VisorCentral.com - Magellan GPS

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VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- Magellan GPS (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=11332)

Posted by domore on 03-17-2001 07:02 PM:

Re: GPS for VDX

quote:
Originally posted by jlkrumm

Anyone got a good argument for me to convince me?

Don't have a good arugment for you. That's what's great about this country. You can buy what you like and I can buy what I like.

I like the idea that if I want to get connected to the net I can plug in my omnisky modem, get the latest news, and send email (using my built in address book. Its great when I sit and have my breakfast or dinner to watch other folks folding thier newspapers, I just press tap to next page, aritcle, or topic of interest. gotta love this technology). If I want to track my location I can plug in my GPS. If I want to play a game or read a book, I plug in my flash module. If I want to back up my data, plug in my back up module. That's what I carry but I could also take pictures (actually I do those with my IIIc, listen to music, make phone calls, on it goes on and on).

I travel a lot and in one device with some samll additional plug ins I have everyting I need. Otherwise I would have to carry many devices. Now if I can only find a good word processor and access to my coporate email, I could leave my laptop home and I would be in heaven. No more 6 pounds to lug around. How's that for a non argument.

__________________
DoMore

Posted by Vertigo on 03-18-2001 08:08 AM:

Re: RE: GPS for VDX

quote:
Originally posted by Eagle Driver
Certainly you can buy a stand alone GPS receiver for less money. But that is not the point. A stand alone system locks you into the software that comes with it. If that meets your needs, than by all means go for it.

A GPS unit tied to a PDA allows you more flexibility. I use mine for street navigation, aviation and (soon) for hiking (topographic maps). This would require three different GPS units. I'm free to choose the software that meets my requirements.

I have a standalone eTrex GPS, but I am not limited to it's built-in software. I bought the data cable for it, and am now able to use it with my Visor Prism. Plus I don't have to risk carrying my Prism around on mountain biking trips where falls onto hard surfaces are pretty much inevitable

(so I'm only out $120, instead of $600)

But, with the added mass of cables, the eTrex is probably about 3x bulkier to travel with (even though we are only talking about 2x3x6in instead of 1x3x2in).

--

I'm very happy with the standalone in the car though, I can put the GPS unit on the dash (to get perfect reception), and hold the Visor in my hands, sitting back corfortably (in the passenger seat), instead of reaching over to tap the screen up on the dash (It would probably be hazardous to have one's Prism sitting on the dash in the hot sun anyway, when that season rolls around).

There are a lot of modules currently out that are not any batter to have in springboard form. the MP3 player being a prime example. But there are some such as the GPS module which are useful and/or practical to some people, and others will be peachy with other solutions. To each his own.

Posted by dougsbrat on 03-21-2001 01:55 AM:

eTrex to Visor cable? I havent seen this cable where did you get it and which one?

Posted by MbassadorK on 03-21-2001 03:53 PM:

Any other Mac users have trouble downloading the updated apps from Magellan's site? I had to use an officemate's PC to download.

I'm using MSIE 5 and it would download, but use a funky name (square and a number, I think) then disappear from my downloads folder.

Does it use a character that is illegal on a Mac or something (usually I run into the opposite).

Just wondering if anyone else had the same problem or I'm just the lucky one�

Posted by Vertigo on 03-21-2001 08:11 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by dougsbrat
eTrex to Visor cable? I havent seen this cable where did you get it and which one?

Mark/Space will be developing a direct eTrex/Visor cable very soon, but I use a eTrex to DB9 Data Cable, and then the Mark/Space DB9M to Visor. Takes two cables.

Posted by ageibel on 03-26-2001 04:51 AM:

Reply to MbassadorK

I had some problem decompressin the Magellan software update too.

After I went to download the very latest version of WinZip, I was OK though. There is a link buried on Magellan's website:
http://www.magellangps.com/downloads/download.htm

So on the Mac, you might try looking for the very latest version of Stuffit Expander...hope that works.

Posted by domore on 04-02-2001 07:28 PM:

Solus and Platinum

Just thought I would close the look on Solus Pro. So I sent and inquiry off and got the following reply:

Thank you for your interest in DeLorme products. Unfortunately,
Solus Pro 3.0 will not work with the Handspring Visor Platinum either. We
are not supporting this device at this time.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to call us at
800-452-5931 8 AM to 8 PM EST.

Thank you
Renee Howard
DeLorme Mapping
[email protected]

The either is in reference to the Solu Pro 2.0.

__________________
DoMore

Posted by MbassadorK on 04-02-2001 07:49 PM:

reply to ageibel's reply to me

I've got the most current version of StuffIt. Still does the same thing.

It downloads the file (names it a square with a number after it) and then StuffIt seems to unstuff (or at least acts like it does.)

But when all is said and done there is no file anywere on my harddrive that I can even find, let alone use to install from.

The tech support people at GeoDiscovery may not always answer questions online right away, but at least they usually answer them - which is WAY more than what Magellan staff does...

Posted by decook on 06-13-2001 11:22 PM:

StreetFinder

I have been looking for software that will allow me to view maps, see my position, plan routes etc. The Map Companion and Nav Companion SW that comes with the GPS Companion, but I would like a more integrated package.

I've been wondering about the Rand McNally Streetfinder software. It looks like they sell a version with a Palm GPS included, one with some other type GPS that connects to a laptop, and a version that supports the Palm OS. That last one is the one I'm interested in. However, their System Requirement specs call for a handheld with Palm OS v3.0 or higher, but their demo calls for version 3.3 or 3.5. I couldn't get the demo to work on my Visor. Will the StreetFinder work with a Visor?

If it will, then a few other questions come to mind: Will the StreetFinder Palm software recognize and interface with the GPS Companion? And will the Streetfinder PC software be able to receive data from the Visor/GPS in order to show a position on a map on the PC screen? Is this accomplished via the Visor cradle, or is some other cable necessary?

decook (who is having lots of fun with his Visor and GPSC)

Posted by brancher on 07-06-2001 08:55 AM:

is serial port available when GPS Companion is working?

If GPS Companion works via (pseudo-, emulated?) serial connection, should it lock the true port? I mean can you use Magellan GPS receiver and some stuff (mobile phone, modem, serial cradle etc) connected to the serial connector simultaneously?
thanx.

Posted by Mediam on 07-08-2001 11:17 PM:

GPS Updater

I bought my Magellan on Friday. I have a few questions that this forum may be able to help with.

1) When I ran the GPS Updater, at the time when the unit resets, I get a "Fatal Exception" and tapping OK reboots again. This continued until I removed the module and brought the Visor up without it, then re-inserted the unit and it worked. However, when I insert the module, NAV companion 1.1 runs. I have to stop 1.1 and manually run 2.x for the added features. Is the GPS Updater supposed to flash 2.x over 1.1 or was the Updater only fixing the module itself. Can someone please explain?

2) I have noticed (so have others) that some of the maps are off a bit. I noted that this could be GPS error because I know that it can be off by a few meters. I'm pretty sure that the mapping software isn't smart enough to know, "Gee, I'm doing 60mph, I must be on I-20" and correct it's deviations. Is there any way to do this manually if I can determine that the maps are slightly off ALL THE TIME? If the maps are incorrect only part of the time, then there's nothing I can do except buy a better mapping program...oh, by the way, can anyone give me recommendations on better mapping software that won't get me in trouble with the wife??

On the plus side, the Magellan is MUCH better than the HandyGPS. The maps are smaller and draw slightly faster than UbiGo does. I was able to load (in TX) Dallas and Tarrant counties, all the counties that surround those, and every county along I-35 from Waco to the OKC border, every county along I-20 from Tyler to Midland/Odessa and every county along I-30 to Texarkana. Lock-up happens in under a minute instead of 5-6 minutes for the HandyGPS and I can run the module off the car which is probably the only place I'll use it.

Thanks to this group's recommendations, I am a much happier GPS user.

__________________
Mediam
http://www.prmills.com/

"Keep those programmers out of the system and get me that Chinese language file I asked for.
End of Line"
-MCP

Posted by btabatow on 07-27-2001 03:01 AM:

Custom cable for Platinum to GPS

I have heard of a special cable for Platinum Visor which works to connect them with different GPS. That one derives it's power from the transmit line of the Platinum.

Anyone interested in getting a cable like this, which can be used to connect the Platinum to different GPS units, can contact [email protected].

Their website is www.pcables.com.

Posted by olendorf on 07-27-2001 03:21 AM:

Re: GPS Updater

quote:
Originally posted by Mediam
1) When I ran the GPS Updater, at the time when the unit resets, I get a "Fatal Exception" and tapping OK reboots again. This continued until I removed the module and brought the Visor up without it, then re-inserted the unit and it worked. However, when I insert the module, NAV companion 1.1 runs. I have to stop 1.1 and manually run 2.x for the added features. Is the GPS Updater supposed to flash 2.x over 1.1 or was the Updater only fixing the module itself. Can someone please explain?

Yes, you are doing this correct. The mini app on the module itself gets updated but the 2.x program is only on the Visor.

quote:

2) I have noticed (so have others) that some of the maps are off a bit. I noted that this could be GPS error because I know that it can be off by a few meters. I'm pretty sure that the mapping software isn't smart enough to know, "Gee, I'm doing 60mph, I must be on I-20" and correct it's deviations. Is there any way to do this manually if I can determine that the maps are slightly off ALL THE TIME? If the maps are incorrect only part of the time, then there's nothing I can do except buy a better mapping program...oh, by the way, can anyone give me recommendations on better mapping software that won't get me in trouble with the wife??

The mapping software is off a little sometimes. But you can certainly see that your near I-20 and you should be on I-20 and it won't be very confusing. It lags behind by a second anyhow.

quote:

On the plus side, the Magellan is MUCH better than the HandyGPS. The maps are smaller and draw slightly faster than UbiGo does. I was able to load (in TX) Dallas and Tarrant counties, all the counties that surround those, and every county along I-35 from Waco to the OKC border, every county along I-20 from Tyler to Midland/Odessa and every county along I-30 to Texarkana. Lock-up happens in under a minute instead of 5-6 minutes for the HandyGPS and I can run the module off the car which is probably the only place I'll use it.

I only have one gripe about the Magellan unit and software. There is a problem with pop up alarms causing it to get a fatal exception and you must remove the module before resetting it or it will loop into reset immediately. I sent them email about this and no response whatsoever.

I also wish there was a third party program that would let you calculate distances between waypoints in the database.

__________________
Scott Olendorf
Sony Clie N610C,
Blue Visor Deluxe, Magellan GPS Companion

Posted by btabatow on 08-19-2001 01:30 AM:

Standalone magellan?

Has anyone used a standalone unit, such as the Magellan 300, with the Visor? How does that compare with the springboard module mentioned in this thread?

Posted by Clanggedin on 08-20-2001 04:24 AM:

I use the the Garmin eTrex Summit with the Visor and I love it. I can not only connect my GPS to my Visor, but with another cable I can connect it to my Laptop or my brother's Palm Vx.

Having a separate GPS is great for me because I don't like to take my mountain climbimg. It also frees up my springboard slot for my Memplug, where I store all of my maps. The eTrex Summit also has a built in digital compass and barometric altimeter.

The Magellan 315 is a great stand alone GPS unit, but if you want the best Magellan has to offer, you may want to wait until they release the new Platinum line that offers smaller units with built in memory and are completely waterproof.

I would strongly suggest to those who use their GPS for more than driving directions to look at getting a seperate unit so you won't ruin your PDA if you drop it in the water while you are fishing.

Posted by Vader2K on 08-28-2001 04:03 PM:

WAAS functionality

After hearing that the Skygolf GPS module had WAAS enabled, and learning that it's basically a GPS Companion, I decided to ask Magellan about a possible upgrade. Here's what I received back.

quote:
Sir,

Unfortunately, at this time there are no plans of releasing a software update for the GPS Companion that would support WAAS. Currently, the only unit that accepts WAAS is the Map 330/330M models with software version 1.56.

M.P.
Magellan Technical Support
1 (800) 669-4477
www.magellangps.com

>>> <[email protected]> 07/24 7:15 AM >>>
Product = None of the above
Name = Vader2K
E-mailAddress = [email protected]
Phone = xxx-xxx-xxxx
Tech_Question = According to your website, most of the new GPS units are
capable of using WAAS and that it's just a matter of a software upgrade.
My question is that even though it's currently not supported, is the GPS
Companion for the Visor capable up supporting WAAS through a software
upgrade? I bought this unit a little over a month ago, and I've been
extremely pleased with it's performance and usability. Thank you for
creating such a great product.

Vader2k

If this is true, then I'm very disappointed.

If the Skygolf unit is truly an GPS Companion, and that it really does support WAAS, then we know the upgrade exists, but Magellan is keeping it from us. I would even consider paying a little extra $$$ for the upgrade as long as they kept is reasonable.

--Vader2K

Posted by apsmithwork on 08-29-2001 01:11 PM:

Version of magellan software 'upgrade'

I recently got a Magellan GPS companion. I'm impressed (I've had none of the problems with getting fixes etc. that are mentioned in the forum).

A few points/questions:

1) The 'update' on the website has a lower version number than the software on the CD (and in the unit itself!) eg. Nav companion on website: v2.1, on the CD I have v3.0! GPS companion on the website v1.1, on the unit at the moment v1.3! Wierd.

2) A tip for UK/European users: the supplied 'Route Europe' software is usless, it's slow, shows only major 'A' roads and is difficult to use. I use Mapviewer (www.swi-info.com), its totally compatible with the GPS companion, is fast, easy to use and comes with complete street level maps of the UK.

3) According to Magellans UK distributer the Visor car holder is not available yet. I need this now!! Is it available to buy from the States? Also where can I buy the carry case?

Thanks for listening..
Andy.

Posted by Mediam on 09-03-2001 04:43 AM:

Re: WAAS functionality

quote:
Originally posted by Vader2K
If this is true, then I'm very disappointed. If the Skygolf unit is truly an GPS Companion, and that it really does support WAAS, then we know the upgrade exists, but Magellan is keeping it from us. I would even consider paying a little extra $$$ for the upgrade as long as they kept is reasonable.

--Vader2K

I don't know much about such things, but isn't GPS+WAAS capability reliant on different/upgraded hardware? I would think that if it was as easy as a software upgrade to gain WAAS capability on current GPS Companions they would do it...probably for a price.

__________________
Mediam
http://www.prmills.com/

"Keep those programmers out of the system and get me that Chinese language file I asked for.
End of Line"
-MCP

Posted by gdtobme on 09-04-2001 04:13 AM:

///quote///
I only have one gripe about the Magellan unit and software. There is a problem with pop up alarms causing it to get a fatal exception and you must remove the module before resetting it or it will loop into reset immediately. I sent them email about this and no response whatsoever.
///end quote///

What's going on with my Prism and Magellan GPS Companion. Somehow, it kills my Prism and the only way to revive it is to place it in the sync cradle. At that point, it does a "hard reset". I can't duplicate the problem at home. It always happens when I'm out on the road, of course. It could happen when I plug the module in, remove it or when I try to turn the unit on. There is no set pattern.

I've updated the current software version from the Magellan site. Any help or suggestions would be most welcome. TIA.

Ricky

Posted by RAJarvisJr on 09-09-2001 03:14 PM:

On sale at Amazon this week for $129.99

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