clps

I don't have all the answers ...what I do have, however, is a SporTrak Pro, which I purchased after reading as much as I could about GPSr units, weighing what I learned, and making a decision for myself, not a decision based on what others do or say, or think is best for me. The whole truth is, I actually purchased a Garmin Venture first, and after using it for a while, was totally unimpressed with the units accuracy, and eventually returned the unit after the click-stick ceased functioning. The truth may be that Garmin makes fine units, and I just got a lemon, (as maybe you did with your rent-a-car Magellan), however, I was hesitant to give Garmin a second chance ...and given what I've seen on this board, my experience with the Venture was not unique. Frankly speaking, it doesn't matter to me what you buy, nor does it matter to me if you choose to listen to only those who post their 'experience' stats on this website for all to see, as if that somehow magically makes you qualified to speak authoritatively on the subject of GPSrs. As for the personal attack comments ...'pea brain', get a life, etc., I would expect no less after reading your posts. My advice to you would be to buy the Garmin V because, as a 'fire truck driver', you no doubt are going to need the automatic routing. Were one really paying attention, the more important question would be not what unit to get, but rather, how will the inaccuracy of the add-on maps currently available for both the GarminV and Magellan Platinum affect my overall use of each unit ...and when can I expect the maps to be as accurate as the positions reported by the respective units themselves.

Reading a forum to get information on a subject, and asking others "Which GPS unit to BUY???" are two entirely different approaches, IMHO. The former is a way to make an intelligent decision based on numerous factors, as you pointed out. The latter is a way to get others to make a decision for you, so that, (among other things) if the decision turns out flawed, the blame can be placed elsewhere. It always cracks me up when I see people ask "what should I buy?' on these forums, looking for the easy answer ...as opposed to learning about a product for themselves. As for the argument that a 'poll' would help in your decision ...we all know that polls are not an accurate measure of anything other than popular opinion, as peoples responses can be based on something as fragile as peer pressure, or on the unwillingness to admit that they are/were mistaken. The truly 'smart' thing to do would be, as the final step prior to purchasing, to go to a retail outlet that carries the units you are interested in, and try them for yourself. I'm sure most sporting goods stores that carry GPSr units would be more than happy to oblige a potential customer.

In all honesty, a poll isn't going to enlighten you as to what is the correct choice for YOU personally. All a poll will prove is what may be the most popular opinion of OTHERS, and will not accurately represent which unit may be best for you based on the unit's individual merits. Rather than follow the crowd, I would suggest that you read reviews from independant sources on each unit, (use google.com) evaluate each units features, strengths, and weaknesses, and finally, evaluate your own individual needs for a GPSr, and decide which unit will best suit your personal needs. Then purchase said unit knowing that you made the best choice via rational thought and self-education ...as opposed to following 'the crowd'. Then again, some people are unable to make decisions for themselves ... With that said, I'd hands down choose the Magellan every time

I would strongly encourage people to refrain from using xml (and also Flash), when designing webpages, as it tends to alienate a large percentage of potential site visitors who may not have (nor want) the latest/greatest browser version or plugin. With that said, the SporTrak Pro's latest firmware version is v.3.02 The other SporTrak Pro info 'looks' correct, though I wouldn't swear to it Just my $0.02 worth

I would strongly encourage people to refrain from using xml (and also Flash), when designing webpages, as it tends to alienate a large percentage of potential site visitors who may not have (nor want) the latest/greatest browser version or plugin. With that said, the SporTrak Pro's latest firmware version is v.3.02 The other SporTrak Pro info 'looks' correct, though I wouldn't swear to it Just my $0.02 worth

The vertical profile shows the elevation in a 'side view' as a graph, allowing you to see the difficulity of the terrain as a line plotted on a 'horizon'. From the manual: "Only track history is available for this function if Mapsend Topo ...map data is not uploaded." Meaning that, unless you've got Mapsend Topo data loaded for the elevation data you want to view, you can only see where you've already been as a vertical profile. You may be interested in the vertical profile 'Path Check Description' feature, which allows you to create a 'path' on the map screen graphically, then view the path's vertical profile (requires Mapsend Topo). You can also save your created path as a 'route'.

You can't go wrong with the SporTrak Pro ...and it does Vertical Profiles too.

As a skeptic by nature ...strictly off the top of my head ...I don't see how you can get the device you described to market for much less than a retail price of around $1000 US. (You may have to make some 'concessions' somewhere in your feature list to bring it in at $500.) There appears to be just too much cost associated with the combined hardware, R&D, licensing fees (such as with basemaps), etc., required for the development of the "All in Wonder" unit you decribed ...to make your $500 price point and still turn a profit. And $500 is a 'reasonable' price for a high-grade consumer GPSr ...while $1000 is not...(reasonable, that is), IMHO. Spoken as a die-hard Debian user, I'd love to see a Linux-based open source 'hackable' GPSr ...so I hope I'm wrong about the feasibility of your projects' price point ...but I don't think I am. With that said, if you can produce what you describe for the price point you quote, you can sign me up for one ...I'll buy it. (As long as it isn't, like, 10 years to market

As a skeptic by nature ...strictly off the top of my head ...I don't see how you can get the device you described to market for much less than a retail price of around $1000 US. (You may have to make some 'concessions' somewhere in your feature list to bring it in at $500.) There appears to be just too much cost associated with the combined hardware, R&D, licensing fees (such as with basemaps), etc., required for the development of the "All in Wonder" unit you decribed ...to make your $500 price point and still turn a profit. And $500 is a 'reasonable' price for a high-grade consumer GPSr ...while $1000 is not...(reasonable, that is), IMHO. Spoken as a die-hard Debian user, I'd love to see a Linux-based open source 'hackable' GPSr ...so I hope I'm wrong about the feasibility of your projects' price point ...but I don't think I am. With that said, if you can produce what you describe for the price point you quote, you can sign me up for one ...I'll buy it. (As long as it isn't, like, 10 years to market

Too bad Thales Navigation doesn't make a case like this for the SporTrak units ...I'd buy one if they did. As I said above ...the case is a Belkin model F8V636 (according to the tag inside the case), for the Nokia 252 and it just happens to fit the SporTrak Pro, (with a minor modification). The 'cutout' that you referred to is the data/charger port, which has been slightly enlarged so that the SporTrak's 'antenna bump' can snugly fit thru it. The SporTrak actually slides into the case upside down, so that the velcro flap allows access to the battery compartment without removing the unit from the case. Also ...a most excellent ($3.99) Chisco lanyard http://cat.chisco.com/cgi-bin/cat/browse.html?mv_arg=Lanyards&mv_pc=2049 is shown attached to the case's lanyard loop The only real (minor) beef I have with this rig is that the Sportrak Pro is upside down when using the pocket clip ...(which in actuality protects the antenna when not in use, so it's no big deal). When the SporTrak is in use I flip it upright in my pocket, or clip it somewhere handy, and the lanyard around my neck keeps it from harm should it slip out of my pocket inadvertently, or come unclipped. Here's a link to the case: http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Product_Id=25341 [This message was edited by clps on September 04, 2002 at 01:28 PM.]

Too bad Thales Navigation doesn't make a case like this for the SporTrak units ...I'd buy one if they did. As I said above ...the case is a Belkin model F8V636 (according to the tag inside the case), for the Nokia 252 and it just happens to fit the SporTrak Pro, (with a minor modification). The 'cutout' that you referred to is the data/charger port, which has been slightly enlarged so that the SporTrak's 'antenna bump' can snugly fit thru it. The SporTrak actually slides into the case upside down, so that the velcro flap allows access to the battery compartment without removing the unit from the case. Also ...a most excellent ($3.99) Chisco lanyard http://cat.chisco.com/cgi-bin/cat/browse.html?mv_arg=Lanyards&mv_pc=2049 is shown attached to the case's lanyard loop The only real (minor) beef I have with this rig is that the Sportrak Pro is upside down when using the pocket clip ...(which in actuality protects the antenna when not in use, so it's no big deal). When the SporTrak is in use I flip it upright in my pocket, or clip it somewhere handy, and the lanyard around my neck keeps it from harm should it slip out of my pocket inadvertently, or come unclipped. Here's a link to the case: http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Product_Id=25341 [This message was edited by clps on September 04, 2002 at 01:28 PM.]

And don't forget to bump the map resolution up for greater detail from your new Meridian basemap... From the Map Screen, enter the Setup Menu and choose 'Map Setup', then set the Detail to 'Highest'. (The default 'factory' map setting for the SporTrak Pro is 'Medium', which is two levels down from 'Highest'.)

And don't forget to bump the map resolution up for greater detail from your new Meridian basemap... From the Map Screen, enter the Setup Menu and choose 'Map Setup', then set the Detail to 'Highest'. (The default 'factory' map setting for the SporTrak Pro is 'Medium', which is two levels down from 'Highest'.)

Glad to be of assistance As I tried to say in a prior post on this thread, (which evidently didn't make the 'cut', ..as it referenced an 'alternate geocaching site' for downloads) you can also further 'personalize' your SporTrak Pro by changing the basemap in the unit. For example, I installed the 14+MB basemap from the Meridian Gold/Platinum into my SporTrak Pro, replacing the 9MB default basemap which comes with the unit. The reason being, the default SporTrak Pro basemap is smaller and more 'marine' oriented, and I wanted the large land-based basemap from the Meridian Gold/Platinum instead. To do this, simply download the desired Meridian basemap which can be found in the Meridian Forum on that 'alternate geocaching site' (hint: Nav i cache), and edit the 'ini' file to [sporTrak Pro] rather than [Meridian], then follow the instructions. (By the way, I used the Meridian basemap file named 'NorthAmerica Land 1 03') [This message was edited by clps on August 30, 2002 at 02:32 PM.]

Glad to be of assistance As I tried to say in a prior post on this thread, (which evidently didn't make the 'cut', ..as it referenced an 'alternate geocaching site' for downloads) you can also further 'personalize' your SporTrak Pro by changing the basemap in the unit. For example, I installed the 14+MB basemap from the Meridian Gold/Platinum into my SporTrak Pro, replacing the 9MB default basemap which comes with the unit. The reason being, the default SporTrak Pro basemap is smaller and more 'marine' oriented, and I wanted the large land-based basemap from the Meridian Gold/Platinum instead. To do this, simply download the desired Meridian basemap which can be found in the Meridian Forum on that 'alternate geocaching site' (hint: Nav i cache), and edit the 'ini' file to [sporTrak Pro] rather than [Meridian], then follow the instructions. (By the way, I used the Meridian basemap file named 'NorthAmerica Land 1 03') [This message was edited by clps on August 30, 2002 at 02:32 PM.]

I must say ...the "Moderation Queue Feature" leaves quite a bit to be desired. In fact it stinks. Over twelve hours and the post hasn't shown up yet??? It was simply a post explaining how to change the basemap of the SporTrak Pro, and telling where to find alternate basemaps (the Meridian basemaps also work in the SporTrak Pro) ...not exactly 'state secret' stuff. Speaking as an admin myself, the moderation queue 'feature' in this application is not a 'feature' at all, but a bug.

My SporTrak Pro is "personalized". The above instructions are specifically for the SporTrak Pro. The latest version of MyMeridian, of course ...v.5b Below is a shot of my "personalized" SporTrak Pro for you skeptics The unit is in a modified cell phone case with a lanyard attached. (And, of course, the personal info was intentionally 'blurred'.) [This message was edited by clps on August 22, 2002 at 11:10 AM.]

My SporTrak Pro is "personalized". The above instructions are specifically for the SporTrak Pro. The latest version of MyMeridian, of course ...v.5b Below is a shot of my "personalized" SporTrak Pro for you skeptics The unit is in a modified cell phone case with a lanyard attached. (And, of course, the personal info was intentionally 'blurred'.) [This message was edited by clps on August 22, 2002 at 11:10 AM.]

I'm a moron ...the unit is SUPPOSED to power off after the "personalized" screen. Jeez!

To personalize your SporTrak Pro: Download and install the new firmware v3.02 from here: www.magellangps.com/en/support/products/upgrades/upgrade_sportrakmappro.asp" (Follow the instructions when installing the firmware) Download the MyMeridian personalization software from here: www.navicache.com/freeware (Follow the instructions which come with the MyMeridian software ...well, almost You need to rename the "spor302.hex" file to "zorro209.sre" Then start MyMeridian and set the radio button to reflect that it is a Map330. (You may also use the filename "mgold312.hex" and MeridianGold radio button ...it doesn't seem to really matter one way or the other.) Enter you personalization info. The software will save your changes as "Personal.hex". DO NOT choose to start the firmware upload when prompted. Instead, first rename the "Personal.hex" file back to "spor302.hex" and manually start the magup.exe firmware upgrade software. The only "bug" I see with this personalization is that you need to push the enter button to exit from the personalized screen into the main menu screens, otherwise the unit will power itself off if left to cycle thru the startup screens by itself. ****I can't say if this has been done by anyone else prior to this ...I couldn't find any references to anybody else having previously personalized the Sportrak Pro, so maybe this is the first. [This message was edited by clps on August 22, 2002 at 10:27 AM.]

To personalize your SporTrak Pro: Download and install the new firmware v3.02 from here: www.magellangps.com/en/support/products/upgrades/upgrade_sportrakmappro.asp" (Follow the instructions when installing the firmware) Download the MyMeridian personalization software from here: www.navicache.com/freeware (Follow the instructions which come with the MyMeridian software ...well, almost You need to rename the "spor302.hex" file to "zorro209.sre" Then start MyMeridian and set the radio button to reflect that it is a Map330. (You may also use the filename "mgold312.hex" and MeridianGold radio button ...it doesn't seem to really matter one way or the other.) Enter you personalization info. The software will save your changes as "Personal.hex". DO NOT choose to start the firmware upload when prompted. Instead, first rename the "Personal.hex" file back to "spor302.hex" and manually start the magup.exe firmware upgrade software. The only "bug" I see with this personalization is that you need to push the enter button to exit from the personalized screen into the main menu screens, otherwise the unit will power itself off if left to cycle thru the startup screens by itself. ****I can't say if this has been done by anyone else prior to this ...I couldn't find any references to anybody else having previously personalized the Sportrak Pro, so maybe this is the first. [This message was edited by clps on August 22, 2002 at 10:27 AM.]

USGS topographic maps for California are available for free download at: http://drg.caldata.ucdavis.edu Keep in mind that some of the maps can bring even a new computer to its knees, as these are huge .tif image files.

If you're on a budget, you can't go wrong with the yellow etrex. Once you upgrade to a different etrex model, however, the choice is not so clear. Here's my experience. Having purchased an etrex 'venture', I was quite pleased with the units ability to easily fit into a shirt pocket, and the menus/screens were easy to read and navigate. I did notice, however, that the unit had some difficulity getting a fix under moderate tree cover ...100 ft(+,-) accuracy was as good as it got. (Flashing the firmware to the latest revision made no difference.) After about a week of light use, the 'click stick' suddenly refused to move the cursor to the 'up' position, and I (grudgingly) returned the unit. While there, (and after explaining the problem) I asked the salesperson if they had seen other etrex units returned for the same problem. The answer was 'yes' at least one other unit had been returned for that very same reason (and this was at a small local sporting goods store). At that same time, I decided to take a look at the Magellans, and after comparing the different models/prices, I chose the SporTrak Pro. IMHO, after using both models, the difference between the Etrex and the SporTrak are like night and day ...the SporTrak can pinpoint the position (in the same moderate tree cover) within a few feet, with a much 'tighter' look and feel to satellite reception. So,...if you can afford the $260 for the SporTrack Pro ...it is definitely worth it. (My only gripe is that I sure liked the compact size of the etrex unit.)

If you're on a budget, you can't go wrong with the yellow etrex. Once you upgrade to a different etrex model, however, the choice is not so clear. Here's my experience. Having purchased an etrex 'venture', I was quite pleased with the units ability to easily fit into a shirt pocket, and the menus/screens were easy to read and navigate. I did notice, however, that the unit had some difficulity getting a fix under moderate tree cover ...100 ft(+,-) accuracy was as good as it got. (Flashing the firmware to the latest revision made no difference.) After about a week of light use, the 'click stick' suddenly refused to move the cursor to the 'up' position, and I (grudgingly) returned the unit. While there, (and after explaining the problem) I asked the salesperson if they had seen other etrex units returned for the same problem. The answer was 'yes' at least one other unit had been returned for that very same reason (and this was at a small local sporting goods store). At that same time, I decided to take a look at the Magellans, and after comparing the different models/prices, I chose the SporTrak Pro. IMHO, after using both models, the difference between the Etrex and the SporTrak are like night and day ...the SporTrak can pinpoint the position (in the same moderate tree cover) within a few feet, with a much 'tighter' look and feel to satellite reception. So,...if you can afford the $260 for the SporTrack Pro ...it is definitely worth it. (My only gripe is that I sure liked the compact size of the etrex unit.)

I believe the etrex is only 'waterproof' rated at "1 meter for 30 minutes". That said, it is very likely that in your 'tipover', you surpassed the 1 meter depth, as someone falling in the water doesn't usually immediately float on the surface. And once having reached a 'critical point of failure' depth, the unit probably leaked like a sieve.