Mac & The Explorist 600?

[+Bob&TheGang]

I am planning on getting an Explorist 600. I use a Macitosh computer.

 

Not so much focusing on importing maps, but how can I use my Mac to import GPX files?

 

Plase tell me in Laymen terms.

 

I posted a similar question a while back, but the thread kind of went over my head. I know somene talked about GPS Bable.

[+Marky]

When you connect the eXp 600 to your Mac via USB and turn it on, it will ask you which mode you want it in. You would select "file transfer" and then select "SD Card" if you have an SD card. The eXp would then mount itself as a drive on your Mac.

 

At this point, you need to use macgpsbabel to write to the SD card in the format you want (eXplorist POI format or Geocache Format). I would recommend POI format for now, since the Geocache format is more limited (200 waypoints instead of 500, and it's read only).

 

--Marky

[+sarhound]

I'm running an Explorist 500 and tried to experiment with MacGPSBabel to get a waypoint into the database. I haven't really found the documentation that explains how to get a POI file as a conversion-- where can I find it?

 

I was able to open a test GPX and convert it to Magellan SD card format, and I was able to get the Explorist to show as an unnamed drive on the desktop, but copying the file to the POI folder did not allow it to show up as a waypoint. I was able to copy it to the SD card under the geocaching folder, and it did show up as a selectable waypoint (after I renamed the file to include the ".gs" extension), but it did not display correctly on the navigation screen-- no indication of a travel line, direction, or distance.

 

I've been able to load waypoints as a massive geocaching file by way of GSAK, but I'd prefer to work off my Mac rather than the PC. It's a pain to work between 2 different computer platforms, even if I'm fluent in both. I just plain prefer the Mac.

 

I know some of this has been rehashed in various threads on the forum, but I'm having difficulty in deciphering what will work with the Explorist, since it is strictly USB. Seems like I can copy the files to the unit, but getting something usable is a little more problematic.

 

Slowly wending my way thru the software maze...

 

sarhound