Hank30721

here is the link to the new MAC version of cache register - it's free here.

Thanx Chip!!! You da man....

I have had a PN-60w since the middle of July and absolutely love it. I have the wireless model that allows connecting a satellite based communication device which can send msgs one way when you are out of cell tower range. I think you will appreciate the level of detail in the included mapping software and flexibility of the device in customizing it for your preferences. I see you're in Maine - so is Delorme - Yarmouth.

I know there are guys that use MAC's and PN's. Hop on over to the delorme website and hit the PN-40 forums. Forums are under the customer service tab on the left hand side of the page.

Well... we're really running off topic here, as those are entirely different models than what the OP asked about, but... I'd really be interested (if you have a chance) in a real run-down comparison. Each starting with a fresh pair of batteries, going until low-power shutdown, on the go, not on the windowsill. Even so, it wouldn't be sensible (or even possible) to relate those results back to the OP's question. For the models he actually DID ask about, batteries in a Dakota 20 last at least twice as long as in the PN40. I only mentioned the 60 because someone suggested it. As far as a side by side comparison of my units, that's basically what I am doing. I've been hiking and geocaching with both units just until I can be completely familiar with the 60. My 76 is already down to 25%. I fully expect 12 to 14 hours of use out of my garmin before it dies. That's about typical for it in the 4 years I've owned it. In the 76, Duracel Ultras last just as long and cost less. I installed the lithiums just to do a side by side. To keep this on topic, I would suggest the OP consider the 60 over the 40.

Hank: - What kind of batteries are you running in the PN-60? - What model Garmin are you comparing it to? DeLorme has rightly some heat for poor battery life in the PN-40. They've done two things about it: 1) Improved power usage in the PN-60, and 2) Started shipping the units with Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. Those particular batteries will last much longer than alkaline or NIMH -- in just about ANY model of GPS. But they cost more too, end up costing more more per hour of use than just about any other battery you could pick. I'm running the lithiums shipped with the unit. I also use lithiums in my Garmin which is a 76Csx.

Shucks no. I just happened to remember something I saw in the forum once, when I was wasting time on the interwebs instead of being outside in the bushes. But I'm glad I could help. PS: It wouldn't surprise me if Garmin fixed that behavior in a firmware upgrade. Using Garmin's mapsource software I just send the PQ straight to the device and avoid the weird card issue.

I haven't seen it on any of my GPSr's. It has caused more trouble with CATV head-end reception issues than it is worth!!!! I wish I could shoot it down!!

I can vouch for the PN-60's excellent battery minding. I've got 8 hours so far on battery and it looks like I still have 60% remaining. If that's true, it will beat my Garmin by several hours!!

I have a PN-60wSE with Spot. I have been satisfied so far with its performance. Paperless caching is amazing and so easy with this device. I like the map subscription to download aerial photography and detailed 24k topo maps and view them on the device. I also like the triple axis compass that works no matter how you hold the device. When fall arrives, I plan on some long hikes and putting it through it paces.

I was being sophomoric. I was giving Greg a hard time! :-D

I believe the 2 AA's included with device are the Energizer Advanced lithiums, while the e-lithiums are the Energizer Ultimates. Under GPS Specifications in the linked PDF; shouldn't the first line have an green check mark for : "GPX file exchanges to SD cards(waypoints, routes, tracks, geocaches) " in the column for PN-40? (TNA9, & firmware 2.8/3.1 inclusive) Norm On my PN-60wSE, I was able to get 21 hours + out of the e-lithiums with hard use - I can't see worth a toot and the backlight has been used extensively on mine. Completely satisfied!

It does a good job when you are out for extended periods with no need to plug it in to anything. I wish it covered the entire unit, but the GPSr's shape makes that tough. The neoprene case by Glisson for the 76 series is nice because it keeps out 99% of dust and debris while physically covering the entire device.

So you're testing repeatability and stability then, not accuracy. If the GPSr takes you back to where you were, you're happy, regardless of the coordinates it is giving for that location. If you want to test accuracy, compare the coordinates given by the GPSr at a known benchmark location (like a trig point) against what the units are reporting. Don't pass on repeatability too quickly. Being able to reproduce the same results over and over is always desirable and important. If it performed inconsistently, then the coordinates wouldn't matter anyway. A handheld GPS'r is not going to be that close to the "real" coordinates anyway, but if the results are consistent then the errors are also. Just like sighting in a rifle - a consistent group in the wrong place is easily correctable. Not so much if the gun never shoots the same way twice - it could be unrepairable. Consistency must be achieved first - then calibration. One benchmarking test we use to test Trimble surveying units at work, is to mark a point and return to that point 12 hours later (not using a groundstation).

The joy button...hmmm....Where is that exactly? It might come in handy on a bad cache day!!! :-P

I own a PN-60wSE, and it rocks. I have several Garmin units and they work fine, but the PN-60 represents in my opinion a next generation unit for sure. It is crazy fast and the map support from Delorme is unequaled. Those features along with Delorme's customer service dept sold me on the unit. In the field it consistently receives WAAS lock faster than my 76Csx (same guts as 60Csx), and the accuracy is as good or slightly better than any other Garmin I have. I just wish it floated like my 76....

It's fixed!!!!

The PN-60 is such a wonderful machine. You will be amazed what it can do. The Delorme forums are a wealth of information.

PN-60wSE 76CSx Nuvi 265WT

Perhaps you could be a little more specific on how you're trying to load caches to the device and why you need to remove the SD card. I've had no problems loading pocket queries by dropping the unzipped gpx file from GC directly on the SD card (while still in the 60), using GSAK or using Topo NA 9. Also addressed on the DeLorme forum. http://forum.delorme.com/viewtopic.php?f=1...=165329#p165329 The Delorme forum has a quote from an employee mentioning a fix by the end of this week possibly. Are you using Firefox or IE?

I received my PN-60wSE yesterday. One thing I have noticed compared to my 76Csx is that the Delorme unit is blazing fast (satellite acquisition, changing functions, retrieving POI data). It also feels good in my hand!

I guess that's my question, is it even POSSIBLE to really use over 16GBs? I just don't know. Suppose I wanted aerials of all the western states, would that be over 16GBs? I just have no idea how much memory the cut maps use up. Aerials of the whole western US would be WAY over 32GB. I don't even have all of NY (imagery & 24K topos) and I'm between 30 & 40 GB. Yes, you could definitely use all 32GB - but that'd be a lot of caching territory for a single trip. Maybe it's easy to swap maps in and out, I don't know, but it would be nice to just load aerials for everywhere within X miles of home and the never have to worry about re-cutting and loading maps again except for vacations or something. You don't have to re-cut to swap maps in & out. Make your cuts and save them, them put the ones you need on the card. How many miles is X? Most likely, 32GB will be enough to cover it. If you're really that worried about it, for $27 each, buy 2 or 3 cards! Yes...please post the seller ID!!! I can't find anything less than $70.

Things are not looking good for G-15. Good article from space.com: Out of Control Satellite

I've been canoeing with a friend who has a 60Csx. We were trying to board the canoe in a tough spot without getting our feet wet. I made it in the boat with my 76Csx laying in the bottom of the canoe. As he jumped in and pushed off we flipped over in about 4' of water. My 76 floated on its back just below the surface of the water with Duracell Ultra's loaded. His 60 floated antenna up bobbing up and down - he had Duracell Procells loaded. It was dusk and we both had the displays lit so they were quite easy to see. They stayed in the water for close to 10 minutes while we grabbed stuff that wasn't quite so waterproof. Both units were fine and we opened the battery compartments to find dry compartments.

I'll be waiting for your report on this comparrison :)My 76csx works great but that 3 axis compass would be cool if it worked well. It (the test) will definitely happen..... I'm in Grand Junction , CO and there is an REI here and a brand new Cabelas that will open about the last part of May. I have a 76CS, a 76CSx, an Oregon 550, and an old Trimble Geo Explorer II, (previously had a 76S and others...) So......I'm familiar with the 76 series (use the 76CS with APRS radio) and know how WAAS reception is SUPPOSED to work (the 76CSX), enjoy the 3 axis compass and camera (the 550). Principle uses are mapping Hiking, ATV, and Snowmobile trails and finding Benchmarks. I just hope that Garmin will start spending more time on GPS accuracy and features instead of the "GC game" features. I've owned a 76Csx for almost three years. It's been used on a boat, in a jeep, and on the trail. Very rarely have I had WAAS reception problems.