Magellan Meridian FAQ – Version 2.0
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1)
Introduction
This document covers the most commonly asked questions about the Magellan Meridian line of mapping GPS
receivers. At the time of the writing of this document, the most current firmware version was 5.12 for the
Gold/Platinum/Marine, 4.05 for the Green/Yellow, and 5.12 for the Color. Some sections of this FAQ that discussed
problems with firmware previous to 4.02 have been removed. If you have an earlier version, we strongly suggest
that you upgrade. Most firmware upgrades are free from Magellan’s web site, although the version posted on
Magellan’s website may not be as current as those listed above. A common source for updated firmware is the
Magellan Firmware Update CD that comes with some Mapsend products (Like Mapsend WorldWide Basemap).
Note that this document is a supplement to the manufacturer’s manual, and is not a replacement for it. If you have
not done so, please read the latest version of the Meridian manual from Magellan’s web site. Platinum users should
be certain to also read the Platinum supplement.
Photographs – I’ve added some photos to this FAQ to provide some additional d etail. The images are purposely low
resolution to minimize this FAQ’s file size. Higher resolution version for most of these files can be found in the files
section of the Meridian group on Yahoo.
2)
Which model for me?
Only you can answer this question. Read the next few sections for more information.
3)
Various Models -- What's the Difference?
All Meridian models share the same case (except for color) and basic hardware. Yet there are differences.
Meridian Gold
-- This is the "central" model on which all other models are based. It features SD card expansion,
and 16MB of base map memory. This unit is sometimes called the "MeriGold." Magellan refers to this unit as
Meridian GPS (as opposed to a platinum, which they call the Meridian Platinum).
Meridian Marine
-- This is the same as the Gold model and features the same base map, but has some marine
navigational aids plus a “marine-ish” white and blue case. Except for the case colors, this unit is internally identical
to the Meridian Gold. The only difference is the base map.
Meridian GPS
-- This unit features a green or yellow case and is sometimes called the "MeriGreen.” It is identical
to the Gold model, except that it only has 2MB of internal built-in memory for base maps, instead of 16 MB. Refer
to the section on mapping for more details about the base map. This base model’s memory cannot be upgraded to
allow it to operate like a MeriGold. Note that the “Green” model is now also available in yellow.
Meridian Platinum
-- This is the same as the Meridian Gold, except that it has an extra card that gives the unit a 3-
axis compass, 3-axis inclinometer, thermometer, and barometric pressure sensor. Due to its platinum (silver) color,
it is called the "MeriPlat."
Meridian Color
-- This model is essentially a Meridian Gold with a color screen. This enhances readability of the
display. The display has been reported to be hard to read with the backlight turned off. Expect shorter battery life
due to the color screen and the constant need for the backlight.
Mobile Mapper
– This appears to be a repackaged Meridian Color unit with customer firmware and GIS data
collection software. It is also much more expensive. Details can be found here:
http://products.thalesnavigation.com/en/products/product.asp?PRODID=928
Note that it is possible to change the base maps on the various units, if there is enough memory. The base map from
the Marine can be placed in either the Platinum or the Gold. Furthermore, European and Australian base maps exist
which can fit in the Gold, Platinum, or Marine. Note that Magellan does not condone the sharing of base maps on
the internet, although they do occasionally send out copies of base maps on firmware update CDs or with Mapsend
Products.
4)
Difference between Magellan SporTrak and Meridian GPS receivers?
The SporTrak and Meridian series are very similar in function. The SporTrak units replaced the M300/M320/M330
series, providing a non-mapping base unit and the others are mapping units like the Meridian. The SporTrak are
smaller in overall size, with a smaller screen that is slightly brighter. The main difference between the two units,
