Tahoe Skier5000
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Posts posted by Tahoe Skier5000
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Caching with a dedicated GPS is far more satisfying, and more reliable than with a phone. Inexpensive units can be found easily these days. I suggest looking on eBay. They are plentiful, and can be had for cheap. I just recently picked up a backup Delorme PN-40 for $39. Fantastic GPS with full mapping, compass, altimeter, and geocaching support.
Some ideas:
I strongly recommend ditching the phone and going with a dedicated GPS. You will be happier in the long run, and the experience is more immersive IMO. Good luck!
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4 hours ago, dprovan said:
But a revived PN line will never happen. My guess is that Garmin bought DeLorme because they were sick of people comparing the two.
I'm just thankful that someone is still making handheld units period. I've been using them for about 20 years, and to be honest, I thought they would have been discontinued by now with everything moving to smartphones and watches.
There's nothing quite as satisfying as a good quality handheld that uses traditional batteries though.
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On 2/15/2020 at 5:39 AM, PinkNosedPenguin said:
I thought this would be a very frequent question but am struggling to find helpful answers
My wife and I use our phones for Geocaching (Samsung S8 and S7 respectively) with the Geocaching App. But other Geocachers almost always seem to use dedicated GPS devices, claiming they could mever use their phone as the battery wouldn't last long enough. We rarely have a problem with battery life, and carry a portable charger just in case. We also like being able to geocache on a whim ("Oh look there's a geocache 200m from where we are!") because we've always got our phones on us, right?
So my question is, if I was to spend up to £200 on a budget GPS, and be organised enough to download caches onto it in advance, would I benefit from:
1. increased GPS accuracy
2. better signal under trees
compared to a phone?
And if the answer to both questions is YES, would you rate the Garmin eTrex 32x device?
Thanks in advance
Accuracy would be about the same in normal conditions, although I don't believe phones benefit from WAAS, so a standalone GPSr would have the edge. Signal strength is generally better on a standalone GPSr since they have stronger, more sensitive antennas.
IMO, there is simply no going back to a phone once you've tried a standalone GPSr. Standalone units are vastly superior for hiking/caching in so many ways, and make the experience much more enjoyable. They are obviously not as connected as a smartphone, however with proper planning ahead of time, that is a nonissue. IMO, the disconnected nature of a standalone GPSr greatly enhances the overall experience since we are already so connected to our phones in everyday life. In short, a standalone GPSr provides a more immersive, and more satisfying experience.
The Etrex 32x seems like a great unit. I haven't used this particular model before, but I've owned a number of etrexes over the years and have never been disappointed with them. Good luck to you!
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15 hours ago, dprovan said:
I started caching with a PN-40 in 2010, upgraded to a PN-60 a few years later, and always tracked all the DeLorme releases and web site, and I *never* saw any map updates. I'm not going to check, I'm guessing that the maps you're pointing to are the very same maps you got with Topo 7. The only map updates I ever saw were the space view overlays you could download if you paid for the service. I assume that's the issue Altas Cached is subtly hinting at.
I agree with you that the PN user interface is vastly superior, but because of the flaky proprietary cable, I never use my PN-60 anymore.
Upon looking at the Garmin page on Delorme map updates, it looks to be for the basemap. There's no date on the page though, so I have no idea how 'updated' they actually are. Regardless, for topo purposes, I find that even the old Topo 7 ones work just fine. If you want street maps, then obviously that could be an issue.
It's funny you bring up the cable... they are next to impossible to find, even on ebay. I thought there might at least be some Chinese knock offs out there, but nope. You have to be sure to look for a used PN-20/40/60 for sale that comes with one, and take extreme care of it. Fortunately, mine hasn't been flaky. Still working fine after 12 years. I've owned a lot of GPSrs over the years, but for whatever reason the PN-40 is my favorite to use. I wish Garmin would remake this line with modern tech, but retain the same UI look/feel. I'm not a fan of the UI used in modern Garmin GPSrs.
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5 hours ago, Atlas Cached said:
Where do you get updated mapping for these units?
I'm not exactly sure as I still use the Topo 7 maps that came with mine (~12 years old now).
I believe Garmin offers map updates for them as they bought out Delorme. You can also still find copies of Topo 10 for sale (the latest version before Delorme got bought).
https://support.garmin.com/en-HK/?faq=Lk2XHiRVvX3ueQLUQb0cn6
https://www.amazon.com/DeLorme-US-Software-AO-008517-101-America/dp/B009S4JZ9G
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I use a 64st and Delorme PN-40 mostly. The 64st is my workhorse, but I prefer the interface of the PN-40 over the Garmin. It's too bad they don't make them anymore. You can pick them up used on ebay for pretty cheap though, and as such, they are a better value than the 64st, IMO. I'd recommend it, especially if you are not looking to pay a lot, but need mapping, and geocache support.
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@sussamb, the maps are installed on my PC.
@JohnCNA I used the installer that came with the maps. Is there a separate installer that I need to use? How does basecamp even know where the maps are installed? I don't see any option to have basecamp search for maps on the harddrive...
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Hi guys,
I'm having trouble getting Garmin Basecamp to show my map products. I have both Garmin Topo and California Topo 2011 (from GPSfiledepot) maps, and neither show up in the pull down menu in Basecamp. The only map that's there is the basemap.
Any ideas how to fix this?
Thanks
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A stand-alone GPSr is the way to go for sure. You may end up enjoying geocaching even more after getting one too! They are much more flexible, more fun, and more reliable than a phone.... keep that phone where it belongs - in your backpack for emergency calls!
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Does anyone here own a Tomtom GO model (in my case, a GO 2505) with lifetime map updates? I am curious as to where I go to update these maps... Tomtom appears very elusive about the whole thing. I have the "mytomtom" application running per their instructions and have checked to see if any map updates are available through it, but it's stating no updates are available.
Using my web browser with the tomtom plug in, I see the following note:
"
Coming soon:
Map Update Service, Funny voices, Personalized POI's, Map Share changes and much more."
Well, this note has been there for the past 7 months since I've purchased the unit. I assume, since this is the meat and potatoes of desirable features (and is free), that it's not exactly a top priority feature for them to get working. My question is, where do i update my maps? Tomtom specifically states that lifetime maps are updated through the mytomtom application, however, the application will not allow it at this time. It is also possible that there are no updates available, but it would be nice to find out what the latest map version is so I can compare with the ones installed on my unit.
If anyone with one of these units can chime in, I would appreciate it. Thanks!
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I personally believe that smartphones will overtake handheld GPS units within 5 years or so.
You are ignoring a huge demographic of geocachers out there who prefer and/or require stand-alone GPSr's. The convenience factor is certainly there for smartphones, but the capability doesn't come close to a dedicated GPSr. A large percentage of geocaches around the world could not be found using just a smartphone, plain and simple.
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Many smartphone Gps apps are lightyears ahead of dedicated Gps'es.
Perhaps, but there's nothing more fun, and more liberating than hiking/caching with a traditional GPSr.
Maybe it's because of how I got into the sport originally, in 2003, having to hand-type coordinates into my classic etrex legend and print out cache information on paper before i headed out. Struggling with satellite reception everywhere a tree existed due to the weak antenna on those things. Using a compass to augment the GPSr when it lost lock... It was crude, but those were the best days of geocaching in my opinion.
I've used the iphone app, and I found it to be very clunky. It's far too reliant on a data connection, it's slow, and just all-around miserable to use.
Traditional GPSr all the way for me!
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Would it pay to spend the extra money and buy the PN-60? Not the W. I have 2 PN-40's now and saved for the PN-60. What are the benefits of the PN-60 vs the PN-40? Is it really worth it?
Thanks
The way I look at it when confronted with the dilemma of whether or not to buy a new GPSr is how comfortable am I spending several hundred dollars on it. (and believe me, I've purchased probably more than 15 gpsrs over the past 8 years using this method, lol)
99% of the time you dont NEED a new GPSr anyway, so look at it as: can i spend $450 on a new Pn-60 and be perfectly comfortable with my finances afterwords? If you can say yes to that (as in, you already have the money saved up), then I say go for it. There are many advantages to owning newer units, including better support (as more attention will be given updating the newer GPSrs than the older ones), new features etc. The only real disadvantage in this case would be the cost.
So again, if you can easily spare $450+ on it, then I would go for it. If not, then don't buy it.
I personally have a GPS allowance in my budget. I put away about $50 a month and in less than a year I have enough for a new one. This is probably crazy, but whatever.. lol
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This is one of the frustrating things about my Oregon as well. I just clear the track log every time I fire it up at a new place. After a few times it just becomes habit.
Yep, I have the same issue; add this to the Oregon software quirk list.
Why has Garmin not been able to polish this software up already? I mean really, 2 years later and... theres the still issue of not being able to reset the trip computer from the actual trip computer page (so dumb), the arriving at destination message that can't be turned off, having no way of turning on/off the electronic compass from the compass page, the track log issue here... any others I am missing?
Don't get me wrong, I love this thing, but sometimes I wonder why it takes them so long and so many firmware iterations to fix small issues.
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What's the proven benefit to the qaud-helix antenna? Garmin seems to make a point of it in marketing the new 62. Anyone know if it has an external antenna connection as found in the 60 and Colorado which are quad-helix models?
With the new generation of GPSrs there really isn't a benefit anymore. 5+ years ago when GPSrs were outfitted without high sensitivity chipsets, the antenna type - either patch or quad helix - would make more of a difference. The older GPSrs were very sensitive to their orientation. Changing their orientation in any way could mean the difference between a 3D fix with 10 satellites, and no fix at all.
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I would like to know if it is normal for this brand new gps to be off about 30'. Every GZ seems to be off to the SE by about thirty feet, sometimes a little more. Have checked it at a couple benchmarks with the same results. Should I return it or is this just the way they are? Or maybe its just junk? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks...
Nah, you've got nothing to worry about. 30 feet is perfectly acceptable.
You can try enabling WAAS to increase your accuracy a bit, but chances are that a good percentage of the error you are seeing is due to the inaccuracy of the GPSr used by the owner who placed the cache.
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I'm looking at buying a new unit, and the Oregon 450, the Colorado and the 62 seem to appeal to me the most. Do you think it's worth waiting for the 62 or no? If not, the oregon or colorado?
It depends mostly on whether or not you would want a touchscreen or buttons.
Pros of the Oregon are that it has an almost ideal form factor. Very very comfortable in the hand with a minimalist design. It is very solidly built and is fun to use.
Cons of the Oregon are its hard to see screen in daylight. The 450/550 units supposedly have slightly better screens, but in general they are noticeably darker than other comparable units like the PN-30/40. Also, there are some software quirks that are a bit annoying... such as you cannot delete geocaches directly from the oregon GUI (you need to connect it to a computer), a trip computer that cannot be reset from the trip screen itself (completely dumb if you ask me), no measure distance feature for the map screen, and a "arriving at destination" popup message that cant be disabled.
The 62 will have nearly the same major features as the Oregon 450/550 series... shaded terrain, expandable memory, 5000 geocache limit, 2000 waypoint limit, 200 saved routes/10,000 pt track log etc. The 62 will have more memory on board (1.7gb compared to 850mb on the oregon). There are some minor drawbacks such as the decreased resolution and 65k color, but these will prove to be negligible I think, especially considering the new screen will have better sunlight readability.
All things considered, if it were my money I would say go for the Oregon 450 and buy the Garmin 100k TOPO maps. The 62 will appeal to those specifically wanting buttons instead of a touchscreen. That's pretty much about the only reason I could see choosing one over the other.
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found a major bug, viewing caches from map mode selecting the cache and trying to read the description on caches will lock the unit. oregon 300
EDIT: reverted back to 3.81 3.82 looks good sitting inside having a quick look at features but out in the field its crippling, caches missing/not displaying, lock ups on cache descriptions from map view and a few other niggles
I don't seem to have this issue on mine... weird.
I've tried loading a bunch of different caches too. No hang ups or freezes.
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I would like to come up with a signature item for myself and was wondering what other people use. Can you show pictures of yours?
oops
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I've got an Oregon 300 and the webupdater doesn't show the latest firmware as being available (3.82). It has 3.80 as the latest...
You will need to go to product page and click on the "software" link on the right side.
Think I found a bug with 3.82... Try setting up your "main menu" from "setup". Scroll over a couple pages and youll see the colors get all funky.
Anyone else confirm?
negative on my 300 no funky colors here
Do you have all your icons enabled? In other words are you hiding any icons from your main menu?
I have a few hidden and the colors only become messed up on the pages showing hidden icons.
ok changed profile to one with hidden icons and yea the colors do seem sort strange on the icons not selected
Thanks for confirming
I sent an email to garmin.
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I've got an Oregon 300 and the webupdater doesn't show the latest firmware as being available (3.82). It has 3.80 as the latest...
You will need to go to product page and click on the "software" link on the right side.
Think I found a bug with 3.82... Try setting up your "main menu" from "setup". Scroll over a couple pages and youll see the colors get all funky.
Anyone else confirm?
negative on my 300 no funky colors here
Do you have all your icons enabled? In other words are you hiding any icons from your main menu?
I have a few hidden and the colors only become messed up on the pages showing hidden icons.
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I've got an Oregon 300 and the webupdater doesn't show the latest firmware as being available (3.82). It has 3.80 as the latest...
You will need to go to product page and click on the "software" link on the right side.
Think I found a bug with 3.82... Try setting up your "main menu" from "setup". Scroll over a couple pages and youll see the colors get all funky.
Anyone else confirm?
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I've got an Oregon 300 and the webupdater doesn't show the latest firmware as being available (3.82). It has 3.80 as the latest...
You will need to go to product page and click on the "software" link on the right side.
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I know I am going to take some heat for this but I don't think the 60csx is as amazing with accuracy as everyone claims it is. I have used it several times and I don't believe that it was any more accurate than some of the Etrex units I have used, the PN-40, or the Oregon series. I would think that maybe I had a defective unit but I have used 2 different units both with updated firmware and neither has blown me away. It's good but I don't think its $300 good.
I'm pretty sure that is the case too. Most GPSrs sold today have very similar accuracy. Unless there is a known defect in the firmware, there should be no reason for massive inaccuracies. Sure, some antenna designs may make the unit more vulnerable to multipathing, jitter etc, but overall, the accuracy is pretty consistent across the board.
I think the 60csx's good reputation stems more from its stability and common sense design than anything else. They are very well designed GPSrs. You can tell everything was thought out well, and everything just "fits" nicely together.
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Inexpensive GPS devices?
in How do I...?
Posted · Edited by Tahoe Skier5000
But If you haven't cached with a regular GPS, then how do you know what you've been missing?
I've used both over the years, and strongly prefer a standalone GPS. There are a lot of reasons for this, but primarily because I find a standalone GPS to be more immersive and more useful, especially when combining caching with hiking. Redundancy is another reason... If I drop my GPS, chances are it will be just fine as they are built to be reliable and rugged. Worst case, it breaks, and I have my phone as a backup to both navigate and call for help if needed. If I only cache with a phone, it drops, and the screen breaks, I'm now without a phone AND a GPS!
That said, I get why some people prefer the phone app... its polished, its easy, its convenient, and anyone can get started playing immediately. Having used both the app and GPS though, the GPS just makes the experience much more fun.