Re: Geocaching Question

From: Peter (prathman_at_comcast.net)
Date: 03/22/05 

Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 12:39:07 -0800

Scott wrote:

> In article <T7GdneEuhMNvwKLfRVn-3w@comcast.com>,
> Peter <prathman@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>>No need for PC emulation. The main use of a computer interface for
>>geocaching is to transfer waypoints (and less frequently routes and
>>tracklogs). Mac programs like MacGPS Pro and GPSy will do that with
>>most Garmin and Magellan models, including the 315, 330, Meridians, and
>>SporTraks I mentioned above. The newer eXplorist 400/500/600 models are
>>just becoming available and I don't know about software availability for
>>them - it may take a little while for the programs to be adapted.
>
> My concern was that according to most of the Mac connection
> applications, they don't work with the USB based models.

Which is why all the models I recommended have RS232 interfaces. These
do work in conjunction with readily available and inexpensive USB-RS232
adapter cables. As I said above, it may take awhile for the software to
become available for the new USB-only models. If you really want a new
color model, the Garmin 60c/cs and 76c/cs models have both RS232 and USB
serial interfaces so you could use them today with the RS-232 interface
and later with USB when the software has become available.

>>There is no "Meridian 300". There's an older Magellan 300, but the 315
>>would be better and there's the eXplorist 300 which lacks a computer
>>interface and would be more expensive than an old 315/330/SporTrackMap.
>>A recent survey at www.geocaching.com rated a computer interface as the
>>most needed GPS feature from a list of about 25, and the first time you
>>find yourself hunting in the wrong place because of a misentered digit
>>you'll see why.
>
> The issue, then, would be to get a serial-based GPS and the USB-serial
> interface.
>
Yes, that's what I suggested earlier, only I prefer to call USB-RS232
since USB is clearly also a serial interface.

Apparently there is also a way to create a 'close-enough' approximation
to an RS-232 interface for the eXplorist 100/200/300 models as described
  at:
http://rhamphorinkx.newmail.ru/

But given all the other models that work just as well and come with such
interfaces standard I'm not sure I see the point of buying a model that
requires this degree of customization.

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