It's really not for the faint of heart, but the 'mobilemapper2' yahoogroup outlines the processes required. It's a very involved process.

The eXplorist uses a map format different from previous models. Older MapSend products (Streets, Streets & Destinations, Topo, and BlueNav? Charts) are not compatible. See: Magellan's compatiblity table

[Is this still relevant now that the mapping products are updated?] Conversion Manager was shipped with the early models before Mapsend was updated to create maps in the new format. It was used to convert maps from DirectRoute 1.0 and 2.0 into a format that could be used on these models. The newer products like Topo 3D 1.5 and DirectRoute 3 can send maps directly to these GPS units.

With early versions, it was possible though forbidden by the terms of use. DirectRoute 3 and Topo 1.5 have locked it to a single receiver per copy purchased. and Topo 1.5, the

You'll have to restore the basemap as described in Q: 6.

Basemaps can be downloaded from here:http://rhamphorinkx.newmail.ru/

These downloads are in .rar compressed format. If you need a free decompressor, one can be obtained here: http://www.winace.com/xaceplus.html.

Decompress the file. Rename attached file to "BASEMAP.MGI" then copy it to the Explorist internal memory Background maps folder.

Finally, BASEMAP.MGI must have the system attribute set before the Explorist will recognize the file. Use the DOS command "attrib +s BASEMAP.MGI", executed from the folder containing BASEMAP.MGI or providing the appropriate path.

The GPS is more than just hardware. The GPS includes a basemap. In the U.S. the basemap that's used is derived from the Tiger data collected by the Census Bureau and is therefore royalty free. Basemaps for other countries obviously come from different sources and there is a higher cost on them.

Since you surely wouldn't be asking about liberating copyrighted data and would only use a basemap that you had already purchased on that very unit, or one that you've purchased via the Worldwide Basemap product, sure.

If you return a unit to Magellan, they can install (for a fee) a different basemap. If you return a unit to Magellan for repair that has a different basemap than was originally on the unit, they will reportedly reflash it back to the original or optionally charge you for that map "upgrade".

Many usrs find that the 3x difference makes it worth simply forgoing basemaps (used only when zoomed far out, and never for routing anyway) and buying the U.S. version appealing...