SKYMAP 2000 GPS - PCMCIA V1.0 SINGLE 1-DOC $75 rebate-NOTE~early buyers~pricematch yourself w/onvia

[Souka]

It's to long to post, but it's the fix from the SkyMap folk.

AGAIN, This is for the PCMCIA VERION. The serial verion ONLY works in eTak mode...which is propietary.

I can email this to someone, just send me an email at souka@jps.net asking for instructions.

And lastly. If you're running an OS that doesnt' have drivers, install it as a "STANDARD 9600 BAUD MODEM".....and follow directions to configure it...email me for directions.



--Souka

 

[yangshz]

I am having trouble using my skymap gps pcmcia card.

I used the suggestion here to install it as 9600 bps modem. GPS started with MS Street and Trips without a problem. But it showed up somewhere in Japan! Well, close to Tokyo, as if that makes a difference:-(

I am thinking it is probably when skymap website's FAQ mentioned that it might read out somewhere in California. Since I am using NMEA mode instead of etak's internal mode, it reads out to be in Japan.

Also, the FAQ mentioned that I may need to reset the GPS reveiver to get to the right reading. Then I would need to install skymap's software since MS S&T does not have such functions.

I wonder if all these are true or someone can find a way to get around it?

 

[emaij]

I spoke to Etak people a few weeks ago about using the pcmcia gps with Streets... The guy I spoke to told me that it was absolutely incompatible. That's when I sought help here and then figured out that it would work as long as you didn't configure. Used it in Canada last week and it worked beautifully!

 

[Zero]

Read my posts above. There is a gps install program on the MS Streets & Trips 2000 install cdrom. Install this and then fire up MS S&T 20k1 and click on Tools - GPS - Track GPS. It worked for me and a few others.

Zero

 

[Groch]

This may be a dumb question but: Why are so many folks interested in using Streets and Trips rather than the very cool software that came with the Etak? Are you all using windows NT on your laptops?
It seems to me that the Voice commands/directions of the Etak software makes it a much more practical choice in a moving vehicle.

 

[RobsTV]

My GPS also showed up as Japan.
To fix it.
Exit streets and trips.
Flip switch on GPS, but do not remove it.
Start Sony etak software.
Click on your area, show GPS meter, and allow it to
get several good green dots. Confirm it is actually
showing you correctly where you are.
Exit Sony etak software, flip GPS switch, fire up
streets and trips. It should now show your correct
position.

 

[yangshz]

Thanks.

Also, I noted that while it is showing up as Japan. The GPS unit is actually still in "initiating" except that it never gets out of it.

My understanding is that if it requires frequent resetting in the original Etak software, I would have to switch back to Win95/98 which is the really the last thing I want to do.

Maybe I have to wait for their support for the new OS.

 

[Zero]

Grotch,
Yes, I use winNT on one of my laptops. But I definatly use the Sony software on my Win 98 laptop.

Zero

 

[emaij]

Groch - I use Streets because it has maps of Canada while SkyMap does not.

 

[Souka]

For those who have other street software, and/or cannot get it to find your location, email me and I will send you documentation.

I have been able to get the GPS unit to work on Win95/98/NT4/Win2000/WinME using Streets n' Trips, Street Road Atlas v6 & v7., and Sony Streets (95/98 only).

Just let me know.

Souka
souka@jps.net

 

[nongnoan]

I just curious. Does anyone get the rebate yet? I've never heard from Etak's CSR even they told they would return my docs upon the inspection of UPC.

 

[Sesopedalian]

Etak's CSR sent me an e-mail a few weeks ago telling me to just fill out the rebate form and it would be honored. A couple of days ago I talked on the phone to the same CSR and he told me that the rebate would not be honored and that he had the wrong information. People have posted different things on how to get the rebate honored. Does anyone know for sure how to get the rebate; who to mail it to? I still haven't sent mine anywhere.

 

[MisterEd]

CNET (not ETAK or their rebate fulfillment center) is honoring it as long as you received it BEFORE the rebate was pulled off of the CNET website (around 10/10). Fax a copy of your receipt, your UPC code, the rebate form and a copy of your packing list (or a copy of your credit card statement showing the date of purchase) to CNET at 949-252-1452, attention ETAK REBATE. The Etak fullfillment center will return your paperwork eventually. Fortunately I keep photocopies of all paperwork I send for rebates so I didn't have to wait for it to be returned which could take 8 weeks.

 

[serzone]

Anybody know what's happening with the Etak rebate. I printed one off from the NetBat site on October 9th. My SkyMap GPS arrived from Egghead yesterday (order placed October 23rd). The rebate must be postmarked by November 15th - tomorrow. The terms of the offer state only that you must a) fill out the coupon completely, b) mail in the original store receipt or photocopy, c) mail in the original UPC bar code from the box. One rebate per person, valid on purchases 3/1/00 through 10/31/00. Allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

Nowhere in there does it state that the rebate may be cancelled or that they can choose not to refund your $75. The rebate is a contract with Sony/Etak for them to pay you $75 unless you do not fulfill the terms of the offer.

As this rebate is through PO Box 52900, Phoenix, AZ - probobly the singlemost worst rebate house in the world, it would not surprize me if your rebate request wound up in the garbage or shredder. However, you still have a legal and binding contract with Sony for your $75.

If anyone has waited more than 8 weeks for their rebate check to materialize, please post here. We need to stand up to these companies and rebate houses and make sure they do their job. I can feel a lawsuit coming on (or at least a call to the Better Business Bereua - probobly spelt wrong, sorry).

 

[serzone]

Oooh! Look what I just found on Etak's website:

Rebate Questions For SkyMap 2000
I've heard there is a rebate on your GPS products?

There is currently a rebate for the SkyMap 2000 GPS UPC code P-35902200-3, a serial port connected unit marked with the product number Etak GPS-2.0, it will expire on 10/31/00.

I would like information regarding the status of a SkyMap rebate I have sent in.
For information on a rebate you have already sent in please call 1-877-776-5574. Please be prepared to give your name and the address written on the rebate form.

I saw a link from Netbate or Ebate that showed a rebate on your PCMCIA connected GPS product, SkyMap 2000GPS\PCMCIA but it is gone now. Is it still in effect?
The SkyMap 2000 GPS/PCMCIA UPC P-35902600-7 does not have and has not had an open* rebate since March of 2000. Unfortunately Netbate secured the information and applied it to the wrong product without our knowledge or consent. We have contacted Netbate and they have removed it from the incorrect product. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
*There was a rebate for CompUSA purchases only, that ended 9/31/00. If you made this purchase your form from CompUSA will still be accepted.

We stand behind our SkyMap products with:
Internet support pages (www.etak.com/skymap/support.html
Toll free technical support (M-F 8:00 to 5:00, PST (888) 875-9627)
A one year limited warranty on the GPS hardware
Please contact us at skymap@etak.com if you have additional questions.