Magellan Meridian FAQ

Version 2.0 10/31/2003
Version 1 by Kevin Harrelson kevin@harrelson.com Version 2 by Dan Surratt skramblr@hotmail.com Updated info provided by the Meridian group members http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Magellan_Meridian
Table of Contents: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25) 26) 27) 28) 29) 30) 31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37) 38) 39) 40) 41) 42) 43) 44) 45) 46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54) Introduction Which model for me? Various Models -- What's the Difference? Difference between Magellan SporTrak and Meridian GPS receivers? What does the compass and barometer on the Platinum do? Memory and Maps The Overview Base Maps -- What's the deal? Where do I find basemaps? Memory Expansion (SD Card) -- How do I do it, and what's it for? Memory Usage How much memory is left? Detailed Maps -- How do I do it? Detailed Maps -- What if I dont have a base map? Detailed Maps -- What software is available? Detailed Maps -- Why are they so bad? Detailed Maps -- How do I use more than 1 map file? Detailed Maps -- Can I use non-Magellan software or make my own maps? MapSend Topo -- How detailed is it? MapSend Topo -- Where do I find the 4.20 patch for my v3.xx Topo? Combining Mapsend Products (Method 1 Australia Mapsend Streets) Combining Mapsend Products (Method 2 Mapsend Europe and USA) What other software is available. Serial Communications with other software How do I actually use my Magellan GPS? Fun things to do with your GPS What if I dont use Windows? WAAS - What it is, do I need it, and can I turn it off? What are all of these secret menus? Secret Key Combinations Upgrading the "Lawyer" screen Upgrading the "Copyright" screen Emergency Firmware Restoration Base Map Replacement (Gold/Marine/Platinum/Color) Basemap Replacement (Green & Yellow) Base Map Backup Build your own Trail Maps Change the Meridian icons. How do I measure the distance between two points? Can I use rechargeable batteries? What is the Simulate function for? Setting up a User Grid Use Mapsend WW Basemap with BlueNav Charts Troubleshooting -- My GPS is shutting down every few minutes Troubleshooting -- MyMeridian reports Bad Data Troubleshooting -- Cant calibrate the thermometer or barometer Troubleshooting -- The goto line doesnt move with my position Troubleshooting -- Why am I having problems with projections? Troubleshooting My tracks have the wrong time stamp? Troubleshooting -- Topo, Streets and SD Cards Troubleshooting SD Cards and Windows XP Troubleshooting Map Size Limits Troubleshooting Meridian Green or Yellow Loss of Waypoints and Routes Troubleshooting Screen Spots Troubleshooting -- My Platinums Compass Doesnt Calibrate Troubleshooting - Low Battery Warning 27 27
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55) 56) 57) 58) 59) 60) 61) 62) 63) 64)
Troubleshooting My Battery Compartment Door does not fit right. Troubleshooting The contact area on my unit is missing its cover. Troubleshooting -- Mapsend wont read tracks/waypoints from SD card Troubleshooting SanDisk SD Card Incompatibility Troubleshooting -- COM Port is Busy Troubleshooting -- Mapsend is taking forever to generate a map Troubleshooting -- Topo Map Size Troubleshooting -- 128MB and larger SD Cards Where to go for more information Credits & Thanks
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Introduction

This document covers the most commonly asked questions about the Magellan Meridian line of mapping GPS receivers. At the time of the writing of this document, the most current firmware version was 5.12 for the Gold/Platinum/Marine, 4.05 for the Green/Yellow, and 5.12 for the Color. Some sections of this FAQ that discussed problems with firmware previous to 4.02 have been removed. If you have an earlier version, we strongly suggest that you upgrade. Most firmware upgrades are free from Magellans web site, although the version posted on Magellans website may not be as current as those listed above. A common source for updated firmware is the Magellan Firmware Update CD that comes with some Mapsend products (Like Mapsend WorldWide Basemap). Note that this document is a supplement to the manufacturers manual, and is not a replacement for it. If you have not done so, please read the latest version of the Meridian manual from Magellans web site. Platinum users should be certain to also read the Platinum supplement. Photographs Ive added some photos to this FAQ to provide some additional detail. The images are purposely low resolution to minimize this FAQs file size. Higher resolution version for most of these files can be found in the files section of the Meridian group on Yahoo.

Difference between Magellan SporTrak and Meridian GPS receivers?
The SporTrak and Meridian series are very similar in function. The SporTrak units replaced the M300/M320/M330 series, providing a non-mapping base unit and the others are mapping units like the Meridian. The SporTrak are smaller in overall size, with a smaller screen that is slightly brighter. The main difference between the two units,
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however, is that the SporTrak has no SD card support, which means they are limited to internal memory for storing detailed maps. With a SporTrak, only one detailed map can be uploaded at a time, and it is not possible to save waypoint or track files to an SD card. With a Meridian, you can upload multiple map files to the SD card and change between the files on the unit (handy if youre going on a long driving vacation and you dont have a laptop along to reload your GPS. With the Meridian, you can also save waypoint and track files to an SD card. Note - An SD card is usually purchased separately, although some units may include the card as part of a software/hardware bundle.
What does the compass and barometer on the Platinum do?
There are other units with integrated compass/barometer options. These units, like the Garmin eTrex Vista, eTrex Summit, and Map 76S, will simply be referred to as the "other" units. The operation of the Platinum will be compared against those other units. The barometric pressure sensor is currently used as a weather forecasting tool. While the unit is powered on, it will use the GPS altitude to correct the current pressure to obtain a "sea level pressure." The unit can display a plot of the pressure over the past 24 hours, which can be used to predict good or bad weather. Other GPS units can use the barometer to estimate the altitude in the event of insufficient GPS reception. This is NOT currently an option with the Platinum, although it is reasonable to expect this may be added with a future firmware. The thermometer, other than being used for internal temperature compensation of some components, is simply used as a weather-watching feature. It is not possible to get a plot of previous temperatures. The unit can only read the ambient temperature inside of the GPS case itself. This temperature may be quite inaccurate if the GPS is left on the dash of a car on a sunny day. It is possible to calibrate both the thermometer and the barometer. The other units use a "2-D" compass, where the GPS needs to be held level to the ground (display facing up). If the unit it tipped upright, such that the display faces the horizon, then the compass in the other units will simply fail to work. Furthermore, the other GPS units have a threshold speed. Anything below this speed and the heading is obtained from the compass. If you are traveling above this speed, then the heading is obtained from the GPS motion. The compass in the Platinum is far more advanced than in other GPS units, and is completely integrated into the GPS operation. The inclinometers in the Platinum tell it which direction is "down." Thus, the unit knows exactly how to read its 3-D compass in order to work reliably whether the unit is horizontal OR vertical. Furthermore, the Platinum GPS can tell the difference between the motion direction and the compass direction. You can hold the unit facing one direction, move a different direction, and the unit can tell the difference. The direction that the unit is facing is known as the "Heading," and the direction that the unit is moving is known as "COG" for "Course Over Ground." While in the compass display, North will be shown correctly in the proper orientation, and a separate arrow will be added for the direction of travel. This is a handy feature for boaters so they can know where north is, and in which direction they are drifting. The disadvantage of this system is that the compass is active whenever its data is needed, which can somewhat shorten battery life (approx. 25%). The compass is only powered if a particular screen needs the compass direction. In order to deactivate the compass: You will need to tell the compass to use the GPS heading in the compass setup screen (this deactivates the compass on the compass display) Be certain the "Magnetic HDG up" is NOT selected in the map screen Be certain that "Heading" is not selected on any data screens (use COG instead). Note that the compass should be re-calibrated whenever the batteries are changed to ensure best accuracy. In most cases changing batteries only affects the compass heading reading by a couple of degrees.

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Memory Usage How much memory is left?
When using your unit, eventually you will run into memory limits. You can check the percentage of free space remaining for Maps (SD card space), Routes, Waypoints and Track History. To do this, simply press Menu, then select About.
Detailed Maps -- How do I do it?
Detailed maps can provide a lot more detail than the built-in base map. The base map is shown when zoomed out, but the data in the detailed map begins to display when the unit is zoomed it. The detailed map will have every road for an area. The Topo map will also include rough contour lines with elevations (topographical map). The Streets & Destination map will feature POI (Points Of Interest) data which includes restaurants, hotels, golf courses, marinas, tourist attractions, art galleries, museums, gardens, and the like. The first thing that you need is mapping software (described later). You will also need a place to put the maps - the SD card (see above). A SD card writer would also be well worth the nominal investment. After you buy the software, go to the Magellan web site (www.magellangps.com) and check for updates or special instructions for the mapping software. Now youre in business. Using the MapSend software, create up to four different rectangular regions for upload to the GPS. When the regions are uploaded, they will be combined into one file on your SD card. The details will differ depending upon whether you are using a SD writer or the serial port, and on which map software that you have.
Detailed Maps -- What if I dont have a base map?
Sometimes people who own Meridians travel to different continents. It may happen that a person has a North American Meridian, but uses the MapSend European Streets program during a vacation. Conversely, a person with a European base map may travel to America and use the American version of Streets. Unfortunately, problems have been reported in these cases. When the map is zoomed out, you dont see any detail because the base map doesnt contain it. In order to see any roads at all, the map must be zoomed in, which prevents you from getting a birds eye view of the area. Furthermore, the names of the cities and towns are not ever shown, because this data is kept only in the base map. Unfortunately, the only thing you can do to remedy this situation is to upload a different base map to the unit or use the WorldWide base map product.
Detailed Maps -- What software is available?
This section details software listed on the Magellan web site. These detailed mapping packages can be used with any basemap but please note the comments in 11) above. DataSend The DataSend line of products is intended for the Magellan 315 line. They will not work with a Meridian. Do not even try. It is available in an American and European version. MapSend Streets Street maps and limited POI. This is available for the US, and Australia. The Australian version charges a fee for each state purchased. When commenting on the European version, "Skramblr" reported, Maybe Magellan should rename the program to: Mapsend Western Europe, except Ireland, Norway, and Finland. MapSend Streets & Destinations This uses a slightly updated road database that fixes some errors, and is available in US and Canadian versions. It also offers a fairly comprehensive database of POI data, which includes all of the sorts of things that a tourist might be interested in. This version of software is commonly referred to as MapSend S&D. MapSend Topo For the US. Same as MapSend S&D, but adds topographical data. Note that this is rough data, and will not show every little ravine. Apparently, the topographic data has approximately 90M horizontal resolution. If you are planning to do some serious hiking or mountain climbing, don't forget the paper map! MapSend DirectRoute As of this writing, this product is just becoming available. It provides auto-routing with turn-by-turn guidance, will use more accurate NavTech map data, and cover both Canada and the USA. Another

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version is also reported to be coming out for Europe. Note that maps generated with this product are limited to a single GPS serial number. DiscoverAus Streets & Tracks This recently released software package (summer 2003) replaces the older Australian Mapsend products. The older product had to be purchased for the separate states. This new package is more up to date and covers the entire country. Mapsend BlueNav Charts This provides detailed nautical charts, and is available in American and European versions. This is available as a CD which requires a registration and will be usable on only one GPS, and as a SD card, which is copy-protected. Note that SD cards used with this product are restricted to having only a single BlueNav chart loaded. You cannot have any other detailed maps on the card. MapSend WorldWide Basemap This replaces the built-in base map, and is the only way to improve the detail of the base map in the green & yellow models. It is also locked to one GPS. Mapsend Version Note All of the Mapsend software above (except Streets) is available in version 4.xx. Earlier versions cannot download directly to SD cards and are missing some key features (like the track control center). Other Known MapSend Versions Mapsend Streets & Destinations Suomi/Finland, more info at: http://www.magellangps.info/ Copy Protection Note Magellan is actively trying to prevent unauthorized copying of their software products and the maps generated from their products. Unfortunately, this means you cannot backup the CD for the newer software products and you must have the CD in the computer when you start the software. When installed, the GPS also asks for the serial number of your GPS. Maps generated from the product will only load on the GPS with the specified serial number.
Detailed Maps -- Why are they so bad?
One of the most common complaints is that the detailed maps are wrong. In most cases, the base maps are accurate to within the accuracy of the GPS unit. When you compare where you are to where the GPS thinks the road is, keep in mind that an actual road is often 100 feet wide. Typical GPS accuracy is at best 12 feet, and is often 30 feet or more. This means that an error of 50 feet is not only common, but even to be expected. There are few sources for map data. One popular source, the TIGER database, is completely free to use. However, there are often errors, inaccuracies, and omissions in this database (you get what you pay for). Also, this database is sometimes missing roads that are several years old. However, using this database means that the map can be had for well under $100. At the other end of the spectrum, you have maps provided by a private company called NavTech. Some claim these maps are the best that can be purchased, but software with their maps may easily cost $200 or more. Magellan does not have any NavTech maps available for the Meridian line (yet). It is the experience of the original author of this document that the accuracy of the maps tends to differ by region. The author lives in the central Florida area, where the maps are quite impressively accurate. However, while in south Florida, it was noticed that the maps were usually off by 50-100 feet, with 300-foot errors not being uncommon. In one instance, I-95 was off by 1/2 mile. No such errors were ever noticed in the central Florida area. Furthermore, during a recent trip to North Carolina, the maps were once again commendably accurate. The moral of the story is that if you live in a high-accuracy area, you are likely to be quite happy. If you live in a low-accuracy area, then you are likely to not be happy. No map is perfect. Keep in mind that mapping GPS receivers have only been out for a few years. Perfect GPS maps may be available in ten years. The TIGER database is expected to be completely updated within seven years.

MapSend Topo -- How detailed is it?
MapSend Topo uses a different technique than Garmin when it comes to how the data is stored. In the Garmin topo offering, the topographic lines are stored as actual lines, similar to how roads and rivers are stored. This means that the Garmin topographical data is fixed as how it is presented. Magellan, on the other hand, overlays a grid over the whole country. The height is known at every point on the grid. Because of the way that the data is organized, it can be stored quite compactly, probably using techniques borrowed from image compression. This means that a lot of topo data can fit into a relatively small space. This also allows the Meridian to do such tricks as showing the elevation along a route, and to change contour lines from meter to feet. Conventional paper topographical maps have a stated VERTICAL resolution, where each line represents a change in elevation of a certain amount. Magellan Topo, however, has a HORIZONTAL resolution of 90 meters. This means that the grid that Magellan uses has approximately 90 meters between points. If the elevation changes by 2 or 2000 feet in 90 meters, this will be known to the GPS. The disadvantage of this is that details smaller than 90 meters cannot be seen. An improved version of the Topo software was reportedly to be available around April, 2003. Instead, the interface was updated to version 4.20 and the map data remains the same. A complete review of MapSend Topo can be found at http://www.gpsinformation.net/exe/maptech/mag-topo.html
MapSend Topo -- Where do I find the 4.20 patch for my v3.xx Topo?
The patch file for Topo was removed from the websites at the request of Magellan. Although the patch file works fine and there have been no reported issues, Magellan claims it was a beta release and not meant for public distribution. Although they currently do not offer any patch file for v3.xx customers on their website, Magellan has indicated that customers who purchase an old version of Topo can contact Magellan for replacement software. In an email reply to Skramblr about customers who purchase new software and find they got the old version Let them know that they can contact our Consumer Sales Dept. by calling 1-800-669-4477 ext. 5502, we can have the software upgraded to 4.20. For new purchases, the upgrade is free. For others, there may be a nominal charge for the upgrade.

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Combining Mapsend Products (Method 1 Australia Mapsend Streets)
The Australia MapSend Streets has separate versions for each state. Users may want to combine data from multiple states into a single directory, so they can create maps that span state lines. This procedure is from a mail posted by hedorr, Modifying MapSend to accept maps from other installations. When installing Mapsend from a CD the program is installed in its own folder. Subsequent installations are installed in separate folders. There is no option to add subsequent installations to the original. This means that each installation must be run as a separate program. This can be very inconvenient, particularly if the areas covered by the separate installations share common boundaries. Note that this only works with Mapsend reading maps from the hard drive, not CD To overcome this, follow the following procedure: 1. Copy the map information from the new map by copying the folder called "street_xxx" from its \Map folder to the prime MapSend progra m folder \Map. 2. Open the "map.ini" file found in the \Map folder of the prime MapSend folder, find the "[ADD_MAPS_REF]" section and add a line along the lines of 0=\Street_ABC\ map.ini 1=\Street_DEF\ map.ini 2=\Street_GHI\ map.ini 3.Save the file. 4. Open the \Data\fips.txt file of the prime installation and enter lines in the form as follows, depending upon which maps are being imported (copy from the fips.txt file for each of the imported Mapsend states) 87; ABC; Firstland; 85; DEF; Secondland; 99; GHI; Otherplace 5. It is then safe to delete the original Mapsend installations. All areas are now covered when running the first installation, including search functionality.
Combining Mapsend Products (Method 2 Mapsend Europe and USA)
Some users may wish to combine data from multiple MapSend products, in order to create a single detailed map file with data from both programs. This procedure is from a mail posted by mgmatt2001. The following has worked for me on a 330: 1. Start MapSend US 2. Create a region. 3. Save the region. This creates 2 files (with the name you gave the region) -- one in the DOC directory (xxx.rgn), and one in the EXPORT\ IMAGES directory (xxx.img). 4. Exit MapSend US. 5. Copy both of the files to the similar directories under MapSend Europe. 6. Start MapSend Europe. 7. Load the region you created above. 8. Create a second region (up to 4 total), and upload them to the GPS. 9. You should have detail maps of both regions resident in the GPS. Note that the "foreign" region (the US region if you have the European base map in your GPS or the European region if you have the US basemap) will ONLY show when you zoom in quite close (0.4 mi?). You will be able to see the region rectangle on the display when zoomed out too far to see the detail map.

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What are all of these secret menus?
Magellan built a bunch of secret menus into the GPS. These are supposedly for testing and to try out new functionality. There are two ways to access the hidden menus: If your Meridian is turned off, hold down GOTO and NAV and tap the PWR button. In a couple of seconds you should see a box pop up with "00" inside of it. At this point, release GOTO and NAV. Use the direction pad to change the "00" to the number of the menu that you want, and then press ENTER. If your Meridian is already powered on, press the MENU button. Then press and release LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT, and LEFT again. The secret menu box will pop up. In some cases your Meridian may become "stuck" and need the "three finger salute." Hold down GOTO, ESC, and ENTER. This will immediately shut the Meridian down. NOTE: Do NOT use any of these secret menus unless told to do so elsewhere in this document. Some of these may erase the memory of your unit or do other nasty things, which will cause your unit to not work. They are included simply to make this FAQ a complete reference. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do NOT use the following table unless you know exactly what you are doing. Thanks to ClayJar, luis_scsc, Daniel de Wildt & Ed Maurer for information in the following table.

Secret Menus

## 99 Description Firmware Version Display SAT List (?) WAAS Status
(-Turn WAAS on/off : press enter ->3 data fields display on/off (toggle)
Exit Keys ESC MENU ESC ESC ESC ESC ESC MENU ESC ESC WARNING ESC WARNING ESC ESC ESC WARNING ESC ESC WARNING ESC ESC ESC ESC ESC ESC ESC WARNING ESC ESC WARNING ESC WARNING ESC OFF
Sensor Degauss (for factory use!) Unit Off? Temperature Sensor Calibration? Delete User Sensor Calibration (for factory use!) SAT Data? Sensor Degauss
(Starts additional compass calibration! see Plat. Suppl. Manual p 7-10!)
Clear Sensor Calibration Clear Barometer History Clear Memory (select) Clear XO Parameters Clear All Memory Language Select Set Custom Language? Create Waypoints for Testing Compensation Offset ESC Basemap Upload (via SD Card)** SD Card test (Same as Test Card menu item) Firmware Upload (via SD Card)** XO OFFSET/A-D READING (?) Map Select (change Map Menu) Convert Basemap Name (?) Reset Serial Flash (erase all map data) Map Upload (Base or Detail, via serial cable) Software Upload Mode (via serial cable) FORCE

(1. - copy basemap file to SD Card, 2. - rename basemap file to BASEMAP.IMG!)
(1. copy firmware file to SD Card, 2. - rename firmware file to FIRMWARE.HEX!)
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Secret Key Combinations

Below is a list of secret key combinations. NOTE: Do NOT use any of these key combinations unless told to do so elsewhere in this document. Some of these may erase the memory of your unit or do other nasty things which will cause your unit to not work. They are included simply to make this FAQ a complete reference. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do NOT use the following table unless you know exactly what you are doing.
KEYS TO PRESS GOTO ESC ENTER GOTO ESC PWR NAV GOTO ESC PWR NAV ESC PWR NAV GOTO PWR NAV IN PWR NAV OUT PWR ENTER MENU PWR EFFECT FORCE OFF SOFT UPLOAD MODE ACTIVE ??LCD OFF - KEYBOARD OFF ??? BURN IN TEST HIDDEN MENU DISPLAY TEST SERIAL PORT TEST CLEAR ALL MEMORY EXIT KEYS FORCE OFF FORCE OFF ESC PWR / FORCE OFF FORCE OFF FORCE OFF ESC WARNING
Upgrading the "Lawyer" screen
The Meridian contains a screen that basically states that it is not the fault of Magellan if using this GPS causes you to get killed. There is a way to modify the firmware of the Meridian so that, instead of the Lawyer screen, it will display your name, phone number, e-mail, and whatever else you want it to say. The program is called MyMeridian and available from the files section and http://www.navicache.com/freeware/ ERROR FIX: Current version 05b does not work with v4.xx firmware. A fix has been identified. Open the file MyMeridian.ini. Find the entry English=All data and add the word is to the end. The updated line should read: English=All data is To use this software, you must have a copy of the firmware for your unit (can be download from Magellans Website). The tool modifies the text message in the firmware and then you must upload the modified firmware to your unit. If you are squeamish about modifying the firmware, then this modification may not be for you.
Upgrading the "Copyright" screen
Some versions of Mapsend have a Woodalls copyright screen that appears during power on. To change the copyright screen, go to the Mapsend program directory, navigate to the MAP subdirectory and look for the Export.cfg file. Open it in Notepad and look for the lines:
[COPYRIGHT] 1=Woodall's 2=All rights 3=reserved.
To keep these old lines but not show them place a semicolon before the number, and add the new lines. For example:
[COPYRIGHT] ;1=Woodall's ;2=All rights ;3=reserved. 1=My Name 2=My Address. 3=Nowhere, NY 12345 4=1-123-555-1212

Remember, the lines with the semi -colon don't count and don't show up anywhere. Bonus: the lines will print in numerical order (for whatever that's worth).
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Save the file and start up Topo or S&D, mark your regions, save to disk and move to the memory card and start up your Magellan Meridian and you should see the new screen just before the "Lawyer" screen. Unlike the Lawyer screen modification, this one is simple and does not involve manipulating the firmware. It is 100% safe. Note: You cannot have blank lines or lines filled with spaces. I've had as many as 8 lines. More than that just won't show up on the Magellan's Screen. With 8 lines you should be able to place some advertising for Pepsi or CocaCola, except for the darn "Database Copyright Notices" heading. Thanks to Fred Merchant for that information. Notes offered by Greg Davis: - maximum 17 characters (including spaces) on each line - maximum 8 lines total - will show in numerical order - cannot have blank lines or lines filled with spaces (be careful that the editor does not add any additional trailing blank characters). - can save original file, or just comment out using semi-colons and they will not be read: - after modifying the cfg file EACH TIME, you MUST completely restart MapSend before compilation, or it will use the default text. - be sure the cfg file is NOT still open in the text editor so it is saved and can be read.
Emergency Firmware Restoration
Thanks to "Randy Tippetts" Below are the recovery instructions for a dead MAP330 or Meridian. They are written for the MAP330 but they work just as well for the Meridians. 1. 2. 3. If your MAP330/Meridian is in a "locked up" state (stuck on), power it down by holding down MARK/GOTO and the ESC keys and press ENTER. This will power down the unit. Power it up in "Software upload mode" by holding down MARK/GOTO and the ESC keys and press POWER. Unit should power up with a "software upload mode active" message. Run magup.exe, select NO at the dialog box. Click on "Expert" and checkmark "On" for the "Expert Upload" setting (Be sure set the "Unit Type". Use Meridian GPS for the green/yellow or Meridian for the others. With the latest MagUp there is also a Meridian Marine and Meridian Color option) and click "OK" Select the firmware file by clicking on "File" then "Select Code File". The firmware file should have a name like MGPS402.HEX or MGOLD406.HEX. Click on "Upload" and click "OK". Checkmark "Program Code Only". Check "Upload File".
You may be able to recover your unit back without sending it in. Make sure you put fresh batteries in before trying the above. If the above fails, try inserting step 1b between steps 1 and 2 as follows: 1b. Erase the base map by Press NAV and GOTO simultaneously while switching on the Meridian. A small rectangle appears, put in the number 95 (using the cursor keys) and press ENTER. Select Yes and press ENTER. This will delete the basemap! The unit will also switch off automatically.

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3. Use the standard Magellan software (MagUp) for uploading firmware fixes. Select Expert Upload (press no to the default question to upload firmware), select Meridian as your GPS unit and the port the GPS is connected to. Press save. 4. Choose Expert Upload and select Upload firmware and basemap. For basemap select the chart you have previously prepared with the WWBaseMap CD. 5. First, the program uploads the firmware. When this is done the GPS shuts down. Turn it on again and you should receive a message that the unit contains no internal base map, and it will automatically switch to basemap upload mode. From the Magellan application proceed to upload the basemap 6. When the Magellan application finishes uploading the map two things could happen: a) Either the GPS will recognize the new map and it will immediately start loading and display the new map, or b) or it would stay dead and continue to display the message Uploading basemap. If this happens, then from the Magellan MagUp application choose upload base map (just base map not firmware and basemap) from expert mode and repeat the process. 7. The second time around should be sufficient and the GPS should work correctly. If the problem persists then repeat once more. If nothing then use the secret menus (found on the files section) to erase the internal basemap and start all over again from step 4. The result of all this is that the WWBaseMap becomes the internal basemap in the unit, and the BlueNav map runs from the BlueNav SD card.
Troubleshooting -- My GPS is shutting down every few minutes
This problem occurred last year and Magellan sent this reply to bradleymsuter: If your GPS is equipped with WAAS capability and appears to be cycling or shutting down every few minutes, we have found a logical explanation for this occurrence. At the time, there was intermittent testing being done on the EGNOS satellite. EGNOS is the European equivalent of the U.S. WAAS error correction messages and our receivers are capable of receiving and using this satellite signal as it would the U.S. WAAS satellites. On the east coast (or even inland to about the Mississippi river, including in Canada) it is possible for the unit to "see" the EGNOS satellite. If the EGNOS satellite is the one being received and used for WAAS calculations, and this testing is underway, it can cause the units to cycle or power down every 3 minutes and 40 seconds. If you have multiple units in operation at the same time in the same area, you would actually see them all exhibit this behavior at the same time. We are currently working on a new version of software that can detect and ignore the EGNOS satellite signals when the tests are under way. There is nothing wrong with your unit or the current software in your unit. Once we have the new software available and tested we will post it on our website where you may download it and reprogram your unit. Please check our website often over the next week for the updated software. The version you will be looking for will be version higher than the following (the version here will be the last released version known to exhibit this problem): Meridian, Meridian Gold, Meridian Marine, and Meridian Platinum - version 4.04 Meridian Color - version 4.02 SporTrak (basic) - version 1.10 SporTrak Map and SporTrak Pro - version 4.04 Map330 and Map330M - version 4.00 FX324 Color - version 1.16 If you require any assistance in upgrading the software once released, please contact our technical support once you have downloaded the software and are at your computer ready to reprogram the unit and they will get the upgrade started for you. Please contact them at telephone number 800-707-9971. Best regards. Brian Oliver Service Support Supervisor

Troubleshooting My tracks have the wrong time stamp?
When you download tracks to your computer, you may notice that the time of the trackpoints seem to be off by several hours. This is actually normal, as the time stamps are all in Universal Time Clock (UTC). This is also known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Troubleshooting -- Topo, Streets and SD Cards
The Topo and Streets products were originally released before the Meridian was designed. This means that earlier versions of these products do not know that maps can go on a SD card writer. Magellan has posted a document that describes how to fix this.
Magellan Meridian FAQ Version 2.0 Page 25 of 30
Copying Files to an SD Card Reader Manually from MapSend 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Without connecting your Meridian to a PC create your regions and begin the map download process. When the map compilation part of the download process is done, MapSend will display a message that it cannot find your GPS receiver to perform the download. Stop the process here by selecting "Cancel". Using Windows Explorer, go to Program Files/Magellan/MapSend/Export and locate the file called "maps.img". Copy this file to the SD card using USB card reader. Do not create any folders within the SD card where you place this file. Your Meridian will always looks at the top, or "Root", level within the card. Rename the file to "DETAIL00.img" Remove the card and place it in your Meridian. You can use your Meridian as you would normally from here.
Troubleshooting SD Cards and Windows XP
The root of this problem is that any SD card formatted using Windows XP will NOT work in a Meridian GPS receiver. The solution is to use your Meridian to format the card. The card can be formatted from the Card Utilities menu. Note that formatting will completely erase the card. This is not something that you want to do in the middle of the woods! Note that the Meridian completely ignores the Lock switch on the SD card itself! Update This problem is reported to be fixed in the latest firmware updates, version 4.51 or later.
Troubleshooting Map Size Limits
Thanks to "jvavrus2000" With the 3.08 version of the Meridian firmware, size restrictions on the size of map files have been removed. However, the existing MapSend software does not know this, and will try to restrict the size of maps unless told otherwise. First, using Windows Explorer, navigate to the MapSend installation directory. This should be under C:\ Program Files\Magellan. Open the MAPSEND.INI file using your favorite text editor. Inside this file, there is a parameter called "Conv_Memory_Size" which is the maximum region size in bytes. Multiply this number by four, and you should be able to have much larger regions. If this line does not exist, then add the following line (case sensitive) under the [Device Defaults] section:

Troubleshooting -- COM Port is Busy
There are two problems in this category. First, the COM port is always reported busy and never works at all. This most often occurs when other programs loaded on the GPS are using the com port. PDA software is one such culprit, like Palms Hotsync. To get Mapsend to operate, youll have to disable the application that is tying up the COM port. Second, when using Mapsend the COM port stops working after accessing the GPS. If you upload/download data or even test the port, Mapsend says the port is busy. This sometimes occurs on systems with Windows XP, even though Magellan claims they are 100% compatible with XP and have been unable to duplicate this problem. Rebooting the system clears the problem, but for only one upload/download operation (then its Busy again). The fix for this problem is to change the baud rate from the default 4800 to something higher. Both the GPS and Mapsend have to be changed to the new baud rate, then the port will operate properly.
Troubleshooting -- Mapsend is taking forever to generate a map
One issue was identified that on WinXP systems, even a simple map would take hours to generate. Users discovered that a lot of hard drive space also appeared to be consumed. The cause was isolated to WinXPs system restore feature. By turning off System Restore (found in System Properties) it was found the maps generated normally.
Troubleshooting -- Topo Map Size
The Meridian had a problem with files larger than 16MB created by MapSend Topo. This problem has been fixed in the 3.08 firmware.
Magellan Meridian FAQ Version 2.0 Page 28 of 30
Troubleshooting -- 128MB and larger SD Cards
Due to a bug in the 3.08 firmware, serial downloads cannot be done to a 128MB SD card. It is unknown is this problem still exists in the 3.12 firmware and above. If you have version 3.08 and a card this size, then you must use a SD card writer. The MapSend Streets & Destinations product has a bug when using a 128MB card in a SD card writer. The current workaround is to follow the same instructions as for using older MapSend products with a SD card writer. Copying Files to an SD Card Reader Manually from MapSend 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Without connecting your Meridian to a PC create your regions and begin the map download process (to the serial port). When the map compilation part of the download process is done, MapSend will display a message that it cannot find your GPS receiver to perform the download. Stop the process here by selecting "Cancel". Using Windows Explorer, go to Program Files/Magellan/MapSend/Export and locate the file called "maps.img". Copy this file to the SD card using USB card reader. Do not create any folders within the SD card where you place this file. Your Meridian will always looks at the top, or "Root", level within the card. Rename the file to "DETAIL00.img" Remove the card and place it in your Meridian. You can use your Meridian as you would normally from here.

If you absolutely insist on using the serial port to download map data to your Magellan & 128MB SD card, then there may be a way. Using a SD card writer, copy a junk file to the 128MB card large enough to reduce the free space to around 90MB or so. Then, a serial download should work. This may be useful for people who have an old laptop without a USB port, but still want to download fresh maps away from home.
Where to go for more information
If you have other questions about your Magellan Meridian, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Magellan_Meridian/ The best source on the internet for general GPS information is: http://gpsinformation.net/
Magellan Meridian FAQ Version 2.0 Page 29 of 30

Credits & Thanks

Some parts of this document were based on data and assistance provided by the following people. If you feel that you should be included in this "Credits" section, please e-mail me. Members can be found at the Magellan Meridian Yahoo Group. bradleymsuter ClayJar Daniel de Wildt edmaurer2002 Fred Merchant geo_alexm georockers gmcaddon hedoor hedorr Jacek M. Holeczek Jack Yaezel jelf_gps jvavrus2000 luis_scsc mgmatt2001 Randy Tippetts Reitgruppe Robert Lipe Skramblr Sportfishingshop toine_stokbroekx Wyatt
Special thanks to Linda Day, for her Tech Writer skills in reviewing this document (for defunked grammer some uf us kant writ so good)
Magellan Meridian FAQ Version 2.0 Page 30 of 30

ELECTRONICALLY REPRINTED FROM APRIL 2002

] BY MARK NOBLES

Magellan Meridian Gold & MapSend Topo
PC for storage and editing. Weighing only 8 ounces, the Meridian Gold is designed to be rugged and easy to carry. It even oats. The gray-scale display screen measures 1.75 inches wide by 2.2 inches high, and both the screen and the keypad are backlit to make them easy to read in any conditions. MapSend Topo USA Based on the U.S. Geological Survey DEM data, Magellans new MapSend Topo USA CD-ROM is a comprehensive database that includes nationwide street maps, trails, lakes, rivers, points of interest, and Woodalls Campgrounds data. And what makes this program unique, not to mention fun, is that it is fully interactive and fully searchable, both on your PC and on your Magellan GPS unit. Topo has really been designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind. The control functions are designed to allow users to search through a wide range of POIs, including lakes, mines, canyons, caves, waterfalls, bridges, parks, and more. Best of all, you can create waypoints and routes on your PC and then download them directly into your Meridian unit, complete with all the pertinent 3D topographical data, where it will be at your ngertips out on the trail. Likewise, the waypoints and routes that are created on the Meridian unit can be downloaded to MapSend Topo later. Contrary to DeLorme and Garmin, MapSend does not offer real-time tracking capabilities. But this seems a small price to pay for the exibility of being able to upload both large and small map sections at your discretion.
reat explorers have always kept careful records of their sojourns. And today, this has been made much simpler with handheld GPS units. One of the newest to arrive on the scene is Magellans Meridian Gold. While closely related to the M-330, the Meridian Gold is superior on a number of fronts. It features WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) technology, which provides accurate positioning to within 3 meters. And it is the rst handheld GPS unit to use Secure Digital Memory Cards to signicantly expand the memory capacity for downloading and storing data. The Meridian Gold comes equipped with a 16MB U.S. database of maps that covers interstate highways, major roads, parks, and waterways. But this can be dramatically expanded upon with the optional 8, 16, 32, or 64MB memory cards, which will provide adequate room for the wide range of Magellan MapSend maps: Streets USA, Topo USA, and Streets and Destinations USA. The Meridian Gold is more than just a digital map, though. For those off-road journeys and hiking trips, it can record as many as 500 waypoints and 20 reversible routes with as many as 30 legs each. And because the Gold is fully PC compatible, all of the information that you record about locations, landmarks, and routes can be downloaded to your

s FOR MORE INFORMATION

Interesting Features
Waypoints and tracks can be turned on and off either individually or globally. An elevation prole of the trail directly ahead can be displayed (with Topo map). There are eight sequential user screens, any of which can be turned off. Either xed elevation (2D) or GPS elevation (3D) can be selected. A GPS Fix alarm can be activated to sound upon arrival.
Thales Navigation, 960 Overland Ct., San Dimas, CA 91773, (909) 394-5000, www.magellangps.com.
Posted with permission from the April 2002 issue of 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Copyright 2002, PRIMEDIA Inc. All rights reserved.
For more information about reprints from 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility, contact Wrights Reprints at 877-652-5295