Jeep4two

Just looked at the video at G-O-Cachers blog - I missed that earlier but Low Bat points out above that he noticed the better screen. I just go my Oregon 400t a few weeks ago and I feel I didn't really observe any improvement in the screen in the video of the 550. I've not really felt the 400t was too bad since I got it - maybe that is part of it. I'm not sold on the camera feature yet - good for quick snaps sure, but I'm lugging a swag bag anyway so tucking in the Digital Rebel and a few light lenses is my preference for pics.

Just looked at the video at G-O-Cachers blog - I missed that earlier but Low Bat points out above that he noticed the better screen. I just go my Oregon 400t a few weeks ago and I feel I didn't really observe any improvement in the screen in the video of the 550. I've not really felt the 400t was too bad since I got it - maybe that is part of it. I'm not sold on the camera feature yet - good for quick snaps sure, but I'm lugging a swag bag anyway so tucking in the Digital Rebel and a few light lenses is my preference for pics.

you can get garmin compatible maps with autorouting ability from the Open Source Maping project. Select your grids and download here: http://garmin.na1400.info/routable.php I've tried the ones for Kentucky out and they work on my Oregon. You can't download the entire US at once so take only what you really need. I think there's a way to combine multiple sets into one .img file if you want to get them all over several sets and combine them. I'd test with your new GPSr and see if they work for you. Keep in mine - these maps are maps only - no POI database, which is a handy part of the CityNavigator (and older Metroguide) product(s). If you have the $$ to spare the CityNavigator will be superior to the OSM maps.

I'm hoping my habit of typing in field notes on my Oregon 400t prevents me from leaving mine hanging from it's carabiner in a tree some day...

I would think that the routing is calculated on the device so a 'routing engine' is something managed by your GPSr, not the maps themselves. However keep in mind that if there are problems with the maps that could cause routing issues (gaps in the vectors or road segments, other errors with the maps themselves).

I understand the problem with lost in the wild coins. I'm trying to decide what type/design/theme coin to go with because I'm interested in sending a trackable on a journey. I'll be sending the trackable out - just doesn't seem the same to me otherwise. One thing I love about a geocoin is the texture, colors, weight, shine etc.. I've got one in my inventory now that my wife and I enjoyed carting around last weekend to help it complete it's goal. We'll be putting in back in the wild this weekend and hope it makes a speedy journey back to it's owner. We'll supply the owner with lots of photos of the coin along it's journey and completing it's goal. I just don't see it as being nearly the same with a 'geocoin analog'. However in the end, it's a game. Play it the way that makes you happy. I'm sure that coin analogs get logged and are enjoyed by their owners as much as 'the real thing'. Best to all.

Just a thought (if it doesn't exist): How about a cache attribute. I agree that micro/nano is a size and cache type (regular) is a type. No arguement there. What about a 'Log Only' attribute. That would allow those that want to filter out log only caches in their PQ's the ability. I've had a number of caches set as 'small' 'traditional' only to find that they are really micros. I'm not really all that picky - I like the find but some of the others that tag along with me have a bit of a distaste for micros inclining me to avoid them. So - an attribute not a new category, size, etc.. Of course this attribute would need to be assigned by the CO or the Approver based on description. . . Just an idea.

I consider any number that hits either a 5, 0, or 100, 200, etc a milestone. Heck - I consider my next cache a milestone. I only have 51 right now so that will change. I'm sure I will consider 200 a milestone. I hope I have the foresight to plan the cache attempt when I get there. Good luck - hope your weather is better than what they are calling for here in Kentucky!

For some reason I just see you sitting on the hood while a camera shaped dent pops up in your hood. . . too much Tom and Jerry and Looney Tunes when I was a kid I guess. . . tooooo funny. My GPS? Lucky so far. . . no mishaps. I've had my absent minded moments however. (Slightly off topic but funny). When I was a kid I was out water skiing with a church group. While waiting on a someone to get ready in the water I asked the boat owner what the little bobber looking thing was for on the key ring. "So if the keys fall in the water they won't sink" he said. Being inquisitive (and quick) I dropped them in the water just as he said "but there are too many keys on the key ring for it to float". They sank rather quickly - and we used the trolling motor to work our way back to the dock. There were spare keys at camp. . . but that didn't save me from hours of ribbing. . . .

I would never log a photo of a trackable. . . . I suspect most cachers wouldn't. I would imagine this is outside the guidelines as well.

No, I did not check my posting. Like new Zagg invisable shield, City Nav NT, Ram Cradle, 2GB card and a belt clip. About 5 weeks old. $375 obo shipped Willing to separate items? If so - how much for City Nav NT, is it the 2009 edition?

I have an eTrex Legend - and I seem to remember a setting that makes the characters larger (I recall the term "Big Numbers") on some of the screens. It's a smaller screen compared with some but it is designed to be a hand held unit. I have found my eTrex Legend to be a great GPS. Until I got my new Oregon I used it for in car navigation (using routes created on Mapsource and Metroguide 6). The text is small when trying to see from a distance in the car but I find it more than readable. I'll be keeping my eTrex Legend as a backup, and the wife carries it some too as a 2nd reference. I don't have any experience with the other brands - but I'm sure they all have their merits.

I just picked up some Lenmar 2500 mAh batteries from Buy.com - $38.00 for a 20 pack / free shipping. I've used their 2100 mAh equivalent in a digital camera for a few years. I'm testing them now after their first charge so I'll try to report back. However my experience so far is consistent with what others have posted. 8 - 12 hours is typical for a properly charged set of NiMH batteries in the 2500 mAh range, even with backlight in operation. I've been using some Duracell 2450 mAh batteries over the past week and they have been doing OK. I have noted that there seems to be significant drain (NiMH or Alkaline) when the unit is off so topping off a fresh set before you leave on a hike is a good idea.

Thinking the same thing as I'll probably get my 400t tomorrow. Since REI has a 100% satisfaction guarantee... in theory, we could exchange the 400t for a 550t (+ price difference) when it comes out. I picked my 400t up at REI last weekend and told the sales guy I was on the fence as the 550 was due out soon. I specifically asked him if I could return the 400t later for the 550 when it was released and he told me that I definitely could. This was when I decided to kick myself for not getting my Colorado at REI as I could of switched it out for the Oregon 400. I am not sure how thay afford to do this. What if everyone that got the 400t decided to trade up (and of course pay the difference)? Let's hope that this really works out. I love the idea of the improved compass! interesting. i asked the sales rep at REI the same thing, and his reply was that the "satisfaction guarantee" was NOT applicable to upgrading to new models. i wonder what the official definition is, as there seems to be some discrepancy at the sales floor level. I went to their website to read up on it (read: find the fine print) and surprisingly I couldn't find anything. There is little listed that would disqualify your ability to return for store credit, refund, or exchange. No real time limit either. It says 100% satisfaction - which by my definition could mean that you aren't 100% satisfied with your 400t because the screen is better on the 550t and you want to return the 400 and buy the 500. . . With that said - I would imagine a consistent abuse would eventually lead to policy adjustments. I won't define abuse since they don't seem to clearly define terms of 'satisfaction'. I also noticed that you don't even have to have a receipt or invoice. Just a letter with some details about when, and who made the purchase... Really an amazing policy in today's day and age.

Wouldn't that be a bad time to get a cache muggled....

Here's where I read it (8Gb Success): http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/Hardware#toc7 Says 'some users' have reported the Sandisk 8Gb MicroSDHC card working with the Oregon. If you need 8Gb I'd say stick with class 4. Maybe the Sandisk part number: SDSDQ-008G-A11M It's not 'officially supported' so keep that in mind.

Kingston, Model: SDC4/4GB 4Gb Class 4 I've got Full US Metroguide, Eastern US OSM Routables, KY 24K Topo all loaded with plenty of room to spare, and only $8.99 Good performance for me - I don't think the higher speed cards will yield any performance gains for you - but as others indicate could have potential for problems. I've heard of someone having 8Gb working on an Oregon - saw it in one of the threads around here.

What about #4? The first after Jeremy. . . I'm glad I wasn't there the day this pic was taken. Profile: http://www.geocaching.com/profile/Default.aspx?id=4 Pic: OH- and apparently I'm #1274058

Do you enjoy leaving them? If so - great idea. What happens to them after you leave that cache - who knows? the key is that you enjoy it. I have enjoyed my finds over the past few months for a few reasons. 1) Rubicon Wooly, a cacher in my area (just "Wooly" is the username) always leaves Alaskan Brewing Comapny swag. It's his signature item and the variety of items is astounding. I've come to count on finding some ABC swag in every cache I find. 2) Jeepstaff has also always been there before me. He's left a variety of business card style sig items and other sized personalized items in caches. I like seeing the various designs he leaves showcasing he and Trooper. So in the end - do what makes you happy when it comes to this stuff... my two cents worth.

salted peanuts in the shell - nice biodegradable packaging good energy source. . . of course there's the water

I don't know much about it but it seems like RSS feeds would make this possible but I don't think the GC.com website includes this technology.

It's tempting to bushwhack to a cache sometimes when you get close. You think "the arrow points left and the trail is turning to the right" so you start off into the woods. Sometimes it's a shortcut - sometimes it's not. I had a cache close to my home that was in a hillside. I made an assumption on which trail to take, then started gpswhacking when I got within 200 feet then realized after about 150 feet of dense undergrowth that I'd have to go around a small gully (using the other trail) to get to the cache. I've also found after geowhacking a few hundred feet (straight lining off a trail) that the trail eventually wound around to within arms reach of the cache. I tend to follow the trail until I move significantly past a cache and know for sure I have to bushwhack.

Whichever Oregon you prefer - the 400t deal at REI is tough to beat right now. Then add a Ram Handlebar mount and you are good to go. You might even consider a windshield mount and 12v mini usb charger cable so you can keep you Oregon powered on and a good signal when driving between caches (especially handy for park and grabs).

Scary thing . . . I know that tire tread. . . Bridgestone Dueler AT REVO - got a set on my 4x2 Frontier, and a set of their older brothers (Dueler APT's) on my Jeep Wrangler. Great traction on and off, grip wet or dry, excellent wear and you leave a cool lightening like tread pattern in the mud/snow/sand