DeLORME Earthmate PN-30

[tomp]

I can't get TopoFusion to download tracks from my new DeLORME GPS. Is it supported by TopoFusion? I'm still trying to figure out the TOPO USA software that comes with the rig. It doesn't seem to give me a chance to export to GPX, which would be the obvious way to get track data into TopoFusion...

[tomp]

OK, I figured out how to export to GPX from USA TOPO. I'd rather be able to load data directly from the unit to TopoFusion, so if there's any specific advice about that, let 'er rip!

[wayne]

This program, and EasyGPS/ExpertGPS, do not have direct-connect ability with the PN-xx devices.  Apparently there is an issue with the protocol not being easy to work with.

To quote Dan Foster, creator of the Easy/Expert GPS:

Dan Foster: If I had to pick one company which seems to go out of its way to make its products not work with others, I'd pick Delorme. That being said, if they give you the interface specs, or a description of the file format used by the waypoints/routes/tracks, please let me know. I'll purchase a PN-20 at that point and give it a go. It looks like a great GPS receiver.
http://forums.topografix.com/index.php?showtopic=147&hl=DeLorme]

Dan bought the GPS, DeLorme published the specs, yet he still didn't implement the conversion.  The question then becomes why?  From a little farther down that page:

Dan Foster: After extensive testing with a Delorme PN-20, we've decided not to implement support for this GPS at this time. It uses a real-time USB interface that would require significant changes to our software. If they release further products based on this interface, or if their market share increases significantly, we'll revisit this decision. The good news is that Delorme's software finally supports GPX, so you can exchange GPX files between their software and any TopoGrafix product.

There is also more information here:
http://forums.topografix.com/index.php?showtopic=804

Another option is to put pressure from to other end. Go to DeLorme's forum and throw into their PN-xx suggestion page that DeLorme make their next generation of GPSr's easier for 3rd parties to work with.

This DeLorme thread is for the PN-20, but overall it's probably the best post to make the request in. The July 11, 2009 post asks now that the standard is out and that 3rd party programs (TopoGrafix Easy/ExpertGPS, TopoFusion) have had some problems with it, to make it easier to work with in the future.
http://forum.delorme.com/viewtopic.php?t=9361

[tomp]

This program, and EasyGPS/ExpertGPS, do not have direct-connect ability with the PN-xx devices.  Apparently there is an issue with the protocol not being easy to work with...

So what you're saying is that basically, I can use any GPS software I want to download data from this unit, as long as that software is

DeLorme Topo USA 8.0. 

Hmm. I'm not wild about Topo USA. But it works. I'm sure I'll get better at understanding it as time rolls by. And I do really like the PN-30 so far. I'm not sure that this limitation would make me want to return it. Plus it's already dirty.

Thanks for the info. I may put pressure on DeLorme, but I don't see how that's going to ever get me a more flexible interface for my PN-30 unless they can change the protocol in firmware.

[wayne]

Garmin and Magellen are the big dogs.  Garmin is the biggest; everyone does Garmin protocol.

I use ExpertGPS for the GPS waypoint management, TopoFusion for its networking and track reduction, as well as imagery, and Topo for historical trip management and trip planning.

If you use any GIS software (or AutoCad, or I guess photoshop), that's what DeLorme is like.  Multiple layers of data you can turn on and off.  Very useful once you get used to it.  There is a steeper learning curve, but that's because it does more; most programs just work with one layer of data at a time.  I sometimes have 10 or more I'm working with.  It does have it's weaknesses, like any of the earlier mentioned programs.  When I want trip planning, delorme is fine.  When I want to go on the road, I take a Garmin.  Much better road updates in city/surburban areas, and even their rural areas are getting pretty good.  DeLorme has made a lot of good efforts to drag stuff into alignment, but in some lower-use areas, roads can still be 300 feet off.  (It's based off the US TIGER maps, visible in TopoFusion)

DeLorme also has a layer for map markups.  Text, callouts, lines, geometric shapes, etc.  Convert tracks to a draw-markup line and cut the map, put it on your GPS, and you can always view it, without using up a track slot to store it.  It's always "on"  (Which I suppose could be a problem if you want a track turned off.)  The bonus there is an infinite number of tracks, with notes, all displayed on your GPS screen.

When I'm 4x4ing in the Grand Canyon, I always take a laptop and a bluetooth GPS to run Topo.  Much bigger screen than any GPSr I've used, all my added roads, all my added notes.

• Draw layers are here:  http://forum.delorme.com/viewtopic.php?t=6941
• Grand Canyon example is here:  http://forum.delorme.com/viewtopic.php?t=9278
• Tucson Mtn Park (a simpler example with waypoints, tracks, and draw layer) is here: http://forum.delorme.com/viewtopic.php?t=15943

Good luck.