ELECTRONICALLY REPRINTED FROM APRIL 2002

] BY MARK NOBLES

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

s FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

MERIDIAN

Product Meridian Basic, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, Meridian Platinum Europe, Meridian marine Europe, Meridian Gold Europe, Meridian Color Europe Meridian Basic, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, Meridian Platinum Europe, Meridian marine Europe, Meridian Gold Europe, Meridian Color Europe Question Solution
Can I use a memory card larger than 64MB in Meridian GPS?
Yes, to utilize the entire size of the card, you will need a Secure Digital memory card reader/writer
Can I install BlueNav on another PC for Yes but only one GPS can be used or one memory card. Meridian GPS?
Meridian Basic, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, Meridian Platinum Europe, Meridian marine Europe, Meridian Gold Europe, Meridian Color Europe Meridian Basic, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, Meridian Platinum Europe, Meridian marine Europe, Meridian Gold Europe, Meridian Color Europe
I am using Meridian GPS with my MapSend product and it indicates "not enough memory." What is wrong?
You may not have a memory card in your unit. The built-in memory of the Meridian GPS cannot accept detailed maps from the MapSend products you must use a Secure Digital memory card to load the detailed maps. Or, if you are using a 128MB Secure Digital memory card or larger, the firmware version of your unit may need to be updated to a version higher than 3.12.
How often is the BlueNav CD updated and when is the next update?
The BlueNav CD is no longer manufactured. The Marine Charts that we now offer are in the form of an SD Memory card and are called Mapsend Blue Nav XL-3 Charts. They are only compatible with Meridian Marine, Meridian Color, Meridian Platinum and Meridian Gold. They are not compatible with any SporTrak Series.
Why does my program indicate "unsupported receiver" when I am trying to load a map in Meridian GPS?
First, ensure you are using a receiver that is supported by the MapSend application. Not all receivers in the Meridian and SporTrak series are supported by all MapSend products. Second, some older applications may have other applications on the CDs that are specific to older units, such as the original CDs for MapSend TOPO and MapSend Streets & Destinations which both had a program (MAGUP) to load updated firmware to the older model Map330 units. If you have a Meridian or SporTrak product, do NOT to use this firmware update on your unit, as it would try to load obsolete firmware that may render your unit useless.

How can I print my map?

If MapSend products that support printers, either left click on the printer icon on your product tool bar or select "FILE" then "PRINT". You can preview the map to be printed and turn features to be printed on & off by selecting "OPTIONS" and selecting or deselecting features as desired.
What is the advantage of using a card reader/writer?
There are multiple advantages. The primary one is speed. It is faster to load the files through the card reader than through the unit when loading to a memory card. A second advantage is that you can load multiple files.
Can I print out my waypoints?
Yes, but you will need to have a MapSend program that allows export to an Excel file. You will only be able to print from the exported Excel file.
What is Cross Track error?
This is how far you are off from your point A to B or an individual leg in a multi-leg route.
Is it possible to change the temperature readings from Fahrenheit to Celsius?
Yes it is possible. Go to Setup>Nav units>Advanced>temperature>Select Celsius.
Meridian Basic, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, Meridian Platinum Europe, Meridian marine Europe, Meridian Gold Europe, Meridian Color Europe

How can you copy a file manually from earlier topo and streets applications to an SD card for use with the Magellan Meridian? (There was no SD card option in earlier options)
Without connecting your Meridian to a PC create your regions and begin the map download process. When the map compilation part of the download process is done, MapSend will display a message that it cannot find your GPS receiver to perform the download. Stop the process here by selecting "Cancel. Copy this file to the SD card using a 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.
Is it possible that a map downloaded from the world wide basemap becomes the internal basemap in the unit and the BlueNav map runs from the BlueNav SD card?
Yes, follow these steps:1. Use World Wide BaseMap CD and prepare a chart area of your choice. Choose to upload the chart to your local hard disk and not to the GPS.2. Using Windows Explorer rename this chart to something meaningful for you, leaving the.img suffix unchanged.3. Use the standard Magellan software (MagUp) for uploading firmware fixes. Select Expert Upload (Select "No" to the default question to upload firmware); select Meridian(R) as your GPS unit and the port the GPS is connected to. Select "Save."4. Choose Expert Upload and select Upload firmware and basemap. For basemap select the chart you have previously prepared with the WWBaseMap CD.5. First, the program uploads the firmware. When this is done the GPS will shut down. Turn it on again and you should receive a message that the unit contains no internal base map, and it will automatically switch to basemap upload mode. From the Magellan application proceed to upload the basemap6. When the Magellan application finishes uploading the map:a) Either the GPS will recognize the new map and it will immediately start loading and display the new map, orb) the GPS will not respond and continue to display the message "Uploading basemap." If this happens, then from the Magellan MagUp application select "Upload base map" (just "Base map" not "Firmware and basemap") from Expert Mode and repeat the process.7. After repeating the process the second time your GPS should work correctly. If the problem persists, repeat once more. If there is no response, access the secret menus from the files section of your GPS to erase the internal basemap and start again from step 4.

How do you perform the expert upload of a firmware?
If your Meridian is in a "locked up" state (stuck on), make sure you put fresh batteries before proceeding. 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" when the dialog box appears. Click on "Expert" and checkmark "On" for the "Expert Upload" setting. Be sure to 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. 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. If the problem persists, contact Magellan Customer Support.
What is the part number for vehicle mounting Vehicle Mounting Bracket bracket, swivel Swivel Mounting Bracket mounting bracket and Bike Mounting Bracket bike mounting bracket?
PN 701241 PN 701239 PN - 701242
I have selected correct COM Port but still gets an error message "comport busy/comport not available?
There may be another program using the COM port of the computer. This can be caused by the Hot Sync manager of a PDA, such as the Palm and Visor models (even if you are not using these devices, they could still be running in the computers background). Disable these types of programs. Also try disabling any Anti Virus or Firewall software on the computer. Verify the baud rate of the receiver is set to 4800; and in the computers device manager, in the port settings, verify the baud rate is set to 4800 and the Flow Control is set to On / OFF on the computer.
I am having serial communication issues between the unit and the computer. What could be the reason?
The baud rate (data transfer speed) on your PC has to match the Baud rate in the gps. The Baud rate adjustment on the gps is found by selecting menu and under menu you select setup and set the baud rate to 4800bps. On your PC you right click the My Computer icon and left click onto properties and under properties select hardware and under hardware you will see the Device manager and that is where you will find your COM Port usually they are already defaulted to 4800 bps baud rate speed
Why am I having problems with my SD card in the unit?
The root of this problem is that an SD card formatted using Windows XP might not work in a Meridian GPS receiver. The solution is to use your Meridian to format the card. The card can be formatted from the Card Utilities menu. Note that formatting will completely erase the card. DO NOT do this while using the device in the outdoors, when you are dependent on full functionality. Note that the Meridian completely ignores the Lock switch on the SD card itself. Update This problem is fixed in the latest firmware updates, version 4.51 or later.

The direction on my compass is off by 180 degrees. What can be done?
Toggle the "Compass Orient" in the setup menu to "GPS Course" and then back to "Magnetic North."
Why is it not possible to use the U.S. cars CLAs in European cars?
The cars in the U.S. are positively grounded, while the ones in Europe are negatively grounded.
Can I get a Bluetooth adapter for my Meridian?
We do not support any such activities and the customer is at his own risk. The Magellan Meridian does not support Bluetooth.
What are the optimal com port settings for the Meridian GPS?
Bits per second: 4800,Data Bits: 8,Parity: NONE, Stop Bits: 1,Flow Control: Hardware
Is the Meridian compatible with IPAQ and xmap?
It has an NMEA 2.1 GSA output that the IPAQ would use but we do not make a cable to interface. Suggest: Technically, it is compatible, but Magellan does not make a cable to interface.
Can I load more than one chart from MapSend BlueNav to my authorized memory card?
No, the licensing for the program restricts the use of the program to a single chart loaded on a single Secure Digital memory card at any given time. If you need to load a second chart, you simply reprogram the card with the second chart once you are done using the first chart.
What accessories comes Your Meridian unit comes with preloaded background maps, PC cable, Reference Manual-CD ROM, and Quick with the Meridian GPS? Reference Guide.
What is the minimum and maximum operating temperature of the Meridian GPS?
Minimum Temperature -10*C ( 14*F ) Maximum Temperature 60*C ( 140*F ).
What is the maximum operating altimeter in the Meridian GPS?
Maximum operating altimeter 60,000 Ft/ 18,288 m.
How many routes I can create in my Meridian GPS?
You can create 20 routes in your Meridian GPS.
How many navigation screens does the Meridian GPS have?
The Meridian GPS has 8 navigation screens.
How many satellites are needed to obtain a At least three satellites are needed for a position fix. position fix ?
Can I connect the Meridian GPS to the USB port of my computer?
The Meridian unit can only be connected to the serial port of the PC and not to the USB port, to connect it to the USB, the user needs to use the serial to USB conversion cable.

Does my Meridian GPS comes with detailed street maps?
No, it has a basic highway map.
My backtrack readings are not accurate. How can I save get more accurate breadcrumb readings?
Adjust track interval to.01 and it should increase the resolution. NOTE: setting to.01 will limit the amount of track to be recorded.
How can I delete a Map in my Meridian GPS?
Press menu then select Card Utilities and there will be a delete file menu select the detailed img map file you want to delete
How can I clear memory in my Meridian GPS?
Press Menu. Select "setup," highlight "Clear Memory" and select "all." The clear all memory will clear All Track Logs, All POIs and Routes, All Multi-Leg Routes, All Track Logs, POIs and Routes.
How do I load waypoints and routes from a memory card to my Meridian GPS?
Select Menu > Select Card utilities > Select load waypoints/Route and press Enter > Highlight the desired filename and press enter.
What happens when the user exceeds 2000 track points?
Once the unit has recorded 2000 track points, it will continue to set additional track points. However, the oldest track points will be automatically deleted to make room for the new ones.
How often do I need to initialize the Meridian GPS?
Initializing the Meridian decreases the time it takes to get a position fix during cold start. What is meant by a cold start is that the Meridian has no reference to use as a guide to tell it what satellites should be overhead. Without a reference to start with, the Meridian will have to search the sky to find the satellites in view. This may take up to 10 minutes in severe conditions.
How can I overcome the error card not detected?
1) Check to ensure that the card utilities option is active. 2) If it is not, put the card in the card reader and check for any data available. 3) Check the firmware of the unit and try to update it if there is one available.
How can I check firmware update version, memory size of the base map, the total All this information is available in the "About" menu screen. memory size of detailed From any screen Press the MENU button, highlight maps and how much About" and press enter. free memory is available in my Meridian GPS?
What can be done if my battery life seems shorter than it should be?
1. Make sure that you are using two AA alkaline batteries. 2. Shorter life span of the batteries can be due to excessive use of the backlight. Turn the backlight off when not needed.
Why does my receiver turn off unexpectedly.

This is commonly is caused by excessive static electricity. Turn the receiver back on and it should operate normally. Move the receiver to a new location to avoid a similar occurrence.
Why is my Meridian GPS not turning on?
1. Check to see if the batteries are installed correctly.2. Replace with two new AA alkaline batteries
What can be done if my Meridian GPS is not getting a signal?
1. If there are any obstacles nearby or overhead, move to a new location. 2. Make sure that the antenna is pointing up, has a clear view of the sky and is a reasonable distance away from your body. 3. Check the Satellite Status screen to see where the satellites are and if the receiver is acquiring data. 4. If the receiver still does not get a position fix within 10 minutes, you can do clear memory and then you can initalize the GPS.
How do I know which route is active?
Press menu highlight routes and there you will see your list of routes you have created the route in bold font is the one currently active
How can I format an SD card using Meridian GPS?
You can use the card utilities to format the SD card that is in the GPS. Press MENU from any screen and highlight Card utilities. Press "Enter," select Format Card, and press "Enter" again.
Can I test an SD Memory card in Meridian GPS?
Yes. Press MENU from any screen and highlight Card utilities. Press "Enter," and select Test Card, then 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. [what's "a very long time" -- up to 2 hours? up to 15 minutes?]
How can I delete a file from my memory card using the Meridian GPS itself?
Press MENU from any screen and highlight Card utilities. Press enter, select Delete file, and press "Enter." Here you can get the list of files, highlight the one that you want to delete and press "Enter."
I have loaded some tracks into my SD card. How can I access those tracks?
Press MENU from any screen and highlight Card utilities. Press "Enter," select Load Track, and press "Enter" again. The list of tracks will be displayed with the filename. Highlight the one you wish to select and press "Enter."
How can I change languages in my Meridian GPS?
Press MENU button from any screen, highlight Setup and press "Enter." Highlight Languages, press "Enter," select the language and press "Enter" again.
How can I change the baud rate in my Meridian GPS?
Press MENU button from any screen, highlight Setup and press "Enter." Highlight Baud Rate, press "Enter," select the baud rate, and press "Enter" again. Default is 4800 Baud.

Is it possible to set a backlight timer in my Meridian GPS?
Yes, you can set the backlight timer to turn off after 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 4 minutes, 10 minutes or you can shut the timer off. To set the timer, press MENU button from any screen, highlight Setup and press "Enter." Highlight Light Timer, press "Enter," select the time duration and press "Enter" again.
How can I change the daylight savings setting in Meridian GPS?
Press the MENU button from any screen. Highlight Setup and press "Enter." Highlight Daylight Savings and press "Enter." Select the region and press "Enter" again.
How can I change the navigation units on my meridian from Kilometers to Miles
Press the MENU button from any screen. Highlight Setup and press "Enter." Highlight Nav units, press "Enter," select Miles/hr and press "Enter" again.
How can I change the elevation mode from 2D to 3D in my Meridian GPS?
Press the MENU button from any screen. Highlight Setup and press "Enter." Highlight Elves mode , press "enter," select 3D and press "Enter" again. [does it really say "Elves mode"?)
How can I initialize the Meridian GPS?
Press the MENU button from any screen. Highlight Setup and press "Enter." Highlight Initialize then follow the on screen prompt by selecting your area and enter date and time.
What is a vertical profile?
Vertical Profile displays the elevation as a graphical display for the option you select. Only Track History is available for this function if MapSend Topo for the United States map data is not uploaded.
What Map Datum is the Meridian defaulted to?
The default map datum for Meridian will be WGS84.
How can I change the coordinate system from Lat/Lon to UTM?
Press the MENU button from any screen. Highlight Setup and press "Enter." Highlight Cord system and press "Enter." Select Primary or Secondary and press "Enter." Select UTM and press "Enter."

Why does my Meridian GPS not make an audible beep when I have an alarm active?
Check your setup settings for the Beeper. If the selection is Off or Keys Only is selected, the Beeper will not sound for alarms.
Why do the position coordinates on Meridian GPS receiver not match the location on my map?
1. Make sure that your receiver is set up to use the same datum as your map. 2. Check your LAT/LON format. Make sure that the format selected in COORDINATE SYSTEM (DEG/MIN/SEC or DEG/MIN.MM) is in the same format as the map you are using.
Meridian Basic, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, Meridian Platinum Europe, Meridian marine Europe, Meridian Gold Europe, Meridian Color Europe Product Meridian , Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, Meridian , Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, Meridian , Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum,
How can I delete a Route in my Meridian GPS?
Press the MENU button from any screen. Highlight Routes and press "Enter." Highlight Select Route and press "Menu." Highlight DELETE and press "Enter."

74. 75.

Question

Solution

What are the uses of the Meridian?
Meridian has the features that appeal to a sailor, fisherman, hiker, hunter, or any person involved with outdoor recreational activities. Moreover, Meridian can display your location on detailed city maps providing you with a useful navigation tool that will last for years.
How many batteries are required for turning on the Meridian?
Meridian uses two AA batteries
How long will Meridian You can expect up to 14 hours of usage on two AA batteries stay on if I am using with the backlight turned off. With the backlight on new AA batteries? continuously, youll have approximately 6 hours of usage from two AA batteries.
Meridian , Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, Meridian , Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, Meridian , Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum,
How do I turn off the backlight in my Meridian?
Pressing the Power button turns the backlight on and off. The display backlight can be set to one of three levels (low, high or off).To change the level press and hold the power button for two seconds.

How do I change map orientation to Track up?
Go to map screen>Press the MENU button>Select Map Setup" Press enter>Highlight select Orientations press enter> Select Track up and press enter.
How many channels do Meridian receivers have?
Meridian is a 12-channel receiver.
How do I reset Trip Odometer?
From the Lat/lon position screen >Press Menu > Select Reset Trip > Press enter then >Select Yes and press enter.
I manually stored some waypoints in my Meridian, but how do I find them?
There are two ways to find the waypoints that you have stored in the GPS. 1. Alphabetical.From any screen > Press the Menu button>Highlight Database and press enter>Select User >Use the Left/Right arrow key to select Find by Alphabetical>Press enter Highlight the Waypoint and press enter. 2. Nearest to Position. From Any screen>Press the Menu button>Highlight Database press enter>Select User use the Left/Right arrow key to select Find by Nearest and press enter> Highlight the waypoint and press enter.
How do I search a preloaded point of interest in my Meridian?
There are two ways to find the point of interest in the GPS: 1. Alphabetical From Any screen>Press the Menu button>Highlight Database press enter>Select Preloaded Category >Use the Left/Right key to select Find by Alphabetical and press enter>Use arrow keys to enter first five characters Highlight OK and press enter>Select waypoint and press enter. 2. Nearest to Position From Any screen>Press the Menu button>Highlight Database press enter>Select Preloaded Category>Use the Left/Right arrow key to select Find by to Nearest to and press enter>Highlight Waypoints and press enter.
I downloaded a detail map in my unit using Mapsend, but how can I find a point of interest by Nearest to Position and Alphabetical?
1. Alphabetical From Any screen>Press the Menu button>Highlight Database press enter>Select The Name of detail map >Use the left/Arrow key to select Category >Press enter Highlight Find by alphabetical and press enter>Select Subcategory and press enter> Use arrow keys to enter first five characters press enter> Highlight OK and press enter select waypoint and press enter.2. Nearest to Position From any screen>Press the Menu button>Highlight Database and press enter>Select Category >Use the Left/Right arrow key to select Find by to nearest to press enter>Use arrow keys to select Subcategory and press enter>Select waypoint and press enter.

Meridian

How do I manually enter co-ordinates in my Meridian?
Press and hold the GOTO button for two seconds. Highlight the Location Field" and press enter Edit Line 1 of the Location Field press enter Edit Line 2 of the Location Field press enter Edit Elevation field" and press enter highlight the Save button and press enter.

I loaded my map, with the points of interest from MapSend. Why cant I see points of interest on the Meridian map screen?
When you upload a map to the GPS, the points of interest info goes with it, by default, but the points of interest icons are not displayed on the map screen. Its easy to display some or all points of interest. Press the MENU key on the Meridian, select Map Setup, and use the cursor key to arrow right to the Display tab. In this screen you can display all the points of interest, not display any overlay features (Clear All), or specify any particular points of interest categories you want to display. You can change your selection anytime. Also, even when points of interest are not set to display, you can still search them, view them, and use them as routing destinations.
Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum,
Can I use my DirectRoute compatible GPS receiver for street routing and for marine use with the BlueNavcharts?
Yes, but you have a GPS firmware decision to make. For most who want to use their GPS with DirectRoute and BlueNav, the right choice is the Standard receiver firmware. It will do street routing if a DirectRoute map is active, and it will do all functions except marine tides and currents when a BlueNav chart is active. Conversely, if you choose the Marine firmware load because you really need tides and currents, you can use DirectRoute maps, search points of interest, and so forth. However, you cant street route with that firmware. The one exception is SporTrak Color it has only one firmware load, and it can do both routing and tides/currents. Firmware Update CD 1.00e contains all the current firmware, Standard and Marine, and detailed instructions on their uses. Firmware for handhelds can also be downloaded from the Magellan website.
105. Meridian , Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, 106. Meridian , Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum,
What can be done if I am getting a Time Out error while copying the maps on to my Meridian from map send TOPO 3D or map send direct route?
Try formatting the SD card by pressing "menu", then select "card utilities", and then select format card
Yes. Go to: www.navicache.com Besides www.geocaching.com is there another Website that I can visit to download geocaches?
107. Meridian , Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, 108. Meridian , Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum,
Do Meridian products use Navteq information for the basemap?
No. Meridianbasemap does not use Navteq data.
Why do detail maps show me wrong road positioning information?

When you compare where you are with where the GPS thinks the road is, remember an actual road is often 100 feet wide. Typical GPS accuracy is at best 12 feet, and is often 30 feet or more. This means that an error of 50 feet is not only common, but to be expected.
109. Meridian , Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum,
Can I use a multimedia card along with my Meridian?
You can use a multimedia card inside the Meridian. If you already have a multimedia card, try itt.If you purchase a new card, however, it is recommended that you purchase a SD card. We recommend SanDisk and Toshiba SD cards.
Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum,
The Meridian Marine is identical to the Meridian Gold. Why does the Meridian Marine cost more?
The Meridian Marine is very similar, though not identical to the Meridian Gold. The difference in price is that the slightly costlier Meridian Marine has a a pre-loaded marine buoy lighthouse database.
When should the magnetic compass be re-calibrated?
The compass should be re-calibrated whenever the batteries are changed to ensure best accuracy.
How can I deactivate the magnetic compass in the Meridian Platinum? (It shortens the battery life by approximately 25%).
Change the GPS heading in the compass setup screen from heading to COG. This will deactivates the compass on the compass display.Make certain that the Magnetic HDG up is NOT selected in the map screen
What does each IPX rating indicate?
IPX-0 No special protection IPX-1 Protected against falling water, equivalent to 35mm rainfall per minute for 10 minutes. Meridian is placed in its normal operating position. IPX-2 Protected against falling water when tilted up to 15 degrees. This is the same as IPX-1 but Meridian is tested in four fixed positions, tilted 15 degrees in each direction from normal operating position. IPX-3 Protected against spraying water, Water spraying up to 60 degrees from vertical at 10 liters/min at a pressure of 80-100kN/m2 for five minutes. IPX-4 Protected against splashing water. This is the same as IPX-3, but water is sprayed at all angles. IPX-5 Protected against water jets. Water projected at all angles through a 6.3mm nozzle at a flow rate of 12.5 liters/min at a pressure of 30kN/m2 for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters. IPX-6 Protected against heavy seas. Water projected at all angles through a 12.5mm nozzle at a flow rate of 100 liters/min at a pressure of 100kN/m2 for three minutes from a distance of three meters. IPX-7 Protected against water immersion. Immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of one meter. IPX-8 Protected against water submersion. The equipment is suitable for continual submersion in water under conditions, which are identified by the manufacturer

124. Meridian, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum,
How many routes can be loaded in to my Meridian unit?
Up to 20 routes may be loaded, each with a max of 30 points. In version 5.x firmware, this limit has been raised to 50 points.
125. Meridian, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum,

What is a route?

A route is a series of waypoints. When navigating a route, the GPS will automatically change the destination waypoint to the next waypoint on the list as it reaches each waypoint. The GPS receiver or autopilot normally sounds an alarm, and requires an acknowledgment, before making any course change.
126. Meridian, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, 127. Meridian, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, 128. Meridian, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum,
Is the antenna same between the Meridian and eXplorist units?
No. Meridian uses a Quad Helix antenna. Explorist uses a patch antenna
What are the different types of antennas available among GPS devices and which would be the best?
There is NO best type of antenna for all GPS applications. The most popular type for consumer model receivers is the Quad Helix style. The most popular alternative for Quad Helix is the PATCH antenna.

What is UTC?

Universal Time Clock (UTC)is also known as Greenwich Mean Tme) (GMT)
129. Meridian, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum,
Why am I having problems with creating projections?
If you are using firmware older than v4.02, then this section outlines a problem that you may encounter. Meridian has the ability to project a waypoint from within the location screen. There are two major problems with this, though. The first is that projections can only be done if your big unit is in (miles or kilometers). The second is that the projection will be inaccurate if your primary map datum is not set to WGS-84.
130. Meridian, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, 131. Meridian, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, 132. Meridian, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum,
How to activate the different detail maps on my Meridianunit?
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

138. Meridian, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum, 139. Meridian, Meridian Gold, Meridian Color, Meridian Marine, Meridian Platinum,
Why does the There could be many factors, including tire inflation. speedometer of the GPS differ from the speedometer on a car?
Do the Meridian screens have LED backlighting?
No. The backlighting is actually electroluminescent