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.
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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!
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Press down on the SD card latch to open it, don’t pry up.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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…
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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.
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Getting Started Video The PN-20 Getting Started Video will walk you through the PN-20 setup and the basic features.
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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.
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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
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Chip,
Thanks for the article about teaching your dad. I sympathize with him and any of us in the over-60 crowd. While I have read the set-up material and watched the video, and I am truly impressed with all the capacity built in to my PN-20, I have had to struggle at times not to toss it in a drawer and give up.
I can’t remember all the steps to go through just to do some of the basic functions because they are not, to my dimming mind, self-evident. And because, at this age, remembering new, complicated stuff is really difficult.
For instance, I have moved topo maps from the computer to the device, but each time I have to look it up again in the guide.
Here’s what I want to do: I want to arrive at the start of my hike, turn it on, create a track of where I am going, perhaps toss in a few waypoints, and then turn it off when I (hopefully!) get back safely. Then I want to be able to move the route to my Topo program on my computer and review it.
I suggest that you folks develop a VERY basic hiking guide that gives the simple steps for doing this. A small pocket card would work. Then have your dad review it!
Thanks for listening.
Kathy
Thank you for the feedback Kathy, we’ve been working hard to improve our paper documentation, digital training material, and on-line resources but always appreciate user input to guide our next effort. I know how frustrating it can be when you don’t need to use a particular feature often enough to commit it to memory.
We’ve been evaluating our Getting Started Guide, the tri-fold insert that came with the PN-20, and are planning some improvements to that document. I know that all of the information a user needs is contained in that paper but realize that the approach doesn’t seem to be working for some people. In case you’ve misplaced it, I’ve included a link to the support site where it is available…
http://www.delorme.com/support/Downloads/GPS/PN20%20guide_web%20.pdf
We’re aware that there is a lot of information in that doc and that some first time users are having a hard time digesting the content. The area that addresses your need to create a map and move it from Topo USA to the PN-20 is titled Sending DeLorme Imagery and Data to Your Device. There’s also a section to guide you through moving data between your computer and your PN-20; look for Section 3 of Using Topo USA With Your Device.
For general PN-20 use remember that the Menu button is the gateway to all of the options on the device. The Track option is listed on each menu and the Waypoint button is on the front of the device. We’ll be sure to keep your feedback in mind as we talk through ways to improve the documentation for first time users. Keep an eye on this blog for more info about the PN-20 or check out our Forum for help from other very knowledgeable users.
Thanks for taking the time to post.
-Chip
THANK YOU KATHY!
I’m not even over 60 & my brain is already full. So, Chip, it is not quite as simple as not using something enough to remember steps. There are some tech things that I will never be able to remember how to use without the instructions, they are just that unintuitive. My mom had her air transport rating and could fly B-17 bombers, but a VCR mystified her. Therefore, revisiting the trifold plastic laminated insert and designing it with your dad looking over your shoulder would be VERY HELPFUL. I have struggled witht he PN-20 and really only use it to make tracks and waypoints. Being able to learn more would be helpful. Thanks for the great product though!
I sat in on a meeting with our technical writer, support manager, and graphic designers the other day. They are working on an update to the Getting Started Guide to help people with their out-of-box experience. Half of the effort will focus on setting up the device; the other half will focus on important core features to help people with the PN-20 once they get outdoors.
Since you’ve already learned about waypoints and tracks, I’d encourage you to look at the three scenarios found in the PN-20 manual. Perhaps these will help you access some of the more advanced features. I’d also suggest pressing the Menu button any time you are looking for additional features.
Remember that each page has unique options displayed at the top of the menu and standard options displayed at the bottom.
Consider posting a question on our forum too, there are lots of very helpful people there that will guide you through all the features on the PN-20.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
-Chip