sd memory cards?????

[Rocky_Road]

Re: sd memory cards?????

okay so which is the best deal?-----navionics, freedom maps, map create,etc....?

i doubt ill use it in more than 4-5 local lakes----all of which i found on the free maps offered by lowrance................i bet yall are all thinkin you can hear me squeeking when i walk:.........im not usually this cheap but i have other fishing stuff i was gonna get with the rest of my gift cards.

i have also downloaded the GDM6 and EasyGPS and cant get them to use/open the free mpas i found either.

the thing that has me puzzled is that even when i erased and reformatted the card (completely empty) it did the same thing as when i had maps on it...........i thought i could at least drive around out in the pasture and mark some way points and save the info on the card--then put it on my computer......you know to get the hang of using it-----but it wont even let me open the menu while the sd card is in it.

the wife keeps telling me someone on here is going to tell me they had the same prob and that the card isnt compatible.......it is for a kodak digital cam, but it fits perfect

Wow...we are typing at the same time, and crossing over the converstaion!

It is NOT the card...any one, or brand, will work in your H20.

It is just that as soon as you insert a card, that card overrides (takes over) the GPS mapping...this is true of any brand GPS. If the card you install is not a full fledged mapping program (read: Freedom Maps, Nautic Path, Hot Spots), then any additional info that you have added to that card, will be gibberish...and your basic built in mapping will be disabled.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: sd memory cards?????

okay so which is the best deal?-----navionics, freedom maps, map create,etc....?

i doubt ill use it in more than 4-5 local lakes----all of which i found on the free maps offered by lowrance................i bet yall are all thinkin you can hear me squeeking when i walk:.........im not usually this cheap but i have other fishing stuff i was gonna get with the rest of my gift cards.

i have also downloaded the GDM6 and EasyGPS and cant get them to use/open the free mpas i found either.

the thing that has me puzzled is that even when i erased and reformatted the card (completely empty) it did the same thing as when i had maps on it...........i thought i could at least drive around out in the pasture and mark some way points and save the info on the card--then put it on my computer......you know to get the hang of using it-----but it wont even let me open the menu while the sd card is in it.

the wife keeps telling me someone on here is going to tell me they had the same prob and that the card isnt compatible.......it is for a kodak digital cam, but it fits perfect

You definitely need the localized Hot Spots, for your inland boating.

Be very careful about the ones being sold on eBay...most of them are one generation 'old', and are basically outdated. Do some research...check your local boating store...try Boater's World on-line...do a Google search, etc!

 

[david_r]

Re: sd memory cards?????

so maybe it will work if i wait till i get to the lake and install the card?....im goin fishin tomorrow, ill try this then.

why will it not let me use the card as just a card when i erase the maps?

i have a few of the paper hotmaps--they have topo and markers and are pretty accurate as far as shorline and somewhat on depth--i was just hoping to make my gps look more like the lake i fish, and the hot map i have.........as it is some of the islands are missing and the coves arent right either.


p.s. i was probably typing before you......i still have to look down at the keyboard, and not to mention having to erase all my extra letters...it would probably be just as fast for me to hunt and peck with all my typos.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: sd memory cards?????

so maybe it will work if i wait till i get to the lake and install the card?....im goin fishin tomorrow, ill try this then.

why will it not let me use the card as just a card when i erase the maps?

i have a few of the paper hotmaps--they have topo and markers and are pretty accurate as far as shorline and somewhat on depth--i was just hoping to make my gps look more like the lake i fish, and the hot map i have.........as it is some of the islands are missing and the coves arent right either.


p.s. i was probably typing before you......i still have to look down at the keyboard, and not to mention having to erase all my extra letters...it would probably be just as fast for me to hunt and peck with all my typos.

I can't vouch for the inland nautical maps from Lowrence...but the coastal ones are very, very, good!

Try this...take your H20 to the local boating store (that sells the Hot Spots)...they should have no problem letting you slip one into your unit. Then, you can power up...and take the cursor to any lake on the card, and see for yourself, what details are mapped. Add to this, any promised enhancement from the free download...and you will have some basis for making up your mind.

There is no substitue for your GPS showing your exact location on a body of water...with pertinent information. I used my H20 to find my family dog, when he went overboard...I hit the 'return' function, and I retraced my route, until I found him just swimming away (with a doggy life vest, of course)!

 

[david_r]

Re: sd memory cards?????

thanks i really appreciate the help!

i think im gonna look and see which one will serve my area the best............and in the meantime try and figure out all the rest of the goodies--like i said i know nothing about gps.

i have read the book some of it 2-3 times, and have already used up a set of batteries since yesterday..........not to mention all the time ive had it plugged into the cig lighter while driving around in the pasture

ill let yall know if the maps i saved worked when i get to the lake.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: sd memory cards?????

thanks i really appreciate the help!

i think im gonna look and see which one will serve my area the best............and in the meantime try and figure out all the rest of the goodies--like i said i know nothing about gps.

i have read the book some of it 2-3 times, and have already used up a set of batteries since yesterday..........not to mention all the time ive had it plugged into the cig lighter while driving around in the pasture

ill let yall know if the maps i saved worked when i get to the lake.

One last thing...I downloaded a fully functioning H20 tutorial demo from their website. It emulates all of the H20 functions...on your computer screen. You get a perfect rendition of the H20, and you can press any of the buttons with a mouse 'click'. You can hit the buttons, to your heart's content...without using a single battery. Cheapest...and easiest way...to learn how to use your GPS.

Their website doesn't offer the emulation download any more...but I have it on my hard drive. I can 'burn' it to a DVD, and send it to you, if you are interested. Just send me a PM...and I will get it to you.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: sd memory cards?????

I have an Expedition. Similar to the H2O but with compass and barometer.

Somewhere I'm sure I have an email from Lowrance stating 2 gig cards will not work in it. I have a 1 gig card in mine and have no problems.

Maybe try a smaller card and see if that fixes it. I could very easily be wrong as I have never tried a 2 gig (1 gig is more than enough for western Canada topo maps).

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: sd memory cards?????

It was explained to me that certain types of 2gig chips would not work on my unit which is an XOG. I went with a 2gig Lexar SD card, so far my GPS does recognize the card. I was going to take advantage of a sale that radio shack was running and buy a 4gig, but it was not recommended by the employee at radio shack.


I am still having trouble figuring out certain feature of my GPS. After downloading a lake off of lowrance.com, I scrolled to the lake (as Rocky_Road mentioned for you to do), and it did show the depths and the channels etc etc. So I take it my GPS recognizes the lake map file.

 

[sschefer]

Re: sd memory cards?????

You need to format it for the GPS using the LEI Version 2.0 MMC/SD Card Reader. The format is specific to the lowrance systems. They aren't real up front about that in the manual but it's in there. You can order one from the Lowrance website. I have a 525C-DF and found out when I did an Operating System upgrade.

The fishing hot spots chips are ready to go out of the box. You should check with Lowrance because they were giving them away for free with purchase for a while.

Dont bother with Map Create software. It's really clunky and not up to par which is probably why it's so cheap.

 

[Boatist]

Re: sd memory cards?????

I do not know about the free downloaded maps but if you use Lowrance MapCreate 6 or 7 then the only way it will work is if you use Lowrance's own card reader writer. It does some increption that allow the map to work on the H2O. The increption prevents the map from being copied and giving to any one that wants one.

I also do not think you can copy a map from your card to to your computer and then copy to a different card and get it to work.

If one could then every map would be on the internet and you could download for free and no one would buy the maps. It would be just like music on the internet and no one would pay for it.

Lowrance also suggest to use SD full size cards and no bigger than 1 GB in the H2O. For what it is worth I copied all of California from off shore 200 miles to inland far enough to include all of Nevada and from Oregon to Mexico and the card only used 400 Meg. On the card I included everything possible.
Once you put the card in the H2O C you can turn off the data you do not want.

I would just call Lowrance and tell them what you are trying to do. I am sure they will be able to help you. I think you need there USB Card Reader Writer which is the only thing that will Write the special format that they use to prevent black market copies.

Good Luck and let us know what you find out.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: sd memory cards?????

After downloading a lake off of lowrance.com, I scrolled to the lake (as Rocky_Road mentioned for you to do), and it did show the depths and the hannels etc etc. So I take it my GPS recognizes the lake map file.

I just wanted to add that after scrolling to the lake I removed the SD card and it did do away with the depth and structure. I put the card back in and it brought the depth and structure layout back up. One thing I noticed is I thought there would be more submerged roads on the lake I normally fish on there is not, there are more submerged roads on the lake I've only been on once which is actually closer but smaller then my favorite lake. I just thought it was neat being able to see the structures and all, also being able to compare or see the differences in the lake depths as well.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: sd memory cards?????

I'm also in the market for a SD format lake map set (for the east). What i've found out so far is that the navionics brand (can't speak for others) has a limited set of detailed maps for a specific state. In my case, it's about 50% of the waters I fish. Some fairly significant ones are missing. i.e Check out their website to see the listing of lakes before you invest.
hth

 

[sschefer]

Re: sd memory cards?????

Wee Hooker - The fishing hot spots is probabaly the most concise out of the box solution for you. Before buying, go the Lowrance website and see what lakes are actually detail mapped. Many aren't and as was previously stated you may be disappointed to find that the lake you really need mapped isn't on the list

In my case, I fish lake Sonoma, CA occasionally and it is mapped thoroughly but the lake I really need it on, Eagle Lake, CA. is not.

One thing you have to remember with any of the maps, they are only accurate on the day the measurements were taken. Lake levels change everything very quickly. In other words, watch out for those trees and rocks! The maps are for reference only and should be supplemented regularly with your own sonar data via the Map Create software. It's not great but it will work.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: sd memory cards?????

Wee Hooker - The fishing hot spots is probabaly the most concise out of the box solution for you. Before buying, go the Lowrance website and see what lakes are actually detail mapped. Many aren't and as was previously stated you may be disappointed to find that the lake you really need mapped isn't on the list

In my case, I fish lake Sonoma, CA occasionally and it is mapped thoroughly but the lake I really need it on, Eagle Lake, CA. is not.

One thing you have to remember with any of the maps, they are only accurate on the day the measurements were taken. Lake levels change everything very quickly. In other words, watch out for those trees and rocks! The maps are for reference only and should be supplemented regularly with your own sonar data via the Map Create software. It's not great but it will work.

sschefer...seems to me that the Hot Spots are offered in two 'flavors'...Elite, and Pro?

I can't remember which one has the most (and the latest) info...you might want to see if your's can be upgraded.

Happy New Year...to all!

 

[sschefer]

Re: sd memory cards?????

I can use either in mine plus all the Navionics cards and mapping systems. I currently use the North West Elite. I also have Map Create 7.0 with the Vista 64 bit update. Before I spent any more money on software I wanted to see how much I needed. This last year proved that I didn't have a need for more than I had.

I only wish that the 525-C DF had CAS (Collision Avoidance System) on it. When I put the Terrova in autopilot, turn on the depth alarm and set the bells on the rods I'm so relaxed that I often just fall asleep. LOL..