Need Help With Magellan Explorist 600

[waynehartwig]

Like it says, I need help! I bought this thing back in February and I've encountered trouble after trouble with it and still have not been able to use it. Now the kicker, it shows 'unit currently contains no map' on the screen. In May, their no help tech support finally said to email them my contact info and they will send me an address to return it for warranty repair. Since then I have emailed them my contact information dozens of times with no repsonses. I've tried calling their tech support several times and gave up after holding for over 45 minutes.

 

Where do I go from here? I paid over $350 for a GPS unit 5 months ago that I have not been able to use once and it's very frustrating!! I'm half tempted to contact the BBB and file a formal complaint.

[+Trail Buzzards]

First of all, I would call their 800 number technical support. Normally the wait is only a few minutes. They will give you an RA number over the phone. It will take 3-4 weeks for them to turn the unit around for you.

 

Did you purchase any maps for it. By that I mean... did you purchase MapSend DirectRoute or TOPO USA. Those are the only two detail maps that you can use with the unit. Are you saying that you don't even see a base map? Try this:

 

Press MENU... Preferences.... Active Setup.... check to see that you have a basemap. If you purchased a detail map, this is also where you define it in the setup.

 

Good luck.

[+IV_Warrior]

I don't have an Explorist, but looking at the Magellan website, it looks like (just like my Meridian) only basemaps are loaded into memory, and you need an SD card for detail maps. Do you have a card in the unit with detail maps loaded, and have you gone through the menu to select and activate that map?

[+embra]

When you turn the unit on, does it boot up or get stuck at the error message? If you can connect in data transfer mode, you can upload a basemap available here. (Check for additional suggestions before proceeding, though.)

[waynehartwig]

As soon as I turn it on, I get the error message. I'm not able to enter any menu's or etc. However, I have played with it (taking the SD card out/in) and have been able to enter the menu's like normal. I could probably get that back if I knew what to do from there.

 

I did purchase their fancy new MapSend program, Topo 3D. I also bought a 4 gig SD card, but I think it's bad, because it always shows a 'full' status. I've put the card in other items (digital camera, PDA, etc) with the same message.

 

I went to your download link and it looks like that might help. However, I'm too ignorant and have no idea what to do with that information. I hate asking for detailed info, but... This is USB driven, not serial, which makes it more difficult for me to figure out.

 

I have called 800-707-9971 several times, and as I mentioned before, hold times were over 45 minutes and ended with me giving up. Email was the only way I was getting any help, and a response from that was taking up to a week. Then they ceased all together after they told me to send them my personal info and they would tell me where to send it to.

 

I've also contacted the retailer, Fry's (Outpost.com), and they were absolutely no help, because it's been longer than 30 days. I explained my situation, and frustration, of never being able to use it and waiting on their slow responses for help. Still, no help from them.....

[+geognerd]

If you are going to call Magellan, call them as soon as they open at 8AM Central time. I have never had to wait more than 15 minutes. One time my call was taken right away. E-mailing Magellan is an exercise in futility. You won't get any help from them that way.

[+embra]

If you are going to call Magellan, call them as soon as they open at 8AM Central time. I have never had to wait more than 15 minutes. One time my call was taken right away. E-mailing Magellan is an exercise in futility. You won't get any help from them that way.

This sounds like the best thing to try next.

[waynehartwig]

Can someone email me (info@alljeep.com) the NA basemap files? I think I can copy them over and make it work. I'm going on a trip Tuesday and I would really like to use the GPS if I can.

Edited July 9, 2006 by waynehartwig

[+embra]

Can someone email me (info@alljeep.com) the NA basemap files? I think I can copy them over and make it work. I'm going on a trip Tuesday and I would really like to use the GPS if I can.

Maps available in the downloads section of this site (their server was down at the time I posted this).

 

You'll need to decompress from the .rar format.

[waynehartwig]

Can someone email me (info@alljeep.com) the NA basemap files? I think I can copy them over and make it work. I'm going on a trip Tuesday and I would really like to use the GPS if I can.

Maps available in the downloads section of this site (their server was down at the time I posted this).

 

You'll need to decompress from the .rar format.

I renamed the file like the readme.txt said to do, but when I attempt to copy it, I get a error that says 'cannot copy basemap.mgi : invalid ms-dos function'. I get the error just at the point where it should b edone copying the file. I tried resetting/clearing the GPS and that didn't make a difference.

[+embra]

I renamed the file like the readme.txt said to do, but when I attempt to copy it, I get a error that says 'cannot copy basemap.mgi : invalid ms-dos function'. I get the error just at the point where it should b edone copying the file. I tried resetting/clearing the GPS and that didn't make a difference.

Did you set the systems attribute as well? I've not tried to copy the basemap in...you may have to experiment with changing the attribute before/after copying (I am unsure, but wondering if that has anything to do with the obstruction you are facing).

 

The attributes of the BASEMAP.MGI file in my Background Maps folder are Hidden, System. If you haven't done so, use Windows Exporer to enable Tools/Folder Option/View/Show hidden files and folders.

 

Another thought: your error message has lower case, I'm seeing upper case for the file name in the readme file and on my 500. Something might be case sensitive. (I get superstitious when I don't fully comprehend why the magic works or not).

[waynehartwig]

Did you set the systems attribute as well? I've not tried to copy the basemap in...you may have to experiment with changing the attribute before/after copying (I am unsure, but wondering if that has anything to do with the obstruction you are facing).

 

The attributes of the BASEMAP.MGI file in my Background Maps folder are Hidden, System. If you haven't done so, use Windows Exporer to enable Tools/Folder Option/View/Show hidden files and folders.

 

Another thought: your error message has lower case, I'm seeing upper case for the file name in the readme file and on my 500. Something might be case sensitive. (I get superstitious when I don't fully comprehend why the magic works or not).

I've been experimenting, and it's almost like the file size is too big. I found a basemap for a Roadmate and I copied it over with no problems, but it was also a lot smaller of file.

 

The error has BASEMAP and MS-DOS in caps, the rest is smaller case..I just didn't type it that way.

 

On the plus side, I was able to get my SD card to work! Now I'll probably get the GPS to work and it will kill the SD card

[waynehartwig]

I finally got it to work, I simply told RAR to unarchive the file directly on the GPS. Then I went into the background maps directory and renamed the file.

 

Now when I turn the GPS on I get a message that says 'press enter to configure nand press esc to cancel'. I've done both, enter and esc, all it does is beep and turn off. Actually, I just noticed it flashes a 'configuring unit. please wait' Then when I turn it back on, I get the same message again.

 

EDIT: UPDATE this is all I can do now, I can no longer go into USB mode or anything. I've tried going into the secret menus and reseting defaults/memory and no luck.

Edited July 9, 2006 by waynehartwig

[+embra]

Hmm. If I were in your shoes, I'd be thinking about trying to reinstall firmware at this point.

 

I've been giving suggestions from a theoretical perspective; I've never has to restore my basemap myself. You might get more experientially-based advice by asking for advice in the Yahoo Explorist Users group.

 

Once we identify precise restoration procedures, we can get them in the FAQ for future reference. I'm a bit puzzled, since I was always under an impression that it was just a matter of copying the basemap to the background folder.

 

Actually, I'll go ahead and post the question on your behalf. You are welcome to join the group and contribute, but if you just want to read, the link above should get you there.

 

Edit: I just thought to verify: you're certain you got the right basemap? Uncompressed, it should be 8365kb and dated 1/14/2005.

 

Also: did you reset the system attribute? I read in the YEUG archive that the GPS ignores the file unless that is done. Other suggestions there are to put it onto the SD card as an interim step to see if you can get it running.

Edited July 9, 2006 by embra

[+embra]

Here's the body of a message that made a difference for one individual who was trying to restore his:

In the Oz units the file is called BASEMAP.MGI

I put the file in the C:\TEMP subdirectory and then used the DOS command

<attrib +s C:\TEMP\BASEMAP.MGI>

 

The DOS prompt can be accessed by ....

Start > All Programs > Accessories

 

Assuming BASEMAP.MGI is in the C:\TEMP subdirectory ...

 

CD C:\Temp

attrib +s C:\TEMP\BASEMAP.MGI

 

If you enter

attrib /? you will get a list of command options.

attrib BASEMAP.MGI will list the existing file attributes.

 

Type EXIT at any DOS prompt to return to WINDOZE

[waynehartwig]

I tried to update the firmware, but it wouldn't do it. I ended up goign into the secret menu and erasing the memory. Then I uploaded the firmware (not an update, it already had the current version on it). Then I reloaded the basemap.mgi file. Now it says that the basemap file is invalid, load default basemap yes/no? I choose yes, and it just says loading... please wait. I can change screens, etc., so it's not locked up.

 

Then I tried doing the whole attrib thing on the basemap file, and then re uploaded it, still the same invalid error. The good news is now I can upload the file, where before I couldn't. I also think the NAND configuration is to re create the directory structure after you erase/format the memory.

 

Any ideas of what to do now?

 

EDIT: Oh, and yes, I believe I am using the correct basemap file. The file name says NA EX 600, so I assume it is correct... If anyone has a copy of the NA Explorist 600 basemap, I would upload it and see if it would work out better.

Edited July 10, 2006 by waynehartwig

[+embra]

You might try putting the basemap file on your SD card (if you have one) and see if it will load from there.

 

Can you verify that you see pretty much the same information as I show when you connect to the PC in data transfer mode and go into the background maps folder?

 

[waynehartwig]

It shows it the same, except for it's not hidden. Is that the file from your Explorist, or one you found on the internet?

 

When I attempt to hide the file, it won't allow it says 'not resetting file etc'. If I remove the system attribute then I can, but then I can't make it a system file again. So I can make it either system or hiddne, but not both.

 

EDIT: As for putting the map on the SD card and trying that, it is either VERY slow to access the SD card or my GPS locks up when I attempt it. The same thing when I try to access a detail map on the SD card. Is this normal? It just sits there and says loading...please wait. I have a 4 gig SD card from PQI, I believe.

Edited July 10, 2006 by waynehartwig

[+embra]

That file was displaying on my Explorist.

 

I'm about at the end of my Helpful Suggestions. I don't know if this would make a difference, but I found that (at least on my computer) I could change the system and hidden attributes on the downloaded basemap file doing them at the same time

attrib +s +h C:\TEMP\BASEMAP.MGI

Since I'm not sure why your basemap is not recognized my your GPS, I have little idea if that would be the difference that makes a difference, but I guess we're down to grasping at straws.

[+embra]

There was a chap whose 500 seemed to come without a basemap (read here) who was able to restore in a relatively straight-forward manner. There seems something unusual going on with yours that makes me think you may need Magellan to solve it.

[waynehartwig]

I've been following the other thread, and I cleared all, then erased all maps. Then I downloaded the update, and unziped it to the \temp directory, where I renamed the file to capitals basemap.mgi. Then I attrib'ed it +s and copied it to the GPS in the background maps folder. Now I'm getting the same security error as the other guy did! I think I'm progressing.....but it's still not right!

[waynehartwig]

For the heck of it, I was going to format the internal memory with secret menu 95, and I clicked scan instead. It proceeded to scan the memory and find 8 bad clusters. So then I formated it, and then did a scan again, same thing. My GPS has bad memory and that's probably why we are having such a hard time getting it to work....

 

Thanks for all of your help, but it appears like we are done and it's Magellan's turn....

[waynehartwig]

You won't believe this.... I did the secret code 95 reset, then the machine shuts off. When it turns on it asks if you want to configure NAND (directory structure I believe), so I said yes. Then it creates the directory structure and I uploaded the basemap file I had been working with. Then I shut the thing off, removed the USB cable from it, turned it back on and recieved no errors. Now it shows me in the middle of the ocean, because no sat's are loaded yet. So I zoomed way out, and moved NE to the USA. Then I zoomed back in and Boom! All of the roads and etc are there! The dang thing seems to work now! I leave for my outback trip tomorrow morning, in about 10 hours, and I really wanted to be able to use this dang thing. Now it looks as though that might become a possibilty - if it can find any sats! I don't think it will be a problem, as that has never been a problem before....

 

EDIT: update. Took it outside, and after a about 30 seconds, it started locking onto satellites and showed me in the correct part of the world! Now when I go into the active setup, it doesn't lock up and it does show me the file structure. I think we're good to go! Now I'll put my SD card back in and see if I can upload detailed maps to it or not now.... Before it would always show my card as full and not allow me to upload anything to it. We'll see if that's fixed...

Edited July 11, 2006 by waynehartwig

[+embra]

Verr-r-ry interesting. You ventured into a realm of the hidden menus that I wouldn't suggest because I don't fully understand what they do. One thing I was vaguely wondering about was a need to erase the basemap that didn't seem to load before loading a new one (there is a limit of available memory such that only one basemap can be handled internally). It seemed that writing the new one in with the same name should have disappeared the old one. But it sounds from your fix that scouring out that memory was the thing to do!

 

(also it's good to know what that 95 actually does...I always feared it would wipe the firmware, too).

[waynehartwig]

I was grasping at straws and had absolutely nothing to loose. If I didn't get it fixed, I still had a broken GPS. I used it this past week, finally, and I did notice a few things about it that are still messed up still... Like the temp reads 523*F, more or less depending on the temperature. Little things like that. The main principal of it being a GPS worked very well. I was also able to upload/download maps, waypoints, etc. I haven't figured out how to do geocaches though, so I've gotta play with that still....

[+embra]

Since I have a 500, I'm not 100% certain of this, but I think that you have to do some sort of calibration before the temperature and altimeter sensors make any, uh, sense. The magnetic compass calibration may be the key thing. At any rate, I'd try to do all the calibrations you can to see if you can cool things down in your part of the country (sure we're in a heat wave, but 523 degrees is a bit extreme).

[+Team ChipsNDip]

Since I have a 500, I'm not 100% certain of this, but I think that you have to do some sort of calibration before the temperature and altimeter sensors make any, uh, sense. The magnetic compass calibration may be the key thing. At any rate, I'd try to do all the calibrations you can to see if you can cool things down in your part of the country (sure we're in a heat wave, but 523 degrees is a bit extreme).

 

I'm pretty sure the 600's temperature reading is from an internal temp sensor, no calibration needed. Perhaps when you rewrote your memory the software responsible for interpreting the temp sensor was assigned to the bad sectors, instead of vital GPS OS stuff.

[+Old Sailor]

You can set the temp by using the code from the hidden memo? the one you used 95 from, not sure what the number is though as it's been awhile since I did my 600.

 

edit: just lokked at my 600...go menu...weather ...calibrate

Edited July 19, 2006 by Old Sailor

[waynehartwig]

You can set the temp by using the code from the hidden memo? the one you used 95 from, not sure what the number is though as it's been awhile since I did my 600.

 

edit: just lokked at my 600...go menu...weather ...calibrate

Correct... The temp will be fairly easy to calibrate, but the pressure won't be because I don't know of a pressure gauge anywhere that is accessible.

[+McDonalds]

You can set the temp by using the code from the hidden memo? the one you used 95 from, not sure what the number is though as it's been awhile since I did my 600.

 

edit: just lokked at my 600...go menu...weather ...calibrate

Correct... The temp will be fairly easy to calibrate, but the pressure won't be because I don't know of a pressure gauge anywhere that is accessible.

 

I had a similar problem and fixed it by following this thread. When I attempt to calibrate the temperature I cannot get the temperature to go down. I also have a problem with the compass being off by more than 60 degrees even though I calibrated it with 10 strong satellites.

 

I spoke to Magellan and they suggested that I clear memory and leave the unit off for 30 minutes. I am in the midst of trying that.

 

I have no bad sectors in the internal memory. Is it possible that the 95 reset does some other resetting? How can I reload the proper information into that?

[+McDonalds]

 

Clearing the memory did not work by itself, but tech support at Thales told me to issue secret command 22. This clears all the calibration (compass and temperature). When you power the unit back on and choose 'Calibrate Compass' it displays a message that it has to do a detailed calibration. You follow the instructions on screen about calibration (it takes about 5 minutes and has you twisting and turning the unit).

 

It worked for me...my compass now works and the temperature gauge is reset.

 

 

The tech support was a bit condescending, but they got the job done which is the main thing.