I apologize if this review rambles, and I'll be editing it where I feel necessary. However, I hope that I have conveyed the ultimate message I was trying to convey, which is that for the bushwhacker like me, I don't think there is a better handheld GPS unit on the market today. The accuracy is more than sufficient, the operation is simple and logical, the design is almost perfect for our needs, and the map support and TOPO7 software appear almost designed with the bushwhacker in mind. I highly recommend it.
Detailed specifications and more information about the DeLorme PN-40 are availible at: http://www.delorme.com/
But the specs that you absolutely need to know are:
Chipset: STM Cartesio 32-Channel, WAAS enabled.
Antenna: Internal, Patch-Type.
Storage: 1GB internal (8gb optional, 500mb taken up by basemap), up to 32GB SDHC card.
Screen: 2.2" color TFT, 220 x 176 pixels.
Battery: 2 x AA (Alkaline, NiMH, Lithium) or option Li-Ion rechargable pack. Battery life numbers at: http://forums.delorme.com/viewtopic.php?t=16728
Compass/Altimeter: Internal 3-axis electronic compass and barometric altimeter.
Back: DeLorme PN-40 Review - TOPO7
Screenshots:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682340
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682339
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682338
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682337
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682332
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682331
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682329
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682328
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682327
* I am in no way affiliated with DeLorme, Garmin, Magellan or any other GPS manufacturer.
Showing posts with label GPS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GPS. Show all posts
Sunday, March 8, 2009
DeLorme PN-40 Review - TOPO7
You may have read that TOPO7 has a steep learning curve. While this is somewhat true, it is important to keep two things in mind: first, that TOPO7 is not required to load vector map data onto the PN-40, as the included pre-cut map DVD's can be loaded onto the PN-40 with nothing more than the included USB cable and the DVD; second, TOPO7 is extremely powerful, and all powerful software tends to be more complicated than less powerful software.
TOPO7 is certainly not as complicated as say, Photoshop or Matlab, but it is no MS-Paint or Calculator, for that matter. There is a learning curve, and it is steeper than many less computer-savy users would probably prefer. But... If you can figure out Word, you can figure out TOPO7.
While some people complain about the complexity of the TOPO7 software. I don't, and here is why... I often spend 4 to 5 times as much time planning a trip as I do actually taking the trip, and TOPO7 is the ideal method to research an area. Right from the TOPO7 DVD you have access to 100k vector topo coverage the entire United States. You also have access to all of the map files you have downloaded from Netlink, like USGS topo quads and aerial photography. Having all of this information in one place, plus the powerful tools that TOPO7 has, makes TOPO7 ideal for trip planning.
TOPO7 is integrated with DeLorme's map download system, Netlink. Via the Netlink tab in TOPO7, you can download, cut the maps for the PN-40 (select areas and convert them for use on the PN-40), and transfer them to the PN-40. Copying the files directly to the SDHC card via a card reader greatly speeds up the copying process, and I highly recommend transferring maps this way. The Netlink software is pretty easy to figure out, and I'll spare you the details of exactly how it works. The strengths and weaknesses of Netlink have been heavily discussed on the DeLorme Forums, and I won't bore you with them.
For the bushwhacker, I think the TOPO7 package is the icing that makes the PN-40 totally worth it.
I've also done a review of DeLorme's Topo 7. Click here to read it.
Next: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Conclusions
Back: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Maps
TOPO7 is certainly not as complicated as say, Photoshop or Matlab, but it is no MS-Paint or Calculator, for that matter. There is a learning curve, and it is steeper than many less computer-savy users would probably prefer. But... If you can figure out Word, you can figure out TOPO7.
While some people complain about the complexity of the TOPO7 software. I don't, and here is why... I often spend 4 to 5 times as much time planning a trip as I do actually taking the trip, and TOPO7 is the ideal method to research an area. Right from the TOPO7 DVD you have access to 100k vector topo coverage the entire United States. You also have access to all of the map files you have downloaded from Netlink, like USGS topo quads and aerial photography. Having all of this information in one place, plus the powerful tools that TOPO7 has, makes TOPO7 ideal for trip planning.
TOPO7 is integrated with DeLorme's map download system, Netlink. Via the Netlink tab in TOPO7, you can download, cut the maps for the PN-40 (select areas and convert them for use on the PN-40), and transfer them to the PN-40. Copying the files directly to the SDHC card via a card reader greatly speeds up the copying process, and I highly recommend transferring maps this way. The Netlink software is pretty easy to figure out, and I'll spare you the details of exactly how it works. The strengths and weaknesses of Netlink have been heavily discussed on the DeLorme Forums, and I won't bore you with them.
For the bushwhacker, I think the TOPO7 package is the icing that makes the PN-40 totally worth it.
I've also done a review of DeLorme's Topo 7. Click here to read it.
Next: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Conclusions
Back: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Maps
PN-40 Review - Maps
If you are anything like me, you still feel the need to carry a paper topo map, when you can get one, for all bushwhacks. I've had two previous GPS units, and neither of them got used for actual navigation, just for marking locations. A bushwhacker needs to see the big picture to spot plan a new route, and that just isn't possible on most GPS units. Furthermore, many older GPS units lacked topo maps, and most newer ones have vector graphic topo maps are are less detailed than the USGS topo quads most bushwhacks know and love. While I don't think the PN-40 should replace paper maps completly, the map support on the PN-40 is the first GPS that I'm comfortable navigating with without the map in my hand. Sure, It'll be in my backpack, but...
DeLorme is first and foremost a mapping company, and it shows on the PN-40. The PN-40 can display raster images (photos, not lines) in addition to vector maps, which is a huge improvement in the handheld GPS world. DeLorme offers USGS 24k topo quads, sat 10 low-res color aerials, b&w as well as color 3DTQ aerials, high-resolution city aerials, and NOAA navigation charts for the PN-40. They sell them through an internet based extension to the TOPO7 software called Netlink, and offer a VERY affordable $29.95 yearly subscription plan to download whatever you want. The USGS topo quads are the primary reason I bought the PN-40, because I can only carry so many paper maps, but my PN-40 can carry a whole state on an SDHC card. The ability to have actual images of the actual USGS topo quads on the PN-40 is what, in my mind, makes the PN-40 the ideal bushwhacker GPS. The maps are high quality scans, and the integration of the different types of map data at differing zoom levels works very well. The aerial images are nice, but since most bushwacking areas have heavy foliage, so they just aren't as useful as the USGS topo quads.
Oh, and by the way... DeLorme includes 100k vector topo maps in the box with the PN-40! This is a big improvement over Garmin's system where you have to buy these maps separately, or pay extra for a unit preloaded with less detailed maps than what their software provides. The PN-40 comes with these vector maps in two formats: first, the TOPO7 DVD has the uncut source files, which provide vector maps for TOPO7, and can be cut for the PN-40; second, it comes with three pre-cut map DVDs that require nothing more than the USB cable, a computer, and the DVD. I don't use the vector topos much since I love USGS topos, but hey, they're included.
DeLorme is first and foremost a mapping company, and it shows on the PN-40. The PN-40 can display raster images (photos, not lines) in addition to vector maps, which is a huge improvement in the handheld GPS world. DeLorme offers USGS 24k topo quads, sat 10 low-res color aerials, b&w as well as color 3DTQ aerials, high-resolution city aerials, and NOAA navigation charts for the PN-40. They sell them through an internet based extension to the TOPO7 software called Netlink, and offer a VERY affordable $29.95 yearly subscription plan to download whatever you want. The USGS topo quads are the primary reason I bought the PN-40, because I can only carry so many paper maps, but my PN-40 can carry a whole state on an SDHC card. The ability to have actual images of the actual USGS topo quads on the PN-40 is what, in my mind, makes the PN-40 the ideal bushwhacker GPS. The maps are high quality scans, and the integration of the different types of map data at differing zoom levels works very well. The aerial images are nice, but since most bushwacking areas have heavy foliage, so they just aren't as useful as the USGS topo quads.
Oh, and by the way... DeLorme includes 100k vector topo maps in the box with the PN-40! This is a big improvement over Garmin's system where you have to buy these maps separately, or pay extra for a unit preloaded with less detailed maps than what their software provides. The PN-40 comes with these vector maps in two formats: first, the TOPO7 DVD has the uncut source files, which provide vector maps for TOPO7, and can be cut for the PN-40; second, it comes with three pre-cut map DVDs that require nothing more than the USB cable, a computer, and the DVD. I don't use the vector topos much since I love USGS topos, but hey, they're included.
PN-40 Review - Signal
Your impression of the PN-40's accuracy and speed of signal aquisition will depend heavily on what GPS units you have used previously. If you are a few generations back, the PN-40 will probably impress you greatly. If you've owned a Garmin 60CSx or newer, then it will be about on par, maybe a little better, maybe a little worse, than what you are used to. My last GPS was a Magellan Meridian Gold, so the PN-40 represents a MAJOR improvement. As a note, all of my observations are based on the current DeLorme firmware, version 2.5 beta 3. Prior to that version there were some WAAS issues and some minor accuracy issues that made me hold off on this review, but the situation has improved dramatically.
Signal aquisition is pretty darned fast on the PN-40. Double digit seconds range for a cold start, and single digits if you've used the unit a few minutes previously. You are up and navigating with a 3-D lock fast enough that I usually don't have my shoes re-tied before it finished. If you turn the unit off when not navigating to conserve power, like I do, this fast signal aquisition is key.
Accuracy is frequently in the single digit feet range, and almost always in the low teens or better. I've tested the unit on flat terrain, on gently and steeply sloping terrain, and on terrain where large portions of the horizon are obscured by rocks or a whole mountain, and I'm more than satisfied with the accuracy of the unit, and its ability to hold a signal lock sufficient for navigation.
The WAAS implementation was a little squirrely prior to the beta firmware. DeLorme has indicated that the problem was with the Cartesio chipset's firmware from STM. Prior to the firmware, getting a WAAS lock with the PN-40 was downright difficult, and impossible for some users. I can now get a WAAS lock fairly quickly, and maintain WAAS correction data for most of a hike unless the terrain prevents a view to the south west. However, I don't really feel that WAAS is an essential feature for the bushwhacker anyway, since it only provides a small increase in accuracy (sometimes none), and most bushwhackers are trying to find objects that are somewhat easier to find than the film canister a geocacher might be seeking. ;)
As part of the beta firmware release, DeLorme added a new feature to the PN-40 called "Predictive Ephemeris" that provided a dramatic increase in signal aquisition speed. I won't go into the details, but basically the unit makes an educated guess as to the individual satellites locations, sacrificing accuracy for speed. Previously, the PN-40 had to wait for emphemeris data to download for each satellite it was tracking for that satellite was used to calclulation position. Now, while the PN-40 downloads new emphemeris data, it estimates what the data will be, and runs with the estimate until the new data arrives. Again, if you turn your unit off a lot while hiking, this is good for you.
Overall, I am very pleased with the accuracy of the DeLorme PN-40, and consider it more than capable of being used on a bushwhacking trip. I have not been able to test the unit under decidious foliage as it is winter, so keep that in mind, and I'll update when I can.
Next: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Maps
Back: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Field Operations
Signal aquisition is pretty darned fast on the PN-40. Double digit seconds range for a cold start, and single digits if you've used the unit a few minutes previously. You are up and navigating with a 3-D lock fast enough that I usually don't have my shoes re-tied before it finished. If you turn the unit off when not navigating to conserve power, like I do, this fast signal aquisition is key.
Accuracy is frequently in the single digit feet range, and almost always in the low teens or better. I've tested the unit on flat terrain, on gently and steeply sloping terrain, and on terrain where large portions of the horizon are obscured by rocks or a whole mountain, and I'm more than satisfied with the accuracy of the unit, and its ability to hold a signal lock sufficient for navigation.
The WAAS implementation was a little squirrely prior to the beta firmware. DeLorme has indicated that the problem was with the Cartesio chipset's firmware from STM. Prior to the firmware, getting a WAAS lock with the PN-40 was downright difficult, and impossible for some users. I can now get a WAAS lock fairly quickly, and maintain WAAS correction data for most of a hike unless the terrain prevents a view to the south west. However, I don't really feel that WAAS is an essential feature for the bushwhacker anyway, since it only provides a small increase in accuracy (sometimes none), and most bushwhackers are trying to find objects that are somewhat easier to find than the film canister a geocacher might be seeking. ;)
As part of the beta firmware release, DeLorme added a new feature to the PN-40 called "Predictive Ephemeris" that provided a dramatic increase in signal aquisition speed. I won't go into the details, but basically the unit makes an educated guess as to the individual satellites locations, sacrificing accuracy for speed. Previously, the PN-40 had to wait for emphemeris data to download for each satellite it was tracking for that satellite was used to calclulation position. Now, while the PN-40 downloads new emphemeris data, it estimates what the data will be, and runs with the estimate until the new data arrives. Again, if you turn your unit off a lot while hiking, this is good for you.
Overall, I am very pleased with the accuracy of the DeLorme PN-40, and consider it more than capable of being used on a bushwhacking trip. I have not been able to test the unit under decidious foliage as it is winter, so keep that in mind, and I'll update when I can.
Next: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Maps
Back: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Field Operations
PN-40 Review - Field Operation
The DeLorme PN-40 operates pretty much like any other handheld GPS unit you've ever used. It has a system of pages, including one for satellite status, a map page, and various navigation and other pages. I've included images to show all the different pages, and I won't discuss each in depth because that information is more than availible elsewhere, and I'm not trying to write a manual. The device is easy to figure out if you've ever used a handheld GPS, and should be pretty easy even if you haven't. Basic navigation is easy, and all basic functions are well explained in the manual, and most are downright intuitive. In the field, the simplicity of design, like any handheld GPS, means that the operation is basically transparent, requiring little struggle. That transparency means I don't have much to say. ;) The addition of the second processor to handle screen redraws has made the PN-40 much more responsive than the PN-20, but hikers don't usually move fast enough for such things to matter, anyhow.
Next: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Signal
Back: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Design
Next: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Signal
Back: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Design
DeLorme PN-40 Review - Design
The DeLorme PN-40 has the same physical dimensions and outward appearance as the PN-20, but the simarities are mostly skin-deep. The PN-40 has an elongated oval shape, with a bulge at the top, a flat face, and a chubby bottom to hold the batteries. It has 7 buttons, a rocker button, and a 4-way directional pad, and that is it. With Garmin now offering a touchscreen model, some have complained that the PN-40 is not a touchscreen device. DeLorme has stated that their design choice was heavily influenced by the degradation of screen image that a touchscreen causes, due to the extra material between you and the actual screen. I agree with their choice based on those grounds, but also because a touchscreen device would be clumsy if not impossible to use wearing gloves, would constantly have mud and grime rubbed all over it, and would probably result in a screen that was easier to break, since the screen would need to be closer to the face of the device. The buttons on the PN-40 are responsive, soft-textured, and big enough to operate wearing gloves or with ham-hands like mine. They are hard to accidently press, and I've only had that happen in the DeLorme supplied belt holder.Another area of criticism has been the screen itself. The PN-40 has a clear, sharp, bright, but small screen. DeLorme has stated given good reasons why this particular small screen was selected, including that and was the clearest and best screen they could provide for outdoor use. It also has the benefit of saving some power, and most importantly, keeps the size of the unit quite small. If you have poor eyesight the screen might present some issues (DeLorme is working on bigger fonts), but I find the clarity of the screen far outweighs the size. It is also important to note that the screen is fairly high resolution for its size.
The device comes with a lanyard, and in the bulge above the main body there is a hole for its attachment. The device communicates with your computer via a smooth "metal dot" type connector on the top rear of the device. A cable is provided that allows a USB connection via this connector, and an optional cable provides both USB and power.
The battery compartment is held in place by two screws, operated by metal loops. It is easy to remove, and seems a nice departure from many of the more confusing battery compartment schemes of old. The device holds two AA sized batteries. The PN-40 can utilize standard alkalines, lithiums, and NiMH rechargables, as well as an optional DeLorme Li-ion rechargable battery pack. While the battery life is less than what most people are used to, I can get about a day and half out of a set of Duracell 2650 batteries with the compass, barometer, and WAAS turned on, more if I turn the unit off when I'm not using it. The unit has profiles for each most battery types, and the battery life indicator is pretty accurate.
Behind the battery is a flip-up SDHC slot, which feels flimsy, and I recommend being very gentle with it. The good news is that the handful of people who broke it on their PN-20 and PN-40 units have noted that the pressume from the battery is typically sufficient to lock the SDHC card in place. The device is rugged, and is waterproof to the IEC 529 IPX7 spec. The unit is a hideous orange color, which makes it virtually impossible to lose. Actually, it grows on you in about five minutes, and the visibility aspect makes it totally worth it.
The physical design is ideal for the bushwhacker in my opinion, small enough to fit almost anywhere, light enough to not weigh you down, and well molded to the hand. The physical design suggests DeLorme had the hiker strongly in mind, and may have a bushwhacker on staff. ;)
Next: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Field Operation
Back: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Introduction
More photos:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682232
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682231
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682229
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682228
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682227
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682226
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682224
DeLorme PN-40 Review - Introduction
I have been promising a review of DeLorme's new PN-40 handheld GPSr for a while now. Due to some issues with the Cartesio GPS chipset in the unit, I held off until DeLorme could issue a firmware update containing a fix from STM, the manufacturer of the chipset. That update has been release as a beta test, so I finally feel like I can give the PN-40 a fair analysis.My intention is to provide a review of the PN-40 from my perspective, that is, from the perspective of a hiking who does a lot of bushwhacking, off-trail hiking, and abrupt roadside/trailside photography. In terms of a GPSr, in my mind the needs of the bushwhacker fall somewhat between the needs of the geocacher and those of a trail hiker. The bushwhack hiker needs to have the ability to accurately navigate off-trail to a fixed point (like a waterfall) or a series of fixed waypoints, like a geocacher. The bushwhack hiker also needs the ability to record an accurate track, to allow for a return, like a trail hiker. Where the bushwhack hiker experience differs is that often, the bushwhacker needs the ability to make more fluid decisions, which is why so many bushwhackers have rejected the GPS as a navigation device, and have retained their topo maps. To bushwhack you need to be able to visualize the terrain ahead of you, since you often need to make decisions regarding potential routes suddenly, usually because your planned route didn't pan out.
DeLorme is a fairly new entrant into the handheld GPS market, as the PN-40 is only their second GPSr, succeding the outwardly similar PN-20. DeLorme has been making GPS products for a number of years, and they are primarily a map company, so it wasn't a huge leap for to enter the handheld GPS market. DeLorme's map company heritage means that unlike most handheld GPS units, the maps come first.
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