The DeLorme Weblog

One of the major challenges we face in the design department is delivering all of the bells and whistles we’d like to provide to our customers, while making sure what we release is not too difficult for the first time user to understand. We worked hard to release a handheld GPS device with the standard features users expect, while offering innovative features based on our mapping expertise.

Despite this effort we still found that our “out of the box” presentation did not always meet the needs of first-time users.How many of you opened your PN-20 box, put batteries in, and turned it on to see what would happen? We know a lot of you did — and we know the first thing you saw was a blank screen with a red arrow. We’ve taken steps to improve many of the user experiences during those first months of the PN-20 release, but we still have some things we’d like to share with new owners when they first open their PN-20 boxes. 

Don’t read this post to mean that we’re avoiding design updates by explaining challenging concepts to our customers. We’re very aware that many of our customers don’t read blogs or forums or even the user manual and getting started guide. Those are our average users — people who aren’t looking to read lots of material — people like my dad. So I’m going to cheat a little and share with you the extra tips that I gave to my dad that helped him learn to use the PN-20.

• Follow the instructions in the Getting Started Guide. I know it’s not as much fun as running outside while you’re putting batteries in, but you won’t have detailed maps on the PN-20 if you skip this step!
• Press down on the SD card latch to open it, don’t pry up.
• Change your Battery Type setting on the PN-20 if you’re using Li-Ion or NiMH batteries. Press the Menu button then choose Device Setup and System. Rechargeable will save you money in the long run.
• Go outside and stand still to get your first 3-D Fix; don’t sit in your living room and test the strength of the GPS antenna. The device needs good reception from a stationary location to find you the first time.
• Get to know your PN-20 before you head out on a big trip. A little practice in the front yard gives you a chance to look for answers before you’re in the woods!
• Explore all the buttons and pages, learn by exploring the device and all of the options. Don’t be afraid of messing up the settings; there is a Reset Defaults option if you need it.
• Press the Menu button on each page. Notice that the top half of the menu has options specific to the page while the bottom half of the menu is the same for all pages.
• Be sure to explore the Map Setup option on the Map page. This is where all of the map management takes place and where you will go to change any of your map settings. Notice that it is a scrolling page!
• Use Topo USA to create your routes. The computer calculates faster than the PN-20 and can create trail routes. Use the PN-20 for creating your direct routes.
• Watch for update notices; NetLink will tell you when a firmware update is available for your device. Install these updates as they will give you access to all of the improvements and new features that we’ve released.

Before I go, here are a few links that I think people should be aware of…

• User Manual and Getting Started Guide The PN-20 user manual is updated with each release of the firmware and made available on our Support site. The tri-fold getting started guide is also available from this site.
• Getting Started Video The PN-20 Getting Started Video will walk you through the PN-20 setup and the basic features.
• Earthmate GPS PN-20 Forum The PN-20 forum is a great place to learn from all the knowledgeable users and DeLorme employees that help each other with PN-20 questions.
• Earthmate GPS PN-20 Tips & Tricks The PN-20 Tips & Tricks forum is an additional location with lots of great posts from customers who are using their GPS and software in very exciting ways.

I hope you found this information helpful; if you still have questions be sure to visit the DeLorme Forums, there are lots of great answers to new user questions… there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for has already been posted!

-Chip