[Az-Geocaching] Am I missing something - Magellen 200s

AZTech aztech.gc at gmail.com
Sun Nov 12 23:01:26 MST 2006


Having recently switched from an eTrex Vista to an eXplorist 500, this is the biggest improvement I've noticed as it makes entering/modifying waypoints much, much quicker, IMHO.

David - AZTech

> ------- Original Message -------
> From: "Loran Wilcox" <loranwilcox at chartermi.net>
> To: listserv at azgeocaching.com
> Sent: 11/12/06, 10:30:49 PM
> Subject: Re: [Az-Geocaching] Am I missing something - Magellen 200s
> 
> A easy example on the differences is
> 
> On the magellan 210 to put in a set of coords you just select the north 
> coords toggle over to the number you want to change toggle up/downto change 
> and then toggle to the next number to chang and repeat.  Then there is a 
> single enter when you are done with the north coord which will take you to 
> the west coord
> 
> On a Gramin you have to go through a number/key pad screen that you select 
> your entry from and then have to hit enter. And you neeed to do this for 
> each entry which is a lot more work.  No wonder you need a 
> interface.....just kidding.  But entering stages on a multicache is a lot 
> more work.
> 
> Team Sand Dollar
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Steven Stringham" <sstringh at stringham-family.org>
> To: <listserv at azgeocaching.com>
> Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006 11:58 PM
> Subject: Re: [Az-Geocaching] Am I missing something - Magellen 200s
> 
> 
> > Of course, B is the right answer. But, I feel bad. He and I went out
> > camping the other night with our scout troop. I helped the boys work on
> > the orienteering merit badge. That is not just map and compass work, but
> > rather, an understanding of competitive map and compass work. So, when I
> > set up the courses, did I really use my compass? No. I used my trusty
> > 60csx.  With distances of 500-2000 feet between stops, (in the dark) I
> > wanted to get the angles and distances right.
> >
> > When I provided data on the course to the boys, I provided bearings and
> > distances, but also coords.
> >
> > Well, my friend then asked my for help on how to use his unit. It was a
> > pain to have to tell him I didn't have time right then, as I was getting
> > the boys out on the course. But, I told him I would teach him later.
> > When I finally got it in my hands, I found I was very spoiled by my
> > Garmin units. I have had the green Venture Etrex, the Vista Etrex, and
> > the 60cs and the 60csx. (I still have the Venture Etrex as well as the
> > 60csx). I am finding the screens clearer, and the interface easier on
> > the Garmins. He then handed my the unit to take home to learn on so we
> > could get some real quality time on how to use it.  Bottom line, I don't
> > like it.  Am I just so spoiled with the Garmin units that I am unwilling
> > to accept the other? And then with the lack of a computer interface
> > (which I use ALL the time), I think it is useless.
> >
> > He is not a cacher. But he does use his ski boat. And hunt and other
> > stuff like that. Those are times when a GPS can come in handy. Even
> > hiking with the boys, it is nice to have. Let alone needing to find a
> > cache. Finding the campsite, or the car at the end of the hike. And then
> > being able to upload the tracks and see them on screen over a map of
> > where you were. That is nice.
> >
> > And then the thought of having to manually enter every coord, it just
> > pains me to think of it.
> >
> > Well, I guess I need to approach him with B). And, I will need to be
> > honest with him. But, it may require some tact to do it right and not
> > turn him off to the technology.
> >
> >
> >
> > AZcachemeister wrote:
> >> We humans are remarkably adept at finding ways to get around hardware
> >> or software shortcomings.
> >> How much the lack of a computer interface affects your friends
> >> experience will depend entirely on how he uses the unit(s), and how
> >> much/often.
> >> You, I, and probably everyone else on this list are spoiled by the
> >> automation we have been enjoying, and can't imagine doing without!
> >> Your friend's GPSs are certainly good as backup units at the time in
> >> the future when he begins caching A LOT (if he ever does).
> >> So my recommendation would be B), with an explanation  why.
> >>
> >> I was not impressed when the whole Explorist line came out due to the
> >> lack of a unit that fit my needs.
> >> Lower end units: no computer interface and no expansion card.
> >> Higher end units: Built-in Lithium battery.
> >> I recently discovered that the Lithium rechargeable battery IS
> >> field-replaceable, and spares are only slightly exorbitantly priced.
> >> Since then the 210 has been released, which seems to be the pick of
> >> the litter!
> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >>
> >>
> >> Steven Stringham wrote:
> >>> Ok. So I am not missing anything.
> >>>
> >>> But, even for hunting, or hiking. Why would you wish for a unit with no
> >>> computer interface. That does not allow you to preprogram routes,
> >>> tracks, waypoints, etc. except by hand. And, it does not let you
> >>> download any of them after an adventure for the after "introspection" of
> >>> the journey.
> >>>
> >>> Heck even the "lowly" yellow etrex has a serial interface and has for
> >>> years.  (It just doesn't come with a cable - but that can be obtained
> >>> for about $15 bucks - no big deal).
> >>>
> >>> So, what should I recommend to my friend. He has two of these.
> >>> A) Toss the piece of crap and get ANY Garmin - and you will be happier?
> >>> B) It is OK, but I would not want one?
> >>> C) I am sorry, but you purchased a piece of crap. Too bad.
> >>>
> >>> The lack of the computer interface really kills it for me. I don't want
> >>> to sour his experience, but that is really really bad.
> >>>
> >>> Steven Stringham
> >>> StringCachers
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Loran Wilcox wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> The Explorist 100,200 and 300 are no good for serious caching as they
> >>>> have no data interface.  The 400, 500, and 600 have a data interface
> >>>> but also have rechargable batteries so again if your like me and cache
> >>>> alot your batteries might just run dom.
> >>>>
> >>>> I am now using an Explorist 210.  This one they got pretty close on
> >>>> for caching.  USB data cable for a very fast interface, regular AA
> >>>> batteries.  and its mapping capable.  And what I find as the best
> >>>> feature is multiple data sets files of 200 caches each with some of
> >>>> the cache info such as type, terrain, difficulty and my favorite when
> >>>> I am in a jam they also have the hints.  Being that I may not know
> >>>> which dirrection my caching for a day will end up taking me sometimes
> >>>> I will load up to 5 sets of 200 waypoints with info.  You will still
> >>>> need a palm for the full cache pages.
> >>>>
> >>>> The only extra I would have wanted in backlit color screen , but you
> >>>> can't have it all.
> >>>>
> >>>> Team Sand Dollar
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> ----- Original Message -----
> >>>>
> >>>>     *From:* Jared Ross <mailto:jaredmross at yahoo.com>
> >>>>     *To:* listserv at azgeocaching.com <mailto:listserv at azgeocaching.com>
> >>>>     *Sent:* Sunday, November 12, 2006 5:55 PM
> >>>>     *Subject:* Re: [Az-Geocaching] Am I missing something - Magellen 
> >>>> 200s
> >>>>
> >>>>     It's my understanding that the Exporist 600 is the only unit of
> >>>>     that series that has computer interface capabilities. So unless
> >>>>     you really enjoy the greater margin of error when hand entering
> >>>>     coordinates, I'm not sure why you would get one.
> >>>>
> >>>>     Jared
> >>>>     AZBliss02
> >>>>
> >>>>     ----- Original Message ----
> >>>>     From: Steven Stringham <sstringh at stringham-family.org
> >>>>     <mailto:sstringh at stringham-family.org>>
> >>>>     To: listserv at azgeocaching.com
> >>>>     Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006 3:03:00 PM
> >>>>     Subject: [Az-Geocaching] Am I missing something - Magellen 200s
> >>>>
> >>>>     Am I missing something. A friend just handed me his Explorist 200 
> >>>> to
> >>>>     learn so I can teach him how to use it. But, I am not finding any
> >>>>     computer interface on the unit? Am I missing something, or am I 
> >>>> right.
> >>>>
> >>>>     I am a long time Garmin user. I have never really explored the
> >>>>     Magellan
> >>>>     units. And then to find out that the 100, 200, and 300 units do
> >>>>     not have
> >>>>     any (serial, usb, etc.) computer interface.
> >>>>
> >>>>     Does anybody on this list really use any of these units for caching
> >>>>     regularly? Help me out! Why?
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>
> > ____________________________________________________________
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> > 
> 
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