Which batteries to use?

[Spanner]

Thanks guys, I managed to load the maps as instructed by going to the directory on the CD under Topo Maps instead of the main setup file on the route directory of the CD.

Then on Mapsource I went to Unlock Map online and although the link does not work, when you close the broken link there is an option to insert unlock code which I still had and it worked fine.

Even managed to unlock the DEM map that I bought.

Thanks all for advice - where would I go to find out if the new mapset will indeed work on my Old Colorado Unit?

Slightly off topic... but does anyone know if one can get a solar power supply that would work like my cigarette lighter power supply when driving.

The battery life when walking with the unit is dangerously poor and I am sure by now there must be a small solar panel that you could lash to a backpack while hiking with the same adaptor that could fit the Colorado 300 where the car charger normally fits.

Advice appreciated.

[Jan Horn]

Your Colorado should be compatible with the Garmap SAA NT map sets. To my knowledge there NT map sets are a bit smaller in size compared to the Non NT Map sets needing less memory space. Here is a downloadable file of what Garmin/Garmap has to say about it.
Hope someone can give you advice on the solar panel query. It may be cheaper to carry a few extra sets of batteries with you. there are a few brands that market high capacity batteries. Bear in mind that it would be easier to swop batteries if you stick to the same type ie. Alkaline or NiMH or Lithium

[Spanner]

Thanks Jan

Any recommendations as to brand of battery that gives better life than most.

I used to use the green and yellow GP batteries but they were not brilliant, maybe 2 to 3 hours

[Jan Horn]

I have been using Uniross NiMH batteries in my Maglight that is a permanent fixture in my caravan with good results.

[Spanner]

Is that a re-charge battery?

[Jan Horn]

Yes they are. I bought a Panasonic charger a long time ago. It can recharge the normal size batteries that I use in the Maglight and AA and the 9v. You can shop around for chargers which include batteries. I also have a energiser (I think) charger that can charge either two or four AA batteries simultaneously. Handy because the remote of the DSTV HD PVR come standard with two AA rechargeable 2000mAh alkaline batteries.

[Jan Horn]

An Image of the energiser charger and two Uniross AAA batteries used in our cordless telephone. Note that the charger can recharge AA, AAA and 9v batteries. The charger came with 4 AA Energiser rechargeable batteries 1850mAh

[F.Viljoen]

I have one of these.

http://nitecoresa.co.za/home/nitecore-i ... licharger/

NiteCore_i4.pdf

[Jan Horn]

aAvery nice charger. I like the option to use it as a car charger and the wider rage of compatible battery types.

[Spanner]

I have one of these.

http://nitecoresa.co.za/home/nitecore-i ... licharger/

NiteCore_i4.pdf

That looks like a worthwhile purchase - do you have the AA batteries also?

I see from the website that they are however rated at 3,7 V where as most people use 1,5 V ?

Would that battery only work in their other product range or why is the Voltage different to standard?