reidster
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Posts posted by reidster
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Yes, but to better answer the "how", what GPSR do/will you have and what mapping mapping software if any? Each brand is different and there's also third party s/w available for this purpose.
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If you ever want to load large maps, then removable memory is very important. The sexy features of an electronic compass, baro altimeter, and color display are NOT essential for a GPSR.
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IMO the Magellan Gold and Lowrance iFinder Pro/H2O are the only units you should be considering. Period. Check all of their features and you'll see that they're the best values today!
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Lee,
I must admit I initially felt the same way you do now. The very nature of a GPSer is freedom to explore and therefore loathe any attempt to be tied/dongled down.
But it's a matter of piracy, plain and simple. Several times I have contacted eBay and Lowrance about sales of MapCreate that were obviously "pirated" copies. One seller sold several sets where he even stated that they were "backup copies"! Therefore requiring the LEI reader will definitely cut down on that scam.
Let's face some facts... Lowrance's iFinder, even though it's a superior product, has a tiny share of the market. Therefore I can't believe they are making any profit at all on MapCreate at it's current pricing. I'm sure it's offered only to remain somewhat competitive in the market. So when you add in piracy, those losses make it a totally unviable product. So paying an extra $20 for the reader is ok by me. The other restrictions are more bothersome I'll admit...
Another product they sell, FreedomMaps memory cards, is just as ripe for piracy. Hence they put in a restriction about allowing only five memory chips to ever be programmed. OY! Therefore you better buy the largest and best quality MMC chips you can afford. So the 32mb chip that you're given you can either throw away or be as handicapped as a Garmin. NOTE: I've seen several complaints about SD chips, especially large cheap ones, not working.
The third restriction, requiring the cd to be loaded, is I'll agree totally absurd! Even Delorme hasn't required this for years.
That being said, I don't blame you or others for being upset. If however someone wants Topo, this is the inconvenience one must put up with. I also have to admit I can count on one hand how many times a year I run this program. For trip and route planning there are several other products that are better and cheaper.
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DO NOT THROW THE READER AWAY!!! The new MapCreate 6.3 requires that reader. No other reader will work! Go to Lowrance manuals to get details. MC 6.3 is hard to find, but it's available with Topo! Go to GPSCITY.COM. for details.
Ifinder, Gpsbabel, Mmc, And Your Help
in GPS technology and devices
Posted · Edited by reidster
The iFinder memory card stores waypoints in a USR file. I do not believe this format is supported by either gpsbabel or gsak.
The USR file format definition/schema is available and not too complicated. You will also need a Lat/Lon to MercatorMeter conversion formula. The LOC file information is adequate for the iFinder.
I've never used it, but you might want to try EasyGPS.
http://www.easygps.com/default.asp