Garmin Lakemaster

[magic_minnow]

Do you prefer the Micro SD card or should I just purchase the downloadable maps? Does one method have an advantage over the other? Any info is appreciated. Thanks!

[croixflats]

I'm looking into up grading to the 2010 if there are more features from the 2008.

Get the CDrom I guess you can view maps on your computer this way. The Chip wont allow you to view maps on the computer except waypoints. With the CDrom you just down load the info onto a chip for your GPS. The Downside of the CDrom is you can only view the data on 2 seperate GPS units maybe 3 if you call in in for another unlock code.

Another thing to keep in mind Garmin doesnt usually release there new cards or data till the end of april. so the 2010 is not out yet.

I talked to lakemaster and they have not sent the data for Garmin for 2010 as of yet.

[magic_minnow]

awww man, I really wanted to purchase one and use it on the croix THIS YEAR. But seeming as how the 2010 will b coming out, now i'm stuck.

So let me get this straight, with the CDROM I will have to transfer the data to a MICROSD card and then I can essentially plug n play?

[croixflats]

Just talked to Garmin and the 2008 data is the most updated version. And its likely june or july for an updated version.

They also said there is an exchange program where you send in your previous card and they will exchange it for half price.I forgot to ask about the CDrom though.

[croixflats]

Yep transfer and plug and play.

[croixflats]

I was confused to what HD for lakemaster meant. And Lakemaster explained it to me as meaning HD lakes are the ones they themselves took readings of contours of the lake so they would be more accurate to Lakemaster standards. I believe its like 149 lakes that are HD. There are still over 2000 lakes that are on the chip from different sources like the DNR and what ever else Garmin uses. According to Lakemaster all 3 Garmin, Lowrance and Hummingbird have the same HD lakes.

One thing I would like to point out maybe 2:

I was thoroughly impressed with Lakemaster with how my answers were answerd and the pleasure was mine speaking with them. and there was no on hold time to speak to someone. Thankyou Lakemaster

Same goes for Garmin but I already new that.

I just love it when a company actualy helps you then ask if there is anything more that they can do for you.

[bigbad401]

I have the 2009 Lakemaster SD card and it has over 3500 lakes on it and 189 HD maps. Magic Minnow, want to buy my card so I can get the CD??? I would prefer the CD but I got the card for Xmas and didn't realize that I would like the CD better till after I used it.

[bobbymalone]

Can you take the official lakemaster chip and plug it into a GPSr, take it out and plug it into another GPSr? You can't do that with the CD-ROM maps uploaded to your own microSD card.

What stops someone from copying the official Lakemaster card for use in multiple units?

I have the CD and you have to link it to a specific receiver which prevents you from uploading maps to a million GPS units. Croixflats says he can link his to two maybe three units, but I am pretty sure mine can only link to one unit If say you lose your GPSr, you are screwed on the maps. You have to pay for another unlock code to upload it to another receiver.

[croixflats]

The official chip you can plug into any GPSr.

Now as for the CD I'm not exactly sure on how unlocking the data acts as far as linking to multiples, right now I'm in the middle of asking Garmin these quetions and I always forget something.

The 2 device thing I got from Lakemaster, He thought with Garmin you could unlock for 2 devices and maybe 3 if you asked for a third because he said they use to do 3.

Boy that is one thing I'll have to confirm for 2 units as I have the GPS 76 and the GPS/map sonar for the boat.

The Chip works in both.

The CD would be nice but if I cant use for both units dont think I'll go that route though depending on the price of an unlock code I still may go that rout. Maybe if you have two or three units registered to them in your name they will give you the codes you need.

More questions to ask Garmin at least there easy to get a hold of.

[fishinfey8]

So does a guy wait for 2010 or should I just get 09? I wish a guy could find out when 2010 will be available.

[croixflats]

Well, I would go for the 2008-09 chances are the updates are only going to be more HD lakes added by Lakemaster. Dont Quot me on that though because I can be wrong sometimes. If they do add more features for using on the GPS you can exchange for half price proably around $50 or so. Its a tough call by getting one now at least you will have a good mapping chip and you wont be waiting on Garmin.

[fishinfey8]

Thanks croix, I think that's what I will do. Sounds like you've spent some serious time on the phone at garmin, thanks for sharing what you've found. Your info has answered many of my questions and I didn't even have to ask them!

[croixflats]

Your welcome. This technoligy stuff is fun, sometimes, and its great to share amongst fellow users.

Really was not much time at all on the phone I was never on hold and they answered everything fast the only part I got hung up on was them asking "Is there anything else I can do for you" I just tried to keep coming up with something else.

[magic_minnow]

yeah thanks for all the info croix flats, now how about some coordinants for the croix?

BIGBAD401: What GPS unit do you use? Will it run in my Garmin Nuvi? i'll buy it if the price is right.

[bigbad401]

Minnow, I really don't know how much it is worth. My whole thing is that I want the CD, but don't want to sell this and pay a ton to get the CD. I have an Oregon 200. The chip will run in your Nuvi as I believe all Garmin maps are identical format.

[magic_minnow]

MSRP on the chip from the Garmin HSOforum is $107.13. CD is the same price I imagine.

[fishinfey8]

Why wouldn't Lakemaster or whoever sell a download for each individual lake for a couple diff. flat rates? The price structure could be based on the size/popularity of the lake, but it stinks to have to buy MN or Dakotas etc...

[magic_minnow]

f.fey: that would be pretty sweet. Just download your "home waters".

Question: What do you guys think of the other sites that sell the garmin lakemasters? are they as trustworthy as buying direct from garmin HSOforum? Or is there somwhere local I can buy it? the Big C? or GM? Thorne bros?

[jentz]

Just talked to Garmin and the 2008 data is the most updated version. And its likely june or july for an updated version.

They also said there is an exchange program where you send in your previous card and they will exchange it for half price.I forgot to ask about the CDrom though.

I bought the CD Rom in 2007,Had the chip first no computer viewing even with a LEI reader.

The CD has 3 downloads then its no good,If your computer goes down and you lose the download,You only have 2 left,and transfering to a GPS is limited.Best I found with the CD is you can print out lakemaps.If I were to do it again I'd get the chip,LEI reader and use the lawrence simulator from their site to view maps off the chip on my computer.The CDs once used arent trade in they lock up and I cant even buy another security code,Just a new CD.

[croixflats]

Thanks jentz and welcome to FM. Decisions, decisions whats a guy to do.

Magic_ minnow I'm pretty sure the big box stores sell them or you can buy them from Garmin or the Lakemaster web site.

I got mine through ProFishingSupply.com as I get all my electronic needs from there. I like to support the small venders.

[magic_minnow]

[Note From Admin: Please read forum policy before posting again. Thank you.]

[magic_minnow]

So I put my card in the gps, followed all the instructions and I still cant see the lake maps. Can anyone help??

[bigbad401]

I don't know about the Nuvi, but with the Oregon it had to be in the correct mode ( automotive, marine, recreational, etc...) in order to see what is needed. Example; I could not see any roads on the maps because I was in the recreational mode, but when I changed to the automotive I was able to see the roads.

[MN Mike]

So I put my card in the gps, followed all the instructions and I still cant see the lake maps. Can anyone help??

Which Garmin do you have?

[croixflats]

For the Nuvi, Lakemaster HSOforum says you have to turn off City Navigator, consult owners manual to do so.Hope that helps.

[spentshell]

Originally Posted By: croixflats

Just talked to Garmin and the 2008 data is the most updated version. And its likely june or july for an updated version.

They also said there is an exchange program where you send in your previous card and they will exchange it for half price.I forgot to ask about the CDrom though.

I bought the CD Rom in 2007,Had the chip first no computer viewing even with a LEI reader.

The CD has 3 downloads then its no good,If your computer goes down and you lose the download,You only have 2 left,and transfering to a GPS is limited.Best I found with the CD is you can print out lakemaps.If I were to do it again I'd get the chip,LEI reader and use the lawrence simulator from their site to view maps off the chip on my computer.The CDs once used arent trade in they lock up and I cant even buy another security code,Just a new CD.

Good post, anybody else using the Garmin Lakemaster CD?

I just bought the cd for my nuvi 265wt and it should have shipped today as they said 5-7 business days. I can't believe they charge $8 for shipping and then it takes that long to ship it out. So can the whole cd be downloaded onto a memory card in the gps?

I have been trying to find out details on this product and it is rather sketchy, they should layout the info on the product page. I had read there are only 2 downloads available so I want to figure out a plan to maximize my investment in this software. I have a 128 MB SD card to put into my nuvi and am wondering if all the maps will fit?