Jeep4two

I would check a few things. Of course Mr. Obvious would suggest checking the path where the IMG files are saved. Should be X:\GARMIN (where X is the drive letter of your Garmin device or microSD card). Just to be sure. Then take a look at the file names. I would suggest keeping the names short with no spaces in them to avoid any potential problems with the system recognizing them. In other words - if the file is 24K Topo.IMG, try changing it to 24KTopo.IMG and get rid of the space. It's a shot in the dark - but work looking in to. I'm pretty sure that the length of the file name wouldn't be an issue, but you could also shorten the file name to the 8.3 format to ensure long file names are causing the problem. Good luck,

You'll need to go into setup for the profile that you want to use those features in - then setup your menu - those features are disabled by default - just select them and turn them on to get them in your menu. Then move them to the position that you want. This is profile specific so you'll need to turn them on for each profile that you want them in.

My first GPSr was an eTrex Legend (the old blue classic, still a backup). My new unit is the Oregon 400t. I'm very happy with my choice for a number of reasons. I like the easy of data entry with the touch screen, ease of scrolling the map with the touch screen, accuracy is great (using 3.01 beta firmware - other versions are fine too - but 3.01 adds support for non-Garmin standard IMG map names), great screen viewability despite some criticisms, feature rich (averaging, support for freeware maps, easy track management, Paperless caching support, nice look and function of menus, etc..). It's easy to connect to the PC to transfer maps, pocket queries and manage data. I have few complaints: The USB transfer speed is on the slow side, but not a problem unless you are moving large IMG map files - and this can be overcome by using a card reader. It's a little on the battery hungry side but a full day of caching can be done with two sets of fully charged NiMH 2500Mah batteries. Touch screen can be delicate (or seems so) so I have that 'what if I crack the screen' thought in the back of my head sometimes, but I just try to be careful and have my unit insured for damage through a rider on my home owners insurance (only costs about $20 a year with my company). I think in the end the PN series units or the Garmin would be great for most anyone. Learning a system takes time no matter what choice you make. In the end the GPSr is just a tool that you use along the journey (granted - the primary tool) but whichever brand or model you choose will likely serve you well as long as it has a high sensitivity receiver (which you have covered).

(Warning: This post is directed to the OP - I've skipped the other commentary for sanity's sake) The story is a great idea (versus a letter to the editor). Maybe an e-mail to a reporter in the appropriate department for your local paper would do the trick. I think I may consider a similar course of action locally myself. I've recently placed my first two caches that highlight a often overlooked part of our local state park (great hiking trails) so now may be a great time to get our paper involved. I'm also working on a community workshop to introduce this game (sport/hobby) to folks through the community college that I work at - so a story would kill two birds with one stone Best o fluck

Interesting concept - but you will have to keep an eye on your cache to ensure it's still there, and properly maintained else the FTF could be disappointed. I could also be great therapy for your aversion to waiting for a cache to publish

I'm with blue on this one. DNF's aren't a negative thing, just part of the game. I would never erase a log after posting it. If you are concerned about DNF's you could just not post them, however I highly discourage that as they not only tell your story but also benefit the other cachers and the CO.

To activate the satellite screen I press the upper left of the screen (over the signal bars) from the main menu screen for about 2 or 3 seconds and release - it activates the Satellite screen. Hmmm...I did not hold for 2 or 3 seconds, cause the 650W just requires a tap....I will pass that info to her. Should work - and as far as I know that's the only way to know your EPE (or accuracy). I tested the indicator on the satellite screen to see if it gave the direction of travel and it does. It's indicated by a grey ball with red dot in the middle along the horizon of the constellation graphic. Of course that's your direction of travel, not a bearing to a waypoint so while helpful, not exactly geocaching friendly like a bearing pointer.

The Mrs. and I just dress for the weather and type of outing planned. Typically that's hiking boots and quality cushioned wood hiking socks paired up with what the weather dictates. We don't mind Geostripes, and know how to avoid poison plants so shorts are the order of the day when hot, and jeans or khakis on those cooler days, all the way to long underwear and ski bibs for winter. If we are just doing urban caches, then whatever we happen to be wearing at the time is usually sufficient since they are going usually be park and grabs.

Well - that's partially true. My 255w will give a 'Satellite' screen showing the constellation and signal strength, satellite numbers, and accuracy (epe). On the constellation animation there is a 'ball' - I guess that might show your course, but not bearing as far as I know - I'll test it out tonight on my way over drop my new hide. To activate the satellite screen I press the upper left of the screen (over the signal bars) from the main menu screen for about 2 or 3 seconds and release - it activates the Satellite screen. That said - I did update my unit to the latest firmware when I unpacked it from the box. Maybe that's part of a firmware update that some 255w users are missing.

Remember that in some cases the reviewer needs to contact the land manager to verify permissions for placement. Then the time to publish partly depends on the land managers ability to respond in a timely manner.

Hey Jeep, How do you get the full cache description, hints and logs? I have a Nuvi 260W and can't figure out how to access that info on my GPS. I have downloaded the Pocket Query but all I see on the GPS is the GCXXXX number. Follow the link above to the 'True Paperless Caching for the Nuvi' page. I also would recommend not using the GPX pocket query directly on your Nuvi (use the paperless instructions that combine your pocket queries in GSAK, then transfer as custom POI's). The GPX will populate your 'Favorites' folder and I don't think it gives the full description that way. When you use the instructions by Pilotsnipe you'll end up with a Custom POI list located in your Where To -> Extras menu that will contain all your caches with full data. In addition, the caches will show up on your map if you zoom in to 300 feet zoom level. I also set my proximity to .2 miles I think - to get a 'ding' when a cache is near

I make calls with my phone (nope - I'm not 80, rather 37). I block incoming SMS text messages, don't have internet on my phone and would prefer to be unconnected when out caching. Twitter? Well - I basically 'Tweet' every time I log a cache. If you want to see my Tweet (or would like to contact me and call me a Twit) then just visit my profile on Geocaching.com. Sorry - I love your videos, and have sent links to them to many people as reference to learn about caching (please keep up the good work), but I personally have no need for Twitter or the 'what are you doing right now' feature of Facebook.

Nope - but my 8 lb. cat recently ate a Dachshund. Does that count?

As Frank stated, if someone breaks into my car, they will know where I live. At least here in Ohio, you can then look me up on the County Auditor's Web site, find out what I paid for my condo (if you're really, really bored), and even see a fairly recent photo of my home. Trying to hide things like your home address will only give you a false sense of security. Since this is public information anyway, and since lots of people already know my home phone number, I list all that information on my 60CSx's startup screen. I've never lost it, but if I do it will at least increase the chance that it might be returned to me. --Larry Larry's reply reminds me of when I worked at a bit of a crappy car dealership in a large metro. They encouraged sales people to 'tag' shoppers that wouldn't give name/phone number when on the lot shopping for cars. The dealership had a microfiche machine with every vehicle registration (tag number, owner name, address, phone, expiration - and other data). They wanted us to then write a letter and follow up with a phone call to the shopper. . . I never followed this 'suggestion' because I know how I would react if the dealer I just visited called after I gave a fake name, address and phone number to avoid the hassle of pushy sales people. But anonymity hasn't existed in our society for quite some time. There's always someone that has your information, and most of those people are willing to sell it for the right price (the dealer paid for a subscription from the state DMV for their data).

VERY BAD IDEA. should a thief steal your incar gps, they know your name, address and the fact YOU AREN'T HOME. thieves are doing that here in phoenix to rob your house. The thief was just in your car stealing your GPS, most owners have their 'unlock' location as their home address, they are sure to grab or at least write down your name, address from your car's registration slip or insurance card. I don't see a problem with having valid contact info on your in car GPSr. Not likely that a snatch and grab thief is very likely to do anything other than try to unlock your GPSr in your driveway if you have it locked. My guess - the owner of the GPSr in the OP's story used an unlock location other than their homes driveway as the unlock location and as a result the thief tossed it out the window after they couldn't get it unlocked. . . If you are worried however - use your work address and phone/e-mail - but if they want to rob, harm, kill, mame, kidnap or otherwise do your harm then just leave no trace and get used to the fact that your $200 in car navi unit may turn up missing and never navigate it's way home some day. My units? Home address on my Nuvi, and work phone/e-mail on my Oregon. Only reason for work phone and e-mail is that I'm more likely to be there than home and I paid $400 for my Oregon, and the wife won the Nuvi in a drawing.... I'd also be willing to bet that old credit card receipts, bills, and other 'clutter' in your car would give a thief more info on you than your GPSr anyway.

As posted above - waypoint averaging isn't built into the unit from the factory since the latest beta firmware is. . . . well beta. However if you don't mind running beta firmware you can have the averaging by loading the 3.01 (or any version at or above 2.97 - although you should skip 2.99). I recently did my first hide, and used averaging (took initial read, averaged right then, then returned a few days later while waiting to get published and avearged again). My feedback from the first few finders has been positive. My hide site is in heavy tree cover and a deep valley with little sky to the west. That's why I wanted to use averaging. However with that said, my Oregon 400t only moved the initial read about 7 feet from the primary read across the two days and about 20 total minutes of data collection, so as some have said, manually averaging is an OK way to go, or just going with your first read as long as your unit has a good solid lock and good signal is fine. Now - sit back and enjoy your soon to come logs - great fun!

I'd have to recommend the Oregon 400t for several reasons. Accuracy on the 400t with the current beta firmware is great. I won't say it's on par with a 60Csx but it's excellent in my experience for finding and hiding caches. Ok, Ok - if you just went to my profile (or thought about it) you know I have only one hide. While that's true, I've talked to every finder (albeit only 6 or so) and they all said the coords were right on - and all were experienced cachers (more so than myself). The feature set of the Oregon are great: Touchscreen, easy to navigate menus (that are customizable), flexibility for maps loaded (no longer limited to 3 maps on the unit, and 2 on the sd card), waypoint averaging included (as on the 60csx), good readiblity on the screen (even though some are critical, I can't find any reason to complain), and good support for software/firmware from Garmin. There are more reasons that I think this is a good all around unit but the key word here is 'all around'. I don't think anyone here will dispute that the 60Csx with the SIRF chipset is better when it comes to accuracy but I don't personally feel it's so much better to forgo the options (bells and whistles) of the Oregon. My $0.02 - YMMV, but you'll have to pry my Oregon from my cold dead hands - and even then I think I can get by with my Nuvi and Legend in the after life. Good luck and once you make a decision remember that it's the thrill of the hunt not so much the technology in your hand that makes the journey so great.

If your budget will only allow for one unit and you want to go Geocaching I would recommend the handheld. I would also recommend that you go with an eTrex H (or any eTrex with an H in the model designation) to ensure you have a high sensitivity unit. The Nuvi 205 can do Geocaching but it doesn't have a compass/bearing screen which is the standard screen used by most cachers once they close in on the cache location (within .2 or .1 miles). This screen really helps point you (literally) to the hiding spot. I have an Oregon 400t and eTrex Legend (non H version) and they both work fine for caching (even though the Legend is only used as a backup these days due to poor reception under tree cover and low lying areas). I recently got a Nuvi 255wt (thanks to my wife's luck at a recent conference drawing) and it's great for the car. The turn by turn voice navigation is awesome and having the ability to have paperless caching features (full cache descriptions, hints and last 5 logs) loaded is nice but the hand held unit is still by far the best for locating the cache after getting out of the car. You may want to consider something along the lines of a recertified (refurbished) in car unit plus a handheld. This will satisfy you wife's needs for in car navi, while also supplementing your Geocaching needs. New Egg currently has the TomTom One 130 for $49.99 after rebate as a recertified unit (you can trust newegg for rebates, the initial cost is $69.99 - then you get a $20.00 mail in rebate). Then pickup a used eTrex H for the 'last leg' of your Geocaching hunt. Your net cost would be well under $200. I think you would even be better off with a recertified in car unit and picking up a Geomate Jr. and update kit ($70.00 for the Geomate Jr. then I think $20 or $30 for the update kit). Then you can just turn on the Geomate once you get in the 'zone'. You can also get the Nuvi 205 as refurbished unit for close to $60 or $70 if you sign up for sale notificaitons from TigerDirect.com, NewEgg.com and Buy.com - all of which will have the Nuvi 205 refurb for around $60 or $70 from time to time. Something else to consider is that in car navi units (with a few exceptions) are not water proof or water resistant, have short battery life (and no changeable battery) and aren't rugged. So a drop on a rock = the end of your unit - heaven forbid a drop in a stream or creek. Just some things to consider. Best of luck deciding and good luck on your hunts.

Thanks for the report. Anyone out there got an 8Gb SDHC working on the 255w?

My wife just won a Nuvi 255wt (255w with lifetime traffic) and it's great so far. I've use the Nuvi macro for GSAK to load caches on as custom POI's to give the full cache details (less photos, and only last 5 logs) and its great. I set a .2 mile proximity warning and I'm ready to go with my Oregon when I hear the Nuvi ding. The navigation so far is good, the traffic stuff works good so far (got me out of a 20 minute wait in construction on Sunday) and has plenty of features. It's not a geocaching friendly unit which means it not water resistant, rugged to withstand hard drops, and doesn't have a compass/bearing screen, but it could do in a pinch if you found yourself without your handheld. Available for $139 at Newegg as a recertified unit (255w, no traffic antenna). The new ones run about $199. If you want super low cost, NewEgg has the TomTom One 130 recertified for $49.00 ($69.99, less a $20.00 mail in rebate). I've always had perfect ontime payments on rebates from newegg, and this is a newegg issued rebate from what I can tell. I can't vouch for TomTom personally but they do sell a lot of in car navi units. Here's the product link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16858194072

Wife just won a Nuvi 255wt (255w with the traffic subscription) and I'm going to order a memory card for it. I can't seem to find any specifics around on the maximum supported card size. I was actually going to order a 8Gb MicroSDHC card to use in my Oregon 400t and move my 4Gb over to the Nuvi (with the adapter of course) if the Nuvi would support the 4Gb and SDHC cards. Anyone familiar with that? (P.S. Sorry if this has been covered somewhere on here - search limit is on 5 characters, so searching for Nuvi 255w isn't possible)

I'll pick one of my fav's so far - it's close to my home and was my fav because of the park, cache density (well spaced 'power trail') and quality of all the finds - this one in particular was nicely hidden in a great are of the park: I'm A Seekin's Ammo Box --> http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...d7-7823c00c11d8 There are about 10 or 12 in this nature preserve ranging from quality ammo boxes to a micro or two. Of course you can always just get my first hide. I placed it to bring attention to the great quality trails at my local state park. This particular trail is beautiful and feels so secluded yet very easily accessible. The trail weaves through a woodland part of the park with huge Popular trees standing tall with a lush wildflower laden woodland floor. "Remember The Raisin" --> http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...c9-79474e5079a3

@Knight: Good idea - in addition add the ability to put multiple pages on one page when printed (4 up for example). . . makes for small print but saves trees When I used to print I had a printer that would do N-up printing - most cache pages will print in 4 pages, and I would set to 4 up and double sided. @LingrenFamily: I think GSAK is probably the easiest way to achieve your goal for the time being. Just pull your caches over and make your selections - if your printer supports N-up printing you can try printing multiple pages on one (like 4-up) to save paper. Side note: Even if you don't have any fancy software on your PDA you can also print your descriptions from GSAK to PDF (using something like the free CutePDF pdf creator). Then drop the PDF file(s) to your PDF compatible device like smart phone or other compatible device.

I've been very happy with my Oregon 400t - accuracy is good at this time (beta 3.01) and feature rich. Touch screen interface just plain rocks. There are units with better reception but I feel (and felt when making my purchase) that the Oregon had the best overall package. That said - I currently use my Oregon as my car navigation unit as well. Not sure if I'll ever add a separate in car nav or not. So far I'm happy.

To simplify - think of a digital photograph. Higher megapixels = more detail. With topos, the opposite applies. Smaller designations = more detail for the topographic map details. 24K is better than 100K as others have said. As a result those maps take up more space in storage and usually have more tiles (segments) which can put you up against device limitations for memory addressing.