DeLorme AF-8085-201 Earthmate PN Series 12 Volt Power Cable Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased a replacement 12V power cable after accidentally melting the one that came with the DeLorme AG-8097-000 Earthmate PN Series Power Kit (completely my fault... don't ask). It works just as well as the original one, which is OK but not great (mainly problems with the GPS and the battery, not this adapter). It could also be used as a secondary charger to be kept in a second vehicle.
Note that this adapter will NOT recharge non-Delorme rechargeable batteries in-unit. You have to get the "CR-V3 LI-ION Approved Battery" from Delorme or in the Power Kit for in-unit recharging. This fact is well-documented and is a popular topic in the Delorme forums.
The recharge rate is extremely slow (again, problem with the GPS and battery). During an all-day geocaching trip with long drive times (about 3 hours total charging time) between multiple stops and long walking times during stops (about 6 hours walking/non-charging time), the charger couldn't keep up and I had to switch to alkaline.
But even if you don't have the "special" battery, this product is still functional. The unit works entirely off of external power while plugged in, so you aren't burning through expensive and landfill-clogging disposables. If want your receiver on while driving between geocaches or on the way to the trailhead, or want to extend battery life on your ATV equipped with a 12V power-point, this product can help.
The main problem I have with this product, though, is that it turns out that I didn't need to buy it. The GPS receiver will charge off the USB Data Transfer cable that came with the unit (strangely, Amazon does not sell this; you have to purchase a replacement or second cable directly from Delorme for $12.95 + $7 shipping). That cable plugged into my Scosche Dual USB Car Charger means I can charge my cell phone and my PN-40 from only one 12V power point. This is a huge bonus in my wife's vehicle where only one power point is reachable from the dash area.
Pros:
- Recharges the "CR-V3 LI-ION Approved Battery" in the GPS unit.
- Extends the life of any battery (even non-rechargeable).
Cons:
- Expensive for what you get.
- Yet another charger to have in your vehicle. A 12V-USB adapter used with a Data cable is better.
- Does not recharge non-Delorme rechargeable batteries (problem with GPS, not this product)

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Power for the road. Simply plug it into a standard lighter jack to power your PN receiver without batteries while on the go

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