Ellteejak
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Posts posted by Ellteejak
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Okay John, I am open for suggestions. Which Pocket PC would your recommend as a good one that will run Mapopolis well, and attach to a serial NMEA GPS?
Cheapest Pocket PC is $250, while cheapest functional Palm is $150.
Are you only buying new then? You can get a decent used PocketPC that will run Mapopolis better than any similarly-priced Palm for the $150 fairly easily on EBay.
Am I getting the pricing wrong? I have Cachemate for palm, which works the same as GPXsonar.Mapopolis, in my opinion, does not perform well at all on a low-end Palm. It's a multitasking issue that the Mapopolis people freely admit they can't do much about do to limitations of the PalmOS.
I was simply stating that I wouldn't buy a Palm to use with Mapopolis. You are free to do so, of course. I was just giving my opinion.
- John...
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I am confused. Are you saying that I CAN or I CAN NOT set up mapsource to indicate PROXIMITY ALARMS if I am near a Geocache? I want my GPS (thinking of Ique 3600 or Legend Color) to let me know or warn me.
I can open the poi gpx file with Mapsource/CN7 or drag the gpx file onto Mapsource & the poi's are displayed on the map on my pc, I'm not sure I understand what you need (my fault not yours).
What I want is to load these POI (speed radar) .GPX and keep all the other waypoints, routes etc... I already have loaded from a saved .gdb file !The POI file I load (.GPX) destroy the previous informations.It`s better if you keep them separate, speed_radar.GPX and your regular waypoints file (either .gpx or gdb) while using mapsource.For POI LOADER- All you can do is make 1 folder (e.g. POI) and put all files in there(files that can be read by POI LOADER e.g. .csv , bmp ???).Your Unit , when it sees different .csv files will automatically creates a directory : Speed, waypoints, cache, etc...(e.g. depends on how you named your .csv file)Make sure you direct the link to the folder you have created when running the POI LOADER. POI Loader will automatically grab all .csv files and .bmp (it will prompt you to include speed and feet for proximity alarm only if it sees .csv file with these names:"GATSO," "mobile," "SPECS," "safety," "camera" or "redlight".If you don`t have any backup of other POI files you first installed to your unit, then you are out of luck. It will all get deleted when you load new POI`S that doesn`t have old data in there...
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Does MAPSOURCE have proximity??
Does MAPOPOLIS for the Palm have Proximity?
You can use the "proximity" feature to find nearby caches along the route.I use Mapopolis. What do you mean by Proximity?
As an aside I use gpxtomaplet program that overlays all teh caches on the Mapopolis maps so you can see the geocaching waypoints. Is that what you're referring too?
Tip for using gpxtpmaplet utility with proximity alerts:
With the current version of Mapopolis you can only set proximity alerts to one landmark catagory. By default gpxtomaplet saves the cache "type" as the landmark catagory in the mlp file. You may have noticed that each cache type (traditional, multi-, virtual, etc) has its own landmark catagory. That's a nice feature, but if you have proximity alert set to Traditional cache you might drive-by a multi without getting an alert.
If you change the cataory output in gpxtomaplet from the default (<type>) to "GEOCACHE" it will lump all the waypoints in your gpx into the same catagory. I just add the <type> info into one of the additional information fields.
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Cheapest Pocket PC is $250, while cheapest functional Palm is $150.
Am I getting the pricing wrong? I have Cachemate for palm, which works the same as GPXsonar.
If I didn't have the PDA yet and was going to buy one with plans to run Mapopolis, I'd never go with a Palm. Mapopolis simply runs better on a PocketPC. I can't recommend a Palm -- except for the very high-end stuff -- for Mapopolis.
Plus, GPXSonar and other such things are PocketPC apps.
If you already have a Palm, no problem. But if you are looking to buy, I wouldn't go Palm as my first choice for geocaching...
- John...
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well it looks like either of these Garmin units would work great to send NMEA GPS data to a Palm PDA (with appropriate cable) and then use an application like MAPOPOLIS to do autorouting with directions.
MAPOPOLIS can run on a Palm T3 (for about $150) which I believe is the smallest PDA it can work on. The application costs $100. Your GPS will be $80, and some cables and mounts ($60), and an external antenna (maybe $20).
Grand total GPS-PDA-EXTERNAL ANTENNA-SOFTWARE is $400
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I am trying to find a GPS that will beep to me if I go off track (maybe 20 meters/ yards off), or if I am within a ceratin proximity of a geocache (within 50 or 100 feet) .
Will the Etrex Legend Color or other Etrex units do this?
It would be very cool to by traveling cross country with this in the top of your backpack, or in a convenient pocket, then it starts beeping effectively saying "you have strayed from a straight line track" via a beep. Or it could be saying that you are "witin 50 feet" with a double beep.
all without taking the GPS out of your protected pocket.
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What kind of antenna connector does it have? The MPX thing?
Absolutely. It does pretty much just about everything - tracks, routes, waypoints - up to 128MB of map memory with optional proprietary Garmin Data Card. Screen resolution is not the greatest, but the screen is larger than most.
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BUT your Pocket PC (aka PDA aka PPC) will only last a few hours maybe even as short as two hours with BLUETOOTH running, and you looking at the screen trying to zero into the cache.
The Holux 236 is great.
Keep it plugged into the car whilst driving to the start of the walk. 10 hours use while you are there should get you up and down the hills. and the Srif starIII means locks in most places.
I stick it in the pocket of my backpack and forget about it.
You can also get a spare battery for it which you can change as an when. Personally, I think the PDA battery will run out of life way before the GPSr.
Oh, and I use my CF and SD slots for memory cards so I don't have the space.
Simon
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So the 3600 can stream NMEA out via the serial port to my laptop (via BIRDWATCH), so I can have high resolution real time mapping on my 2005 MS Streets & Trips maps? That is cool at least.
Not possible. The 3600 does not support data streaming. It is possible to get NMEA data to stream out with "Birdwatch", but there is no way to import track logs.
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I was told that Mapopolis DOES NOT talk to you. It prints directions on the screen for you to read, but does not SPEAK. Is this incorrect? If it speaks just like TOMTOM this is a great value.
I use Mapopolis. Like TomTom it speaks to you"Turn left in 420 feet onto Main St". The display can be asjusted to show just the roads you have to take that are routed. You can eliminate or add as much detail as you decide you want.
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I know I will look at it's specifications, but does it take (tracks), and navigate to waypoints?
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Then I will need to get instructions on exactly how to do this. How much does the battery and parts cost?
If you only get an hour, you need a new battery. They only last a couple of years. Like I say, 3 hours of normal geocaching use with the backlight on low. 5 hours is the "normal" for a "rundown" test. A rundown test involves the backlight off and no applications running other than the rundown software. It is simply used as a benchmark to determine if your battery is bad or not. The software logs the battery voltage throughout the test and supplies a report.
This is the thread on the larger battery. He has it installed OK, we are just waiting to see if it will charge OK and then get a rundown test.
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I am thinking about this one. I will look at the online manual (if I can find it) but here are a few quick questions:
1) Does it find waypoints, or allow navigating to way points?
2) Can I upload to it, or download from it via GSAK?
3) I assume it will connect to a laptop computer, and with appropriate software will act as a NMEA data source for my navigation mapping laptop software, correct??
4) Is it waterproof, and drop proof?
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looking for something under $100. Is there anything like this?
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What is the least expensive GPS that has an external antenna connector? I also need one with a NMEA serial output.
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Has anyone ever connected the Garmin Etrex Legend (which has NMEA out) to a serial input connection on an Ique 3600? And then gotten the software to work to recognize it?
I am wanting to download completed tracks directly to my Ique.
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I ordered an Ique 3600 from Harmony Computer for $262 refurbished with 90 day warrentee.
Now I need to get a Glisson mag mount antenna ($30?), and the car mount kit ($50 maybe less).
YOU BETTER BE RIGHT "MR. RED90"!!!
Just joking. I looked at all the options. Every PDA dies after use of up to five hours, best case. No one sells a SIRFIII portable GPS that I can afford (all are at least $100 more expensive than the Ique 3600), that connects direct to a PDA, and has updated/current map software. I wanted autorouting and maps (latest version) and this gives it.
I will use my existing new Garmin Legend Color during my trip (hiking/walking) to plot tracks. Crossing my fingers that I can use my map software twice to install on my Legend and on my Ique.
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Red90,
Maybe you can. I still think I need the backup GPS like you mentioned. Do you ever use an antenna, under heavy tree cover, while using the Ique 3600?
YOU CAN"T USE THIS IN THE FIELD!!!!
Sure you can. I have one and use it for most caching other than long hikes. For city caching, you are in and out of the car and it charges in the car cradle between caches. I've done many long days of caching without losing the battery. There are many options for external power as well.
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How about using LESS DETAILED maps? I only want to use the roads that are mapped as major through routes (have state road numbers to them with lots of signs saying you are on this one road, or that a new state road/number is coming up soon).
The uploaded maps tend to have way way too much information. I just need to see the major routes, and then I will get to them to get where I want to go.
Otherwise I will spend the money and get an expensive solution.
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Red90,
You are making me think, and think on this!! Thank you!!
Other tests are showing only 90 minutes of usage with full backlight, and GPS reciever on the whole time.
You are saying three hours?? Well that is better than 90 minutes, but what if I forget when I disconnect from my car, and leave the backlight on, and leave the the unit in active GPS mode. Guess I better get that backup battery.
I am still on the boarder about getting this thing. It is a better price than a separate PDA and a bluetooth GPS that is for sure. What about using other software on it besides the Garmin stuff. Others have said it IS NOT NMEA compatible thus will not run other software. Is that untrue? Are there software wedges/tools/modifications to do this?
Using it, you will get 3 hours in the field with good battery. The car kit is mandatory. That is what makes it great. The receiver is as good as any traditional Garmin unit.
You must use CacheNav (included with Cachemate) for cache locating. The built in routing is not good enough for the close up stuff.
The Maps should be included.
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Palm web site says the Ique should get five hours in the field. Still pretty crappy. I am betting any other PDA gets the same crappy field time before the batteries die.
This web site says the Ique DOES NOT comply with the NMEA standard thus you can not use other software (like mapopolis, or other cousins). Again making the IQUE 3600 a bad universal solution. The other article says you only get 90 minutes battery usage!! OMG stay away from this unit for portable use. Stay far away.
http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?news...eview=iQue+3600
This guy is saying he only gets an hour on his Ique 3600 with GPS on!! That absolutely sucks!!!
This would make the whole IQUE deal a dead deal.
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"I have the iQue 3600 which is a Palm OS PDA with a built-in GPSr. Battery life is not compatible with my geocaching habits (with the gps circuitry on, I am lucky if I get an hour of power) and the fact that it is very fragile has caused be grief and cost me money (I am on my 4th one - although I should say that two deaths occurred in the office). I now use it mostly in the car where I have a power adapter. The moving maps, with caches superimposed, and autorouting with voice navigation is pretty slick. For the intricacies of finding the cache itself once the car is parked, I generally use my Etrex Legend."
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No one is mentioning PDA battery life??
I bet the PDA with bluetooth running (If you have a Bluetooth PDA and a Bluetooth GPS), or just with the GPS running (like the IQUE 3600) will KILL your PDA fast. IQUE 3600 per Palm web site says that it lasts maybe five hours in the field.
YOU CAN"T USE THIS IN THE FIELD!!!!
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I was looking for PDA, autorouting, good battery, GPS interface, SIRF III combination solutions and I am not finding anything.
The key stone/ linch pin/ point of failure seems to be battery life of a PDA in the field with either bluetooth running constantly, or the GPS on constantly.
Now I am thinking two units again. Owning a Legend Color, and a Ique 3600 both.
Can anyone suggest a more efficient combination?
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This guy is saying he only gets an hour on his Ique 3600 with GPS on!! That absolutely sucks!!!
This would make the whole IQUE deal a dead deal.
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"I have the iQue 3600 which is a Palm OS PDA with a built-in GPSr. Battery life is not compatible with my geocaching habits (with the gps circuitry on, I am lucky if I get an hour of power) and the fact that it is very fragile has caused be grief and cost me money (I am on my 4th one - although I should say that two deaths occurred in the office). I now use it mostly in the car where I have a power adapter. The moving maps, with caches superimposed, and autorouting with voice navigation is pretty slick. For the intricacies of finding the cache itself once the car is parked, I generally use my Etrex Legend."
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So I am looking at the Garmin IQUE 3600 PDA that are selling refurbished (with Mapsource City Select Software key) for around $250.
Tell me what is wrong with getting one?? I think the car kit costs maybe $50 (does autorouting??) and an external attenna cost maybe $50 on top of that.
The combination replaces my PDA and GPS I have now. The only weakness I see is:
1) Battery life - think it can last 8 hours? I can attach an external AA battery adapter if I need it.
2) Fragility - I can get a hard case for it.
3) Antenna - it is not SirfIII, but I can buy an external antenna and use that if I really needed sirfIII.
4) Maps - looks like the map unlock key is included, but does that mean I need to download all the maps? Or get a copy of the Map CDs from somewhere else? Will I have autorouting, or do I really need to car kit, to activate autorouting?
5) Screen visability: In sunlight I have trouble seeing the screen, but I can turn the device at an angle and see it better.
Good Pda / Gps Combo?
in GPS technology and devices
Posted
$500 grand total.