Pax42
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Posts posted by Pax42
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Are you using CacheRegister or the TopoUSA software to upload your gpx file? And if TopoUSA, which version?
I tried to use CacheRegister but it doesn't work for the PN-20. I am using Topo USA 6.0
Can't speak for compatibility between cache register and PN-20 but can tell you Topo did not support full geocaching functionality with the PNs until version 8. That is why you're not getting the full info or even the correct symbols on your 20. You would need to upgrade to Topo 8 (I don't believe Topo 9 is compatible with the 20)or use GSAK to get what you're wanting. Are you familiar with GSAK?
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After Topo tells you there is an update and you click to update the device, a certain amount of time will pass and you'll be given instructions to put the device in firwmware transfer mode. Menu>Device setup> Connect to Computer>Firmware Transfer.
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Did you have your PN-60 plugged into the PC with cache register open and click on the sync button of cache register?
Topo NA 9 is the software that came with your PN, not something you have to download. Have you installed it yet?
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If Topo 9 came with the PN-40, install it and run synch. Synch will automatically check your version and initiate the update process to 2.8.
Edit: Embra beat me to the punch.
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The issue you are having with the single caches is likely due to not having a waypoint file created and loaded into internal memory first. Since you can now have multiple waypoint files stored on the SD, The "send to gps" only works if you have one of those files open. Go to Geocaches>File>New to create a file and then try sending a single cache again.
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to ease ever ones mind i received my PN40 today from the same place. Looks an preforms like new an it came with Topo 9!! Later
ric
Then that is definitely a great deal.
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All of the high end GPS receivers these days will be just as accurate as one another. I can't speak for the new Garmins but I did own the legendary 60csx and my PN-40 and PN-60 hold signal just as well and are just as accurate.
The 62s only comes with a worldwide basemap, no detailed maps and no routable maps. You'll have to purchase City Navigator separately or find some free routable maps.
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The main issue with getting Topo 8 rather than 9 is that the latest firmware update for the 40 is designed to be fully functional with 9 and when used with 8, there is some loss of functionality, primarily with the way files are synched between the software and device. If the unit is used strictly for geocaching then it may not be an issue. Many cachers with PNs never even use the Topo software.
Of course, you don't have to update the device to the latest firmware but it does offer some nice enhancements.
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When mine was updating, I did see it display something about basemaps but the update still went rather quick.
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What version of Topo comes with these refurbs? I don't see it listed in the descriptions at those links. If it's pre-Topo NA 9, that would be another reason for the cheaper price.
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You are correct in that all models at that level and above are going to be very similar in accuracy.
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I notice the PN-40 is on your list but not the PN-60. If your budget can handle the Oregon series then it could easily handle the Delorme PN-60. I don't see any deals on it right now but it often gets discounted at Amazon and several other retailers. The price has been as low as $250 during the holidays. May not see that price again for awhile but a sub $300 price isn't out of the question.
As for the performance of the Delormes, I like both, but much prefer the 60 for it's better user interface and much longer battery life.
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The Garmins such as the OR deal with it differently. One of the nicest features of the new Garmins is profiles. You can set up profiles for various uses such as geocaching, automitve, recreation, etc. You can customize all your settings in each profile. So for automitive you can select your routable street maps and turn by turn navigation. For recreation you can select the topo maps and direct (as the crow flies) routing. With your 60CSX you have to go through and change settings to optimize your GPS for different uses. With an OR, all you have to do is press your finger a couple of times to change the profile and all the settings are optimized for that particular use.
(For the OR) When you select geocache you are first presented with an option to list all unfound caches, found caches, or you can filter the caches by size, type, difficulaity, etc. After you select which you want, it will list all the caches. You press the one you want and it will take you to a screen that has a button you can press to read the cache page and logs. It will also show the cache on a map - you can look to see if you need to navigate to a parking area instead of the cache. In that case, just touch the parking waypoint and you can naviage to it or whereever you touch on the screen. There is also a big green go button that will navigate you to the cache. After you mark a cache found, you are presented with an option to find the nearest cache.
When you select to navigate to a cache (or anything), it does not ask you if you want road or direct navigation. It automiatically selects the navigation type for the profile you are in. You can also with a couple of presses swith from street to direct navigation. I have my geocaching profile set to direct navigation. If after I select find the cache in the geocahing profile I need to drive to the next cache, I will switch the profile to automitive. This optimizes the GPS for street navigation. When I get out of the car to find the cache, I switch the profile back to geocaching (which just takes a couple of button presses).
The PN-60 has essentially the same thing but it's called "activities" rather than "profiles".
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Yes, it's multipath error and from your kitchen table, nearly all consumer GPS receivers will have the same issue. Here's a brief article that explains it. Multipath Errors
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Yes, the app is available for the android and I use it on my incredible. I haven't used an iphone but am told the app looks and works pretty much the same.
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They've always been very good about sending a free replacement cable when it appears one is defective.
Are you able to see the unit appear on your desktop as a drive when you open the sd card or internal memory? If so, the problem is not likely the cable. Did you insure there is a geocache file created and open before clicking on the send to GPS button?
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If this is a new unit with firmware 2.8, you must first create a waypoint/PQ file on the device and have it open otherwise the "send to GPS" function has nowhere to send the cache.
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While I'll say my Droid Incredible is very convenient for a quick grab, I would never put it above my PN-40 or PN-60 for accuracy or overall performance. I don't know that people are bashing the phones, I think they're just reporting the facts as they see them. Of the smart phones I've seen in action while caching, none have performed as consistently well as dedicated handhelds.
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Per Delorme's website:
Waypoints/Geocaches
You must create a waypoint or geocache file on the device before transferring data.
Once there is an open waypoint or geocache file, you can use the Exchange dialog to move data to the opened file.
The desktop application interacts with only the opened file.
Tracks
To transfer tracks to the device first you must export them as .gpx files. To do this, click on the Draw tab in Topo 8, then click the File... button, choose the track layer you want to send to your PN-40 and click Export. Type in a file name, choose a destination to save the file to, make sure to change the Save as type drop-down to GPX file, and click Save.
Connect your device to your computer, turn it on and press MENU > Device Setup > Connect to Computer > and change Use GPS to Open SD Card. Copy the .gpx file that was just created during the export from Topo 8 to the 'tracks' folder on the SD card. Once the track file has been moved to the SD card, select Use GPS on the device and from the Tracks Page go to MENU > Open > File to open the track.
When you view the Tracks list in the Exchange dialog, you will see the Active Track and the opened track file.
Routes
Route transfer is the same for Topo USA 8 and Topo North America 9 (there is no difference with 2.8 firmware).
Maps
Map transfer is the same for Topo USA 8 and Topo North America 9 (there is no difference with 2.8 firmware).
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The store near me had 5 different GPS units available. Two of which were the Delorme (unknown which models). TeamMagicParrot, I'm glad you mentioned "PC". I have an I Mac. Does this change things up as far as which GPS to go with?
If you have a Mac, I personally wouldn't go with any GPS that's not Garmin. Garmin easily is the best GPS for Mac, and I kinda found that out the hard way. I bought a Triton 2000 when I started geocaching, and it only works with PC- same with Delorme. Unless you run parallels (which isn't a fun process in itself) I would stick with Garmin. I've found that the Etrex H gets really nice accuracy, but it's a very manual GPS to have to enter coordinates.
Have you thought about a Garmin Dakota 20 or Oregon? I'm using the Oregon 450 on my Mac, and it's been amazing. Free maps as well.
That's not exactly true about the Delorme PN models. The PNs will work fine with a Mac but the Topo software that comes with the PN only runs on windows. The Topo software however is not absolutely necessary. Many cachers with PNs never even install the software. If you're wanting to do more than just cache however, the software does come into play.
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While the Triton may have a few fans here, I think the majority would advise avoiding that unit. The other units would all get the job done fine but the Garmin Vista HCX and Delorme PN-40 are the cream of the crop on that list. The primary difference between the two would be that the PN-40 provides "paperless caching" while the Vista does not. Paperless caching simply means the GPSr is able to display the cache description, hint, logs, etc. No need to carry a PDA or cache pages with you. The PN-40 also comes with Topo and routable street maps in the box so depending on the price it might be a much better deal. Battery runtime would be much better with the Vista.
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shop around, you can get that map subscription for less than that.
The base price may be a little cheaper but you have to pay to have a card shipped to you which puts the cost back to $30 or more. But ordering it through the netlink tab of Delorme's Topo software there is no shipping fee and you have instant access, no waiting for a card.
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Sorry but no. Garmin maps are not compatible with Delorme handhelds.
One option you may want to look at: Delorme now offers a separate map download subscription for Digital Globe imagery which includes areas outside the U.S. It's an additional $30 per year beyond their standard subscription service and it's tied to one device only. It's imagery rather than topo but it's more than what you would normally have with the PN. I don't know specifically what areas are available in France but if I remember where to check, I'll post a link.
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If you updated to FW 2.8, see my comments in this thread.
PN-40 no Topo
in GPS technology and devices
Posted
I see there are sales of Topo USA 8.0 on Ebay for as little as $25. Unfortunately Topo 8 isn't fully compatible with Firmware 2.8. For that, as mentioned by Cowboy, you'd need Topo 9 which of course, will cost you more. Download cables run about $12 I think and you definitely have to have that. To be honest, $100 wasn't a great deal without the software or cable. The PN-40 often goes on sale online for as little as $179 new with accessories including the Topo and regional map disks. A few folks here on the forums just recently bought some factory refurbished units with everything for about $120.