Re: Getting Fed Up With MapSource Unlock

On Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:17:44 -0700, peter vigorously opined:

<snip reply/message bodies>


Garmin tells me that the unlock codes for NACS are specific to both units,
I'm assuming through the Unit I.D. which can be found through the
MapSource program under the menu sequence: Utilities, Get Unit ID. (If the
unit is connected, you will get your specific gpsr's Unit I.D. string.)

Since you presumably had to go through the unlocking procedure to use
the CS-NA maps you would know that the maps are tied to the specific
serial numbers of the receivers. So why didn't you sell the maps along
with the one of the receivers?

I wanted to keep North American City Select. Fact is, Garmin is
discontinuing NACS in favor of City Navigator, a combined product.

The other fact is I just can't afford to buy new maps right now. I
figured I should be able to use what I've already bought.


<snip reply body>

This, when it seems perfectly feasible for a bench technician--with
authority to do so--to simply reassign the hardware/software code
combination to the new unit without having to purchase new data from an
outside vendor every time a new code sequence is generated.

Of course then you'd need to ship both units to Garmin, they'd have to
modify them to have a different serial number and then ship them back
to you. Sounds rather expensive and time consuming compared to the
alternative of recouping part of your map expense by selling the maps
along with the receiver.




Presumably the impetus behind the unlock policy is NavTeq since they're
the ones with the most to lose if the map data becomes freely
available. But since they currently have the best auto-routing map
data they are able to dictate such restrictive terms in their
contractual arrangements with Garmin/Magellan/etc.

As to NAVTEQ having the best auto-routing map data (on the market), I
disagree. There are numerous newer roadways in my local and surrounding
area that are not in the current releases of NACS, v6, presumably because
the NAVTEQ database doesn't have them listed, so, by default, Garmin can
not update the data.

This leads me to another suggestion. Why not use up-to-date,
satellite-overlay data to respond to local changes in highways, primarily
brought about by new construction. Do this first, then go to the
locality, itself, and collect the new data needed, ie, updating the GIS
being used.

If no one in the company can make it out there, then depend on locals,
perhaps even hiring-out for a day or two to collect the data. This would
probably be very cost-effective, as well. It doesn't take a genius to pop
a gps antenna on to a car or truck, and drive along the new roadway,
following whatever specific directions the company field manager gives you.

I'd do it, and I'd love it! GIS/data collecting is something I'm looking
at for a possible career, anyway, so this experience would be welcome.




so I don't know why anyone would even want to use
that model.

For the same reason that anyone makes any business decision - when
weighing all the costs and benefits it was felt to be the best option
available.

I'd probably have to concede to your point on this one.

--Respectfully
Stephen

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: MapSource unlock query - multiple / replacement units
    ... tiles in City Navigator Europe v8 compared to City Select Europe v6. ... upload maps to both, as I should be allowed to do. ... I've looked on the Garmin unlock page for my account, ...
    (sci.geo.satellite-nav)
  • Re: Getting Fed Up With MapSource Unlock
    ... He has an unlocked GPS with maps on it possibly. ... Garmin to do this they would have to have a way to disable the locks on ... it for a revoke key, which disables the software on that machine. ... with the unlock codes for the buyer to use or with the codes revoked ...
    (sci.geo.satellite-nav)
  • Re: Getting Fed Up With MapSource Unlock
    ... He has an unlocked GPS with maps on it possibly. ... Garmin to do this they would have to have a way to disable the locks on ... it for a revoke key, which disables the software on that machine. ... with the unlock codes for the buyer to use or with the codes revoked ...
    (sci.geo.satellite-nav)
  • Re: Getting Fed Up With MapSource Unlock
    ... He has an unlocked GPS with maps on it possibly. ... Garmin to do this they would have to have a way to disable the locks on ... At least Garmin got an agreement that allows for two unlock codes. ...
    (sci.geo.satellite-nav)
  • Re: Getting Fed Up With MapSource Unlock
    ... Garmin tells me that the unlock codes for NACS are specific to both units, ... And how do you prevent the user you sold the unit to from continuing to use the maps? ...
    (sci.geo.satellite-nav)
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