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embra

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Everything posted by embra

  1. I know this is an old thread, but it seemed like a good place to report that I just received one of these emails unexpectedly. The IP address is in Germany (I'm in the US).
  2. Here's the link to the 2.8 firmware page
  3. It sounds as if the cache file has become corrupted. You've attempted the first approach--trying to clean up the file; the next thing I'd try is deleting the file and loading a new one. (That's a PITA if you're loading caches one-by-one, but not too onerous if you are using pocket queries.) Edit: after I posted, I re-read your post and saw you did specify you loaded one-by-one. If you are intent on trying to save the file, I'm not sure of what would work best. I'd be inclined to run the file through the Topo8 or Topo9 (whatever you're using) to see if you can clean up the file on the desktop, and then re-load it to the GPS.
  4. Well, I raised the question and Chip answered in the comments at this post:
  5. Lee, it's not entirely clear to me how much the inReach tells you, but it does sound like it has position data in there. I'm presuming it will behave similar to the SPOT Communicator in that it can transmit position data to others, but it has no means of displaying data to the user and very limited means of inputting data on its own . The Android and/or PN60w seem to function as extended input and display devices. If paired with a PN-60w, I would expect the inReach to defer to the GPS data of the PN-60w as the SPOT Communicator does. Maybe the same thing happens with the Android partner, but maybe it passes the position data over. At any rate, you raise a good question. I'll mention for anyone not clicking through, the two big deals I see with the inReach is (1) it allows for 2-way communication (you can get confirmation of transmitted signals), and (2) it handles up to 160 characters per message (compare to 40 on the SPOT Communicator). Chip mentioned in the comments that an two inReach users can communicate with each other anywhere in the world
  6. This is a question frequently posed, with the responses above typically offered. It looks like the new answer might be the Garmin Montana: paperless geocaching support with triaxial compass, 4" screen, spoken turn-by-turn directions. It appears the downside will be more heft.
  7. Timely question: Rich Owings just posted his review of the 310.
  8. My 2 cents: I regard the DeLorme cautions as CYA language to absolve them of warranty repairs for using a destructive battery. It is possible that one could insert something that provides a voltage out of spec that could fry the circuitry...but if you're prudent in your shopping, it's unlikely that you'll encounter problems. I, too, have used other batteries with no ill effects. Even the DeLorme R-CRV3 is a tighter fit than standard AA's, and there was at least one R-CRV3 market a couple years ago that simply wouldn't fit. Most R-CRV3's should work, though. One thing that *won't* work if you get something other than the DeLorme battery is that the power remaining readout will not be reliable. That value is calculated from matching the voltage of the battery against a know discharge curve for that battery. So, for example, my CabBat will yield a 100% value for the whole discharge cycle save for the last 5 minutes or so, at which time the value plummets. It has a different discharge curve than the DeLorme battery, so it can't give a reasonably accurate estimate. I really like the long life of the CabBat. But it is on the pricey side.
  9. Today's GPS devices should get you within a circle that has perhaps a 10 to 15 foot radius. Sometimes it will be better, other times worse. A "large residential lot" sounds not so hot. But the usual practice is when your GPS says you're at ground zero, put it down and start looking in likely places. The Nuvi is a fine automobile GPS, but most Nuvi models do not lend themselves as well to geocaching as the handheld devices. If you can input coordinates, though, it can be used (and I would think be as accurate as most other GPS devices). What model do you have? I'm also wondering if it is affected by trying to stick it's location to the nearest street in its map database. I'm not familiar with Nuvi use in geocaching, but I suspect you have to put it in pedestrian mode. Edit to add: Oh! Asked twice...now I see why no responses to this one.
  10. Since fizzy brought up this point, I'll add a couple of comments that may be relevant for your use: You had mentioned thinking about turning the device on every 30 minutes to record a position. The PN-60 has a power-saving mode, wherein it will put itself into a low-power consumption state but "wake up" every minute to record a trackpoint, then return to its sleep mode. A set of batteries can give up to 40 hours of runtime in this mode. You lose the compatibility with the free Garmin-format maps you cited, but the PN-60 comes with topo maps for North America bundled in the package.
  11. Sounds like you're squared away. I thought I'd just comment that while the gpx files can be placed directly in the PN-60 (or on the SD card) that there's an advantage in doing it like you do in Topo9 or using CacheRegister (or GSAK, for that matter). Either of those applications will combine the two gpx files for each pocket query into a single file on the GPS, so you can have caches and their child waypoints open at the same time.
  12. One thing to bear in mind is that the power readout on the PN is a loose approximation. For the DeLorme battery, it can give you a general idea if you have a lot of power remaining or just a little. Even when these batteries are completely topped off, you will probably see 80% for only a brief time before it drops to 70%. The more important statistic is just how long it lasts for you. Typical range is about 4 to 7 hours, while some might see up to 8 or 9. It seems to be the luck of the draw. An external charger *does* seem to charge it more than charging in the PN, but I don't recall the difference as substantial. If by "normal AA batteries" you mean alkalines, that is a bit weird. Usually alkalines are the worst. The Cabat is a great battery. It is a bit pricey, but I, too, feel it's worth the money. They have an email contact on the web site for those who want to find out if they can ship outside the USA or not.
  13. There are international maps now available for the PN series. (Read about it here) The cost is a penny per 100 sq km, with a $10 minimum. They are topo maps that include main highways but *not* detailed streets, and I don't think they are routable streets. So it depends on what you require as to whether they would meet your needs. A comment on the long sorting times noted above: I am under an impression that it tends to bog down as described with larger files, but I just tried a 500-cache PQ. It took 30 seconds to load it into active memory from the SD card, but once there it sorts in 3 seconds. If you can get into REI to look at the screen, that might be the best thing to do. I'm happy enough with it, but coming of the Oregon it might seem pretty small. It is a very readable screen, which helps make up for the smaller size.
  14. Looks like a pretty spiffy device...I'm enjoying the SPOT Communicator paired with my PN-60w. I did receive a tweet from Rich Owings today noting that Spot has had to push their release date back again. So it may be yet a little while before they're available.
  15. One thing to watch out for: DeLorme sells one version that does not have the GPS interface in the software; another that does. If you end up with the version without, it won't do you much good (although you might be able to call DeLorme and arrange an exchange). There's no price difference between the two. I think that--when buying from DeLorme--they assume a standalone Topo purchase is for non-GPS use unless the customer otherwise specifies.
  16. This was a phenomenon on the original Explorist devices (I had a 500). The odometer was always short; I got used to checking the length of the recorded track--as it was being recorded--if I wanted to know a more accurate number. It seemed like the track was usually spot on, as best I could tell. Of course, these were entirely different devices from the Explorist GC, so I don't know whether my recollection has any relevancy or not.
  17. Yes, that might work for you...although it's a bit of a PITA to have to take the card out frequently. One tip: be very gentle removing and reinstalling the SD card. The holder is easily unhinged if you push it too hard in the wrong way. Once you understand how it works and remember to treat it gingerly, you shouldn't have any problem. But many of us have learned stepping outside the envelope.
  18. We might have to wait to see when you have it in hand just what you're working with. If necessary, there's a firmware download that includes the basemap, so that wouldn't cost you anything extra. The topo maps are nice to have, because they are vectorized (memory efficient) and allow street routing...plus, it's nice to have the computer software to work with for planning excursions. The $29 annual map subscription would allow you to download as much rasterized imagery as you would desire; you keep the maps even after the subscription expires. The CacheRegister download is free, and can handle transferring your pocket queries to the device.
  19. The free maps are a no-go on the PNs. Topo8 or Topo9 are not essential, but they are pretty helpful. The Mac users limp along transferring the pre-cut detail topo maps from the DVDs that come with Topo and getting subscription maps from the DeLorme online map center. Do you have any detail maps on the device at all? It should have a base map installed, but are you able see any streets beyond major highways if you zoom in?
  20. Are you using CacheRegister or the TopoUSA software to upload your gpx file? And if TopoUSA, which version?
  21. You probably ought to try both CacheRegister 2.0 and TopoNA9 to see which you prefer for your cache data management (but don't use them *both*; both programs get confused if they are trying to sync your cache data when the other program has placed cache files on the device. It's best to delete cache files from the device before switching from loading caches in one program to loading them from the other.) I *think* that people who use GSAK usually run them through T9 so they can have T9 upload field notes...but not using GSAK at the moment, I'm not sure of that. My preference is to manage caches through CacheRegister because, well, it does it well and it does it quickly. OTOH I still like to load caches into T9 (but not sync them) so I can see them displayed on the map and plan cache runs. Lots of people prefer to do it all in T9. On the Map Files tab in T9, you can set up the program to automatically download and new pocket queries that T9 locates (it sounds like you found that out already).
  22. Maybe a relevant question is which version of Topo you have...Topo8 or Topo9? If 9, you may as well upgrade to the 2.8. But if you have an older version (I'm suspecting you do, because Topo9 would have offered you the firmware upgrade when you Sync), then there are reasons to stay with the 2.7 (although some do go on to the 2.8 anyway).
  23. IMO Garmin set themselves up for this kind of complaint by using the ambiguous term "lifetime." Users have one thing in mind, the company has something else, and when expectations are not met disappointment is sure to result. It seems like if they said "until this product is no longer actively marketed" or some such language that customers would know better what they are getting into. Doesn't that appear to be Garmin's actual intent? Maybe I'm wrong on that.
  24. I can help out with the manual; check here. Yes, you can have multiple waypoint/geocache files on the SD card (and internal memory, too, if you want). You will need either the 2.7 or 2.8 firmware for that...what are you showing as installed right now? (If I remember right you get to that information with Menu/Setting/About.) To discontinue a route, I think you need to hit Menu/Route Options/Stop Navigating. You can also power off and back on. (My uncertainty with directions is due to the fact that I don't have my PN-40 anymore, and I have to rely on memory.)
  25. You got yourself a Deal! Enjoy (and when you have questions come up, check in at the Delorme Users Forum).
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