Delorme Topo 6 and Earthmate LT-40 GPS

So, my boredom and about 50 bucks led me to this.

I’ve had the Delorme Topo 6 software for some time now, but put it to little use since it’s not compatible with my Magellan handheld. I recently came across the Earthmate LT-40 GPS that is compatible with the Topo 6 software. So I decided “what the hell”...45 bucks! Since I have an old laptop I figured that I could slam it in the Taco with the LT-40 and see what happens.

So Far:

The LT-40 seems to maintain a solid signal that displays a pretty accurate and active detailed (3D) topographic location on my laptop. With this set up, I’m able to see most forestry roads and a fair amount of popular trails through out Arizona. The LT-40’s coordinates match up almost identically to my Magellan. Only now I see way more then a triangle moving around an empty two inch grey display. I can’t wait to really get out and see how the LT-40 handles remote canyons and washes.

I plan to play around with this setup for awhile to see if I like it. If I decide to keep it in the Taco, I’ll end up needing a few accessories for it, like a mounting kit for the laptop and a power inverter to keep it charged up. In addition I’ll run the USB cord under the carpet and find a good place to mount the GPS. I may even check out Delorme Topo 7.

 The fly-over feature in the Topo software is very cool. Sorry about the pictures as they don't do much justice for the app!

I may just strap the laptop in the case and the case to the seat. I’m thinking it will give it some cushion and will not allow the laptop to take a beating.

Any good or bad experinces with Delorme products?

I had Delorne street atlas 2007 and it got me lost in big cities more often than not. the earthmate GPS was everything it was promised to be. I use it now with truck copilot 9. might try topo 6 if the price is right, just not wild about carrying my laptop in the cruiser. unless i came up with some shock proof mounts

I like the set up. I have Delorme topo software that I use, but it isn't compatible with my Apple work laptop. So I'll just have to continue printing out a few maps when I go into new areas.

My experience with Delorme is... pretty good, although I don't have any experience with other programs. I was dissapointed that the little errors on the maps were still there from 3 versions ago.

 Thanks guys,

Yep, I doubt I’ll get too crazy with this. It’s just another tool as my mapping skills are still pretty dismal. Not to mention that I don’t venture off by myself very often.

Chris- would have thought you would be out and about in AZ enjoying this awesome weather!

I love planning for and conducting explorations so I really enjoy the topo program. When you zoom in close it reveals named mines, townsites, and other points of interest. I keep a saved map copy of my past trips (lines on the maps colored blue) and future trips (lines on the map colored red). It's like a journal of sorts, telling me where I've been and where I'm going. Taking it into the backcountry and using it with my GPS directly would be that much better, but oh well.

I had several invites but I had a lot of catch-up to do this weekend. Next weekend I'm leaving Sunday for an overnighter on the Rim.