Roarmeister

If you are looking for a kayak with room for weekend touring and occasional romps in choppy water than you should have a 14' or longer kayak. This will have the capacity for storage that you will need plus it will track better than a rec boat. What kind of budget are you looking at? Rotomolded plastic is the cheapest while thermoformed plastic, fibreglass and Kevlar round out the selection with generally increasing prices. Here are a couple of introductory links to read. http://www.roguepaddler.com/choose.htm http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/kayak.html

Go look at iPhone 4 specs: 3.5" diagonal screen with 960*640 pixels; 2.31", 4.5", 0.37" - 4.8 ounces ... Does the iPhone float or take pictures underwater? While the Montana will have it's proponents -- for $700 plus the mount I can buy a Nuvi and a 62s and have a lot of pizza money left over! A LOT! Too rich for me, whatever the specs. Although a lot of people will buy it as a do-all type of GPS.

Roughly 90 minutes but beware this is scheduled at the end of the Stampede so expect delays at the airport until you can get on the road.

This has probably been discussed before but... exactly what do all the symbols, colours, shapes, etc in the logo stand for?

You do lose information in the Mapsource format, the cache description and logs. You definitely want the GPX to do paperless caching. OK, understood the part about the Mapsource format. What I don't understand is what Mapsource has to do with paperless caching - is the OP lugging his laptop around to upload files to his GPSr??? GSAK does quite fine with the exports to the receiver without using Mapsource as a go-between software AND works quite fine for paperless caching. Mapsource need not even exist or be used for anything related to paperless caching - period! So I don't understand the point you are making. If the purpose of th OP was in using Mapsource was to export files in a format so that he could then experiment with deleting his caches when on the road, that I might understand. However, that misses the point - the 62/78/Oregon's don't treat caches the same way that they did on the older 60 series and Garmin isn't going to change that. They would have done it 2 years ago if they wanted. I go back to my original point in my first message. There is an option to clear the .gpx file in the dialog box before uploading a fresh set of caches. Once checked, you never worry about it again. And you will never have to manually delete the .gpx file EVER!

Does not fit the 60 mount. Hmm, not so sure about that. It depends on your definition of FIT. If I don't put the belt clip attachment on the unit it will fit into the RAM mount for the 60 but it is quite tight. SO I simply don't push it all the way in, it fits close enough not to bounce out when going over rough road. The 62s is just a fraction wider than the 60. I haven't seen a RAM specific mount for the 62 series yet... and I'm not in a hurry to get one. My 60 series mount works well enough for me. Heck, Geocaching.com still does not have an option to choose the 62 series as your receiver in your profile yet - and that is just a simple software change whereas RAM has to build the equipment to actually make the new mount!

Since you are using GSAK, why not just export a specific file for Mapsource [CTRL-U]? Why use the same .gpx file? Is there something specific in the .gpx (.xml) file that you can't get with the MapSource specific format? I don't think there is a way of deleting the cache from the unit itself. The Oregons have the same "feature". I am guessing it's because the caches are basically custom poi information instead of the way the 60 series treated the caches. This "feature" isn't a big deal for me because I clear the file automatically before loading. At the download to unit screen, there is an option to clear the existing file before reuploading the new caches. Now some people are still going to have issues with this, you might possibly loose your fieldnotes with this if you don't upload them first. Each to their own but it doesn't bother me (yet!)

I am going to side with Garmin on this instead of trigger happy technoids. Without taking it apart and analyzing the true cause - I strongly suspect that the squeak is a result of the two layers of the case. The rubberized outer layer and the inner hard plastic. The glue (if there is any) that keeps them together has dried out so when you press on the outer rubber it rubs against the inner plastic. The rubberized outer layer is there for water proofness as it seals the unit better than the hard shell of the 60 series. When I first looked at the unit itself, I remarked at how robust the battery compartment was and that it appeared to be better at keeping out moisture than the 60. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! Seriously though, I have no idea why it squeaks and unless this issue is anything more than cosmetic I am going to keep my little squeaker and keep on caching. Anybody got the guts to actually put the unit to a submerged water test?

At coffee today, I was told that spanner mode was new to version 2.40 of the firmware. I haven't confirmed but if it is the case then the user will have to make sure he upgrades from version 2.30 (out of the box).

Hmm, all I did was slip the 16 GB microSDHC straight in to my 62s. It replaced a working 8GB microSDHC card (wasn't big enough for all my maps). Both work perfectly fine. A fellow local cacher has the same setup. Other Oregon users also have used microSDHC for some time now. Your info about it not working in the 62s is wrong. (Probably because of Garmin's website only suggests microSD.) Faster Class 6 cards are not required and provide no perceivable benefit in a GPSr except perhaps during the initial transfer of the compiled files. Some older GPSr like the 60 series have problems with the SDHC cards because they weren't even invented at the time of it's release. I never went beyond 2 GB because of the 2025 segment barrier so it was pointless for me. However there are some ingenious people who have figured out a way (not me of course) to work with micro SDHC cards in the 60 series. Browse the forum or net to find out more.

So, three pages and over 130 posts and YOU are the only one to complain, huh? Whatevah, dood... Gee buddy, have you always gone through life with this "chip on your shoulder" "everybody else in the world in a freaking simpleton but me!" attitude. If so, drop it buddy and quit 'er crying in the Forums. Yes I've searched and read your other messages... they all carry the same stink.

No you don't. I missed the "advanced" button on my first install and it only updated the GPS. I didn't have it connected when I ran the download again and hit "advanced" to update the computer/MapSource only. Thanks, I'll look for that next time. I'm wondering if it's detecting whether or not it's a hand-held or a car unit, and directly updating the unit if it's the former. I left my 60CSx plugged in the whole time, and it only updated MapSource. I recently purchased CNNA and as soon as I installed it let me know about my 1 free update which was 2011.20 So I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth and simply downloaded, compiled and uploaded into my brand new 62s.

Mine jumps about 2-5 metres if I press the screen HARD which is a far cry from 60-70'. The changes don't show on the plot but they do show on data field readout. Very interesting.

I've got a squeaky unit too. I never even noticed until I read this thread and check my receiver. The question is - does the squeak affect the operation and durability of the unit? Or are people just ticked and think that they automatically have a problem and are running back in panic to Garmin. I think, I'll just wait this little brohaha out for a while until I see real evidence of a problem.

Then rename your .img file. I have CNNA, Canadian and US Topo files loaded with different .img files on an 8Gb card + internal memory. Well almost, I am about 1 Gb short of storing everything so I cut some of the Topo segments before loading. Oh wait, my BAD?? I thought that everyone was talking about the 62st (like the header says) instead of the older 60 series. Far be it from me to deviate from the topic at hand!

Only if you have the 24K ones. The TOPO US (100K) doesn't. Personally I bought a CN SD card some time ago for my Oregon and that works great. There are differences between the Topo and Navigator Maps for navigating. I was using US Topo 24k on my trip to Colorado and noticed that it was giving me all kinds of screwy directions - including taking me to some side streets where I didn't want to go when I was travelling through strange towns. Once I figured out what was going on I switched back to City Navigator and didn't have a problem since.

62 series is supposed to be in stores July 21.

GAS/Vehicle - by far and away the biggest expense. Nothing even comes close - unless you live in a large urban area where you can get to a zillion caches by foot/bike. But where I live the distance between cache guarantees I will rack up the mileage. With the vehicle expenses so far, I could have bought my caching equipment, YOUR equipment and YOUR buddy's equipment many times over.

We'll have to go out for coffee sometime - I'll bring it along to show off. I'm hoping that I get it before my Yellowknife trip July 12th. This will be a real challenge to see if WAAS gives me any accuracy up there.

The problem may with with USB and not the receiver. USB is a bit sensitive to things - for example having multiple USB devices plugged in at the same time, occasionally if you unplug one while you are accessing another you may loose or corrupt data.

Too late - already pre-ordered a 62s.

Check out the entire series -- 62, 62s and 62st (62stc for Canadian topo). You were looking at just the 62 model. I just pre-ordered a 62s (available in Mid-July) It is essentially an updated 60CSx with Oregon 550 capabilities except no camera but it has the carry over quad helix antenna which makes it better than the Oregon/Colorado/Dakota series. Not terribly fond of the price ($469 CDN) but I will be the "first kid on the block" with the new toy. I hope to be test it side-by-side with my 60CSx as soon as I get it. GPSMAP 62s Features: * Automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads): yes (with optional mapping for detailed roads) * Electronic compass: yes (tilt-compensated, 3-axis) * Touchscreen: no * Barometric altimeter: yes * Camera: no * Geocaching-friendly: yes (paperless) * Custom maps compatible: yes * Photo navigation (navigate to geotagged photos): yes * Outdoor GPS games: no * Hunt/fish calendar: yes * Sun and moon information: yes * Tide tables: yes * Area calculation: yes * Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest): yes * Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units): yes * Picture viewer: no * Garmin Connect compatible (online community where you analyze, categorize and share data): yes GPSMAP 62s Specifications: * Unit dimensions, WxHxD: 2.4" x 6.3" x 1.4" (6.1 x 16.0 x 3.6 cm) * Display size, WxH: 1.6" x 2.2" (4.1 x 5.6 cm); 2.6" diag (6.6 cm) * Display resolution, WxH: 160 x 240 pixels * Display type: transflective, 65-K color TFT * Weight: 9.2 oz (260.1 g) with batteries * Battery: 2 AA batteries (not included); NiMH or Lithium recommended * Battery life: 20 hours * Waterproof: yes (IPX7) * Floats: no * High-sensitivity receiver: yes * Interface: high-speed USB and NMEA 0183 compatible * Basemap: yes * Ability to add maps: yes * Built-in memory: 1.7 GB * Accepts data cards: microSD card (not included) * Waypoints/favorites/locations: 2000 * Routes: 200 * Track log: 10,000 points, 200 saved tracks

A 5 ***** terrain event would be fairly easy to justify; but I think a 5***** difficulty is a bit more subjective. An event located at a mountain top would qualify for terrain. A local cache that I probably would have qualified as a 5**** terrain is GC12WXH. The owner classed it as a 5***** difficulty as well but later changed the page to include the waypoints so that the user doesn't have to figure them out along the route. I haven't tried this yet but it was potentially correct as far as difficulty but is likely a 3 or 4 now. Possibly an extrodinary difficult puzzle (or series of puzzles) or multi-cache to even find the final event location would qualify for high difficulty. I've heard of extreme caches where there is the need to either solve something right away (Indiana Jones style) or go back home and do some serious research to find the next waypoint (as in a Sherlock Holmes mystery). Or possibly the event log could be put in an extreme location/position at the event so that in order to sign it you had to do some extrodinary physical thing to get to it. GC.com suggests that "Difficulty relates to the mental challenge of finding a cache." That said, just because an event is extremely physical to get to, there could be but not automatically, a difficult mental challenge associated with that as well. I just don't think that you can assign a 5***** difficulty based on the physical component or "special equipment required" only. I have seen some difficult puzzles out there (difficult to a blockhead like me, but others seem to have little trouble! that have taken a while to solve or require a person to have specialized knowledge or to do a lot of research to obtain the correct answer. Some of those, I am just NOT very good at figuring out and it take me ages to figure out without any help from a friend. Thanks for the debate. I hope my rationale provides some food for thought. For further debate, search out "extreme caches" in the forums. Some of them are outrageously difficult and might be applicable to this discussion. A true 5/5 event might only have a couple adventureous people even show up to congratulate each other!!! With only a couple of successfull cachers showing up, it really goes against the intent of having an EVENT doesn't it? JMHO.

I do this for EVERY trip, as do lots of cachers. This is basic stuff, and nothing that would indicate a 5-star difficulty. You need all that gear to hang around for 24 hours away from civilization? Seriously? The boat shows up at 11:00AM on the 20th, kicks you off, then leaves. Exactly one day later the same boat arrives at 11:00AM and you get on for the ride back. A light pack with some food and water, and maybe a blanket/towel, is all you need, assuming there are primitive toilet facilities near the ranger station. Tents, sleeping bags, cookware, stoves, bug-spray, etc. would make you more comfortable, but are not necessary for survival for a single night. WHY??? Is all that part of the Event? You mentioned at least a 24-hour layover, so I'm assuming you won't let people cruise over the day of the event on a private boat, arrive at 8:59AM, and sign the log, correct? If the 32-mile trek isn't required to log the event, then you can't include in the ratings. Besides, a 32-mile trek is purely terrain, not difficulty. Same comment as your second point. None of this is required to survive 24-hours away from civilization. Again, this is the same point using slightly different words. Ummm... I wouldn't advertise the fact that it's taken you that long to prepare for 24-hours away from civilization. If participants are required to join in the 32-mile, 3-day camping trip to log this event, then you ARE approaching a 5-star difficulty because of the requirement for extra gear (quite a few people will insist this is still all terrain, not difficulty). But if all an attendee has to accomplish is miss a few hours of TV and suffer a few bug bites, then you're only trying to fool yourself. If I were in the area I'd love to join you on the 3-day primitive trek. It sounds like an awesome time. But if it isn't required to log the event, then you can't count it. Analogy time: Lets say I parked my car at southern trail head for the Appalachian trail on Springer Mt., Georgia. I then walked over 2100-miles along said trail to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. I then hid a film can in the parking lot at the northing trail head. Based on your logic, because I took the harder route and because others *might* also choose to take that route, I could rate it as a 5/5. But in reality it's a 1.5/1.5. How should I rate it? J-Way - You echo my thoughts exactly on this one. Thanks for being so literate and thoughtful. As for the overnight trip where you said a child could do this - I DID do this when I WAS FIVE! AND MY BIG BROTHER WAS 6! (just the 2 of us - no parents) Sure, we were a little cranky but we survived. I now do these overnight backpacking trips as a matter of fact. Sure to an urbanite with no background with living outdoors it might be a big deal but definitely not for me. My personal rating for this would be a 2/3 D/T but admittedly that's a bit subjective. But in comparison to some real 5***** difficulty caches out there, this is nowhere near that difficulty. P.S. SunshineGang: Thanks for deleting my log and pointing me to the Forum to air my opinion. I wasn't 100% comfortable with leaving my question on the log page.

This is a good reminder to check to see if GPSrs are allowed in a country before you travel. You don't want your mondo expensive new super-garmin to be confiscated. At the very least, I'll be investing in a cheapo geko before my Russia trip. They know the truth, they did not build the Sphinx or the great pyrimid, the guy in charge of digs is especially protective of those monuments even-though ground penetrating radar has proven the existiance of spaces under both monuments. Until times change we won't know the truth. Sad, the legacy of humanity may go far back into history. Still, it remains to be seen, what really happened? You are missing the pepper! Lots and lots of pepper!