GPS

[dukhntr]

OK, experts! I am looking for a handheld gps. I am headed to URL for the opener, and I need an upgrade. I currently have a Garmin E-trex, black and white screen. I am open to all suggestions. I want the ability to use a lake map,( what is best?) preferably with good contour detail. I would also like color display, longer battery life, and multi mode use (hunting, boating,icefishing etc.) I was ready to buy a Lowrance H20C, but I now see it is discontinued?

Did I leave anything out?

Any suggestions?

Thanks for any help.

dukhntr

[SpecialK]

I am a computer geek, that's why I was wondering if anyone else had tried it

[Supercrew]

Don't tell anybody your a geek, (pocket protector?) no disrespect SK but I know a "Geek" who may have a chance at working the chips....?

[bigbad401]

I have tried it and it don't work. I wanted to switch my Lakemaster program from the 1gb card they gave to the 4gb card that had everything else that I have on it. The SD card has an electronic serial number on it that you can not see. The program is attached to that SD cards serial number. You would have to find the SD cards ESN and then get into the Lakemaster file to link the SD cards ESN to the Lakemaster program. I am sure it could be done but most of us don't have the hardware and the software to do it.

[Supercrew]

Let me see if my guy can do it, stand by...... may be a day or two to get back with ya....

Let me understand what you want to do.... lakemastr SD card to mini SD ... like the one in your smartphone?

I know the Lake card cannot be sent to a new SD card, but maybe??????

[bobbymalone]

not saying it isn't possible, but I promise you that LakeMaster and Garmin/Lowrance have made it a little more difficult than just simply copying the data to protect their product from piracy. Even if you can just copy it, the activation process will likely catch you trying to activate multiple cards in multiple units and it isn't gonna work.

It is also possible that the file formats and software architectures are too different for Garmin maps to run on a Lowrance unit and vise versa. Think Mac vs PC.

[bigbad401]

Yep, the file formats for the Lowrance to the Garmin are going to be totally different, so that will not work. Heck, even the file format between the Lowrance iFinder and Endura series are different and won't work.

You don't have to activate the SD cards in any of the units. That is only the case if you buy the CD and link it to a particular unit.

[bobbymalone]

You don't have to activate the SD cards in any of the units. That is only the case if you buy the CD and link it to a particular unit.

oh yeah, good call.

[SpecialK]

Just to be clear, the reason I asked wasn't because I wanted to break copyright rules. Disclaimer out of the way, if I buy the software for one unit and then get a different unit, it would be nice to be able to just move the software over to the different card and use it.

How does it work if you buy the CD then? Could a guy put it on multiple types of cards for each one of his products that could use it? Or is it a one shot deal which is the way it sounds?

[bigbad401]

Just to be clear, the reason I asked wasn't because I wanted to break copyright rules. Disclaimer out of the way, if I buy the software for one unit and then get a different unit, it would be nice to be able to just move the software over to the different card and use it.

How does it work if you buy the CD then? Could a guy put it on multiple types of cards for each one of his products that could use it? Or is it a one shot deal which is the way it sounds?

I understand what you are talking about with the copyright stuff. I wanted to move the Lakemaster file from a 1gb SD card to a 4gb SD card so I could fit more topo maps on it without changing the card frequently.

If you have the SD card you can move it from unit to unit without a problem. If you buy the CD then it is locked to 1 or 2 units.

[311Hemi]

Just to be clear, the reason I asked wasn't because I wanted to break copyright rules. Disclaimer out of the way, if I buy the software for one unit and then get a different unit, it would be nice to be able to just move the software over to the different card and use it.

How does it work if you buy the CD then? Could a guy put it on multiple types of cards for each one of his products that could use it? Or is it a one shot deal which is the way it sounds?

I have a 60cs and bought a second GPS a few years later that came with the Lakemaster CD. The second GPS was not working correctly and I was able to load the Lakemaster on to the 60cs. I had to register the 60sc to that software and they only allow up to two GPS's per software license. Basically they allow you to use the software on up to two units and that is it. I have not tried calling them to see if they could/would remove a non-functional unit, so at this point if I needed a new GPS I would not be able to use the Lakemaster software I have.

[SpecialK]

Ok it sounds like you put it on 2 units at least, which is better than just saying "buy another copy".

Obviously I don't own the SW atm but am looking at it as I just bought a Garmin nuvi 1300 for this reason. Do you have to 'unlock' the sw once you install it on device? How does work for the guys that use it on fish finders with GPS's? (obviously I don't own one of those either) Do you have to run a usb cable to the finder to allow lakemaster verify the unit?

Really sounds like a clunky anti pirate setup to me.

[311Hemi]

True, unless you go through more than 2 GPS's in a reasonable amount of time, or want to sell one to upgrade to another (I tend to do this with my toys!).

It's been a couple years since I did it but if I remember correctly the software is unlocked and registered to a GPS through the Mapsource program.

Not sure if they make finders without card slots where this would be needed. If they do I would venture to guess it would work the same was as the GPS, that is hooking it up to the computer via USB cable. I believe the mapsource controls all of this....but maybe some of it was through the Garmin site.

EDIT: I just checked it out again and you need to enter a coupon code that comes with the Lakemaster software along with the S/N of the GPS unit on to the Garmin web site. From there they issue you an unlock code that you need to enter into Mapsource to allow you access to the maps with the GPS unit that it is unlocked for. I am guessing the map unlock code is tied to the S/N of the unit and that is how Mapsource then controls access.