Colorado Bear

Mark; I went with the Garmin Oregon. I found this so much easier than download the pocket query and massaging the data to get it to a format my PDA could read. Now I just download the pocket query, then drag and drop the gpx file into the Oregon. Now when I go out, I only have to carry the GPS. Colorado Bear Jay

Do you have your GPSr set to the correct datum of WGS 84? Also the coordinates that you have listed "37 23.516 -122 02.625 N 45° 32.115 W 073° 26.965" while is slightly different written format at two different location the first on the West coast of the US, the second in Montreal area. Jay

I have had this problem before, the GPX file does not load properly. I have found that once I reload it from my computer it works. Lesson learned, whenever I load fresh GPX file, I power the GPSr on and check a random cache including the desscription and the hint before heading out. Jay

There is a limit on the radius you can search, which is why you wnat to use MY Finds. Jay

Once you download your pocket queries to your computer and unzip them if need, you will want to put the two files into the GPSr. Connect your 450 to your computer, it will take a short time for the 450 to boot up and then go into mass storage mode. Open the a computer explorer window like you would with any drive, find the Garmin directory, you can use either the one on the GPSr or on a installed memory card. In the Garmin Directory you should find a file labeled "GPX" this is where you want to place those two files you downloaded. File one *.gpx contains the cache information and file 2 *-wpts.gpx contains waypoints such as trailhead or parking associated with the cache. Close your windows and disconnect your 450 from the computer. Turn your 450 on and let it boot up. Then you can check to see if the transfer was successful. Every now and then mine fails, and I have to repeat the process, so I always check that I the caches are there, I chose one to GO to and then back out to the main menu and go to geocache and check the description and hint, when that checks out, I head out. For more information go to http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/ (this is must read information in my opinion) If you still need help send me a message and we will get together on the phone and I will walk you through the process. Have fun and good hunting Jay GOT BearSoup

BRAVO! Jay

hydrodis; Here are some of the following reason I became a premium member shortly after I started to geocache: It does support the web site that supports my hobby and gives me information on my hobby Pocket quires are the main perk for me even when I did not have a paperless unit. I use GSAK to transfer my pocket quires to my Garmin GPS I firmly believe that the more you do geocaching you will soon be looking for a way to do paperless caching, either with a PDA, smartphone, or a paperless GPSr. [*]It is a way for me to support my hobby to insure there is a repository for information and a database of geocaches to hunt. So weather you chose to have a premium membership or not. Have fun, be safe, and good hunting! Jay GOT BearSoup

I would look at the GPSMAP 62 line and the Oregon line of GPSr. The only reason I would steer you this way is for the paperless Geocaching feature on these units. It is a feature that makes life and geocaching easier. Jay

This has happens with the Oregon. I do not know why. What I do is after laoding the gpx file into my 450, I turn it on an test that I can see several caches. If it can't and the norm is it hangs when loading, I take the batteries out for a few second, then reload the same file. This usually takes care of the problem. Just once I had to rerun the pocket query and then load that file. Hopes this helps. Jay

Email sent with questions. Jay

The dragonfly is it a real one or a minted one? Either way great idea, keep us posted, I am in for at least 2. Jay

I like the renaming option with a z in the title. I have had several coins resurface after they went missing for a long period of time, and now they are traveling again. Jay

First and foremost , I am honest about what I am doing. After all what I am doing is not illegal. I have been approach by local police, security, and everyday people. I use the opportunity to educate, and recruit new people to our hobby. In the case you mention; clue the staff of the restaurant in on the hide (cache), and then they can enjoy the show as we all show up, and do the dance.

I use NiMH rechargeable batteries, the Maha 2700 mAh, and a Maha MH-C401FS charger. I use these in my GPS's, and my radio scanners. My last set lasted 4 years before it became obvious they were not holding a charge any more. Yes; the upfront cost can be steep but in the long run, I have saved on batteries, and we all win since I am not filling up the dump with batteries. As a safety consideration I do carry a 4 pack of alkaline batteries while I am backpacking as a backup. I have always found great deals at Thomas Distributing. As you change battery type, it is a good habit to change the baqttery type in the setup menu, it helps make the battery meter more accurate. Happy hunting Jay of GOT BearSoup

While the rugged PDA look nice, I just notice the link provide leads to an article from 2005, and following that to the company that made shows they no long list it as a current product. Jay it to has gone the way of the PDA's

Keehotee: Well that is a nice unit, any idea what it costs to buy one? and is it available to the general public? Jay

Ian; Are you just using this for Geocaching? If so I would suggest one of the paperless caching units. I am a garmin fan, and like the Oregon 450 and the GPSMap 62s. If you are looking for a new PDA mostly you need to get a phone, but I did find the Apple Ipod Touch 4th generation to fill the niche that my PDA did without have to get into a phone contract. However the Ipod touch will not work well at all for Geocaching. My sister used her Iphone for a bit but found it easier to go with a Oregon 450 as well. Hope this helped. Have a great day Jay

The hints do not show up until you select a cache to got to. So select a cache touch GO then back out to the main menu and select geochaches the hints will be located there. Jay

Suzyfishn: I will take you up on your offer of Geocoins I would like the the Colorado 2006, and the Leather Man 2008. Would you like to invoice me or do you just want me to send the $18.50 to your paypal account. email also sent Jay

REI has the Garmin GPSMAP 62s on sale for $280, and if you are a member you get a dividend next year. Jay

Check out the Oregon wiki at Oregon Wiki this is much better than the instruction manual. Jay

Have you tried signing in with the old user name and password? Also, You might try contacting Groundspeak and asking them to change it for you. I know that they did that for me when I started. Jay

Dawghorn Leghorn First realize that any GPSr that you buy is going to require some time, patience, and practice to learn how to use it, and trust it with confidence. You will need to read the manual and ask questions. Buying the GPS does not bestow knowledge upon you automatically. I am partial to the Garmin, I like the Oregon 450 and the GPSmap 62s. It is easy for us to tell you what to go buy, but only you can decide if the unit is right for you. So I would start by asking myself what am I going to do with the GPS? Hiking Biking Geocaching Boating Need to get around in a new city like on vacation What features do I want or need? Maps memory batteries electronic compass altimeter Gates verses Jobs (PC v Mac) Color Display Touch Display Water resistant Floats Weight, size Cost Accessories Maps Next would be the question of maps. Do I want maps on my GPS, or do I want to carry paper maps around with me. Some of the basic handhelds only tell you where you are at, or have basic road maps on them. Some of the maps are street level maps that are routable (can give you turn by turn directions, and the software contains points of interest (hotels, gas stations, store, entertainment). You can have topographical maps (these come as 100k and 24k), and you can even have satellite maps or Birdseye views on your GPS. With most Garmin GPSs you will need to buy or obtain maps to put on your unit. I think the Delorme and Magellan's come with maps on them. What areas of the world will I need maps of? You mention you want to do geocaching, biking and hiking. I would want a GPS that has both street level maps and topo maps. By the way free maps can be found at: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/ I know this works for the Garmin but I do not know if works for the others. Paperless Geocaching When it comes to geocaching I would consider a unit that does "paperless geocaching". this way you can download the information from the web site to the GPS and have it hand. Without this feature most people print off the information, and take it with them. I find that they quickly find other methods of carrying the information PDA's , internet enabled phones, buying a GPS the will do paperless geocaching. I feel this is a must have. Power Consider how the unit is powered, and by this I mean what kind of battery will the unit need. Most use AA's and it can be alkaline, rechargable NiMH, or Li. There is a least one unit out there that has a proprietary battery and it is expensive. I would stay away from units that have built in batteries, you will run out of power when you want or need it the most. Also, can it plug it into 12v system in my car while traveling. Memory Does the unit have enough internal memory or the ability to add a SD card to hold all of my maps. I have a 4 GB SD card in mine. You can put any computer file on this card, so I have all of my manuals for my GPS, camera, radios (I am a amateur radio operator). I also keep my trip information on it. This way I can borrow a computer and plug the GPS into it and have access to these files without carrying a thumb drive. Accessories I would start with a good screen protector. I buy mine from Zagg.com. Some way to carry the GPS. I know that this is a lot of information. Go do some research. Go to the online sites for the manufactures, sellers (Thegpsstore.com, http://www.factoryoutletstore.com/). Go to an REI close to you or another sports store. Ask questions, play with the units. As I said at the start I like Garmin I use the Oregon 450, but I would like a GPSmap 62s. I would buy a unit that seems more advanced than I think I need, since I see most people figure it out quickly, and then understand why they need/want the higher end units. It is an added expense and trouble to buy my maps separate and put them on my unit but I also have greater control and ability to customize it to my needs, wants and desires. If you live anywhere near Denver, Colorado I would be more than happy to meet up with you, take you shopping, or let you play with my GPS. And if you don't live close send me an Email (click on my screen name to go to my profile) we can exchange phone number or Emails. I am by no means an expert, but I do know a far amount on this subject. Jay, W0GBS GOT BearSoup

The Garmin Wiki has great information on how to use your GPSr. Garmin Wiki Jay

NickBR When you get a PQ you will get 2 files *.gpx and *-wpts.gpx. the *.gpx containes the infor on the cache, the *-wpts.gpx contain extra waypint that are included with the cache like parking or trail head location. Make sure you put at least the *.gpx file in your GPS. Also, at time I have notice with my Oregon 450 that even thought I draged the file into the GPS it had problems reading it. I removed the file and recopied. Last item make sure that you are puting the file in the GPX folder on your garmin either on the main unit or on the Micro SD card. hopes this helps Jay