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quakemap

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Posts posted by quakemap

    how to use the pocket queries

    in How do I...?

    Posted

    Pocket Queries in GPX format contain lots of cache-related data and enhance (compared to .loc files) display of Geocaches in QuakeMap. Just drag and drop your Pocket Query file (unzipped) on QuakeMap window and hover the mouse over caches.

     

    See http://www.earthquakemap.com/pages/screenshots/GeocachesDetail.jpg - this is how much information is available on PC from a PocketQuery

     

    http://www.quakemap.com - redefining Easy...

    Waterproof?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    The water, once it got into the closed case, may leave subtle corrosion that will develop in time and shut the electronics down - now forever. There are two ways to deal with it - disassemble the unit, wash the circuits with alcohol and REALLY dry it, or replace the thing if under warranty. Washing the circuits requires some skill and luck, so don't do it unless you have both. Sometimes placing the unit on a sunny spot for a day (open, batteries out, screen down) may dry it well enough - if done within a day or two of wetting it.

     

    Just wanted to add that it is really naive to expect water-proof from GPS. Just look at it with your engineering eye open, and you will see. The seals , even if tight initially, will wear out within days, etc. The manufacturer's intent was not to make it waterproof for you, but to pass the test. So, use the plastic bag if you want results :-)

     

    http://www.quakemap.com - redefining Easy...

    My location doesn't match up with the map!

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Get a Garmin. At least when your wife will want to check your track logs, she will be happy to find you in all the right places. That's if you stick to aerial photo software of course (you are not in doubt about getting QuakeMap, are you? :-)

     

    P.S. Garmin tracking seems to be more smooth on the map because the unit samples position at a higher rate. My Garmin eTrex Vista beats Magellan SporTrak Pro hands down in this respect, but coordinates reported when static are pretty much the same on both units.

     

    http://www.quakemap.com - redefining Easy...

    Why Garmin doesn't use USB.

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I think the industry just overlooked USB - and now the Bluetooth is coming and there is no much sense to catch up with the older USB technology. Having USB-only connection would cut out many potential customers, having both USB and Serial - drive the price up. Existing software relies on RS232 heavily.

     

    As for speeds and protocols:

    -- Magellan works fine up to 115000 baud with it's NMEA-like protocol, but with handshaking it is still slow, and without - unreliable.

    -- Garmin has it's own network-like protocol, working at 9600 baud, very old and reliable enough in its own convoluded ways.

    Both companies are heavily invested in their protocols and won't change anything any time soon.

     

    http://www.quakemap.com - redefining Easy...

    mapping tool survey

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I guess the big question is will MapAdvisor support older/cheaper PDAs. The problem for now is that maps (tiles) take some room in memory and aerial/topo doesn't fit well on screens smaller than 320x320 pixels. So I understand MapAdvisor's intent to target the new PDAs first. Half a year from now this won't be an issue due to natural rotation of PDA population (we all will get our Christmas presents this year, right? :-).

     

    http://www.quakemap.com - redefining Easy...

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