Triple Crown

Also, there is a problem with Internet Explorer 11. It's a great browser for downloading Firefox or Chrome. To fix IE11 go to Tools, then Compatibility View Settings and add GC.com to the list of websites.

If I'm not mistaken, they are pre-loading new units with their own caches, too. However, that one is easy to fix and delete. My new Oregon 650 was not preloaded with OpenCaches. The extra option doesn't impact any other functions. So it's kind of a First World Problem. 650 Filter

You should look into GSAK. It's a really powerful tool for cache database management. (also free) http://www.gsak.net/

What doesn't work? Paperless cache files can be either GPX or GGZ. LOC files contain only coordinates.

+1 I installed a screen protector on day 1. This screen is much tougher than the older models, but the screen protector (ArmorSuit) is cheap insurance and feels like glass. I upgraded from the 300 to the 650 and it's a great leap forward. The screen is bright & works like a cellphone screen. The GGZ file type means you don't have to delete/reboot/reload when adding files. Also the 650 comes with the rechargeable battery pack, which seems to work pretty well so far, and the camera has been quite handy, which surprised me.

I looked at the Montana but decided it was too big for my taste, so I went with the Oregon 650. The screen is great and the touch interface is very similar to a cellphone. Also the rechargeable battery pack charges in the unit, so you can charge while using it in the car if you want. The Montana will hold 12000 caches, but the Oregon 6XX series will hold an almost unlimited number (Millions!) and the new GGZ file type is really slick. With both units you can have as many maps as you want and you can have multiple profiles...for example the Automotive profile is set to on-road routing using my City Navigator maps, while the Geocaching profile is set to direct routing using both topo maps and street maps. Changing profiles is 2 taps. With all of the newer units you can name the maps whatever you want, they still keep the .img extension. Also, you can turn individual maps on or off whenever you want. My setup has the City Navigator North America installed on the unit, then my topos, Europe and Brazil street maps on the microSD card, so I always have maps for wherever I am. Also, with the Oregon, you have 2 buttons which are user configurable to do whatever you want with 1 press, double press, or press & hold....and you can have different preferences with each profile if you want. There is a lot of info available at the Oregon 6xx Wiki, so you should check that out too. In my opinion, the Oregon 600 is a great leap forward for geocaching functionality.

My PQ finally showed up....for a few minutes...but when I went to download it, it was gone again. Weird.

I'm having the same problem. Got the email saying my PQ was ready, it shows that it was run, but it is not on the Pocket Queries Ready for Download list. Following the email link just brings me to the PQ page.

I did not know that. Thanks!

FWIW, I just upgraded from the Oregon 300 to the Oregon 650, and so far I haven't seen this problem (on the new unit) Also really liking being able to keep tons of caches available. (So far I've been using the GGZ file format because they're supposed to index faster for searching)

Another thing to consider is the temperature. Rechargeable batteries don't do well in the cold, and -8C is pretty cold.

This is not correct. you can have both maps and GPX files on both the internal memory and the microSD card and the unit will see both. On my Oregon 300, the internal memory is very limited (<1GB) the base maps and any beamed caches are stored on the internal memory, but I keep all of the maps I've installed and my downloaded GPX files on the microSD card (about 6GB for City Navigator North America, plus several European countries & Brazil) I recently upgraded to the new Oregon 650, and in my opinion, it's a great leap forward. The touchscreen is like a smartphone and it is much brighter than any other GPS unit I have seen.

Cabela's had the Garmin Oregon 450 on sale for $150, but they sold out. Now they have the Oregon 550T for $230 at Cabela's

I don't think you can delete the POI's but you can reduce the clutter factor. Disclaimer: this is based on an Oregon, but I think it will work the same. Go to Setup, then Maps, then Zoom levels and change the zoom level of map points to either off or something small like 20 ft so they won't show until you zoom in really close. The waypoints are stored separately from POI's, but you can clear out your waypoint memory by going to Setup, Reset, Delete All Waypoints.

Just bought the Oregon 650T thought it held unlimited Geocaches, well it does as long as the caches are on OpenCaching and not Geocaching according to Garmin, 12,000 same as my Montana on Geocaching.com thinking of returning it. Scubasonic The smart guys over at GSAK updated their macros so you can send caches as either gpx OR ggz files...allowing you to have almost unlimited caches. It's worth looking into...

You can't disable a GPX in the field, but you CAN set a filter in the field...for example only show traditionals with a terrain rating of 1.5 or less. Select Geocache, then Quick filter and set the parameters for your filter, then press the Search button at the top.

If you're a GSAK user, you can also upload your finds using GSAK. It's great for power trails...like logging 1000 caches in 15 minutes or so.

A better alternative (IMHO) is to post a note or an owner maintenance log to let cachers know that it's still there. Another option is to email the cachers who logged the DNF and offer a hint so they can return to claim the find. It seems kinda silly to log a find on your own cache.

highly doubt it. No online store (including garmin) has it in stock and several sources are pointing to april launch. also there is already another thread about Oregon 6xx series on here Not available in the US yet, but apparently it's been out in Europe for a couple of weeks. (No FCC certification requirement)

I think the limit is 5000 caches or 200 GPX files, whichever comes first. You should delete old GPX files to avoid this problem.

OpenStreetMap is the wiki link for the Garmin formatted free, routable maps. I use them for when I travel, I just download whatever country I plan to be in. Works well.

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/ They've come a long way with the free maps and are very good quality these days. Also check out Open Street Maps for worldwide free routable maps for Garmin units.

I recommend putting a Zagg Invisible Shield or equivalent on the screen on day 1, it takes the damage and is easily replaced.

I'm not familiar with the particular maps you've chosen, but there are a few pitfalls. Make sure the maps are enabled in the profile you're using. Also, 1:100K topos only have a contour for every 100', so there might only be 4 contour lines in Florida. You'll want to get 1:24K topos for more detail. Continue asking questions, we're a friendly bunch!

Wow, great information, thank you very much for sharing these tips. Can you elaborate a bit on how to copy the XML file from the GPS on the SD card? I'm not seeing the XML file in the GPS for some reason? (not sure really how to find it actually) Oh yes, by the way, that little compass I was referencing earlier is actually in the upper left hand corner, OOOPS. LOL To find the GarminDevice file, connect your Oregon to the computer, then navigate to Computer, then Garmin Oregon (in my case it shows up as drive E), then open the Garmin folder. Here is the visual aid... Then select the GarminDevice file and right click, select copy, then navigate to your MicroSD card (in my case it is drive F), open the Garmin folder, and then right click to Paste the file there.