OVER 2 YOU, 117 (11/02/03)

LIBRARYWARE

It looks as though our local library will close in the next few months. We may have to run our own (one of the so-called "Book Cafes").  Does anyone know of a suitable software package to help us do this?

Mike Brazier, via email

Your correspondent might care to look at 'Book Collector', shareware downloadable from www.collectorz.com. The program comprises a detailed database, with online access to Amazon, US Library of Congress Catalogue etc. to minimise tedious keying in, and the full version includes a book loan management module.
Bill Hardman

GPS MAPPING

I am thinking about buying a GPS handheld device to add interest to map treks through the countryside, but want to be able to follow the route I actually take back at home, by plotting data from the GPS into or onto maps stored in PC. Where can I obtain CDs of UK Ordinance Survey Landranger series and any suggestions about suitable GPS kit gratefully received?

John Oaktree, via email

May I suggest he looks at software packages such as those from Anquet and Memory Map? Anquet Maps CD-ROMs allow you to overlay a walking route onto Ordnance Survey maps of Britain's five top walking areas. Memory Map's 12 CDs allow you to download mapping of the whole of Britain and use it on a PC or a PDA. Both products can be linked to a hand held Global Positioning System (GPS) enabling you to upload and download routes from a computer. GPS devices such as those manufactured by Garmin and Magellan are suitable for accurate outdoor navigation and can track your route so you can see exactly the ground covered.

Ordnance Survey www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk
Anquet http://anquet.co.uk/
Memory Map http://www.memory-map.co.uk/
Garmin http://www.garmin.com/
Magellan http://www.magellangps.com

Bryn Jones, Press office, Corporate Communications
Ordnance Survey

I recommend GPSMapMaster. It can be found at http://www.gpsmapmaster.co.uk. The software is shareware and costs £10 to register, it obtains various levels of mapping from www.multimap.com and enables users to upload/download aerial photographs and OS based mapping. Using a Garmin GPS machine you are then able to upload and download waypoints/routes and tracks. Once downloaded from the GPS the plots can be edited to suit requirements.

Richard Hewes

One alternative is to scan a paper map into a bitmap file and then use appropriate software to link with a GPS unit. Scanning a map might infringe copyright, but if you paid for the map and use it only for personal use then you are unlikely to wind up in prison.

Two programs that accept scanned maps and link to GPS units are MapWise (www.hillwalker.org.uk) and PT-Mapper (www.PearTechnology.co.uk). The first is aimed at recreational users, the second towards farmers and estate
managers, but its interface is easier to use.

Both these programs work with Garmin hand-held GPS units. Garmin eTrex units seem to be popular for casual walkers and riders. You will need a serial link cable for the GPS unit - unfortunately these use proprietary connectors and are over-priced. If you feel like trying to make your own cable then you will find sites on the Internet that provide instructions and unofficial connectors.
Brian Dean

It is possible to use freeware e.g. GPS TrackMaster (www.gpstm.com), the user can import scanned maps or maps sourced from the Internet. This software is able to compile a large map from smaller maps or tiles. Many shareware programs have similar functionality. A basic model, which works well with all these systems is the Garmin Etrex, a connecting cable is available.

Bob Noakes

Ordnance Survey 1-50,000 mapping on CD ROM is available via the Map Shop at Upton On Severn Worcestershire - http://www.themapshop.co.uk The Map Shop stocks many other products and offers services relating to maps and mapping for the entire world (and sometimes beyond!).  

Andrew Bluett, Gloucester

I had the same requirement, to be able to use OS Maps on a pocket GPS unit.The only solution was to use a GPS 'sleeve' with my Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC. The sleeve in question is made by a company called Navman.  Memory Map, who have the whole of the UK Landranger maps available on a number of CD ROMS, produces the OS and interface software, the specific maps required being downloaded to the pocket PC. I've found the combination excellent for walking purposes and am always amazed at how well it works, even in wooded areas. I bought mine from Global Positioning Systems, www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk, and very helpful they were.
Doug Tucker

John Oaktree will find someone who can answer his question about GPS receivers and mapping if he asks the same question on this forum:http://opentopic.groundspeak.com/

0/OpenTopic?a=frm&s=

1750973553&f=1500909683

Clyde Martindill

MICROFICHE RECORDS

I have a collection of parish baptism/marriage/burial records on microfiche negatives, and I no longer have access to a microfiche viewer. There are 70 of them on postage stamp size microfiched foolscap pages on each 100x150mm negative. Is there any attachment available for a PC that will magnify the microfiches so they can be read onscreen?    

Steve Norcliffe, via email

I suggest that Steve Norcliff looks at www.microfilm.com. They have a number of models that will do the job. The last time I checked (August 2000) the cheapest was £1375 plus VAT. I have not been able to find anything cheaper and would welcome any input from elsewhere that would lead to a cheaper and more acceptable solution.
Brian Proctor

I have a microfiche reader (the basic kind - not an electronic PC connectable one!!) for sale at £40.00; buyer collects from Isle of Dogs.

Bill Price

I have a Leggtronix FicheMate 4, which does what Steve Norcliffe wants. It has a 1.3 Megapixel webcam built in. You can see any part of the fiche on screen but can see only half way across at any time.  It is easy to find a name and them requires the fiche to be moved to see the rest of it.

Jim Wem

STAMP COLLECTING

Does anybody have any good ideas or software suggestions for cataloguing stamps on a PC?
Tom Livingston, via email

I have looked at all sites listed in February 4 Over2you and found them all singularly unhelpful. There is a basic question that Tom L needs to answer - what does he want to catalogue his stamps for? It's a long and laborious business at best of times so he needs to know how he will use the information when he has it in computer.  He is in the danger of spending more time on the computer than with his stamps. I collect postal history and use a standard database, in my case Apple Works because I am Mac based.
J.A.C

KEYBOARD TUTOR

I was given an expensive Electronic Keyboard for my birthday and, as an absolute beginner, I am experiencing great difficulty in finding software tuition. I could not face the embarrassment of having a "live" tutor. Can anyone help?

Frederick Parsons, via email

I'm not sure if it counts as software but Orbis Publishing Ltd., Aldbourne, Marlborough, Wilts SN8 2DD sold me a keyboard tuition course in 1990 called "Play it Today." The course consists of 40 booklets of about 12 pages each, and 40 audio cassettes. The latter not only enlarges on the theoretical aspects but also includes the various exercises played for you so you can hear how it should sound. Furthermore each lesson includes one or two-piece for you to play accompanied by a backing group - hear it first and then you get the backing group alone for you to accompany them. It covers classical to rock. Cost in 1990 was £80.55 and for 40 decent lessons I reckon it very reasonable.

A.R.A

CAN YOU HELP

In a recent interview with some train drivers it was said that they must pass a hand, eye and sound co-ordination test. Rather like a reaction test with four coloured buttons and two pedals, which must be operated when the corresponding lights or beeps appear at increasingly faster speeds. Is there anything similar available for the PC or on the Internet?

Mike Dudgeon

I used to download a set of historical FTSE figures (100, 250, 350, Allshare and Smallcap), every month or so from Marketeye.co.uk. As an amateur investor I found them very useful, and I have the figures back to 1995.  They are no longer on offer and I can't find an alternative.  The advantage of a download of "several months worth" is that you don't have to take it every day or every week.  Does anyone know of an alternative and hopefully free source?

Chris Walton, Broadstone, Dorset

Whilst researching my family tree, I discovered that my father apparently deserted whilst serving in the army in 1944, and may have spent time in prison. The very few remaining family members are understandably sensitive about the event. Is there a web site or source of military records for this period that would show this sort of detail?
R.L, Essex.