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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.

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.
Detailed Maps -- How do I use more than 1 map file?
When using downloaded maps, there is a restriction of four regions joined together in one file. This means that you can have at most four rectangular regions of detailed coverage. Mapsend can normally load only 1 map. Here is a technique to get around this limitation: SD Card Reader/Writer Method: First, create and download a map to your SD card in the card reader/writer as usual. This map will normally be named detail 00.img. Then from within Windows Explorer, go to your SD card writer, and change the name of the map file to something more descriptive, such as "californ.img" or "n_dakota.img". Be certain that the base part of

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the file name is eight characters or less, and that the file name still ends with ".img". If you do not see the ".img" ending, then do not worry because your Windows Explorer settings won't let you change the ending. Once you have done this, use the MapSend software to send another map to the card. Then change the name of this new map also. When you are done, you will have two or more maps on the card, each with a different name. Activating Different Basemaps: If you have the version 3.12 firmware or above, you can hit the MENU button and select CARD UTILITIES. Select CHANGE MAP, and change the entry in Detail Map If you have the version 3.08 firmware (or below), with the Meridian 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 a "92" and then press ENTER. A box should pop up with the names of all of the ".img" files on the card. Choose the desired map and press ENTER. After a few seconds, you should have the new map loaded up. It would be worth your time to upgrade to the 3.12 firmware or later.
Detailed Maps -- Can I use non-Magellan software or make my own maps?
No. Not possible in any way, shape or form. It can't be done. It won't work. Don't even ask. Never. Pigs will fly first. Do you get the point now? Actually, the Mobile Mapper version of the Meridian does come with software that will allow you to generate custom maps. The drawback is that the package is not sold separately and the Mobile Mapper is priced out of reach for most customers.
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.

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When I arrive at the starting point, I clear all the tracks out of the internal memory of the Meridian (Map Screen: Menu>Clear Tracks, or from other screens, Menu>Setup>Clear Memory>Tracks), so that my route will start fresh. I also reset the trip odometer (Position screen>Menu>Reset Trip), so Ill know how far Ive traveled. Then I hike or paddle or drive keeping an eye out for the next waypoint. The MeriPlat beeps when I get close to a waypoint (tap Enter to make it stop) and then its on to the next. If I miss a waypoint, the unit moves on to the next. The whole time, of course, Im recording a track. When I get home, I download the track into QuakeMap, which immediately zooms me in to see my trip on an aerial photo or topo map. I can annotate waypoints and print it. I can even annotate waypoints with urls to photos that Ive uploaded to the web, and then send the file to someone else who can see exactly where Ive gone (the map) and what it looked like (the photos). If I want to keep the track for later uploading and future trips, I can also download it to MapSend and save it. Editors Note on Mapsend DirectRoute: This new software package will create turn-by-turn, shortest distance street routing. The process detailed above will still be useful for off-road adventures and custom street routes.
Fun things to do with your GPS
Try geocaching! Find hidden treasure with your GPS. Using the coordinates and clues provided, find the hidden container. Once found, sign the book, leave a prize, and take a prize. It is that simple. There are t wo main geocaching sites. http://www.geocaching.com is the first, and the largest. It will likely have a cache in your area. http://www.navicache.com is newer and smaller, but has a friendly laid -back atmosphere. Being the smaller one, it needs your support (monopolies are bad things). For something different try GeoDashing! No boxes, no prizes. Just seeing who gets there first for points. Each game, which lasts a month, consists of a computer randomly generating coordinates. The sooner that you get to a Dash point, the more points you get. Team play is also offered. Check it out at http://geodashing.org/ MinuteWar is a strategic game where the earth is the playing field. There are four teams, and teams attempt to go to random locations similar to GeoDashing. However, going to locations allows your team to control those squares. You may find more information at http://minutewar.org/ The degree confluence projects goal is to get a picture at every point on Earth where the location is described by integer degrees. More information is at http://www.confluence.org/ A good link to many GPS games can be found at http://gpsgames.org/ Note: the GeoDashing and Minute War websites are now hosted at the GPS games site - http://gpsgames.org/
What if I dont use Windows?

If you dont use Microsoft Windows, you are to be congratulated for making a wise decision. MapSend has been reported to work well on a Macintosh with Virtual PC and a USB-serial converter. Linux users can reportedly use VMWare to run MapSend. And of coarse there are also non-Magellan GPS applications that can communicate with the Meridian (although they cannot upload maps).
WAAS - What it is, do I need it, and can I turn it off?
WAAS stands for Wide Area Augmentation System. This system is still experimental. The Meridian can pick up special WAAS satellites (shown by a W on the satellite screen) which transmit various correction factors. There are several ground stations in the US which pick up the GP S signals and calculate these correction factors. If you can pick up a WAAS signal, are relatively close to a ground station, and are in the open (no overhead obstructions), then WAAS may improve accuracy. Sometimes WAAS has been known to decrease accuracy To turn off WAAS, with the Meridian 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 a "03" and then press ENTER. A few boxes should pop up. Press ENTER to turn a "YES" to a "NO" (all boxes will change simultaneously). You may need to use the three-finger salute (simultaneously GOTO, ESC, and ENTER) to get the unit to turn off. Then, when you turn it back on the WAAS satellites should not be visible in the satellite screen. Note that the boot screen will still say "WAAS."
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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.

Build your own Trail Maps
The following section was original contributed by jelf_gps and contains some minor edits. It expands on the subject matter of How do I actually use the GPS? with detailed procedures for turning tracks into trail maps. This post will show you how to make your own maps that can be displayed on the Meridian's screen. This technique is based on editing the GPS track file on your PC. By editing the track file you can easily build a map of your favorite trail system. Also, this technique will show you how to eliminate the straight line that the GPS often draws between two different tracks. This procedure assumes you have a memory card and a card reader and you are running firmware 3.12 or later. Step 1 - Data collection Go to where you want to begin creating your map. Display the map screen and clear the track (menu - clear track). Travel along the trail you want to include in your map. Save the track you recorded (menu - card utilities - save track). You will be asked to enter a file name. The track you just recorded will be saved on the memory card and given the file name that you enter.
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Step 2 - More data collection Go to the start of another trail you want to include on your map. Display the map screen and clear the track. Travel along the trail. Save the track giving it a different file name. Step 3 - Edit the data you collected to make the map The 2 track files you created on your memory card are DOS text files. In this step you will combine those two files into one file to begin making your map. You can keep adding to this file (and thus refining your map) as you travel on and collect data on more trails. Pop the memory card out of your GPS and slip it into your card reader. Fire up your favorite ASCII text editing software. Microsoft's notepad will work fine. (I would tell you that I used WordPerfect Office 2002 as my ASCII editor to figure all this out but at least half of you would ROFL). Create 1 file that contains both of your track files. This is the start of the file that contains the map you are building. Tip #1 The first line in this file must be a valid line from one of your track files. Tip #2 Any line other than the first line can be a comment line. Since the Magellan track file complies with the NMEA standards, any line that begins with a single apostrophe is a comment line. You might want to separate each trail segment you add to this file (your map file) first with a blank line and then with a line giving the name of the following trail segment. The blank line and the trail name line must begin with a single apostrophe. Find the first line of the second track you added to this file. Copy that line so it appears twice in this file, one right after the other. Now edit the first occurrence of that line by (1) changing the time of day so it is at least 4 hours later than the last line of the previous track in this file and (2) changing the lat/long to anything. (Editors note: This is done to prevent the drawing of a line between the last trackpoint of the previous track and the first trackpoint of the next track.) Recalculate the checksum for the line you just changed. The files section of this forum has a utility that will do this. Download and unzip the file Hex Checksum.zip Run this program and follow the instructions. Edit the line you changed so the checksum is correct. (Editors note: Ive found that this procedure appears to work fine without modifying the Checksum). Save your edits and copy this new file onto your memory card and give it a name. The name must be a DOS 8.3 name. (I'm not sure if lowercase letters are allowed, maybe not.) Tip #3: Here is the record layout for the lines in a track file. This info is from the file mag-proto-2-7.zip which is posted in the files section of this forum. Example line: $PMGNTRK,4536.571,N,12320.804,W,00491,M,213631.17,A,,021102*65 The first data field in this message is the Latitude, followed by N or S. The next field is the Longitude followed by E or W. The next field is the altitude followed by "F" for feet or "M" for meters. The next field is the UTC time of the fix. The next field consists of a status letter of "A" to indicate that the data is valid, or "V" to indicate that the data is not valid. The last character field is the name of the track, for those units that support named tracks. The last field contains the UTC date of the fix. Tip #4: Doing the edits described above will cause the Meridian to NOT draw a line on the GPS screen connecting the two tracks. Step 4 - Load the map onto your GPS Pop the memory card into your GPS and fire it up. Clear current track and use the card utilities to Load Track. Load the file you created which combined the two tracks you collected. Your map is now displayed on the screen. Step 5 - Add to your map Whenever you want to add to your map, go to where you want to start recording a new trail. Clear track Travel the trail. Save the track you just created onto the memory card.

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.
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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:

Conv_Memory_Size=65536

Note that the larger the region is, the longer your computer will take to process this region. Processing a 64MB region is likely to take a very long time. You are much better off making smaller maps, and loading multiple map files on your SD card, as described in question 13. Large maps do have some side effect. The larger the map, the more likely the map is to suffer from corruption. Maps larger than 30MB are prone to corruption and very large maps can result in slow screen updates (Topo seems to be more sensitive to this than S&D). To minimize the chance of corruption during map generation, run the Mapsend software to create the maps and do not run any other programs, surf the net, check your email nothing, nada, nil. Dont even think about touching your computer.
Troubleshooting Meridian Green or Yellow Loss of Waypoints and Routes
There is a Troubleshooting that affects only the base 2MB Meridian (Green or Yellow) model. If any waypoint, route, or track data is added or edited, this data will be lost if the Meridian does not have a proper power down (for example, having the batteries die). This means that if you add a waypoint, and then your batteries die before turning the unit off, then your waypoint will be lost. The fix is to turn your unit off and then back on after adding any waypoints or routes. This is due to the type of memory used in the 2MB model, and does not affect the Gold, Platinum, or Marine models. The latest firmware updates are supposed to have reduced this effect somewhat, but the best security for your data is to save your data to the SD card. That way, if you should lose this information you can still restore the data from the SD card.

Magellan Meridian FAQ Version 2.0 Page 26 of 30
Troubleshooting Screen Spots
Some users have reported that the backlight on their Meridian began to develop dark discolored spots. These spots are only visible when the backlight is turned on. Magellan has apparently fixed the problem that caused this to happen with new units, and has promised to fix the problem under warranty for existing units (even if the unit is no longer under warranty). Contact Magellan if this happens, and arrange for the problem to be fixed.
Troubleshooting -- My Platinums Compass Doesnt Calibrate
Sometimes you can calibrate your compass on the Meridian Platinum and it still point the wrong direction often 180 degrees the wrong direction. Also, when you try to calibrate the compass it may be very difficult to get the bubble in the right location at the beginning of the calibration process. A quick fix when direction is off by 180 degrees is to toggle the Compass Orient in the setup menu to GPS Course and then back to Magnetic North. These issues can also be resolved by performing the additional calibration procedure as detailed in the supplemental manual for the Platinum (pages 7 10). You can force the GPS to initiate this process by using hidden menu 21. To execute the steps it is important to have the printout of these pages at sight, because while doing the 9 steps of the procedure you cannot see the commands on the screen in all the necessary positions. - edmaurer2002
Troubleshooting - Low Battery Warning
Some users have notice an erroneous Low Battery warning message during rough handling, even when the batteries are new. One cause of this problem has been reported to be the pressure sensitive contacts used for the batteries. These battery contacts are not actually soldered down to the Meridians circuit board. Slightly bending these contacts for better pressure or soldering the contacts (for those skilled with the soldering iron). Note that a modification such as soldering will probably void any warranty. There is a file called MeriPlatBatComMod.jpg in the groups files section that details the procedure, as performed by gmcaddon.
Troubleshooting My Battery Compartment Door does not fit right.
The battery compartment door doesnt appear to completely seal there is a gap between the cover and the GPS. It also seems loose. Rest assured this is the normal. If you remove the cover and look around the battery compartment you will see a rubber seal, which is what is supposed to do the job of keeping the water out (unless dust or dirt messes up the seal). So is your unit water tight? Well, maybe. In ideal circumstances, the unit provides a water-tight seal, but some users have found out the seal is not always reliable. We recommend that you do NOT rely on the unit to be water-tight put it in a protective case/bag before you go swimming/kayaking/canoeing/tornado chasing or taking a shower with it. Check the postings and youll find lots of references to waterproof cases.

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.