DeLorme PN-40 for sale

[Uncle Wayne]

I bought this GPS new in April 2009 and have the manual and all the original Topo 8 CDs (4 total) that came with the GPS.  Also included is an USB cable that connects the GPS to a computer for dowloading and uploading.  I have maps loaded for Bankhead National Forest and the entire AT and Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.  Included with these maps are the waypoints of shelters on the AT and all the campsites of the Scout ranch.  I'll also include 88 or so of my waypoints of the Bankhead National Forest.  The only thing I've been disappointed with this unit is battery life.  A set of AA rechargeable batteries only last 4 to 5 hours the way I use it. 

$200 including shipping.  PM or reply to my home email.

[Joshua Szulecki]

4-5 hours! What kind of batteries are they? I get 8-12 hours (with compass on) on Duracell 2650's, but I have to hunt for a good set when I buy new ones, because about 50% of them are duds these days and only last for a hour or so. Even the good ones seem to wear out within a few months and need replacement, so I need to find a new brand.

If anybody is interested, it is a great unit, just a battery hog. Great for day hikers, bushwhackers, and hunters. Probably less great for multi day trips, especially for backpackers, due to the need to carry the extra batteries.

$200 is an awesome deal, too.

[Uncle Wayne]

8 -12 hours!  Maybe I need to change batteries.  The ones I'm using are the rechargeable Duracell AA DX1500 NiMH.  I've only used rechargeable batteries in this unit.

Appreciate your recommendation.  The accuracy is amazing with this unit, better than any of my friends Garmins or Magellans.

[Verduretiger]

I will buy it but will not be back to Birmingham until Tuesday as I am in Louisiana for the holidays.  You can email me at williamw.keith@gmail.com

[Joshua Szulecki]

1500mah? No wonder you are having battery issues! Mine are almost twice the capacity. The PN-40 draws something around 600ma in full power mode, and somewhat less than 350ma in power save mode with the backlight off. Anything less than 2000mah is really insufficient in a rechargeable. You also have to remember to set the battery type correctly, or it will freak, since the rechargeables and alkalines operate at different voltages (1.2 and 1.5v).

You can get 2650's at the grocery store now, and I think they also have the eneloops, too. A pack of four is under ten bucks. If you aren't sure you want to sell it, or for the buyer... Find something in a 2000+ battery, run it through two or three times, and see if the times improve. I rarely have to change batteries on an all-day trip, assuming a decent set of batteries. Lithium disposables lasted an entire weekend.

[Magic City Matt]

Yikes, That's some serious battery usage.

I think I'll stick to my old minimalist style with this guys and a map

http://www.amazon.com/M-2...qid=1290970289&sr=8-3

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[ednotmilkman]

I've discovered the rechargeable Duracells are not much good either. The technology keeps getting a bit better with them holding a charge longer even if the milliamp rating may not be 2600.  I've been using the newer Rayovac  rechargeables lately that will hold their charge much better. Energizers also are better than the Duracells from what I've tried. You do have to make sure the PN is set to power saving mode; when you change to a longer backlight setting, then gotta change it back after daylight.  I'm happy to get 6 hours on my pn-40, but usually turn it off between trail "decisions" unless I'm tracking with it.

If you needed too, you could wire it to a peripheral battery "box" using bigger D cells.   Speaking of the battery compartment, does anyone else have trouble with the springs holding the batteries?  Mine are too weak and sometimes I lose connection,  the device dies and I lose any track points or waypoints entered since it was turned on. Then I have to open it up and pull the springs out again so the battery will be tight.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Nope, no trouble with the contacts on my end. But... You do raise an important point incidentally... Most rechargeables on the market discharge shockingly fast. The 2650's are worthless within two or three days of a charge, in my experience. I've been using rechargeable AA's since my first digital camera over a decade ago, and while the capacities have risen dramatically, the charge hold duration (as in, not in use but charged) seems to have shrunk. Now... There was a shift between NiMH and NiCad over those years, but... Then again, we are all spoiled by a decade of consumer products with Li-ion batteries that hold a charge for months, too. But, I digress.

[Uncle Wayne]

I've discovered the rechargeable Duracells are not much good either. The technology keeps getting a bit better with them holding a charge longer even if the milliamp rating may not be 2600.  I've been using the newer Rayovac  rechargeables lately that will hold their charge much better. Energizers also are better than the Duracells from what I've tried.

Thanks for that information.  From what Joshua and you have posted, I have been using the wrong batteries eventhough I had the GPS set up correctly to save power.  Live and learn.  I appreciate that information very much, thanks.

[Uncle Wayne]

Sold the GPS. Thanks for the opportunity to post it here.

[elbowman]

Who ever was lucky enough to buy the GPS, congrats! 88 way points from Uncle Wayne is probably worth 200 bucks by themselves.