DeLorme AF-8085-201 Earthmate PN Series 12 Volt Power Cable Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased a replacement 12V power cable after accidentally melting the one that came with the DeLorme AG-8097-000 Earthmate PN Series Power Kit (completely my fault... don't ask). It works just as well as the original one, which is OK but not great (mainly problems with the GPS and the battery, not this adapter). It could also be used as a secondary charger to be kept in a second vehicle.
Note that this adapter will NOT recharge non-Delorme rechargeable batteries in-unit. You have to get the "CR-V3 LI-ION Approved Battery" from Delorme or in the Power Kit for in-unit recharging. This fact is well-documented and is a popular topic in the Delorme forums.
The recharge rate is extremely slow (again, problem with the GPS and battery). During an all-day geocaching trip with long drive times (about 3 hours total charging time) between multiple stops and long walking times during stops (about 6 hours walking/non-charging time), the charger couldn't keep up and I had to switch to alkaline.
But even if you don't have the "special" battery, this product is still functional. The unit works entirely off of external power while plugged in, so you aren't burning through expensive and landfill-clogging disposables. If want your receiver on while driving between geocaches or on the way to the trailhead, or want to extend battery life on your ATV equipped with a 12V power-point, this product can help.
The main problem I have with this product, though, is that it turns out that I didn't need to buy it. The GPS receiver will charge off the USB Data Transfer cable that came with the unit (strangely, Amazon does not sell this; you have to purchase a replacement or second cable directly from Delorme for $12.95 + $7 shipping). That cable plugged into my Scosche Dual USB Car Charger means I can charge my cell phone and my PN-40 from only one 12V power point. This is a huge bonus in my wife's vehicle where only one power point is reachable from the dash area.
Pros:
- Recharges the "CR-V3 LI-ION Approved Battery" in the GPS unit.
- Extends the life of any battery (even non-rechargeable).
Cons:
- Expensive for what you get.
- Yet another charger to have in your vehicle. A 12V-USB adapter used with a Data cable is better.
- Does not recharge non-Delorme rechargeable batteries (problem with GPS, not this product)

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Power for the road. Simply plug it into a standard lighter jack to power your PN receiver without batteries while on the go

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DeLorme AF-7850-000 Earthmate PN Series RAM In-Vehicle Mount Review

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(More customer reviews)I found the DeLorme In-Vehicle mount to be very solid with no movement. The downside is the reason the mount is so solid is that it is so large. It will impact visibility if you put it in the usual spot of the middle of the windshield. I eventually put mine in the upper left corner of the windshield and it does not interfere with my driving visibility. It is extremely solid.

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This mount is created specifically for the Earthmate PN series shape, for easy and secure attachment. Swing arm for easy attachment to windshield or dashboard.

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DeLorme Map Library Subscription Card for Topo USA 8.0 and Earthmate PN Series GPS Navigators Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ordered the Map Library along with my PN-40 unit. This map library was one of the deal-makers that led to my buying the DeLorme GPSr. I mainly use the aerial images and the 1:24k topo quads. The color images for my area look to have been taken a couple of years ago, while the b&w's look about 6-7 years old. This will vary by geographic area. You can layer the maps in any order, and view hybrids with the Topo 7 data over the aerial (or whichever view you choose).
This annual subscription is just an unbelievable deal. The downloads I've made already would cost hundreds (going on thousands) of dollars if I bought the maps individually.

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The Map LibrarySubscription card provides unlimited downloads for one-year to theDeLorme Map Library using Topo USA 8.0 software (sold separately). This library lets you select U.S.geographic areas of interest and download USGS 7.5-minute topographic quad maps, color satellite maps, and NOAA nautical charts using the NetLink tab of Topo USA. Once downloaded, they’re yours to keep. Topo USA software is available separately or included with the DeLorme Earthmate PN-Series GPS. Topo USA contains the blendedDeLorme vector street and topographic maps. The additional map types downloaded from the Map Library are yours to layer on the DeLorme PN GPS, enabling you to switch among map types of your GPS location. It’s amazing!

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Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx Waterproof Handheld GPS Unit Review

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(More customer reviews)Do not purchase from this "storefront" (sedative3145), the seller untruthfully claims to have this item (Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx Waterproof Handheld GPS Unit (GPSUnit w/Topo US 2008)) in stock. I received no communication at all from sedative3145, Amazon had to cancel my order. In order to get the equipment in time, I had to reorder it thru Amazon, costing me an additional $47.


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The GPSMAP 60CSx is an upgrade of the Garmin GPSMAP 60CS, one of Garmin's most popular GPS models used for outdoor and marine applications. Equipped with a removable microSD card, you can easily swap out your detailed mapping data. Located inside the waterproof battery compartment, you can access the microSD card slot to load map data and transfer your routes and waypoints via the 60CSx's USB connection. Considered the de-facto standard handheld GPS among serious outdoor enthusiasts, each 60CSx is shipped with a blank 64 MB microSD card. You can also purchase new microSD cards that are pre-loaded with Garmin MapSource Topo and inland lake maps, Garmin BlueChart marine cartography, and Garmin City Navigator street maps. Features An improved, highly sensitive GPS receiver that can acquire satellites faster than ever and can help you track your location in challenging conditions, such as thick forests or tall buildings. Barometric altimeter for exceptionally accurate elevation data. Electronic compass that can display a precise heading even when you are motionless. IPX7 waterproof, rugged case can withstand an accidental dunk in the water and still perform. Large, color TFT display makes viewing the screen easy, day or night. Built-in Americas autoroute basemap, including highways, exits and tide data, gives you automatic, turn-by-turn directions. Specifications 160 x 240 color active matrix TFT display Waypoints: 1000 Routes: 50 Built-in celestial tables Geocaching mode Area calculation Outdoor GPS games Dual integrated built-in speakers Interfaces: USB and Serial Battery life: approximately 18 hours (typical) Includes 64 MB MicroSD card Belt clip USB cable MapSource Trip and Waypoint Manager CD Lanyard Owner's Manual Quick Start Guide Warranty Brochure Dimensions: 6.1"H x 1.3"D x 2.4"W Display dimensions: 2.2"H x 1.5"W Weight: 7.5 oz with batteries Warranty: one year parts and labor Model Number: 010-00422-00

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DeLorme Earthmate PN Series Power Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I received a new Delorme PN-40 for Christmas (thanks, Santa!) and immediately ordered this travel kit from Amazon. While waiting on the order I used both Energizer "Industrial" alkaline batteries (one set, lasted probably 12+ hours but I didn't time it) Ray-o-vac el-cheapo batteries (lasted about 8 or so hours, again, didn't time it). But I usually use a GPS receiver while geocaching, and I'm very often in a vehicle, on an ATV, or on a bicycle. My truck and the ATV have 12V power points, so why not use them for power?
[Edit: corrected mAh comments]
When I got the kit I immediately installed the batteries, plugged in the 110V charger, and let it sit overnight. The next morning I unplugged it and turned it on, seeing 4 green bars. Unfortunately, this had dropped to 2 yellow bars within 20 minutes, so I start checking things out. That's when I notice that the battery was only rated at 1400mAh, which is on the small side, but still should be adequate. An average rated alkaline battery can have a much higher mAh rating, and high capacity batteries can have well over 2000mAh. So possibly the battery capacity bar is based on the highest capacity battery, so even when fully charged it's slightly over half of maximum.
This was disappointing, and worth a deduct of 2 stars (from the battery life rating), but I could deal with it. I always keep several spare AA batteries to feed my flashlight and headlamp, so I'd just throw a couple extra batteries in the pack if I needed more than extended outings.
About three days after getting the kit I go on an extended geocaching outing. A little less than 300 miles driving with about 8 miles walking/biking over 26 stops. Maybe 8 hours in-vehicle and 7 hours out. While driving, the receiver was always plugged into a 12V power point. I assumed the battery would last me all day; any amount discharged while walking SHOULD have been recharged while driving to the next destination. Wrong. About 1/2 through the trip, I got a low battery warning while walking (meaning it was down to 1 bar). About 3/4 through the trip, I got a critical battery warning while walking and the receiver shut off. I replaced with a pair of alkalines from my pack and kept walking. Back at the truck I kept it turned off and let it charge to the next stop. I had enough power to last for one geocache, then it shut off again. It turns out that just because it's plugged it, the receiver is running on external power, and the battery type is set to "rechargeable", that doesn't mean the batteries are actually getting charged. They aren't running down, but they aren't filling up either. I had to work a bit to make sure the status said "charging", usually requiring shutting the unit down and re-starting. This is a more serious problem. I would have deducted far more than 1 star from the "convenience" rating, but I feel this is more of a receiver problem than of a battery/charger problem.
Ultimately, though, this is a good purchase and worth the money. It's much cheaper than buying each item individually, and if you use it a lot, it's much cheaper than buying lots of alkalines to throw away.
Pros:
- allows the use of external power while driving, even if using alkaline batteries
- reduces waste having to throw away dead batteries
Cons:
- low capacity battery
- battery sometimes doesn't charge when the receiver is running and plugged into the 12V adapter

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The PN-Series Power Kit provides a complete Lithium-Ion rechargeable power solution for the Earthmate GPS PN-Series device

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DeLorme AF-7852-000 Earthmate PN Series RAM Bicycle Mount Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It aint that hard to figure out without directions. There's only four bolts, two nylok nuts and four plastic molded pieces. I don't know what kind of plastic this material is, but without too much effort I had no problem prying apart the handlebar clamp. But I can see where it might be too tough for some. Believe me, if this clamp got stressed to the point of snapping you would know about it. The handlebar bracket was a sloppy fit, but wrappng a few turns of black electricians tape around the circumferance of the handlebar between it and the clamp took up the slop. No slop after I tightened it. Solid as a rock. Now, my handlebars are only 22 mm diam. close to the brake cable mounts and then it flares up to 25mm in diam. towards the gooseneck. So now you know what to expect. I agree they should offer a larger diameter handlebar clamp and print a diameter spec to go along with it.

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This mount is created specifically for the Earthmate PN series shape, for easy and secure attachment. EZ-On attachment fits multiple handlebar sizes. Low profile, won't obstruct rider's hand movement.

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DeLorme Earthmate PN Series Carrying Case Review

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(More customer reviews)Used it sheep hunting in MT. Attaches easily and securely to backback strap - good there. Case is too tight though, hard to get GPS out. Forget about using the battery storage built in - if you do, you can' get the GPS out of the case. I ended up tying a short loop of cord throuh the top loop of the GPS to be able to quickly extract the unit from the case. Other issue with hunting is the large velcro secured flap that covers and stows the GPS. It's LOUD when opening - I'm considering modifying it with a snap-lock buckle. Really, you don't need the velcro strap - the unit fits snug enough not to need it.

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Designed exclusively for the Earthmate PN receivers. Protects receiver, provides easy access

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DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 Portable GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)The PN-60 is a much better unit than the PN-40. Battery life is infinitely longer compared to the PN-40 (I had one) this unit will go all day on the Li-ion rechargeable pack. Additionally, the new menu system is far quicker to navigate and the profile view showing elevation is great for hikes. This unit teamed with the new Topo 9 also provides for quicker and simpler map and routing downloads. As far a GPS units this one may not have the biggest screen or smallest size etc... the reason you buy this unit is for the data layering and the Delorme maps - nothing comes close for $29.95 / year.
Check out the Delorme web site for plenty of examples.


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The rugged, reliable Earthmate PN-60 delivers next-generation GPS capabilities, plus DeLorme's market-leading map and aerial imagery displays. DeLorme Topo North America desktop software and GPS maps are included, with comprehensive detail for all your favorite outdoor activities in the U.S and Canada. Aerial imagery, nautical charts, and supplemental USGS and Canada topo maps are also available.

Rugged, Reliable GPS With Maps Included
Key Features

Intuitive icon-based user interface for easy on-device navigation
Elevation profile cutaway views that pinpoint the user's position
GPX file exchange (waypoints, routes, tracks, and geocaches) to SD card for ease and flexibility in archiving collected GPS data
Latest DeLorme power management system with ambient light sensor for optimal battery life
3.5 GB of user-available Flash memory

Maps Whatever your preferred activity, you'll never have to settle for just one map. Find your position on up-to-date DeLorme Topo USA 9.0 maps (included). Navigate worry-free with complete U.S. topographic detail, extensive trail coverage, U.S. and Canada streets, roads, and places of interest including campgrounds, boat launch sites, unique natural features, prime hunting and fishing spots.

The PN-60 comes with up-to-date DeLorme Topo USA 9.0 map detail included, both on PN-Series Map DVDs (Mac-compatible) for transfer to the GPS, and in a PC desktop software program.

Outdoor Activities The PN-60 supports all popular outdoor activities. Features include a highly-accurate 3-axis electronic compass that works when held in any position, moving on foot or standing still. For traveling in elevation, there is an elevation profile tool that pinpoints your location and a sensitive barometric altimeter for precise elevation readings and the ability to gauge potential weather changes. These elevation features are particularly useful for hikers, climbers, and hunters. The ability to display NOAA nautical charts make the PN-60 a valuable navigator for sea kayaking and coastal sailing.

The PN-60 fully supports paperless geocaching, and offers almanac pages with information on tides, hunting and fishing favorability, and sunrise/sunset and moon phases.

Geocaching DeLorme has devoted significant resources toward offering a rewarding geocaching experience. In addition to the unique value of available aerial imagery, the PN-60 delivers a wide range of paperless geocaching capabilities.

Individual caches can be downloaded, with all information included, from Geocaching.com. The PN-60 and Topo USA also support imports of high volume Pocket Queries from Geocaching.com, and they allow virtually unlimited cache description character counts, so you'll have all the information you need on the device, including other cachers' log notes.

The optional DeLorme Cache Register download delivers enhanced paperless geocaching functions. Sync your Pocket Query search results directly to the PN-60, and sync your user logs and other cache details to Geocaching.com.

Why DeLorme?
DeLorme is the innovation leader in high-quality maps and GPS units for everyone from recreational customers to businesses to government agencies. Proven in the most extreme conditions, from the bitter cold of the North Pole and Mt Everest to the heat and sand of Iraq and Afghanistan, DeLorme products are well known for rock-solid design, accuracy, and reliability. DeLorme is a disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) and takes great pride in engineering outstanding maps, software, and GPS units right here in the United States.

What's in the Box
Earthmate PN-60 GPS, Topo North America 9.0, 5 Regional Discs of PN-Series Maps, User Manual, Quick Start Guide, 2 Energizer e2 Lithium AA Batteries, USB Cable, Certificate for $40 Worth of Data Downloads, Neck Lanyard

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DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 Waterproof Hiking GPS Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I must say that I find it interesting that there are so many glowing reviews about this flawless GPS. I am always skeptical of anything that sounds too good! I read many of the reviews online, and after evaluating the specifications and features, opted to buy the Delorme PN-40. Prior to this purchase, I owned a Garmin 60CSX GPS. I believed that the Delorme was poised to be a significant improvement in both the tracking ability and the display of aerial overlays.
Let me begin by stating that I don't believe there is a perfect GPS except from the perception of the user and their application. If it meets your criteria, then it serves the intended purpose! That being said, let me try to summarize my personal observations from my point of view.
After purchasing the Delorme PN-40, I quickly signed up for the $29.99 annual download service to take advantage of this impressive feature. I have downloaded about a dozen maps at this posting and must say that Delorme has been very effective in minimizing the number of maps that can be downloaded. First, the size of the maps you can download for each map type (color aerial, USGS, etc..) is restricted to some size in sq Km. This isn't too much of an issue as they are large enough for my typical hike. Second, I have found that the download speed is being limited to speeds on the order of 15-20Kb/s. This is incredibly slow considering the capability of cable is in excess of 700Kb/s. A typical download time for the maximum 250sq/km file is over 1.5hrs. In addition, many of the downloads stop prematurely, and this requires you to download the entire file again (a download manager isn't able to resume the download after termination). I have spent days trying to download a single file due to premature downloads (and no, my modem and router aren't the cause!)
The learning curve for uploading the map files to the PN-40 is tricky and not documented very well. It took me (I'm an electrical engineer) about 4 hours to sift through the documentation along with some trial and error. Once downloading was accomplished, I found that the display of the maps was pleasing, but lacked detail.
I then took the Delorme PN-40 and Garmin 60CSX (Sirf Star III chipset) on a 9 mile hike in Forest Park located in Portland Oregon. I used fresh Powerex Medion batteries in both GPS's. The temperature outside was about 35degF and the hike took approx 5 hours. My findings are as follows:
The Delorme PN-40 took several minutes longer than the Garmin 60CSx to lock onto the satellites before a 3D view was possible. The Delorme circle of uncertainty, accuracy of the location, varied significantly while standing in the same spot on open terrain with no obstructed view of the sky. The variation would be on the order of +- 15ft to +-40ft. The Garmin locked onto the signal vary consistently for this same location with variations of only +-2ft. I found the aerial display on the Delorme to be difficult to see without the backlight. Note that the isobar lines aren't easily seperated from the aerial background. It may just be me, but I'm not color blind and have good vision. The Garmin display is easier to see, I think, because there isn't much clutter on the display (the backlight helps very much in low light also). The Delorme tracking lines are superb! It is easy to see where you have gone and is nicely color contrasted to the background map. The Garmin tracking points are almost impossible to see (until downloaded to your PC) as they blend into the topo map! The last point I want to make concerns the battery life, and this was the biggest issue for my personal use. The Delorme battery life was barely acceptable (for my purposes) under the conditions of this hike (cold and wet for 5 hours). The battery indicator on the Delorme started dropping after about 2.5 hours and declined steadily for the remainder of the hike. The last hour of the hike I expected the Delorme to shut off, but the batteries did hold out for the full hike. The Garmin battery life remained at full for the entire hike. You can argue that my test wasn't exactly fair since the batteries weren't brand new and don't know how often I used the backlight, but I didn't expect the Delorme to start indicating reduced battery power so soon. A sample size of one unit is not exactly a great indicator of all the units sold, but then I'm not being hired by anyone or trying to take sides! Obviously, you must be the decision maker for your application.
I will say that both products performed well enough for this one hike. I prefer the Garmin for satellite reception, consistent locking, battery life and ease of software use. However I do like the display capabilities of the Delorme. Also, the Delorme mapping is far superior to Garmin, but at the expense of a steep learning curve. I also want to mention that Delorme did a great job for allowing use of every battery type you might want to use; from lithium ion to alkaline. Also, I really appreciate Delorme giving easy access to the full capacity of a 32Gb SDHC card (which I verified worked well), but you do need plenty of storage for the hybrid aerial maps.
In summary, let me say that in my opinion I feel that Garmin has the lead on GPS hardware and that Delorme has the lead on Mapping software. I would love to see a product created by the merger of these two companies to take advantage of both of their strengths. Good luck on your purchase decision.
Note that I am not an employee of either company, and have no personal bias towards them. I also own products from both companies!

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