Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Enumclaw, Wa
Posts: 268

LOL!

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Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Madison,AL
Posts: 25

I returned my Magellan GPS Companion to Staples today. I already owned Solus Pro 2.0 and Earthmate.

I didn't want to spend the time trying to figure out which vendor was at fault for the nagging GPS disconnects (Delorme or Magellan). I suspect it was Delorme/Solus and a flow control issue when panning/zooming. I'll stick with my external + plus cable until the mapping s/w is ready for prime time.

The Magellan Map-Companion interface is VERY ugly when you have to download EVERY county/city map between point A and B. If I KNEW all of the cities between A and B I probably wouldn't need a GPS

It would be very nice if PDA mapping s/w had a 'base map' built in that had all interstates, exit data and major roads and only download detailed street data for the area of interest. This is the way most standalone map based GPS works.

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 604

Geoview has something like the base map feature you refer to. You can download a particular state's entire interstate map, and then just download the specific location maps you want to use.

One small problem - the maps are all quite large.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: NH
Posts: 25

Re: comments from delorme

quote:

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Originally posted by tuffy
After reading so many negative comments about delorme solus pro, I sent an e-mail to their tech support:

I am interested in version 3 of your Solus program. I have a handspring visor prism with a magellan gps companion and I need software which will allow me to add waypoints on maps & download routes to my pda. I posted a question about solus on a visorcentral discussion board & comments made suggested that in solus 2 the gps lost it's fix often and had to be re-initialized repeatedly. I would like to know if this issue has be addressed in solus 3. If there are any other advantages that solus has over quo vadis please let me know. I will definitely purchase some additional mapping software in the near future, and any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

and got the following response:

Solus 2.0 repeatingly losing it's fix..???? That's new to me... There is no issue on loosing a fix. I use Solus 2 with my Palm Vll without problems. If the software does keep losing a fix.. we can most likely trouble shoot.. and correct the problem.. and ya that sometimes happens.. but again it's usually do to a possible corrupt file and easily can be fixed.. so no issue. Now, the only difference between Solus 2.0 and 3.0,other then the $10 price differences.. is that Solus 3.0 has wireless capabilities...


Best Regards


DeLorme Tech Support

I guess they should check out this thread!!!

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Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Temecula, Ca
Posts: 3

software for use with Magellan Companion

I recently purchased a Prism with one of my upcoming purchases being the Magellan Companion.

This thread has been instrumental in deciding on the Magellan. Although the Geode intrigues me, it seems, from the posts here that it's software is not up to par with the Magellan at this time.

My question is this: After viewing the mentioned mapping software here in screen shots, it seems that the Delorme Street Warrior Maps are incredible. Now I know that is just the way the screen shots look. I would like to have a map that looks like that on my Prism screen that will scroll as I drive while showing my location.

A friend of mine has a Magellan stand alone in his vehicle and it's incredible. How does the Magellan software compare to the appearance of the Street Warrior?? Any thoughts.

Thanks for all the insight already, it's been eye opening.

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location: birmingham, al
Posts: 41

time for everyone to sound off!

what serial number do you have?

mine's 299 (forgot to look at the first one I bought that got returned to compusa)

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(OIIIIO)

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Katy, TX
Posts: 1

Nirvana still not found

I, too, cannot get the Magellan GPS Companion for the Visor to find satellites on a consistent basis. For a few minutes here near Houston, TX, I got a 3D FIX, but have not been able to repeat the success. I will try more during the week and even call Magellan, but for now I am not thrilled, nor convinced I will get out of this what I want. I need a unit to keep me from getting lost as I travel around the U.S., particularly in the NE where street names change from town to town.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 52

More on Solus Pro V2

I got an RMA number to return this software. (Thank God!) My 30 days are up in a couple of days. After calling Delorme, the first customer service guy gave the standard, "Problem? This is the first time hearing of this problem." I spoke with his supervisor and got a decent response. It is a known problem and there are no current plans to fix the problem with the loss of connections. They have received a number of calls and the fixes can last from 10 minutes to 2 hours! They are not sure if the problem can be fixed with software alone. I'm thinking that given the number of people who prefer to have a Springboard like this one over a dedicated device, they will find it economically advantageous to work on the problem but so far they are not saying this.

I'm sorry to hear this because when it works, it really does a fine job mapping out a lengthy route that consumes very little space on my Prism and I don't know of another product that will do this. The Magellan software seems to assume that you are only going to travel less than 18 miles or you have unlimited space available for ALL of their maps. I even considered returning V2 and later buying V3 and pay the additional $10 because it would be nice to eliminate the hotsync requirement but this requires a subscription of $30/year!! Heck, I don't do that much driving around to warrant that extra fee. Maybe they will reduce it to something more reasonable?

Now I see why the Magellan people suggest getting the routes from the web directly. I don't use AvantGo and I'd like to know of a simple way to get the text route to a memo.

Decisions, decisions. Any advice?

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Posts: 406

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Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 24

Re: Nirvana still not found

quote:

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Originally posted by NMStewart
I, too, cannot get the Magellan GPS Companion for the Visor to find satellites on a consistent basis. For a few minutes here near Houston, TX, I got a 3D FIX, but have not been able to repeat the success. I will try more during the week and even call Magellan, but for now I am not thrilled, nor convinced I will get out of this what I want. I need a unit to keep me from getting lost as I travel around the U.S., particularly in the NE where street names change from town to town.

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Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Posts: 406

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Last edited by Vertigo on 03-12-2001 at 07:23 PM

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 11

Manual/Handbook

i love my magellan!
but i would like to learn more about the numbers and letters floating around besides just n-s-e-w. my question is whether there is a manual for the magellan gps or the software that came with it. also any general info sites or books on gps and learning how to use all the different bells and whistles would be greatly appreciated. thanks all and thanks for having a great group here . . . . (periods and all)
flailer - nyc

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: NH
Posts: 25

Solus Pro 2.0 Problems

I called Delorme and told them that I had a Platinum and Companion and it keeps loosing the fix. The woman said that the problem is Solus Pro 2.0 does not work with the Platinum but they are working on a fix. She thought it might be out by the spring or summer. I told her they should post that info on the web. I am still within the 30 days return so I opted to return the software and wait to see if they do fix the problem.

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Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Madison,AL
Posts: 25

I've been using Solus 2.0 and an external Earthmate GPS with the Platinum for several months and it works fine. Perhaps the problem is with Solus 2.0/GPS Companion/Platinum combination?

I think the issue is that the serial s/w driver to the GPS companion doesn't get enough CPU bandwidth/priority during scrolls/zooms and Solus drops characters which causes it to lose sync with the GPS Companion.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: NH
Posts: 25

quote:

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Originally posted by timpearson
I've been using Solus 2.0 and an external Earthmate GPS with the Platinum for several months and it works fine. Perhaps the problem is with Solus 2.0/GPS Companion/Platinum combination?

I think the issue is that the serial s/w driver to the GPS companion doesn't get enough CPU bandwidth/priority during scrolls/zooms and Solus drops characters which causes it to lose sync with the GPS Companion.

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Registered: Mar 2001
Location:
Posts: 6

Magellan and Solus Pro 2.0

I have also been "trying" to use Solus Pro 2.0. I've sent a couple of e-mails to their customer service. The first reply was not very cooperative. I called them on it on my second e-mail. This is their reply:

"We've only tested the Magellan Handheld GPS devices with Solus. We haven't tested the Magellan Companion GPS devices or any of the GPS devices that plug directly into a handheld with Solus.

Technically the problem is with our software. It is designed to work with handheld GPS devices connected to our Handspring (or Palm) cables (which are then connected to a handheld device. The GPS devices that plug directly into the Springboard slot of the Handspring handhelds (or Palm handhelds) require individual drivers for each model GPS device. We'd have to create a new version of Solus for each device, which is not economically feasible.

Unfortunately at this point I don't have a solution for you. We are aware of the issue and are looking into possible solutions. At this time, I can't tell you if or when a solution may be available."

So, it seems we get conflicting information about what Delorme is going to do about the problem. Hopefully they will update their website to help Magellan GPS Companion owners who don't frequent this site to stear clear for the time being (or deal with the headaches of more customer service calls and RMAs!)

On another note, I was experiencing a similar problem with a program called Flight Buddy (an aviation program). They sent me a beta fix the next day that solved the problem. What a difference in customer service!!! Hopefully Delorme will take notice. If a small company can have such a quick turn around why can't somebody with considerably more resources? Hmmm.

I have to say, though, that I continue to be impressed with the GPS unit. It works as advertised, especially after the software update.

Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 11

GPS for VDX

You know, my main reason for not buying one of these (and modules in general, now that you mention it) is the price. Why would I pay $150 for a device that is JUST a receiver (no case, screen, buttons, etc) when I can buy a Magellan GPS unit for $119, and don't have to worry about my connection being bad, or draining the batteries on my VDX EVEN FASTER?

I will not be walking to appointments with this thing sticking out of the back of my VDX, so I will really only be using it in the car. Again, go with this unit that drains my batteries for 1/2 again as much, or just get a cheaper/easier/faster one?

The same holds for almost every other module (mem doesn't count here) - mp3 players, voice recorder, even backup. My computer is my backup (not a real mobile user).

Anyone got a good argument for me to convince me?

Registered: Mar 2001
Location:
Posts: 6

RE: GPS for VDX

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.

Witness the ongoing discussion about Solus Pro (Delorme) and the software that comes with the Magellan unit (provided by Marcosoft). They each have their strengths. Even thought Solus currently has problems, and Delorme doesn't seem too interested in fixing it, it DOES provide an alternative. You can certainly make the same comparison with the variety of handheld GPS devices out there.

I like the size of the GPS Companion. It is easily tucked into a pocket until I need it. As far as batteries go, the Companion lives up to it's 10 hour rating (with an optional cigarette lighter adapter on the horizon). I will probably start using rechargeable batteries in my VDX soon, though. The handheld GPS units used we currently use in my full time job for aviation use 8 AA batteries and we only get about 6 hours (if that) of use out of them. The unit (FAA certified) also cost about $1600 two years ago. The unit is also much bulkier than the VDX/Companion combination.

In a nutshell, use what product best suits you.

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

Re: GPS for VDX

quote:

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Originally posted by jlkrumm
Anyone got a good argument for me to convince me?

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Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Enumclaw, Wa
Posts: 268

Re: Re: GPS for VDX

quote:

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Originally posted by zer0phase


You know you're right. I guess there really isn't any point in having a Handspring anymore....

(Oh man, I'm so easily swayed!)

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God bless the USA! The country I love, and will support at all costs.