ProTrkDvr

I just bought an Earthmate PN-30 (a 40 w/out the altimeter/compass), and all of the software is extremely easy to use, load, and pull up on the unit. And the interface with my laptop is about as seemless as you can want. My $.02.

Hello, You don't know me but I am "The voice of reason". Please, sir. When you make your geocaches to hide, please read the guidelines - twice. Also, could you please make sure your geocache containers are 100% waterproof? I realize you are new, and full of enthusiasm. I was like you once. My first cache hide wasn't a good experience because I hadn't experienced enough caches to understand: How easily they are muggled (stolen, removed, broken, etc) How easily they are lost How wet caches with bad seals can get How much damage can be cause by cache seekers How many people don't want caches near their property and much more. Please take a moment to think of what CAN go wrong because you have placed the cache. Cache ownership can be a wonderful thing but it can just as easily be a pain. A good cache will give you lots of joy but a poorly designed cache (hide) can give you lots of grief. Good luck and happy caching. The less a man thinks or knows about his virtues the better we like him. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

OT I hope that the geocoin was a gift and not a trackable that's supposed to move along Es ist gut, wir haben Genies über uns wachen Idioten. Spott ist die Hommage an den Genius von der Mittelmäßigkeit zu zahlen.

I just started (Santa brought me a GPSr for Christmas). I was geeked to get a new posting. Went out at 11pm and looked until 1am (two flashlights died). Went back out @ daylight, and got my first FTF on my 12th find on New Years Day. Hours before number two found it. Geocoin is at my nightstand. Says something for the newbie excitement -VS- jaded (no offense) olde-timers. If I can keep that feeling as long as I hunt for caches, I anticipate a long, enjoyable hobby. Jeff

First of all, thanks for all the help. I am thinking DeLorme is worried about overcharging being a possibility using an in-car charger. That is why they use a low mAh battery. From what I read so far. As long as I use a branded battery, and a good quality charger. Just about anything goes. If I want to use the car charger or AC charger, hooked up to my GPSr, use the OEM kit. Once again, thanks for all those who posted.

THATS the ticket I was looking for....When shopping for rechargables then, how do you identify 'protected' from 'unprotected'? Also, from some of the forums I read, the charger also makes a big difference. Some will go to trickle charge after charging is complete. I'll assume (Hate that word), this also prevents 'explosions'?

"Santa" brought me a DeLorme Earthmate PN-30. So far, it seems to be a good unit. You can read the screen in bright daylight. I wish my cell had this great of a screen!

Congrats! I was two for three myself. Probably would've done better, but spent two hours looking for my first one. As my wife says: "I'm like a dog with a bone, won't let go of it". I'm going back today (with the whole family) and offering a bribe to whoever finds it, lol. Next step is kidnapping the owner, j/k. Anyways, good job, from one newbie to another!

It doesn't fit all units. Should fit the PN-40 though. I don't think it will work on the Garmins. The rechargables are 3.7V I believe. Not sure if it would damage your equipment if it is not specifically designed to use them. Wikipedia article : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CR-V3_battery I have seen them go as high as 2300mAh. I thought as long as I stayed @ the 1300mAh (the same as OEM) it would be safe (as far as rechargeables go). And don't "regular" batteries voltage (pressure) start out higher than 3, and that's what make them last in high drainage devices? Safe, as in........? Not exceeding the OEM specs (they use a 1300mAh rechargeable in the charging kit they sell). I am open to ALL suggestions. Thanks.

The only reason is that is what the OEM uses. A long with the usual "explosion" warning if non-OEM parts are used. I am a newbie, and I really don't want to mess up my unit. I am open to ALL suggestions! Thanks.

It doesn't fit all units. Should fit the PN-40 though. I don't think it will work on the Garmins. The rechargables are 3.7V I believe. Not sure if it would damage your equipment if it is not specifically designed to use them. Wikipedia article : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CR-V3_battery I have seen them go as high as 2300mAh. I thought as long as I stayed @ the 1300mAh (the same as OEM) it would be safe (as far as rechargeables go). And don't "regular" batteries voltage (pressure) start out higher than 3, and that's what make them last in high drainage devices?

Eight years USAF, from '80 to '88, at Offutt AFB. Was assigned to the 544th Strategic Intelligence Wing , HQ Strategic Air Command (more brass than in a marching band). Also did a year in Iraq as a Heavy Truck Driver, doing Tactical Resupply Missions for the Marines (Hoo Rah) , during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Has anyone tried using CR-V3's instead of 2 AA's? I have seen great deals on them. Same voltage (three) and 1300mAh. I Googled it and found rechargeables with a Car and AC charger for under $30! These specs are the same as OEM (DeLorme). Your thoughts are appreciated. ProTrkDvr

Err, perhaps you mean 10,000? Anyway, congratulations on starting into this fascinating hobby! Before you know it you'll be solving puzzles and placing your own caches as well. It's all fun! Hey, hey, hey 10,000? That's too many digits...I need four to count with, one to hit the DNF button.

Found my first two caches today! Good job me! LOL. However, these were after two hours spent looking for my first. Had to quit after my cell battery was going dead. Note to self: Bring Car Charger. Putting triple anti-bacterial on all the scratches. Second note to self: Don't Wear Ankle Socks When Geocaching. Back hurts from constantly bending over tying shoes after thorns grabbed them. Third note to self: Double Tie Shoelaces. Could not eat my snacks, due to filthy hands digging around for that @#*$ #&%^ first cache, that I never did find. Final note to self: Bring Wet Wipes. Overall, a productive day (I think). Just Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred, Ninety-Eight to go until I reach 1,000!

I am getting my first GPSr for Christmas and i am looking for someone in Calhoun, GA to help me set up a Delorme Earthmate PN-30. And to give me some practical hints in Geocaching. Also someone who is planning on going to the GGA January meeting. Thanks.