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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I buy Satmap products in the UK?

Use our "where can I buy" page to view UK locations.

2. What map scale do I need?

Use our "what map to buy" page for help on this subject.

3. What are the Active 10 dimensions?

Height 13cm; Width 7.5cm; Depth 3cm; Weight 175 grams (excluding batteries)

4. How do I check which version of software my Active 10 is running?

To check this, you should select the following Menu > Settings > About

5. Can I attach a lanyard to the Active 10?

Yes. The Active 10 has the lanyard fitting points on the top of the unit. This ensures the unit is held upright and therefore the antenna is at the top giving the optimum received GPS signal.

6. If I buy a unit which has an old version of software can I get an upgrade free and how can I get access to future upgrades?

Our current version of software is 1.42 and this is available to all customers via our website as a download. The basic version of 1.42 is available free of charge, but there are some additional features which can only installed using an SD Update Card, for which there is a charge of £9.99. We notify customers by email and on the website when updates are available - but to receive this e-mail you must register your device with us.

7. Why do I need to register?

There are a number of reasons:-
- if you lose your unit and someone hands it in then we can re-unite you with it.
- we will notify you of software upgrades, new products and new maps.
- from time to time we will let you know about special offers.
We will not give your details to anyone else and we only email our customers occasionally.

8. If I order online, how long will it take to receive my order?

If ordering from www.satmap.com and we have the item(s) in stock and the payment is approved and we receive your order by 3pm then we will aim to despatch the same day. For custom mapping you should allow 48 hours for us to despatch.

9. I have purchased a second-hand Active 10: what is the warranty?

There is no warranty on second hand goods. The warranty only applies to the original purchaser: we cannot transfer that warranty as we do not know how that product has been treated. However, if you have purchased a second hand Active 10, you can send it in for a General Service (£24.99) and we will endeavour to ensure the unit is returned to you thoroughly tested, repaired if necessary and upgraded where applicable. (Please note: there may be charges for components used)

10. Does the access to the Route Planner transfer with second hand Active 10 units?

No. The access to the Route Planner and Route Share Network is linked to the original purchase and cannot be transferred.

12. What is the difference between the Active 10, Active 10 PLUS and Active 10 BIKE?

There is no difference to the performance of these three units. They all offer the same features, functionality and performance. The units also all have the same base mapping layers. The only differences are with what comes with the Active 10, for example, the Active 10 PLUS and Active 10 BIKE include the Lithium Polymer Rechargeable battery bit this does not come with the Active 10. A comparison table showing the three bundles is available on our about active 10 page.

13. I bought an Active 10 before November 30th 2009 and I do not have the world base map layer which now comes pre-loaded on the Active 10, Active 10 Plus, and Active 10 BIKE - how can I get the world base map?

Satmap offer the World Base Map upgrade service, however users should be aware that it will be necessary to remove the Full GB Ordnance Survey Meridian 2 (vector) road mapping in order to accommodate the World Base Map. Depending on where and how you use the unit will obviously determine if you prefer to have the World Map rather than the Meridian 2 road mapping. This service is available from Satmap for £39.99 plus postage and can be purchased online. It will be necessary to send your unit to our technical repairs team.

14. Why is there a charge for the World Base Map software when up to now all your upgrades have been free?

his service requires the unit to be sent into us i.e. it is not available for you to download. The cost covers:
- a royalty payment for the World Base Map

- service and administration costs to complete the upgrade

15. Do you supply international maps?

We have maps available for most of Western Europe and are launching maps for other continents in 2010. Please visit our shop to see the complete range.

16. I have my own maps for my expedition overseas, can I put them onto your GPS?

We offer a specialist service for putting the customers own maps onto our Active 10 GPS. This is done on a case by case basis, so please contact us to find out more.

17. What is the Route Planner and Route Share Network?

The Satmap Route Planner is an online service which gives customers the option to plan routes for either uploading onto their Active 10 sports GPS, or for printing out a paper version. The Route Share Network is an online area where users can upload and share their favourite routes. The majority of the routes will be available for free download and users can offer comments and feedback on routes they have tried.

The Route Planner:

The mapping

- Microsoft Bing Platform which incorporates full global road mapping and satellite imagery
- Additional map layers are: Ordnance Survey 1:25k Explorer and 1:50k Landranger mapping for Great Britain. We've started to add additional mapping for other Western European countries, such as Germany, and additional international topographical maps will be added in the coming months.

Functionality
- Route planning, waypoint naming and description
- Uploading and downloading of routes
- Editing uploaded routes
- Online storage of routes
- Elevation profile display of a route
- Map print facility
- Route card creation and printing

The Route Share Network:
- Google Maps Platform provides full global road maps; satellite & terrain view; and 3D aerial photo view
- Upload and download of routes
- Route reviews - users can comment and rate routes they have downloaded
- Advanced search facility
- Routes categorised by difficulty, length and activity e.g. Mountain biking; cycling; horse-riding
- Users' My Route Page

18. I am a Satmap customer, how do I get access to the Route Planner and Route Share Network?

For Active 10 owners: If you registered your Active 10 by 1st April 2009 and bought it before Tuesday 23rd March 2009 then this service is available free of charge (follow instructions below).
For Active 10 PLUS owners:
Simply register, then accept the terms and conditions to gain access. To register your unit, go to our registration page.

Once you are registered, you need to close the registration page and open the feature access page. Use your registered Email Address and Serial Number to accept the Terms and Conditions for each product.
http://routeplanner.satmap.com and http://www.satmap.com/satmap_route_net/

19. I do not have a Satmap GPS, can I still buy access to the Route Planner and Route Share Network?

Sorry, but this service is for Active 10 customers only.

20. I have an Active 10 and would like access to the Online Route Planner and Route Share Network, I thought this was going to be offered free to all customers?

The Online Route Planner and Route Share Network is available free of charge to all customers who have bought their Active 10 before 23rd March 2009 and have registered their unit by April 1st. This is by way of a thank you to all our early adopters. For customers who buy the Active 10 after this date access to the Route Planner and Route Share Network will be charged at £79.99.

21. Is access to the Route Planner and Route Share Network available indefinitely. The terms and conditions on my Active 10 PLUS voucher say it is valid for one year?

We had to put a one year valid date as we can't sell a product which doesn't exist. So long as Ordnance Survey renew our licence we can automatically renew your access to the Route Planner and Route Share Network.

22. Can I plan a route on the Active 10?

Yes: the Active 10 has a fully featured internal Route Planner that allows users to create, name, edit and add comments to any Route either created on the Active 10 or sourced elsewhere.

23. Can I plan a route on my PC?

Yes: Satmap has developed the Satmap Online Route planner that allows users to plan, view, and edit Routes on their PC. These Routes can be downloaded on the Active 10, and paper copies of the Route and the Route Card can be printed off. Routes that have been created on the Active 10 can be uploaded onto the Planner and manipulated in the same way. PC based map systems from third party providers can also be used to create, edit, upload and download Routes onto the Active 10, but not all are compatible. Please check with your retailer.

24. What is the difference between Routes, Trails and Tracks.

Satmap defines these as follows:
Trail: Also known as a 'snail trail' or a 'crumb trail' this is literally a record of the route you have taken. It appears on the screen as a series of red dots. The statistical data relating to this Trail (e.g. time, speed, distance etc.) appears on the unit as the Trip Log.


Route: This is a line superimposed on the map showing your intended line of travel i.e. your planned Route. You can plan this Route on the unit itself or using PC based systems such as the Satmap Online Route Planner.


Track: When you have completed a walk, you have a record of this on the device (i.e. the Trail). If you wish to keep this to share with others or use again, you need to 'Convert Trail To Track'. This saves it as a Track, laying down waypoints using the onboard logic of the computer based on the angle of deviation from a straight line. These waypoints therefore may not necessarily correspond to locations that you (as a human) would have selected based on usual route planning methodologies. So when you have made your Track, you should use the 'Edit' function to ensure you move the waypoints to positions more appropriate - and of course name it as needed. We therefore call this a Track in order to draw attention to the fact that this is a route that will need amending before use.

25. How many waypoints can I use in a Route.

In terms of the amounts of Routes you can store, the constraint is not measured by the number of routes, but by the size of the data files. So, a hundred small Routes can contain less data than one large route. Hence, it is always good housekeeping to store the majority of your data on your PC. As a general rule though, for average sized Routes, you should expect to be able to store many hundreds on the Active 10.

26. Can I store Routes on my Map Card.

Yes: you can store Routes on the Map Cards if there is sufficient spare memory (Note: the average Map Card has approximately 200MB of spare memory). The unit default is set to store the Routes on the Map Cards but users can also manually do this by the 'Copy to SD Card' function in the Route Edit Menu.

27. How often is my GPS position recorded?

The Trail is comprised of markers laid down by the GPS receiver. A typical Route can have many hundreds and are laid down every second in Normal Power mode or every 4 seconds in Advanced Power mode. They appear on screen as a line of red dots showing your exact trail (a 'snail' trail or 'crumb' trail) and can be displayed as small dots, large dots, or can be hidden to prevent the map detail becoming obscured.

28. What is SatSYNC?

SatSYNC is a free piece of software (downloaded from www.satmap.com/software) that allows you to connect your Active 10 to your PC. With this software you can upload and download Routes, Trails and Points Of Interest. These files can then be shared via e-mail, forums (e.g. the Satmap Route Share Forum) or viewed on PC based mapping systems that are compatible with the Satmap format.
To view your trail on a PC based map (e.g. the Satmap Online Route Planner):
- connect your Active 10 to your PC
- access the memory of the Active 10 with SatSYNC.
- select the trail data (a GPX file) and copy this to your PC Desktop.
- drag this file into your PC mapping system.

29. Why does Satmap use the '.map' file format?

When a GPX route file is 'Imported' into SatSYNC, the SatSYNC software automatically converts the GPX format into '.map' file. When a '.map' file is 'Exported' it is converted back into a GPX file. (Please note: this conversation does not occur when a file is 'Copied'.) We utilise '.map' as a format because we have found that different providers of GPX routes have different implementations of the GPX standard, so we need to translate all GPX files into a common format that can be read by the Active 10 i.e. the '.map' format. As there are so many different providers of GPX routes, Satmap cannot possibly be compatible with all of them, however SatSYNC does work with many of the leading providers of GPX routes.

30. Is SatSYNC Mac Compatible?

A Beta release of SatSYNC for Mac is available in the software section

31. Can I use any maps on the Active 10?

The only maps you can use on the Active 10 are those supplied by Satmap - there are a number of reasons for this including data licencing, security and map display performance. Similarly, our maps cannot be used with other devices.

32. Can I plan routes on third party PC based map systems?

Yes. The Active 10 is compatible with many third party PC map systems (e.g. Memory Map, and Tracklogs) and several other map systems which use the GPX format. It is important to note though that there are so many third party systems available that Satmap cannot possibly support all of them. The interface with these systems is via the SatSYNC program and uses the file conversion system to '.map' files (see SatSYNC above). The instructions for SatSYNC are available online at www.satmap.com.
FYI - For Memory Map, Satmap is compatible with version 5 - earlier versions of Memory Map do not support GPX files and are therefore not compatible with the Active 10.

33. Where can I find gpx routes for downloading?

We have a Route Share Network on our website that has many routes loaded onto it from customers across the world. These routes can be downloaded free of charge. There are a number of other sites, some of which sell routes - we have come across the following:
- www.ukmountainbiker.com
- www.sharemyroutes.com
- www.bikely.com
- www.bikeradar.com

34. Can the Active 10 be used for in-car navigation?

The Active 10 is not designed with in-car navigation in mind. However, the unit and Map Cards are supplied with 1:200k, 1:250k or 1:1,000,000 road maps (depending on country) but it is important to note that the Active 10 is NOT a Route Finder i.e. in that it does not give turn by turn directions. This means you are able to navigate your own preferred route rather than following an automated system. A vehicle mount is available from Satmap.com

35. What is POI?

POI stands for Points of Interest and users can create, name and add up to 160 characters to POIs on the Active 10 itself.

36. I'm finding it laborious to enter in the POI data. Is there a quicker way?

A slightly quicker way is as follows - but really you should use the way you are comfortable with.
Planning > Centre press joystick > Add POI > Done
Please note: if you have installed the POI icon library (available from Satmap.com) there is one more step - selection of the icon of your choice.

37. How do you set the time on the Active 10?

You can set the time in the following way, select:
-Menu > Settings > Time Offset >
Then move the joystick left or right to select the appropriate hour differential.

When the unit next has a GPS lock it will acquire the exact time.
Henceforward it will only need the hour differential adjusted.

38. Can you increase the text size on the Active 10?

Not at the moment but we're considering offering this feature in a future release of the software.

39. How much detail can I see on your mapping?

The Satmap Active 10 uses the best quality topographical available. In most countries, this is at scales of 1:25k and 1:50k, although in some instance this can be as detailed as 1:10k. The maps that are displayed on the Active 10 are true digital maps (not scanned images or low quality 'Bitmap' files). In other words, everything you see on the paper maps you see on the Active 10. However, the Active 10 does allow you to zoom into the maps in great detail, so you can in fact zoom down to 1:5k on a 1:25k map and the map image is still perfectly useable.

40. What is the difference of the 1:25k scale over the 1:50k?

The 1:25k scale maps are ideal for use by people needing great detail on their maps as they show contours at 5m intervals, field boundaries, good path detail within wooded areas, and detail on building layouts - all of which can make a difference for precision navigation. Typical users might be hikers, mountain bikers and climbers who need this very specific information. The 1:50k maps are designed for people who don't need such specific detail, and who are comfortable with contours at 10m intervals, and don't need to see field boundaries or specific detail on building layouts. Typical users might be cyclists, horse riders, or those simply planning a general path.

41. Where can I buy 1:25K mapping?

All our maps are available online at www.satmap.com although many of our retail partners do carry a wide selection. A lists of stockists is available on our Where To Buy page For more information please contact the UK distributor, Burton McCall, Tel: 0116 234 4646.
Address: 163 Parker Drive, Leicester LE4 0JP.
www.burton-mccall.co.uk

42. Can you update the Satmap maps - or do you have to buy new mapping.

The topographical maps are digital images and cannot be updated due to their format and the licence terms of the mapping providers. Fortunately though, updates to these maps generally apply to urban areas so there will be little change for people walking/cycling in the countryside.

43. What happens if I damage the SD Card or accidentally delete the map on it, do I need to buy a new one?

You can take a back-up copy of your map on your PC but you will not be able to do anything else with it i.e. open it or copy it. Should you accidentally delete the map on your SD Card you will then be able to download the back-up copy onto the same SD Card. If you damage the SD card we will send you a new card for a small fee to cover the SD card replacement costs. You will need to provide proof of original purchase and return the original product to us. FYI - The map files cannot be copied onto other SD Cards. This is due to the security requirements from the map providers who want their data protecting in order to ensure it doesn't get posted on the internet.

44. I don't want to keep swapping map cards out - can I put my two maps onto one SD card?

Yes: the Active 10 supports high capacity SD Cards (SDHC), thereby allowing several maps to be installed onto one card. Satmap provides a consolidation service for map cards and more information about this product is on our web shop.

45. Can I search by postcode?

Yes, this feature is part of Software Version 1.4. This will not be possible to install this on some of the earliest versions of the Active 10. Please call for more information.

46. What is a Site Centred map?

For customers who want non-standard map areas, this bespoke service is for a map card centred on a postcode, town, village, place or grid reference of your choice. The maps are for set areas of 20km by 30km up to 110km by 110km. Price is determined by the area covered and you can find out more on our web shop.

47. What is a Custom Map?

The Custom Map is for customers who would like an irregular shape map in the 1:25k Explorer scale i.e. not square or rectangular. This means customers only pay for the exact area they need. Find out more on our web shop.

48. Optimum way to recharge the unit (Power Bundle only)

It is better not to run the unit whilst charging. The optimum way is to do the following:-
- Plug in the unit
- Check you have the lightning symbol on the battery which will confirm you have charge
- Then switch off the unit
NOTE: ensure you have the Screen Alert Every Minute set to 'Off'. That way all power will be going into the battery and not running the unit and you will achieve full battery. The battery has its own charge protection current so it won't overcharge if you leave it running.

49. I have charged my unit correctly but the lightning symbol is still on 24 hours later.

The unit takes approximately 8 hours to charge. After this time it will be fully charged. The lightening symbol will not always go off because the charge protection circuit is always running, thereby using up a small amount of charge.

50. What battery life can a customer expect from each type of battery.

Battery life on any electronic item is always determined by how much you use it. We always advise people to be sensible and use the various power saving options in Settings, such as Advanced Power Mode (which puts the device into a low power state) and the Screen Off after 15 seconds in the Power Control option.
- 5 to 6 hours (Ni-MH)
- 8 to 10 hours (Alkaline - Energy Plus) *PLEASE NOTE: Duracell batteries give approximately 20% less duration comapr3d with Energizer batteries.
- 15 to 18 hours (AA Lithium - not rechargeable)
- 15 to 18 hours (Lithium Polymer rechargeable)
In general use though, many people are getting over 20 hours out of Lithium batteries by using the power save options.

51. How do you insert the LiPol battery?

You need to remove the battery caddy. To do this lift the battery caddy from the top left corner and pull firmly. Do not worry about breaking it, the caddy is designed to warp. If you find it difficult to get your nails under the edge of the caddy it is a good idea to use a flat headed screwdriver and lever it out.

52. Where does the bike bracket fit onto the bike?

There are three options, it can go on the cross bar, stem or handlebars.

53. I can't get Trail Up mode to operate.

This is because Version 1.3 of the software and above has an Advance Power Control mode. When in Normal Power mode every element of the system is fully powered however, in Advanced Power mode the high power draw components are modified. The three big areas this impacts on are:
- the backlight is capped at 80% maximum
- the screen update rate is reduced to once every four seconds
- and the Trail Up facility is disabled.
If you wish to utilise track-up then please select Normal Power mode.

54. How do you select Normal Power mode?

Select the following:
Main Menu > Settings > Advanced Power Control: then nudge the joystick left or right until you are able to select 'Normal'
When you have 'Normal selected, press Done > Map

55. My unit is freezing - how do I unfreeze it and what is the problem?

There is no reset button. To unfreeze the Active you will need to disconnect the power supply. The freeze is most likely to have been caused by a corrupt Route or POI file. Please delete all Routes and POIs to ensure the problem is removed.

56. I'm seeing a long 'spike' type trail when first turning on the GPS and it getting a lock.

The long spike occurs whilst the unit is homing in on your exact position, upon first lock. In order to ensure the Trip Log accurately reflects your journey you do need to re-set the Trip Log and 'snail trail' after you have acquired GPS lock in order to eliminate any data in this GPS 'spike' prior to setting out.

57. Do you have marine mapping?

At present, there are no marine charts supplied for use with the Active 10. However, we are licenced partners of the UK Hydrographic Office and are currently experimenting with this data.

58. Can I use the Active 10 in flight for example gliding, in a helicopter etc.

We have had feedback from customers who have used the Active 10 successfully in light aircraft, helicopters and gliders.

59. When can I get mapping for countries other than the UK?

Maps are now available for Holland, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Spain and Italy . We will announce the availability of new international maps each month www.satmap.com

60. I'm skiing in Switzerland next week - I have already selected CH1903 as the grid system, and I am testing the "GoTo - Set CoOrds" before leaving the UK - however, this feature does not seem to work - I can only set it by Lat/Long. Why is this?"

This is because the unit generally uses the co-ordinate systems that are available at the last known GPS location. Swiss grid is not available in the UK. However - this feature will work as soon as you arrive in Switzerland and get a GPS lock. Alternatively, it can be tested by initially laying down a GoTo point anywhere in Switzerland with the joystick - and then using the "GoTo - Set CoOrds" feature - where the Swiss Grid format screen will appear.

61. Is the Active 10 WAAS/EGNOS enabled - my Garmin is?

WAAS and EGNOS are ground based systems designed to supplement the GPS signal, making it more accurate. Version 1.4 of the software makes the Active 10 compatible with both WAAS and EGNOS. (Note: WAAS is the American system and EGNOS is the European system. Please be aware that the EGNOS signal does not cover the whole of Britain: the signal is general only received in the south as it has been designed to provide cover primarily in Central Europe.)

62. Returning my Active 10 for repair or modification?

If you have to return Satmap products for any reason, then please fill out the returns form below and enclose it with the returned product. Please be aware if you are returning a product because you think it is faulty you must first contact us by telephone or email. Any returned goods sent in prior to notification could be subjected to service, repair or postage costs. Download Form

63. Why is the Toggle function not working on my map?

The Toggle function will only work if you are using a Map Card that has been supplied in the Toggleable format (indicated by the 't' on the label). Your Active 10 GPS must be running version 1.4 software to enable to Toggle feature. Premium Site-centred and Premium Custom maps ordered from November 24th will be Toggleable. As and when any other Map Cards are developed that feature the Toggle function, the information will be posted on our website. If you would like to add Toggleability to an existing map card which has more than one scale then you'll be interested in our Toggleable Map Service on our web shop.