soleful2001

I did not see any reviews of this unit, so I thought I would post mine here:
I have owned the Magellan Explorist 610 since August of this year.
I must say the pros are many and the cons few.
Pros:
The user interface is excellent, intuitive and easy to use. Touch screen sensitivity is just right. The three inch screen is bright and easy to read in sunlight. The ergonomic shape feels great in the hand. The build quality is very good with no squeaks, flex, or rattles.
There are only three external buttons: power button, camera button, and way point button. The camera and waypoint button can be configured for other functions if desired. The 4 gig internal memory and expandable micro SD port allow for huge data storage. The 610 comes with Magellan's Summit Series Topo and World series road maps. The topo map is detailed to 24K, and based on my experience is accurate, and even contains trail details. I have compared the map trails with my tracks and they correspond closely in most cases.
The user interface is the best thing about Magellan's Explorist series GPS units. The "4 corners" configuration will take you to every menu with just a few taps. Screen changes, map panning, and map data are all handled seamlessly.
I am impressed with how well this unit can handle massive data files, including satellite imagery with ease. The camera,video, and sound recording fucntions are basic but effective enough for most situations, however do not expect professional quality results.
Finally the once maligned VP software that Magellan supplies is much improved and it is free. I have used this software for years and it has improved by leaps and bounds.
It would also not be fair if I did not mention that Magellan has an excellent trade-in program if you have an old unit.
The Cons:
Battery life is not the best. The advertised 15 hours is more like 8 on alkalines. The only bug on the unit I have seen is the compass loses calibration when navigating to a point and stopping navigation. According to the Magellan Explorist forum this is being addressed.
The same round shape that feels so comfortable in your hand is down right awkward on the desk, and compound this with the wierdly angled USB port, you have a little aggravation to deal with, all in all still a minor annoyance (nitpicking a little here).
The sound quality of the voice recorder is usable but is way too sensitive to wind noise. Lastly, the topo maps are beautiful, but in some cases, the contour lines are difficult to see. There is not enough contrast.
The Verdict:
I did a lot of research, I have owned two Garmins, and three Magellan handheld GPS units. I love my Garmin Vista HCx, and would have probably purchased another Garmin, but they could not match the Magellan Trade in program.
After I have used the Magellan, I do not regret my decision, and feel that I can trust this unit on my remote solo hikes just as much as I trust my Garmin and that is no small matter.
If you are in the market for extensive features, and capability with a very pleasant user interface, then Magellan is an excellent choice. IF all you need is a basic navigation tool, then save some money and go with lower end unit.
I highly recomend this handheld GPS.

drswc

I have the 610 and having a problem with the barometer. Have you any issue with your's?

thanks,

Stephen

soleful2001

When you say the barometer does not work, do you mean that the reading does not change? or do you mean that the graph is blank? or do you mean that it is inaccurate?

The barometer does work on my unit, however I have noticed that readings are usually a few points off between my Garmin Etrex Vista HCx and my Magellan Explorist 610.

I only find the barometer useful for checking changes in pressure, not altitude. For altitude I just set my unit to map or gps.

When I try to calibrate it, going by the instructions in the manual, I cannot get the thing to change. I have not really looked into this.

I suggest you check your settings. Check to see what setting you have.
touch Main menu button from your map screen in the lower right.
then touch tools in the midde at the bottom.
then touch settings at the top of the list
scroll down to navigation and touch that
scroll down to altimeter source. there are three choices here, check to see if you have gps, map, or barometer selected.

I suggest changing these and checking what your altimeter does then.

Other than that, you can visit Exploristforum.com. This is a superb group of people that have a very thorough knowlege of these units. They have helped me numerous times.

Good Luck and let me know how it goes.

drswc

Sorry, for not being more specific with my question. The reason for the vagueness is that I am not sure exactly how the barometer and altimeter do function and appear on the unit.

The indication I had that the barometer was not working was that after calibrating it per the instructions, the number I entered (I entered both altitude and sea level pressure) did not change the value on the barometer screen.

I made several calls to the Maggellan tech department and after speaking to several people (they seemed totally unfamiliar with this issue), they concluded they should send me a new unit as there was a problem with the one I had...... I am not so sure that there is a problem with my unit, as I had gone back to the store where I purchased it and saw the same issue on at least a couple of other units I tried out. Unfortunately, the people at the store were not familiar enough with the unit to be helpful.

You mentioned the altimeter source. I am aware of this choice. Which one do you used? I just left it on GPS.

Thanks for the reply.

Stephen

soleful2001

I use the gps altitude most of the time. I too have seen that I cannot calibrate the barometer with a known pressure.

When I have tried, the unit will not accept the new values. Either something is missing from the instructions, or this is a fault in these units.

I have not tried it since the most recent firmware upgrade.

By the way, have you down loaded the latest firmware? It just came out. Version 6.32 solves a number of issues, mainly the spinning compass problem.

drswc

I am somewhat comforted that you are having the same problems as I....it helps to substantiate my own impression which is same as yours. This is largely after going back to Cabellas where I got it and tested a total of five of them (including 3 exchanges). In all cases the results were the same. That left little doubt in my mind that the problem underdiscussion was not one bad unit. As I mentioned, I have spend a lot of time speaking with the tech support people. Given my explerience testing so many units wuth this same issue, it is hard to believe them when they told me they have not come accross this problem before. By the way, the first guy I spoke with did have me update the firmware (up to 6.05). I thought there were other things he should have checked first as basic matter of problem solving, not that it would have made any difference. The upload did not help. There is an even newer version that I was told about today, but I have not download it. I did looked at what the newest update is suppose to correct and our problem is not mentioned. I do not really want to take a total shot in the dark; things can always get worse.

After spending some time this AM with one of their guys who tried everything he could - to no avail (I pretty much had already tried all of his suggestions), he came to the conclusion that my unit was bad and offered to send a new one. And yes, I did tell him that I wante the unit to be checked out before being sent, as I continue to wonder if there is a fix to this.

My concern with this problem was not so much about the barometer not working, as I really do not need it. Rather I was concerned that there might be other problems, if there is one problem. I have not fully decided if I want to go ahead and have them send me the replacement unit, as I am somewhat spectacle that they have a handle on the problem. What are you thoughts on it?

Excluding this issue, I like the unit, which is what I have spent so much time with it (yes, I do have a life) and not exchanged it for the Oregon 450 by Garmin, the other gps I was considering.

soleful2001

I have asked on the other forum if anyone else has observed what we have. One person checked his 710 and he was able to reset the barometer. One would expect the 710 and 610 are identical except for additional memory capacity and the street maps.

If you don't mind I would like to use your case on the forum, or you could post something on there. I believe we have a problem exclusive to the 610 models.

All that said, I only use my barometer for trends and changes while out on the trail. This is not a showstopper for me. As far as I can tell, all functions on this unit are fine other than that one.

I have upgraded to the new firmware 6.32, and recommend you do as well because it fixes the "spinning compass" problem most of us have experienced. This was the last major fix remaining. I believe Magellan does have a winner here. Their next concern should be repairing their reputation caused by the Triton issues.

Those on the Explorist forum have upgraded, and everyone reports no issues and improved performance. I did have an issue, but I believe it was because of either my low battery, or more likely, geocache files. I removed the files after the upgrade, and the unit performed perfectly.

soleful2001

I also considered the Garmin 450 or the 62s. I own an Etrex Vista HCx and it is functionally quite good, though build quality is up for debate.

Feature wise, I feel the Magellan is better for the money. The factory maps are much better and that is most important to me. I have since my purchase loaded more free maps from maps4me. I highly recommend this resource. There is a $14.00 membership, but after that they have an extensive map collection available.
Magellan makes it MUCH easier than my Garmin to select specific maps for display on my unit.
Magellan offered me a great deal on this unit under the loyalty program. Almost $200.00 off the price when I traded in my Triton 300 which is only worth about $100.00 new.
I am glad I did. The Explorist line is at least as good as the comparible Garmins.

drswc

I am in total agreement with you regarding the 610. I spent a great deal of time researching it. Untimately, I bought it because the map it comes with would be an extra $100 with the 450. From the online research I did, it seems as though additional maps are easier to obtain with Magellan versus Garmin. I bought it on sale, $300, another attraction. As you mentioned the barometer issue is not a deal breaker for you, nor is it for me. Everything else just fine though it wound be nice to have the unit completely working. BTY, one of the units I tested for the problem I had was the 710 and this too, had the issue in question.

I do like my unit, but am unhappy with Magellen, not so much for the problem, but how they are dealing with it. I simple refuse to believe that they are not aware of the problem as they stated. I think I might go ahead and take them up on their offer to send me a replacement unit, especially since they assured it would be checked out before shipment. If I do get one with a working barometer, sounds as though I may have a unique unit!

drswc

Forgot on my last post...feel free to use my case for other discussion groups.

soleful2001

the forum is called exploristforum.com. I had two responses one with a 710 and one with a 610 and neither had the problem. I wonder if this is a batch issue.

drswc

I was wondering the same.

I just downloaded the last firmware....no difference.

You stated you were having the problem. Are you still after down loading the lastest version?

soleful2001

Yes, my unit still has this issue. I am very happy to get that compass bug fixed though. That was problem for me.

drswc

when did you get it? Magellen may be willing to give you a new one, if you wnat that feature.

soleful2001

Bought it back in August 2011 I think.