geoclam

Have have a Nuv 250 and 360. They are both terrific. I did not get the W units as I wanted the smaller size, because I always pop it out and carry it in my pocket when out of the car (for anti-theft, not for navigation). At first, I thought the flip antenna on the 360 might be annoying, but it is not a bother at all. Both come with very excellent mounting hardware (important for a portable vehicle unit). One thing I would highly recommend is a GPS with text to speech. Instead of just telling me to "turn right", it tells me to "turn right on Riverview Drive". With this capability, I do not even have to look at the GPS, which I think is safer. Even better, as I wear glasses for close-up only, I used to drive with my glasses on the end of my nose to look at the 250. I'm an old guy with a sports car, and I definitely look uncool with the top down and glasses hanging at the end of my nose! A funny sidebar. The voice prompt on the 360 is set to Female British. My wife just shakes her head, "why do you always take intructions from her, and you never take instructions fom me"? (Ahhh, dear. That's why I have a GPS. ) I promise you'll never regret getting a GPS. Have fun with your decision.

It would be best to figure out what's not working right with the current hardware and software. Absolutely - as was the intent of my reply that software/interface is more important than hardware, alone. BTW, the two older units mentioned by geoclam (12XL and ColorMap) are both Garmins. My bad. And... you are probably, absolutely correct! Shows that I should not make "off-the cuff" references, when discusiing very technical issues. A lesson to all (especially, ME). I Do have the incorrectly described Magellan GPSr's. I loved them (until Garmin entered my life). For clarity, I will dig thru my car trunk tomorrow, and post a more accurate reference. Thank you!

Keep in mind that these thingys are just little computers. Like any computer, it's the software and interface that makes it user-friendly for your specific needs. Magellan makes good receivers. I have two of them. I cannot even remember their "exact" model numbers. One is a 12XL (I think - a real oldy) The other is a ColourMap. With all the related software. I also have a Garmin 60C (colour screen, passive compass). I like it the best. Good software (better for me, than Magellan). Seems to fit "my brain" - in issues of software, ergonomics, menue commands, etc. Do you have the proper software for what you want your Magellan to do for you? If'n you want an active compass, maybe look into the Garmin 60CS or 76CS. They have great colour screens. Support active routing (which you seem to want). I think Garmin's software is better than Magellan's, at this point in time. (Personal preference, and that could change tomorrow!!) You said you want to stay with Magellan, so maybe my post is off topic. Just wanted to share my Magellan/Garmin experience, to maybe help you think out of the box!

In case you need a fourth for bridge (getit?) Sputnik 57 answered your question most accurately. He knows. Don't use it. (Others said the same) --edited for spelling--

PS: I just noticed that you may have moved from TN to AZ? Was there enuf time for the unit to re-initialize itself to its new location after being turned on?? Just a thought. Scrambling for ideas.

Maybe the "stop navigation" option may reset something? Maybe that might be chosen before going into course or bearing pointers? Sounds like it may be some kind of software issue, triggered by whatever. Just keep pushing buttons and it may miraculously fix itself? Is there a "hard reset" option, as opposed to a "soft reset'? Just fishin' in the dark, here. As Sputnik 57 said, you must have a destination, and you must be "moving" (not stationary). Maybe the "giving it a whack" will smarten it up? This is driving me crazy! Please post your solution, when you find it.

That is just too weird! I agree. I'm thinking that maybe when you plugged in the USB, you may have put pressure on the internals, which made the connection for the backlight to work. It may continue to work properly, or may not, in the long run. If I were me, I would carry the unit around with me all day (for a week), with the power on. At regular intervals, I would trigger the backlight function and adjust the level to make sure it functions properly. I would also keep a note of how many times I turned on the backlight, and how many times it may not have worked properly. At least, then you would have hard data to gve to Garmin if you should have to send it to them (or exchange it with your retailer). You know of course, that if you do have an intermittent problem, you will return it to whomever, and they will turn it on and it'll work perfectly! Re: the external power symbol when the USB is connected. Remove the batteries, and connect the USB again. I'll betcha nothing happens. If you DO get an external power symbol, either undocumented design changes have been made, or your internals are REALLY "haywire". As a sidebar to USB devices.... They are not us "universal" as many think. You must know the exact requirements of the USB device, and the exact specs of your USB output. For example, my laptop has built-in USB 1.0. In order to work satisfactorily with USB2.0 requirements, I have to use a 2.0 adaptor in my PCMCIA slot. In order to provide sufficient power to "some" devices, I have to plug a power adaptor into my 2.0 card. BTW - I have a 60C and it works perfectly and I love it.

I would put in new batteries, just in case. Make sure the contacts are clean. I always "spin" batteries when replacing, just to remove any possible oxidation. Make sure the sproingy battery contacts have good pressure. Give it a good whack! (Hey, you may have to return it anyway, right?). I'm in techo service, and the "whack" solution works more times than one can imagine. As described, your problem seems to be intermittent. Those are the toughest to solve and are internal. If the whack fixes it for now, you may have future problems because of a weak connection somewhere. Good luck. (How frustrating to have to return a new toy and then wait for repair).

A Geoduck is a clam, indigenous(sp?) to the Pacific Northwest, where I live. Pronounced "gooey-duck". You can often see many people out on the beaches at low tide, digging for them. So I thought the "hunting" part is relevant to this sport. Thought the "geo" part of the name fits. Therefore - geoclam. Also thought that sterilized (no animal/food smell) clamshells (with some artwork) might be a cool signature item. So.... you can call me geoclam or you can call me gooeyclam just don't call me late for dinner!! (my grandfather's saying) PS: You can go here for more than you want to know about geoducks. http://atn-riae.agr.ca/seafood/geoduck-e.htm

Quote: Not all of us are Premium members yet, some of us will become members and some of us will stay non-paying members. But for those of us who cache without the benefit of PQ's, let's post some ideas and methods to organize caches until we spring for premium membership. This should also help newer members who are leery of becoming a paying member just yet, but still want to learn how to find, display, and get their info into a manageable format I'm a complete noob. Not even gone out on my first hunt (that will happen this Saturday). However - I am excited by this sport. Did not hesitato to spend my 30 bucks to help support a group that has attracted my interest. Why not just spend a few dollars? Especially, if you've already paid for a GPSr. Why are you reluctant to support this community? Geeezeee... It's only a coupl'a big mac meals (supersized) or a few Latte Grande.

PS: I don't mean to drag this on ad infinitum.... Just want to post a public, special "thank you" to... TotemLake, who took the time to answer some of my questions and concerns via PM. Sept1c_tank, who read thru the silliness of my first post, and posted a reply to answer my "hidden" concerns. I tend to be silly, and appreciate good humour Realize I should have posted in the "getting started" section.

Thank you all, for the support. You've all got me pretty well pegged already. First personal challenge - not finding my car keys. Second personal challenge - procrastination. So now I HAVE to go out this Saturday, just to prove myself. I'll post my experience in this thread. and off course, log my find on the cache page. (hmm - was that just a bouncy "f" key, our a subliminal thought?) cheers, George W. Clam (the W doesn't stand for anything)

Quit making excuses. Go out and find the caches, sign the logs and have fun Roger that. My bad. (An anal, prefectionist(?) am I). Next Saturday will be my first hunt. I'll be happy to post my first DNF. (Or.. you'll tire of my FFFM (First Find For Me) onandonandon detail). Thanks for the boost.

The title is my biggest problem. Next is to find something. Haven't yet, 'cause I just have not had the time. Got the gear. Got the prizes. Getting somewhat intimidated by the rules and regulations. Just wanna have fun.

So many versions of the word Ho. Blame it on Santa...... Daughter - "Is Santa gonna come tonight?" Me - "I suppose so, but he's very busy out ho-ho-ho'ing". Daughter - "What does that mean, daddy?" Me - "goto sleep". Sheeeeessshhhhhhh!

Both are offensive Maybe it's just in the eye of the beholder. Inuendo, puns, "nudge-nudge-wink-winks" are fun (I think) to most. I was first considering using the name "hidey-ho" for this group. (lyrics (with pun intended) from a classic jazz tune)). Maybe would get a smile. Maybe would be considered offensive. So, do you want to join in my business aimed at dyslexics? A yellow pages ad for vehicle recovery with the headline.... "Need a Two Truck?". Revenues would double! And - we haven't even yet begun to discuss ADD! (which I are, and am proud of it). I can see that many of the members share the same beneficial attribute. It's all up to the reader. P/C can be such a pain at times. R-E-L-A-X, and have fun!

Hey, mukguk, I researched my brains out on this very subject. I agonized over it. It's easier picking a wife then it is an electronic gadget. Me too. Reminds me of the ol' techno-dweeb cartoon.... Two guys talking to each other.... "Yeah, this is my new amplifier - 200 watts continuous average sine wave power into 16 ohms, with less than 0.05% THD, 20Hz to 20kHz. Slew rate of 50 volts per microsecond, or better, at 30 watts into 16 ohms, 2000 Hz square wave input". "My first wife (I can't remember her name), said it was either her, or my gear." Good choice you made. I got a 60C this week, and have spent waaaay tooo much time on this site, already. I also have a Magellen SportTrack Colour that I bought about a month ago. Nice unit, but it's really hard to find software in my neck o' the woods. I'm gonna keep, just to lend it to my geocaching partner. Software, support, and common user community are more valuable to have a fun experience.