learning to use a GPS unit

Which one did you get?

As Ken just suggested, all GPS receivers are a little different. It is nice to first understand the science of what is going on, where the satellites are, and the basics of what the receiver is trying to do. Then with a lot of practice, you will find how your particular model works best. I thought a GPS class for almost 15 years.

–B.G.–

I found this publication by Garmin. It's a downloadable pdf:

http://www.weatherconnection.com/manuals/UsingaGarminGPSwithPaperLandMaps_Manual.pdf

Sorry forgot to say that haha. its a Delorme earthmate PN-40

I've been using the PN-40 since it was first available. I have a few suggestions, then some thoughts on learning.
First, I prefer to use Lithium batteries which last much longer. I always carry two extra sets of batteries. Then go to the DeLorme website and buy the map subscription for $29.95 per year. The US topo map disks that come with the PN-40 are good for many things. I also download USGS topos and color aerial images for hiking is new areas. While you are at the website join the forums – there are some very knowledgeable people with answers to nearly any question. Register your PN-40 so you will have the warrenty, assuming it is new. Once registered you will also get notices about firmware updates.

Read the manual to get an idea of what the PN-40 can do. Now you should have some thoughts on how you want to use it. I don't think most manuals are much good for learning how to do what you want. The PN-40 is the seventh handheld GPS I've owned, the first five were Garmins.
Go outdoors and walk around close to home while practicing the things you want to do. Some people like geocaching(sp). Some hikers just turn on their unit whan they want an exact position. I keep my GPS turned on all the time I'm hiking. I want to know how far I hike each day. I set the distance back to zero each morning. I mark the location where I park my vehicle. I mark the location where I camp each night. Then I write comments in my notebook about the campsite.

The only way to learn to use a GPS is to practice. All GPS receivers do the same thing. The programming (bells and whistles) are different with each make and model.

The menues are a little different with each screen. When I first got my unit I made a list of what was on the menue from each screen.

Just my thoughts,
Slosteppin Ed

"All GPS receivers do the same thing."

That's quite an over-generalization.

–B.G.–

"All GPS receivers do the same thing."

That's quite an over-generalization.

True. Mine does not have maps.

Ediwn, thanks for the great advice. What do you think of the PN-40? I have been playing with it a bit around my house. I have the basics figured out. Still havent tried to manually place coordinates into it, and I cant figure out the computer program it comes with for the life of me.
Is it possible to plot routes so they show up on the map and then follow the route?

Dan, a route is a whole collection of waypoints. Often routes are saved as one file, but inside the file there is a bunch of individual waypoints, each with their own coordinates. Many handheld GPS receivers have an upper limit on the number of waypoints that can be stored, so it is easier when your route is very coarse.

–B.G.–