Which model for me? Various Models -- What's the Difference?
Only you can answer this question. Read the next few sections for more information.
All Meridian models share the same case (except for color) and basic hardware. Yet there are differences. Meridian Gold -- This is the "central" model on which all other models are based. It features SD card expansion, and 16MB of base map memory. This unit is sometimes called the "MeriGold." Magellan refers to this unit as Meridian GPS (as opposed to a platinum, which they call the Meridian Platinum). Meridian Marine -- This is the same as the Gold model and features the same base map, but has some marine navigational aids plus a marine-ish white and blue case. Except for the case colors, this unit is internally identical to the Meridian Gold. The only difference is the base map. Meridian GPS -- This unit features a green or yellow case and is sometimes called the "MeriGreen. It is identical to the Gold model, except that it only has 2MB of internal built-in memory for base maps, instead of 16 MB. Refer to the section on mapping for more details about the base map. This base models memory cannot be upgraded to allow it to operate like a MeriGold. Note that the Green model is now also available in yellow. Meridian Platinum -- This is the same as the Meridian Gold, except that it has an extra card that gives the unit a 3axis compass, 3-axis inclinometer, thermometer, and barometric pressure sensor. Due to its platinum (silver) color, it is called the "MeriPlat." Meridian Color -- This model is essentially a Meridian Gold with a color screen. This enhances readability of the display. The display has been reported to be hard to read with the backlight turned off. Expect shorter battery life due to the color screen and the constant need for the backlight. Mobile Mapper This appears to be a repackaged Meridian Color unit with customer firmware and GIS data collection software. It is also much more expensive. Details can be found here: http://products.thalesnavigation.com/en/products/product.asp?PRODID=928 Note that it is possible to change the base maps on the various units, if there is enough memory. The base map from the Marine can be placed in either the Platinum or the Gold. Furthermore, European and Australian base maps exist which can fit in the Gold, Platinum, or Marine. Note that Magellan does not condone the sharing of base maps on the internet, although they do occasionally send out copies of base maps on firmware update CDs or with Mapsend Products.

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 other software is available.
There are many other programs available that can communicate with the Magellan Meridian. As stated before, none of them will allow detailed maps to be uploaded to the Meridian. However, other programs can provide a surprising amount of functionality. Most software will allow you to transfer tracks, waypoints, and routes between the PC and the Meridian. Many mapping programs that run in a PC, Mac, or PDA can obtain a position from the Meridian and display the current location on the computer screen. Software such a Fugawi and Ozi Explorer (and others) will allow you to use scanned maps on your PC or laptop. You can use USGS maps, or even scan in your own favorite paper map. Microsoft Streets and Delorme Street Atlas contain a detailed map of the entire US, and can do turn-by-turn routing (if you have a laptop). Delorme will even tell you (using the computers speaker) where to turn. There are many other programs that will manage waypoints. Linda Day offers this suggestion. While MapSend maps are the only maps you can upload to your Meridian GPS, there are many other mapping programs you can use to plan routes, record tracks, and manage waypoints. For example, you might use MapSend Topo to upload a map of Texas to your SD card. Then you could use QuakeMap (http://www.quakemap.com or ExpertGPS (www.expertgps.com) to see an aerial photo and/or detailed and ) accurate topo on your PC. Zoom in to the location of your planned trip. Then a few clicks with a mouse, and youve created a route on the aerial/topo map on your screen. Now upload this route to your GPS, and you can be pretty certain that the route will be dead on when you actually use it on your GPS. Yes, its true, you can upload a route from MapSend, but it might have you driving in the Pacific Ocean (if you happen to be in Hawaii). Now when you get back from your trip, download your tracks from the GPS back into your PC program of choice, and see them in color on an aerial photo. Some software even allows you to click on points of the track and document them with a description and/or a link to a photo youve uploaded to the web. Then you can send your trip file (in *.gpx format) to others, who can see where youve been and check out your photos. Cool.
Serial Communications with other software
There are several things that you should know in order to get serial communications to work properly. The communications require a serial port, which is also called a COM (for communications) port. If you have a newer system (typically a laptop) without a serial port, then you can obtain a USB to Serial converter. Some places on the Internet have them for under $25.00. Some success has been reported with the Kensington model. Dial-up modems use COM ports. This means that if you have a modem, then it will have a COM port. If you have a typical desktop computer, then you may have two COM ports, and one modem with its own port. This means that of the three possible COM ports, you have to find the particular one that the GPS cable is connected to. Mapsend will try all COM ports at various speeds until it finds the right one. Be sure to write down the right port and speed for use with other software. Baud rates must match. You must set your PC and your GPS receiver to the same baud rate. No matchee, no workee. Also, if you are having problems, be sure to disable any PDA synchronization software that may be running (IE, Palms Hotsync). When using software OTHER than Magellan Mapsend, you MAY need to set your GPS to transmit one of the various types of NMEA data (from the setup menu). Just like a person might be able to speak English, French, or Spanish, your Magellan knows how to speak Magellan-ese (NMEA off) or one of the various NMEA dialects. If you can tell your software that you are using a Magellan receiver then it probably speaks Magellan-ese. Otherwise, it probably uses NMEA. NMEA stands for National Marine Electronics Association. It defines a standard that allows marine electronics to talk to each other. If your software has an option for the Magellan Map330, that should work with the Meridian.

How do I actually use my Magellan GPS?
This section was provided by Linda Day: Ok, youve read about firmware and maps and MapSend products, but how do you actually use this thing? You are about to take off for a hike (or paddle) and know that the GPS is a cool tool, but thats about all. What if someone else in your group asks you to explain? Do you really want to say, Well, I turn it on this way, and then I look at the
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little screen to see where it says I am, and then I look out the window of the car to see if were really driving in the Pacific Ocean, which was what one user said when she took her new GPS to Hawaii. First, you have to understand the difference between routes and tracks. Routes A route is a trip you plan, shown by waypoints (specific points noted by longitude and latitude) connected by a solid line. There are three basic ways to lay out a route: Lay out your route on the GPS itself. This is so-o-o-o cumbersome you will probably only do it once, if ever. You basically have to create a waypoint for every point you want the route to travel thru, then you go to the route menu and add each waypoint (one at a time) into a routes list. Lay out your route in your PC using MapSend. This is also cumbersome, since you have to create the waypoints first, and then connect the dots to create the route. And if you have to reposition the map during the process, MapSend automatically ends that route and starts a new one. Then you upload the route(s) to your GPS. You can do this by using the serial cable (which is somewhat slower) or by converting your MapSend data to Magellan format using gpsbabel and then loading it to your SD card using a card reader (which is faster, unless you count the time it takes to use gpsbabel). Gpsbabel is a conversion tool available from http://gpsbabel.sourceforge.net/. Lay out your route using other software, such as DeLorme, QuakeMap, ExpertGPS, & others. For example, in QuakeMap (available from http://www.quakemap.com you can draw the route and create waypoints in a ), single step by clicking the mouse at each point where the route makes a turn. Once again, you must upload the route to your GPS either through the serial channel, which is generally handled by the third-party mapping software, or by converting it to Magellan format using gpsbabel and then writing it to the SD card.
A route is limited to 30 waypoints. So if you have a long route, you must break it down into 30-waypoint sections, or space your waypoints far apart. (Editors note: the Meridians firmware has been limited to 30 waypoints until firmware 4.51 or later. Even with the updated firmware, some programs recognized the 30 waypoint limitation and may not yet be updated to allow more than 30 waypoints) Tracks A track is created or added to by the Meridian every time you turn it on. It tracks where you go by recording trackpoints at intervals. You can change the intervals at which trackpoints are recorded by Menu>Map Setup (Display Tab)>Track Mode. If you first turn on your unit in Houston then fly to Hawaii for a bunch of hiking, your track for your trip will be several thousand miles long. You can save a track to the SD card (Menu>Card Utilities>Save Track), clear the track from internal memory (from the Map Screen: Menu>Clear Track), and then record a new track. When you get home, you can download tracks from the Magellan to MapSend or to one of the other programs. Once again, there are two ways to download your tracks: Connect your Magellan to the PC and download via the serial cable. First load the track youre interested in back into the Magellan internal memory (Menu>Card Utilities>Load Track) and then control the download from the PC software. Download from the SD card. Here you have to use gpsbabel to convert from the Magellan format to the format required by the PC software.

If you save tracks on your PC, you can upload them back to the GPS next time you want to hike or paddle or drive the same route. Tracks have a 2000 waypoint limitation before it will start writing over the oldest track points. One users trip recipe First, I check out the area using the aerial and topo maps from QuakeMap. I tried using MapSend, but the maps arent all that accurate, and the process is incredibly cumbersome. The only real use for MapSend IMHO is to load detail maps to the Meridian GPS, which no other software can do. Then I create a route that I think might be interesting by clicking on the map. I upload the route using the serial connection and specifying a baud rate of 57600.
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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/

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".

This is the procedure that works for uploading a different basemap in a Meridian GPS (Green or Yellow) as provided by toine_stokbroekx. I've tried several ways and combinations without success until I did it this way. Thanks to Jon for providing a crucial hint. What I used: - firmware 4.03 - MAGUP 1.20 - eu_b100.img (basemap) - serial data cable step 1: clear memory Very important. Turn on the unit and clear memory by pressing MENU from any screen, select `Setup', `Clear Memory', then select `All' and `Yes'. The unit will turn off automatically. step 2: Get to upload menu 98. When 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 98. Press enter. step 3: Select basemap upload. step 4: start MAGUP
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Select no when asked for software upload. In Expert menu: - Select expert mode on - Select Meridian GPS In the file menu: - Select Database file option and then the base map file to upload Select Upload Select "basemap only" Select "upload basemap" Step 5: Reinitialize

Base Map Backup

Here are the instructions on how to back up the base map in your Gold/Marine/Platinum/Color. This has been tested with v3.08 and v4.02 firmware. Note that it is not possible to backup the base map in a Green or Yellow. Also, all commands must be in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Setup of the Meridian 1. 2. 3. 4. It might be easier to find the right file if you remove the SD card. Connect the Meridian to the PC. Switch the Meridian on, make sure that the battery life indicator is over 50%, and turn off the NMEA output (Menu > Setup > NMEA > Off). Set the baud rate to the desired value (any value will do, but remember that the PC should be set at the same baud rate, see below). If too many errors occur, the baud rate can be reduced, but then it takes much more time to download (with 115200 bps it takes about 15 minutes).
Setup of the PC 1. 2. 3. 4. Start Hyperterminal: Start > Programs > Accessories > Communications > Hyperterminal. Make a new connection (or open the saved connection from a previous session and go to step 8). Connect Using: Direct to Com1 (or Com2, whatever Com port your MAP330 is connected to). Click OK. Port settings: Bits per second: equal to Meridian setting Data bits: 8 Parity: None Stop bits: 1 Flow control: None On the advanced button you can adjust the receive and transmit buffer (putting both buffers on Low should be fine). Click OK. Now click the Disconnect icon to stop the communication between Hyperterminal and the meridian at this point, as we first need to check some other communication settings. Some of these settings may not be relevant at all, others are very relevant. Anyway, the settings below have proven to work and so are listed here. In Hyperterminal, click the Properties icon and choose the Setting Tab. Keys act as: Windows-keys backspace key sends: CTRL+H Emulation: Autodetect Telnet terminal: ANSII Backscroll buffer lines: 500 Next, Click ASCII: Check 'Send line ends with line feeds' (this one is very relevant!)

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Check 'Echo typed characters locally' Set both delays to 0 milliseconds Check 'Append line feeds to incoming line ends' Uncheck 'Force incoming data to 7-bit ASCII' Check 'Wrap lines that exceed terminal width' Click OK twice to close the two windows 7. 8. Now connect to the Meridian (click on the Call icon) and type the following line into the window

$PMGNCMD,FIL,FIRST,*6B

The unit will then respond with the name of the first file. This is usually the base map. On a Meridian with v4.02 firmware and the American Marine map v1.03, the response should be:
$PMGNFIL,FIRST,OK,1,BASEMAP.IMG,013124.00,09,05,102,10000,15406836*32
In the above example, the filename is BASEMAP.IMG. 9. If you wish, you can enter in a line repeatedly to get an entire listing of the memory contents. This listing will include the contents of the SD card. The line to enter is:

$PMGNCMD,FIL,NEXT*1A

When you get a response of $PMGNCMD,END*3D then you have a listing of all files and there are no more to be displayed. 10. The next step is to download the base map. If the basemap is called BASEMAP.IMG, then the line to enter is:
$PMGNCMD,FIL,DOWNLOAD,BASEMAP.IMG*01
If the basemap is NOT called BASEMAP.IMG, you will have to construct your own line, and compute the checksum (the checksum is the last field in the line; e.g. 01 in the example above. At the Magellan Meridian Yahoo Group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Magellan_Meridian/files), you will find Hex Checksum.zip. Download this and follow the instructions in order to get the correct line checksum. 11. Go to Transfer > Receive File, and select the 1K Xmodem protocol. After that, name the basemap file that you will be receiving (I recommend using the same suffix as Magellan uses:.img) 12. The file transfer should start now, and progress can be monitored (with a baud rate of 115200, it takes about 30 minutes), but I have found in noisy environments that a baud rate of 4800 may be required to get through without errors. That's it! When the download is finished you will have a basemap file that can be uploaded to the unit, using magup.exe. It should be noted that ANY serial terminal program that supports Xmodem can be used.
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.

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.

56) 57)

Troubleshooting The contact area on my unit is missing its cover. Troubleshooting -- Mapsend wont read tracks/waypoints from SD card
Actually, there is no cover. Having the contacts on the back of the unit exposed is normal.
The ability to save tracks and waypoints to the SD card is a great new feature provided in the latest firmware versions. That should make it easy to download quickly from the SD card to your PC mapping software, right? Uh,
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no. Unfortunately, the Mapsend software was written before the ability to save to the SD card was available. The Meridian stores files on the SD card in text format, while Mapsend stores its files in a binary format. There is a way to convert these files. The tool is called GPSbabel and is available from http://gpsbabel.sourceforge.net/ By using that tool, you can quickly copy files between the PC and SD card (using a reader) and convert them. With large 2000 point track files, it is generally quicker to use this procedure than to download them thru the serial cable. The tool is a bit tricky to figure out. You currently can't use the GUI interface, but will have to run the gpsbabel program from a DOS command prompt window. Example commands: gpsbabel -t -i magellan -o mapsend sourcefile outputfile This does track conversion from meridian (input file named sourcefile) to mapsend (output file named outputfile) format. gpsbabel -i magellan -o mapsend sourcefile outputfile This does waypoint conversion from meridian (input file named sourcefile) to mapsend (output file named outputfile) format.

Troubleshooting SanDisk SD Card Incompatibility
One problem has been identified with SanDisk cards. Samuelhunt2002 provided this response from Magellan: We have recognized that certain cards with certain date codes are not compatible with our receivers. The issue seems to be with the SanDisk brand cards (date codes 0307 or higher, this number is located on the back of the card). This may be due to a recent change in SD card manufacturing technology. At this time we are trying to identify these cards and determine if we can provide a software change to correct the issue. At this time, the only thing that you can do is to use a different card. At the time of publication of this FAQ, there is a new release of the firmware, Version 5.12. Early users of this firmware report that they are now able to use SanDisk cards that they could not use previously. It appears that Magellan has solved this problem. Marine version 4.51 firmware should also contain this fix.
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

Setting up the Meridian is a simple two-step process: installing the batteries and initializing the Meridian.
The Magellan Meridian uses two AA batteries that are installed from the back through the battery cover. You can expect to get up to 14 hours of usage on two AA batteries with the backlight turned off. Using the backlight will shorten the battery life significantly. With the backlight on continuously, you can expect to get approximately 6 hours of usage from two AA batteries. To remove the battery cover, push the two buttons on the cover fully to the left and lift the battery cover away from the receiver. Insert the new batteries as shown, making sure that the batteries are installed with the correct polarity. Replace the cover and push the two buttons fully to the right. Verify that the cover is locked in place.
How much time do I have to replace the batteries? Any waypoints or routes you have created are stored in permanent memory. Present position and time data is not stored in permanent memory but will be held in memory for at least 12 hours without batteries installed.
Always turn the Meridian off before removing the batteries or turning off external power. Failure to do so can cause loss or corruption of data.
The Meridian will walk you through the process of setting up the receiver for first time use. This procedure is commonly referred to as Initializing the Receiver. The purpose of this initializaion is to provide the Meridian with a general knowledge of its approximate location. This may seem a little confusing at first as why does a device that is used to compute its position need to know where its at? The Meridian uses information from the GPS satellites that orbit the earth and if the Meridian has an approximate idea as to its location, it will refer to the almanac it has in memory to select what satellites are overhead. From this information, the Meridian can then select the satellites that will give it the best information for computing its location. Under normal use, the Meridian will save the last position it calculated and use that position the next time it is turned on. However, when the Meridian is new (or when memory has been completely erased), the Meridian has no last position information. Thus, it can either start polling the satellites to see which ones are overhead or you can provide it with your approximate location allowing the Meridian to begin computing the initial position, known as first fix. Note: You can skip the initialization process by pressing the [NAV] key anytime after selecting the language you want the Meridian to use and agreeing to the Warning Page. If the Meridian is able to collect satellite data (i.e., have a clear view of the sky) it will begin to self-initialize. This could take anywhere from 3 to 8 minutes to compute its initial position. Follow these instructions to initialize the Meridian. Step 1: Turn the Meridian On Press [PWR] The Meridian turns on and displays the start-up screen, followed by the language selection screen.

PRACTICE Using the techniques described, go outside of your house and turn your Meridian on. If the Meridian has been previously initialized, you will soon be computing position fixes. Press the NAV key until you are viewing the Map screen. When the cursor icon changes from an hourglass to an arrow, the Meridian is computing position fixes. When the icon changes to an arrow, press and hold the [GOTO] button until the Mark screen is displayed. Change the waypoint name to Home and save the waypoint. We will use this waypoint in the next discussion on GOTO routes.
A GOTO route is simply a route with a start point (your present position) and a single destination point (a waypoint you select). All that is required to create a GOTO route is having the destination waypoint saved in memory. This waypoint can be one that you have saved earlier (which is stored in your User Waypoint List) or any of the landmarks that come with the Meridian in its built-in database. In the previous section, you created a waypoint named Home. Now suppose you had gone some place else and you wanted your Meridian to guide you back. All you need do is to create a GOTO route and the Meridian will do the rest. The uses for a GOTO route are endless. You could mark the position of your campsite and always find your way back. Or you could mark the location of a hot fishing spot you found, and next season come back to the exact same spot. Even mark the location of your car in a large parking lot and never have to worry about roaming endlessly looking for your car.
Step 1: Accessing GOTO. Press GOTO. The first thing that has to be done is to select the destination waypoint. This is done by accessing the waypoint database. The first screen is used to select the category of the database that the waypoint is in and how it will be found, alphabetically or nearest to your position, a city or other waypoints. Step 2: Select Category of Waypoints. Use the Up/Down arrows to move the highlight through the list of waypoint categories. The first category in the list is User and these are all of the waypoints that you have entered into your Meridian receiver. The remaining categories are ones that have waypoints which have been preloaded into your Meridian and are stored in permanent memory. If you have the Meridian Marine, you will notice your list is considerably longer then the one shown here as you have additional marine waypoints preloaded into your Meridian. (For this example, select the User category.)
Step 3: Select Find By. There are two options of Find By: Alphabetical and Nearest To. Selecting Alphabetical will display all the waypoints in the category you select in alphabetic order. Nearest To will display a list of the 20 waypoints nearest to your position or waypoint you select in order of their distance away. This could be used to display the waypoints that are closest to your present position or display the airports that are closest to any city you select. For the purpose of this basic operation, only Alphabetical will be used. For details on Nearest To, see the Reference chapter in the User Manual. Use the Left/Right arrow until Alphabetical is displayed in the Find By field. Step 4: Select GOTO Destination Waypoint from the User Category. With User highlighted and Alphabetical in the Find By field, press [ENTER]. A list of all the waypoints you have entered is displayed. Use the Up/Down arrows to highlight the desired destination, in this case Home, and press [ENTER]. You are returned to the last NAV screen viewed with some noticeable changes. If you are viewing the Map screen, you will now notice a thick line which is a graphical plot of the GOTO you just created. Other NAV screens, have changed the header bar to indicate that you are navigating to a destination. Press the NAV key until you are viewing the Compass screen. The header bar now displays To: Home. Now all of the navigational information displayed is to provide you with the necessary details to get you to your destination, in this case Home. Alternate Step 4: Select GOTO Destination Waypoint from Other Categories. As mentioned earlier, a GOTO can be to any waypoint in memory, either ones you have created or ones that have been loaded into the Meridian. When selecting waypoints other then User, you are first presented with the keyboard display. The reason for this is there can be thousands of waypoints in the list and using the conventional scrolling could take quite a bit of time. By using the keyboard, you will be able to shorten the time by going to a specific point in the list.

For this example, you would highlight Los Angeles, CA and press [ENTER]. The last viewed NAV screen is displayed and the Meridian will begin computing all of the necessary information needed to get you to your destination.
The Meridian has the ability to provide you with the tools youll need to navigate to your destination. You have the choice of three customizable screens that display the information that you need in the layout that you desire. Hikers may find the compass screen perfect for them while boaters may prefer the Large Data or Map screen. For you, the Map screen may have all the information youll ever require. Press [NAV] until the navigation screen you want is displayed. If you selected the Map screen, you will see your position icon in the center of the screen with a line drawn for you on the map, graphically displaying the GOTO route. Note that this route is line of sight (LOS) or as the crow flies. The Meridian does not compute the route using streets and highways providing a turn-by-turn routing. Youll find very quickly that you can easily use the roads and highways displayed on the Map screen and compare them to the displayed route and get to your destination quickly.
GOTO routes are NOT saved in memory when the Meridian is turned off. If you are navigating on a GOTO route and you need to turn the Meridian off, you will need to reset the GOTO. Routes, however, are stored in memory. If you need to make a GOTO but expect to turn the Meridian off before arriving, you might consider making a 1-leg route using the route menu. This concludes the basic operation of the Magellan Meridian, but there is so much more. More detail on the mentioned functions, and information on the functions not mentioned can be found in the Reference chapter of the User Manual.
Turn the Meridian On Applies power to the Meridian and displays last NAV screen viewed. During power-up the first screen shows the software and map database versions currently loaded in the Meridian. The second screen gives a warning that must be read. After reading the warning press [ENTER] to proceed. (If you do not press [ENTER], the Meridian will shut off after 10 seconds.)
Turn the Meridian Off Shuts down the Meridian.
Press ESC key to abort before 5 seconds has elapsed.
During the 5 second countdown, pressing the [PWR] key again will shut the Meridian off immediately. Alternate Power On/Off If you carry your Meridan in your pocket or other places where the [PWR] button can be accidently pressed, you may want to consider putting your Meridian in the Alternate On/Off mode. Turning the Meridian On (Alternate) You must press and hold the [PWR] button down until the first start-up screen is displayed. After the screen is displayed, the Meridian operates normally. Turning the Meridian Off (Alternate) To turn the Meridian off, press [PWR]. The countdown sequence will begin and you must press [ENTER] before the sequence ends. If you do not press [ENTER] before the sequence ends, the Meridian returns to the last screen displayed.

Highlight Hide Map Info or Show Map Info
When Map Info is hidden and the map is in the cursor mode, the bearing (BRG) and distance (DIS) to the cursor is shown in the bottom left corner of the map replacing the scale. (Note: if you have uploaded topographic information from Magellans MapSend Topo for the United States CD-ROM, the elevation at the cursors location is displayed, not the bearing and distance.) If the cursor happens to be on a map object, the name of the object is displayed. Selecting the Map Information This function allows you to select what map information is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Note: If you select either Horizontal Profile or Terrain Projection and you do not have topographic information loaded a warning screen is displayed.
Highlight Select Map Info
Use U/D arrows to select desired information
Two Data Fields Description This option displays two boxes at the bottom of the map that can display data that you choose. Displaying these data fields is the default for the Meridian.
Possible Map Information Options
Two Data Fields This option displays two fields at the bottom of the display. These fields are customizable and can be set to any of 13 different data options. Street Info This option displays an information block at the bottom of the display showing the name of the street your present position or cursor is on. If in the cursor mode, the bearing and distance from your present position is displayed. Horizontal Profile (Available only with MapSend Topographic data loaded into the Meridian.) This displays an information box which graphically depicts the horizon in front of you. The displayed horizion is at the mark displayed on the display perpendicular to your track. Selecting this option automatically sets the display orientation to track up and works only in the Position Mode. Changing to the Cursor Mode will replace the horizontal profile with the cursor data. Terrain Projection (Available only with MapSend Topographic data loaded into the Meridian.) This displays an information box which graphically depicts the terrain in front of you. The displayed terrain is approximately from your present position to the edge of the display. Selecting this option automatically sets the display orientation to track up and works only in the Position Mode. Changing to the Cursor Mode will replace the horizontal profile with the cursor data.
See text for additional information on these screens.

Selecting Primary Usage The Meridian can be set to either Land or Marine Usage. When in Land (default), the map displays land areas in white and water areas as dark gray. For marine applications it may be desirable to reverse the display, showing water as white and land as dark gray. This will make reading some of the data information on the water easier.
Use arrows to highlight the Primary Usage field
Use arrows to select Land or Marine
Selecting Track Mode Allows you to set how often the Meridian stores track points. Setting the mode to OFF stops the Meridian from saving any new track points. In Auto or Auto Detailed mode, the Meridian uses a method for track point storage that maximizes memory. Using Auto, you will see more points on and near turns and less points on straight stretches of the map. You also have the option of selecting fixed intervals for track point storage.
Use arrows to highlight the Track Mode field
Use arrows to select Mode
Setting the Track Mode to OFF will cause severe limitations to the ability of your Meridian to create a backtrack route. The same temporary waypoints used to create the displayed track are used to compute a backtrack route. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you use the Auto Track Mode whenever possible. Auto vs. Auto Detailed. You will notice two of the options for the Track Mode are Auto (default) and Auto Detailed. Basically, both options behave the same. While your are travelling in a straight line, only a few track points are taken, but as you turn, the Meridian increases the rate of track points. This allows for a good representation of your track with minimal track points stored. Auto Detailed performs exactly the same as Auto, but has the base rate of track points saved increased. This allows a more detailed track then Auto to be taken, while at the same time saving memory over a fixed rate. The following is an overly simplified diagram of the three track rate options. In most cases, Auto should meet all of your requirements but if you want more detail on turns and still not clutter memory with excessive track points, select Auto Detailed.

Track Mode Fixed Rate

Track Mode Auto

Track Mode Auto Detailed

The Compass Screen is the second in the list of navigation screens your Meridian can present. The two data fields at the top of the display can be customized to display different navigation data types. Meridian Platinum users should consult the Meridian Platinum Supplement Manual for more information on the compass screen and the use of the Meridian Platinums electronic compass.
Destination Name Data Fields Destination Icon Sun/Moon Position Markers Heading Marker

Compass

Destination Name When you are navigating on a GOTO or multileg route, the name of the destination is placed here. For multileg routes, the name displayed is the name of the destination for the leg of the route you are presently navigating on. Data Fields Customizable data fields. The data displayed can be selected from 13 different options. Customizing is accessed through the MENU button. Some of the data displayed requires you to be moving to be computed, invalid data is indicated by dashes.

Saving Present Position as a Waypoint Creates and stores your present position into the memory of the Meridian. Stored waypoints can be used in GOTO and route creation. While saving the waypoint, you can edit the icon, name and add a message or you can just save the waypoint using the default name supplied by the Meridian.
Hold down for 2-3 seconds

Modify (see Note)

(Note: To modify the icon, name or message use the Up/Down arrows to highlight the field you wish to change and press ENTER. You are then placed into the Edit Mode. Using the method described in Getting Started you can personalize the waypoint, making it easy to remember what it is.) Creating New Waypoint Manually Allows the creation of a new waypoint with coordinates other than your present position. The coordinates for the new position need to be entered manually.
Hold down for 2-3 seconds Edit Line 2 of the Location Field

Highlight Location Field

Edit Line 1 of the Location Field

Edit Elevation Field

Highlight Save Button
(Note: To modify the icon, name or message use the Up/Down arrows to highlight the field you wish to change and press ENTER. You are then placed into the Edit Mode.)
Creating New Waypoint with Map Cursor Provides a method of creating a new waypoint with coordinates other than your present position. The new coordinates are computed automatically based on the location of the map cursor.
From Map Screen Use arrow keys to move cursor to desired position
(Note: To modify the icon, name or message use the Up/Down arrows to highlight the field you wish to change and press ENTER. You are then placed into the Edit Mode.) Deleting a User Waypoint Deletes a waypoint that you have created.

Highlight User

left/right arrows select Find By
Select Waypoint to be Deleted

Highlight Delete

Editing a User Waypoint Allows you to edit a waypoint that you have already stored in the Meridians memory.
Select Waypoint to be Edited
Select Field to be Edited

Edit the Field

Repeat selecting and editing fields until all changes are complete

Highlight Save button

An alternative method to entering the edit mode is after highlighting the waypoint you wish to modify press MENU. Highlight Edit WPT and press ENTER.
Viewing a Map Object on the Map Displays on the Map the Map Object you have selected. Note: This function is for viewing map objects (cities, airports, etc.) only. See Viewing User Waypoints on the Map for instructions on how to perform this feature using User waypoints.

Select Database Category

Select Waypoint from the list
Viewing a User Waypoint on the Map Locates and displays on the Map the selected User Waypoint.

Highlight Beeper

Select Beeper Options
Default: Keys & Alarms Selecting NMEA Message Allows the selection of the NMEA message that will be output from the Meridian. Choices are Off, V1.5 APA, V1.5 XTE or V2.1 GSA. Your choice will be dependent upon what message the device you are connecting to needs to receive.

Highlight NMEA

Select NMEA Message
Default: Off Selecting the Baud Rate Enables you to set the baud rate of the data being sent out from the Meridians output port. The baud rate sent out must match the baud rate that the receiving device is set for. You can choose from 1200 baud, 4800 baud, 9600 baud, 19200 baud, 57600 baud or 115200 baud.

Highlight Baud Rate

Select Baud Rate

Default: 4800 Baud

Changing the Power Key Settings Allows you to choose from No protection (normal) or On/Off Protected (alternate). This will change how the [PWR] operates in turning the Meridian on or off. No Protection: Turn Meridian On. Press the [PWR] button. Turn Meridican Off. Press the [PWR] button.
On/Off Protected: Turn Meridian On. Press and hold the [PWR] button until the first screen is displayed. Turn Meridian Off. Press the [PWR] button and then press [ENTER] before the power off timer is done.
Select No protection or On/Off Protected
Default: No protection Selecting Languages Allows you to select the language that the Meridian will use to display text. You can select from one of nine languages (English, French, German, Swedish, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese or Finnish). TIP: If you change the language setting in the Meridian just to see what it looks like and need to get back to the Language Select screen, follow these instructions. Press NAV until the Satellite Status screen is displayed and press MENU. Select the third item in the list and press ENTER. Press the Up Arrow once and press ENTER. You are back at the Language Select screen.

Highlight Languages

Select desired language
da.n ercsda uB e uB All of the Clear functions operate in the same way. The instructions shown apply to all of the Clear options except Clearing All.

Highlight Clear Memory

Highlight Menu Choice

Confirm? Yes/No

Clearing Track History This will clear the track history that is displayed on the Map screen from memory. Clearing Wpts/Routes This will clear all waypoints and routes from the Meridians memory. Clearing All Routes This clears all routes from the Meridians memory. Resetting Meridian to Factory Defaults Allows you to reset all of the Setup choices to the factory defaults. Clearing All Memory in the Meridian This clears all memory from the Meridian. After completing these instructions, the Meridian will shut off. The next time it is turned on, it will prompt you that it needs to be initialized.

Highlight All

Meridian will shut off
Accessing the Sun/Moon Screen The Sun/Moon screen displays the sunrise time, sunset time and lunar phase for any waypoint you have stored in the User category in the waypoint database. All times displayed are local times to your present position.

Highlight Sun/Moon

Changing the Sun/Moon Date Allows you to change the date for the sun/moon information for the position selected.

Highlight Date Field

Use arrows to change date
Changing the Sun/Moon Position Allows you to change the position that you want to view the sun/moon information for. The default is Position which is your present position.

Highlight At Field

Highlight Waypoint
Accessing the Fish/Hunt Screen The Fish/Hunt screen displays the best times for fishing or hunting for the position you choose from your User waypoints.

Highlight Fish/Hunt

Changing the Fish/Hunt Date Allows you to change the date for the fishing/hunting information for the position selected.
Changing the Fish/Hunt Position Allows you to change the position that you want to view the fishing/hunting times for. The default is Position which is your present position.
All of the Alarm options are set in the same way. The instructions below apply to all of the Alarm settings. When the beeper is turned on for alarms (see Setup - Turning the Beeper On/Off ) an audible beep will be sounded for the alarm. A visual alert is displayed for the alarm whether the beeper is turned on or off.

Highlight Alarms/Msg

Highlight Alarm Field

Select Alarm Distance

Setting the Arrival Alarm The arrival alarm alerts you that you have arrived at the destination of your GOTO or to the destination of any leg in a route you are navigating on. This option allows you to set the distance from the destination that the alarm will begin to sound. Setting the Anchor Alarm The anchor alarm will sound when you have drifted from your anchor point at a distance you set. An example of its use would be as you set anchor you turn on the anchor alarm to beep at a given distance. With the Meridian still operating and computing fixes you can then go fishing or other activities knowing that if you drift more than the distance you selected, the Meridian will alert you. Note: DoD applied Selective Availability errors can considerably impact the accuracy of the drift distance. Setting the XTE Alarm XTE or cross track errors happen when you are off course for the route you are navigating on. The distance set in the alarm is the distance left or right of the heading you are supposed to be travelling on. Setting the GPS Fix Alarm This turns on or off the alarm that can sound whenever the Meridian has lost its ability to compute position fixes due to loss of signal from the satellites. This is handy in that it alerts you that you may need to move to an area that has a clearer view of the sky.

Turning on the Simulator - Auto Mode This turns the simulator on and uses a predefined heading and speed rate.

Highlight Simulate

Highlight Auto
Confirm Clearing of Track
Turning on the Simulator - User Mode This turns the simulator on and uses a heading and speed rate that you define.
Enter Heading and Speed Data
Turning the Simulator Off Turns the simulator off and returns the Meridian to normal operation.

Highlight Off

There are utilities built into the Meridian to assist you in using an optional Secure Digital memory card. To access the Card Utilities, press [MENU] from any screen and highlight Card Utilities. Press [ENTER]. Save Waypoints and Routes to Memory Card - After accessing the Card Utilities menu, highlight Save WP/Route and press [ENTER]. Use the keyboard to enter a name for the saved waypoints and routes. Filenames are limited to 8 characters. Highlight OK and press [ENTER] when done. This will place all of your waypoints and routes on the SD card you have inserted in your Meridian. These waypoints and routes are not erased from your Meridian, only stored on the memory card for use later. Save Track - After accessing the Card Utilities menu, highlight Save Track and press [ENTER]. Use the keyboard to enter a name for the saved track. Filenames are limited to 8 characters. Highlight OK and press [ENTER] when done. This will save your present track on the memory card using the filename you provided. This track can be reloaded into your Meridian at a later time. Loading Waypoints and Routes from Memory Card - After accessing the Card Utilities menu, highlight Load WP/Route and press [ENTER]. A list of saved waypoints and routes is displayed using the filenames that you provided when saving the waypoints and routes. Highlight the desired filename and press [ENTER]. How the waypoints and routes are loaded: Loaded waypoints are appended to your existing waypoint list. That is to say, you will retain your existing waypoints and the loaded ones will be added. There are two exceptions. Existing waypoints with the same name as one being loaded will be overwritten. Also, once the limit of 500 waypoints in memory is reached, the loading of waypoints will stop. Loading of routes is a little trickier and requires some planning, otherwise you may get some unexpected results. Routes are uploaded to the same route number that they had when they were saved and will overwrite any route occupying that route number. If you go to your route list, you will
notice that each route has an identifying number, 1-20. Suppose you created a route in Route 1 and then saved it to your SD card. Next you deleted that route from the Meridian and created a new route using the same Route 1. Now you load the original route from your SD card. The loaded route will replace the newly created one, even if you have Empty route slots available. Loading Track from Memory Card - After accessing the Card Utilities menu, highlight Load Track and press [ENTER]. A list of saved tracks is displayed using the filenames that you provided when saving them. Highlight the desired filename and press [ENTER]. Loaded tracks always overwrite any existing track. If you think you might need the existing track, be sure to save it prior to loading a track from the SD card. Deleting Files from Memory Card - After accessing the Card Utilities menu, highlight Delete File and press [ENTER]. A list of all the files found on your SD card is displayed. Highlight the desired filename and press [ENTER]. You will be prompted to verify the deletion. You will notice all of the waypoint/route and track files that you have saved to this SD card, along with the image (.IMG) files for any detailed maps you have uploaded. The filenames for the detailed maps are not the names that you have supplied for the detailed map, but use instead DETAILxx.IMG. Testing the Memory Card - After accessing the Card Utilities menu, highlight Test Card and press [ENTER]. The SD Card Test screen is displayed with detailed information about the SD card you have installed. To begin the scan of the card, press [ENTER]. Please note that this scan can take a very long time. If you decide not to proceed with the scan, press [ESC] before beginning the scan. This scan is a read/write scan to free memory space. It will not harm any data that you have stored on your SD card. Also note that when you access Test Card, the Meridian does some checking and displays information on the SD card. One of the items displayed is lost clusters. This is for reference only. While the Meridian was checking the SD card, all lost clusters were recovered. This only displays how many were found.

Takes more than 10 minutes to get a position fix:
Receiver turns off unexpectedly
Position coordinates on your receiver do not match the location on your map. 1.
Position on map is not exactly on the road.
These is a list of the icons and their designator that can be assigned to a waypoint while marking a position or editing a waypoint.
Default Box House Aerial Airport Amusement ATM Auto Repair Boating Camping Exit Ramp First Aid Fixed Nav Aid Floating Buoy
Fuel Garden Golf Hotel Hunt/Fish Large City Lighthouse Major City Marina Medium City Museum Obstruction Park Resort
Restaurant Rock Scuba RV Service Shooting Sight Seeing Small City Sounding Sports Arena Tourist Info Truck Service Winery Wreck Zoo
If after using the troubleshooting section, you are still unable to solve your operation problems, please call Magellans Technical Service at (866) 737-8604. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM, PST. Faxes can be sent to Customer Service at (909) 394-7070. If necessary, you can also return your receiver to Magellan for repair. Before returning the receiver you must get a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) from Magellan. To get an RMA, contact a Magellan Technical Service Representative at (800) 707-7845 or you can send an email explaining your reasons to rma@magellangps.com. After receiving the RMA number, ship the receiver by Parcel Post or UPS. Include a description of the problem, your name, address, a copy of your sales receipt and print clearly on the outside of the package the RMA number assigned. If your return ship address is different, please indicate. With all correspondence, please state the model of your receiver and if calling, please have your receiver with you. Packages should be sent to: Thales Navigation Magellan Products 960 Overland Court San Dimas, CA 91773 ATTN: Warranty/Repair Additional information regarding software updates to your Meridian can be found in the Product Support section of the Magellan web site (www.magellangps.com). Customers outside of the United States should contact the Magellan distributor for your country. A complete listing of Magellan distributors has been supplied with your Meridian.
Magellan is a registered trademark of Thales Navigation.
New functions and features are regularly being added to keep your Meridian at the forefront of GPS receivers. Replacing the software in your Meridian is a simple operation that should take only 5 to 10 minutes to accomplish. 1. The first thing to do is to find out what software version is presently in your Meridian. Turn the Meridian on and when the first startup screen is displayed, note the software version at the bottom of the display. It will look like V.3.12 WAAS Enabled. If you missed it while it was loading, dont worry, there is another way. Press [MENU], highlight About and press [ENTER]. At the top of the display you will see the revision and date of revision just below the copyright statement. Next go to the Magellan web site and check for the latest software release. The address to take you directly to the Meridian updates is:

www.magellangps.com/en/support/products/upgrades/upgrade_meridiangps.asp
Meridian Platinum users should go to:
www.magellangps.com/en/support/products/upgrades/upgrade_meridianplat.asp
If the version on the web site is newer then what you have in your Meridian, follow the directions to download the latest software. 3. Connect your Meridian to your PC (Windows 3.1/NT or higher) using the data cable for your Meridian. (Whenever doing any uploads to your Meridian, it is always a good idea to install fresh batteries.) Unzip the file that you downloaded in step 2. Turn on your Meridan. Open the folder and double-click on the file magup.exe. The first thing the application will do is to search for your Meridian on one of the COM ports. After it is found, the application will automatically begin uploading the new software. The display on your Meridian will change to SOFTWARE UPLOAD MODE ACTIVE. 5. You will be notified when the upload is complete. Exit the magup application. Your Meridian will turn itself off and power up again. Verify that the software has been uploaded by checking the About screen again as you did in step 1.
The software to your Meridian is complete and you can now disconnect the Meridian from the data cable.
CHARACTERISTICS Performance Receiver 12 parallel-channel technology, tracks up to 12 satellites to compute and update information with quadrifilar antenna
Acquisition Times (under optimal conditions): Warm Cold Update Rate Accuracy Position Velocity Limits: Speed Altitude Physical: Size Weight Display 6.5 x 2.9 x 1.2 [h] x [w] x [d] 16.5 cm x 7.4 cm x 3.05 cm 8 ounces (227 grams) with 2 AA batteries installed 2.2 x 1.75 [h] x [w] 5.59 cm x 4.44 cm high contrast LCD with EL backlit display Weatherproof construction, wraparound rubber armor 951 mph 17,500 meters 7 meters, 95% 2D RMS w/WAAS <3 meters, 95% 2D RMS 0.1 knot RMS steady state approximately 15 seconds approximately 1 minute 1 second continuous

Housing Temp. Range

Operating 14F to 140F to (-10C to 60C) Storage -4F to 158F (-20C to 70C) Power: Source Battery Life
2 AA alkaline batteries or 9-35 VDC with power cable Up to 14 hours
Accessories for your receiver are available from your Magellan dealer or you can order directly from Magellan at (800) 669-4477 (press 3 to place an order).
Swivel Mounting Bracket: Mounts the receiver on a surface, allowing for handsfree operation. Vehicle Mounting Bracket: Full swivel and tilt for easy viewing in any vehicle. Bike Mounting Bracket: Mounts the receiver on the handlebars of a bicycle, motorcycle or off-road vehicle. Carrying Case: The carrying case provides a way of carrying the Meridian on your belt while at the same time protecting it from the elements. Power/Data Cable (Bare Wires): Allows you to connect your receiver to external power and data. PC Interface Cable with Cigarette Lighter Adapter: Connects your receiver to your PC for data transfer and to a cigarette lighter for external power. External Power Cable with Cigarette Lighter Adapter: Allows you to connect the receiver to a cigarette lighter for external power. PC Cable: Allows you to connect the Meridian to a PC. MapSend Streets and Destinations: This CD-ROM allows you to upload detailed street maps as well as extensive sets of POIs to your Meridian receiver. MapSend Topo for the United States: This CD-ROM allows you to upload detailed street maps, topographic data as well as POIs to your Meridian receiver. (Available only with United States topographic information.) Secure Digital (SD) Memory Cards: Available in 8, 16, 32 or 64 MB configurations. Increased the amount of additional map data that can be uploaded to the Meridian receiver.

Upload Region: Make sure that the Meridian is turned on and click on the button. You will be given the option of Upload Upload Regions to GPS Unit, Upload to SD Card Programmer or Store on Hard Drive. Select Upload to GPS Unit and press Next. MapSend will then poll the COM ports looking for the Meridian receiver. When the COM port has been found, it will be indicated on the PC screen. Press Next. The map region will be uploaded to your Meridian receiver. Now using the Meridian, go to the Map screen and zoom out over the area on the map where you have uploaded the region. Once you have zoomed out far enough, you will see the outline of a box. This box represents the region that you just uploaded. This portion of the map now has detailed street and points of interest information.
The Magellan Secure Digital (SD) Memory Cards can be added to any of the Meridian line of GPS receivers through the battery compartment. Magellan offers the memory cards in 8, 16, 32 and 64 MB configurations. The addition of the memory card to your Meridian will increase the amount of data that can be uploaded to the Meridian from any of the Magellan MapSend CD-ROM products. To Add or Remove the memory card: 1. Turn the Meridian off. 2. Remove the battery door. 3. Remove both of the AA batteries. 4. To remove the card, push the card slightly towards the top of the Meridian. You will feel a slight click which is the locking mechanism disconnecting and then you will feel the memory card pushing against your finger. Allow the memory card to slide back towards the battery compartment. Now carefully continue to slide the memory card out of the channel its in and lift it out. 5. To install the card, hold it with two fingers with the label facing you. Place the top of the memory card in the channel provided in the battery compartment. Carefully push the memory card towards the top of the Meridian receiver until you feel it lock into place. Do not force the memory card. Forcing the memory card could cause damage to the card and/or the Meridian receiver. 6. Reinstall the batteries into the battery compartment. Be sure to observe the proper polarity. 7. Replace the battery compartment door. 8. Turn on the Meridian GPS receiver.
Available as accessories for your GPS receiver are the following cables: External Power Cable with Cigarette Lighter Adapter, Power/Data Cable, Data Cable and PC Cable with Cigarette Lighter Adapter. The instructions given below apply to all cables, unless otherwise stated. The cable can be connected to the receiver two different ways: