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grateful cacher

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Everything posted by grateful cacher

  1. There were two seperate calls to the helpdesk, both with the same answer after I installed the map program. Otherwise, that pretty much sums it up.
  2. FWIW, here is the file structure from the 550t. Since the tech support email is telling me that is it different, if some of the Oregon 200/300/400 owners could look at this and see how it compares to theirs? (This is the Garmin folder on the 550t): \ExtData \006-D0952-05.bin \006-D0952-06.bin \GPX \Current \Current.gpx (there are also a lot of GPX files in the root GPX directory, that is where I have to keep my geocache files) \JPEG (currently empty folder, this is where the 550t stores pics internally) \PROFILES \Automotive.gpf \Camera.gpf \camera.jpg \camo.jpg \cracks.jpg \desert camo.jpg \Fitness.gpf \Geocaching.gpf \grass.jpg \Marine.gpf \pine needles.jpg \Profiles.ver \Recreational.gpf \river rocks.jpg \tire marks.jpg \track and field.jpg \water drops.jpg \wheat.jpg \RemoteSW \006C013600.GCD \TEXT \many language files, all with .gtt extender (all below are files) fs_image.ver \GarminDevice.xml \Garmintriangletm.ico \geocache_visits.txt \gmapprom.img \gmapprom.sum \gmaptz.img \startup.txt \system.xml It would be interesting to see how this differs from the \Gamin directory on other devices.
  3. But if you install the topo on an external mSD card, you shouldn't have any problem loading the entire US, given you get a large enough card. I had an Oregon 300 and got the topo 2008 DVD and found that I really didn't use all of it's capabilities (I mostly use mine for geocaching). So I got the 550t but did have to get a new copy of the City Navigator due to their one disc/one device rule (even though I had the previous copy only two months). I installed that with no problems on the external card. One thing I should mention is that the 550/550t handles data differently from the older Oregon units. For example, it will not read any geocaching GPX files off of the external data card, they must all be installed on the internal memory. One thing that Garmin tech support told me is that if you delete the preloaded topo maps, the unit would have to be returned to them to have them re-preinstalled. Also the 550 only has about 1gb total memory, the 550t has 4gb, but both have about the same amount of available internal user memory.
  4. Just recieved this from Garmin. It looks like there is a difference between the old and the new. 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
  5. It really doesn't bug me all that much that the 550t can't read the GPX files from the SD card. What really cheeses me off is their tech support people telling me that none of the Oregon series devices will and when you tell them yours does, "it's a fluke". Why don't they just own up to it and admit it. be up front, tell everyone about it, and then go on their way. I'd accept that if they changed the database management software and it can't do it anymore, then great, it won't do it. But don't talk to me like I'm an idiot. Hopefully this will be resolved in short order.
  6. For a 3.2mp camera, it's very good. It's not something I would use as a primary camera, but it is great for snagging a quick snapshot of a cache (which is what I wanted it for).
  7. I'll bet if you call Garmin tech support, they'll tell you that none of the Oregon series will read GPX files from the SD card, and if yours does, it a fluke.
  8. Thanks, I'd appreciate that. I'm not trying to make a big deal out of it, but after having such good luck using the 300 to store lots of data, thought it funny that the 550t wouldn't do the same. What suprised me most was that all the support techs I talked to were adamant that all Oregon GPS units wouldn't do this. I suppose I could live with only putting the data on the internal memory, but dang, what would I do with that brand new 16gb microSD card I bought just for this unit.
  9. Once you have the card inserted into your computer it will be assigned a drive letter. Usually something like e: or f: or beyond. If you are using windows, simply double click on that drive letter in windows explorer. Then right click and select new-->folder. Name this folder "garmin". Then double click on the garmin folder. Right click again and select new-->folder. Name this folder "gpx". Now place the GPX file from the PQ into that folder - whatever the actual name of the GPX file is. Remove the card and place it in your device. Power up the GPS and off you go. Most of the time the PQ that is generated and emailed to you is sent zipped (compressed) and you will need to uncompress it. It is the uncompressed file that you want to place in the \garmin\gpx folder on the SD card.
  10. That's where I put them, just like I did on the old 300 I had. I just talked to tech support (again) and was told (again) that it is not supposed to be possible to read ANY gpx data from the SD card. I read a review of the 550t on the gpsfix.com website, and it seems that 550t/550 handle the database differently than the other Oregon devices: "There have been changes in the 550 around how data is managed...... The GarminDevice.xml file mentions a “UserDataSync” mode for the content in \Garmin\GPX which is different than the x00 Oregon. Based on my initial testing it looks like waypoints and routes created on the unit are stored in daily gpx files in \Garmin\GPX. Deleting these files or the waypoints and routes contained in these files removes the objects on the unit itself. If this is the case it would be a hidden but somewhat radical difference from the x00 Oregon’s which keep separate internal databases that are not directly accessible by external software programs like BaseCamp and Mapsource. From a user perspective this would eliminate a lot questions around how data is managed." Here is a link to the entire review: http://www.gpsfix.net/garmin-oregon-550t-first-impression/ This may explain the situation I'm having. It would be interesting to see if anyone with a 400t is having the same experiences. Thanks for the inputs.
  11. Let me set the scenario quickly. I started geocaching in April, purchased an Oregon 300, got the Topo 2008 and City Navigator DVD along with an 8gb microSD. Everything loaded, geocaches were readable from both the internal and external memory. All was good. Then I see the 550t/550 series has a camera on it and is coming out. Since I am comitted to taking pictures of all of my caches, that means I will have one less thing to tote around with me. Ordered it on Monday, got it Wednesday and have been playing with it. One thing jumped out at me right away. While I am able to load GPX files to from the geocaching website to both the internal and external memory, I can only see them if they are installed on the internal memory. I contacted Garmin about this, and was told that I needed to have a map program installed on the external card before it would see any of the caches. Since that was what I had done with the 300, I tried it. I purchased another copy of City Navigator, installed it to the card, and still can't read any GPX files from the external memory. I again called Garmin support, and this time I was told that none of the Oregon series GPS's are designed to read GPX files from the external SD card, but only from the internal memory. So I said that what is happening with my 300 is just a fluke, and was told, yeah it was. So my question is, was it a fluke? Has anyone else tried using GPX files from their microSD cards on any of the Oregon series? Or am I just experiencing a senior moment? Any ideas/suggestion/comments are appreciated. Thanks
  12. Isn't it possible for me to do this for myself? I thought there was a process called dipping that would allow me to put my bug into a cache and then take it right back out. That way it would log the mileage between caches? How exactly does that work? Rich
  13. One question I have about the vehicle travel bugs. I'm planning a trip from Oregon to Alabama next month, and have put a TB sticker on my car. I've activated it, but in the log it shows that I'm in possession of it. Do these TBs accumulate miles, and if they do, what do you use for a starting location? A GPS fix on my home? I'm new at this and am just trying to understand the subtlties of TBs. Thanks for the help.
  14. The 24k maps will give you more detail since but will take up more memory. I have been looking into getting some, getting ready for a cross country trip this summer, and I think there are 11 total 24k discs for the entire US, as opposed to 1 DVD for the 100k (I may be wrong on the number of discs). I guess it would depend on how much information you want or need to have displayed.
  15. The memory size of the maps. Really helpful if your GPS is limited on memory but you want a new map. Also the larger the size (normally) the greater the detail will be. not really. The 24k and 100k refer to the map scale. 24,000:1 is 1 inch to 2000 feet. More here. Jim Thanks for the info. I thought about it for awhile and came to the same conclusion. This is a new environment for me and I'm on a steep learing curve. Thanks again. Rich
  16. That's what I figured as well. I have heard that you can download the preloaded maps onto a card or PC, but it is not that easy. I ordered the Oregon 300 off of Amazon, it's $399 w/$50 rebate. Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it. Rich
  17. I've got a really dumb noob question. I see maps that are available as 24k and 100k. I know there is a really simple explanation as to what those numbers mean, but darned if I can find it. Can anyone enlighten this rookie as to what they really are and what they mean? TIA
  18. My brother showed me the joys of geocaching, and now I'm considering a GPS purchase, and am wondering which is the best use of money and resouces. Is it better to get an Oregon 400t which has topo maps preloaded, or is it better to get the Oregon 300 and TOPO 100k DVD, and load them myself. I'm planning on geocaching on in both metro and country settings, and want the most accurate mapping details in both settings? Any advice/input/suggestions would be appreciated. Right now I'm leaning towards the 300 and the getting the maps as I need them.
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