Memory is nice also for mapping.

Did you order the GPS 76 CSX unit from gpsdiscount.com as well? I am going to bite the bullet too before the rebate expires and am looking for the best deal from a reliable company. I was thinking of amazon.com. Thanks for your response. Yes, I ordered the GPS as well from GPSDiscount.com. I ordered my 76S from there 4 years ago, and I've been happy with them. To find the 76CSx from their web site, click on the link to handheld gps' and choose from there, or go directly to the URL: http://www.gpsdiscount.com/products/index.html?p=917 The price there for just the unit is $439 before the rebate, and that includes free Fedex Express shipping (2-3 business days). I ordered yesterday, and the package was already sent out. According to FedEx my GPS should be here Tuesday. I did have a problem with the credit card I used. I mistyped the expiration date, so the card was declined. However they were quick to respond and we got it straightened out and it still shipped the same day I ordered. I'm very happy with them. Also, you get a free t-shirt when you buy a gps. Got mine for $407.00 before rebate at Shipdog.com.

My 76CSX came today, so I went out and played. As mentioned, fast on getting the birds, strong hold even under tree cover on a three mile hike! Updating was easy with webupdater. I even get birds while it sits on the desk. Some of the other features I will have to try this weekend. I like it.

I see that this thread is dealing with the 60csx.... Curious...I am about to buy a 76csx...should I expect similar issues? Trun off WAAS and wait until testing is over? I really do not want to dump several hundred $$'s on hardware and software if something else is going on. Thanks

I am thinking of getting the 76csx and mapping software... Can some tell me does the US Topo from Garmin also give detailed streets like the MapeSend Topo from Magellan see link http://marbleorchards.com/DigiPics/Post/Map.jpg I have a MeriPlat and MapSend Topo, I like the topo detail, and street names when I use it for traveling without needing another map program. Thanks.

Well, good reading, being unhappy with Thales and the MeriPlat, this is the unit I have been mulling over..guess I will sit on the fence a little longer... from bad to worse or at least to another "bad" is not what I want when spending this kind of $$$.

You might want to try clearing the memory and initalizing...seems work for me. When I see that behavior, I check the compass calibration..clue: if the bubble will not center not matter what you try, then a clearing of the cobwebs helps! try it.

My complaints about Thales go way back, I have posted my experiences a few times here...THALES SUCKS! When it was Magellan, service seemed great. Last experience, MeriPlat went in twice for same problem, the theives wanted to charge me a $100 to fix wha they said was a fried board...funny, cleared memory and it works...bunch of yahoos.. I plan on getting a Garmen soon. Spent way too much on CD map and accedsories..going elsewhere.

Here are a couple of copperheads we met up with down in Cades Cove, TN....and two bears on the other side of the field...great day for wildlife!

Don't waste your time, tried it with the CEO at that time, Dean Senner, and Mr. Castro...NOTHING. Take you money and support someone else, that is all companies seem to understand. BUT, if everyone reading this did and not only a few of us, they might get a message that they are making a hole in their pocket!

RAM mount is the way to go, tried the others, like those above posted...gave out in the heat. And here it is with a mod using the Magellan mount adapted to the RAM base. Like this because the power cable mounts on the back, and the unit just slips in and out without having to unscrew the cable when used with the first holder above.

Re: Embra... Complaining higher...forget it...I sent letter to the CEO at Thales...never a reponse. As for dealing Mr. Castro in Tech Support/Repair that was a total waste when my MeriPlat went back and they wanted to charge me for the same thing that they had "corrected" on a previous return...I posted this here back..a search will bring it up. Their products seems to be have problems more so now.. I am very doubtful that I would ever give them any more of my $$ -since I bought Mapend, MeriPlat, cables etc.. If people keep buying the stuff, they have no reason to change their ways...

Over the last couple of weeks here in the Boston area, there have been several reports of increased thefts of GPS units that have been left openly on the dash of vehicles. It seems many have been in our commuter parking lots... I removed my backets, since I always took the unit off and hid it, but, if they see the bracket, they may take a chance that they can find the unit and break in.. Anyone else in other areas seen this on the news. Beware if coming to Boston...remove and hide...anything of value!

I have the ram mount for the Meriplat with the suction base that you link to. It is a great unit. I have plastic. The wing issue, just spread the base, should be no problem. I also did a mod on the Magellan base, and attached it to the flex arm of the RAM mount, works great also. You will be satisfied with it...this base does not let go like the others! See these: RAM mount

I did make the change for the Meridian, but, it does not see it. This is supposed to work with both series Ex and Meri. I guess I will just stick with the old way and drop the data onto the card... My maps are created with MapSend Topo.

Has anyone tried the Mapsend manager with a meriplat? Topo(v 3A) works with it, but, the manager can not see the meriplat. I do not see any way to detect the gps under the manager; thought that once it was detected by Topo it would be ok, not the case. Ideas?

um, sounds like some of the ebay auctions, low price, rip off shipping! Why support practices like this..too good to be true, yup...pass it by and do not encourage rip off shipping! Wait for it to drop and pick it up locally... A padded envelope at most would be about 2 bucks and the most US Priority Mail is about 4 bucks folks..

No kidding! In the meantime, I made a simple modification so I could attach a Magellan cradle to a RAM mount. So far it's worked perfectly for over 5000 miles on my motorcycle. Jamie Just did a mod of the RAM mount using the Meridian mount...

So don't I! Since the fake stuff is most likely from China to begin with...reap what you sow!

I think my experience posted here..Thales Support None, and Can not get a Lock on birds gives you a good idea of why I say stay away...never got any written responce from my letters that I mentioned in my thread, and the feeble phone calls with Casto and his crew just make me sick... a lot of wasted money for a lemon unit..stay away from Thales.