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

Loran Wilcox loranwilcox at chartermi.net
Sun Nov 12 22:30:49 MST 2006 

I actually find the interface on the Magellan easier.  But that is only that 
I have used it for a long time.  I have the same problem trying to show 
someone how to use their Garmin.  It really comes down to what you are use 
to.

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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