Source_GPS

There must be a software change that also differentiates the two systems. Now the test is, can you get that software, flash the Oregon and move back and forth between the two versions depending on the need to use.

Does anyone know or have attempted to convert an Oregon 300 to an Approach G5? I would love to use golf software on my existing handheld (Oregon 300, Rino 530Hcx or Rino 130). The Approach G5 has some really nice feature that I would really like to take advantage without buying ANOTHER GPS. I have considered using a phone-based solution, but this would be more fun! In theory, I would think that copying the contents of the Approach G5 to the Oregon would at least give me the mapping overlay. I guess I would have to flash the firmware to get the software functionality. Anyone have an Approach G5 software backup they are willing to share for this experiment? Steve

I have to agree with MM. You need to identify what the primary use will be - then you can narrow down your choices by price.

Thank you everyone for the replies and screenshots - very intuitive. I also understand that City Nav supports some DEM. It's nice to know the 300 supports it.

I was curious whether the Colorado 300 has the 3D option when using maps that have that data in it? I am using a Colorado 400t, but if someone had a 300 and loaded the Topo 2008 data onto an SD card, will the 300 give the option to show that 3D detail like the 400t does?

Can't tell whether or not you're running with 3D mode on at all times. If so, I suspect your battery life will be significantly shorter than normal. 3D mode has to be very CPU-intensive. If you have been using it all the time, I suggest you try running without it for a while to see what kind of battery life you get. Since the 3D mode didn't work well in flight, I only used it for about 5 minutes. The other 3 hours of use were strictly in normal map view. Something is definitely wrong with this particular unit if both alkaline and nimh batteries are giving me trouble.

I have had the similar problems with alkaline non-rechargeables. However, I get over 12 hours on a single pair of 2700mAh NiMH rechargeables for active caching (WAAS off, compass on, no backlighting, moderate panning, 2.40/2.60). If your NiMH's are properly conditioned and charged, and if you have the GPSr set for NiMH, and you still get less than 10 hours on a pair, it's time to send it back to Garmin. I have had zero luck with Garmin support with regard to the alkaline issue. All I have ever managed to get out of them is "we fixed the NiMH issue." That part seems to be true, but I have been unable to get them to acknowledge that there is an issue with alkalines. So I just quit using them. I am sending this one back for a replacement. THe NIMH's are new batteries and I use a conditioning charger so I don't beleive my issue is with them. I am pleased with the improvement of the backilight display. Tracking seems to be really good too. I took a flight yesterday from Newark, NJ to Norfolk, VA (about 1 hour flight time) and the GPS was able to keep up with the plane moving at close to 600 MPH. The elevation was commpletely inaccurate as I beleive this may be due to the pressureization of the cabin. I couldn't find out how to turn off barametric elevation, but IMO it is not a big deal - this device is meant to be used outdoors. I lost 25% more battery life during that hour (no backlight) but was able to track my complete flight from runway to runway. I am using the 400t and the refresh rate in 3D mode doesn't keep up that well in flight, but again, not a big deal since this is not what it was intended for. `

Yes, but my understanding is thay they will only charge to the 2500 level, so it will not fully charge the battery. That is correct, depending on the charger. If it is a smart charger, it will stop charging when 2500mah is reached. The trickle charge will only maintain that level.

I received my new 400T last night. Out of the box, it locked onto my location (and I was indoors near a window) in less than 30 seconds. I was actually surprised. The unit has software version 2.4. NIMH batteries are still an issue - can't really use them. And I think these newer shipping ones still have the battery drain problem. I put a fresh set of Duracells in and within 30 minutes of use with limited backight, the batteries are down 25%.

It's more expensive because the communications are done through the satellite network. OnStar uses satellite navigation to determine positon, but uses the celluar network to communicate. Therefore a 4X4 out in the backcountry where no cell service is available would not be able to use its OnStar service.

My 2 cents... I agree with another poster, Garmin has Apple compatability, although it is Beta right now. Cobra units are horrible. In fact, Cobra announced a couple of months ago that they are no longer in the GPS business. They were not able to make it in the market, let alone keep up with the more mature competition on development. If you're looking for something that will definitely work in the woods, a Garmin unit that ends in Hcx, means high gain receiver, such as a Vista Hcx or Rino 530hcx. These newer units are designed for good reception in dense overhead foliage and in cities with tall buildings. Color maps tend to be easier on the eyes for both day and night time veiwing even if you are not using street maps. Steve

Something I was not aware of. Interesting.

Check out this little bad boy - http://www.brightguy.com/products/Fenix_T1.php 10 hours @ 60 lumens 1.5 hours @ 225 lumens - WOW!

Actually if you want to get technical, after receiving the time signal from one satellite, the GPS receiver can set its internal clock. It then listens for any satellite it can "hear" to send out almanac or ephemeris data. Once the almanac is received the receiver can then listen specifically for the satellites that are near the one satellite it can presently hear at the time. If it hears them, it knows the almanac is relatively current. Finally, the GPS receiver gets the ephemeris data about where the satellites are located in space and with this information and the time signals from the satellites it can calculate its location and present the first "fix". The process of this cold fix can take as much as 20 minutes, but is usually done in as little as 3-6 minutes. Like I mentioned earlier, if you move the receiver during this first fix, the time may be extended significantly. The problem with movement is that if the GPS loses contact with a satellite in the middle of receiving an ephemeris or almanac string of data it has to wait until the next full cycle of the signals before it gets a new chance. In any case, the point is if the reciever has been stationary for a significant period of time (I would leave it sitting for 30 minutes) and the receiver is still having issues identifying locations, it would be safe to say that the issue is with the unit. Also, the OP didn't state the terrain he is searching in. Heavy tree cover and tall city buildings, as well as overhead electircal stansions, will all cause receiving isseues known as multipath distortion.

True, but it only takes 5 minutes to load the almanac. However, if you're moving the unit within those 5 minutes, data may be missed and it will start the reload of the almanac. Make sure to keep it stationary, with a clear view of the sky, for at least 5 minutes.

Did you insure it?

As much of a GPS geek as I am, I am also a flashlight geek. Check out www.candlepowerforums.com/vb if you want some real in-depth flashlight information. I like the Inova series as well as EDC (now HDS Systems).

Garmin E-Map (circa 1999/2000) that I still use from time to time. On a slightly different topic, I still have a vehicle mounted cellular phone (that still is functional although no service) in a box in my basement provided by Cellular One in 1986. I have all the original paperwork and the funny thing is - it cost $30 per month back then with 30 free minutes and 0.69 cents per minute thereafter. Coverage around the NY/NJ area was sporadic at best.

My daughter is 18 Months old and my wife and I have already started her on Geocaching treks. Of course she does not understand the GPS aspects, but understand looking for something and rehiding it. As she grows, I would expect her to start to be able to understand the compass and other basic GPS functions beginning at age 3, but we'll see how that progresses and if she maintains interest. I recommend an Etrex line. having a map is a must for children. The Etrex is small and easy for them to hold. Color is even better as the screen resolution is higher and easier to see. Plus color makes it easier to identify items. Your question in the second paraphraph is more of a question of responsible parenting (and I am not judging yours) - would you want your child running around the park by themself regardless of whether they were hunting geocaches? If its losing the GPS you're concerned abourt, consider purchasing a pair of RINO's - you will be able to track the position of the second GPSr.

I'm wondering if the algorithm that determines whether a gpx file is new or has changed has to take into account the fact that the file is on the SD card. Maybe since the file is on a removable media they always have to assume a reload at startup since the card could have been swapped since the last read of the card (i.e. it might have the same name/timestamp as the previous gpx file but actually might be a different file because the SD card was swapped). Or it just might be a bug! BTW, your numbers match mine for the internal memory, see the Performance section of the FAQ in my sig. GO$Rs This is something I suggested Garmin add support for - SDHC cards which have a much faster read/write time, similar to that if its own non-volatile memory.

Check out CompeGPS. www.compegps.com. They have some nice Windows Mobile based products.

If all of the above fail, contact Mouser Electronics. You will be able to get a contact from them that you can bend and solder in place (providing you are comfortable soldering or know someone who is). It's a very inexpensive fix if you're willing to put in about 20 minutes of time.

Give www.lobstermount.com a try - their mounts are really well made.

Not that this influences anyone's decision, but this is my favorite unit on the market to date.

Jimlink, For TOPO maps of Germany, you need to contact: GPS GmbH Lochhamer Schlag 5a 82166 Gräfelfing Germany Tel: +49 89 858364 99 Fax: +49 89 858364 44 Email: info@gps-nav.de These maps are third party as Garmin does not make them for Germany. You can purchase City Navigator NT for Europe that includes full coverage of Germany. I would check with the above listed company first, as they may make a bundled solution. Steve PS - It will not slow the device down noticebly while navigating. Only when redrawing maps depending on your selected level of map detail.