I thought that I would inform you that there has been a running dialogue between David Carr, Moderator of the Magellan Insider Forum and the members.

It addresses the Battery Drain issue.    David is also a member of our group but I thought it fitting to post these snips from his website.

Message from Denis,

Have you ever contacted Jeff Caulfield concerning the power train issue in your GPS? Although my eX710 does have the power drain issue, my eX610 does not and I was told by Matt (Product Engineer/Product Manager), that this issue has been resolved. So, trying contacting Jeff and see if he is able to help you out.

Jeff Caulfield
National Product Trainer/Brand Advocate
Magellan Outdoor GPS
801-816-5774
jcaulfield@magellangps.com
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David

Sooo David, what was the problem and can the solution be incorporated in the field?
JG

JG,

All I was told is that the power drain has been identified to a couple of manufacturing runs and that is has been corrected. I was also told that the software/firmware that is to be released in the next couple of months is going to further address some issues with the power meter and power system functionality. Other than that, I was given no specifics. However, Magellan is sending me a newer eX710 so that I can verify this information, because they know that I'm not going to tell you, or anyone else, that it is fixed until I can verify it with my own eyes. 

Again, I will say that my eX610, which is a later run than my eX710, does not appear to have the issue.

David

Just as I have with Denis, I would recommend
contacting Jeff and letting him know your distain for this situation. I have no idea what he can do to help and please understand that he is on OUR side in all of this, but you never know what he might be able to do.

Also, please understand that I'm only passing on the information that I've been given and I waiting to see what I find out with the newer eX710 before I openly say one way or the other as to if this issue has been resolved.

David

Denis,

If I may make a suggestion here.

First, let David verify that the solution provided on the new units does indeed correct the drain problem.

Second, let Maggie tell us what the solution is. In this manner, we can determine if the problem can be fixed in the field. Please bear in mind that users under warranty are protected for replacements. Those not under warranty can open their units and do repairs because they are not violating any warranty.

Third, choice should be yours .. if the unit can be repaired in the field than this may represent a better solution than to exchange a unit for a refurbished unit. I say refurbished because the two production runs probably represents thousands of units.

The real problem goes to "day ONE" and it would be fullish to a manufacturer to do a recall on the product.

So for now, I would suggest patience on our side and "OPEN COMMUNICATIONS" FROM MAGELLAN ON THE PROBLEM. After all the consumer reported this problem over one year ago and Magellan said nothing.

So it is up to the actuarial people.

JG
P.S. Happy Thanksgiving to ALL.

Recommendation by phild3 (Phil)

The bottom line is IF A UNIT IS UNDER WARRANTY SEND IT BACK FOR REPLACEMENT NOW! To the average user it really doesn't matter what causes the problem, don't wait.

For older units out of warranty the units will have to be repaired by somebody besides Magellan.

EOF -- JG