Cedar41
Cedar Creek Lake, Texas
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Joined: 03/02/2004
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I wonder, is there a way to use my Magellan GPS with my lap top. If not what is the best GPS devise to get for my lap top to use it with "Street Finder" etc.
Papillon and Schnauzer
2004 38' Alpine
2004 Honda Pilot toad
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jefff929
Pacific wonderland, wet side
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Joined: 05/23/2004
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Mine came with a cable in the box. used it this last year on a trip back east. on the back of the GPS there should be 4 small metal pads with a screw hole in the middle. that is one end the other of ours is a serial cable
2001 Dodge 2500 QC, Diesel, Auto, 4x4 Shortbox, Stull running boards, 24.5' Prowler 5er
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mapmaker1948
Central Florida
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Joined: 09/26/2004
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You have two issues here. One is your laptop, and the other is the GPS you already have.
If your GPS came with a cable, just plug that into your laptop. If it came with a CD, install the map/software on your laptop.
Then put your laptop somewhere near the driver's seat, and secure it really good! Plug in the GPS and lay it on the dash, right up against the glass. Turn your laptop on, then start up your map program. It should automatically begin tracking.
The first time you use it, don't drive anywhere. You need to adjust the size of the map you want to 'see' on the laptop. If you get it too far out, you loose the smaller streets. If you zoom in too much, you'll only 'see' a few blocks ahead. Just play with the screen zoom until you like it.
Make sure the GPS AND laptop are plugged into the power supply. If not, you will drain the batteries real quick.
I use a VENTURE E-Trex and really like it. But when it's not plugged in, it goes through batteries in a hurry.
Finally, Garman and Magellan have good people answering their email. Send them one if you still are stuck.
If you're out around the Outer Banks of NC, drive by the GPS Store. They can go out to your RV and have you set up in no time, any brand.
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Luckybird2
North Central Az
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Joined: 02/19/2005
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Does your laptop have serial or usb port?
If you have a serial port the cable jefff mentioned will work by it's self.
If you only have usb you will still need the cable jefff mentioned and a serial to usb adapter. You can pick up both cables at Best Buy or Circuit City.
Hope this helps.
It's all 'bout explorin!
2006 F350 CC 4X4 Dually Lariet w/tow boss
2006 RAGE'N 3005 5er
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Cattle-Dog
Camping Addict
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You can so long as you meet a few requirements.
First is, there are many models, old and new, of Magellan GPS units. You need one that supports a data connection to your PC or laptop. Most all but the basic models did.
Then you'll need to make sure that your GPS unit and your software can find a common standard to talk. Your mapping software should tell you what it can accept and your docuemtnation of your GPS should tell you what it can talk. it'll most likely be a NEMA standard. Most semi-modern GPS units and software can find something in common.
If you need to look up specs or online manuals of your GPS, Magellan is pretty good about keeping that sort of thing online; even for their retired products. http://www.magellangps.net
I used to use Delorme Street Atlas, but have not been very happy with their last few releases. I now use Streets and Trips 2005 with my Magellan. If you are in the market for both a new GPS and new software, it is hard to beat the Streets and Trips 2005 with a GPS for $100 at Amazon.
Good luck!
~Chad
-2005 Potomac 29 RLS, Vinyl Roof, 12 gal. W/H, Dual Pane Windows, Triple Fantastic Fans, Roto-Choks...
-2008 Ford F250, XLT, 6.4L, SC, LWB, 4x4, 3.73LS, Torqushift,Tow Command, Autopage Remote Start/Turbo Timer/Alarm...
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init6
Near Fredericksburg, VA
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If you end up getting another one, you might consider the Etrex Legend from Garmin. They hook right up to a laptop via serial port and work great with the software you mentioned (plus many more). They also show the maps on the handheld itself plus the laptop...
2005 Pace Arrow 37c
Workhorse W-24 Chassis
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W7APD
Keizer, OR, USA
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Joined: 08/02/2004
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Just plug it in, set up the software and go. If you have a serial plug from the GPS and your laptop doesn't have a retro serial port, get a USP-serial adaptor, these should come with software to create a virtual serial port via the USB connection. That's what I use and it works great. I also use my Magellan with my Pocket PC.
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DrBob
Kaneohe, Hawaii, USA
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Joined: 12/24/2004
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Another option if your laptop has a PCMCIA slot is to geta compact flach adapter and the compact flash GPS. The CP GPS I got for my Pocket PC came with a magnetic antenna to put on the dash. I got it on Ebay for $65.
Dr Bob's Underwater and Travel Photos
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Reddog1
El Dorado, CA
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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I sure could use you guy’s help with a GPS. However, you will have to dumb down your suggestion. Maybe type real slow so I will understand.
I want a hand held GPS that I can use with or without my laptop. I prefer a USB, but would consider a USB to Serial adapter. I would like to use software something like Delorme Street Atlas or Streets and Trips 2005.
Whatever you suggest, please give complete description (model), not just something like Magellan or Garman. I am just too ignorant to sift through the specs.
I know a lot about a lot of subjects but I don't know squat about a GPS device.
EDIT: I hope to do this under $300 if I could.
Wayne
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mapmaker1948
Central Florida
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Joined: 09/26/2004
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I use GPS for work, so I very rarely hook it up to my laptop. (I make maps)
If you just want to get directions while traveling, you really don't need to understand much about the device. If all the plugs mate, then turn the GPS and laptop on and the map software should just do it's work all by itself.
I have Street Atlas USA, but like the other post, I'm not sure it's all that accurate. I also have TopoUSA, which is much more detailed, but it takes a lot of memory, and if your laptop is old, it won't run on it.
I haven't seen the other maping software, so can't make any comments about them.
BTW, if you fish, the eTrex will tell you when the fishing is good!
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