Re: Garmin Xs, memory cards, and MapSource licenses
- From: "peter" <prathman@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: 16 Jan 2006 22:28:24 -0800
Bob Greschke wrote:
> I knew about the other units with cards. I've just never owned one or
> really thought about the copy protection. How is it actually done? Are the
> files actually altered when they are written to the card (or to the internal
> memory on a non-card unit)? The one time I copied locked maps to a unit (at
> work) it seemed like the MapSource program was the one that would have
> stopped me from copying the maps to a non-registered GPS, but then I wasn't
> paying much attention, nor did I try it.
After compiling the set of maps, MapSource will check if the GPS that's
connected is one that's been authorized (unlocked) for that set of
maps. But at that point it'll just give you a warning message and let
you proceed to download the maps to the unit anyway if you choose.
However, when you then use the unit it'll give an error message that
the maps are locked. The unit will work fine but the maps won't show
up and you can't do any FINDs for POIs or addresses, etc. on them.
I don't know the details of what information is sent, but I'd presume
that along with the maps MapSource would send an unlocking code and the
unit firmware then uses some encryption algorithm using that code and
its own serial number to see if the maps are valid on that unit. So
when you write maps to a memory card you need to make sure that
MapSource is sending the right code for use by the GPS that will
eventually be using those maps. Usually that's automatic since you'll
write the maps directly to the card in the GPS that'll use them. But I
guess one could transfer them to a card in one GPS using the unlock
code for another one (using the option to ignore the warning message
given by MapSource), and then switch the card later to the correct GPS.
I suppose it could come in handy if you're traveling somewhere without
access to a PC and decide you need a memory card with a different set
of maps. A friend back home could then load them on a card using the
code for your GPS and mail it to you.
.
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