
JSWilson64
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Everything posted by JSWilson64
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Opinions on eTrex Legend
JSWilson64 replied to Its Miller Time's topic in GPS technology and devices
I've got a Legend and a 60CSx. The base map on the Legend is very basic - Interstates, major highways, major streets. I'm not sure how the 8MB is divided, but the number of waypoints, tracks, etc., don't take up much memory. You can load maps from Mapsource programs, but you have to be very choosy - that 8MB disappears quickly. That said, I used it for about 2 years for geocaching. I'd just load the map tile(s) of the immediate vicinity of the area I would be in. It takes a lot longer to upload/download data, too, given the old-school serial interface. I don't specifically use the "geocaching" mode on the 60 CSx. I know waypoints downloaded from this web site with the GC prefix come up with the treasure chest icon, and I can change it when I find one, but that's about all I do... The Legend goes for about $150 or so, right? For $70 more, you can get an ETrex Vista HCx (I think that's right) on sale at REI... -
A: Dispute the charge on your credit card. Now. What you do next is up to you, but do you really want to "write off" your GPSr? They don't care if you dispute the charge - it's only $59.00. The runaround you're getting is probably because they can't lay their hands on another unit like yours. But you could do this: Send them a demand letter, on paper, certified mail return receipt requested. Spell out exactly what you want the company to do (i.e., return your GPS receiver or a replacement), include documentation (copies, not originals, of tracking numbers, printouts, etc.), and be businesslike. Don't rant, just spell out what happened, and what you want them to do about it. Tell them how long you are giving them to resolve the issue (as in "20 calendar days from the date on the return receipt"), and conclude with what you will do if they do not comply (go to their state of incorporation and file suit against them in the appropriate court, for example). Now, who you send it to is a different story -- if you have a physical address for the service depot, send it to them, with a copy to Finelli -- chances are better of an actual human seeing it. Nothing grabs someone's attention like that green Certified Mail sticker. With that you have legally established your grievance, and done what small-claims courts would consider "due diligence." Then, if you don't get a unit, you can go file in small claims court (giving them notice via Certified Mail) and probably obtain a default judgement, since they most likely won't appear for a penny-ante (to them, not to you) dispute. Judgement in hand, hammer Accounts Payable (again via Certified mail) and get them to cut you a check.
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How 'bout some digital photos of the GPS unit, blown up really big, and attached to foamboard? Kinda like the "giant compass" used when teaching kids orienteering. Office Depot, Kinkos, et al. can do this. You'd really just need one "giant gps" and several overlays of the screen in different modes. If you size it right, I think pictures of the screen sized to 8.5 x 11 paper (laminated for durability) would be large enough for a group your size. That way you only need to spring for one poster-sized print and mount.
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Does the Axim have bluetooth? If so, US Globalsat has some units with the Sirf III chipset. It didn't work too well with a Palm, but the software options for Windows based handhelds are better.
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1-click ipod/garmin geocaching (code)
JSWilson64 replied to db1101's topic in GPS technology and devices
So, how do you get the batch file to execute with only one click? (great idea, btw!) -
1-click ipod/garmin geocaching (code)
JSWilson64 replied to db1101's topic in GPS technology and devices
I haven't tried it but knowing something about batch files, I can answer one of your questions... The batch file has two lines in it - the two lines beginning with c:\progra~1. Not sure what the -f and -F options are - check GSAK's documentation. But I can tell you pretty surely that you'll probably need to change the F:\contacts to whatever drive letter your iPod is assigned... Wild-a**-guess: i'd think you have to have the ipod and the GPS connected at the same time, since it's a one-shot solution. Hope that helped! I think I'll try it myself with my $30 ipod mini ($5.00 "broken" mini at garage sale + $20 for new battery and shipping). -
I use my 60CSx in my neighborhood to record tracks, then use Mapsource to look at 'em. As long as you turn off the GPS, or turn logging off and back on, you get separate segments. Then I can click on each segment and see its distance and view its profile. I've got about 5-6 walks around the neighborhood ranging from 1.5 to 3 miles, with hilly sections or flat. That's part of what you were asking, I think... It sounds like you want something that I've been wondering about, also - a "tracks to route" converter. - does that sound right? Anyway, I don't know if it exists or not...
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Buying a GPS for technical savvy person......
JSWilson64 replied to johnsmb's topic in GPS technology and devices
I'd agree that, as a tech-savvy guy, I prefer to choose my own gear. But I'm reading an easy way for you to work in the "surprise" aspect for your husband. Since the desire to start geocaching is yours, and your husband probably uses the GPS in his job that most of us would LOVE to use for geocaching, why not just ask him to help you pick one out. For you. Something like, "This Geocaching thing looks like fun, but I have no idea what to look for in a GPS. Sweetie, could you go to REI with me and show me what to look for?" Pretend you're assuming he'd be using his "work" GPSr if he joins you in your new hobby... Then let him play with the different models and see what he gravitates to. -
Sorry, but sales volume does not necessarily indicate product quality. Look no further than the "Big three" automakers.
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Dream GPS for Geocaching, What would you add?
JSWilson64 replied to gelfling6's topic in GPS technology and devices
16kB per waypoint?!?? That's like, what, 6-7 pages of text??? Instead, give me more waypoints -- how 'bout limited only by how much memory I stick in the memory slot. One thing I'd really like my 60CSx to have is some sort of saved-settings. So I can have one setup for driving, and quickly switch to another for on foot, or on the bike. As far as accuracy, I'm pretty happy with my 60 CSx. If we were all placing and hunting caches with sub-meter accuracy, I think the fun of the hunt would disappear pretty quickly. -
Thanks for the link. I had looked at (and tried) that process before, but didn't realize I could add more than the topo/water data.
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Autorouting (turn by turn) help
JSWilson64 replied to cervezamatte's topic in GPS technology and devices
It's really not that hard! Go to www.geodude.nl/gps (if that doesn't work, google for "metrowizzz") and download his free autorouting wizard. You can pay $6.00 for a "gold" program but it's not necessary. The only differences are the size of the mapset you can upload (1 vs 4 GB), and without it you'll have to run the wizard every time you upload maps, with it you can just do it from Mapsource (so the author says). Anyway, I did it (the free version) with Metroguide v.7, and my 60CSx now autoroutes like a charm. Just follow the step-by-step instructions on the web site or in the wizard. Just make sure you back up everything on your GPS first (use Mapsource to download all waypoints, tracks, etc.) just in case... And there's a new version, dated 10/26/07, too. I've heard that the maps and POI details are pretty much the same between Metroguide and City Select/Navigator, but I can't attest to that one way or the other. -
Not exactly - they got their start licensing someone else's operating system to IBM. Agreed!!!
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Can you point me to the site that describes how? I'd like to try it...
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Considering that all your posts mention this site, I seriously doubt that. I'll stick to BitTorrent for my free GPS maps.
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Any word on a 60CSx successor?
JSWilson64 replied to Team Perrito Blanco's topic in GPS technology and devices
My 60CSx is less than a year old, and I kept my Etrex Legend for 2 yrs before upgrading that, so it'll be a while for me. I like what I'm reading about the sensitivity of the new chipset in the Garmin 'H' series. BUT, if I had to buy one today, I'd probably go with the 60CSx again - I really dislike the click-stick on the Etrex series. -
If it's just tracks, save it as a .GPX file. That way they don't have to have Mapsource to open it (point 'em to gpsvisualizer, Google Earth, or other GPX-capable apps).
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$100 GPS for geocaching needed
JSWilson64 replied to NotThePainter's topic in GPS technology and devices
WRT: Naming waypoints in the field. Solution: notebook & pen(cil). Use "short" GPS names for waypoints (i.e., let it give a name), write it down, and a short description. Then rename at home on the computer. -
Does a Mazda5 with built-in nav system count as a GPS receiver?
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Good advice above! One more thing to consider - do you have a GPS-enabled cell phone? If so, there are GPS applications that can run on some phones. You could get your feet wet, so to speak, without the outlay toward a GPSr.
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Garmin ETrex Legend...blue line of death?
JSWilson64 replied to argyll's topic in GPS technology and devices
Loose battery? That's what usually causes my screen to go wacky. Try gently bending the little clips so they hold the batteries a little tighter, maybe try adding a little extra thin foam inside the battery cover so the AAs don't move around... -
Along with the other good replies above, remember there are various atmospheric error sources in the GPS signal that can vary from time to time, even with clear blue sky every day and the same satellites overhead. I think it's a pretty common misconception about the accuracy of the whole System - anything less than 10 meters is gravy, IMO. Unless you're calling in an airstrike or artillery, 15' is a pretty good fix on your position for a consumer-grade GPS, even a 60CSx.
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Yes. You'll need the serial data cable, and a computer with a serial port. Just download EasyGPS and pull the track off your Etrex. Save the file on your PC as a GPX file and open it in Google Earth. Or you can go to GPSVisualizer.com and view it in Google Maps (among other services).
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I'll second that emotion. <ouch> That was my experience with my first 60-series shield. I put it on just like the directions said, and it was orange peel-ish. It also overhung the screen at the top by a mm or 2, and dust started accumulating there. I called them up and they sent me a new one and I sent them the bad one. The new one is better, and fits just right (about 1-2mm smaller than the screen) but still slightly wavy.
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Oh, I hope it's true, and Microsoft applies their algorithms to the copy protection of Garmin maps. I'd never have to buy maps at retail again! :-)