DeLorme PN-40 GPS Review

[Joshua Szulecki]

I didn't know they sold replacement parts like that. I knew they'd repair stuff, but replacement parts sound pretty sweet.

The barometric altimeter I could do without, but the electronic compass is a must for me, because even though I always carry a compass, I don't always have it somewhere I can get at quickly, and the GPS=derived software compass (based on movement) is worthless, imo.

[ednotmilkman]

I always carry my compass on a string around my neck; many times I carry my wrist band mini-compass, too. Is the electronic compass as accurate as a typical handheld one (Q)

[Joshua Szulecki]

Probably not. It gets miscalibrated easily and it lags a tiny bit when moving. But... It is an extra compass, and since it uses almost no power, I like having it.

But then, since your habits differ from mine, ymmv.

[WSG]

I have this GPS and was wondering if anybody had decided on one kind of batteries or the other? rechargables? Just looking for the longer life of the batteries.

[McDowra]

I use Ever ready AA rechargeables they last about 7 hours of continuous use.

[ednotmilkman]

Which model Everready rechargeables do you have, McDowra.  I've never noticed them at W*-M*, therefor they don't exist, do they !

I've had problems with the rechargables from the beginning.

When I bought my PN-20, I got the rechargeable Li-ion batt pack with the device. It, for me at least, was a total waste as it runs it less time than the Ni-MH batteries that I bought at Wal-mart. None of which seem to run it more than 4 hours. Hard to be sure now since I rarely leave it on for a long time now.

I have tried various newer rechargeables as they come out. Now I've got one set of 4 Duracells that are supposed to hold their charge much longer even though the initial milliamp hour rating is only 2000, plus a brand new set set of 4 Energizers that just came out - their claim is a 2300 mAH capacity and "charge up to 150 more times than Energizer 2400 mAH (which is still for sale too)" as well as "holds charge longer *** retention at 6 months vs Energizer 2400 mAH."

I would not use cheap rechargables at all.  The older Duracells generally lasted longer than this 2400 mAH Energizer for me. All of them seem to lose much of their charge after sitting for a week.
For a hike where you wanted to leave the unit on all the time to record a track and you were going to be out several days, using non rechargeable Lithium camera batteries might be best IMO. Although there is still hope for these new types as I have not been able to test them yet.

[McDowra]

actually I bought them at walmart they are the 2300ah energizer's.  i also have a friend with the same batterys his also last  about 7 hours. Have you updated the firmware on you gps?

[ednotmilkman]

I think that's what I did with my pn-20 when I updated to the PN-40 with  Topo v8 map software. Have not used either reciever much since then.  Do you think that would help battery life (Q)

Also I'll have the pn-20 for sale as soon as I put the new cover on it and make sure that the pn-40 will work after returning it for repair \ replacement last month.  Will post a picture of the "20" here at that time. The computer software will come with it - it is the older Topo v7.

When I looked for the batteries at Wal-Mart, there was only one pack left of the "NEW" Energizers, the rest were the older 2400 mAH ones.

[MoBill122]

 I finally bought a PN-30 at REI last month on sale for $199.   Have basically just played with it, and haven't learned much about it.   Does pick up sats a lot faster than my old MeriGold for sure ! lol

[SmokeDiver]

I think I'm pretty well sold on the pn40. My Magellan Triton just isn't hacking it. It works, but the maps available are a real pain to load on the unit. Plus they suck.

[Joshua Szulecki]

By the way... It looks like DeLorme finally added 50k raster map data for CANADA, or at least parts of it. It is apparently part of the map subscription data.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Yes. I can confirm the 50k Canada maps are in there now.

They are 50k raster topos, much like the 24k USGS topos you were already able to download. I don't know if they cover all of Canada, but I downloaded some from around Banff with no problem.

[trainspotter]

Ordered a PN-40 off of REI today. Been looking to upgrade from my old etrex legend. Was a toss up between the 60CSx and the PN-40 but this forum sold me on Delorme and because of the maps offered. I figured i would rather take the word of my fellow SE hikers than someone given a review that lives in say California or Colorado that might get a better or weaker signal than we do. My etrex legend was just a oversized necklace, it would not pick up a signal half the time. 95% of my hiking is on the Pinhoti, anyone ever had trouble getting a signal with theirs while hiking on the Pinhoti?

[Joshua Szulecki]

Trainspotter,

I think you'll be happy. Once you get your unit, make sure that the firmware is up to date, FW 2.6 is the current consumer release. With a unit from a vendor it might still be on the original firmware, which has some reception issues that were cleared up within a few months of the initial release with a firmware update.

The 60CSx is a very capable unit, and it remains a favorite of geocachers. It is VERY accurate, maybe even a little more accurate than the much newer PN-series. But... It only offers those vector topos, which is a serious limitation. For anybody who bushwhacks, does backcountry hiking, or hunts, I consider the PN-series units the appropriate choice. For geocachers, the extensive third-party support of the Garmin units is often attractive, but having aerial photos on your GPSr comes in handy for them, too.