Magellan Maestro 3100 -- Battery Charging "Issues"

[Louisaz]

Today I purchased a new Magellan 3100. It came with a 12/24 volt DC automobile charger but no AC adapter charger. The documents say it will take about 4 hours to charge battery [which only lasts for a couple of hours]. Using the DC charger, you must leave your car's IGNITION ON for for that period of time or the car or the mobile charger will not work. DUH!

So...I go to Magellan's site to order the AC adapter [with a US plug] -- so I can charge the puppy at home (or in a motel in the PM). Magellan has them back-ordered...

So.......I run down to Radio Shack and see if they have 9 Volt AC/DC charger with the correct plug. They have one that is "close" that I purchase. After about 2 hours of charging, I get a message that the battery is low and I should suspend operation.

So....I get on line and find an eBay AC adaper that is listed for the 3100. It's about $20, delivered. I will be lucky to have it by the end of next week.

So....I get online to Magellan and give them a piece of my mind.

For another few bucks, they could have included both the mobile DC and AC adapter. Yeah, I purchased the sucker for $200, but I'm beginning to wonder...

I LIKE THE MAGELLAN BUT CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZ...GETTING THE BATTERY CHARGED SO I CAN USE IT IS A BORE! WHAT MODEL IS COMPLETE?

[mikealder]

I fail to see why you need the AC charger at all? Simply plug the device in to the DC charger in the car and use the device, it will charge while it is being used. If you find it discharges while being used there is something wrong with it - Mike

[Louisaz]

Mike,

According to the 3100 manual, it takes about 4 HOURS for the battery to fully charge. If you make short trips AND use the 3100, it will likely NEVER receive a FULL charge -- which means you'd better have it plugged into your car's DC outlet.

The answer would be to have the AC adapter that can be used to fully charge the battery at home (or elsewhere) AND use the automobile charger while traveling.

The fact that Magellan has the AC adapter on back-order AND provides the AC adapter (in the box) with the more expensive Maestros indicates that the are needed.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Louis

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