NordicMan

What exactly is the error message? What sort of computer are you using? Did you install the Magellan software?

OP be sure you read through this thread: http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=258096 Bottom line, both types of devices have huge advantages AND huge weaknesses when comparing each other. My advice (if you have the $$'s) is to get BOTH. Otherwise, choose the best ONE for YOUR needs very carefully, and prepare to live with its limitations.

That's great advice to have someone else try to find your saved coordinates using the same device. Also I would recommend that other person try to find the cache NOT on the same day you hid it, as the GPS constellation does change day by day. If you can't find someone to help you with this then YOU go find the coordinates the next day, "pretending" you don't know where the spot is. Know what I mean?

Hi & welcome to geocaching Yes if you subscribe to Premium Membership you can generate "Pocker queries" that can contain up to 1000 geocaches, that you can download to your PC! All the geocache details are in there, including cache description and the logs of the past 5 people too!

Garmin Etrex Venture Hc is a great starter GPSr

I don't think Keystone would have posted that if it wasn't still valid (?) Regarding icons, I recall C:Geo was directly using the official Groundspeak logos in his app *as well as* accessing this site without official permission. Thankfully at least the author removed the icons (did he? I don't have that app to verify)

Only Lowrance maps work in Lowrance devices. MapSelect tiles are only $0.99 each.. sure you may need a lot of them to cover your needs, but that's pretty cheap IMO

Do you mean at the join sign-up page? Right below the "terms of use" panel is a check box you click on, which says you've read and agreed to Groundspeak's policies. If you're eager to use C:geo, be sure you have read this section That's the part that causes conflict with some 3rd party softwares. Be sure you understand it *before* clicking on "I agree.." If you have more questions, ask away

You can load up multiple pocket queries into a handheld GPS receiver & that will hopefully cover the lions share of area you usually find yourself having an itch to go Geocaching. No need to have a smartphone tied to an expensive data plan! The only real downside I see there is that the data can become "stale" on the GPSr unless you methodically keep it refreshed. A minor nuisance considering the advantages. You need to grab a unit that supports paperless geocaching, a Legend HCx doesn't do that. With paperless geocaching you can see all the detail of the cache right on the device, including the logs from the past few finders. I wish I was you! But I think *most* people are more static in their geocaching endeavors. Personally for me, having the details of all caches within ~30 mile circle of my home keeps me satisfied 95% of the time.

For some of my recently created PQ's all I get is a notification the PQ is ready & I have to go d/l it. My legacy PQ's are still being sent to my in-basket. Is this what you're referring to?

The Garmin's have an advantage on battery life & availability of worldwide maps. The Delorms have the advantage on cost/benefit as they come with maps

A few years ago I found a cache that was frozen to the stump it was hidden in. It was obviously the cache I was looking for,, but because I couldn't sign the log I didn't mark it as a find.. I went back in spring and *found it* then. Another winter cache was located in a hut on a park. I found the hut but the park was closed for the season I could even see the Geocaching logo over the door of the hut! Still, I couldn't sign the log so I didn't mark it as a found.. That one I haven't gotten around to returning to when the season is open. Do what *you* want in those same situations

If you can still FIND an old skool photo lab, they toss those things out but the basket full. Customers bring'em in (with film inside) & leave with the prints, not the containers

ePay

What operating system is your computer using? Sounds like the USB device association got changed recently.

..as long as you're not geocaching like this guy I'm sure you'll blend right in

The best thing you can do to avoid muggles figuring out what you are doing is to walk confidently up to the cache, grab it, and take it away some distance away from it's hiding place. Do your opening/logging AWAY from ground zero. Don't stand right at the hiding spot to pull log & replace, cause if you do you're spending too much time at the same spot. Once you've done your *thing*, then walk back to the hiding spot & stuff that cache back where it came from then walk away!

Is it the 295W?

It's probably because it's a *free* service (donations appreciated) running on limited servers. Memory chips are getting cheaper all the time, and the last thing they want is for hundreds of thousands of people clicking on "planet" (or all of USA) as a download filter. There servers couldn't handle the load. Just pick the states you need

If you live in Canada, check out Radioworld they have amongst the best prices for GPS's & stuff. You can get a Venture HC "bundle" for $100! http://radioworld.ca/gps-handheld-gps-venture-hc-bundle-p-6613.html That's for a NEW GPS & maps, dash mount and power cable

I just bought a 450 2 weeks ago & it's been working great so far, with the latest firmware. Most common problem for glitchy behavior is a defect in the microSD chip. Try ejecting the chip & leave it out for a while. Does it work better then?

It looks like I should have posted the question here a few days ago. The site says I have to wait 3.5 days. I only have 1 left before take off. Thanks for the ideas though. I'm in the same boat as you I live in Ontario Canada & just bought an Oregon 450. Next step is to load'er up with maps! I know Garmin Topo Canada is routable, OR, grab City Navigator & get all of North America! ..or just to get my feet wet try the free openstreet maps Yeah when I first tried grabbing a specific set for my area it said I needed to wait > 3 days BUT,, if you pick entire States-or-Provinces, it'll let you download them immediately! Try it

I just grabbed one for $299 CDN at the Canadian Sportsmen Show & thought that was a good deal! and yep so far I'm lovin it!

The pocket query page has an option you can select to have it send you all your found caches.

..yet it may not survive a drop from 3 feet It's all luck in the landing