Delorme Earthmate PN-60W Portable GPS Navigator with SPOT Satellite Communicator

Delorme Earthmate PN-60W brings together an outdoor enthusiast’s favourite portable GPS navigator with the effective and life saving emergency signalling of the SPOT Satellite Communicator. It brings the power of two satellite networks into one integrated product. If your considering a Delorme Earthmate GPS navigator and will be out of cellphone coverage then this is the obvious safety first choice.

SPOT Satellite Messaging

The SPOT Satellite Communicator was developed to work exclusively with the PN-60W and includes features a fully integrated custom user interface designed by SPOT which (not available with the standalone unit). Using satellite communication the spot will most importantly send a GPS position encoded SOS message in case of an emergency but, also provides a range of other tools to keep in touch with friends and family outside of cell phone coverage. Other communication modes include the tranmission of custom messages to your emergency contacts and/or Twitter and Facebook friends. Messages can be typed using the Earthmate PN-60w 2.2 inch touchscreen keyboard. It is well worth investigating the range of SPOT Assist services which include Roadside Assist and Assist Maritime which provides direct access to BoatU.S. Towing services.

One impressively useful feature produced from the combination of these technologies is the ability (utilising the SPOT) connect wirelessly with other PN-60w users within a 1 mile radius, exchange text messages and exchange GPS positions, waypoints and geocaches in the field. It provides a new level of communication for coordinating activities and sharing useful information while in the field.

It’s a simple matter for users can easily manage their profile online, including custom maps and message history. Information can be kept private or shared using custom tools like SPOT Shared Pages and SPOTadventures.com.

DeLorme PN-60w Features

Professional recognition of the DeLorme Earthmate GPS navigators has recently come in the form of the news that as many as 500 responders and relief workers in Haiti are have used GIS software, GPS receivers, and crucial map data provided by DeLorme.

The PN-60w has a similar feature set to the PN-40 (read DeLorme PN-40 review) which includes a 3 axis electronic compass (works in any position and doesn’t require you to be moving) and a barometric altimeter enabling precise elevation readings and the sensitivity to detect potential weather changes.

There’s extensive storage space onboard the PN-60w with 3.5GB of memory and support for SDHC high-capacity SD cards up to 32 GB. DeLorme’s power management system combining an ambient light sensor obviously does a good job of conserving power with a battery life 13 hours on Li-Iron up to 31 hours on e-lithium.

PN-60w Mapping

The impressive range of available map data has always been a key attractive feature of the DeLorme Earthmate GPS navigators and the PN-60w continues with tradition with DeLorme Topo USA 9.0 maps included. This provides complete U.S. topographic detail, extensive trail coverage, U.S. and Canada streets, roads, and places of interest including campgrounds, boat launch sites, unique natural features, prime hunting and fishing spots. Those interested in sea kayaking and coastal sailing should note the PN-60w’s ability to display NOAA nautical charts. Other enthusiasts should take note of the PN-60w’s full support for paperless geocaching, almanac pages with information on tides, hunting and fishing favourability, and sunrise/sunset and moon phases.

The PN-60W comes with the PN-Series Map DVDs (Mac-compatible) for transfer to the GPS, and in a PC desktop software program.