Magellan eXplorist GPS

[NyQuiLlama]

I have a Magellan eXplorist 500. I'm wondering is there is any lake map software that I can use other then the MapSend stuff? I've heard that the Lakemaster or Navionics chips are good choices, but I have no idea if they are compatible. I love the GPS, but I'd really like to have some maps with lake depths for fishing here in Northern Wisconsin.

[IndyEFI500]

I have been thinking of buying the new Triton 500 and here is what i found. Navionics does not make a chip for Magellan. Lake Master has software that appears to me you have to download to a chip and then insert into the unit. The Mapsend can be either downloaded to a chip and inserted or on a purchased chip. I think the Mapsend also uses the Lake Master info. I haven't counted yet to see if it is the same lakes or not. One nice thing about the Lake Master is it looks like you can get upgrade pricing when the next version comes out. Just the little I have figured out so far. How do you like your Explorist?

[NyQuiLlama]

I'm really happy with the eXplorist 500. I installed a firmware upgrade from the HSOforum that expanded it's features quite a bit, so I'd recommend checking that out for any GPS. It is easy to read in all light conditions, waterproof, durable, and it has yet to fail me. The only problem that I had with it is that the factory battery needs to be recharged after each day of use. Then I found that they make a AA battery adapter for it for under $10. Now I have the best of both worlds if I want to go on a multiple day camping trip without external power.

All that said, I don't want to gamble with paying over $100 on the MapSend Lakes North chip/download without knowing what lakes it covers. I don't think it's the same as lakemaster, in fact I think that I read that it's based on navionics. My friend has a Lowrance H20c with the Lakemaster chip and it is awesome.

Maybe I should hsolist the eXplorist and buy the H20c??

[NyQuiLlama]

Is there a way I can move this thread over to the "Equipment-Expert Information?" area? I just saw it for the first time and I think that it might be more appropriate over there.

[IndyEFI500]

Nyquil:

I checked with Lake Master and it is a no go for their software on a Magellan. They say theirs will only work with Garmin and Lowrance. The only choice is the Map Send product. On the Map Send HSOforum, it does say that they are Lake Master maps. Seems confusing to me.

[GoFish4]

I have the Lowrance H2OC with the lakemaster map for MN chip. It works great and has great detail not only of lakes but down to most county and townships roads. I know it doesn't help with your situation but wanted to let others know if they were looking to buy.