Magellan Meridian FAQ User Manual

Magellan Meridian FAQ

Version 2.0 – 10/31/2003

Version 1 by Kevin Harrelson

[e-mail]

Version 2 by Dan Surratt

[e-mail]

Updated info provided by the Meridian group members

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Magellan_Meridian

Table of Contents:

1) Introduction 4

2) Which model for me? 4

3) Various Models -- What's the Difference? 4

4) Difference between Magellan SporTrak and Meridian GPS receivers? 4

5) What does the compass and barometer on the Platinum do? 5

6) Memory and Maps – The Overview 5

7) Base Maps -- What's the deal? 6

8) Where do I find basemaps? 7

9) Memory Expansion (SD Card) -- How do I do it, and what's it for? 7

10) Memory Usage – How much memory is left? 8

11) Detailed Maps -- How do I do it? 8

12) Detailed Maps -- What if I don’t have a base map? 8

13) Detailed Maps -- What software is available? 8

14) Detailed Maps -- Why are they so bad? 9

15) Detailed Maps -- How do I use more than 1 map file? 9

16) Detailed Maps -- Can I use non-Magellan software or make my own maps? 10

17) MapSend Topo -- How detailed is it? 10

18) MapSend Topo -- Where do I find the 4.20 patch for my v3.xx Topo? 10

19) Combining Mapsend Products (Method 1 – Australia Mapsend Streets) 11

20) Combining Mapsend Products (Method 2 –Mapsend Europe and USA) 11

21) What other software is available. 12

22) Serial Communications with other software 12

23) How do I actually use my Magellan GPS? 12

24) Fun things to do with your GPS 14

25) What if I don’t use Windows? 14

26) WAAS - What it is, do I need it, and can I turn it off? 14

27) What are all of these secret menus? 15

28) Secret Key Combinations 16

29) Upgrading the "Lawyer" screen 16

30) Upgrading the "Copyright" screen 16

31) Emergency Firmware Restoration 17

32) Base Map Replacement (Gold/Marine/Platinum/Color) 17

33) Basemap Replacement (Green & Yellow) 18

34) Base Map Backup 19

35) Build your own Trail Maps 20

36) Change the Meridian icons. 22

37) How do I measure the distance between two points? 22

38) Can I use rechargeable batteries? 22

39) What is the ‘Simulate’ function for? 22

40) Setting up a User Grid 23

41) Use Mapsend WW Basemap with BlueNav Charts 23

42) Troubleshooting -- My GPS is shutting down every few minutes 24

43) Troubleshooting -- MyMeridian reports “Bad Data” 25

44) Troubleshooting -- Can’t calibrate the thermometer or barometer 25

45) Troubleshooting -- The goto line doesn’t move with my position 25

46) Troubleshooting -- Why am I having problems with projections? 25

47) Troubleshooting – My tracks have the wrong time stamp? 25

48) Troubleshooting -- Topo, Streets and SD Cards 25

49) Troubleshooting – SD Cards and Windows XP 26

50) Troubleshooting – Map Size Limits 26

51) Troubleshooting – Meridian Green or Yellow Loss of Waypoints and Routes 26

52) Troubleshooting – Screen Spots 27

53) Troubleshooting -- My Platinum’s Compass Doesn’t Calibrate 27

54) Troubleshooting - Low Battery Warning 27

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55) Troubleshooting – My Battery Compartment Door does not fit right. 27

56) Troubleshooting – The contact area on my unit is missing its cover. 27

57) Troubleshooting -- Mapsend won’t read tracks/waypoints from SD card 27

58) Troubleshooting – SanDisk SD Card Incompatibility 28

59) Troubleshooting -- COM Port is ‘Busy’ 28

60) Troubleshooting -- Mapsend is taking forever to generate a map 28

61) Troubleshooting -- Topo Map Size 28

62) Troubleshooting -- 128MB and larger SD Cards 29

63) Where to go for more information 29

64) Credits & Thanks 30

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1) 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 Magellan’s web site, although the version posted on
Magellan’s website may not be as current as those list ed 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 manufacturer’s manual, and is not a replacement for it. If you have
not done so, please read the latest version of the Meridian manual from Magellan’s web site. Platinum users should
be certain to also read the Platinum supplement.

Photographs – I’ve added some photos to this FAQ to provide some additional detail. The images are purposely low
resolution to minimize this FAQ’s file size. Higher resolution version for most of these files can be found in the files
section of the Meridian group on Yahoo.

2) Which model for me?

Only you can answer this question. Read the next few sections for more information.

3) Various Models -- What's the Difference?

All Meridian models share the same case (except for color) and basic hardware. Yet there are differences.
Meridian Gold -- This is the "central" model on which all other models are based. It features SD card expansion,

and 16MB of base map memory. This unit is sometimes called the "MeriGold." Magellan refers to this unit as
Meridian GPS (as opposed to a platinum, which they call the Meridian Platinum).

Meridian Marine -- This is the same as the Gold model and features the same base map, but has some marine
navigational aids plus a “marine-ish” white and blue case. Except for the case colors, this unit is internally identical
to the Meridian Gold. The only difference is the base map.

Meridian GPS -- This unit features a green or yellow case and is sometimes called the "MeriGreen.” It is identical
to the Gold model, except that it only has 2MB of internal built-in memory for base maps, instead of 16 MB. Refer
to the section on mapping for more details about the base map. This base model’s memory cannot be upgraded to
allow it to operate like a MeriGold. Note that the “Green” model is now also available in yellow.

Meridian Platinum -- This is the same as the Meridian Gold, except that it has an extra card that gives the unit a 3­axis compass, 3-axis inclinometer, thermometer, and barometric pressure sensor. Due to its platinum (silver) color,
it is called the "MeriPlat."

Meridian Color -- This model is essentially a Meridian Gold with a color screen. This enhances readability of the
display. The display has been reported to be hard to read with the backlight turned off. Expect shorter battery life
due to the color screen and the constant need for the backlight.

Mobile Mapper – This appears to be a repackaged Meridian Color unit with customer firmware and GIS data
collection software. It is also much more expensive. Details can be found here:

http://products.thalesnavigation.com/en/products/product.asp?PRODID=928

Note that it is possible to change the base maps on the various units, if there is enough memory. The base map from
the Marine can be placed in either the Platinum or the Gold. Furthermore, European and Australian base maps exist
which can fit in the Gold, Platinum, or Marine. Note that Magellan does not condone the sharing of base maps on
the internet, although they do occasionally send out copies of base maps on firmware update CDs or with Mapsend
Products.

4) Difference between Magellan SporTrak and Meridian GPS receivers?

The SporTrak and Meridian series are very similar in function. The SporTrak units replaced the M300/M320/M330
series, providing a non-mapping base unit and the others are mapping units like the Meridian. The SporTrak are
smaller in overall size, with a smaller screen that is slightly brighter. The main difference between the two units,

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however, is that the SporTrak has no SD card support, which means they are limited to internal memory for storing
detailed maps. With a SporTrak, only one detailed map can be uploaded at a time, and it is not possible to save
waypoint or track files to an SD card. With a Meridian, you can upload multiple map files to the SD card and change
between the files on the unit (handy if you’re going on a long driving vacation and you don’t have a laptop along to
reload your GPS. With the Meridian, you can al so save waypoint and track files to an SD card. Note - An SD card
is usually purchased separately, although some units may include the card as part of a software/hardware bundle.

5) What does the compass and barometer on the Platinum do?

There are other units with integrated compass/barometer options. These units, like the Garmin eTrex Vista, eTrex
Summit, and Map 76S, will simply be referred to as the "other" units. The operation of the Platinum will be
compared against those other units.

The barometric pressure sensor is currently used as a weather forecasting tool. While the unit is powered on, it will
use the GPS altitude to correct the current pressure to obtain a "sea level pressure." The unit can display a plot of
the pressure over the past 24 hours, which can be used to predict good or bad weather. Other GPS units can use the
barometer to estimate the altitude in the event of insufficient GPS reception. This is NOT currently an option with
the Platinum, although it is reasonable to expect this may be added with a future firmware. The thermometer, other
than being used for internal temperature compensation of some components, is simply used as a weather -watching
feature. It is not possible to get a plot of previous temperatures. The unit can only read the ambient temperature
inside of the GPS case itself. This temperature may be quite inaccurate if the GPS is left on the dash of a car on a
sunny day. It is possible to calibrate both the thermometer and the barometer.

The other units use a "2 -D" compass, where the GPS needs to be held level to the ground (display facing up). If the
unit it tipped upright, such that the display faces the horizon, then the compass in the other units will simply fail to
work. Furthermore, the other GPS units have a threshold speed. Anything below this speed and the heading is
obtained from the compass. If you are traveling above this speed, then the heading is obtained from the GPS
motion.

The compass in the Platinum is far more advanced than in other GPS units, and is completely integrated into the
GPS operation. The inclinometers in the Platinum tell it which direction is "down." Thus, the unit knows exactly
how to read its 3-D compass in order to work reliably whether the unit is horizontal OR vertical. Furthermore, the
Platinum GPS can tell the difference between the motion direction and the compass direction. You can hold the unit
facing one direction, move a different direction, and the unit can tell the difference. The direction that the unit is
facing is known as the "Heading," and the direction that the unit is moving is known as "COG" for "Course Over
Ground." While in the compass display, North will be shown correctly in the proper orientation, and a separate
arrow will be added for the direction of travel. This is a handy feature for boaters so they can know where north is,
and in which direction they are drifting.

The disadvantage of this system is that the compass is active whenever its data is needed, which can somewhat
shorten battery life (approx. 25%). The compass is only powered if a particular screen needs the compass direction.
In order to deactivate the compass:

§ You will need to tell the compass to use the GPS heading in the compass setup screen (this deactivates the

compass on the compass display)

§ Be certain the "Magnetic HDG up" is NOT selected in the map screen

§ Be certain that "Heading" is not selected on any data screens (use COG instead).

Note that the compass should be re-calibrated whenever the batteries are changed to ensure best accuracy. In most
cases changing batteries only affects the compass heading reading by a couple of degrees.

6) Memory and Maps – The Overview

This is an overview of memory organization and where the various maps are located.

Internal FLASH Memory

Firmware – The softw are code that runs internally in the unit is called the firmware. This tells the

electronics (hardware) in the unit what to do and how to do it (like displaying screens and menus). The
firmware is stored in the internal memory and can be ‘flashed’ (upgraded) to a different version. Updates

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typically come from the Magellan Support website, Firmware update CDs, or the occasional tech support
email response.

Standard Base Map – This memory size is 2MB in the yellow/green models and 16MB in all other
models. It can hold a standard base map only (no detailed maps). This map comes in North American,
European, and Australian version with both standard and marine flavors available. A majority of the road
detail is deleted and it has a limited number of points-of-interest (POI). Cities removed from this database
do no appear in the city list, even if a detailed map is uploaded.

SD Card Memory

Detailed Maps – These maps are created by programs like Magellan MapSend Streets, Streets &

Destinations, Topo, DiscoverAus Streets and Tracks software or DirectRoute, and contain street-level detail
and points-of-interest (POI) data. For more information see Section “Detailed Maps -- What software is
available?”

BlueNav Map – This contains detailed marine information and charts, and comes from the BlueNav
product.

WorldWide Basemap – This is a replacement for the standard base map. It is created by the WorldWide
Basemap product, and cannot be loaded into the internal FLASH memory.

Note on standard Basemap files – can I put them on SD card? In general, the Basemap files cannot be
used like detailed maps, by having multiple files placed on the SD card and activated as needed. They can
only function from the internal memory.

7) Base Maps -- What's the deal?

Each Meridian unit ships with a base map. This base map includes the following: political boundaries of all
countries in the world, all major cities in the world, and most major lakes of the world. The 16MB US version of
the base map (not for the Meridian Green) contains the following: boundaries of all US states, almost all US cities
and tow ns, the entire US interstate system, most major state highways, all medium-sized lakes in the US, US
National parks. The European base map adds city and major street data for most Eastern European countries, with
very little detail for most Western European countries. An Australian base map is also available with good city and
major street detail. There are also marine versions of all of the base maps. These add details about marine
navigational aids such as buoys and lighthouses. This marine data does NOT include data for inland water such as
lakes and rivers. The Meridian green/yellow comes with a 2MB base map which lacks most of the detail of its
bigger 16MB brother. 2MB maps are not available in a marine version.

Even if a detailed map is loaded, it is the base map that that is seen when the map screen is zoomed out – the base
map gives you the “bird’s eye” view. If you have a detailed map loaded, but have poor base map coverage, then it is
possible to see the streets of a city and not be able to see the name of the city itself.

The cost of your Meridian includes one base map. Although the Meridian Marine is exactly the same GPS as the
Gold, it costs more because Magellan had to license the marine POI database. It is possible to upgrade a Gold or
Platinum with the marine base map.

Although you cannot swap between multiple base maps using an SD card, you can have a single basemap saved on
the SD card as basemap.img. Then by using the hidden menu command 86, the file will be uploaded into the inter nal
memory (replacing the current basemap). Note that the current basemap will not be stored elsewhere and you cannot
go back to that original basemap (unless you repeat this update process with the original basemap file). This
procedure can be handy when traveling to another continent.

Magellan has a product out called the Mapsend WorldWide Basemap. The software features a base map of the
entire world. Individual regions can be selected and download to an SD card. While loaded, it replaces the internal
base map. Its detail is slightly less than the 16MB maps, and far better than the 2MB maps. Once installed, this
product is tied to a specific Meridian based on the serial number. Maps created by the program will only function
when used on a GPS with a matching serial number. This effectively prevents sharing of the map files.

Below is a picture showing the level of USA detail between the Gold basemap, Worldwide Basemap, & Green
Basemap. One can see that the Green’s 2MB basemap only shows a highway in the upper right corner. The Gold’s

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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.

8) 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.

9) 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 repor ted 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.

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10) Memory Usage – How much memory is left?

When using your unit, eventually you will run into memory limits. You can check the percentage of free space
remaining for Maps (SD card space), Routes, Waypoints and Track History. To do this, simply press Menu, then
select About.

11) Detailed Maps -- How do I do it?

Detailed maps can provide a lot more detail than the built-in base map. The base map is shown when zoomed out,
but the data in the detailed map begins to display when the unit is zoomed it. The detailed map will have every road
for an area. The Topo map will also include rough contour lines with elevations (topographical map). The Streets
& Destination map will feature POI (Points Of Interest) data which includes restaurants, hotels, golf courses,
marinas, tourist attractions, art galleries, museums, gardens, and the like.

The first thing that you need is mapping software (described later). You will also need a place to put the maps - the
SD card (see above). A SD card writer would also be well worth the nominal investment. After you buy the
software, go to the Magellan web site (www.magellangps.com) and check for updates or special instructions for the
mapping software.

Now you’re in business. Using the MapSend software, create up to four different rectangular regions for upload to
the GPS. When the regions are uploaded, they will be combined into one file on your SD card. The details will
differ depending upon whether you are using a SD writer or the serial port, and on which map software that you
have.

12) Detailed Maps -- What if I don’t have a base map?

Sometimes people who own Meridians travel to different continents. It may happen that a person has a North
American Meridian, but uses the MapSend European Streets program during a vacation. Conversely, a person with
a European base map may travel to America and use the American version of Streets. Unfortunately, problems have
been reported in these cases. When the map is zoomed out, you don’t see any detail because the base map doesn’t
contain it. In order to see any roads at all, the map must be zoomed in, which prevents you from getting a “bird’s
eye” view of the area. Furthermore, the names of the cities and towns are not ever shown, because this data is kept
only in the base map.

Unfortunately, the only thing you can do to remedy this situation is to upload a different base map to the unit or use
the WorldWide base map product.

13) Detailed Maps -- What software is available?

This section details software listed on the Magellan web site. These detailed mapping packages can be used with any
basemap but please note the comments in 11) above.

DataSend – The DataSend line of products is intended for the Magellan 315 line. They will not work with a
Meridian. Do not even try. It is available in an American and European version.

MapSend Streets – Street maps and limited POI. This is available for the US, and Australia. The Australian
version charges a fee for each state purchased. When commenting on the European version, "Skramblr" reported,

“Maybe Magellan should rename the program to: Mapsend Western Europe, except Ireland, Norway, and
Finland.”

MapSend Streets & Destinations – This uses a slightly updated road database that fixes some errors, and is
available in US and Canadian versions. It also offers a fairly comprehensive database of POI data, which includes
all of the sorts of things that a tourist might be interested in. This version of software is commonly referred to as
MapSend S&D.

MapSend Topo – For the US. Same as MapSend S&D, but adds topographical data. Note that this is rough data,
and will not show every little ravine. Apparently, the topographic data has approximately 90M horizontal
resolution. If you are planning to do some serious hiking or mountain climbing, don't forget the paper map!

MapSend DirectRoute – As of this writing, this product is just becoming available. It provides auto-routing with
turn-by-turn guidance, will use more accurate NavTech map data, and cover both Canada and the USA. Another

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version is also reported to be coming out for Europe. Note that maps generated with this product are limited to a
single GPS serial number.

DiscoverAus Streets & Tracks –This recently released software package (summer 2003) replaces the older
Australian Mapsend products. The older product had to be purchased for the separate states. This new package is
more up to date and covers the entire country.

Mapsend BlueNav Charts – This provides detailed nautical charts, and is available in American and European
versions. This is available as a CD which requires a registration and will be usable on only one GPS, and as a SD
card, which is copy-protected. Note that SD cards used with this product are restricted to having only a single
BlueNav chart loaded. You cannot have any other detailed maps on the card.

MapSend WorldWide Basemap – This replaces the built-in base map, and is the only way to improve the detail of
the base map in the green & yellow models. It is also locked to one GPS.

Mapsend Version Note – All of the Mapsend software above (except Streets) is available in version 4.xx. Earlier
versions cannot download directly to SD cards and are missing some key features (like the track control center).

Other Known MapSend Versions – Mapsend Streets & Destinations Suomi/Finland, more info at:

http://www.magellangps.info/

Copy Protection Note – Magellan is actively trying to prevent unauthorized copying of their software products and
the maps generated from their products. Unfortunately, this means you cannot backup the CD for the newer software
products and you must have the CD in the computer when you start the software. When installed, the GPS also asks
for the serial number of your GPS. Maps generated from the product will only load on the GPS with the specified
serial number.

14) Detailed Maps -- Why are they so bad?

One of the most common complaints is that the detailed maps are wrong. In most cases, the base maps are accurate
to within the accuracy of the GPS unit. When you compare where you are to where the GPS thinks the road is, keep
in mind that an actual road is often 100 feet wide. Typical GPS accuracy is at best 12 feet, and is often 30 feet or
more. This means that an error of 50 feet is not only common, but even to be expected.

There are few sources for map data. One popular source, the TIGER database, is completely free to use. However,
there are often errors, inaccuracies, and omissions in this database (you get what you pay for). Also, this database is
sometimes missing roads that are several years old. However, using this database means that the map can be had for
well under $100. At the other end of the spectrum, you have maps provided by a private company called NavTech.
Some claim these maps are the best that can be purchased, but software with their maps may easily cost $200 or
more. Magellan does not have any NavTech maps available for the Meridian line (yet).

It is the experience of the original author of this document that the accuracy of the maps tends to differ by region.
The author lives in the central Florida area, where the maps are quite impressively accurate. However, while in
south Florida, it was noticed that the maps were usually off by 50-100 feet, with 300-foot errors not being
uncommon. In one instance, I-95 was off by 1/2 mile. No such errors were ever noticed in the central Florida area.
Furthermore, during a recent trip to North Carolina, the maps were once again commendably accurate. The moral of
the story is that if you live in a high-accuracy area, you are likely to be quite happy. If you live in a low-accuracy
area, then you are likely to not be happy. No map is perfect. Keep in mind that mapping GPS receivers have only
been out for a few years. Perfect GPS maps may be available in ten years. The TIGER database is expected to be
completely updated withi n seven years.

15) 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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