DiverMan

Hi All, I don't know if any of you use these but I thought I would share this info... BOATERS MUST NOT OPERATE 121.5/243 MHZ EPIRBs AFTER 31 DECEMBER 2006 WASHINGTON - The Coast Guard reminds all boaters that beginning January 1, 2007, both 121.5 and 243 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are prohibited from use in both commercial and recreational watercraft. Boaters wishing to have an emergency rescue beacon aboard their vessel must have a digital 406 MHz model. The January 1, 2007, date to stop using 121.5 MHz EPIRBs is in preparation for February 1, 2009, when satellite processing of distress signals from all 121.5/243 MHz beacons will terminate. Following this termination date, only the 406 MHz beacons will be detected by the International Cospas-Sarsat Satellite System which provides distress alert and location data for search and rescue operations around the world. The regulation applies to all Class A, B, and S 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs. It does not affect 121.5/243 MHz man overboard devices which are designed to work directly with a base alerting unit only and not with the satellite system. This change, in large part, was brought about by the unreliability of the 121.5/243 MHz beacons in an emergency situation. Data reveals that with a 121.5 MHz beacon, only one alert out of every 50 is a genuine distress situation. This has a significant effect on expending the limited resources of search and rescue personnel and platforms. With 406 MHz beacons, false alerts have been reduced significantly, and, when properly registered, can usually be resolved with a telephone call to the beacon owner. Consequently, real alerts can receive the attention they deserve. When a 406 MHz beacon signal is received, search and rescue personnel can retrieve information from a registration database. This includes the beacon owner's contact information, emergency contact information, and vessel/aircraft identifying characteristics. Having this information allows the Coast Guard, or other rescue personnel, to respond appropriately. In the U.S., users are required by law to directly register their beacon in the U.S. 406 MHz Beacon Registration Database at: http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/ or by calling 1-888-212-SAVE. Other users can register their beacon in their country's national beacon registration database or, if no national database is available, in the International Beacon Registration Database at https://www.406registration.com/. Merry Christmas....

Good Point, Seperation still exists

You know what, it's not a bad idea. I haven't become a "premium member" because of the frequency in which I cache, so does that make of a lesser cacher? No. It would be nice to be able to see what the "upper cream" gets. You know "give it a try, hey this is nice, yeah it's worth the money". I am assuming that (not being a DBA but) it's just a column in the database of type "boolean". I'm sure that the code junkies could figure something out that would prevent abuse When there is a will there is a way!!! In this case, I would call it "Marketing". You never know, you might get an increase in "Premium" accounts.

I have used the rubber tips off of old crutches my kids used when they sprained their ankles. The fit nicely over the wood staff I used and they provide a nice "grip" on rocks plus lessen the "shock" when placing using on hard surfaces.

I would love to see some in the Monterey Bay area of California. Does anyone know of any there?

This is one I tell my kids ( and yes, I said it) "Life is like sandpaper, how rough you make it is up to you"

There's a couple. I use GSAK as well as I have used EasyGPS (before I found GSAK). These programs can be found here You will like the GSAK program. It has multiple databases and sorting capabilities.

Hi Klemmer, I don't see anything wrong with a "healthy debate". I will lock it down if it does get "out of control". I am interested it what other's have experienced as well. Thanks for your input!!!! Nice guy that DiverMan Yeah, I was just trying to keep what I perceived to be a newbie from getting hammered. I guess he can take it! Good info and opinions! Ah, Thanks!!!!! That's the beautiful about forums. Get's too heated?, feels the blood pressure rising? All I have to do is hit the little "X" in the top, right corner of the open window. In this case, I have the "ultimate control" by selecting "close this topic" and say at the same time "This will fix you..." But really, it's good to have other opinions. I would be a fool not to at least listen and consider different perspectives. I have learned a long time ago that I would learn more by keeping my mouth shut and opening my ears. Take care

Very good point and thanks for the feedback. Granted most (if not all) of our outings will be no futher than a 30 minute drive from the nearest emergency vacility (sp?) or ranger station. I kinda live by the concept "If you don't have time to do it right the first time, when do you have time to do it over?" or "Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine" You know, this started out as a concept for boy/cub scouts but what about in our "caching" adventures as well?

Hi Klemmer, I don't see anything wrong with a "healthy debate". I will lock it down if it does get "out of control". I am interested it what other's have experienced as well. Thanks for your input!!!!

I really appreciate all the feed back provided. The PLB is thought to be an "addition" to the equipment to keep the boys safe (i.e. first aid kit, proper planning, etc). This is not intended for a unit for each boy nor is it a replacement for other basic skills. There was an incedent last summer in the Sierra Nevada's where a group of boy scouts were struck by lightning. A couple died I believe. I have taught (and plan on teaching) the basics of compass use, map reading, and how to use a GPS. Not to mention, safety skills. You know: STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan) All skills I think are needed to encourage confidence and safety in the wild. There is no greater tool than knowledge. Couple that with "tools of the trade". I don't think there is any harm to (to use a common phrase in the scouts ) "be prepared". I would hate to be in a situation where I would say "I wish I only had..." or "I wish I thought of that..." What would it hurt????

Thanks, Yeah they are a bit pricey but compare that with a childs safety!!! I will see if a fund raiser would help. Thanks again.

Hi All, As a cub scout leader, my boys will be becoming more active in the outdoors (camping, hiking and the like). I have seen in the past a GPS emergency becon locator where in an emergency, you push a button, it sends a signal to a satalite that notifies emergency people of your location. I am interested in getting one for my den (one can never be "over prepared"). Does anyone have any links or info on this? Thanks...

Oh yeah, getting lost is never fun. I've learned that for long caches, hikes, hunting and the like, I always set a waypoint where I parked the car. If nothing else, it gives me peace of mind.

Here's my two cents: I think that GPS Navigation is an excellent idea for scouts (I being a Cub Scout leader and active in Boy Scouts) as long as it is not tied to Geocaching. The sport itself would be a wonderful "added benefit". However, I think the Orienteering badge should be a pre-req for the GPS badge. It would be a shame to lose the basic skills required out in the woods. Scouting in general is an excellent learning for young men that will someday become (hopefully) strong husbands, fathers, and leaders

I am up to 3.6. There are a lot of new features in 3.6 that are worth it. I believe one of them doubles the amount of waypoints that could be stored (but may be mistaken). I appreciate everyone providing feedback on version 3.7...

Has anyone tried this new firmware? If so, any problems? I don't like to get the "latest and greatest" unless I have too. Thanks,

Hi All, I have seen this advertised on the home page for quite some time. I was wondering if anyone has participated in this yet? If so, how was it? I am considering this for my team at work. Your feed back would be greatly appreciated!! God Bless

ROFLMAO, I have heard of that stuff. I have heard that it is the most common substance on the face of the earth yet it is extremely deadly when inhaled!!! It's a wonder why this hasn't been banned yet.

Forgive me if this sounds stupid but... Didn't a firmware update from Garmin change the number of waypoints from 500 to 1000 on the standard legend some time ago? I vaguely remember that when I updated my firmware I was able to download 1000 points (even though I wouldn't have that many unless I had a detailed route). Good Luck and God Bless Edit for spelling

I had an indirect experience while hunting this year. My collegues and I were walking down a forest road hunting deer. It was lightly raining so there weren't any old tracks around. We were looking at the sides of the road looking for fresh deer tracks and we didn't see any. On the way back to the truck we noticed some fresh deer tracks followed closely by what appeared to a big cat. We were in an area where mountain lines are prevelant so needless to say our senses where hightened at that point considering that we were only on that road for about a half an hour. I was telling a friend later about the tracks and he mentioned that I should have taken casts of the tracks. Well when you are hunting, you don't think about packing plaster of paris with you but when I go caching, I think I will add that to my back pack as required gear . Have a Blessed day!!!!

Have you contacted Garmin? I would. It sounds like the "abuse" has taken its toll. I have heard (via these forums) that their customer support is stellar. I have not needed to contact them with my legend yet. What would it hurt? Good Luck and God Bless

That's too cool. Where were you at?

I have the Legend as well and love it. It does have some trouble keeping a lock on the sats under heavy tree cover and tall buildings though. I always carry a seperate compass with me. Goes back to my boy scout training. I keep it just in case the GPS'r dies for what ever reason.

Ah, what a perfect thread to give MANY THANKS to you who serve for the public safety!!!! A lot of people take you for granted until you are needed. This is one industry where I hope I never have to meet you (other than while caching, in a friendly passing, etc.) but if I do, let me say this: THANK YOU!!!!