Magellan Meridian FAQ

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

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

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16MB version has many large roads and river details. The Worldwide basemap shows only a few more roads than the 2MB map, but does have contour lines.
Where do I find basemaps?
Basemaps were provided by users and stored over on Navicache.com and an FTP server. In the summer of 2003, Magellan made a request that the base maps be removed from those sites. So, there is currently no permanent site for storage of the base maps. Some basemaps appear on Firmware Update CDs or on a Mapsend Software CD. But be careful as these basemaps may not be for your unit (IE, on Mapsend S&D USA the basemap included is a smaller basemap for the Map 330 product and not the Meridian series). The official method to get a basemap replaced is to send the unit to Magellan or in some cases your local dealer for upgrade. This may not be free.
Memory Expansion (SD Card) -- How do I do it, and what's it for?
It is possible to expand the memory of the Meridian series by adding SD (Secure Digital) cards. These cards are placed in a special slot that is inside the battery compartment. Currently, cards are available from many sources with capacities ranging from 8MB to 512MB. All cards 256MB and under are known to work extremely well, and Magellan has stated that 512MB cards are now supported. Magellan sells SD cards, but their cards are approximately twice as expensive as other brands, and offer no performance advantage. Avoid them unless you can get them at a significant discount. Problems have been reported with SanDisk cards of 256-512 MB. Certain of these cards do not work in the Meridian, although they work with other devices. Magellan is reported to be working on a fix (which may be included in the firmware v4.51 or later). It is also possible to use a Multi-Media card (MMC) inside the Meridian. If you already have a MMC lying around, feel free to try it as it will not hurt and will not cost anything. If you have to purchase a new card, however, it is recommended that you purchase a SD card. Once you have a SD card in your Meridian, what do you do with it? First, the SD card is required before you can download a detailed map. Second, you cannot put a base map on a SD card and expect it to work. This means that you cannot upgrade the 2MB base map of your Meridian Green with a 16MB base map by adding a SD card. In general, you also cannot swap back and forth between base maps using a SD card, unless you have the WorldWide Basemap product mentioned previously. Finally, with the latest firmware versions you can store multiple waypoint and track files on the cards. It is also strongly suggested that you obtain a SD card reader/writer to accompany your GPS. Transferring map data over a serial port can take hours, even for the smallest SD cards. Using a SD writer, it seldom takes more than 10 minutes, even for the largest cards. Card reader/writers connect to a computer using the USB port, and are available from several sources for under $25.00. Choose a good name brand, which should help ensure a source of updated drivers and bug fixes. There is a bug in the Meridian 3.08 firmware release that prevents serial download to a 128MB or larger card. Upgrade to a later version of firmware.

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.

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.

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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

You may be able to recover your unit back without sending it in. Make sure you put fresh batteries in before trying the above. If the above fails, try inserting step 1b between steps 1 and 2 as follows: 1b. Erase the base map by Press NAV and GOTO simultaneously while switching on the Meridian. A small rectangle appears, put in the number 95 (using the cursor keys) and press ENTER. Select Yes and press ENTER. This will delete the basemap! The unit will also switch off automatically.
Base Map Replacement (Gold/Marine/Platinum/Color)
There are currently two methods for base map replacement. New firmware method: Copy the basemap to an SD card, renaming the file to basemap.img Insert the SD card into the GPS, activate the hidden menu, and enter code 86. Original Manual method: Here are the directions to replace your base map. Note that this involves ERASING you current base map. If the existing base map is not erased, then you cannot change map types (for example, from a land to a marine). The
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MagUp software was designed to prevent this type of upgrading. The MagUp software is available with the latest firmware update package available from the Magellan web site. Setup of the Meridian 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Connect the Meridian to the PC. Switch the Meridian on to make sure that the battery life indicator is over 50%, modify the baud rate if you want to, and then switch off the Meridian. Press NAV and GOTO simultaneously while switching on the Meridian. A small rectangle appears, put in the number 95 (using the cursor keys) and press ENTER. Select Yes and press ENTER. This will delete the basemap! The unit will also switch off automatically. Once again press NAV and GOTO simultaneously while switching on the Meridian. In some cases, the unit will display the following message: UNIT CURRENTLY CONTAINS NO MAPS INITIATING MAP UPLOAD. That's OK, just leave it there. If it displays the small rectangle instead, put in the number 98, and press ENTER. Select basemap upload.
Setup of the PC 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Start magup.exe. Answer NO to the next question (Proceed with software upload?) File > Select Database File, and select the basemap file that you want to upload. Expert > Expert Upload 'On'. You may also want to choose one of the non-standard baud rates here (equal to Meridian setting). Click OK. Upload > OK > choose 'Base Map Only' > Check 'Upload File' Now uploading will start. With 115200 bps, this will take approximately 30 minutes.

That's it! When the upload is finished you will again have your basemap in the Magellan. Your unit may need initialization.
Basemap Replacement (Green & Yellow)
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!)

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.

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Repeat step 3 to add this new trail segment onto your map. Have fun with this and be sure to let the rest of us know if you figure out any improvements/enhancements to this technique.
Change the Meridian icons.
Do you wish you had geocaching icons? Maybe you dont have a use for wineries and would like to make a symbol for your favorite brew pub? There is a utility to change the icons stored in the Meridian. In the files section of the Meridian group is a utility called Meridicon. This utility will display and allow you to edit the icons in the Meridian firmware files. Note that you must use the tool with the appropriate CSV file for your firmware version. Your firmware version doesnt have a CSV file? The author has also provided a tool that allows you to search a new firmware file and locate the correct addresses for the icons. This tool is called iconfinder. More detail can be found by downloading these programs from the files section of the Magellan Meridian users group.
How do I measure the distance between two points?
This method was offered by Wyatt: 1. On the map screen hit menu and scroll down to vertical profile. Hit enter. 2. Scroll down to "path check" and hit enter. This will take you back to the map screen. 3. Move to where you want it to start measuring and hit the goto button once (for less than 2 seconds). 4. When you move the cursor you can see the distance to where you just hit the goto button.
Can I use rechargeable batteries?
Not only will Meridians operate from rechargeable batteries, but it is highly recommended. Rechargeable batteries (Nimh or NiCad) will save lots of money, as youll not burn thru boxes of disposable alkalines. Look for charge ratings in the 1800 mah or higher for best results. One side effect will be a very short low battery warning. The time between the unit signaling the alarm for low battery and the unit shutting itself down will be very short. So when that alarm goes off, you have less time to replace the batteries than you will with alkalines. This is due to rechargeable batteries maintaining a relative constant charge until depleted. Another is the charge meter will never show a full charge. This is due to the lower operating voltage of rechargeables (1.25v vs. 1.5v). Jacek M. Holeczek offered up these links for some tests and opinions on rechargeables: http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACC1.HTM http://www.steves-digicams.com/nimh_batteries.html http://www.steves-digicams.com/digi_accessories.html

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

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.
Step 2: Select Language Use the Up/Down arrows to move the highlight to the language that you want the screens to be displayed in. With the desire language highlighted, press [ENTER].

Position Screens. The Position screens 1 and 2 display your present position using the coordinate systems that you have selected in Setup. This screen shows all of the basic position, time and satellite information. Additionally, current navigation information is shown in the bottom half of the screen. Road Screen. The Road screen presents your route as if you were travelling on a road. When you need to make a turn, the road will graphically display the turn and the direction. Waypoint and destination icons will be displayed relative to your position as they come into view. Above the road is a compass that displays your heading and above that are four customizable data fields. Data Screen. When you need to see a lot of information in one place then youll appreciate the Data screen. The Data screen provides you with six data fields and an active compass that is the same as the one used on the road screen. You have the option of customizing this screen by selecting what data is displayed in the upper six fields. Speedometer Screen. The Speedometer screen displays your speed in a familiar graphical format. There are four additional data fields at the top of the display that can be customized to display the data that you need. The bottom of the screen contains a trip odometer that will record the distance travelled since the last time the odometer was reset. Satellite Status Screen. The Sat Status screen provides you with a graphical display of the satellites in view and which ones are being used to compute the navigation data. The bar graph shows you the relative signal strength being received for each satellite. At the bottom of the display is an indication of the battery life remaining. When you are using external power, it will be indicated here as well.
The NAV key and the ESC key are used to step through the various navigation screens. If you are viewing one of the NAV screens, pressing NAV will take you to the next NAV screen in the list and pressing ESC will take you to the previous NAV screen. If you are not viewing one of the NAV screens, pressing NAV will return you to the last NAV screen viewed. NOTE: If you are inputting data, pressing NAV will return you to the last navigation screen but your inputs will not be saved.
First, a few simple definitions. A waypoint is any position on the globe that you have saved into memory. The act of saving the waypoint is commonly called Marking. So when references are made to marking a waypoint, that simply means to save a position on the globe into memory. The Meridian has a number of ways to perform this, but the most common are saving your present position, entering the coordinates of a position or saving the position of the cursor while viewing the Map screen. These waypoints can then later be used to create routes or as the destination of a GOTO. (A GOTO is a single leg route that is defined as a route from your present position to any waypoint. I am here and I want to GOTO there.) Saving Your Present Position as a Waypoint From any screen, press and hold [GOTO] for 2 seconds and the Mark screen is displayed. The Save button is highlighted and you can press [ENTER] to save the waypoint using the default name and icon. This will save your present position using a default name (WPTxxx) into memory. Saving a Your Present Position as a Waypoint with a Custom Icon and Name The above method is fine if you want to just save your position quickly, but it will be difficult to figure out later which waypoint this is

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.
(If you have been performing the keypresses as you are reading this, then you are probably viewing one of the NAV screens. In which case, you need to press [GOTO] to continue following along with the text. The first thing you will notice is an alert pop-up asking you if you want to clear the GOTO that is active. With Yes highlighted, press [ENTER] to continue.) With Cities highlighted and Alphabetical in the Find By field, press [ENTER]. This is a slight variation of the keyboard you have already used. This time the shift and backspace keys have been replaced with <- (move cursor left) and -> (move cursor right). What you want to do here is to begin typing the name of the city you are looking for. For example, suppose your destination was to be Los Angeles. Use the keypad to highlight the letter L and press [ENTER]. Notice how the name is changed to the first city stored in the Meridians memory that begins with the letter L and that the cursor has moved to the next letter in the city name. (You can move the cursor back if you made a mistake by highlighting the <- button on the keyboard and press [ENTER].) Since we are looking for Los Angeles, we need to highlight the O next and press [ENTER]. Then the S and press [ENTER]. To add a space, highlight the space bar and press [ENTER]. (Also, you can use the -> button to move the cursor to the right if you want to skip the letter the cursor is indicating.) You dont need to spell out the entire word. The attempt here is to get close to the name so you wont need to scroll very far during the next step. As a guide, entering the first five letters should be sufficient. When you are satisfied with what you have entered, highlight OK and press [ENTER]. Tip: There is a hidden shortcut that replaces highlighting OK and pressing [ENTER]. When you are satisfied that you have narrowed the search down and want to proceed to the list, press the [IN] key. The list of all the waypoints for the category you selected, in this case cities, is displayed with the waypoint that was previously selected at the top of the list. Now just use the Up/Down arrows to highlight the waypoint you are looking for and press [ENTER].

Selecting Alternate Power On/Off

From any Screen

Highlight Setup

Highlight Power key

Use U/D arrows to select No protection (normal) or On/Off protected (alternate)
Using the Display Backlight Illuminates the display for easier viewing in dark surroundings. Use only as needed as the backlight causes a large drain on the batteries. An automatic timer will turn the backlight off when a button has not been pressed for a selected duration. (See Setup to change the settings for the automatic timer.)

Button Sequence

1st Press 2nd Press 3rd Press Light On (low) Light On (high) Light Off
Adjusting the Display Contrast Sets the contrast of the display for easy viewing in most lighting conditions.

From Any Screen

Highlight Contrast

Adjust Contrast Level

Selecting NAV Screens The [NAV] button provides a means of accessing the navigation screens. (Note: the sequence displayed is when all eight navigation screens are turned on. Screens turned off in Setup will not be displayed.)
Navigation Screen Sequence
Map Screen Compass Screen Large Data Screen Position Screen 1 Position Screen 2 Road Screen Data Screen Speed Screen Sat Status Screen
Returning to Last Viewed NAV Screen Pressing the [NAV] button returns the Meridian to the last NAV Screen viewed.
(Note: if the NAV screen is pressed from a screen where data is being input, the data will not be saved.)
The Map screen is the very heart of the Meridian. The Map screen has two modes: Position and Cursor. In the Position Mode, the map is centered around your present position with an arrow cursor indicating your position and points in the direction you are heading. A customizable area is presented at the bottom of the display. In the Cursor Mode, you are provided with a cursor that can be moved on the map. At the bottom of the display is the information for the position of the cursor relative to your present position. Also any points of interest that the cursor is over will be shown. To access the Cursor Mode, press any arrow on the keypad. A crosshair appears that can be moved with the arrow keys. To return to the Position Mode, press [ESC]. The cursor will disappear and the present position icon will appear centered on the map.
Present Position Icon Track History
Map Scale Indicator Data Fields Present Position Icon The Present Position Icon graphically displays your position on the map. While you are moving it will point in the direction you are heading. If the Meridian is not computing positions, this icon is replaced with an hourglass icon. Map Scale Indicator Provides the scale for the map. The number displayed represents approximately 1/4 of the screens width. Scale can be changed with the IN and OUT buttons. Track History Dotted line on the map displays the history of where you have travelled since the last time you cleared the Track History (see Clear Memory in the Reference Chapter.) Data Fields These fields display navigational information for viewing on the Map screen. They are both customizable with 13 data types possible. Both of the data fields can be turned on or off allowing more viewable map area. Both features (customize and turning the data on/off) can be accessed from the MENU button.

Position Mode

Cursor Icon
Map Scale Indicator Cursor Information Block

Waypoint Name

Cursor Icon The Cursor Icon pinpoints the location you have selected by using the arrow keys. Map Scale Indicator Provides the scale for the map. The number displayed represents approximately 1/4 of the screens width. Scale can be changed with the IN and OUT buttons. Waypoint Name
Whenever the cursor is over a map object, the name of the map object is displayed, otherwise the word cursor appears. The data shown in the information block is the heading and distance from your present position to the cursor.

Cursor Mode

Setting the Map Detail The detail of the map can be set to highest, high, medium, low or lowest. This changes the zoom level that different map objects (cities, highways, labels, etc.) are displayed. If you have set a zoom level and the display is too cluttered, set the map detail to a lower level; conversely set it to a higher level to view more detail. The default is Medium.

From the MAP Screen

Highlight Map Setup
Use arrows to highlight the Detail field
Use arrows to select the desired Map Detail level
Customizing the Map Display
The Map screen can be customized for your individual needs and requirements. You can select what is being displayed on the map as well as what additional data will be presented at the bottom of the screen. Customization is broken into two parts; what items are displayed on the map and what data fields (if any) are displayed at the bottom of the screen. Selecting Map Items Turning On/Off Display Waypoints Turns on or off the waypoints on the Map screen. Default is On.
Use L/R arrows to select Display tab
Use U/D arrows to select Waypoints
Turning On/Off Track Lines As you move, your track history is normally displayed on the map screen represented by a dashed line. This function allows you to turn off or on these lines. Default is On.
Use U/D arrows to select Track Lines
Turning On/Off Topographic Lines [Available only if a map has been uploaded from a Magellan MapSend Topo for the United States CD-ROM] This function will hide all topo lines and topographic information. Default is On.
Use U/D arrows to select Topo Lines
Turning On/Off Displayed POIs [Available only if a map has been uploaded from a Magellan MapSend CD-ROM] Allows you to select which, if any, POIs that have been uploaded from a MapSend product to be displayed. Default is On.

Message

Searching - 1st sat Searching - 2nd sat Searching - 3rd sat

Description

Searching for 1st satellite. 1st satellite found; searching for 2nd satellite Two satellites are being tracked and searching for a third.

Searching - 4th sat

Three satellites are being tracked and searching for the fourth.

Collecting Data

All satellites needed for position fix are being tracked and position is being computed.

Averaging

Meridian is computing fixes; speed is near 0.0 so position is being averaged.

EPE xxft

Estimated Position Error in feet. Meridian is computing fixes while moving.
Computed fixes are being differentially corrected.
Since the Meridian is a 12-channel receiver, once the first satellite is found, finding the remaining satellites and computing a fix may take only a few seconds. Selecting the Position Screen Allows you to toggle between the two Position screens. This allows the same position to be displayed in different coordinate systems. This is useful when comparing navigation data between devices and charts that use different coordinate systems. The screen viewed can be changed by pressing the Left or Right arrows while viewing the Position screen. You can change the coordinate system displayed by following the instructions in Setup - Selecting the Coordinate System.
Resetting the Trip Odometer Resets the trip odometer to 0000.00.

From the Position Screen

Highlight Reset Trip

Confirm? Yes or No

Selecting Coordinate System, Map Datum and Elevation Mode Allows you to change the coordinate system, map datum and elevation mode for the primary and secondary Position Screens. These functions perform identically to the same functions described in the Setup section of this manual. To access these functions from the Position screen, press [MENU], select the option, press [ENTER] and follow the prompts.

Customizable Data Fields

Scale Indicator
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. Compass Displays your heading in a familiar compass format.

From Database Screen Use up/down Use left/right arrows to arrows to set Find highlight User By to Nearest To
Selecting Preloaded Waypoints (Nearest To Position)
From Database Screen Use up/down arrows to highlight Preloaded Category Use left/right arrows to set Find By to Nearest To
Selecting Uploaded Waypoints (Nearest To Position)
Use left/right arrows to set Find By to Nearest To
Use up/down arrows to hightlight waypoint
Selecting Waypoints (Nearest To Other Categories) This will allow you to change the Nearest To from Position to any other category in the database. The first step is to follow the instructions provided above for selecting user, preloaded or uploaded waypoints using Nearest To. In the example here, the category Waterways was selected from the preloaded list of categories. Notice that the highlight is on Position. As you know, you can move the highlight to one of the waypoints in the list by using the up/down arrows. But in this example, we are going to change Position to Dallas, Tx. With the highlight still on Position press [ENTER]. (If you already used the arrow keys and one of the waypoints in the list are highlighted, use the [ESC] button to return the highlight to Position.) A drop-down menu is displayed with the options of Position, Cities, Address, Cursor or Other. (The option Cursor only appears if the Map screen is in th Cursor Mode.) For this example, highlight Cities and press [ENTER]. Use the keyboard to enter DALL and highlight OK and press [ENTER]. Use the up/down arrows to highlight Dallas, TX and press [ENTER]. This is the screen that you would see on your Meridian. Here we see the 20 closest waterways to Dallas, TX. If your screen does not appear like the one here and says No Objects Found, then redo this procedure and be sure to select Waterways from the preloaded categories, not from your uploaded categories. Note that the bearing and distance displayed is from your present position or the last position fix obtained.
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.

Sample Route List

(Bold route indicates Active route)

Sample Route Create

Select an Empty Route
Step 1: Select starting waypoint
Use L/R arrows to select Find By
Step 2: Use up/down arrows to move Select leg highlight to next available leg in destination the route. Indicated by dashes. waypoint Select Waypoint Category Select Waypoint from List Use left/right arrows to select Find By
Repeat Step 2 for all additional legs in the route. Step 3: Save the route Use up/down arrows to highlight Save Route button
Activating/Deactivating a Route Enables the activating or deactivating of a stored route. When a route is being used to navigate, it is termed to be active. When you want to use a route to navigate with, follow these steps to activate it.

Select Route

Highlight Activate or Deactivate
(Note: If the route is active, the Meridian will automatically display Deactivate Route in the menu and inversely if the route is not active, Activate Route will be displayed.) Viewing a Route Allows you to view the legs of a route using the same screen that was used to create the route. Viewing a route can be used if you just wanted to see the components of the route or as a precursor to editing the route.
Highlight View/Edit Route
Editing a Route Enables you to modify an existing route by inserting a leg, deleting a leg or replacing a leg. Follow the instructions above for Viewing a Route and then use the instructions for inserting, deleting, replacing or appending a leg as appropriate. When you are done with editing the route, use the Up/Down arrows to highlight the Save Route button and press ENTER. Inserting a Leg Inserts a waypoint in the middle of an existing leg thereby making two legs where there used to be one.
Select route to be edited. See Instructions for Viewing a Route Highlight Insert Select Waypoint
Highlight destination waypoint for leg that will have a leg inserted.

Highlight Vert. Profile

Select option
Track History Description This option displays the vertical profile of the track that is stored in the Meridian. If you have cleared your track, either with the Clear Track option or clearing memory, Track History cannot be accessed. Highlighted Road Vertical Profile Description (Available only with map data uploaded from Magellan MapSend Topo for the United States.) If the cursor or your present position is on a road and you have topographic maps loaded, you can view the vertical profile for the road you have selected. Route Vertical Profile Description (Available only with map data uploaded from Magellan MapSend Topo for the United States.) If you have at least one route stored in memory, you can view the vertical profile for the route. After selecting Vertical Profile, you will be asked to select the route you want to plot. Path Check Description Path check performs two functions. First, it allows you to create a path on the Map screen graphically and then view this paths vertical profile (assuming that you have uploaded a topo map). You can also save this path as a route, allowing an additional method of creating a route. After selecting Path Check from the Vert. Profile menu, you will be returned to the Map screen where you can begin to lay out your path. Using the arrow keypad, move the cursor to the desired location of the paths beginning and press [GOTO]. Now use the arrow keypad to move to a new location and press [GOTO]. Notice a thick line has been drawn between the two points. Continue moving the cursor and pressing [GOTO] until your path is complete. When it is done, press [ENTER] and the vertical profile for the path is displayed. When you are done viewing the Vertical Profile of the path you created, press ESC to return to the map screen. Now you can continue adding legs to the path. Tip: You can convert this path into a stored route by simply pressing the MENU key and selecting the Save To Route option.
Initializing the Meridian Enables you to initialize the Meridian should it be needed to speed up satellite acquisition. Two such instances would be travelling over 500 miles with your Meridian turned off or complete loss of memory.

Highlight Initialize

Highlight Region

Highlight Area

Input Elevation (optional)

Input Time

Input Date
Turning NAV Screens On/Off Allows you to turn off or on any of the navigation screens you choose.

Highlight Nav Screens

Sat Status On/Off

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.

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:
Connecting with the Meridian mounted to the Mounting Cradle. Place Meridian in the cradle, bottom end first. Snap the Meridian down until the release latch locks it in place. Attach the cable through the opening in the back of the mounting cradle. It is not necessary to tighten the captive screw to the receiver, although you may do so for added security.
Connecting directly to the Meridian. Using the captive screw that is attached to the plug, tighten into the back of the receiver.
Connecting to an External Power Source If using the cable that comes with the cigarette lighter adapter, simply connect it to the cigarette lighter outlet. If you wish to make a permanent mount to a power supply, cut the cable between the power supply box and the cigarette lighter adapter. Attach the red (+) and black (-) wires to your external power source. The input voltage range for external power is 9-16 VDC. Caution: Do not bypass the power supply box or you will damage your unit and void the warranty.

Power Plug Cut Here

Cigarette Lighter Adapter
Power Supply Box 9-pin Connector
Connecting to a Data Source Data Connection Pinout (PC and Data cables only) This is the pinout looking into the 9-pin female connector Pin 2: Data Out Pin 3: Data In Pin 5: Ground
Cable Wiring Color Code Power Red: Power + Black: GND
Data (Power/Data, PC cable & Data cable only) Yellow: Data In Orange: Data Out Black: GND
90 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver
Your Magellan GPS receiver has been upgraded to include the latest WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) technology. With WAAS your GPS receiver can compute position locations with an accuracy never before possible in a commercial receiver. What is WAAS? WAAS is a means of improving the accuracy of GPS beyond the standard civilian signal. WAAS was developed by the FAA to provide the accuracy needed for aircraft to perform approaches for landings. WAAS improves the accuracy of GPS by calculating the errors in the GPS signal at several monitoring stations around the country and then transmitting the error corrections to special WAAS satellites. In turn, these satellites broadcast the error corrections to WAAS-capable GPS receivers around the world. WAAS is a free service and, with the small exception of two additional satellites displayed on the Satellite Status screen, it will be transparent to you. There is nothing you need do, its all ready to go. How accurate will my GPS receiver be with WAAS? The FAA reports that expected accuracy can be improved to around 7 meters vertically and horizontally. Our own testing suggests that Magellan GPS receivers will typically experience accuracy improvements to around 3 meters. You can expect to see this level of accuracy for 95% of the time that you are receiving WAAS signals. What are some of the problems with WAAS? The signal coverage with WAAS is not global like GPS satellites. In some locations, receiving WAAS signals can be difficult and intermittent. There are two satellites transmitting WAAS for corrections in the Americas and two more over Africa and India providing similar coverage for Europe. These satellites are geostationary, i.e., they stay in the same spot over the Earth equator. The two satellites for the Americas are over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Chances are then, they will probably be near the horizon from where you are using your GPS receiver. This increases the chance that buildings, foliage, terrain and other obstacles could block the WAAS signal. Also WAAS is a relatively new system and is still in its developmental stage. So on occasion you may experience service outages. Even during these outages, your GPS receiver will still be working, computing position fixes and helping you get to where you want to go using the GPS signals. The only difference is you will not be getting the precision that WAAS was providing. You can expect to see these outages diminish as the system matures and stabilizes. For more information on WAAS, you can visit the FAA websites section on their WAAS system: http://gps.faa.gov/programs/WAAS/waas.htm