MLR24 GPS Handheld warning

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Just purchased an MLR handheld GPS from mailspeed at what seemed a bargain price of £89.95. On searching the web today for info on the set I was horrified to find the info presented on this sight http://www.gpsoz.com.au/MLR.htm
It indicates that for some time there has been a known problem with this GPS when using in the magnetic mode, one in my mind that could have disasterous results. The problem I have confirmed does exist on my version is that if using with lets say variation of 10w instead of adding from true it subtracts....therefore giving an error of 20 degrees whilst used in the magnetic heading mode. I suggest anyone that has this model tests to see if this is the case. The best fix is just to use in the true mode with no variation applied. I have contacted Mailspeed today to advise...it seems funny to me that the model was going so cheaply, they of course say they no of no such problem and the price was that as it is on special offer!! Be warned!!!!

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haven't looked at the site but mailspeed are a pucka outfit, could be they were not aware of the problem. That said it has to be fit for purpose.

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A sign reversal is a serious software defect as the error will be doubled. MLR is part of Thales who also own Magellan and Ashtec so they will not be happy with this!

Have you checked to see if there's an upgrade to the firmware available? You can normally download this and do the update yourself. If not, I'd suggest that this receiver is not fit for purpose and should be returned.

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Have just had following email from UK supplier of MLR24....Dear Mr Aspin,

I understand you have been in touch with Mailspeed regarding the way compass
variation is entered on the MLR SP24XC GPS. This issue has been raised a
number of times since the SP24 was launched and was the subject of
correspondence in the yachting press some 12 months ago. We have taken it up
with MLR and their view is that it is just a matter of interpretation. They
regard compass variation as 'magnetic error' and have therefore designed the
software such that the user needs to put in a CORRECTION rather than the
actual variation. Hence, as you correctly point out, a local variation of,
say, 5 degrees West needs to be entered as 5 degrees East.

The SP24 is a discontinued product and MLR have no plans to change the
software. To avoid confusion, we inserted user manual addendum slips in the
boxes of all units we sold (copy attached). I apologise if a copy was not
with the unit you purchased.

Regards,

Peter Holmes

As for delivery trip from Sweden dont panic as pencil well sharpened!!!!



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I discovered this problem with mine when I purchased it a couple of years ago but managed to get my mind round the French logic of applying the varaition! It is an unecessary confusion. Fortunately I only have it as a backup and to throw in the liferaft should an abandonment become necessary so I have never had to use it as a primary navigation data source. However, your posting is a good reminder to think "French" if I ever have to use it.

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Cor! Bloody cheek.

<We have taken it up with MLR and their view is that it is just a matter of interpretation>

No it's not a matter of interpretation. It's a matter of convention. An Ely variation should never be input as W'ly.

Stick to your guns. They've screwed up here.

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Guess thats the bloody frogs for ya!!! and still we let them catch all our bloody fish!!!!!!!

Behead them all I say!!

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