user13371

quote:Originally posted by RogBarn:...BMGPX will let you do that. Check out http://ubbx.Groundspeak.com/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=5726007311&f=5116058331&m=35260855 Even though it wasn't the kind of solution I was looking for, it is helpful and points me in the right direction -- thanks! I had been looking for an online database search. I didn't think of downloading the archives to my machine and processing them here. With the archives and a Mac, my choices are to fire up Virtual PC -- or write my own parser. I might end up doing both. Thanks again! --- LDR.

quote:Originally posted by Tradboy:Is there an easy way to look up a username? ...I can't seem to find a link or page on geocaching.com that allows you to search for a user, to view their page. How about if you shift-click on the username that appears above the avatar, on any forum posting. Maybe it's only for paid members, but it gives me a popup offering - View Users's Public Profile - Add User to my Contacts - Invite User to a Private Topic - View Recent Posts by User - Notify me of New Posts by User You really don't want to know about those "see next post" messages LDR

no, I meant the next one.

oops, see next post

quote:Originally posted by cdawg:Magellan has informed us that we will no longer be able to get this unit, as it is being phased out and replaced by the Meridian Color. I'm not sure I understand this. The Green/Yellow model is the low end of the Meridian line; the Color model is the high end. There are a couple of Meridian models in between (Gold, Platinum). It would make sense if they just dropped the low end model. It really doesn't differ much from the Gold, just amount of built-in memory and basemap. I'm just not clear what you mean by saying it's being "replaced by the Meridian Color." --- LDR.

Speaking of old ones... The databse here and at NGS seems to let you search by PID or coordinates. I there an easy way to filter searches by date placed -- or another databse online somewhere to do that? --- LDR.

I've found one of those also, NE0426. No doubt about this being the one on the data sheet though, the witness post & sign give it away. I just assumed that when it was placed, someone was lazy or didn't have time --- LDR.

Is there an unbiased site somewhere that actually tests rechargable batteries? I've com across this company claiming 2200mAh rechargables, which should last longer than the 1800's I've been using. BUT... does anyone have a reference/review site somewhere that shows they really perform as advertised? --- LDR.

Well, don't read this message either. --- LDR.

quote:Originally posted by Team Kender:I'm either doing something wrong or the Geodetic survey info is off for the benchmarks I've looked for so far. On the benchmark datasheets, some have ADJUSTED coordinates, which should be pretty close. Others have SCALED coordinates, which can be off by quite a bit as you noted. The reason is explained here under the heading of Why do the coordinates of some benchmarks seem to be way off? about a third of the way don the page. For that and other reasons, I usually DON'T use the GPS to find the benchmarks. I use datasheet measurments from local landmarks to find the spot. When I find it, then I check the GPS to see how close it was. --- LDR. [This message was edited by Lee David Rimar on May 09, 2003 at 06:25 PM.]

Y'all are kidding, right? My only gripe with this non-released unit, from what I've read so far, is that it seems a bit pricey for what you get. But for someone who wants a tiny GPS/compass/altimeter it's probably just the ticket. But the majority of comments (and complaints) here are that it's UGLY? That you don't like the COLOR? Are you just trolling? Or is this some inside joke I don't get? I prefer subdued colors, but if I spray painted my GPS fluorescent purple it don't think it would affect the performance. Unless I got it on the screen --- LDR.

quote:Originally posted by Cholo:...a two point deduction and you have to remove the batteries from your GPSr while hunting for the next bm. No problem. I usually find benchmarks without relying on the GPS. I just use the GPS to verify the general area, then pocket it. Once I find the benchmark I take the GPS out again, just to see how good the datasheet coords were. Most benchmarks were placed before GPS existed, so it's not surprising the datasheets are wrtten to get you there without one. --- LDR.

quote:Originally posted by TEAM 360:...the screen size is .92 x 1.44 inches and only 100x64 resolution. They are going to have to do alot better than that if they want to sell any of those things." I disagree. While a larger display is needed for displaying maps, I'm sure some people will be quite happy with a text and symbol display for position, headings, compass, etc.. As long as the display is sharp and easy to read, bigger is not necessarily better. That's the market niche Garmin is aiming for. But having said that, I do think the price is a bit high. I'll be curious to see what the "street price" becomes when these things are out. --- LDR.

Hey Brian, I wasn't picking on you for any personal reasons. I've just seen a lot of "that sort of thing" from a number of folks. The one example I cited was just what came to mind first, but by no means a worst-case example. I hope you didn't take offense. I know you're one of the bright lights around here. Personally, I like pointers to previous discussions, as long as they're on target. --- LDR.

Brian: Thank you for the expansive advice. I've got an ammo can that I recently spray painted flat-black. My stepson was puzzled by this... "I thought you said it had to be camouflaged," said he. "It is," I replied, "I plan to put it someplace dark." --- LDR.

quote:Originally posted by sbell111:I found his (commnts) to be appropriate. It was merely concise. Perhaps too concise for your taste. Yes sir, that's exactly the case -- I thought the experienced user in this case was too concise. Cut off their remarks before expanding them into something genuinely useful. And begging the Colonel's pardon, but when you remarked... quote:...when you asked for clarification, it came quickly. ... I must point out that the helpful comments about ammo boxes versus tupperware and using camouflage came from a different experienced than the one who offered that first hint. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure a lot of "overly concise" answers are genuinely meant to be helpful, not deliberately trying to brush people off. But the most experienced users often forget that a beginner might need more than just a hint. Knowledge is wealth - share the wealth. --- LDR.

Ooh, getting close to my pet peeve Even when someone doesn't "Stomp a Newbie," I see a strong tendency among some old hands to just brush people off. An example: Newbie asks for comments about problem of caches being trashed or disappearing. Experienced user comes along and says something like "Maybe you should use better containers or hide them better. I hardly ever have this problem." Not hostile at all. At first glance it's polite and helpful. But... Read it again. Doesn't offer any real help except for the hint that the newbie is doing something wrong. The writer doesn't offer any specific advice for improvments, but implies how they do it is better. I have no problem if an old hand says "I know more than you, let me help..." It's just that some of them stop at the comma. If you're gonna tell me that you have a better way, go the next step and tell me what that actually is

quote:Originally posted by BrianSnat:Maybe you should reconsider the types of places you hide your caches, or hide them better. Better containers also help. I've lost 1 out of 40+ real caches I've placed over the past year and a half. Maybe I'm just lucky. Brian: Could you expand on this? Maybe describe what kind of locations and containers would be less likely to fall victim to this problem? And also what sort of things should be avoided? Remember my peevishness on another thread a few days ago? No offense, but I read the same kind of thing here. Think about it: I'm sure you mean to be helpful, but in essence all you really said to freeside was "You're doing it wrong, I don't have that problem." So please, share some of the fruits of your greater experience and help us all improve the sport. What do you think is wrong with freeside's containers or locations? --- LDR.

quote:Originally posted by freeside:...I think I may start leaving only virtual caches even where a regular cache would fit. Also, burning gas just to maintain a cache isn't good for the environment. Two suggestions: 1) Plant your caches within walking or biking distance of where you live. Easier said than done for some people -- I live in an area where that would be pretty easy. 2: Plant your cache somewhere along a route that you have to routinely travel anyhow, so that it isn't an extra trip. Virtual caches are frowned upon lately, as many users will tell you. Though it doesn't say that in the FAQ or the formal rules, the reason is explained here, about halfway into the article. I've got a virtual stalled in the approval process now. I'm thinking of changing it to an offset or some other kind of "real" cache. --- LDR.

quote:Quoth Renegade Knight:Windows has a few fonts that are non porportional. Check out Courier or whatever the heck they call in in windows. Careful, you'll give away your identity as a Mac user --- LDR.

Found a blank one myself today. NE0426 Has the usual engravings around the edge but is not stamped with the station name or altitude. --- LDR.

Question: Whether to find a benchmark, or to prove it's not there -- is it fair play to ask a local? Few days ago, I went looking for NE1706. Couldn't find it. The location appeared to be in the middle of a parking lot for some pretty new condominiums. I figured the benchmark had been taken away, or buried under the asphalt. Still, I wasn't sure. So when I was in the area again today, I decided to go by and take a closer look. I parked my car by the house nearest the spot -- this house is also noted in the datasheet as a landmark. A couple of folks were working in the yard, so I asked them if they knew about the benchmark. "Oh, that's gone," the property owner said, "They ripped it out a couple of years ago when they built those condos." Had a nice chat with these folks about geocaching, benchmark hunting, local property development, and the weather. They seemed interested, so I also gave them the geocaching web address :-) --- LDR.

quote:Yes, the Geko has only black and white, no gray levels at all in the display. That's okay for something that has to only show text and an ocassional line/symbol. B&W units have better contrast than any greyscale ones. Parts are cheaper, too. I guess the compass and altimeter are what pushed the price up, or all the engineering it took getting them into such a small box. --- LDR.

I think the absence of mapping makes sense in a unit this small. How much of a map could you display in 64x100 pixels? Not sure about this either, but isn't the display straight black and white, not 16 or 4 levels of grey? Oops, I didn't mean to mention the color --- LDR.

This page of cache requirments is refered to in various messages. It's clearly "must read" material for beginners. But that article doesn't seem to be directly linked anywhere on the About Geocaching page, the FAQ, or the Hide/Seek page. Wouldn't a link in any or all of those places be easier than having to drill down into the forums for it? I mean, sure the point of the game is hiding things - but probably not the rulebook In a similar vein, I noticed the general rules outlined in the FAQ are slightly out of synch with some topics in the Requirements article. One example: FAQ says variations like virtual caches are encouraged. Newer "Requirements" page gives many reasons why virtuals are NOT encouraged. I know the sport is constantly evolving and this means rules and policy changes. If there was one prominent URL linked right from the homepage of the site where the current rules and policies could be kept (and kept up to date), that would probably eliminate a lot of confusion.