magellan gps

Submitted: Thursday, Jun 17, 2004 at 23:25

ThreadID: 13879 Views:2822 Replies:7 FollowUps:2

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PaddyH

I hinted a GPS would be nice for my birthday and my wife has just given me a Magellan GPS 315.

The box says it is Y2K compliant (when did that issue last surface?), the manual is copyright 1999 and GDA 94 is not listed among the available datums. Has this one exceeded its shelf life?

All advice appeciated .... I'm treading on hot coals if I send it back!

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Reply By: Greg Harewood - Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 00:52

Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 00:52

Paddy - Not 100% sure of the 315's specifications but should do the job. This model has obvioulsy been around since just prior to year 2000 (Y2K) when older GPS units went past their engineers ability to look into the future. Some models had problems resulting from 00 appearing in the date (not a problem with your unit as it is "compliant"...not sure about Y3K though:)). Dont be concerned about the lack of GDA94 datum ...even the latest Magellans dont have it - WGS84 is effectively the same (for standard handheld GPS users anyway..only a few centimetres in it) so use that instead. The only major capabilties the 315 GPS lacks is ability to upload detailed maps ....so you may wish to upgrade at a later stage depending on your needs and budget.
Cheers
Greg

I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

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AnswerID: 63688

Reply By: Nicholas from OctaPC - Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 05:15

Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 05:15

The GPS315 is still being sold by Magellan AU today. You may want to see if you can update the firmware. Consider yourself lucky it wasn't a GPS310, then you definitely would know you had a very old unit and one that really leaves a lot ot be desired. Magellan AU insist the GPS315 is a very good unit and I tend to agree.

AnswerID: 63693

Follow Up By: Time - Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 13:49

Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 13:49

Nothing wrong with the 310........................as long as its plugged into the laptop to run Ozi!!

Cheers

Buggerlux

FollowupID: 324908

Reply By: Pluto - Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 09:15

Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 09:15

I just had a look at the Magellan Support site. Firmware for the 315 is no longer available. However, I suggest you keep a lookout on the web as some people like to post old firmware versions.

AnswerID: 63710

Reply By: Member - Stillthinkinaboutit - Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 09:54

Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 09:54

If you need to update the software you can get it from the Magellan support site.
Follow the link below.

Magellan 315

Regards, Mark

AnswerID: 63717

Reply By: Member - Bob - Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 10:22

Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 10:22

It should work perfectly well even with the old firmware. The fact that the GDA 94 is not supported also will only mean a few meters on the ground at worst. It is an ideal unit for use in conjunction with a laptop as well. Lucky guy. Hope you enjoy it.

AnswerID: 63722

Follow Up By: Greg Harewood - Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 10:33

Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 10:33

Bob - as I mentioned in my first post GDA94 is effectively the same as WGS84 ...which is on the GPS already and the reason Magellan havent bothered including it (even in latest ugrades) I suspect. Using WGS84 will give you perfect GDA/MGA coordinates and there will be no addtional error as result of using it (only your usual ~+/- 5m or so gps error). Your comment "The fact that the GDA 94 is not supported also will only mean a few meters on the ground at worst" is incorrect. It will make no difference at all if WGS84 is used.
Cheers
Greg

I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

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FollowupID: 324883

Reply By: Groove - Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 21:35

Friday, Jun 18, 2004 at 21:35

I use a 315 and think it is a great unit. Its reliable, tough (Ive droped mine a few times), and easy to use.

When used with a laptop it is as good as any costing much more. It does not have the ability to store maps and has no external antena connection.

The external antena is not an issue when used with a reradiating antena in a car. The lack of internal maps I dont think is a big issue, I find the screens on GPS that have maps a bit too small for my needs.

A very good unit!

AnswerID: 63814