Magellan Triton 2000
Today Magellan announced their new line of handheld GPS devices designed for outdoor use. One thing many GPS enthusiasts have been critical about regarding Magellan handheld devices is their ease of use. Magellan has completely rewritten their interface and Magellan says the new user interface is much easier to use. So what else will we find in this series?
The Magellan Triton will come in six different versions, and should be available sometime in September. We don’t quite yet have detailed specs on each model, but that will be coming soon.
The Triton 2000 will have a 2.7 inch QVGA screen, SD card slot, electronic compass, and a barometer. Those functions are fairly typical of high end handheld GPS devices. What isn’t so typical is a built-in 2MP digital camera, a flashlight, as well as a speaker and microphone. I talk frequently who use handheld GPS devices for various tasks where they need to mark locations on properties and take notes on those locations. A device like the Magellan Titon seems like it will be a great match for them.
Now, instead of trying to use the four way toggle switch to labor through typing out a note, you can now average the waypoint, take a picture of it with the integrated camera, then record a voice note about the waypoint you are at. The photos and voice notes will be associated with that waypoint. And at the end of the day when you have been working or geocaching too long and it gets dark on you…. turn on the flashlight to help see the trail while the Magellan Triton navigates you home.
Also somewhat unique for handheld GPS devices is the incorporation of a touch-screen. Previously this hasn’t been included on handheld devices due to the limited functionality they might offer but more importantly the ruggedness of the screen. So you can be sure when we get our hands on the Triton we will want to see just how rugged that screen is.
Like other devices in this class, the Triton is IPX-7 waterproof rated, and water submersible. So no fears taking the Triton along with you in your boat, canoe, or kayak. Magellan has also built a new software package called Magellan VantagePoint for map, tracks, media, and waypoint management. The software will be available as a free download from Magellan’s website.
What we notably didn’t see, and are somewhat surprised about, is a lack of mention of any kind of raster map compatibility to add satellite imagery or digital photography. They do say you can load National Geographic Topo maps onto the device, which leaves open a glimmer of hope, but we don’t see any reference to aerial photography being available.
The Triton 2000, described here, will retail for $500. Other models with smaller screens, no flashlight, fewer basemaps, etc will retail for as little as $130. Other models in the series are the Triton 1500 at $399, Triton 500 at $249, Triton 400 at $199, Triton 300 at $149, and Triton 200 at $129. All are expected to be available in September.
Are any of the Triton series compatible with DirectRoute and are any of them capable of voice prompts?
are gpx tracks/ routes compatible?
I received the Triton 1500 in the mail on Wendesday. I am sending it back today. Although I really liked the exterior case, that was about all I liked about it. The software and firmware was buggy, kept getting errors and the software on the computer kept crashing. The box came with no USB data cable, which is a proprietary cable so I cannot use just any data cable and I called Magellan and they do not even have any right now to send to the customers that were shipped boxes with no data cable. The cd’s were also missing from the box. The display was slow to update whenever you clicked on an item, making you wonder if you clicked hard enough or not. I also did not like how it does not show how many feet you are away from your target. That is especially helpful when geocaching. I purchased mine from NewEgg and they wouldn’t refund me even though the box I got did not have any data cable or cd’s, and they could not send me a replacement because none of their boxes have them in it. This was quite disappointing. So I got a return authorization from Newegg and have to pay a $50 restocking fee which is very unfair because it is not my fault that they didn’t send me the full product. I ordered a Delorme Earthmate GPS PN-20 instead this evening.
Why no flash on the camera? They think that hikers don’t need to take pics on dark days or at night time? How about a radio with the mp3 player? That was why I didn’t buy an Ipod. Nice that they have started to combine products but if I am going to replace any of my gear why go 1/2 way?
I bought the Triton 300 this week and it went right back to the store. I own 8 GPS units (Garmin, Thales MobileMapper, Delorme PN-20) and all mapping software products out there. I do a lot of mapping professionaly and as a hobby. I bought the low-end Triton for the big promise that it would display at high-res USGS Topos without the high cost of the Delorme modules. Bottom line: Magellan rolled these out way too soon. The USGS display does NOT work, and the interface is cheesy at best (compared to Delorme or MapSend). Nat’l Geo has always gone for the cheapest since it bought out Wildflower (the originators of Topo!), and they paired up with the wrong company this time (NG is scrambling to fix Topo! to work with the Tritons–too little too late). Garmin probably asked for too much of the action, but they would have gotten the job done. My advice: don’t buy a Triton until September, if at all.
I bought a Triton 200 last week. I could not get it to work with my Windows 98 and V3.4 Topo. National Geographics’ Tech Support must be on vacation. A computer expert friend was able to get the 1:24,000 map on Triton after several hours of loading Windows XP, the enclosed V4, the website V4.4.2 and drivers. It does seem neat driving and watching your progress. The 200 is the only one available in my area, but I will probably regret buying the cheapest one, because the limited storage seems to result in a small area of coverage on the 1:24,000 map.
My wife got me the Triton 500 for Christmas from [snip, see comment policy] I gave her and it included a copy of NG’s Topo for my state. They were VERY good dealing with all the issues Magellan had getting these shipped for the holidays. Even though she ordered it weeks ago it only arrived the day before X-mas. If you did not know Magellan recalled most/all their orignal shipments and re-loaded the firmware. Mine came with firmware from mid December and if you check the web site there is a new version as of Dec 21, but you need to to install their new VantagePoint software to upgade to it. All sofware, once updated to the latest versions works very well under XP Media Center.
NG Topo also has an update to support the Triton. You can find all the info here: http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/category/TOPO%21%20for%20
Magellan%20Triton%20GPS/?cid=183&tid=3
The manual says I you can upload maps to the base memory but the sofware reported I need to add a SD memory card before it will upload a custom map. Maybe I did something wrong but that’s not a big deal, SD cards are cheap.
I am disappointed with the base map as it only has major highways an cities.
Overall I think I’m keeping it as it looks like both Magellan and NG Topo are working out the issues.
I’ve used a Meridian Platinum for five years with no problems. On Dec 28 I upgraded to the Triton 2000 for the National geographic mapping. Eveything was in the box but it won’t connect to the computer so you are left with a poor base map. The electric compass is glitchy. Plus it seems to last about four hours on fresh batteries. I called Magellan for support and the said they are working the problem out. I am going to keep mine for the thirty days and if they can’t figure the bugs out it’s going back to the store.
I got the Magellan Triton 2000 for christmas. Unfortunately it turned out to be more of a bag of coal. This GPS unit is extremely buggy, frequently locks up and is slow to respond to user input. Its really a shame as it has a great color screen, the topo maps are awesome and the menus are intuitive to use. It appears as though Magellan rushed this product to market without adequate testing. I’m taking mine back for a refund tomorrow. Magellan made a huge blunder releasing this device in its current condition. Even with the latest firmware 12-21-07 version the device still locks up, just not as often. I’d say wait a year and see if they can get the bugs worked out, and if they are still around. This should be a lesson, good software is not cheap or easy to come by but is essential to the success of a product.
After approximately 20 hours of using the Triton 300 in the field, these are my impressions.
The good:
Quick to power up and initialize.
Rugged construction and feel of case.
Clear bright screen.
Navigation fairly easy and intuitive.
Good battery life.
Compatible with National Geographic 1:24000 maps
Even in deep woods and heavy overcast the Triton never failed to get a signal.
The bad:
User manual is incomplete leaving out a lot of necessary information. Some of the information is just plain incorrect and unit will not function if directions are followed.
Unit locks up (every time) after connecting to TOPO! and Vantage Point (Magellan’s software) requiring a battery to be pulled out to reset the unit.
Approximately 15-25 times in the twenty hours, upon pressing a key the unit would lock up. A continuous sound would emit as if the key was being held down. The only alternative was to pull the batteries out to restart.
Magellan tech support (India) claimed they would have one of their Senior Members call be back within the hour to help with some issues. 20 days later, still no call.
Despite being fairly computer and GPS literate, I had a lot of difficulty connecting for map and waypoint transfers.
Overall Impression:
A ton of aggravation I could have done without! It is very obvious Magellan rushed product rollout despite tons of bugs in the software and inadequate documentation (Manual).
Recommendation: Wait for them to work out the bugs or buy another unit.
I got a triton 2000 for Christmas and have wasted hours trying to get the software to work, not TOPO or Vantagepoint. Im new at this so I tried customer support but even that didnt help.
Taking mine back.
Any advice on something that would be better for a newbei appreciated.
Magellan Triton 500; very disappointed. My first GPS. Will not keep time. Not capatable on either of my two computers. Vantage Point poor. Customer service requires a lot of repeating. Not crazy about having to argue about restocking fee. I am going to try a few more time but it looks like this thing is going back
While the promise of the feature set on this product had me ready to switch from my Garmin, the implementation is horrible. I have been testing it for about a week now. Do not buy this unit until Magellan re-releases it correctly.
Areas of problem so far:
* Random crashes. Reminds me of WIN 98. It crashes often.
* SLOW!!! It is especially slow when you switch to the map screen, the main one you use.
* No street maps
* “Nearest cache/waypoint” feature does not work. For some reason, it consistently points me to waypoints/caches at a park about 5 miles away as the closest even if I move around to different locations within the range. Can see waypoints nearby (across the street in one test), but it ignores them.
* Interface with PC is slow. Loaded my Garmin side by side with the Magellan. Garmin took about 10-15 seconds to load 900+ waypoints. Same load on the Magellan took ~2 minutes.
* Magellan on-line help SUCKS! There support page does not even list the Tritons yet in many of the drop down lists. FAQ’s are more marketing material then help.
I got a reply back on my post to their support email. It took them three days to respond.
* Issue: Triton is not listed on their support drop downs. Response: It is a new unit and they have not updated the web page. “Wait for some time until this unit gets updated” (Last I checked, that would be a one day job for a competent programmer.)
* Issue: “nearest” function not working on geocaches. Response: please call tech support regarding this issue. (Call to tech support number refers you back to the web page.)
* Message from tech support was obviously from someone who stuggles with writing English. Grammar errors and typos.
Will you please send us the detail technical specs on given email ID?
Also can you make this model with electronic compass, FRS/GMRS compatible.
Or tell us if you have available GPS with the same specs
Bought the Triton 2000 was ready to take it back a couple times because of the pain and frustration getting it to work. Not everyone has a lightning-fast internet connection and to get things working required: NG TOPO! update, GPS Firmware Update, yet another version of .NET Framework, Vantage Point update…..6 hours later, still no topo map on the GPS. Determined NG TOPO! update path gave me v4.4.28 and you have to have v4.4.42…another download. Once all those were in place, map transfer from TOPO! was quick and painless…until I tried a map that was too big or something and couldn’t upload again for a couple days. Much more digging led me to a directory with transfer data that must have been corrupted. Solved the transfer problem by deleting the contents (except for .gpx file) from this directory: C:\Program Files\TOPO!\TPO_DATA\Triton.
So now topo maps work great, even large maps (200+ square miles) pan reasonably fast. Really don’t seem to notice any difference in panning speed based on map size.
Unit lockups every now and then - especially if I use the ’suspend’ feature. Probably 1 out 5 suspends requires battery removal to get things going again.
Base map is worthless and couldn’t find any commercially available base map of cities and highways for the unit.
Documentation is worthless.
Don’t find the menus very intuitive. Strange mix of touch screen, Escape button (which is awkward to press), stylus input for icons too small to use your finger. Sometimes a menu path will lead you down a series of dialogs and the way out is a cancel or checkmark. Other times the only way out is the Escape key. Then out of the blue you have to press on the right-side of the ‘ring’ control to manage route. Interface sucks.
Put in a 2GB SD card and only 1GB shows up. Cards less than 1GB seem to show up correctly. Haven’t seen any doc on what the max size SD card is.
Route and track management sucks compared to a Garmin.
VantagePoint crashed everytime I tried to run it. Used a debugger and found conflict was with my mail program (Eudora). Suspect their use of .NET/HTML has the potential for lots of conflicts. You’re just best off not running any other program when you want to use VantagePoint. Also because of their use of .NET, the program is ludicrously slow.
For all that bad, I still like the real USGS quads on the display enough that I’ll probably keep the unit.
Have used the Triton 2000 about 6 times in the field. Got “Topo” maps to load with little effort and think highly of the feature. Fairly intuitive interface. Slow response time sometimes with certain features such as Page / Go To. Continual problems with unit freezing in the field. Reset almost never works resulting in having to pull the batteries to restart unit. Even though I set unit to track continuous and always on mode, the unit seems to “go to sleep” at a point while I’m walking. When it “wakes up”, the unit jumps the track via a straight line to my current location, making the track worthless for mapping the trail I’m walking, worthless for mileage too. The time on my unit is consistently 3 hours off and I can’t minipulate the time on the GPS. The Triton 2000 eats batteries like crazy. 4-5 hours max life with high quality batteries. This caused me to carry 3 sets of batteries for long day hike. Too much. Bottom line: Unless Magellan improves the firmware and battery consumption issues in the near future, the unit will be returned.
I got the 300 for Christmas and had the same problems as everyone else and ended up returning it. What a disapointment.
What was Magellan thinking by releasing this? I’ll have problems considering any of their products in the future.
Just bought triton 500 and NG topo. Map will not load, can not get connection between computer and GPS. Email me if you have solved this problem.
Re previous post on triton 500 map load, I forgot to click the notify followup comment email box.
Answers to some of the problems I’ve seen listed:
quick and dirty on map transfer plus the NG TOPO! Update you need:
http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/category/TOPO!%20for%20Magellan
%20Triton%20GPS/?cid=183&tid=3
To have the GPS remember the correct time, you have to set your time zone and Activate a Profile. You can do this by clicking the following: Menu button -> View -> Profiles -> [pick any profile] -> click the PDA icon obscured by the “i” icon -> Scroll down to “Time Zone” -> [select your time zone] -> Click the “i” icon -> Activate Profile
The Power Off timer is set within Profiles as well.
To delete a Route click: Menu button -> Go To (yeah, I know you want to delete but using the intuitive menu system, you have to click Go To to delete a route…) -> Route -> Use the “Ring” control to scroll down to the Route you want to delete -> click the Ring button on the right side -> click the icon that looks like a little menu with 3 check boxes -> click Delete Route
I just got my Triton 500 yesterday. I’ve been waiting for Magellan to finally release it since August. So far the experience has been good. I’m running the 1.07 firmware and haven’t seen a crash yet. As repeated many times here, the unit was obviously rushed to release as the documentation is extremely weak.
I have been able to get TOPO to download maps to the device (make sure you get the 4.2.2 update). It’s irritating that you need to reset the connection to VantagePoint every time you want to connect the handheld to your PC.
The reason that I got the unit was for sea kayaking. The feature set makes it well suited for that. I took a NG map of my favorite kayaking area off Chatham, MA and downloaded it to the device via TOPO (onto the 2GB SanDisk SD card, also working well so far). Somewhere along the line the ocean areas of the map were omitted. That’s the part that I need!!
Anyone have any ideas if TOPO is doing this or the handheld? Any ideas on how to get my water back?!
Has anyone downloaded or bought SD cards with the BlueNav charts? How do they work with the device? Is there any way to get this info without the $149 pricce tag? Seems excessive to me.
John R,
Hello from a left coast sea kayaker! (San Francisco Bay area)
Your question on the ocean maps is not likely a Triton issue. Open the maps in NG Topo! and see what shows up on the maps. Many sections of the coast out here only show blue for the ocean and no details. Other sections will show sea stacks,off shore rocks, and sometimes even bottom contours. It depends on whether the USGS included the data in their surveys and provided it for the quads in question. I have not tried the BlueNav charts yet, so can’t help you with that part of the question. I have used the Garmin nav charts and have found them useful, but that (obviously) does not good for the Magellan.
Hi Cass,
I see the ocean features and the depth markings in TOPO just fine. It’s just on the handheld where they are missing. There are angular lines chopping out almost all of the water features. I’ve printed this chart before and didn’t have this problem. Odd. Thanks for your reply.
I have been waiting for a GPS like the 2000 for some time, but can see from all the reviews that it is not ready for market yet. That said I decided to give support a call about the 2000.
I could not reach anyone in North America.
Only poor english speaking support in India, none of which would answer any questions without all my personal info(phone and email). The 2nd and 3rd call also went to India so I gave fake info to get my questions in , only to get denials and excuses. Support like this should never be tolerated, spend your money with a company who understands AMERICAN BASED SUPPORT.
Glad I did some checking before I purchased the 2000, I won’t buy Magellan now.
For those with questions about missing coastal details: I have noticed the same problems on my 2000. Called CS; they know nothing, probably have never seen/handled a GPS. The NG topo map is intact, and when the map is exported from the 2000 to VantagePoint, all of the details are there. It appears to be a problem generated when the map exported to the GPS is overlayed on the basemap (which lacks any detail along the coasts, as well as elsewhere). Magellan CS knew nothing about this, but an email to NG elicited a response that they are now aware of the problem and are working on a solution. Timing: who knows. Randall
Connectivity issue:
Still get no connection between my Triton 2000 and Vantagepoint or TOPO!
When connected via USB, the Triton does not appear under USB controllers but, instead, appears under “Ports, (COM & LPT)”. When I unplug the unit from the USB port, the “Ports (COM & LPT)” file dissapears. Anybody have an idea that might help? I’ve uninstalled and reinstalled VantagePoint as well as uninstalled and reinstalled drivers (Per instructions from both VangtagePoint and from TOPO!) and still get a “GPS not connected” message on both.
Mark F,
Just to confirm, you are setting the “Connectivity” setting on the 2000 to “VantagePoint” before connecting, right?
What Windows OS are you running?
Yes. GPS is set to “VantagePoint”. Per the Magellan Support staff, I’ve been through several processes of un-installing and re-installing VantagePoint software, as well as TOPO! software, through the “msconfig” steps, several suggested driver un-install, re-install, etc. Techs always ask if the GPS unit shows up in “Device Manager” under USB. Repeatedly, I’ve told them that it does not, it opens a COM & LPT in Device Manager, and shows up as Magellan Triton GPS device. The computer recognizes that the Matellan is attached at COM PORT 4, however the only annotation I get on the GPS itself is a small icon on the top right side of the touch screen that looks like a desktop computer, indicating that something is there. There are no messages, no reboot or anything else of the kind. (At that point, I get a lot of silence from the support people, then an “We’ll forward this to a higher level…” conversation.
I’m operating Windows XP Home Edition, Version 2002 Service pack II, updates are installed and all system requirements are met or exceeded.
Any help would be appreciated…the unit’s all but packaged up and about to be shipped back!
IN ADDITION TO MY LAST POST (ABOVE), Yes, I’ve taken the batteries out and re-installed them AND tried all of the same steps on a second computer. I get the same messages. Vantagepoint says GPS NOT CONNECTED. Both VantagePoint and TOPO programs (yes, opened at separate times, etc) Both are the most up to date versions available, according to the update annotations. If there’s a firmware issue, I can’t get an update because the unit doesn’t communicate with VantagePoint.
I am unable to download vantagepoint. I have tried on two different computers and came up with the same result. After downloading,I try to open it up but it fails to initiate the install wizard. Also, my computer doesn’t recognize the GPS through the USB port. I tried tech support, but that solved nothing.
i got a triton 300 day before new years,worked o.k, then got my topomap downloaded 1 map to gps next day try again won’t connect to topo”says waiting to connect esc or cancel.hope i didn’t rush and buy 1 to early.could not understand cust support[I only speak english]hoping for a fix
Got the Triton 400, I can download maps from TOPO! at the Level 4, and Level 5, but I can’t see any of the level 5 maps. Anyone know why?
Also, close VantagePoint before trying to export maps onto the Triton. Othewise, it won’t connect.
As a follow up to my previous post, I picked up a 2000 for the heck of it. It couldn’t even calculate speed accurately–stated I was doing 600 mph on the freeway. Que desastre! Took it right back. REI has now pulled all of the Tritons from their stores. Unbelievable that Magellan would do this to all of us. Stay away! And do not pay a restocking fee for a return; in almost every state it is illegal to charge a restock fee for defective goods, and that includes a design defect. Since a design defect cannot be cured by a replacement unit (SOSDD), the retailer has to take it back. If any one tries to nick you for a restock fee, show them these posts plus the fact that REI and Circuit City pulled the Tritons. If that doesn’t work, call your attorney general or consumer protection division. And report the business to the BBB. Good luck!
I had the same problem as # 15 until I tried a map that was too big or something and couldn’t upload again for a couple days. Much more digging led me to a directory with transfer data that must have been corrupted. Solved the transfer problem by deleting the contents (except for .gpx file) from this directory: C:\Program Files\TOPO!\TPO_DATA\Triton.
Triton support had no idea what to do. Thanks for the info. It seems to happen when you try to transfer a map to lage for the SD card in the unit.
With a 2 gig card it seem to go to about any size map I did one tha was 215 mb without any problems
But now after about the third map of over 90mbs I get a fatal Application error :
Application
OutdoorNav.exe has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down. If the problem persist, contact program vendor.
Program: OutdoorNav.exe
Exception 0×800000002
Adress 03F9BAA4
Than It locks up and has to be shut down with the power button or pull the batteries.
Tech support again has no idea aother than to send it back.
I’ve been trying to use the Triton 500 for about a month now and it really sucks! From all the other comments it seems that I’m not alone. What really got me to purchase this unit was the catch phrase on the flyer “Seamless Convergence between Software & Hardware”. As a Mac user that sounded great!!! A unit that always works flawlessly and never crashes. However, they meant “Seamless Convergence between Windows Software and outdated hardware”. What a drag. For those of you who don’t own a Mac, what you’re experiencing with your Triton is what using a PC is like to a Mac user, a major pain in the hump.
The unit can only accept up to 2 GB SD cards. So you can’t put an entire state’s TOPO map on a single card, you have to use multiple cards. What kind of hack tech only uses 2 GB cards or less. It’s a wonder they don’t only accept floppy discs!
The advertising in the brochure and online is extremely misleading to the point of being bait & switch. I’m encouraging everyone who owns one of these machines to file formal complaints with the BBB and your state’s attorney general’s office because these machines were falsely advertised and sold under misleading pretenses.
Very poor business practice by Magellan!
Have struggled with the Magellan Triton 2000. Some difficulties stem from this being my first gps unit, however, why on earth is there no interactive user manual on CD or at least a printed user manual? I’ve found more helpful information on this website and on the national geographic topo web pages.
I sent an information to request to: Magellan Customer Care to see what they say. My info request read:
“I would like to buy a magellan-triton-2000 but after reading the nearly 100% negative comments at:
http://www.gpsreview.net/magellan-triton-2000/ I am relucant. Can you give me an estimate of when the bugs will be fixed? I would like to make the purchase around May 1 and will buy a Garmin GPSMAP® 76CSx if Magellan cannot meet my needs by then.
Could you answer me and the world by posting your reply to http://www.gpsreview.net/magellan-triton-2000/? If you will not post an answer there, it will also influence my buying decision.”
[See the Jan 12th post that voices my frustration.]
One bright note. I’ve seen a beta release of a bug fix. It appears to deal with many of the major issues. Still some work to go. I have not heard when that is going to be released though. Still hanging onto my 2000 for the moment, though it may go back if things don’t improve by the end of the month. Luckily I bought mine at REI. They have a generous return policy.
My wife got me the Triton 300 for Xmas… put some batteries in it and it seemed to work, downloaded the Vantagepoint software, also seemed to be good to go. Didn’t actually have a use for it till I hit AZ a couple weeks ago, and was too busy to pursue getting maps et al; far as I could see the unit worked, so I didn’t worry about testing it further to see if I should return it or not.
Fast forward to a week ago, I start trying to get it set up for some hiking and maybe Geocaching (the real reason I wanted a GPS unit) in the Superstitions here. Much to my dismay, I find the thing doesn’t come with anything resembling a useful map, the “base map” shows only very major roads in the area, not even the divided 4 lane that runs between Phoenix and Tuscon (via Florence). OK, some reading indicates that the unit will work with Topo maps, which is what I want… I run out and purchase a copy of DeLorme’s Topo USA 7.0, after checking the package to see that it does include “any fully-compatible NMEA reciever from… Magellin…”(skipping the list of other companies.
Well, no, thats not the Topo! software, its Topo without the exclamation point software. And no, it doesn’t support “any reciever from Magellan”, there’s an exclusion: Only non USB NMEA support.
The Triton has NMEA support but does so thru a USB, not a serial cable.
Looking at the specs for the Mapsend software offered by Magellan, I find that it shows topo mapping but doesn’t show trails and dirt roads. The Topo software I bought does show trails and would be perfect for my needs… if it was compatible with the Triton.
My only remaining hope is the USGS mapping software; Magellan and the USGS both claim its compatible, what I don’t know is whether it actually shows trails and so on, and is actually usable on the Triton.
At this point, if I still could, I’d return the Triton and get a Garmin!
Hello Lance,
I’ve been in California since 1978, but grew up with the Superstitions as my backyard (literally) in the 60’s and 70’s. Great area this time of year. Sorry your visit was spoiled by the Triton.
I have been using the Triton 2000 for a while, including some recent beta testing. It is getting better with the firmware updates, but there are still has some bugs and interface quirks. I am assuming this will apply to the other Triton models as well.
I have not used the Magellan software, but have been successful in uploading National Geographic (i.e. NG) Topo! maps to the GPSr. They work great if you have the map area. (You purchase these state by state.) You are limited to what actually shows up on a 1:24000 scale USGS map though as that is what the NG software is based off of. My recommendation is to check the paper USGS topos first to see if they have the trails you need. For the Superstitions, they are pretty accurate. You can also update the map data through the Live Map Update feature of NG Topo. I have found that is hit and miss as it is, again, tied to the USGS updates on their maps.
I have been using NG Topo since before NG bought the original software vender. Great software in itself! It is why I was tempted to switch from my Garmin 60CSx to the Magellan. If they can get the bugs out, I like the idea of those maps being on my GPSr.
Peace
Magellan Triton 2000 - Did I miss something? No detail maps on the unit…for $499.???? What the heck? Can I download MapSend DirectRoute? Computer won’t see unit…WOW AM I UNHAPPY!
Just threw away $500 bucks, on what?? JUNK!
I’m going back to my Meridian Color! Please email me if you have ANY answers for this hunk of junk…like how to get detail maps onto it…
Anyone know if they have fixed any of the issues with the Triton series yet? Spec-wise the 400 is exactly what I want, but I also want a GPS that works
and the reviews haven’t been good…
Magellan finally released another firmware update in early March! Version 1.34 dated 3/1/2008. My Trition 500 seems much “quicker” but I have not been able to find any release notes as to what exactly they updated/fixed. Please post a link if anyone can find them.
I jusst bought a Triton 500 and, not realising the base map was useless, went home and installed the Vantage Point softwae and the software/firmware updates. The unit connected to Vantage Point without a problem and I was able to do some limited ‘testing’ of the untis features.
Wanting to take it hiking over the weekend, I went out and bought NatGeo’s Topo! Weekend Exporer 3D pack for my local area. Installed the software, updated TOPO! to the latest version to support the Triton, then nothing.
The TOPO! software will not detect the Triton and the Triton just goes into ‘Waiting to Connect to PC’ mode and that’s as far as it gets. The drivers have installed on my PC running Windows Vista as a COM port device on COM 5, even though the unit is titled as a Triton USB.
The unit will still connect to Vantage Point without an issue, but after trying all the guides and tips I can find on the web site, I still can’t connect to the TOPO! software. Magellan Tech Support was useless as the very polite Indian lady was obviously only reading a script to me over the phone and didn’t understand I had already tried everything she was asking me to do.
Any and all suggestions for a solution to my problem will be gratefully received.
Don’t launch VP . Just do it rite from NG maps
Has anyone else noticed that the units still consume power from the batteries even when suspended? I just did a test…put in brand new batteries turned it on then “off”. Waited a few days and now the batteries are at 50%. Is there a way to shut it down instead of suspending, other than pulling the batteries?
Magellan Triton 2000 - Has anyone got any pre-purchase feedback on the MP3 and photo aspects of the 2000?
Sound: How well does it function as a MP3 player while tracking?
Is the 1/8” plug IPX7 waterproof for Hobiecat Sailing?
Is the sound quality/volume good?
Is the audio record quality up to DragonDictate typing quality for voice dictation transcription?
Photos: Are the pictures good?
Is the lat/lon imbedded in the tags (the EXIF tag, and the IPTC tag)?
Do they support .kml file preparation for Google Earth uploads?
Can the 2000 be used occaisionally underwater (<1’)?
Overall: For those who have installed the early March firmware upgrades, is the 2000 a viable unit now or should we wait till the next batch of bug fixes comes out. I can wait another month but want to be ready for some sailing in early summer.
Thanks in advance for replies.
I bought a Triton 300 had troubles putting topo map on it. Customer service was fine they helped me install the programs and now it works great. I will admit it is not plug and play. The maps load fast once on the unit and the detail is splendid. The unit is worth the money, although Magellan should be upfront about the additional programs needed. Works great, very good quality for the dough. I have used gps to make a living with for 10 years always Garmin but this unit really suprised me for the money seeing as my Garmins cost over 4K.
I just got a Triton 400. 4 gb SDHC cards work fine on it. I can connect to my PC with VP software, but have had no luck connecting using topo! It just never connects when topo is running by itself.
Purchased a Triton 500 11 days ago after my eXplorist 600 died after 2+ years of 8hr a day usage. I went with the Triton due to the fact that I paid for the Mapsend Topo maps when I bought the eXplorist and the Triton was 90%+ compatible. The Triton worked well for the first few days, I enjoyed the sharp screen and detail compared to the the eXplorist but my joy did not last long. Around day 5 I got a nice Windows CE Fatal Error screen which made me laugh, power cycled the unit and the unit worked fine for a couple more days then the fatal error screen returned. Rinse and repeat power cycle. Fast forward to today and the Triton once again fatal errored on me again but this time every time the unit would acquire sat signal it would error out. I removed the SD card with my topo map and the unit would not error out but would freeze up when navigating the menus or navigating or zooming the “pathetic” base map.
I continued to troubleshoot by reseting the unit to default, formating sd card and reinstalling my Region map from Vantage point but that effort was in vain as the fatal error manifests itself upon sat acquisition. I wanted to reinstall the firmware but vantagepoint does not give me the option due to the software being up to date.
After reading the horror stories of Magellan tech support I have decided to bid farewell to Magellan and go to the Garmin Colorado gps unit money is time, time is money and a $275 purchase should be expected to work even for basic needs such as mine. I know both units have firmware issues but Garmin seems more willing to work out the bugs due to the amount of updates since release compared to the Triton which a bugfix list is nonexistant on their website.
In no way is the Triton ready to replace the eXplorist gps family. I fear that the amount of returns to stores will be a major setback for Magellan and I for hope this forces Magellan back to the design phase because thats what the Triton is, Concept, Beta, simply not ready for market. I for one will never buy another Magellan product due to how poorly the Triton has performed, a product that can’t handle basic topo mapping and everyday use without crashing should have never made it out of the testing phase. I wish I was not so attached to my maps I had purchased for my eXplorist because I had read the woes of the Triton and jumped in anyway.
If you have this GPS I suggest you bring a paper map along with you on your trip, you will always be able to use the Triton as a paperweight to hold down your map when it gives you that Fatal Error. And God be with you if you manage to get lost while in the forest with this gps because your odds aren’t that good that it will stay stable to get you back home, bring some spices because the bears like us to have some flavor.
Does anyone have an idea how the Triton 2000 attaches to bike/vehicle mounts? The backside of the Triton 2000 has a spot to attach the USB wire and this does not match with the GPS end of the mount (that has 2 raised “T” cross-section shaped) spaced about 3/4″ apart. The 4-5 different mounts that I have seen on the internet all appear to have the same design. Could I be missing a part?
I have turned the the Triton 2000 community because I am not able to get any support from Magellan. I sent them a request to answer the above question 6 days ago and have not heard anything. I tried a support call late yesterday and was on hold (for over 2 hours) awaiting someone to initially answer and no one ever did.
I got the 2000 about 10 days ago, immediately updated the firmware and have had none of the issues reported above. I am really happy with the 2000 so far. I do GPS/GIS for a living and have 6 gps units available (up to a $20,000) so I may have a better chance of sucess.
Anyone want to sell their Topo! Ohio, Indiana, Mich. package?
songroot@fuse.net
I’m interested in buying the new Magellan Mobile Mapper 6 which I beleive compares directly with the Triton family but offers an open software platform to run Windows Mobile with Pocket GIS. The spec etc meets the bill, but reading your comments new Magellan products are not all they seem!? Does anyone have any experience or comments about this new model?
Bought a Triton 500 and received it last week. Latest firmware and updated my existing TOPO software. Bottom line, doesn’t work. Contacted support via email and was told in broken english to use the FAQ to resolve all issues. Screen is impossible to see in daylight, only visable with backlight on, nice for a recreational GPS… fortunately I purchased it at a big box warehouse store and they gladly accept returns with no questions asked. I’ve owned several Magellan units in the past, what were they thinking with the triton series?
The upper left button of my T2000 cycles through 4 levels of screen brightness. Not sure if the T500 has the same functions.
I have never owned a gps. I am required to work on-site in heavily wooded foothills west of Denver. I own National Geo’s Colorado state TOPO.Have any of you had good success with the Triton 2000? I’ve read the negative reviews, so I am looking only for any positive comments, if any.Thanks.
Ok Mike….Positively look for another unit! The negative reviews should give you a hint.
I have the Triton 2000. So not worth the $500. I can’t seem to even get the thing compatible with my Windows Vista program and neither can Magellan. I’m at my wits end!! Is there anyone out there who can help me other than telling me to take it back. Did that! Its the only available GPS at the time of purchase that had Alaska maps so I had to get it. Please help. I have sent this unit to get it repaired, they send it back and are sending me another. I still see no light at the end of the tunnel though when tech. support can’t even get it to work with Vista.
Ellis,
The bad news is that there probably is no hope on getting it to work. The units have been dead in the water since the start, patches have been few and ineffective, and there is no fixes in the immediate horizon.
Not sure about your comment about this being the only Alaska maps available. Besides the Triton, I have a Garmin 60CSx. I used it in Anchorage and Shuyak Island a couple years ago. Heading to Whittier and the Sound in a couple weeks for two weeks of kayaking. I have topos (not the greatest), street, and marine maps for the unit that cover all of the US, including Alasak.
I HAD AN EXPLORIST 400 , FOUR MONTHS OLD, CALL MAGELLAN TOLD THEM WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH IT. I HAD TO SEND IN FOR REPAIR. COULD NOT BE FIXED, SO THEY SEND ME THE TRITON 400. BUT IT TOOK 2 1/2 MONTHS TO GET THE TRITON (NOBODY COULD TELL WHAT WAS, I MADE OVER 20 CALLS TTO THEM) . RECIEVE GPS ON MAY 21, START SETTING THE GPS UP, HAD TROUBLE WITH IT. EMAIL MAGELLAN ON MAY 23, GOT BACK TO ME ON MAY 27. THEN I FIND OUT THAT I HAD TO SEND IT BACK AGAIN. RECIEVE THE OTHER GPS ON JUNE THE 5 OR 6. ANYWAY I GOT A NEW GPS TRYING TO GET IT TO WORK, ON PHONE AND EMAILING STILL ON FARTHER A HEAD, I WAS TOLD NEEDS DRIVERS FOR IT CAN’T FIND ANY ( ANY BODY KNOWS PLEASE HELP). I’M GETTING P—ED OFF AND FRUSTRAED NO GONE WAY PASSED THAT. THANKS….
You asked for positive comments Mike! I have some.
Last month I bought a Triton 2000 on eBay at about 50% off list in mint condition. I guessing it was from a frustrated user, as the firmware was very, very old. I headed over to TritonForum.com for some essential downloads and tips. Also the support page at NatGeo was helpful. It took me a few hours to install Vantage Point, NG Topo!, update the firmware, and learn the Triton menu system. Now everything works. I am happy to report that the Triton is very useable and worthwhile. It works extremely well out in the forest and the TOPO maps are spot on. There is more potential that hopefully will be realized in the next firmware update (I’m now using firmware from March). But at this time, there are no problems that are show-stoppers.
I too bought a Triton 2000 in early May, 2008 [snip, see comment policy] I did the National Geographic Topo! maps (Ohio, In. Mi.) and this works great. I have had almost no trouble with the Triton 2000. The next firmware update is set for release in mid-july and is supposed to fix most of the remaining bugs since the last release (in March-that I am using sucessfully v. 1.27). I really tested the IPX-7 water-resistance feature reciently sailing my HobieCat Kayak at up to 10.3 MPH (very wet ride). The NG Topo! maps were great on Indian Lake NW of Columbus Oh with many islands to navigate. I recommend the T2000.
Hello,
Im interested in getting a triton 2000 and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if I bought the national geographic map for my state if the maps roads and trails ect actually transfer to the gps or if just the waypoints to im not very educated in gps systems ive only owned one really basic one and have never used any mapping software..
Was given a triton 1500 to use at work. I need to go and inspect a proposed road. I wanted to load in the road design in MGA94 coordinate system. I was told by the sales team that yes this gps can operate in lots of coordinate systems and that what I descibed was easy to do. I have since realised that they didnt even know what a coordinate system is.
Vantage point is a pathetic excuse for software. It hasnt the power to do anything I want. I can’t load strings or regions in to my gps, only points. Further to this, I can’t load a .csv of points in anything but latt / long as decimal degrees! The only way to input MGA coords was to manually pin waypoints and then copy and past the easting and northing in to the point. Useless!
Also the only way to get the latest version of vantage point is to hit the update button from within the program, which so far has never worked! Why they cant just publish the latest release on their website has me beat.
The supplied base maps are lacking in detail. I asked the tech support here how I can create my own maps for it and was told I can’t. Dispite the fact that they make their maps using mapinfo (which I also use) and then use an add on to save to the gps format. I was told that giving me that addon would breach copy right. I find this ridiculous seeeing as what I want to map is private lease and they would never get the info anyway. Not impressed!
Further more, I had hoped to connect the triton 1500 to use the signal in Geotracker / Mapinfo professional. So far I have had no luck getting geotracker to recognise the NMEA 0183 signal via USB. I have installed some com port emulator software so hopefully I will have some success with that.
I wonder if there is a GPS on the market that I can load my own maps in to from mapinfo, and load my own strings/routes/points from a CAD file in what ever coordinate system I choose. With more time I will find one.
Tee magellan 1500 is probably a good gps if you cant find your way to your favourite fishing hole, and then back to a casino afterwards. But for locating proposed infrastructure its useless, mainly due to its achilles heal; vantage point.
Sounds like you might need more of a professional, versus consumer grade GPS and application.
As of July 17/08 the Vantage Point software will still not recognize my Triton 300. I have had most of the above mentioned problems with the unit and Tech support.
This is my 4th and last Magellan unit. Never again.
I am a first time GPS user and I am very dissapointed with my Triton 400. Every time I start it there seems to be a new glitch. Update it and there will be more glitches. I find Vantage point very dissapointing to use. It will not display my maps properly. The only thing I use it for is to update the unit, which is not really an improvement. It will tell you where you are on the face of the earth, I down loaded the Nat’l Geo maps successfully, not using Vantage Point. This is not a confidence inspiring product. It will be my first and only product from Magellan. If I can refrain from driving over it or smashing it on the pavement, I will hang on to it and get the most I can from it.
Yes, James it sounds to me like you are trying to turn a recreation GPS into a survey GPS - they are designed to do completly different things. i recomend a Trimble if you can afford one.
It is pretty easy to criticize the VP sofware because yes it does have issues - particulary in interfacing with the GPs unit, but all new software does. let me ask you this, what other GPS company supplies a 3D application with their GPS unit? Looking to the future i think there is really great prommise there.
As far as the data goes we are all in luck! check Magellan’s web site for their newest partner product called AccuTerra. it is created by a company called Intermap Technologies and is extreemly detailed. I have been amazed at how much information i now have - they show detailed land ownership information (all national forests, all national parks, BLM land, state parks, and local parks), they have an extensive road network, thousands of miles of trails, really detailed hydrology (rivers and lakes) and thir POIs are actually usefull for recreation (they have sporting good stores, emergency services like hospitals fire police and vetreanarians, trailheads, summits, campgorounds, forest service offices, ranger stations, etc.). Now, not only does it show all the trails outside my back door (i live up against National Forest) but is shows my pond and creek too! I feel much safer and more confident traveling with somthing that not only shows me position in comaprison to the major highway 50 miles away(basemap), but i now have everly litte forest service road & trail(that i have check so far), i have contours, peak names, and i know where to find water. good job guys! BIG improvement!
Mitch,
All that wonderful software is useless given how extremely poor hardware deployment. The 2000 unit was and is horrible and I would not recommend anyone purchase the product. It does not work!
Background:
I was involved with some of the post-release beta testing with Magellan on the 2000. Several of us tried very hard to give them a chance to resolve the issues of the product. I am a software professional, managing a team responsible for an annual $35m portfolio of software deployments of various technology flavors. I have seen no reason for anyone to use the Magellan products.
YIKES!! I was so close to buying the Magellan Triton 2000, until I read these reviews! Thank you all for enlightening me. I would not touch it with a 10 foot pole now.
I got a Titon 2000 for my 44th Birthday. I LOVEed it. I still do, HOWEVER I do wish the dam thing would work like it supposed to. I had to call tec support, try and translate as he spoke, then work on the problem while he put me on a 2 min hold. I was on the phone for 2 1/2 hours. I was able to get VP downloaded on my PC. I was not able to get VP to work with TOPO or get my PC to recongize the Triton 2000. The tec dude told me the cable was bad and he is giving me a new one. I am not real confident that he knows any more than I.
I want this thing to work like “They” claim it will. I really like the looks of this Triton, however if it does not work right, it’s hard to see the pretty thing in a drawer.
I will give this some work, if it does’nt come around I will send it back for my $440 refund.
Any recommendation on which one I should get?
I got the Triton 2000 [snip]. I use the ProMark 3 RTK (Surveying GPS)for my Surveying and like it fine. The same issues about not having good manuals or other support seems to be Magellan’s worst problem. I know an inside guy who helped me with the Surveying GPS and he has been great. I have data and pictures on the Triton 2000 that I cannot get off or figure out how I can transfer them on to the SD so I can get them out. Never have had much luck with cable transfers with any Magellan Products - seems to be their weakness. I cannot get the VantagePoint USB to show up on my device or anything to work to transfer my pics. This science experiment with the Magellan Triton 2000 has failed and if I cannot get my buddy to help then I need to send it back and look at Garmin which a less technical friend has had good luck with from the beginning. I have looked hard for someone or something to give me hope but so far, no luck. Still waiting on the inside guy to let me know but I think he knows that his employer has issues with putting things out on the market way to soon both in the professional and recreational products.
I am happy to announce that I was able to get VantagePoint by Magellan working on my notebook computer and plan to try to duplicate what I did on other computers. I was about to call it quits with Magellan for the Recreational Style GPS but, like my Professional GPS Magellan Promark3 RTK system, tenacity paid off but with a price of many hours and tribulations. I do not recall all the steps in detail, however I can tell you that the problem lies in my Windows XP and the way it responds to the Magellan software loading process. You have to look at Windows as an evil demon that does not want you to load it and will deceive you into going down a path that will result in failure. Magellan is partially responsible for not explaining this and showing you what windows that you should avoid or to reply in such a way not to let Windows screw the installation process up. A name called Neptune came up several times and eventually went away to show a name by Magellan that revealed that I was on the right track to getting the communication link working that opened up the program to talk to my Magellan Triton 2000 and saved me from sending it back. I am not saying that this will open up all your expectations, however, like many computer related processes; it allows you to do most of what you want to do that is essential. Many of the processes could be made much easier and user friendly. I will go into the details of what I want in the near future when I make that extra time to help Magellan reverse their reputation for “Customer No Service” and placing hardware on the market before it has been more completely debugged. I searched on connectivity for the Triton 2000 and numerous other phrases and words to describe my frustration over the USB connection and communication with the Triton. I have spoken to a few others who purchased and used the Garmin near equal units who have reported much easier hardware and software connections and features.
I must get back to my Survey work so I can pay for all this research and development time.
Today I just bought a new Triton 500 and I can’t get it to turn on. Well it turns on it and stays on the loading page. So I was wondering if anyone knows what I should do or tell me what is wrong with it since I need it to work by tomorrow morning since that’s when I am leaving. Please and Thank you!
Take the batteries out and back in and that should reset it. An update firmware may be needed if it continues to give you problems. I might be able to help more