Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 70

alternative mapping software

This might be more appropriate for a separate thread, but I was wondering if anyone was using any mapping software besides the bundle that comes with the companion? It has been mentioned that many of us would like for the nav & map software to be integrated, and I just wondered if anyone knew of anything available now that does combine these functions. I would love to be able to mark my waypoints & poi's on a map. Thanx in advance...

__________________
tuffy

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 41

Otterbox case

I bought the Otterbox 3000 case with a clear lid to hold my Prism/Magellan GPS in an assembled state. I did this so I could view the unit with the power on when I go hiking. The unit fit inside the case ok, but the scroll button on the Prism is pressed down when I close the lid causing the Prism to go "crazy". When I get a chance, I plan on putting a piece of foam on the Otterbox lid to hold it away from the scroll buttons. In hind sight, I think that maybe one of the clear flexible plastic cases from www.aquapac.com may be the way to go. I guess it depends on how much protection you want for you Visor.

I am still interested if anyone has tried any of the topographical mapping programs with the Visor/Magellan combination.

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 41

Case for Magellan GPS

I found a case that fits the Magellan GPS perfectly. It is made by INCASE and is identical to the Sport cases on the Handspring site for the Visor. It is slightly smaller than the Visor case but it has the same belt snap and D-ring on the back. It is available at several different internet sites.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 52

Do you have a specific link? The one I saw on Palmgear is not large enough.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: NH
Posts: 25

Magellan GPS

Anyone try using NIMH rechargeable batteries with their GPS? If so how did you change the battery meter to register correctly?

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DoMore

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 41

GPS Case

The case I got for the Magellan GPS was made by INCASE and it is called a PDA case. It is the black case at this link:
www.bagshandbags.com/Incase_Cases.html. It is slightly smaller than the case sold by Handspring but is identical in design.

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Branson Mo
Posts: 3

Sat. Lock resolution.

I purchased my unit yesterday, and had a problem locking in the sats.. Has anyone else tried the reset button on the back of the GPS..? I did and my problems went away just like that. Locked in within 1min. Tech support was unware that there was a reset on gps itself.

Hope this helps someone else..

Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 5

Need car charger for Prism...

Ok ...

I've had my Magellan GPS for 3 days now, and I'm very happy with it. The color maps look great on my Prism, but now I've got a new problem...

Even with a full charge, my Prism batteries just don't last long when I'm driving around while watching my position on the Visor with GPS. Today I got the "low battery" warning after only about 2 hours of running errands (of course the screen was on the whole time, with the brightness set to high so that I could see the screen during daylight).

Why doesn't someone make a charger/adaptor for the Prism that runs from the car cigarette lighter? Anyone seen such a product?

I have the Prism travel-charge which uses 110V-240V input. The label indicates output of 5.9V. The label also shows the pin configuration for the connector (pin 4 negative, pin 7 positive).

It doesn't seem like this would be difficult...

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Nashville,TN
Posts: 8

Car charger for Prism

Here is a link to the site that sells a car travel charger for the prism. I would already have one but I have spent my disposable income this month on the GPS companion.

http://www.talestuff.com/

Here is a link to some mention of the emergency travel charger here on Visor Central.

http://www.visorcentral.com/page/0-2-743-2.htm

Frank

Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 5

Thanks

Thanks to evryone who told me about Tech Center Labs (talestuff.com). I've got my car charger on order!

Thanks again.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 3

Has anyone tried Placetrace with the Magellan?
http://www.optimalvector.com

I like the software that comes with the Magellan, but the 2 programs (MapComp and NavComp) do not allow you to store and download historical trak and waypoint information for viewing. Placetrace allows you to do this and view your trip(s) on a PC... and it's free (for now). The vector maps are free as well.

It is a cool app if you want to see where you have been AND with Placetrace Base, you can poke in the track you want to take for upload it to your PDA. This is a tremendous aide in navigating to ...wherever

I chatted with the developer and he has pointed me to his latest release, 2.0. Although a great improvement over the release on his website, it is still under development and has is missing some functionality that the GUI would lead you to believe. He is not currently working on the software, which is a shame. Maybe if enough people poked him, he'd continue development.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 11

Optimal Vector

How do you download and install this software. Couldn't figure it out. thanks.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Illinois
Posts: 32

Sat lock problems

I am having trouble locking satellites for the last couple of days. I've installed the upgraded software. I show satellites, sometimes 6 or 8, but they don't lock. I have read here that hitting the reset button on the Companion has resolved this problem for some units. I tried, but it didn't work. Any suggestions?

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: ...somewhere, deep down inside
Posts: 38

Reach for the sky...

Planetarium works well with the Magellan GPS Companion and it can be found at:

http://www.aho.ch/pilotplanets/release.htm

...so now we don't get lost in space.

Registered: May 2000
Location: Fairfax, VA, USA
Posts: 77

Love my new Magellan!

I had trouble initially locking the sattelites, until I read the tip posted in this forum about manually entering your approximate lat/lon coordinates to "jump start" it. The software that comes with it beats the Geodes software hands down. The fact that it works with all 3rd party software out there was the clincher for me though. Can't wait to try it in the air this Thursday!

Dave

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Yup.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Illinois
Posts: 32

3rd party mapping software?

I was looking for any 3rd party mapping software that is compatible with the Companion. If anyone has had any luck, would you post a website and any helpful instructions on how to configure the app. to work with the Magellan?

Registered: May 2000
Location: Fairfax, VA, USA
Posts: 77

Any NMEA compatible software will work

Pretty much anything out there will work with the Magellan. Check for the phrase "NMEA compatible" in the software and your set.

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Yup.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Illinois
Posts: 32

Companion compatible software

How do I load it onto the Visor so the Magellan 'sees' it as a map?

Registered: May 2000
Location: Fairfax, VA, USA
Posts: 77

Do you own a Visor?

Just follow whatever directions come with the software. Like any other Visor app. Have you ever installed an application on the Visor?

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Yup.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Illinois
Posts: 32

Map apps.

DaveyDave,
I know how to install apps., but before I buy a mapping application, I'd like to be sure it will work with the Magellan hardware. I'm not sure, but I don't think that ANY mapping program will work with the Companion just because it can be installed on the Visor. I'd love to be wrong about that.
Are you, or is anyone, aware of a specific program that actually works with the Companion?

Thanks,

Ken