GPS Conversion and Usage 

This document uses programs necessary to convert from one program to another and concentrates on the usage of the Magellan eXplorist GPS’s. The author uses an eXplorist 210. I have also used the Magellan Triton 300 that I bought for my son and eXplorist files can be uploaded to to the Triton.

The programs covered are:

            Google Earth with “kml” file types
            GPSBabel used to convert “kml” files to eXplorist “upt” files
            Magellan’s Mapsend Lite used to create route “rte” files from “upt” files
            ITNConv used to convert “upt” files and “rte” files to Google Earth
            MS Excel used with “kml” files for MS Streets and Trips
            MS Streets and Trips using MS Excel documents

            Obviously, all these programs can do more than what the author uses them for.

1. First, Create a new folder in Google Earth and add the waypoints of interest. Save the
    folder by “right clicking” the folder and “Save As…” and save as a “kml” file to a 
    convenient location.

 2. Use GPSBabel to convert Google Earth “KML” files to Magellan Explorist “UPT”
    files. If needed, delete all unnecessary lines (waypoints) from the “UPT” file. Use the
    following information for this conversion:

            Open GPSBabel
            Under the “Input” area, choose “Google Earth (Keyhole) Markup Language
            Leave “Options” alone (optional)
            Choose the “KML” file
            Under the “Output” area, choose “Magellan SD Files (as for eXplorist)
            Leave “Options” alone (optional)
            Click on the “Start the file save dialog” button
            Choose a location and give the file a name
            In the “What?” area, choose “Waypoints”
            Click on “Filter”
            Transformation area, choose “Transform”, and “Routes ->Waypoints”
            Waypoints area, choose “Duplicates”
            Routes & Tracks area, choose “Simplify” and choose number of points
            Tracks area, choose “GPS Fixes” and the choose “2D”
            Click “OK”
            Click “Let’s Go”
            Verify the following is the last line, if not, add it: $PMGNCMD,END*3D

3. Use Mapsend Lite from Magellan to create route, “RTE”, files from “UPT” files for
    Magellan Explorist. Mapsend Lite will first save the route as a “UPT” then an “RTE”.
   Also, use Mapsend Lite to convert Track *.log files to a gpx file, then open in Google Earth.

4. Use ITNConv to convert “UPT” and “RTE” to “Google Earth”. Here is an example:

            Open “ITNCONV”
            Click the “Open” button and load Route file “rte”
            At the “Export file format”, choose “Google Earth”
            Click on “Export”
            Now double click on the newly created “kml”, Google Earth will open and
            show a “line drawing” of the route, nifty Huh?

5. Open a Google Earth “KML” files with MS Excel. Copy and Paste the desired
    waypoints to a new MS Excel document. Create only three columns. One labeled
    “Location”, one labeled “Latitude”, and one labeled “Longitude”. Make all points for
    Latitude and Longitude using the “degrees and decimal” notation (I.E. 83.1234
    and -43.1234, see figure 1). The “minus” sign equals “W” and “S”. Don’t
    use the N, S, E, or W notation. This new MS Excel document can now be used by the
   “Import Data Wizard” in “MS Streets and Trips”.

Figure 1

Undocumented service functions: Magellan Explorist 210™ FAQ

http://www.gpsfaqs.org/faqs/magellan/explorist/explorist210/undocumented.html

Magellan Explorist 210™ has several hidden functions meant to aid their support and service groups.

Warning

These commands are not documented by Magellan for a reason - you can "break" your unit using them, requiring a service repair to recover. These repairs may not be covered by warranty, so proceed at your own risk.

If the unit is powered off, the following commands may be helpful:

• IN + PWR - Full selftest of unit including screen test, keypad test, NMEA test.

• OUT + PWR - Serial port test

• ESC + PWR - Burn-in process

• LIGHT + ENTER + PWR - Upload of new firmware

• NAV + PWR - Service Function window

• NAV + MENU + PWR - Force power off

• GOTO + OUT + POWER - clear memory and set all settings as default.

While unit is powered off, press and hold the NAV key then press the PWR key. If the unit is already on, press MENU key then press right-left-right-left arrows. In the center of the screen, the service function window with text "00" will appear. Using the arrows, change "00" to the number of any service function listed below, then press ENTER.

Table 1. Undocumented service codes for Magellan Explorist 210™

Back To Top