Jeep4two

While the expansion cards don't support multiple img files, you can have up to 3 on the main storage (onboard memory). On the 400t gmapprom.img is the preloaded topos and you can add a gmapsupp.img as well as a gmapbmap.img to add a total of 4 maps for your unit (including the gmapsupp.img on the microSD card). Of course you are limited by the amount of memory that is built in, however I have added my home state 24K USGS Topos (gmapbmap.img) and an Open Source Maps routable map for my state plus it's 7 border states. I'd like to see support for other maps on the card as well however just to add additional flexibility without having to merge maps into single image files.

FWIW: My Oregon 400t has performed very well for me since I got it several weeks ago. I'm pleased with the screen visibility which was a key concern as I debated its purchase. I'm using the latest Beta software revision and it's performing well. It holds a lock great, and the paperless features are awesome including the ability to touch type field notes. My main reason for not going with the Colorado were the water tightness issues discussed by some, and the more difficult input method of the wheel. I had been using the eTrex Legend for some time mostly as a recreational and car nav unit so I'd grown tired of the joystick and wanted to avoid having any scrolling clicking input method. I can't speak to the 60CSx or PN-40 - although I'll say if it weren't for the closeness in price between the 60CSx and the Oregon 400t I would probably have forgone paperless and opted for the 60CSx. With the recent lower pricing on the Oregon and recently expired rebate the Oregon went from a $600 unit to a $350 unit - hard to argue with that price combined with the feature set and overall performance (for me anyway)

I personally can't imagine trying to get started without a GPSr. However I live in a rural area where aerial imagery is pretty low resolution here. However I could see the potential to find easier hides in a metropolitan or urban area where the imagery is better. However one of the key things about having a GPSr is that you can get to Ground Zero and know that you are 'close'. Once you know this you can focus your efforts on carefully (while being considerate of your surroundings and not just trashing the place as if you were tossing an apartment like a TV cop). After a few finds I would imagine that being able to find without looking at the GPSr or even having one (just using aerial imagery) would be even easier as you will start to develop your 'geosenses' and will learn how to identify potential hiding spots in and around ground zero. StarBrand's advice regarding used units is right on. You can find very basic units that offer sufficient flexibility (like the eTrex or eTrex H) for well under $100, or if you can swing it go for the Venture to add additional features for only a few extra dollars. You'll find that if you get into the sport and later decide to upgrade that you'll be able to recoup most of your money on these used units. They seem to be holding their value fairly well. Like StarBrand said - whatever you decide - have fun. Geocaching is truly an experience. Open your eyes and take in your surroundings while out caching whether in urban environments or on a secluded wooded trail. You'll be surprised what you discover on your way to the cache.

I'm not terribly familiar with the Vista HCX. However from what I do know I think that reception between the two will be similar. You can see the screen differences for yourself. One major difference I also Paperless Caching. You can load your caches, with descriptions, hints, difficulty, type and last 5 logs. All easily accessible from the search screen, or the navigation scrreen, or main menu panels. You can also make short field notes on found caches and upload those later to GC.com to help streamline your logging of caches. Maybe others can help clarify on other differences between the HCX and the Oregon 400t Funny you mentioned the tax refund. When I filed I used part of my refund to cover my Oregon even though it was a Bday present from my wife. Good luck deciding -

As I understand it - Yes Also - as I understand it - Yes That's what I would recommend. If you want to use your existing topos (or any of the free ones that are out there) then go with the Oregon 300 in my opinion. Yes - If you load your Topo 2008 on an Oregon 300 you should get the 3D views. Now - with all those answered here are some other things I think you should consider: If the 3D views are the only reason you are considering the Oregon I would recommend getting your hands on a demo unit before buying. It is a neat feature but I'm personally underwhelmed by that particular feature. Are you interested in a potentially better screen and a built in 3MP camera? If so you can wait for the 500, but you'll pay a premium I would imagine over the 300 or 400. I personally don't have a problem with the current screen on the Oregon. I just did a quick search and from what I found on Google it appears that the Oregon 400t isn't avaialble at REI right now (sold out I'm sure as a result of their recent $399 special). I looked around at the Oregon 400t and 300 at other sites and it appears that the 400t is as cheaper than the 300 and more widely available. In addition the $50 rebate on the Oregon expired on 5/10/09 probably causing the recent rush and price slashing on the units. I'll say this - I'm a map nut in a way too. Probably more so when it comes to being on the road. I love my Oregon's navigation features, geocaching features and trail features. I'm very happy with the unit and hope it lasts many many years. I'm also very pleased with Garmins ongoing support for the software and continued support for added features and bugfixes.

that's at all my thoughts but you say up to 5.25 V - so the 5.4 from my navi adapter maybe to much? by the way - the adapter is a no name - i lost the original and buy no name from a market... spanner mode? guess this is only for the different interface modus connecting to the PC - or not? You are fine with the 5.4v output. I may have referenced an old standard for the charging specifications. I just checked and the Verizon cord I have is 5.4v rated output as well. Spanner was an application as I understand it. Basically it prevents your unit from going straight to mass storage mode when using a non-Garmin charging unit. I'm not familiar with Garmin Spanner software.

Now that I've had my Oregon for a while longer and logged a few more hours with it I wanted to update my experiences so far. First - I still feel the same. My first 4 outings were fine with all weather conditions, including a light drizzle. Visibility was fine in all circumstances both with and without my polarized Bolle sunglasses. Note that polarized sunglasses do create a bit of a 'rainbow effect' where the polarizing filter on the TFT screen has some wavy rainbow like colors that shift as angles change. You get used to it but it's not a blackout like some of the other displays - my Legend turns black when I tilt my head with polarized sunglasses. Since purchasing I've added an Invisible Shield screen protector. I like some things and dislike others: I like: Better contrast on the screen with the protector, the Invisible Shield is more glossy than the matte finish of the 'naked' screen which yields a better contrast and color richness. I also like the fact that the Invisible Shield is very durable (so far) and has a lifetime warranty. Things I don't like about the Invisible Shield (IS for the remainder of this post): The IS is tacky making dragging a finger across the screen a little difficult. The 'naked' matte screen finish is easier to glide your finger on. I just use the calloused edge of a finger or a light press of my finger nail on the screen now - the IS is holding up to that fine. The IS is more glossy causing reflective glare than the standard screen. It's annoying at times but when you get the glare on the matte screen you have to adjust viewing angle just as with the glossy - so no real biggie. Overall I'm quite pleased. I'll try to post a picture when I have a chance of a side by side of my Oregon by my Legend in the noon sun.

All above right on. I use a Verizon phone charging cable (designed for the wife's Blackberry). I have to be in Spanner for the interface setting. Only drawback to this is having to press NO when plugging in to stay in GPS mode, and pressing "Stay ON" when unplugging. I suspect you have to press Stay On when using the Garmin cable too. Most (always double check) power cables with the micro USB connector (aka Micro B Connector) should output a standard voltage just as your cable connected to your PC outputs (in the 4.75 to 5.25 volt range) and is compatible with your Gramin unit. Thankfully there are standards for this stuff making it pretty universal.

Yes, not shipping with a cable and instruction for updating waypoints is just silly. Not a lot of thought went into this. I beg to differ - probably lots of thought. Sell a low cost kid centric (or beginner) device to whet peoples appetite to either 'get started on the cheap' or 'get the kids their own unit to use on caching trips' then release the upgrade kit at a price point that will be palatable for owners and very profitable for the manufacturer and retailer. You and I would both agree that it's not the device for us, but I see these flying off the shelves. Consider that for $70 you can add some great hiking activities to a family vacation (whether a drive across the county, state or country or any other trip). Another alternative? Spend close to $100 on a couple of trips to new release movies for a family of 5 over the summer. If they like Geocaching - maybe they buy the upgrade kit or a new GPSr. If they don't then it getting stuck in a drawer, yard sale or given to aunt Sally isn't all that big a deal. I know - a nice used eTrex unit is about the same money, retains its value better and is lots more flexible. However the instant gratification factor will make this unit sell - and the absence of an upgrade kit is not an oversight in all likelihood. I could be wrong in which case these babies will be super cheap on eBay and the REI clearance racks in about 8 months.

Our military relies pretty heavily on the GPS systems. The consumer benefit is something that shouldn't suffer or be subject to additional fees since it's really not something that costs the government any additional money outside of regulatory expenses to ensure we don't have cm accuracy consumer devices that can be weaponized. I just can't see this becoming a subscription based service.

I don't consider exercising their policy an abuse when it doesn't meet your expectations. However if it takes 6 months to determine that it could be interpreted as abuse - however I'll leave that up to the company.

While hunting the area near what we suspected to be a cache site that had been washed away by a recent flash flood, I found a pair of pruning shears, and wood saw tucked into a hollow tree. They were tucked into the hollow tree was down on the ground and had been recently under water. The tools didn't appear to have been there for long (not terribly rusted) but we were quite a ways from any location where these tools would belong. My wife commented "That's not a good idea" as I shouted to her about my find and picked them up to show here. "Why?" I asked. . . She responded "Because of fingerprints...." Really hadn't thought of that possibility. Good news? The cache wasn't washed away - it was well secured with cables to it's hide site but had in fact been under water under a rushing flash flood just 24 hours before. Yay Us!

I didnt know that topping them off was a bad thing. Usually I charge them when I am finished using my GPSr and then as I am on the computer planning my caching day, I put them back in the charger to top them off. Is it bad to let them sit dead for a week or so? No. They'll be fine. They sit in a discharged state while in the warehouse before the store where you bought them is able to put them on display, after all. Resist the urge to top them off and they'll be happier batteries in the long run What Kohavis refers to is somewhat true. NiMH batteries are somewhat prone to the memory effect (limited capacity due to topping off before full drain) but it's a small amount. However with high drain devices like our color screen GPSr units, mp3 players and cameras every little bit counts. Over a period of years you could cost yourself a few mAh's worth of capacity. That's where the higher end chargers come in. They have circuity built in that will 'condition' your batteries (condition being a technical term for discharging to an appropriate state before recharging). It can help extend the life of your batteries and if you are a heavy user of batteries make the more expensive chargers worthwhile. An inexpensive AA flashlight (an incandescent bulb will drain the battery quicker than LED's) is a good way to fully drain your batteries as well, then use a standard charger. Probably not quite as good as an expensive conditioning charger, but close. In then end - even without conditioning NiMH batteries will save you hundreds over their lifespan (even more with the more attentive care).

I can see lots of reasons that some may not like Earthcaches (I like 'em myself - I got two over the weekend but haven't logged yet - don't have my camera cable handy). However the lack of a camera seems illogical reason to dislike Earthcaches considering the day and time we live in. I'm just not sure how many people that have a GPSr don't have a cell phone. Then the likelihood that that individual doesn't have a camera cell phone is also very unlikely. I would imagine plenty of soup was served on that day since most 5 year old kids have much cooler phones than I have However lets consider that small percentage of folks that don't have camera/cellphone cam. Isn't there / couldn't there be and alternative to the photo portion of most earth caches? Say an alternate question that photo takers are exempt from? If not - well then Hmm. . . I just don't see economics being be barrier.... so I'm not sure where to go from there. RE: the OP? Not going there. . . .

Take a look at GSAK (www.gsak.net), more formally known as Geocaching Swiss Army Knife. No - you don't put it in your pocket, but you can use it to manage your caches, convert them to a single GPX file and modify/update/add/delete caches before uploading to your unit. I however do it the 'hard' way which I'll try to summarize: First I suggest getting a Premium membership. Not sure if you want to pay $30 for a year? No problem, if you have a new Garmin unit (or an older unregistered one) then just register it with Garmin then go to http://www.geocaching.com/garmin/freetrial.aspx to start your free 30 day premium membership. Then if you like it buy your annual for only $30. Next, build Pocket Queries (that's why you need the membership) that include the caches you want - lots of search criteria to help find the caches you want. Next, after unzipping your Pocket Query (that you recieve via e-mail) rename it to a name that means more to you. Say something like "Large-Within-50-Miles-Home.gpx". After renaming copy to your device. If you no longer want that set of caches just rename the file by adding a .bak to the end, or take the .bak off (leaving .gpx) to 'turn on' that set of caches again later. You can't delete individual caches that are part of a gpx that contains multiple caches without manually editing the GPX file. Not really worth all that trouble. I haven't gotten to GSAK yet personally - but many here swear by it for management of your caches both on and off your device.

I think that would be a neat idea anyway... Not to catch a theif, but to see if it can snap a pic of the fellow Geocacher... Exactly what I was thinking - most of us cachers are at best a little smarter than deer. My wife begs to differ in my case

Yes - this is a full premium membership for 30 days. It works (even if you happend to have an older garmin unit lying around that hasn't ever been registered.) http://www.geocaching.com/garmin/freetrial.aspx

You are on the right track. If you just want to clean out he caches that are on there you can just delete all the GPX files (other than saved tracks, and CURRNT.GPX). I think the default GPX file names are 6 digit numerical names, or match the cache GCXXXX number. If you aren't a premium member consider that as a way to manage your caches using Pocket Queries (instead of individual GPX files for ever cache). Then all you have to do is update your PQ's and Found PQ to get your unit up to date. Then there's GSAK - another good way to manage caches between GC.com and your GPSr. I haven't' waded in the GSAK pool yet - but I'll be there eventually. Oh - almost forgot (EDIT): You can also just rename the files you don't want to show up yet. You need to make sure your computer is set to "Show Extensions for Known File Types" so when you browse to your GPX folder you see GCXXXXX.GPX. If you don't see the .GPX file then renaming won't work. I just change the file extension (last 3 letters following the .) For example: Pocket Query used for a trip named: Trip_To_Nowhere.GPX If I don't need it any longer but want to keep it around (and have plenty of space on my device) I'll just rename it to Trip_To_Nowhere.GPX.BAK (just add the .BAK). Your GPSr will ignore the file now and you can always rename it later if you decide you need it.

Now that's something I'll consider for my next charger. Yeah yeah, I can use an inverter and use my wall charger from home but inverters - well they present a certain risk if left unattended (OK - I'm paranoid about fire). I would hate to come back after a short 20 minute hike to find my inverter torched my Jeep. . . . A 12V compatible model sounds nice . . . Glad to know those exist.

I'm glad you clarified LSD. . . well, you know. . . your avatar and all To the OP: The LSD batteries to have a lower mAh rating right now. Time will probably cure that and the LSD batts that have 2100mAh ratings and eventually start shipping the 2500mAh variety. That's the beauty of technology.

I think you should A) get an Oregon in your hands and decide for yourself if the screen's a problem. You could also await the arrival of the Oregon 550, there unverifiable rumor that it's screen is supposed to be better. Regarding statement A: I think you have to see it to make a total judgment. I've found it to be great in the sun whether be on my dashboard or in hand in the field while caching. I wear prescription Bolle polarized sunglasses most of the time when outdoors. I think there could have been a change in the type of polarization filter used on the touch screen in later models versus earlier Oregon models. I can turn my Oregon 360 degrees and the screen never gets 'blacked out' with my PL sunglasses. Not sure where you live but check to see if there's a Dicks Sporting Goods, REI or other outdoor store that might carry the models you are considering. Best of luck on whatever you decide. Regarding statement B: I've seen the video for the new 550 that Garmin has released. I don't see any improvement in the screen based on the video and demo unit they have in the video. That could be the video itself, lighting, or other reason...

I'll add that you want a minimum of 2500mAh ratings on the batteries when dealing with NiMH batteries. Higher is better, I think there are even some 2700mAh rated batteries. Avoid 'bargain' types like the Rayovac 'green label' (I call it green label for lack of a better name). I picked up 8 of these very inexpensive Rayovacs to try them out. I was skeptical because the mAh rating wasn't printed on the battery or on the packaging anywhere. As I suspected they have a very short life (I get about 2 hours of life in my Wii Wireless sensor bar - while 2500mAh batts give me about 10-12 hours). I kept them instead of returning because they do serve me OK in my Wii remotes so now they are dedicated to that use.

I've used NiMH batteries for a variety of things for several years now. I won't debate brands but I'll mention what I've had fair success with at the end. First consider this. You can buy some batteries in bulk (I just got a 20 pack of Lenmar 2500mAh NiMH rechargables on Buy.com for $38.50 free shipping). This makes the cost a little more than $1.00 per battery. Yeah - they may drain a few hours quicker than that 40 cent alkaline but you can recharge it up to 1000 times. So 1 NiMH will replace maybe 500 Alkalines (if you get 1/2 the service from each charge, and 1000 charges). Financially it just makes sense. Environmentally - also a no brainer. Less trash = better planet. (remember to properly dispose of your NiMH batts or recycle them properly) I've used standard NiMH batts for cameras, wireless mouse/keyboard, GPS, Toys, etc.. I've been very happy with them. If you want the batteries to hold their charge in storage longer than a fw weeks or month or so then consider the Eneloops or other 'Low Discharge' type of NiMH - they cost more but it may be worth it for the convenience and ability to use them in other lower drain devices. Brands I've had success with: Duracell (2150mAh), Duracell (2500mAh), Lenmar (2100mAh), and recently the Lenmar Pro NoMem (2500mAh). I've not owned any Energizers - my dad bought one set and they were terrible but I think he just got a bad batch (wouldn't hold a charge for more than 24 hours - which is NOT normal at all). Some here will also make recommendations for high end chargers to 'condition' and maintain your batteries. This could make a difference but it is an investment. Personally I have a Lenmar 90 minute charger as well as an overnight charger for when I need to do more batteries at one time. They both work great for my needs. Sorry for the long post - and good luck.

Either of the above recommendations are great starters GPSrs that will work for geocaching just fine. Looks like the Geko might be the closest thing to your budget if you can raise that extra few bucks.

Sounds like you are in a position where only Amazon will do. $50 will be tough to find something appropriate. What you have listed is a bluetooth GPS receiver designed to work in conjunction with a PC or PocketPC (or other PDA). If you have a PDA then you might be able to use a unit like that - but it won't be something that's very practical. You want to look for an eTrex (the old classic Yellow eTrex) or sometihng similar to get close to that $50 price point in a used hand held GPSr that would work for caching. You can get those types of units off of eBay (Regular Yellow eTrex, or maybe even an eTrex Legend) for $50 - $70. There may be others that can make a recommendation for a different model on Amazon that would be a good $50 starter.