After some research, I realized that with an API key and developer account, I could download up to 25,000 images per day which would more than suit my purposes. So I signed up, created a "Key for Server Apps" with my IP address, thinking that would solve the problem. 24 hours later now and the API console doesn't even recognize any static image requests at all. Obviously there is a disconnect between the program on my desktop and Static Maps API.
Or am I completely off base here? Any info would help!Thank you.