Delorme PN-40

Well a few weeks ago my funding came together and I got a Delorme PN-40. Some quick thoughts on the unit.

I really do like it. They just came out with a firmware update and this has made the unit very much better for geocaching. It includes a geocaching mode. Can load the full cache description (upto 15000 characters) field notes. Displays the Geocache.com icons. Much better WAAS performance. Has a plug in for GPS Send on Geocache.com.

I am still learning this unit but I really do like it. Now with the new firmware even better. They are working on a geocahing program for you computer to process PQs and load them to the PN-40 with full descriptions and field notes upload.

I also really like the way to change the cords of a waypoint. All I have to do is bring up the waypoint information page and select the cords then using the rocker switch us the left or right arrows to move though the cords and the up/down to change the number. I do not have to use the number keypad like on my Vista C.

This is a very good unit that is water resistant and very durable. And comes in a very cool Orange and Black.

It comes with a base map. Through Topo7 software you can load Topo 7 maps onto it. (very nice Topo maps with road that you can route on. Combination of Topo and Street maps) You can also subscribe to Delorme's Map data base for $30/year and DL unlimited amount of USGS Topo quads, Satellite Pics (both normal & High res (certain areas)) USGC Navigation Charts. I have DL some of each and they are nice.

The bad thing with this unit is battery life. In a word it SUCKS. But from what I hear this is an issue with most of the new higher end units. The same rechargeable batteries used, in my PN-40 about 1/2 of the life as in my Garmin Vista C. So were I would carry one set of spare I now carry 2 sets of Alkaline and 1 set of rechargeable. I am looking into the mobile add on set that comes with a Li-Ion battery pack that the unit can recharge from the car charger or computer connection. (It just cost a lot of money.)

Also I can not say enough about Delorme support. They show up in Geocaching.com forums. They are very quick to help out. They do a lot in many forums other than their own. When I called and talk to tech support on Friday (for a problem between Topo7 software and the PN-40) I was talking to a real human in a couple of minutes and very quickly solved my problem.

In the end would I recommend this unit. YES I will. I also give it two thumbs up.

Any questions please feel free to talk to me.

kf4oox - Paul

I also have a PN-40 but just as I was starting to learn how to use it I got sidelined for a couple of months and have not been able to cache. Is the 15000 character description part of the firmware update?

With this firmware update they have changed the 800 character limit to 15000. Also they now have a plug-in so you can hit the Send To GPS on geocaching.com and get it sent to the Delorme or a Garmin.

I hope you are doing better and able to get out soon. At least it was not during the nicer months.

kf4oox - Paul

Well I guess I had better run the firmare update then. Thanks by the way I am starting to feel much better

I am better and so is my GPS now that it has been all updated and all