Map create 6 help...

[Chad Holst]

Has any one used this software? It comes with a 16 bit memory card that works on a lowrance system.. a disk and a readed-writer box for the card to interface with the pc. I was told at local sports store that I could download contoured maps from.. ie, pro maps etc.. by putting the conoured map card into the reader, load it on the pc and then save it onto the blank card that comes with the creater. However before buying it I spoke with a reliable bait shop owner/friend and was told that it is worthless... He said you could only use it to add way points and such... Not to put conour maps on it.. Does anyone use this or know if I can load pre made contour maps onto my pc and then save them on this card? Also the "sales guy" said there are spots you can download free contour maps from and then put them on this card is this also talk?

[JP Z]

sirlips,

From what I've found with the software is that it doesn't necessarily allow you to edit the contour maps. But since it comes with the card reader/writer you can copy the contour map from the card to your PC and then drag and drop it onto the 16MB card that comes with the Mapcreate program. And yes, on a certain company's site they offer up Contoured Maps every week or so, but of course they offer 1/week and they are for all 50 states so the chances of getting a map of a lake you fish is very slim.

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Tight Lines,
JP Z

[whitetips]

Some day maybe. At this time your package as is, can download custom maps from map create 6 /(without contours) of an area you choose. Set the view to high detail before creating your map file, also waypoints, routes, and trails. Depending on the unit you have, the newest data trend NOW is toward gold/ premium preloaded MMC chips (Navionics/Hotmaps/Reelbottom, that means upgrading to a Globalmap 4000, 3300C, LCX 18 and above. I won't speculate as to the future, but we aS Lowrance users have asked for Downloading from a CD to a Blank Chip, some day, it will happen, some day.

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 06-30-2004).]

[Chad Holst]

So you are saying that if I get a Contour map card from a friend that has the lakes im looking for that i wont have to buy the card i can just load it to my computer then copy to the blank 16mb blank card and use it like i would the original? if so, how? thank for the info buy the way guys

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I'd rather be fishing and think about church, than be at church and thinking about fishing!

[Guest]

As of now, The only contour maps that will work for Lowrance units are made by Navionics.
Navionics has their own brand of maps either in the LX, Classic or Gold editions. They also have the Pro Map series as well as the Reelbottom series all on MMC. The Pro Map chip does not have all of the lakes that the CD has, but close.

As for the Mapcreate, it is best to go to the Lowrance HSOforum and download the 6.2 version upgrade. You cannot edit contour maps with the software as it is now. All you can do is edit basemap info and transfer waypoints and routes. Also, you cannot transfer data from a Lakemaster CD to the Mapcreate software. The systems are not compatible, in fact, there are only 2 Lowrance units that you can transfer info from the Lakemaster software. I have ended up manually writing down the coordinates from Lakemaster and then manually entering them into my GPS. It sux, but it is right on the money as far as accuracy and it is the only way to transfer info to my Lowrance from Lakemaster so I'll have to live with it until something better comes along.

[whitetips]

Tom Lowrance site does offer downloading of enhanced map series form there site, no charge to a MMC, 2 lakes for MN. but it is available so we must say yes to a point. As far as Mapcreate 6 and Lakemaster they have a conversion utility that does convert any lakemaster data to mapcreate format and you can also go the other direction. The key is to set the formats the same deg/min or deg/min/sec when you covert the data. Its a 15.00 program that is real handy while checking to see were you were all day.
I've used it alot Any questions I can answer them.

Also it would be at import gps data file command in Mapcreate for ref.

[Chad Holst]

So, you are saying that I can get around buying the pre-made contour cards by using a friends and copying it to the 16mb blank card? I dont want to edit it even just trying to find a way to save a few bucks.

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I'd rather be fishing and think about church, than be at church and thinking about fishing!

[Guest]

Whitetips,
Have you downloaded those two maps and how do they look? I know they will not work with my 2400, but it would be nice for others to know.

Email me with where I can get that utility and it's name, it would come in handy.

Thanks

As for copying...Not sure if you can since most have anti-copy codes built in. It's also ilegal...yea, yea, I know, everyone does it...lol

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[Chad Holst]

Ok, I have the hotmaps card for the area im interested in how do I open it with mapcreate?

[This message has been edited by sirlips (edited 07-03-2004).]

[gomer]

I've been trying to track down a copy of MapCreate 4.0 from someone but haven't had much luck. It's at rev. 6 now I believe. Can anyone be of any help ? I downloaded the map of Gull from Lowrance and wanted to load it up on my Global Mapp 100 but need the software. I would be willing to give rev. 6 a try.

[Guest]

Sirlips,

I'm not sure you can copy your buddies chip. I was told you would ruin the chip if you try to copy it.