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3 Hawks

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Posts posted by 3 Hawks

    Etrex legend "geocache menus"

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted · Edited by 3 Hawks

    I just bought this unit (Legend HCx) and am having trouble moving between the "found" and "not found" geocaches. When I push the find button I get to those "not found" geocaches, but how do I switch to the "found" ones if I want to go back and look at them?

     

    (I know it's in there some place and feel foolish not being able to find it.)

     

    Thanks

    HarLin

     

    From Main Menu: select "Find" and then "Geocaches." This will bring up the menu of unfound geocaches. On the left side of the unit there are three buttons. Push the lower button (soft key). This brings up a search option menu. Select "Show Found Caches" and there you go.

     

    Now to get back to the unfound caches from the found cache list, either push the lower left soft key and select "Show Cache Not Found" or navigate back through the Main Menu and follow the steps listed in the first paragraph.

     

    Another option would be to select "Find" and then "Waypoints" from the Main Menu. This will show you both found and unfound caches closest to your current location. This may not be of use if you are in a cache dense area because the presented list is limited in size.

     

    You can also view found caches from the "Calendar" feature on the "Main Menu." This is nice because the calendar will show the caches found by day until you delete the cache from your GPSr.

     

    There is also a "Recent Finds" option from Main Menu>Find>Recent Finds. Unfortunately, the name of this feature is a little misleading and it shows you any found cache, unfound cache, POI, waypoint, saved elevation point,......you may have selected, input, or saved.

     

    In other words, there is more than one way to skin this cat. BTW, the Vista HCx is a great GPSr!!! Good choice!! ;)

     

    Edit: Spelling 1/24/08 11:56 PM CST

    Street names don't appear with CN on Garmin Colorado

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I need to correct myself in that the parallel streets do not show up at all. Only cross streets and then only about three blocks out. And then you have to have the setting at 800 feet for it to update as you are moving. I will step out on a limb that I am sure someone will cut off right behind me. I don't disagree that there are major problems with the Colorado but, they have only been out a week and they have already updated both the firmware and chipset. I am willing to see where things go before I write off the 400t. I do like many of the features. We will be at the meet and greet in Seattle Saturday and I hope they have good things to tell us. In the mean time these forums have been so much help for those of us who have purchased the Colorado model. We are getting a lot more information from each other than Garmin so in theory we are our own beta testers.

     

    I know I saw a compiled list of issues posted somewhere in the Colorado threads. A Garmin techie e-mailed me today and stated that a detailed list of issues/problems/wishes would be nice.

     

    Maybe you, or someone else going to the "Meet & Greet," could present the list and discuss the finer points of the issues. I think our telephone calls and e-mails have been falling on relatively deaf ears since the majority of the techies at Garmin are not even up to speed on the Colorado. A few I've spoken with have no knowledge of even the basic functions of the unit and have not been able to offer support of any kind.

     

    Now where was that list????

     

    I will be at the meet and greet with a list. I have tried calling Garmin support and they have been very little help. I hope that garmin at the meat and greet will have some answers.

     

    Here is the link to the list started in another thread: http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dgs8g624_27dj2b9php

    I Want The Garmin 400T....

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    If I had the cash I would buy one right now. If it was a Magellan, who are known for their sub standard customer service, I would definitely wait. But its Garmin who has outstanding customer service. If it is having problems, they will take care of you.

     

    Using history as a benchmark; the customer service of Garmin has been excellent. Unfortunately, their customer service reps don't even know how to use the Colorado at this time. Three of the four I've spoken to don't even know the basic functions and have not even had a chance to "play" with the unit. Talking to these guys over the phone was like talking to a wall. E-mailing customer service has been even less productive. You end up with partial responses that are irrelevant at best.

     

    One school of thought is to just sit back and let them sort out the issues. Unfortunately, this will only result in updates and improvements they deem necessary. The other school of thought is to offer our insight and field tested knowledge during the process. Again, this does not alway result in productive improvements in practical functionality since our agenda may not be in line with Garmin's vision or the limitations of the platform. It sure would have been nice if Garmin had included us in the R&D since one of the advertised features is an enhanced "Geocaching Mode."

     

    Now I'm sure things will get better, but I truely doubt much of our voiced concerns are even making it past the CSR's. As it currently stands; the Colorado has Porche body with a Yugo powertrain and performance.

     

    IMHO, the Beta testers need to be proactive, assertive, and positive in their evaluations and feedback to Garmin under the assumption that Garmin values their input.

    Street names don't appear with CN on Garmin Colorado

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I need to correct myself in that the parallel streets do not show up at all. Only cross streets and then only about three blocks out. And then you have to have the setting at 800 feet for it to update as you are moving. I will step out on a limb that I am sure someone will cut off right behind me. I don't disagree that there are major problems with the Colorado but, they have only been out a week and they have already updated both the firmware and chipset. I am willing to see where things go before I write off the 400t. I do like many of the features. We will be at the meet and greet in Seattle Saturday and I hope they have good things to tell us. In the mean time these forums have been so much help for those of us who have purchased the Colorado model. We are getting a lot more information from each other than Garmin so in theory we are our own beta testers.

     

    I know I saw a compiled list of issues posted somewhere in the Colorado threads. A Garmin techie e-mailed me today and stated that a detailed list of issues/problems/wishes would be nice.

     

    Maybe you, or someone else going to the "Meet & Greet," could present the list and discuss the finer points of the issues. I think our telephone calls and e-mails have been falling on relatively deaf ears since the majority of the techies at Garmin are not even up to speed on the Colorado. A few I've spoken with have no knowledge of even the basic functions of the unit and have not been able to offer support of any kind.

     

    Now where was that list????

    Garmin Colorado Firmware Version

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    A setting would satisfy you and me. Unfortunately, as mentioned in other threads, settings generate a burden on Garmin's customer support, as people call and ask about them. Hence (from one point of view), the less settings the better.

     

    I have units that pan in track up. I've always thought it was confusing, in spite of that I always navigate with track up. It's just that I consider active navigation, when looking at things around me, to be different compared to panning.

     

    Well, let's drop that for now, shall we? We have different opinions and we will both inform Garmin about our prefences, I presume. Then they'll know that whatever they do, not everyone will be happy.

     

    Asperson850,

     

    I think people are just frustrated and disappointed because the Colorado has been marketed as being customizable, but then they appear to be limiting that which you can customize to meet your own preferences and needs. There are plenty of entry level models on the market and this model is being marketed to high end handheld users. Therefore, the Colorado should provide the features high end users want and expect for the price.

     

    Garmin can’t advertise a new age in GPS technology, and them deliver far below expectations without some people being a little miffed. Garmin’s stock price jumped up over $5.00 on Tuesday. I’m guessing this has something to do with the accolades they gleaned at the CES. If they want to keep their dominant position in the market, they need to deliver.

     

    Now I’m sure most of the issues will be resolved, but I hope they do not sacrifice accepted and expected features just to ease the burden on their Customer Service Department. That is why they are there and their expert and attentive service is what makes Garmin the best GPSr manufacturer in the world.

    Garmin Colorado Firmware Version

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Has there been any changed when it comes to viewing caches on the map? If I am remembering correctly it is not possible unless you do a work around.

     

    I would also like to hear if the update allows you to view the icons on the map overlay. I'm not talking about POI's or waypoints. I want to know if the icons can now be viewed on the map if you load the caches through GSAK as regular old geocaches?????????????

     

    I've received two e-mails from a Garmin techie over the last week informing me that he is able to view the icons when he loads caches directly from geocachingg.com. Now I assume he only loaded a single cache by clicking the "Sent To GPS" tab on the site. If that is the case, would he be able to view the cache description or the hint?

     

    In other words, the techie is saying that all of you who are not able to view the icons on the map overlays are doing something wrong.

     

    Another Garmin techie I spoke to on the phone last week said he was aware of the problem and that a firmware update would be offered to fix the cache icon/overlay issue. Which of these techies is full of it??

     

    I have loaded the updates to the firmware and chipset. After reading your entry I have now loaded an individual cache and it does not show the treasure chest. What it shows is a blue stick pin. I can change the icon to the treasure chest. However, when I route to the cache it still shows the stick pin at the end of the route. My treasure chest is still on the map also. Did the Techie happen to mention how he was able to make the cache icons appear on the map??

     

    What do you think?? Of course not. I'm sure he just ended up with a blue stick pin and has no idea what I'm trying to tell him.

     

    If you load an individual cache directly from gc.com, does the cache description and hint promulgate to the Colorado.

     

    Have you tried to load a bulk GPX file through something like GSAK? If so, are you now able to see anything (even blue stick-pins) on the map overlays in geocaching mode?

     

    I have loaded GPX files, the cache descriptions, logs and hints all show up in the Colorado. Which is really cool by the way. I have also loaded caches as poi files through GSAK with the custom poi icons so caches do show up on the map. Currently I have about 5000 on the unit's main memory. The nice thing about this is that you see the cache type when looking at the map. That is what I hope we end up with from Garmin. When I view a poi file I can see a shortened name of the cache Tr? not sure what that means but it shows up on all of them, shortened cache size, difficulty and terrain and the gc number but not cache description or logs. There is a search specific for custom poi files which is nice. I have not done anything else through GSAK because I have not used it for much other than the poi work around.

     

    IMHO, there should be no need for a POI work around. The cashe type specific icons should show up on the map. You should get the full name, full cache description, hints, and logs. That is what the Colorado is supposed to do, that is what it can do, and that is one of the things they need to get fixed.

    Garmin Colorado Firmware Version

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

     

    If you load an individual cache directly from gc.com, does the cache description and hint promulgate to the Colorado.

    Yes.

     

     

    Have you tried to load a bulk GPX file through something like GSAK? If so, are you now able to see anything (even blue stick-pins) on the map overlays in geocaching mode?

     

    No. This works the same as before, geocaches don't show up on the map page in 2.3. The blue stick pin appears when you are navigating to a location, it could be a waypoint, a geocache, POI, etc. Once you stop navigation the pin goes away.

     

    GO$Rs

     

    Thanks for the info. Now would someone please e-mail Shawn V., a Garmin techie, to explain the problem. Shawn is either dense, indifferent, or uneducated about the Colorado and thinks there is no problem. In fact, he thinks everything is working as it should.

    Garmin Colorado Firmware Version

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Has there been any changed when it comes to viewing caches on the map? If I am remembering correctly it is not possible unless you do a work around.

     

    I would also like to hear if the update allows you to view the icons on the map overlay. I'm not talking about POI's or waypoints. I want to know if the icons can now be viewed on the map if you load the caches through GSAK as regular old geocaches?????????????

     

    I've received two e-mails from a Garmin techie over the last week informing me that he is able to view the icons when he loads caches directly from geocachingg.com. Now I assume he only loaded a single cache by clicking the "Sent To GPS" tab on the site. If that is the case, would he be able to view the cache description or the hint?

     

    In other words, the techie is saying that all of you who are not able to view the icons on the map overlays are doing something wrong.

     

    Another Garmin techie I spoke to on the phone last week said he was aware of the problem and that a firmware update would be offered to fix the cache icon/overlay issue. Which of these techies is full of it??

     

    I have loaded the updates to the firmware and chipset. After reading your entry I have now loaded an individual cache and it does not show the treasure chest. What it shows is a blue stick pin. I can change the icon to the treasure chest. However, when I route to the cache it still shows the stick pin at the end of the route. My treasure chest is still on the map also. Did the Techie happen to mention how he was able to make the cache icons appear on the map??

     

    What do you think?? Of course not. I'm sure he just ended up with a blue stick pin and has no idea what I'm trying to tell him.

     

    If you load an individual cache directly from gc.com, does the cache description and hint promulgate to the Colorado.

     

    Have you tried to load a bulk GPX file through something like GSAK? If so, are you now able to see anything (even blue stick-pins) on the map overlays in geocaching mode?

    Colorado 300 is running alpha software

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted · Edited by 3 Hawks

    I ordered the Colorado 300 last week, and subsequently I have been reading the many posts on this board concerning the Colorado. Frankly, as the negative posts increased in volume, I became more apprehensive about the operational functions of the device. My 300 arrived today and I loaded an SDHC 4 gb card containing about 300mbs of Topo 2008 data. Off I went on a three mile walk on streets.

     

    I am not going to get into extreme detail but here are some glaring problems I noticed:

     

    1. No street names appear. That is unacceptable.

    2. I put two freshly charged 2650 mah NIMH batteries in the device, and DID NOT use back lighting. The batteries died before I returned home.

    3. The screen is TOO DARK. Compared to my 60Cx the 300 is very difficult to read.

    4. Roads on the Topo 2008 as displayed on the 60Cx are fairly accurate. No so on the 300.

     

    Oh I could go on...but I won't.

     

    My suggestion: Hold off on your purchase of the Colorado series. The software is not close to being ready for prime time. My only hope is that Garmin will eventually correct the many software glitches. Everyone who has a Colorado at this time is a person who dropped $400-$650 to be a glorified beta tester!

     

    Point of Reference: I am a stockholder in Garmin, and I am embarrassed that they released these devices prematurely.

     

    .

     

    On the bright side, Garmin's stock went up $5.25 per share on the big board yesterday (1/23/08).

     

    Were you able to view the cache icons on the map overlays if you loaded the caches via a bulk GPX file? According to the Garmin techie who e-mailed me today, he is able to view the icons and the rest of us are doing something wrong. I've not heard of a single person who can view the icons in geocaching mode. The only way to view the icons has been to load the caches as POI's instead of geocaches.

     

    I think everyone who has problems with their Colorado needs to be sending off detailed e-mails to Garmin to advise them.

     

    Edit for spelling 1/24/08 12:33am CST

    Garmin Colorado Firmware Version

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Has there been any changed when it comes to viewing caches on the map? If I am remembering correctly it is not possible unless you do a work around.

     

    I would also like to hear if the update allows you to view the icons on the map overlay. I'm not talking about POI's or waypoints. I want to know if the icons can now be viewed on the map if you load the caches through GSAK as regular old geocaches?????????????

     

    I've received two e-mails from a Garmin techie over the last week informing me that he is able to view the icons when he loads caches directly from geocachingg.com. Now I assume he only loaded a single cache by clicking the "Sent To GPS" tab on the site. If that is the case, would he be able to view the cache description or the hint?

     

    In other words, the techie is saying that all of you who are not able to view the icons on the map overlays are doing something wrong.

     

    Another Garmin techie I spoke to on the phone last week said he was aware of the problem and that a firmware update would be offered to fix the cache icon/overlay issue. Which of these techies is full of it??

    Garmin Colorado Firmware Version

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Here's a funny thing.

     

    "Corrected issue that changed map setting to north up if reviewing a point on the map."

     

    In other words, when you scroll around it makes North up!

     

    This problem reportedly fixed by a firmware update still occurs even after I uploaded the new update. Could it be that the changes are not working?

    I noticed that on the weekend, drove me freaking crazy!

     

    Hopefully it works for me ... I'll give it try in a bit.

     

    Seemed to work for me ...

     

    1 - Selected Geocaching profile

     

    2 - Confirmed that I was in track up mode, yup

     

    3 - Went into the Map screen

     

    4 - Panned to a POI geocache, selected it, didn't "Go" to it, backed out

     

    5 - Checked tracking, still in track up

     

    I also checked this by selecting the POI geocache and "Go"ing to it, then confirmed that I was still in track up mode.

     

    I only checked this in the house, I'll try it while moving as well.

     

    Your use if the term "POI geocache" leads me to believe you are employing the work around to enable the icons to be viewed on the map overlay. If you simply load the caches via a GPX file, do you get track up or north up?

     

    Thanks.

    Garmin Colorado

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Here is what I was told today. The Garmin Techies had just come out of a Colorado meeting.

     

    1) Memory cards: Max 4GB SD. This is not a micro SD and the Colorado does not currently support SDHC. Future versions may be able to support SDHC.

     

    There is no such thing as a 4 GB SD card..... Anything over 2GB is SDHC.

     

    There sure is! And it's "non-HC" - WW

     

    http://www.memorysuppliers.com/tr4gbsdsedin.html

     

    Here is the skinny on the 4GB SD (NON-HC) card:

    "The SD Card can be used in a variety of digital products; digital music players, cellular phones, handheld PCs, digital cameras, digital video camcorders, smart phones, car navigation systems and electronic books. Also, these cards are NON-HC (High-Capacity) and will work with most of the devices that the 4GB SDHC do not work with." $39.00

     

    I read some reviews on the above 4GB SD card and they were not very kind. The 4GB 150X QmemorySD Card with a 22mb/sec transfer rate for $29.99 at www.flash-memory-store.com or the Transcend 4BG 150X Ultra High Speed Secure Digital SD Card with a 22.5mb/sec transfer rate for $58.99 at www.memory_suppliers.com seem to be better buys. I read reviews that said they used these cards in their GPSr but I didn't see which units they were used in.

    Garmin Colorado

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Here is what I was told today. The Garmin Techies had just come out of a Colorado meeting.

     

    1) Memory cards: Max 4GB SD. This is not a micro SD and the Colorado does not currently support SDHC. Future versions may be able to support SDHC.

     

    There is no such thing as a 4 GB SD card..... Anything over 2GB is SDHC.

     

    There sure is! And it's "non-HC" - WW

     

    http://www.memorysuppliers.com/tr4gbsdsedin.html

     

    Here is the skinny on the 4GB SD (NON-HC) card:

    "The SD Card can be used in a variety of digital products; digital music players, cellular phones, handheld PCs, digital cameras, digital video camcorders, smart phones, car navigation systems and electronic books. Also, these cards are NON-HC (High-Capacity) and will work with most of the devices that the 4GB SDHC do not work with." $39.00

    Garmin Colorado

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Here is what I was told today. The Garmin Techies had just come out of a Colorado meeting.

     

    1) Memory cards: Max 4GB SD. This is not a micro SD and the Colorado does not currently support SDHC. Future versions may be able to support SDHC.

    2) They are aware that the geocache icons are not showing up on the map overlays when caches are loaded via a GPX file. They will be working on a fix and hope to offer a Firmware update within the next few months.

    3) They are aware that caches can't currently be marked as found. They will be working on a fix and hope to offer a Firmware update within the next few months.

    4) They are already working on other Firmware updates to enhance the Geocache Mode.

    5) The techie said that shipping on the 300's has already begun and they still plan on shipping the full range of 400's by the end of the month.

     

    While I had the Techie on the phone, I mentioned that my old ETrex Legend was acting very strange the last time I fired it up. (I think she is jealous because I left her for a newer Vista HCx.) I am almost 4 months outside of my 1 yr warranty. The seal strip ring thingy has all but fallen off, my toggle is loose, one battery connection is loose, and the screen blinks out on me from time to time. He said to send her in and they will see what they can do. I said that I don't really want to spend any money to get her back up to speed since it is only a back-up unit and the techie told me not to worry. I hope that means free???

    PQ keyword function

    in Website

    Posted

    Yes, Thanks OpinioNate. I'm glad to see a response. And yes, for the record I was yelling, because until your post, I've seen nothing from Groundspeak in the several forums that mention this topic. Also, as you have admitted, this should be a fairly easy feature to implement. However, until I see that change, and a more frequent response from Groundspeak to member's ideas I will be canceling my premium membership. Besides, with the alternatives that everyone has everyone has so generously offered, I now have all of the search options that "I would ever need" right on GSAK. No need to pay! I would encourage anyone who feels like their ideas are merely pushed aside to do the same.

    Wow!! you expect a lot for $2.50 a month. ($30 per year / 12)

     

    BTW - you will need a premium membership to get the PQ data in GPX format necessary to do advanced filters in GSAK........

     

    Time to back track a bit before that bridge burns all the way down.

    microSd Memory Card Usage

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Did you load Topo maps? If so, did you load them to the micro SD card or did you load them to your internal memory?

     

    I do not believe that the HCX has any internal map memory.

     

    I was only wondering since I have a Vista HCx and I have no memory issues. My HCx came with Topo software and I loaded it to my 2GB micro SD. I only have about 250 caches loaded in my GPSr at any time. Maybe the OP has already loaded in 1000 WP's and needs to do some cache cleaning.

    FTF credit on Earthcaches

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    When being the first to solve and log an Earthcache, may one claim FTF? I have revised my previously worded question. I understand there are not FTF "RIGHTS" :huh:

    Personally I say who cares.

    I'd say the OP might care, and possibly several people participating in this discussion.

    Buy WHY?

    Its some perception based number. If you say you have 99 marbles, and I say one of them is chipped and it doesn't count, do you have 99 or not? If someone else says the big shooter counts twice, do you have 99 or not? If yet another person says that the alley cat's eyes are best and only they count but not your toothpaste or any aggies, do you have 99 or not? If someone has to tell you how many you have, do you have 99 or not?

    Are you some kind of super genius?

    Maps on SD

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Apparently the cards just don't work that way. If you get the DVD, you can put the maps on as many computers as you use . . . you are just limited to using them on only one GPS unit, unless you purchase an additional "Unlock Code."

     

    I thought the same thing, but when I spoke with a Garmin techie last Friday, he told me the "Unlock Code" is not specific to one GPSr even though you are asked to input a bunch of information about your GPSr when activating the card. I was told you could switch the card between units without purchasing an additional code. Now that would be nice, if it is in fact true but the DVD is still the best option in my situation.

     

    Does this infrmation I received from the Garmin techie conflict with the experiences of others who use the pre-loaded cards??

    Vista startup.

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted · Edited by 3 Hawks

    I must be lucky because I've not experienced this problem with my Vista HCx. I leave my GPSr in my car while at work and we've had a few days with temps below 10 degrees F. I've only seen the unit get a little sluggish in very cold temps, but no problems with the backlighting or the start-up cycles.

     

    Oops! I almost forgot. About 3 weeks ago, I started up the unit and no caches or WP's were showing in the menu. I quickly shut down the unit, counted slowly to ten, said 10 Hail Marys, and everything was fine.

    Garmin Vista HCX question

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted · Edited by 3 Hawks

    Is there a way to rid the screen of the Map Pointer info when you don't need it on the maps?

     

    On the right side of the unit there are two soft keys. Hit the upper key and the pointer position info will go away. Every time you move the pointer, the position data will reappear and you only have to push the soft key again to clear the pointer info.

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