I wanted to than everyone for such a prompt and helpful response. I tired
moving the reciever closer to the side window in the car, but it was to no
avail (nor was actually sticking my hand outside the window (not smart)). I
think that antenna seems to be the only solution. 

I will probably settle for paper maps, since I don't have a handy laptop. I
will defenitely check the Costco and the store in Fiesta Mall. I looked up the
choice of datum sets in GPS4000 and it does have NAD27 as a choice.

thanks again,
Monika


On Thu, 1 Aug 2002, Team Tierra Buena wrote:

> Welcome, Monika! You'll likely get several responses here, most of which
> will be more helpful than this one, but as I'm the early bird here
> today, I can give you a couple of things to get started until the folks
> who really know what they're talking about show up.
> 
> > Unfortunately car roof obscures view of the sky and over 95% 
> > of time the receiver cannot get a lock on enough satellites. 
> > (Placing it on a dashboard did not help). Do you know of a 
> > way to get around this problem?
> 
> I don't know the Magellan 4000, but the resource I checked states that
> it has a receptacle for connecting an external antenna. These connectors
> are usually one of a few standard types, so it should be possible still
> to get an antenna that will work with your 4000. They can be obtained
> with magnetic bases, so you can put the antenna on the roof of your car,
> and run the cable through the window to your GPSr. This solution, of
> course, costs money.
> 
> > Do you know where I 
> > could access good quality on-line maps with latitude, 
> > longitude and altitude?
> 
> Your best bet is probably TopoZone (www.topozone.com). Just be aware
> that those maps use the NAD-27 datum, and your GPSr is probably set up
> to default to the WGS-84 datum. Most GPSr units offer the ability to
> convert between datums, and the difference between the two can be
> significant.
> 
> > If not, then do you know of a 
> > bookstore or another place in Phoenix area, which would carry 
> > good quality cartographic materials (which are not terribly 
> > expensive)?
> 
> Don't know about expensive, but the most complete resource IMO is Wide
> World of Maps (http://www.maps4u.com/). They have two stores in the
> Valley, one on Indian School near I-17 and one near Fiesta Mall in Mesa.
> 
> Steve
> Team Tierra Buena
> 
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