grateful cacher

Not only yes, but h**l yes. I wouldn't be able to geocache without it. Get one that lets you do paperless geocaching, you won't regret it.

I have an Oregon 400t which is amazing and I am jealous of you for getting the 550t. I hope it is even better than the 400t. As regards your query about City Navigator, it is worth pointing out that the topo maps supplied are good but will only point you in the right direction, ie in a straight line, they won't give you a route. City Navigator will do routing by road so what I do is to enable Navigator to get me to the area, perhaps the recommended parking area. This is much more useful than using the straight line only topo maps, but once you are there and on foot, disable City Navigator and use the topo maps. It works great for me and should do on your 550t. Good luck! Even with City Navigator installed it still gives you the "as the crow flies" direction arrow, but you can program it to do turn by turn navigation. What I like when you add it is the more detailed views of streets that you con't get with the pre-loaded topo map.

I've had mine for two weeks, and haven't had any issues with it shutting down. The only hardware issue I've had is that once in awhile the camera is very slow to start, but nothing in the realm of shutting down.

What you will see on you computer is a drive marked Garmin with the Garmin logo next to it. The drive letter will depend on your computer and how many drives you have on it. On mine it is the G: drive. Open the Garmin drive, look for the Garmin folder, open it, look for the GPX folder. That is the folder you want to copy your queries into. I would open two windows, one for the Garmin, one for the files you want to copy, and then just drag'n'drop them into the Garmin. Remember the 550s will only read geocache data from the device memory, not the external SD card.

The latest version of the GC app doesn't require a 3GS, it works fine on the 3G also. Thank you for clarifying that, it was the program that was the major improvement.I just wanted to point out the biggest improvement was not the phone.

I would get the City Navigator. I found the 550t does not have the detailed street maps when you're in a city that will help with your caches. I tried it for a few days without it, but finally gave in and got it. I know it's spendy but the results were well worth it. It also has the plus for finding where to eat, gas stations, local attractions, etc. As for loading the caches, it's as easy as 1-2-3, as long as you load them onto the device memory and not the SD card. The 550s do not support reading GPX files from the card. Doing pocket queries or creating trip routes is a snap also. But you should upgrade to the Premimum Membership to get the full benefit of the site.

I started with an Oregon 300 and it worked well for me. But when I started caching, I wanted to document all my finds, so I carried along my cell phone. That is the reason I got the 550t, it elminated the need to carry my cell phone with me. There have been times when I almost dropped the phone, and it isn't a heavy duty as the GPS. If you're interested in documenting your finds, the 550/550t would be the way to go, otherwise the 300/400 would do you just fine. With the release of the 550s, I would also expect the prices on the 300s to start falling.

There is no Oregon 400, only a 400i, 400c, and 400t. If you want one without the preloaded maps, you would need to get an Oregon 300. The tradeoff is that the 300 only has about 850mb of memory, whereas the 400 series has about 4gb but the majority is taken up the preloaded maps. That is the same relationship that the Oregon 550 has to the 550t (850mb vs. 4gb). That is the only real difference between them, other than the 550t has preloaded maps. There are also some differences in how the 550 series handles data compared to the other Oregon series. For example, on the 550/550t, you cannot load any GPX files onto the mSD data card, they must all be loaded onto the device memory. It has something to do with how the files are updated, also my understanding is this is how they increased the number of waypoints, etc. that can be stored. That being said, the main reason I went to a 550t was to get the camera in the unit. I also purchased the City Navigator NT DVD which is really needed when doing geocaching IMHO.

My first GPS was the Oregon 300, and I got the Topo 2008 and City Navigator 2009. I went with the 300 over the 400t since I heard there were some differences between the preloaded topo and the DVD topo. So the cost of the for that was a wash. The City Navigator was expensive but worth it. I loaded both of them onto an external SD card which is where I kept all my geocaching information. I believe if you do the downloads, you have to download to an external SD card, and it can only be used on that one card. For geocaching you need the City Navigator to show the road details as well as the navigation aspect of it. When I upgraded to the 550t, the first few days I used it without the City Navigator, and it was lacking in details when I zoomed in. I had to purchase another one since I couldn't transfer the one from my 300 (a long and detailed story covered in another thread).

No, you cannot change the batteries on the iPhone. As for 3G vs. 3Gs performance, I find the 3Gs a bit faster but the biggest improvement was in the latest update to the geocaching app.

So, asking the question again, what size of SD cards does Garmin use for the preprogrammed SD cards that they sell? 1gb, 2gb, 512mb? Does it vary depending on the maps? I'm just asking here rather than their tech support which doesn't have a very good track record with me.

What about moving them to another card and then using them. I was thinking in terms of the 550/550t and using them to store pictures on, instead of using the internal memory. Since the originals are write protected, that would only leave the internal, and 800mb isn't a lot of room for storing pictures on over a period of time. That's why I got the larger SD card, to hold maps as well as photos.

The 755p doesn't have true GPS capability so you would need to rely on cell reception to get any information like that. It's also not very accurate in terms of location even then.

What size of SD cards are they using for the preprogrammed map cards? If there is any memory left over, could it be used for storing other types of data? On the other side of the coin, say the preprogrammed card is a 2gb. Would it be possible to to transfer that data to a larger SD card, say an 8 or 16gb? Just curious.

I'm using the 300 and used the root of the SD card to no avail. I read you use the Garmin/GPX folder but the Garmin only had one on the main memory. Not the SD. Nor does the Garmin create the directoires on the SD that might clue you in. I figured out to use the one in main memory. So looks like if I create my own Garmin/GPX folder I can put GPX files on the SD card. Thanks. I know how to switch between mapsets (Topo vs CityNavigator for example) and while I wish they made that simpler, it's not too bad. What I didn't see was how to use the SD card for mapsets. It appears that I didn't use more map memory than main memory though so for now I don't have a need. Yes, if you create the \Garmin\GPX folder on a 300 SD card, it will work fine.

Would there be any advantages/disadvantages to installing the Topo DVD to an SD card on a 400t/550t?

The EULA makes reference to the software program and how it can only be used per the agreement. Noting in the agreement mentions anything about limiting the numuber of devices. You have to admit that they do a very good job of making this information very clear. The only place I know that they fully explain it is on the FAQ of their website: "Question: What is Garmin's Unlock Policy? Answer: Your MapSource coupon or registration code is valid for use with your own Garmin GPS unit. This agreement provides a one-user license, and it is illegal to share this data with others. If you would like to obtain additional regions or utilize more than one Garmin GPS unit you own, you will need to purchase another code for each unit. (The exception to this is with MapSource BlueChart CD data. The region you have unlocked to one compatible Garmin unit you own from a specific BlueChart CD you may unlock to ONE other compatible Garmin unit you own for no additional fee.) Important note: Once you complete the unlock process, Garmin cannot make changes to your coverage area, transfer unlock codes to different Garmin devices or give refunds or exchanges for MapSource unlock codes. Unlock codes are GPS unit specific and cannot be transferred to another GPS unit. Please be very careful to select the regions you want to unlock. Please pay close attention to the Unlock Policy statements and FAQ’s on this website for very important information on how unlock will apply to your specific situation." Why can't they put that on their discs, or on the fine print of the jewel case???? The thing is they have no pricing structure for a second unlock code. I guess it must be full price.

I haven't yet been able to figure out how to use the SD card in my oregon. It appears to be a placebo. Put a GPX on it. Can't find it on the GPS. Install maps, nothing pops up asking me if I'd like to use the SD Card. The garmin manual details nothing on how to use the SD card. They need to update the manual so we can use our GPS. What model of Oregon are you using? When I used the 300, I could load GPX files on either the internal memory in the \Garmin\GPX folder, or on the SD card in the \Garmin\GPX folder. The Oregon didn't care where it was located, internal or card, it would find and display them no matter where. When I got the 550t, I did the same thing, but any of the caches I loaded on the SD were invisible. I then them all onto the SD and it saw nothing. When I put everything on the internal memory, it saw them. As for the map selection, the only place I know where you can change the selection of which mapset you are using is in the set screen, under map, the last selection is map information - select map.

The preloaded maps are slightly different in that they are broken up into fewer segments, somewhere around 400-500 if I remember correctly. Map data is nearly the same. Garmin does not support a way to use the preinstalled maps in Mapsource but there is a hack: http://www.gpsfix.net/how-to-using-preinst...s-in-mapsource/ It is easy to replace the maps if there is an update, its a matter of deleting a file on the GPS. I was told by Garmin tech support that if the preloaded maps were deleted, the unit would need to be sent back to Garmin for "repair". Given my track record with their tech support lately, I would tend to think that is not so. But I wonder if the only file you would delete would be the .img file, or what others would need to be as well. Also if you put other maps on in their place, how would those files other than the .img would be created. If you look at the file structure post I put up, you can see what files are on the 550t when it ships.

I really only wanted it unlocked on one unit, the 550t. I never expected them to let me use it on two of them. I had already given my 300 to a friend who wanted it for hiking not geocaching so the City Streets was not a big issue for them. But having to spend another $99.95 - that leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

Here is the latest email I got from Garmin: Dear Cunningham, Rich, The Oregon series units can access files from the mSD cards, if they are placed in a similar Garmin/GPX folder, on the card. If they are just "sent" to the card, they will just remain on the root of the mSD card, and the unit won't be able to read them. I will experiment with a 550t here, and see if I can determine if the ability to do that is specifically disabled on the 550t for a reason, or if it is something that will be corrected in future releases. With Best Regards, Cristin E Product Support Specialist Outdoor/Fitness Team Garmin International 913-397-8200 800-800-1020 913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Cristin E www.garmin.com Original Message Follows: ------------------------ Then why is it that when I call tech support (two times yesterday) I was told that none of the Oregon series could access GPX files off the mSD card, and that if my Oregon 300 did, it was a fluke? This limitation/change to the way the 550t handles data is a serious issue, not only for me, but for all geocachers. Go to the forums on geocache.com and you'll see that it's a hot topic. Had I known that it would not be possible to do this, I most likely would not have upgraded to the 550t from the 300. As it stands now, I'm seriously considering returning it and getting another model, not necessarily a Garmin. What information is it that can be read from the mSD card? I can see that it has no problem reading maps and photos. ________________________________ From: techsupp@garmin.com [mailto:techsupp@garmin.com] Sent: Fri 7/17/2009 5:35 PM To: Cunningham, Rich Subject: Re: problem with 550t reading from ext. microSD card (KMM13688982I15977L0KM) Dear Cunningham, Rich, Thank you for contacting Garmin International. The 550t stores data, such as geocaches and waypoints much differently than previous Oregon and Colorado devices. It stores them as a single overall file, and uses a UserDataSync to upload, erase, and otherwise manage that information on the device. It does not break them up individually like prior units, and this allows for the greater number of geocaches and waypoints. This is most likely the reason that it is not allowing you to put those files on the mSD card, as the unit needs to have them in that specific GPX file to read and use them. With Best Regards, Cristin E Product Support Specialist Outdoor/Fitness Team Garmin International 913-397-8200 800-800-1020 913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Cristin E www.garmin.com

I recieved the 550t on Wednesday, and when I tried to install the City Navigator that night is when I ran into the problem. I emailed them on Thursday and got an answer Saturday night. I tried using the contact support section on my.garmin but it never would work, I kept getting connection errors when I tried to send it. I finally got just a designated email address that I could use ( techsupp@garmin.com). After being told the same thing twice by tech support over the phone, I gave up and purchased another copy of the program on Friday.

Here is the email that I received from Garmin. If you take the time to read the EULA that accompanies the software, you will see that NOWHERE does it state that you cannot transfer the use of the software to another GPS unit. It only states that you cannot transfer the software to another computer, ie, you can't transfer the ownership of the license to another person. Before you state that I am 100% at fault, I suggest that you read the license agreement. Also, NOWHERE on the DVD case or the DVD itself does it say that it is only for use on one device and one device only. Oh, and it doesn't lock the unit. On the Garmin computer system it simply says that the product code has been consumed. The product code is tied to the equipment serial number in their computer and they can change if they want to. Dear Cunningham, Rich, Thank you for contacting Garmin International. I cannot unlock the application to more then one device however I can transfer the unlock to the new unit if you like. That way you can use it with your 550T however it would no longer be operative on the 300. Please advise. With Best Regards, Shawn V Product Support Specialist 2nd Shift Outdoor/Fitness Team Garmin International 913-397-8200 800-800-1020 913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Shawn V www.garmin.com Original Message Follows: ------------------------ To Whom it may concern, I have purchased an Oregon 550t on July 15 to replace my Oregon 300 which I purchased new in mid-April this year. When I purchased the Oregon 300, I purchased a copy of Topograpic 2008 1:100,000 DVD and a copy of the City Navigator NT North America 2009. When I purchased the 550t, I tried to install the City Navigator onto it, and it would not unlock the maps. I tried to unlock it on my.garmin website, and it said the product code had been consumed. When I called tech support, I was told that this product was sold to only be used on one device and one device only. He said that it was because of the agreement that you have with NavTeq and their requirements. I find that mentioned NOWHERE on the product disc, manual or case that I have. In your EULA on the disc, it only states that you license to the software is non-transferable, which I take to mean that I cannot give or resell this software: LICENSE: GARMIN ("we" or "us") provides you with its certain computer software in a downloadable or other format (the "Software") and grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable and non-sublicensable, revocable license to use the Software in accordance with the terms of this License Agreement. The copyright and all other rights to the Software shall remain with us. NOWHERE IN YOUR EULA DOES IT STATE THAT THIS CAN ONLY BE USED ON ONE DEVICE!!! Furthermore, in the NavTeq portion of the EULA, nowhere does it even state this. I am thoroughly upset by this. I have spent over $1200 on your products in the last 3 months, and now I find I have to spend another $100 just to get my 550t to do what my 300 did? That is totally unacceptable. For heaven’s sake, Microsoft allows copies of MS Office to be installed on up to 3 machines and that’s included in the price. I’m not trying to rip you off or get something for nothing. I’m not trying to use this on more than one device, I simply want to install it so I can use it on my 550t. To me, this really is very deceptive sales policy that you have in place. If you are placing limitations on what can be done with you software, then that policy needs to be clearly stated on the case (either inside or out), so that the end-user has the option of not installing if they so choose. You shouldn’t bury it on the FAQ section of your website, which is where I finally found it. Remember, even in this day and age, not everyone has internet access. If it is not possible for you to accommodate my request, I plan to return the 550t and purchase another device (and it won’t be a Garmin).

So how does Garmin preload the entire US on the t-based units? Do they limit the number of segments? What information do they leave out? FYI, for the City Nav, I just loaded the western US from Colorado west, and it took about 400mb plus or minus. Now that you mention segments, I remember that figure is the reason I got an Oregon 300 and the Topo 2k8 DVD instead of a 400t. One other thing that tech support told me about units with topo preloaded, Mapsource wouldn't or couldn't with with it. How do you make changes to the preloaded maps?

I purchased my Oregon 300 about 3 months ago, and also got the City Navigator NT 2009 DVD with it. When I purchased the 550t, I couldn't unlock it for the 550t, even though I had removed it from my 300 and removed the 300 from the my.garmin page. When I tried to, it sayd the product code had been consumed. I called Garmin not once, but twice, asking if I could do that, I had it for three months, only wanted to use it on one device, etc, etc. Was met with nothing but short curt replies from the support staff that it couldn't be done, their licensing agreement with NavTeq prohibited it. One even said he asked his manager, and was told nope, it couldn't be done. I followed up with an email, referrung tto the EULA and where it says nothing about what I want to do. So I go out and get a second copy of the program, install and unlock it. Everything is working great. Well, tonight I get an email response from tech support. No problem with doing what I want, they say it can only be unlocked on one device (which is what I wanted), and when the did that it wouldn't work on the other one (DUH!!). Needless to say, between the 550t's inability to read geocaching files from the microSD card, and this, I'm ready to get rid of Garmin totally. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, they are about a 2 in my book. I mention this here because I guess Garmin has a reputation for not letting users do this, and I just want to let everyone know it can be done......