NWArkies
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Posts posted by NWArkies
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How about doing some individual GPX to -40 from gc.com? I know it's not the PQ's, but you can put 5-10 on there to go out and playOK. If thats the case. Is there a way to get the PQs on to the 40 without using CR?
afaik, CR is the only way to batch load onto the PN-XX...
TopoUSA8 will do it.
http://findcache.info/pn-40/ is something a user put together that utilizes the Send to GPS plugin to load GPX files.
Is it just me? If I click the link above, I get a 404 file not found error.
Faulty memory on my part. http://findcache.info/pn40/
There was a misunderstanding what this software does and does not do.
-It does load GPX files and transfer the geocaches and waypoints to the PN.
-It does the transfer without the need of going through Topo
-It does not get around the Premium membership requirement for downloading GPX files via PQs from GC.com.
-It is not necessary to use this if you have current software and Topo8. It merely eliminates the need to use Topo as the exchange tool.
-It does not do this transfer quickly.
-It does not do the things Cache Register is capable of doing.
One question....I downloaded a cache but when we pulled up description on it but the hint wasn't available. Stated for premium members. We are premium member, so what should we do different when downloading to have hint available? Thanks.
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I use the DeLorme Cache Register program with my PN-40 and go paperless. It also loads pocket queries from geocaching.com. The real nice part is it loads your Field Notes from the PN-40 right to geocaching.com Field Notes page.
I vote for the DeLorme Cache Register!
PN40 is definitely different than garmin unit i have. I'm trying to download just one simple cache but it is not working. It's been real hard just to figure out how to get around. Just tried to download latest update and couldn't get past first step . Feel real stupid right now and very frustrated. I plan on purchasing Cache Register if I can get past initial stage. Any help will be very much appreciated. I think I will love it if I can understand it.
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Yep, like TL said, If you want all the logs, You've got to download them one at a time and massage them in GSAK first before sending them to the 40. I've done it a couple times previously just to check it out.
Edit: Now that I think about it, I don't know if GSAK is needed or not if it's a single downloaded cache. That's just the way I did it before. I'll have to check it out after work.
I know the single download used to include more logs. But that was a month or two back the last time I used it. I use GSAK to massage my GPX and then load it via topo to see what the area looks like first.
this is above my head at the moment, but will save for future reference.
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Hey NWArkies! I wish I could have got everything at once, but I had to be pretty creative to just get the basic unit for now. In a week or so I'll order my Zagg screen protector, power kit and map library from Delorme for $30 a year. I know I'm very happy with mine and I haven't even scraped the surface yet on it's potential. For the basic stuff like loading some state road maps into your unit, loading a PQ and having it route you out to a cache it's all straight forward and easy to do so you can start playing, err make that testing, right away. From looking at this thread I'd say there are at least 3 or 4 of us that are going to be having a real fun time playing, um make that learning with our GPSrs. Congrats on your purchase. Hopefully the postman or whoever is bringing it won't keep you waiting to long! It will be interesting to see what your first impressions of this unit is. Have a great week! Robert
See that? That's what I looked like opening the box yesterday and it will probably be pretty accurate for all of us new PN owners. 
It takes time to get all the "gadgets" as my husband calls them. I had been saving some money since Fathers Day -- this is his gift but it's taken us that long to decide which one we wanted. I tried to change shipping but they had already shipped it. It says delivery estimated August 31
, but I really think it will be sooner. It was shipped on Friday evening from KY, unless they sent by slow snail mail. usually it works out pretty fast. Regardless, I will be opening the box with same expression . It's a shame we live so far apart. We could learn together. Can't wait to try it out when we are on Vacation the week after Labor Day. Keep us posted on your learning progress. email is debe_777@yahoo.com if you want to not load down this thread. -
Well my PN-40 arrived yesterday. Unfortunately I haven't had as much time to play with it as I'd have liked, but so far it's gotten me to a cache's ground zero (I loaded a PQ into it and then started with letting it route me as close as possible with the car and then switched over to finishing it off in the hiking mode, I did end up with a DNF but that's my fault I'm sure since I am not really good at finding caches, I do enjoy the hunt though even if it ends in a DNF). Oh, and I've got 6 states loaded into it. That's what I've managed to accomplish without the cracking the owners manual.
I seem to be at a standstill of what I can do without any help beyond this point so it's now time to spend some quality time with the owners manual and the resources you folks have provided. My first impression of the PN-40 at this point is even if I don't learn anything else I'm real happy with it. To be able to go out into the field and see the cache description is worth the money I'm spending on the upgrade. Since this is only a first impression my final feelings on this unit may change. However, I really would be shocked if I turned out not liking it since the first impression is so favorable. Again, thanks to all the resident experts for sharing your knowledge with us and thank you to the OP for this thread since I am finding it very useful. Happy caching everybody! [
] P.S. On the very slightly negative side (note I said very slightly negative meaning it's only mentioned as an after thought and not as a real concern) what I've read is true and these units do go through the batteries pretty fast (like only lasting around 8 hours which although less than say my old Vista HCx it's still plenty good enough for my needs). Does that worry me? Heck no, I'll gladly carry a couple extra batteries with me if that's what it takes to keep this nice little GPSr going. Maybe I'll change my mind later on since all this is just a first impression, but I doubt it. [
]I have Sunday off, if you're around?? Maybe we can meet somewhere. If not, shoot me some questions and I'll answer what I can!! As for batteries, if you're going to be in your car for a part of the day, the power kit really is worth the money! The battery only lasts about 7-8 hours non-stop, but plugging in between caches, plugging in when driving long distances etc...I use mine all the time! Plus, it lights the screen to full power for best viewing!
CONGRATS, my friend!
I went ahead and ordered the power kit when I ordered mine. It's enroute -- can't wait to get everything
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Well I couldn't take it anymore and I did some creative accounting and found a way to get a PN-40 bought from Amazon.com today. Amazon had it for $298 and Saturday next day delivery for $7 extra. I didn't feel too bad about splurging for $7 next day Saturday delivery since by buying it online I saved $18 in state sales tax. I guess my next step is to get moving and find a buyer for my Garmin Vista HCx that I no longer need (that will help offset some of what I spent a few hours ago). Thanks to everybody who's participating in this thread. There's lots I don't understand, but I'm sure once I get my PN-40 in my hands and can see for myself what you folks are referring to then I'll understand better.
Hey Rod. I'll probably be contacting you in a about a week so I can see if we can get together so you can give me some pointers since I learn best by hands on instruction.
Congrats to all the new PN owners. I think there's about 3 or 4 of us here on this one forum thread. Tomorrow is going to be a very long day for me waiting for the Fed Ex man to show up and drop off my new toy! I'm sure it's going to be the longest day I've had in a long long time!!!!
Happy caching everybody!Now I'm jealous. I settled for standard delivery. Wonder if I can contact them and change that?
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I did mistype some info above in regards to the reader though. The PQ's get transferred to the unit when the card is in the unit, not via the card reader.Thanks alot. I plan on ordering mine tonight. In your reply, I learned something new (guess I'm tech challeneged to say the least). I have a card reader but didn't realize I could downlowd to card. Excited.Just to make sure everything is clear - the SD card has nothing to do with caches & waypoints. Caches & waypoints always go to the built-in "system" memory.
got it!
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Absolutely NOT!!!! I just bought one and it arrived this afternoonLike to throw additional thought -- is the PN40 really that hard to learn? I currently have the very basic Garmin Etrex.
Literally, within 20 minutes of opening the box I could have gotten in the car with it and gone caching. That is with loading my maps and my caches. Granted I did some prep before it arrived - bought premium membership and cache register. Ran a couple PQ's and had them loaded into the CR ready to go, and I read through the wiki a little. After arrival I put my SD card in a card reader and transferred the caches to it. I then put in the Eastern Region disk and followed their easy walkthrough to load the areas around my residence to the card. Put the card in the PN-40, put in the batteries and started it up. I went through the menus and put the Geocache page on the main scroll pages so they are always available a little easier. Went to the page and loaded up a nearby cache, and I had the PN-40 route me to it. Just before arrival, I hit the menu button, changed driving routing to hiking routing (it unsnaps from the road?) and followed the arrow to GZ
What you read and hear as far as a steep learning curve has nothing to do with using this unit for geocaching. It has to do with the Topo DVD and using that software. This disk is separate from the 3 DVD's that you use to put the maps on the PN-XX. I'm not sure of the full usage of Topo8 but it allows you to create custom routes and map out your tracks etc... It's the next step of using the GPSr, but is not needed for normal caching.
I will be doing a full write up of my first day in this thread in a little while.
Thanks alot. I plan on ordering mine tonight. In your reply, I learned something new (guess I'm tech challeneged to say the least). I have a card reader but didn't realize I could downlowd to card. Excited.
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I really appreciate your post and anxious for Part 2 as well. I think you have helped me decide on which gps to order. Thanks so much.
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This spring, I set the point for the accuracy skills challenge at our Spring Fling. I went out 2 weeks ahead of time and buried an iron pin in a spot with ideal conditions. I drove it in the ground about 3" deep. I set up over it with a survey grade static GPS, L1 & L2 and Glonass receiver, and observed satellites for 2 hours. Then I post processed the data with OPUS. My results showed peak to peak of 3 cm, and ambiguities were 98% resolved. This is tight as a gnat's a**. Far tighter than the thousandth of a second (3 digits after the decimal) that we put into our handhelds.
The day of the event, about 70 people set a pinflag where they thought ground zero was. My handheld came within 3 feet. The best was 10" away and the worst was 11.7 feet.
That's with Delorme, Garmin, and Magellan. That was impressive to see this cloud of flags in an ellipsoid shape around the pin when I got out my pinfinder and dug it up.
Were any of the models PN40 or Oregon 400t? If so which performed best?
leaning toward PN40
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If this thread makes anyone to have the urge to sell there PN-40 and get something else, Let me know. I'll be in the market for a PN-40 in the next week or so.
Are you aware that there are a limited number of the PN-40SE models made available again?
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtd...p;section=10461
They are available only through DeLorme and I think that there is a $125 discount to the price shown in the link.
Thanks so much. This has really helped making a decision.
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Like to throw additional thought -- is the PN40 really that hard to learn? I currently have the very basic Garmin Etrex.
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Will all paperless gps units accept field notes?
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Very interesting unit, looking forward to reading some reviews about it. I wonder if the touchscreen is going to cause direct sun readability issues? I'm guessing yes, since most touchscreens have that problem (both my car units, my PDA, and the Garmin Oregon, to name a few), but who knows, maybe they found a way to lessen the issue? Looks like a nice form-factor, just a touch smaller than the PN-40, but a little bigger screen. If I had the money, I might think about adding another handheld to the stable!
their touchscreen looks different than Oregon/colorado. It looks more like units PN40 and 60CSX
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Since we just started and not sure if this will be a long lasting sport for us, I was a bit hesitant on spending big bucks and was looking in the $150 range. After A LOT of reading it looks like the breaking areas are the $140 Venture in the entry area and then the CO or OR for the more "advanced" cachers. I don't think I could justify ~$400 at this point (5 caches found with a borrowed etrex H). If after trying this for a year or so I find that we thoroughly enjoy it and it will be a lifelong thing for us, then I may go for the upper end, and either sell the Vista or keep it for a backup.Not trying to sway you away from any one unit, but can I ask why you're going with the Vista? I know you said paperless isn't a concern, but I do hate to see someone make a purchase only to want to upgrade a month or so later...upgrading after the fact is costly since you now have bought two units! Make sure you've mulled over your options well and go with what you think will make you happiest with the money you can spare, that's my best advice!
What unit did you have in mind, was it the CO or OR?
believe me, you will probably be hooked after a few more finds. go ahead with a paperless model. You wont' regret it. You can always sell it on ebay if you decide you don't like the sport.
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You don't know what you're missing. And if $30 a year will break your bugdet, I don't know how you pay for your boat, your computer, your internet connection, or your $200 GPS ...... I don't need the membership because all I want is the .Loc file...
Yes but you don't NEED membership to get the job done. I've gotten around just fine without paying membership. I can download all of the caches I need to my Oregon (yeah the cache size and description isn't there, but thats what I do research beforehand for).
As of right now there isn't enough incentive to pay the extra fee. Geocaching.com isn't giving me enough for the money AFAIK. I'm not a paperless fiend, all I need is the waypoint in my GPS and maybe a little title for it that states what the name of it is. I'm not out looking for 500 geocaches a day, so I don't need the GPS to hold the kitchen sink for me of information.
Thats just my opinion though. If Geocaching.com started offering more incentives (maybe free t-shirt and a starter cache container for first time members) I would be willing to pay. But right now, its like trying to sell me a car just because it has 4 cupholders instead of 2.
So you're saying you have one of the top-of-the-line GPS units but no PM? Isn't that something like buying the best race car you can get your hands on, but only putting regular unleaded in it? Sure the gas makes it go, but it just sputters along like a cheapo car... (sorry, couldn't think of a better analogy this early today lol). OK, that's like paying for first class and then sitting in coach! That's like paying for the movie and leaving after the trailers. That's like....
Isn't the reason to own a unit that does paperless caching is so you can actually utilize that feature?? I don't search for 500 caches a day either, I hardly search for 1 cache a week at this point...BUT, should I have the urge in the middle of a nice afternoon while sitting here at my computer, I can just pick up my unit and head out since the info is there already. When I come home, I'm not tied to my computer again logging the one or five or ten finds, I upload via field notes and they simply wait in queue for me to finish the process...no need to worry if I lost the notes or anything, it's there waiting for me!
And, shame on you for thinking GC owes you more...just the listing service itself is worth the $30 a year (IMHO) and I'm about as cheap as they come! When I first started and owned a Garmin Etrex, you couldn't give me a membership, but I quickly realized that loading each cache by hand, writing down the notes (which were usually nothing more than size diff/terr, hint and name/GC #, but still took awhile to get written down) and then having to rely on them as well as the co-pilot (to keep track of the notes and to mark the RIGHT cache as found or DNFd or whatever...and then there's the bugs).
To each their own, but to me, a $30 a year expenditure here is money well spent! I mean, would you pay top dollar for a hi-def TV and then hook it up to an antenna??
I agree - exactly. I have PM and I am still using very basic gps, but getting ready to upgrade and can't wait to load a bunch just in case we want to go caching.
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I would love to see a comparison myself.
I currently have an Oregon 200, Colorado 300 and have used a PN-40. What do you want to see and know?
which do you perfer? Oregon touchscreen or PN40?
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I have spent the last few days reading the threads on the pn 40. I couldn't help myself and ordered one today to be delivered tomorrow. Heading out to the Colorado River this weekend from Los Angeles and I'm looking forward to playing with it all weekend long. I wanted to thank all of you for all the great advise. I will try to have all the PQ's ready for its arrival. I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions and I'm glad you're all here to help.
Very anxious to hear how you like it as we are also shopping for new gps. Need to make decision soon as we have a trip the week after Labor Day.
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Where did you order yours from? Nice to see places are finally getting the new Enduras! Someone mentioned yesterday Bass Pro Shops are starting to stock their shelves with them now.
When you get it take it outside ASAP & tell us how readable the screen is in various lighting conditions! "Outdoor visible touchscreens" are apparently a difficult product for manufactureres to create
Bass Pro Shops have them in stock for $349.
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I'm still shopping for new gps but need to make decision so to have in time for the week after Labor Day. I want paperless caching for sure. Looking at the above mentioned, PN40 and Oregon 300, 400t,550t
Anxious to see responses. Thanks so much.
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I would really not consider either of those units a paperless unit. Sure there is some multistep process to get the info over to the unit spread across multiple POi points per cache but not fully paperless like the Colorado or Oregon units.
Of the 2 - the clear winner is the 60CSx - but it just doesn't meet all your criteria.
Might look into a Lowrance Endura Out&back unit - brand new but I have one and thus far (despite a few quirks) it is working rather well.
The only paperless unit that fits the OPs criteria is clearly the PN-20.
Rockin Roddy,
have you had a chance to "test" the new lowrance endura? I'm leaning towards the PN-30 but sure like the screen size of the Endura. I've been using my mag.exp 600 for quite a while and have been used to the small screen size like the PN-30. But, it sure would be nice to have the larger screen of the Endura-if it can "matchup" similar to the PN-30.
thanks
Sorry, no. I wish I could afford to go out and test it, just not an option for me at this time! You might post a new thread asking about a comparison between the two though, I would bet some have used the Endura!
I haven't heard a lot about the Endura which is probably a good thing since most people complain more than praise...if you know what I mean!!As to screen size, I have used the OR 300 for a little more than a week and I must say, the smaller screen of the PN-40 (which I also own at this time...the OR is going back) really isn't an issue for me and I didn't really even notice a benefit when using the OR...the size difference isn't all that much...IMHO!
we looked at Endura over weekend and it seemed really nice, but they switched to the smaller sd card and don't have maps available as yet -- there's some question on how long it will be before you can purchase maps.
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I would really not consider either of those units a paperless unit. Sure there is some multistep process to get the info over to the unit spread across multiple POi points per cache but not fully paperless like the Colorado or Oregon units.
Of the 2 - the clear winner is the 60CSx - but it just doesn't meet all your criteria.
Might look into a Lowrance Endura Out&back unit - brand new but I have one and thus far (despite a few quirks) it is working rather well.
Looked at Lowrance Endura yesterday but map cards aren't due out for a while. Are you downloading maps from another website? I've been looking for reviews on previous Lowrance models but haven't located yet.
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Exactly what he said ^^
Reconsider the PM decision once you get more comfortable with the unit.. severely hamstringing yourself without PQs.
I haven't been a member of the PM very long, and haven't used it's benefits, but will as soon as I upgrade my gps unit soonnnnnnnnnnnn. Still shopping and hope to make decision soon so we get it back in time for Labor Day trip. Bottom line....I love the membership
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for TB tags i have found some great deals on ebay and they are cheaper than the Groundspeak store, you just to look & price out for shipping, etc...
IMO
I would much rather support GS with my money.
I agree.
, but I really think it will be sooner. It was shipped on Friday evening from KY, unless they sent by slow snail mail. usually it works out pretty fast. Regardless, I will be opening the box with same expression 
I haven't heard a lot about the Endura which is probably a good thing since most people complain more than praise...if you know what I mean!!
PN-40 (PN-30) and getting started!
in GPS technology and devices
Posted
Sorry it has taken so long, but we've been out of town. The listing for Lake Cache GC11AZH
Also, we had some issues with compass over this past week -- Explain the compass screen for me -- on the downloaded caches, there were two compass points (one black, one colored). When we found one we needed to manually download waypoint....it wouldn't route for us and there was only one compass bearing arrow. Why is that? thanks