The Earthmate PN-30 is a high-sensitivity, high-performance, bright-color-screen handheld GPS that offers an unrivaled selection of display options including up-to-date DeLorme Topo USA topographic maps; color aerial imagery, USGS 7.5-min. topographic quad maps, and NOAA nautical charts.  A high-sensitivity, high-performance, bright-color-screen handheld GPS that offers an unrivaled selection of display options. Click to enlarge. | With its 32-channel STMicroelectronics Cartesio chipset and DeLorme ConstantLock technology, the PN-30 acquires satellite signals quickly and retains them in the most challenging GPS environments. Map and imagery displays are lightning-quick thanks to a powerful dual-core processor. The on-board base map includes major highways and thoroughfares worldwide plus secondary and connector roads in the U.S. Detailed U.S.street and topo maps can be selected from the Topo USA software, which is included in the Earthmate PN-30 bundle. The PN-30 holds up to 1,000 user-defined waypoints, 50 routes, and 10 tracks. All can be easily received from or sent to the Topo USA software. The device displays both road and trail routes automatically generated using Topo USA. Road routes and direct (point-to-point) routes also can be generated on the PN-30. Available onboard Flash memory totals 500 MB and the PN-30 also supports high-capacity SD cards (SDHC) up to 32 GB. The 65K-color daylight-readable TFT screen provides clarity in any light conditions including direct sunlight. The PN-30 is WAAS-enabled, waterproof to IPX-7 standards, comes in a rugged, impact-resistant rubberized case, and weighs just over five oz. GPS for All your Favorite Activities Serious Performance
- Blazing-fast, high-sensitivity 32-channel STMicroelectronics Cartesio chipset
- Dual-core processor for instantaneous map and satellite imagery redraws, even with large aerial imagery files and multiple maps layers
- 360-degree raster rotation sets the PN-30 apart from other common GPS handhelds. With a 360-degree rotation road, building, and other images really are on your left or right as you look at the map and walk, bike or drive
- WAAS-enabled for accuracy within 3 meters
- Supports SDHC high-capacity SD cards (up to 32 GB) for fast and direct map transfer from the included maps discs
Serious Maps
- Included. Comes with four discs containing detailed hybrid 1:100k topographic and street maps of the entire USA, highways and streets for Canada and major roads for Mexico. You do not need anything else to hike, geocache, or navigate the backcountry. It's all in the box.
- Also Included: Sample Certificate. A $40 certificate is included for downloading sample supplementary datasets. Take a "test drive" with any of the supplementary datasets DeLorme offers: high-resolution aerial imagery, USGS 7.5-Minute Quad Map, NOAA Nautical Charts, and more.
- And for only $29.95. Subscribe to the DeLorme Map Library. Get all the USGS Quads, NOAA nautical charts and high-resolution color aerial imagery to layer with your topo and street maps. No hidden charges.
- DeLorme Map Library on Amazon.com.
Serious Tough
- The PN-30 is waterproof to the IEC 529 IPX7 standard
- Designed to function in high-humidity environments, including consistent humidity levels over 90%, and in the rain
- The PN-30 has been rigorously tested to function in high-vibration conditions such as off-road driving
- Operating temperature range for the PN-30 is -20 degrees C to degrees C. The PN-30 should function in extreme cold as well as rapidly-changing temperature environments
Serious Value
- No one else offers COMPLETE U.S. hybrid, routable Topographic and Street maps WITH your initial purchase
- In addition, subscribe to the DeLorme Map Library of downloads for all the USGS 7.5-minute Quads, NOAA nautical charts, and Hi-Resolution Aerial Imagery you want. All downloads are accessed through the NetLink tab of your DeLorme software
Serious Quality, Service & Support
- Renowned DeLorme-Quality Maps
- Quality Geospatial Engineering
- Quality Hardware Engineering
- Quality U.S.-Based Customer Service
- Quality U.S.-Based Technical Support and Open Online GPS User Forms
What Else Should I Know? High-Performance Technology
Features STMicroelectronics Cartesio chipset and updated DeLorme firmware for amazing signal acquisition and retention, map scrolling and redraw--even with multiple layers of imagery, topo and street maps. Multiple Views of the Same GPS Location
On-device data layering lets you select which map or imagery type to see of your GPS location. Switch among data types to gain a comprehensive view of where you are--it's revolutionary and provides a whole new level of geographic detail. Bright Color Screen
Works in bright sunlight to total darkness. Sharp brand screen featuring the latest transflective screen technologies to maximize visibility under a variety of lighting conditions. Rugged and Waterproof
Conforms to IPX-7 waterproof standard with impact-resistant rubberized housing for a solid grip. Concealed battery compartment with SD card slot. Easy Exchange of Maps, Tracks, and Waypoints
Exchange routes, tracks and waypoints between the GPS and Topo USA (two-way transfers). Extensive On-Device Memory
500 MB of available internal flash memory in addition to the pre-loaded world base map. Holds up to ten tracks (10,000 points per track); 1,000 user-defined waypoints; and 50 routes. SD slot also available.
The DeLorme World Base Reference Map
- Preloaded on the Earthmate GPS PN series
- High-level map includes country borders, highways & major roads
- Displays interstates and major highways at scales of 500 miles to 8 miles
- Created by DeLorme's professional cartographers
A Comprehensive Selection of Supplemental U.S. Dataset Downloads
Provides users of both Earthmate PN-Series GPS receivers and Topo USA 8.0 software with a full year's worth of unlimited access to the online DeLorme Map Library. Includes unrivaled choices for supplemental maps and imagery. Each adds value by showing specific types of detail. 
Map, Imagery and Chart Types Available with the Map Library
USGS 7.5-Minute Quad Maps
- Download through the Topo USA NetLink tab--Use your FREE Data Download Dollars
- Transfer from Topo USA to your PN-30, as needed
- The authentic scanned USGS 7.5-minute paper quad maps
- Show roads, trails, buildings, large natural landmarks & other unique features
Wide-ranging USGS quad detail  Geocaching  Hiking in Yellowstone  | NOAA Nautical Charts
- The complete set of U.S. waterway available, including the Great Lakes, Alaska, and Hawaii
- Include numerous aids to navigation, water depths, water body names, hazards, and more
- Great for taking along on boating trips, island explorations, and trips ashore
Getting to a fishing spot  Navigating in a Harbor  Following a Route  | High-Resolution Color Aerial Imagery
- Available for many U.S. States and select U.S. Cities
- Detailed, color, aerial imagery
- Provide a unique aerial perspective, ideal in off-the-beaten-path environments
- Show roads, trails, buildings, large natural landmarks & other unique features
Locating Geocaches  Navigating a Route on Water  On-the-job usage  | Sat-10 Color Satellite Imagery
- 10-meter colorized satellite imagery for viewing large geographic areas
- Provides high-level views of vegetation, topography, and large, visible geologic formations on the Earth's surface
- Natural color satellite imagery derived from merging SPOT 10m panchromatic & Landsat 30m multi-spectral scenes
Plotting a course to Beaufort, NC  Search and rescue coordination  New Orleans emergency shelters  | B&W Aerial Imagery
- Detailed, black & white, aerial imagery
- Provide a unique aerial perspective, ideal in off-the-beaten-path environments
- View logging & 4WD roads, bodies of water, and other natural features from above
Caesar's Palace Waypoint  Utah trail and plotted waypoints  Full-screen detail  |
The Device Setup Page The Device Setup Page options let you modify the default settings on the Earthmate GPS PN-30 such as the battery type, backlight settings, and more. System Settings
Use to update GPS settings, WAAS status, battery type, and/or USB power setting. Display Settings
Use to update the device's color scheme, backlight intensity, and/or backlight timer. Connect to Computer
Use these settings to change the USB transfer options when sending maps to the PN-30. You can choose to send maps and imagery to the PN-30's internal memory or to an SD card within the SD slot. Please note: waypoints, routes, and tracks can only be sent to the internal memory. Sound Settings
Use to modify the device's button press sound, message sound, power sound, turn alert sound, and/or volume of all sounds. Time Settings
Use to modify the device's time format, time zone, and/or Daylight-Saving Time preferences. Units Settings
Use to modify the primary coordinates, secondary coordinates, the datum, the measures, the bearing. Page Order Settings
Use to change the Page order, add a Page to the Page button sequence, and/or hide a Page. Owner Information
Owner Information can be added to the device. Adjust Backlight Intensity  Device Setup Menu  System Menu  |
The Satellite Page Once you turn on the Earthmate GPS PN-30, the Satellites Page displays. It informs you of your current GPS status, the number of satellites the Earthmate is acquiring data from, the signal strength, and the GPS accuracy (only available when a 2-D or 3-D fix is obtained). Satellite Constellation and Signal Graph
Both the satellite constellation and the satellite signal graph display visible satellites and their number (assigned by the Department of Defense). GPS Accuracy
This screen will display GPS accuracy, in the lower-left corner of the screen, in feet or meters (according to the preference you have set). GPS accuracy is represented on the map by a circle with a radius equal to the GPS accuracy, allowing the user to see a representation of their accuracy in relation to their map scale. The accuracy of the Earthmate GPS PN-30 is 10 meters. GPS Status
Displays No Fix, 2-D, 3-D or 3-D W when WAAS is available. Appears in upper left corner. Time
Displays current GPS Time in upper right corner. Elevation
Elevation appears in the lower right corner based on current sensor settings. Battery Indicator
The battery indicator is a graphic representation of the current available battery power. To Disable GPS
There are many features on the Earthmate GPS PN-30 that do not require a GPS fix. You can turn off the GPS connection using the Disable GPS option in the Satellites menu. Satellites Menu  Status, Location, and Strength  WAAS Available  |
The Map Page If a 2-D or 3-D fix is obtained, the Map Page displays the map data available for your current GPS location. If a GPS fix cannot be obtained, the location of your last GPS fix displays on the map. Map Data
Earthmate GPS PN-30 comes standard with a base map showing high-level world and mid-level U.S. coverage. The base map cannot be removed from memory. There are several data types compatible with the Earthmate GPS PN-40: - Topo USA Maps (blended topographic and detailed street-level maps)
- USGS 7.5-Minute Quad Maps
- High-Resolution Color Aerial Imagery
- NOAA Nautical Charts
- B&W Aerial Imagery
- Sat-10 Color Satellite Imagery
Map Menu  Data Layering and Management  Status with Estimated Accuracy  |
Compass Page  | The Compass Page The Compass Page provides a graphic representation of a traditional floating needle compass. It displays differently depending on if you are navigating (following a route) or tracking. The compass rotates so that the heading is always up. If you are navigating, the compass displays a bearing arrow, which points in the direction of the next stop in the route. |
The Trip Info Page The Trip Info Page contains eight information fields that occupy the entire screen (three information fields display if the Earthmate is in large-text mode). Each field is customizable with one of the many available information field options. Reset Trip Values  Show Large Text  |
The Find Page You can use the Find button (the button that displays with a magnifying glass) to search for Waypoints, Points of Interest, Natural Features, Addresses, Coordinates, Streets & Trails, Cities, and more. There are two Find search options: - Find Near Map Center
Use the Find Near Map Center search option to search for categories of information (such as geographic features, waypoints, points of interest, etc.) near your current map center. The number of search results returned is based on the amount of search results available (not on distance).
- Find By Name
Use the Find By Name search option to search for a specific location, such as a specific address, point of interest, etc. To narrow your search results, you can choose either the Contains or Begins with option to search for results that contain or begin with certain character(s). Find Natural Features  Find Natural Features Results  Find Address  |
The Waypoints Page You can use the Mark button (the button that displays as a push pin) on the Earthmate GPS PN-30 to mark a waypoint at your current GPS location (or at the current cursor position if panning). Once a waypoint has been added, you can customize the waypoint name, coordinates, symbol, and comments. The device will store up to 1000 waypoints in internal memory. Mark Waypoint Menu  Waypoints Page  Route to Geocache  |
The Routes Page There are many ways to create routes on the Earthmate GPS PN-30. You can create a route: - From your current GPS location to a waypoint
- From your current GPS location to a Find search result
- Between two waypoints
- Between two Find search results
- Between a waypoint and a Find search result
Once you have created a route, view it on the map with the View option. The device will store up to 50 routes in internal memory. Routing is possible for both walking and in-vehicle situations, using either the direct or road routing settings. On-device routing for road routes should be used for fairly short routes, with longer routes best generated on the desktop in advance and transferred to the GPS. The on-device road routing is fine for cross-town and in-state routes and includes an audible beep warning before each turn, as well as the ability to recalculate routes when you stray off course. Direct Routing  Back on Course  In-vehicle Routing  |
The Tracks Page Earthmate GPS PN-30 is set to record GPS tracks by default. That means that the device will create a track ("breadcrumb trail") of your travels until you turn recording off. The Tracks Page lets you save, clear, or follow the current track, or view/follow an existing track. The device will store up to 10 track logs (with a 10,000 point limit each) in internal memory. Track Menu  Track Details  Record Tracks Page  |
Sun-Moon Page  | The Sun-Moon Page Use the Sun/Moon Page to view the sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset information as well as the moon phase information for your current GPS location. The current date and time also display at the top of the screen. Additionally, you can adjust the date and time to view sun-moon information for other times. |
Tide Page  | The Tide Page Use the Tide Page to view high and low tide information based on a specific time, date, and tide station. |
Drawing & Symbol Sets DeLorme includes an extensive set of symbols within Topo USA. These include symbols from the DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer series, survey symbols, cartographic symbols, as well as the ability to create your own custom symbols using the included XSym tool. Complete geocaching symbols included. PN-20 Draw Symbols  Draw Symbol Categories  |
Measuring Between Waypoints  | Measuring The on-device measuring tool lets you measure individual legs or cumulative, multiple legs. Measurements can be made on any of the available data types, including the imagery layers, which allow for precise measurements of property boundaries or for measurements between waypoints. Closing a measurement polygon will report the area of the measurement. |
Basic Functions The Earthmate GPS PN-30 is a battery-powered device. It can be powered by one rechargeable Lithium-ion battery or two AA batteries (NiCd, NiMH, alkaline, or lithium). Two AA batteries are included. On-Off
The Power button is located at the bottom-right corner of the button area. To turn on the Earthmate, press and hold the Power button for 1.5 seconds. The Satellites Page is displayed by default. To turn off the Earthmate, press the Power button and then press the ENTER button to confirm you want to turn the Earthmate GPS PN-30 off. Button Use
The buttons on the Earthmate GPS PN-30 provide you with access to all of the functionality on the device. Each button has a unique purpose: - In/Out
The IN and OUT button lets you zoom in or zoom out on the map. - Page
The PAGE button lets you scroll through all of the enabled "Pages." - Menu
The MENU button provides access to a multitude of functionalities. Page Menus are divided into top and bottom sections that are separated by a line. The items in the top section are specific to the Page that is currently active. The items in the bottom section are standard menu options, which are available from any Page. - Find
The FIND button is labeled with a magnifying glass and lets you search for a waypoint, address, coordinate, and more. You can search for a location based on its name or its proximity to the current map center. - Mark Waypoint
The Mark button is labeled with a push pin and can be used to mark a waypoint at your current GPS location or the cursor location (if panning). - Arrow Keypad
You can use the ARROW keypad to: - Move the map cursor left, right, up, or down
- Pan the map by moving the cursor on the edge of the map
- Highlight options in menus or lists
- Highlight characters in the keyboard screen
- Enter
You can use the ENTER button to: - Select a menu entry or on-screen button/field
- Get information about a point on the map
- Power
Use the Power button to turn the Earthmate on and off, to change the backlight settings, or to reset the device Transferring Map Data to the Earthmate GPS PN-30 The Earthmate GPS PN-30 comes equipped with an overview-level base map showing world and U.S. coverage. While this provides a great view of a large area, chances are you will want a highly detailed view of topographic and street maps for hiking, geocaching, and other outdoor activities. Those can be transferred to the Earthmate GPS PN-30 directly from the four map data discs (West, Central, East U.S. Regions, Canada & Mexico). Storing Data on the PN-30 The Earthmate GPS PN-30 stores tracks, routes, waypoints, and the base map data in its internal memory. Maps that are transferred to the Earthmate can be saved in internal memory or on a removable SD card (even high-capacity up to 32 GB) located under the battery compartment.
What's in the Box
Green Earthmate GPS PN-30 handheld GPS receiver with pre-loaded worldwide highway and major road base map, DeLorme PN-30 Edition Topo USA 8 software with complete hybrid U.S. topographic and street-level detail, Certificate for $40 worth of sample supplementary data downloads, USB data-transfer cable for PC-GPS data exchanges, 1-GB SD card, convenient neck lanyard, 2 AA Energizer alkaline batteries, Getting Started Guide, Comprehensive owners' manual, Serious Tool Sticker.
|
 Good GPS with lots of features and a STEEP learning curve |
| Review Date: October 26, 2009 |
| Reviewer: R. Keller, Vegas |
Was looking at several alternatives for a hiking GPS when I noted Amazon's excellent price on the PN-30 ($199 as of 10/23/09). With the faster dual-processor setup, fixed WAAS bug, and higher sat tracking count, the PN30 is a great little GPS for that price.
Using a SDHC 8GB card I was able to quickly load the supplied base topo maps for NV, AZ, CO, NM, UT, CA, and OR. At first cold turn-on it took about 10min to lock in several sats to get a fix. However, all cold starts since then have taken about 30 seconds to get a 3D fix. Very nice. That was the 'easy' part about setup.
If you want color map overlays, aerial image overlays, etc. you have to use the Topo8 software and the netlink feature. There is a learning curve here and while it is not cliff-like, it is somewhat steep (particularly compared to a Garmin GPS, for example). I was able to get a few different areas of aerial image overlays and color maps for a couple of hikes I was going on, however, the download link failed on the 2nd set of maps and continued to fail. As a prior reviewer stated, you can still get them via email, which ended upworking fine. Still feel like I've only barely wet my feet as it were with the Topo8 software. I'll keep digging (luckily there is a wiki and a support board), but it is like slogging through a swamp getting around in there.
The unit itself has a small but VERY VERY visible screen for daylight use. I can barely see the screen on my friend's Garmin Colorado 400T, but the PN30s screen is super easy to read outside in bright light. Yes, compared to some other units out there the PN30s screen is quite small, but you get a damn good screen for quality and daylight visibility. I'll tell you, it is not fun trying to read my friend's Garmin 400T in bright daylight...there's quite a bit of cursing going on at times! (Don't get me wrong the 400T is very NICE, but that horrid screen just does not work in the daylight)
Interal setup is not particularly user-friendly, but it is doable without the manual if you want to go that way. Pages are straightforward, and layering easy to figure out (though learning what Level of Detail to use in Topo8 BEFORE you download is a good idea since my aerial images are not visible at all until you get down to about 640' scale).
Phsyically, it is a bit 'fat' at the bottom, but tolerable and fits the hand well. I have a few gadget pouches and it does not fit in a normal camera pouch due to the thickness at the bottom (~2.5"). The little metal dots for the USB interface connection are okay, though getting the plug in the first time was struggle. It was tight and I thought I was going to break the unit. I understand the use of the metal dots to keep the unit sealed, however, I wonder about connectivity and conductivity over the life of the unit. I guess we'll find out. Same with the memory card location. To keep the unit water-tight it is located under the back panel, beneath the batteries. Get a big SDHC card so you don't have to swap out the card.
I looked at the PN40, but with nearly all of the same features, the PN30 was the best 'bang for the buck'. I am quite happy with the unit thus far. I'd have rated it a 5 if it was not for the less-than-user-friendly setup and Topo8 software (and really out of date road maps for Vegas!) |
Great Little GPS
|
| Review Date: November 7, 2009 |
| Reviewer: D. Davis, Los Alamos, NM, USA |
Just got this Delorme PN-30 about a week ago. I extensively researched handheld GPS units before buying this one. I was leaning towards the Garmin Oregon, but I need to actually see the screen in very bright light...like when I'm kayaking out on the open water...so that unit was out...as well as all their other similar offerings. So despite the reviews about the Delorme PN units being a bit hard to use, I decided to get it.
First off, it is NOT hard to use. Anyone with even the slightest ability on a computer can get this unit up and customized to their liking. The complaints about the non-functional link to their on-line map library must have been heard, because mine worked like a dream. I only had one download not go to completion (using my free $40 worth of maps, satellite and aerial images#...and that could have been my connection to the internet...which is sometimes less than optimal. Everything else went like a dream. You select which sections of the grid you want...for me it was around a lake I like to kayak in and some hiking areas...you ADD those to a list...which you accept and then download. A little menu box pops up with a list of maps you've downloaded and a list of what is on the GPS. You simply click on the map you want to install on the left column...which is what is now on your computer...and click on the destination folder you want on your GPS...either the internal memory or SD card. Then just click button to load it in, and it is done. Large files...like entire states take longer when using a USB connection, so it's best to just pop the SD card into a card reader or slot on your computer to speed things up.
The quality of the maps that come with the unit are superb. And...if that wasn't good enough, you can overlay things like satellite images right over the regular map. So, for instance, when I'm kayaking at my favorite lake, when the GPS is in that geographical area, automatically, it switches to a very detailed and accurate sat map so what I'm kayaking in looks exactly like where I really am. I have noticed with the rise and fall of the lake level...older topos show peninsulas and other features that are no loner there...and are now islands. This is kind of frustrating. Even google earth's image is not correct. But the sat images from Delorme which I got for free, (due to their $40 worth of free images that come with the unit)were right on..and very clear. Any of these additional maps can easily be switched off if you do not want them to automatically come up when you're in the relevant geographical location.
Other nifty features are things like the unit's ability to switch to night-mode automatically, based on when it knows sunset occurs. I was driving out of a labyrinth of roads in a housing development, and the night mode made it very easy to retrace my route out, without messing up my dark adaptation...very nice feature.
So, all in all, I would say Delorme has a real winner with the PN-30. It blows my eXplorist 500 right out of the water! The maps are superb, the ability to customize is amazing, and it is just a solidly built, great little unit. And, it is obvious that Delorme has made its online map downloading feature function correctly and quickly. |
Nice unit, but not new
|
| Review Date: December 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Chad Dean, |
I purchased this for my daughter for Christmas because my entire family is into geocaching and I have a similar model, the PN-40, that I purchased last year. There is a bit of a learning curve for this device, but it is much nicer in my opinion than some of the other GPS units used for geocaching. I have compared it to several Garmin products, and really like the PN-40 and PN-30 a lot more. One person I know has to carry a Palm for to store cahce information on and his 60-CSX to locate them. The PN-30 stores all that information on one device. While it used to be true that it was easier to load up a Garmin with geocaches from the [...] website or from GSAK, this is no longer the case as the Delorme PN-series are now included in both and load just like the Garmin units do. In addition to that, the PN-30/PN-40 also includes street maps, which the Garmin units do not, unless you pay an additional fee for them. This is nice because it allows me to drive to get close to a cache and then get out and search for it while walking all with one device that has everything you need to do so included with it. I have nothing against Garmin, in fact, I own a Nuvi that I use for trips, it's just that I honestly believe that the PN-30/PN-40 are better and nicer devices for geocaching.
I was a bit surprised and disappointed that the unit my daughter received was clearly a refurbished unit, even though Amazon did not advertise it as such. If it was being sold as a refurb, then it should have been advertised that way. What I eneded up with was paying a new price for a refurbished device, although Amazon did make this right with me by refunding a portion of the cost. The unit appears to work just fine (we haven't thoroughly tested it, but it loaded up maps just fine), but it is scuffed up considerably, especially on the back. The front and screen look fine though.
Overall, I'm not too concerned that it is a refurb though because this will work very well for her. I also know from owning a PN-40 that had some issues with it that Delorme's support is second-to-none and that if there are any issues with it that Delorme will take care if them. It is nice to work with a company that actually cares about it's customers, and Delorme sets the standard that others should try to achieve in customer support. Amazon does as well! I had to send in my PN-40 twice, and on the second time requested a new unit and Delorme did that for me even though they did not have to. Turn-around was quick both times I had to send it in and I have had no trouble since getting the new unit. The first unit I had was bought as soon as the PN-40 was released, and the issues with those early models have been worked out now. Also, the PN-30 appears to run faster than the PN-40 does.
Since my daughter is using this for geocaching she doesn't have to deal with the Delorme software other than to load the maps onto the device. This is very easy to do. All you do is select the maps you want, broken down by regions and states, and let them copy onto the device's SD card. I would recomend getting a 8 - 16 GB card for it, though a 2 GB card is included. If you do need to use the software, I do agree that it can take some time to learn. For Geocahing, just use GSAK and the tools available on the [...] website and you'll be set. No need to use the Delorme software.
This unit is just like the PN-40 except that it does not have a compass that works when standing still or barometric altimeter on it, neither of which we use for geocahing anyway. If you need a compass, a real one would work better than an electronic one anyway. I think the compass on the PN-30 works if you are moving, but I have not verified this. If you want what I view as the best device for geocaching or hiking, then look no further. The PN-30 is definitely it! |
Remarkably Accurate But Not Easy
|
| Review Date: October 23, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Zodiac, |
The first PN-30 I received had a bad UBS cable. I was sent a new one with just one phone call to DeLorme tech. support. Their number is in the back of the manual that comes with the unit.
The other problem I encountered was with the USGS quad maps you can download from the DeLorme Map Library. If you zoom up one mile from an area with a 1000 square kilometers of USGS quads then try zooming back in the unit will freeze up then reboot. The amount of data contained in the USGS quads at one mile up will overwhelm the receiver's processor as it tries to redraw the map cluster. I returned the first PN-30 and its replacement repeated the problem.
I did, however, found a way around this. You can turn off the USGS map layering until you get to your destination. Then when you need the map detail of the USGS quads you can turn the layering back on. At one mile up the USGS quads show no useful information, anyway, making the Topo-8 maps supplied with the receiver better suited for road traveling. If you're hiking and need the USGS quads just keep them at half a mile up or less and the receiver works fine.
I found the PN-30 to be remarkably accurate and quick to correctly adjust the map in the direction of travel. The provided maps are of good quality and cover the entire US with Canada and Mexico thrown in for good measure. The DeLorme Map Library at $30.00 for a one year subscription is a bargain if you're looking for more map detail. As others have stated the link within the Topo-8 software is useless and I had to obtain my selections through the e-mail notification you receive when you're maps are ready. This usually takes ten minutes or so.
DeLorme tech support was good but was unable to resolve my problem. They did try, however, and the wait time for an available technician was reasonable.
Amazon was outstanding, five stars, providing a no hassle quick replacement. If you're thinking of purchasing this GPS receiver get it though Amazon in case it doesn't work out for you.
As many others have said this is not a plug and play receiver. The Topo-8 software and receiver takes some time to learn but will give you a lot in return if you're up for the challenge.
|
Good, but annoying software and setup
|
| Review Date: November 21, 2009 |
| Reviewer: ScubaBob, Los Gatos, CA USA |
The receiver hardware functions very well, probably latest GPS chipset, nicely wrapped in HW function. However, the setup, data download, web-based database, etc is painful: slow, not intuitive (your first reaction on how to do something is often wrong), and seems like a bunch of software hacked together instead of being designed and coded as a coherent project of several modules. It does work, and, eventually, after a steep learning curve, it will make some sense to you. Mine came with a useless 1GB SD card, so buy a 32 GB SD card right away and probably a box of alkaline batteries, too. I am going to Death Valley with my wife for few days, and doing some modest day hikes in well- separated areas, and suspect I will need two 32 GB cards to get the full resolution and satellite views of the various hikes I might or might not take. (I dont need it, but it is fun) If you just downloaded the coarse map for one or two states and the details for a few 7.5 minute topos sized area at a time, then one 32 GB should be fine. The data downloads to your PC HDD, and it is so slow that you dont want to erase it, and then download again, so you may need 100 or more GB free on your disk drive if you travel to many places.
I got the PN 30. The PN40 has barometric altimeter and electronic magnetic compass, which I deemed unnecessary ( the electronic compass in most items doesn't work well, and you can get a heading from GPS if you move, and the PN40 doesnt provide an additional backup over the PN30in event of device failure -- bring an old fashioned compass and a paper map as backup if you doing something where you might need help if the GPS device fails.
I recommend this for people who enjoy working with computers, but temper your expectations on the "out-of-box" experience and be patient as you learn to use it. I haven't tried it for marine navigation, and I don't use it for auto travel. This unit is really best for hiking and probably geocaching.. |
|
No video reviews found for this product.
