Bye-bye Garmin, hello DeLorme

[marc]

I've been using a Garmin GPSmap 276C for about 5 years. It has been retired and replaced with a DeLorme PN-60. I just couldn't see paying Garmin another $90 for a key to install maps maps that already existed on my computer. Especially since it looked like I was going to have to download the 2.5 GB of data again just to get the unlock code. Perhaps I'm wrong about that. Don't care.

There is much to like about the Garmin unit. There is much to hate about Garmin's desktop software, especially the stuff available for Mac users.

The PN-60 comes with DeLorme's TOPO 9. The software is PC only. I run it in a virtual box on my Mac. The software might be considered hard to use for those who are used to Mac software. It's modal as all get out and you have to remember to click the appropriate buttons to get to the screen that contains the button you want to click. But.... it has some VERY nice features used when preparing routes for use on a GS.

• you can create your own sections of roads or trails and add them to the map. Your additions are routable.
• you can draw a shape around an area and tell the software to avoid routing within the shape.
• You can specify stops within a route, and guestimate how long the stop will be for route planning. This is nice as on the GPS you can get a time or miles to next stop.
• Adding vias to a route does not create a waypoint.

There are a few things I like better about the Garmin and my dream GPS would contain features of both. The PN-60 does not come on or go off with external power, for example. The screen is 1/2 the size of the 276C. However, for my use the PN-60 wins. Especially when it comes to track logs. http://www.snafu.org/play/ is a map containing two tracklogs. You 'll have to zoom in a bunch to see both. The blue line is from the PN-60. The green line is from the 276C. The GPS were about 12 inches from each other. The 276C was using an external amplified antenna which should have given it all kinds of advantage.

Zoom in south of marker 2 around Page Mill Road. You'll see where the 276 lost its position. The track is quite jagged. Another place to look at is on 35, just west of 84 (the famous Alice's). Again, the 276C loses its way. Even with the amplified antenna the presence of trees along the side of the road is too much for the 276C. The PN-60 does a much better job.

The unit I have does NOT contain the SPOT beacon. That is an option available to those who'd like it.

[cug]

Are you selling the Garmin? If yes, I might be interested.

[marc]

You have a PM.

[RickC]

Marc, you have to remember that the 276C and it's family are several generations behind in receiver and antenna technology. The latest Garmins are very fast on start up and lock on and maintain lock with much less signal strength than the old Garmins.

[marc]

Yep... my wife has a newer Garmin. My biggest issues are software. Garmin software really leaves a lot to be desired. That goes for the firmware that drives the GPS units, too.

DeLorme topo 9 is a pain to use and only runs on windows, but it lets me do a lot more than I can do with Garmin software. Doing something the hard way wins over not being able to do it at all.

I'd really like something with the best features of both. Today you have to make a choice.... if you like turn-by-turn instructions to get from point A to point B without much care as to the particular route go with the Garmin units. If you want to build your own detailed routes and have next to unlimited track-log space go with the DeLorme.

[gdayjr]

Second hand Tomtom one xl. Update the maps onto the external sd. Total cost, about $50.

Why spend a shit load on fancy gear that does the same job?.

If i want detail i buy an ordanance survey map for the area i want to get lost in......yep get lost in. If i don't get lost, i wouldn't need the bloody gps in the first place would i.

Too easy.

[Quanto12]

Originally Posted by gdayjr

Second hand Tomtom one xl. Update the maps onto the external sd. Total cost, about $50.

Why spend a shit load on fancy gear that does the same job?.

If i want detail i buy an ordanance survey map for the area i want to get lost in......yep get lost in. If i don't get lost, i wouldn't need the bloody gps in the first place would i.

Too easy.

LOL!!!! I been putting off buying a GPS for quite a while, and I think this is gona make me put it off even longer!!!! Love it!

Marc, please keep us up to date with your new Delorme, it was one I was looking at and couldn't make my mind on it!

[marc]

I still have to use Garmin software once in a while for my wife's GPS. Seems that I'm her tech support. The current version of BaseCamp on a 2 year old GPS can't transfer a route to her unit. No error indication. Just doesn't do anything. Found that out last week.

I use a GPS mainly for its track log abilities. Sometimes after turning it on I forget to switch it to moving map mode. On the PN-60 when the track log fills up it gets written to SSD and a new log is opened... data is not lost or overwritten. I like that. The screen is small. Good thing I rarely look at it. I don't like GPS units that speak to me, either. If you like voice prompts the PN-60 is not for you.

As for getting lost... a GPS is wonderful for getting lost. When I see a squiggly little line on the GPS that goes in a direction I've never been I may make a point of finding the road. If only the GPS would tell me about locked gates.