Pax42
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Posts posted by Pax42
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Delorme PN-40SE = Trails
Garmin Nuvi 270 = Auto (got it for free with the Discovery Card deal last summer)
Garmin 60csx = Backup (pretty nice for a backup, one of these days I may break down and sell it)
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What about the screen size? Is the smaller screen on the PN-40 that big of a deal?
I would love to have a little larger screen on the 40, but is it a big deal, no. Screen readability in direct sunlight is very good and that is far more important to me personally.
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Ok, 3rd time's a charm
. This is the same response I provided to two other posters this week.I own both the 60csx and the PN-40. The PN-40 is my primary device and the 60csx is now my backup. Here are my comments from another thread on the same subject:
The 60csx is a great unit. Very good accuracy, performs road routing more than satisfactorily for a handheld, and relatively easy to learn and use. It only comes with a U.S. base map so figure in extra cost of detailed, routable road maps and topo if required or find free downloadable maps which seem to be more readily available these days for Garmins.
The 60csx is now my backup and the PN40 is now my primary handheld for geocaching and hiking. Here's why:
The PN-40 offers "paperless caching". For the base price you get detailed routable road maps and topo. For an annual $30 subscription you can download aerial and satellite imagery, NOAA charts, and USGS 7.5 min quads. In a few months we will be able to use Navionics lake chart sd cards with the 40. Delorme is also about to release the new Topo 8 software, the cache register widget and has indicated plans for more updates/improvements down the road. All of these things make me prefer the 40 but there are some negatives:
Road routing is not a strength of the 40. Garmin handhelds are better but dedicated car GPSrs are still by far better which is why I use an inexpensive Nuvi for that. Battery life is not as good as the 60csx but if you realize up front that alkalines won't last and invest in a good quality Li-ion or nimh, the battery life is satisfactory. I get at least 11 hours from the Li-ion I use. Lastly, The 40 is still pretty new and therefore the hardware and firmware are not yet as stable as the 60csx. My unit has worked very well. I receive WAAS, don't have signal dropouts, or any power issues, and have very good accuracy. Delorme has been providing great customer service to those that have experienced issues related to those things and is working hard to put out updates and provide new functionality.
Sounds like you've already got the Nuvi covered.
Bottom line: IMHO the PN-40 just offers much more "bang for the buck".
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I know of a cache owner who's had to deal with poo in one of their ammo cans. Hate to be the person who opened it after the evil dooers did the deed.
A local caching friend reported finding what they believed to be urine in the first stage of one of my multis. Believe it or not the first stage is a film can. Why would anyone even think to do that?
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I own both the 60csx and the PN-40. The PN-40 is my primary device and the 60csx is now my backup. Here are my comments from another thread on the same subject:
The 60csx is a great unit. Very good accuracy, performs road routing more than satisfactorily for a handheld, and relatively easy to learn and use. It only comes with a U.S. base map so figure in extra cost of detailed, routable road maps and topo if required or find free downloadable maps which seem to be more readily available these days for Garmins.
The 60csx is now my backup and the PN40 is now my primary handheld for geocaching and hiking. Here's why:
The PN-40 offers "paperless caching". For the base price you get detailed routable road maps and topo. For an annual $30 subscription you can download aerial and satellite imagery, NOAA charts, and USGS 7.5 min quads. In a few months we will be able to use Navionics lake chart sd cards with the 40. Delorme is also about to release the new Topo 8 software, the cache register widget and has indicated plans for more updates/improvements down the road. All of these things make me prefer the 40 but there are some negatives:
Road routing is not a strength of the 40. Garmin handhelds are better but dedicated car GPSrs are still by far better which is why I use an inexpensive Nuvi for that. Battery life is not as good as the 60csx but if you realize up front that alkalines won't last and invest in a good quality Li-ion or nimh, the battery life is satisfactory. I get at least 11 hours from the Li-ion I use. Lastly, The 40 is still pretty new and therefore the hardware and firmware are not yet as stable as the 60csx. My unit has worked very well. I receive WAAS, don't have signal dropouts, or any power issues, and have very good accuracy. Delorme has been providing great customer service to those that have experienced issues related to those things and is working hard to put out updates and provide new functionality.
Bottom line: IMHO the PN-40 just offers much more "bang for the buck".
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Technically you can use the SD card as a storage device providing you don't rename or use the default directories, but you wouldn't be able to display it on the GPS.
I don't believe the 60csx can do that either. I own one and don't know of any way but I've never really researched it.
Oops! Replied to the wrong post. Meant to reply to the OP's original post.
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Technically you can use the SD card as a storage device providing you don't rename or use the default directories, but you wouldn't be able to display it on the GPS.
I don't believe the 60csx can do that either. I own one and don't know of any way but I've never really researched it.
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Chip,
I just received the PN-20 with Topo 7. Someone said there would be a coupon to upgrade to Topo 8 for free but I didn't receive it. Will users be able to upgrade to 8 for free and if so where will it be available? Thanks.
I know I'm not Chip but I think you can find the answer to your question here (2nd page of thread): Upgrade
And be aware, it's not exactly free. You still have to pay shipping ($9.95). Still a heck of a lot better than full price
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Nice Video!
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Wow, once again, I can’t help but be amazed by the emotion being brought out by a simple bright orange little piece of electronic equipment. There really is room to disagree without anyone getting their feelings hurt. How I see the debates so far:
The unit has reliability issues or not. Let’s face it, it can and probably is both. Do any of use really know what the failure rate is, or how it stacks up with other devices reliability wise? My unit happens to be quite reliable other than a couple software glitches, which I have to admit are glitches in beta software.
Hardware issues or not, it appears Delorme goes to great lengths to try and make things right. At least that’s how it appears to me, are well all somewhat in agreement with that?
The maps/software seem to be somewhat contentious, but lets face it, that is something that can easily be viewed differently by different people. If you live in a rolling terrain type area, where the street data happens to be quite accurate, I would think the maps are pretty good really. In the areas I tend to hang out, the maps tend to be positionally inaccurate street data wise, which makes them annoying to me. I’m also in an area where the terrain can be quite dramatic in variation, which tends to make DEM based topo maps somewhat less desirable than the old hand drawn ones. Luck of the draw really, and a logical reason we can see things differently.. Regarding the download capability of the software, I suppose it comes down to your patience level, time vs. money life style and a host of other factors. Myself I’m not a fan, but I can see how others might like it.
All the other issues, it’s really preference as tradeoffs are involved. Do we want fast processing, or longer battery life. A bright screen without backlight, or larger possibly harder to read display. Aerial photo detail, or ability to load a larger area of photo data into the device. You can go on and on, but there is really no one size fits all solution, thus no one should be getting upset if others don’t see things the same way they do.
So, which end of the tradeoff spectum would most geocachers, hikers, drivers etc want?
Uhm.. I was actually hoping the attempts at playful banter in the last few posts might finally lay this thread to rest. I blame it on the dead parrot.
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Where are all the Delorme owners? Don't you want to advertise the great unit you have. I had one and it is a great unit.
Can you post a pic? I'd like a Delorme cap but I'm not big on the red color.
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The plumage don't enter into it!
Man: I came here for a good argument.
Mr Vibrating: No you didn't, you came here for an argument.
Man: Well, an argument's not the same as contradiction.
Mr Vibrating: It can be.
Man: No it can't. An argument is a connected series of statements intended to establish a definite proposition.
Mr Vibrating: No it isn't.
Man: Yes it is. It isn't just contradiction.
Mr Vibrating: Look, if I argue with you, I must take up a contrary position.
Man: But it isn't just saying "No it isn't".
Mr Vibrating: Yes it is.
Man: No it isn't, an argument is an intellectual process... contradiction is just the automatic gainsaying of anything the other person says.
Mr Vibrating: No it isn't.
Man: Yes it is.
http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/mathew/sn-python.html
So is this thread an argument or a contradiction?
Oh, never mind. If you're only going to post silly comments then just take your dead parrot and leave!
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Geeze, the last few pages of the PN-40 topic was beginning to read like a Chevy v/s Ford bar-gument! The PN40 and Oregon are both fine products; differences are largely a matter of personal taste.
Have had my PN-40 since early December and just loaded the new firmware. Really like the new paperless Geocaching features, the quick 3-D/WAAS lockup etc. Would like to fix it so the screen would not go to "night mode" when the PN40 decides its night.
I'm using the Duracells also. With the backlight off, they will last a full day of Geocaching. I had bought the Lithium battery pack from a vendor on Amazon. Bad mistake! It was a Chinese battery pack that would only take a surface charge regardles of how much conditioning I tried. Eventually went with me to go in Best Buys battery recycle bin.
BTW: My PN40 WORKS GREAT!
To turn off "Night Mode": Menu> Device Setup> Display> uncheck "Use Midnight at sunset".
And as heated as these threads get, don't think they'll ever top the Ford vs Chevy debate
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ok, based on a couple of other software guys saying the DeLorme software still takes a lot of learning and time I think I'm going to rule out the PN-40 which brings down to a choice between the CO and OR.
As I said earlier I've had both in hand and tried the interface and to me the rock-n-roller seemed faster to navigate than the OR's touchscreen. Are there any other significant features that differ between the CO and OR?
Is the CO line really dead or is Garmin likely to update it with any new features of the OR?
I just thought I would add this:
Delorme offers a 30 return policy. As long as you buy from an authorized source (which includes Amazon), you can return the unit directly to Delorme within 30 days for a full refund. This gives you time to play with it and the software to see if its really that tough to get the hang of. I'm a hardware guy, not a software guy and I was comfortable with Topo 7 in a couple hours. Topo 8 is expected to be released in a about a month so that could change things significantly. Also be aware that comparing Garmin's Mapsource to Delorme's Topo 7 is like comparing Notepad to MS Word.
I also wanted to mention that although some customers like Brian have had issues with maintaining signal lock, many of us haven't. The PN-40 is still new and it seems there are still some quality control issues to deal with. Delorme has been very good at responding to customers with problems.
I do agree with Brian on the road routing issue. The Garmins are better. The PN-40 does not perform nearly as well at that task as my Garmin 60csx. Then again I now have a Nuvi that puts both of them to shame.
Whatever you decide to buy, good luck with this crazy addiction.
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I would include the Delorme offerings as well...the PN20 and PN40. Both offer the $30 a year for unlimited map downloads, aerial imagery, etc.
I've been following the board for a few months also trying to decide on my first gps for geocaching and as of right now...I'm leaning towards the PN40. Good luck
Yeah, that PN-40 looks tight. I like the 32 gb sd expansion ability. Could anyone maybe compare the 60cxs to the pn-40???
Asking that particular question may have just started this thread down a dark path
. The impassioned responses from those on the Garmin and Delorme sides can get a little dramatic. I've fallen down that hole myself once or twice but this time I'll just give my simple opinion and leave it at that.I own both models you asked about.
The 60csx is a great unit. Very good accuracy, performs road routing more than satisfactorily for a handheld, and relatively easy to learn and use. It only comes with a U.S. base map so figure in extra cost of detailed, routable road maps and topo if required or find free downloadable maps which seem to be more readily available these days for Garmins.
The 60csx is now my backup and the PN40 is now my primary handheld for geocaching and hiking. Here's why:
The PN-40 offers "paperless caching". For the base price you get detailed routable road maps and topo. For an annual $30 subscription you can download aerial and satellite imagery, NOAA charts, and USGS 7.5 min quads. In a few months we will be able to use Navionics lake chart sd cards with the 40. All of these things make me prefer the 40 but there are some negatives:
Road routing is not a strength of the 40. Garmin handhelds are better but dedicated car GPSrs are still by far better which is why I use an inexpensive Nuvi for that. Battery life is not as good as the 60csx but if you realize up front that alkalines won't last and invest in a good quality Li-ion or nimh, the battery life is satisfactory. I get at least 11 hours from the Li-ion I use. Lastly, The 40 is still pretty new and therefore the hardware and firmware are not yet as stable as the 60csx. My unit has worked very well. I receive WAAS, don't have signal dropouts, or any power issues, and have very good accuracy. Delorme has been providing great customer service to those that have experienced issues related to those things and is working hard to put out updates and provide new functionality.
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Check this out folks:
Even though it's for the PN-40, much of the information is the same for the 20, especially the tutorials using Topo 7.
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Probably about a month ago, I remember seeing where you can take a nuvi 2xx and above, program it to let you know when you are coming close to a cache. Does anyone know what I am talking about?
I have done searches off and on for almost a week now with no luck. I still always have my handheld and my palm with me, but I just don't want to have to keep looking down at the handheld while driving from town to town/ state to state etc while traveling on business or with family.
Basically what I am talking about, Would I need a nuvi that will accept routes from google earth? or will the poi's work?
Thanks,
Mike
This is probably what you're looking for.
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Darn it! sucked in again. No will power tonight.
I blame it on Tuesdays being a slow TV night.
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As for XMap ... I went to the DeLorme website. I was signed in (via tracking cookies) as a PN-40 owner. I searched for XMap in their online store and I provided the link and the price they provided me. What I saw and shared started at $750. I have no way of knowing otherwise and frankly, no one has provided a link to anything different....
Now that we're talking truth and fact, how many of you had your GPSrs provided to you by DeLorme? Is that the reason you defend the PN-40? I don't blame you for keeping quiet on that one. At this stage, had I had a hand in testing the PN-40, I'm thinking I'd try to find myself a rock to crawl under and hide.
I thought your comments were interesting since I recall your recent post on the Delorme forums indicating frustration on not having heard anything about your application to be a beta tester.
As for me, I payed for my PN-40 with my own hard earned money. If, however, I'm ever offered the chance to be a beta tester...you bet. And if Garmin offered to make me a beta tester first...you bet. Magellan...mmm.
Darn it! sucked in again. No will power tonight.
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It's a shame you PN-40 fans have to argue with every point made,
You could refrain from this kind of statement. But as long as you're going to hide behind the "you call it like you see it," don't be surprised when you receive the same.
Now, as for arguing with every point... From my perspective, and it is only mine I'm stating here, I can only shake my head at the do as I say and not as I do mentality.
That being said...
It comes down to what the individual wants and what they are willing to do to get it. Garmin users are happy to go after the free programs providing they know about them.
DeLorme provides an alternative to the word of mouth effort. The PN series was designed with this concept in mind. Paying for public domain data at $30 per year? Hardly. Paying for upkeep of the equipment and storage of the data to be converted on the fly and readied for download to Topo for the PN owner? It's a mere pittance to pay. Yes the PN-40 is in growth pains. Yes there are some QC issues. Yes download speeds of large data could be better, but what do you want for $30 per year?
Bottom line that appears before me with all this, if it doesn't walk, quack and smell like a Garmin... it won't meet certain user's criteria - period. I can plan around the limitations and I'm happy with it. You don't have to be and I don't place any expectations for it but why trash those when they are happy with it with denegrative statements like the way yours started and then complain when it comes back at you?
I think what needs to eventually happen is folks decide they agree to disagree. Once a mind is made up, rehashing the same point (on either side) is useless.
I suggest everybody take a breather and remember it's just a device and it's involving a game we all enjoy.
You're right TotemLake. Unfortunately I submitted my rant the same time you submitted your more suitable comment.
No more rants from me. I like my PN-40. I like my 60csx. I like my Nuvi. I hope everyone else finds the GPSr they're happy with.
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It's a shame you PN-40 fans have to argue with every point made, yet you provide very little data in support of your position. Maingray shared there are free maps for DeLorme GPSr units that meet many needs. Where can I download the same for my PN-40 ... assuming I can get it to turn on?
It's a shame you DeLorme haters try to make it look like every discussion is an argument! Do you see an argument here? Maybe your eyes are jaded from your bad experience, but I see this as a good discussion! Those free maps aren't known about by the majority, that is my point. Where can you download maps for the PN-40? X-map is a good start!
I never referred to myself as a DeLorme hater. I certainly don't appreciate the implication. I call it like I see it ... truthfully and honestly in as simple a language as I can. I bought a PN-40 because I thought it had potential. It still does, but right now has some significant shortcomings (again power lockups, still won't routinely acquire WAAS, routing lockups, corrupt cache pages, and kludges to get more than one cache in it). As it is now, it's not suitable for routine, much less serious, geocaching.
And just a small detail ... free maps including everything you need to put them on your Garmin GPSr are ... ummm ... free. DeLorme's XMap "starts" at $750. Now one more time ... where can I get free maps for the PN-40?
As for quality, many think the free maps from ibycus are the most detailed/current around. I have them on all 3 of my Etrex Vistas and they work just fine.
Ok, I hate to get involved in these constant "Which is better?" debates but I can only bite my tongue so long (or is it "bite my fingers" since I'm typing?).
It has been asked why the PN-40 owners seem defensive. Perhaps it's partly due to the fact that a couple of posters continue to post inaccurate and misleading information about the 40.
Even though it's already been pointed out that your earlier statement of "kludges" being needed to load more than one cache was wrong, you bring it up again. One more time: GPX Pocket queries can be loaded to the PN-40 using Topo 7. Do the kludges provide enhanced functionality; yes but they are NOT required.
As to the "starting" price you mentioned for Xmap, COME ON! No one has ever said Xmap 6 GIS was neccessary which is what you are quoting. Xmap 6 Pro is what has been recommended on these forums. It's retail price is $200 but can be purchased by PN-20 and 40 owners for $100. I find it hard to believe you were not aware of that.
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Hi folks!
So I just got my PN-20 on Friday, wasn't able to really take it through the paces over the weekend, but thankfully was able to grab one cache. I'm in love already.
I'm left wondering though... as I play around with it and find little things here and there, what is the best 'hidden' feature of the PN-20 that you discovered through use? What did you come across and it really made you go "WOW" or "I wish I knew that it did that sooner!"
Since I don't have a ton of time to dedicate to really exploring it over the next couple of weeks, I'd love to see what you guys really liked about it!
~Altoviola~
If you haven't already done so, you should make your way over to the Delorme forums and get the new beta firmware update for your 20. The difference in geocaching functionality is night-and-day. If you love it now, you'll want to marry it after the update.
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I wish I knew how I could get Topo and Imagery for canada
Xmap. Check it out on the Delorme forums. It's normally $200 but purchasers of PN20s and PN40s can get it for $100. It allows you to find your own map sources and then convert them so they can be uploaded to the PN series.
Delorme has also recently mentioned (on these forums) that Topo 8 will provide more map coverage for Canada.
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Delorme PN-40 has all that. Great unit. Less expensive than Oregon
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. This is the same response I provided to two other posters this week.
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Delorme PN-40 2.5 RTM
in GPS technology and devices
Posted
For those not aware yet, the PN-40 2.5 firmware is now "Release To Manufacturer". Get it while it's fresh.