Satmap pros and cons

py6km · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 01, 2008 Posts: 22

I don't think you get any mapping with a satmap; it all costs extra (significant amounts too). However, the mapping is true OS mapping, as opposed to raster type maps on Garmin devices, and is superior in detail.

mikealder · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:54 pm Post subject:

You do get a base map covering the whole of the UK which shows major roads etc, for the detail the OS maps offer at either 50K or 25K you need to purchase additional map cards.
These can range from £29 for a county map at 50K scale to £99 for a duel scale 50K / 25K of on of the select areas such as the Lake District or Peak district.
The new option via the web site is to purchase a custom map at 25K scale locked to your chosen location and area of coverage, I ordered one of these yesterday and it arrived this morning - look at the SatMap Web site for further details on mapping options - Mike

Paul_ffitch · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 9:06 am Post subject:

The advantage of getting proper OS mapping on a unit which is properly rugged and designed for walkers should not be underestimated. It's not a question of not having to carry an OS map any more, -as you should always carry a paper map and compass when going on any route where getting lost would be more than a mild inconvenience. But being able to see exactly where you are with the clarity and certainty you get with your position being plotted on a proper OS map, is a huge advantage compared to lesser non-OS mapping. The difference when walking a route using the Satmap unit becomes immediately apparent.

I started this thread with a discussion of advantages and disadvantages, and you will have seen the various replies. Overall, I must admit that there was a point where I was uncertain whether to return the unit or not. However having thought long and hard, and having read all the various threads on this very useful forum (thanks Mike) I have decided that I am happy to keep it, and do not regret buying it. I believe it will do what I need it to do, and do it well, in spite of the niggles that have been discussed above and elsewhere. It is overall a very good GPS/mapping combination for walkers (and, it seems cyclists) and I look forwards to using it on many upcoming walks.

Physicist · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 3:21 pm Post subject:

The base map that comes with the A10 will be of little value unless you stick to roads or lanes. If you are content with 1:50k OS mapping you will be able to purchase the entire country on two SD cards for around £170. The 1:25k mapping is much more expensive as you can see from the Sat Map web page.

If this is your first GPS receiver you will be delighted with it as it will keep a track of your path in virtually all conditions you are likely to encounter (though not in deep tree-covered gorges). You will also find it very simple to use. Remember though that it is designed for the walking/biking community. It lacks the sensitivity to be used in 'concrete jungles'. Nor should it be used as a car navigation system.

I came to the Active 10 via the Garmin 60CSx which is about the same price, locks on faster and functions better under extreme conditions. It also is more 'geeky' and allows you to set a wider range of parameters to your liking. The screen size is smaller though it can be read more clearly with the back illumination turned off (a big saving on batteries). However the choice of UK mapping is limited. The entire UK is available on a single DVD (approximately £120); the scale is very variable with the contours shown at 1:50k resolution though with the rivers and streams shown at 1:10k (so say Garmin) - enough to show you virtually every puddle! Garmin also claimed the tracks come from 1:10k OS mapping. Users will tell you that the track mapping is the most frustrating part of Garmin Topo; tracks stop and start for no apparent reason and some clearly visible tracks dont appear at all on the screen while other clear tracks are not included. Were Garmin to sort this out I would only use the 60CSx. Conversely, were Satmap to improve the sensitivity (I do walk in places where I lose signal) and the lock-on time when you move to a new area of the country (I want to move off as soon as I am kitted out) I would only use the Satmap.

My impression is that many of the complaints about the Active 10 come from SIRF-III equipped Garmin or Magellan users. Those who are new to GPS seem much more satisfied. Everyone is less than happy with the current lack of route uploading from a computer on the Active 10 though this should (so they say) soon be rectified.

TheReverend · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 06, 2008 Posts: 12

Gents, thanks for your comprehensive reply. I have emailed Satmap, but have yet to receive a response, so I'll call them and ask about the development path for the next few months to find out which issues they will be addressing. With the purchase price and OS map costs, I'd like to make sure they're improving the product and similarly not likely to disappear!! Thanks again.

py6km · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 01, 2008 Posts: 22

smego · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 29, 2007 Posts: 11

I too would be intrested in the reply as I was about to but the RA Adv7000

I find the Satmap to be too poor to use and the mapping a pain in the arse. I cannot find ANY other rugged gps, why somebody doesn't take a Mio168 - modenise it, add a battery back up and then make it as rugged as the Satmap then I would have my perfect sat nav, full tom tom and full Qoi or MM os....!

Is there such a product ANYWHERE???

Darren · Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:01 pm Post subject:

The RA Adventurer 7000 isn't even in the same ball park. memory-Map is good but the unit itself is dire and does not lend itself to use out and about.

What do you dislike about the Active 10? So far my experience of the unit with the latest firmware has been entirely positive?
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Darren Griffin

IanHibbert · Occasional Visitor Joined: Dec 17, 2007 Posts: 34

Darren,

Any chance of a quick 'heads up' in advance of your full review i.e. hiding non active routes, battery charge status etc.

Thanks

Darren · Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:32 pm Post subject:

Yes indeed, one of the things I will be doping soonest is to summarise the changes over the previous version and analyse what improvements and fixes have resulted.
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Darren Griffin

smego · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 29, 2007 Posts: 11

Having had Richard show me the unit, I found the gps fix slow and unreliable. I also don't like the fact I cannot buy the 1:50000 maps on one SD card and add all the 1:25000 I want to due to how their licensing works.
I also have been following their development schedule and testing (inside knowledge) and although I admire what these guys have set out to do I am not convinced they have enough financial backing to really take the produce range forward..

...just my opinion.

I would also like to have a unit that I can also run Tomtom or similar on as well.

IanHibbert · Occasional Visitor Joined: Dec 17, 2007 Posts: 34

Smego, I'm afraid your post makes no sense to me - the SD cards are simply the hardware necessary to enable the unit to read the OS maps and nothing to do with licensing, that refers to the deal Satmap have with the OS and restricts for example Memory Map import (no issue there, that's down to the OS). They are not software locked as users can exchange map cards.

The TomTom is a hardware unit so you can't run it on the Active 10! Did you mean similar software? GPS lock I find excellent and within 2/3 mins, others with GPS lock issues will likely have a faulty unit or have their woes cured by the new firmware upgrade.

smego · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 29, 2007 Posts: 11

Brian · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 3:58 pm Post subject:

Darren · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 4:09 pm Post subject:

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