Written by TSDAL452
on Friday, August 28, 2009:
I have had this GPS for 2 month and love it. Seems to be very accurate and the battery life is excellent. The software package that comes with it is also very nice to plan out your trips and transfere that information straight into your GPS. Also you can upload your GPS data into the software to so it is an excellent tool to go with the GPS. This weekend I have laid out a cache adventure for me and my family in Davey Crockett National Forest so we will be putting the GPS through its hardest test for satelite signals in dense forest. I'll let you know how it does.8-28-09
Written by mkhall257 on Monday, August 31, 2009:
Just got this device and I have mixed emotions. I also jjust got the new iPhone 3GS with the geocaching app. The amount of effort it takes to configure, add maps ($30 annual subscription), buy the bulk gpx. 'cache register' ($10 bucks)... it's somewhat added up to extra $ and I struggle with why it can't compress hires file sizes down from 50+MB per file. You have to go get a sizeable SD card ($35 to $100) to really load several sat/imagery maps (hi res).
Biggest common complaint is only a 1000 waypoint limit.
however, it comes with Topo 8.0 which is a fairly unfriendly software but after you spend some time with it, fairly powerful. The device does a lot but be prepared to learn it. A beginner geocacher can do the job with much less but this device allows pocketqueries to be imported so, over time, it's a solid unit. Just know there's a little more investment than you may expect. REI had them on sale for $199 and I had to bite on it. Despite the overhead, very happy with the un
Written by Catodon on Friday, September 04, 2009:
Easy to use and nice screen.
Intuitive except for 1 thing: I can't find the compass calibration settings as per the manual. EDIT: Was just informed this unit does not have the electronic compass which needs calibration.
Accuracy has improved since first few caches. It seems the more I use it the better it gets. Found a cache today within inches of it's Zero. The more I use it the more I like it. Do yourself a favor and get the RAM mount. I've been velcro'ing it to my handle bars.
Written by McPhenius on Friday, September 04, 2009:
I've had the PN-30 for a few months now and love it. It does not have a electronic compass or barometric altimeter like the PN-40, but it's got all the other features. * Note: The manual contains calibration for the compass, but this is only for the PN-40.
I love the fact I paid only $24.95 for a year subscription which includes unlimited map downloads. I have both hi resolution satellite and NOAA maps for kayaking on it.
For geocaching, it's worked great. It lets me route a trip by driving or hiking. I only wish it would download multiple caches at a time, but maybe I am missing something on if you can do that or not.
At times, I find that I have to move approximately 1.5mph to re-engage the compass since it is not the electronic one, which works standing still. But for $249.99 on sale at Bass Pro Shops, I found it worth giving up the electronic compass for $399.99.
Written by SarWalker963
on Saturday, September 05, 2009:
So far its great. Got it in the States at REI on sale for $199, which seemed like a good deal to me.
When I opened the box I found everything I needed to get started, including batteries, along with a quick start guide and a user manual. It comes with four discs, 3 regions in the US and one disc for Canada and Mexico. I chose my disc and the download was done in minutes.
A 1GB card, a Topo USA 8.0, and a lanyard were included.
Start to finish, I was out using the device in about 20 minutes and I have no previous experience with any kind of GPSf. Would definitely recommend.
