Master_Dirt

Misconstrued Guess I didn't explain that right. When I go onto GC and I've selected a cache. Within the page for that cache I'm given options to 'download' LOC waypoint file, GPX file or Send to My GPS. All is good, it just wasn't saving the .gpx files when I selected them. Thanks to your replies I worked a little harder at finding them. They just weren't there. Thanks all.

Just returned to Geocaching account today after being away for awhile. In a cache file @ geocaching.com, I'm selecting some caches and saving them as .GPX from within that cache's page. However, I'm totally unable to find where the .GPX files are being stored on my computer. Not in any of the USER paths that I have been able to find. Anyone help me out here? TIA

I came to the forums tonight to see the most recent pages of the Mother of all KML issues, had yet brought about any positive responses from TPTB. My premium membership is due to expire on the 26th I was looking for a reason why I should renew it; the loss of the KML tool was, and is, a major issue with me. Thanks to the powers that be for addressing this issue and working for a quick and usable alternative and to all of those members who participated in this forum with the same goal(s) of resolving service issues. I see this a couple of ways, the service wouldn't be here without the customer base to support it and, the customer wouldn't be here were it not for the service; both are imperatives. I will live without the premium membership for a few days, until the KML 2.2 tool is released then I'll decide. Awe the power of the pen!

We were informed back in April, about the 21-22nd. There has been absolutely no positive discussion since then but there has been ongoing complaints and lame defenses. They knew in advance that they were going to discontinue the KML feature and, since then, they've had in excess of three months in which they oculd or should have developed an alternative. Notice there is no positive indication that TPTB intend to develop a comperable or better solution. I am a very few days short of my expiring Premium Membership; thirty dollars is a lot of money and I'm now, thanks to this decision by GS, having a difficult time jutifying a renewal. This was an extremely valuable too and, as I've indicated earlier, there are very simple alternatives that do not demand the massive processing time in the replacement.

Perhaps this thread is already dead but.... if someone happens upon it there are answers. If you are looking for Geocaching applications for the Google Android G1 phone. (I can mention Garmin but not CatchiMeight or GeoBagles) Simply go to the Market on your G1 and do a search on "geocaching". I don't know about the second item but the first and third are my favorites, in that order. (I haven't looked at the second one.) The fourth item is handy too but what you need is already in the two mentioned programs. (#4 is free, check it out) I'm debating giving my 60csx to my daughter, I'm not sure I'm going to need it anymore. ((It may be a long debate, I argue a lot.)) Both the above mentioned are very complete applications for not only hunting caches but, as well, total paperless caching solutions that work very well with GPX files. Load it up and go, your full description is with you and you don't have to be in a cellular coverage area providing you brought your cache data with you already loaded on your phone. In my not so humble opinion one is all you need.

For the above KML issue, I forgot to add that it would require GS to modify their query to generate the KML while listing all the caches. Sorry

Okay folks, I think I've figured something out. Tolerate my thinking here if you will. Open a new browser then open a new page of geocaching.com. On the first page in the first bar you have the opportunity to 'enter your postal code'. As you enter the following examples in that box, make a mental note of how long it takes and on a piece of paper write down your query location name and the number of geocaches returned, then, Open the "Map it" box above the list that was returned. zoom in or out until you see some caches. if more that one page of caches go to the second page and view some. Here's the hard part...... First enter the name: "Mutitjulu" (without the quotes) remember to keep notes. Open the "Map it" box above the list that was returned. zoom out until you see the caches. then change the map to "Satelite" and then explore that Image Second, type in the name: "London, England" and do the same. (remember the time lapse and numbers of sites returned. Third, type in "Lisbon, Portugal" and do the same. Fourth, type in "Barker Ranch, CA" then do the same. Fifth, type in "Goleta, CA" .... you know the routine now. Sixth, type in your city, state or city country, and do the same. Last, type in "98101" and make your notes. Try a couple other places or addresses if you wish... and keep your notes. Total your number of queries tested, total your number of caches returned. ((Some of you have already figured it out, haven't you?)) Here are the lessons learned: 1. The Groundspeak search engine works really fast, and I mean it, really, its fast and it is pretty smart too! 2. The search results returned for each of the above tests are based on a centroid lat/lon and a 25 mile radius circle. [40km for the geographically challenged] << that's funny. 3. All cache types are included in the list returned, including your found caches (if any). 4. You have a total of at least 5,500 caches from this test. In conclusion, on the last list you pulled up, just below the "Map It" box, using a red pencil, write the words "Send KML" Have you figured it out yet? Okay, here's a hint. Each of your queries returned all the information you need to map every cache location. (except Premium if not a member) Everything was neatly listed from your central point out to 25 miles in all directions. ( 40km ) Now, if you press that little red "Send KML" box, it will open all those caches in Google Earth on your computer. Finally: For GS computers to generate a KML on the fly, while generating your list, would take less than a second or two, sending that KML (if requested) might take a couple more seconds. You've effectively eliminated the need to do a pocket query. Thus substantially reducing the load on GS computers. The work was already done on your first request. I ran dozens of these queries, all returned in three seconds or so, if the KML were written and sent to you only on request. (remember you can generate the KML on the fly with the list) The same mapped results from pocket queries would take you several days to accomplish. With that KML opened on your computer in Google Earth, you can pan and zoom to your hearts content without needing GS computers to do any addition work until your next query. Then of course we've also virtually eliminated the additional load on the GS servers by not having to draw thousands of "Map It" requests every day. (Millions maybe!) PQs reduced to a really small number, maybe even 200 per day? LAST NOTE: 200 users is equal to about .002% of all reported "Found" caches in the past seven days. Thanks for listening.

I haven't got time to read this entire thread but, I do know that my 'premium membership' dues were to be coming up in the near future. I use this feature very often, it is critical to my enjoyment of the hobby. This was the feature that interested me most since I am able to travel on a moments notice I would often open the kml in GE and grab site info for the area I was going to be in. Wouldn't it be a simple matter to change this kml to a 'normally off' that would allow users to turn it on when desired? How many pocket queries are we permitted daily?

I'd asked this question of Brian on the 8th, got my G1 on the 18th and he's now had his for just over 36 hours. That's enough time!!! I'm looking at some others' work but I think Cachemate G1 will be our answer.

It's great having all this input and I appreciate it all. Using SMS's 160 character capability. The feature I'd see here is that for those of us who travel around a given area and are not with immediate access to a computer would still be advised (it can include coordinates) and determine if he can pursue that cache now. Many of us have portable wireless capabilities and can 'hook up' to get the details of the cache within moments. Of course the ad based revenue is important but I think this might just add more hits since we'd still have to go to GC.

I've seen brief mention of this in some messages but as yet, haven't found anything definitive. Has there been enough interest in text message notification from members and Geocaching dot com to consider the addition of text notification for those who have the ability to receive text messages. I can estimate the numbers of text characters necessary to transmit new caches but utilizing abbreviated information e.g. Cache ID Name type coords in decimal difficulty Description GCxxxxx name+abcdefghijk type -00.000 -118.000 0.0/0.0 Abcdefghi 110 characters... I don't know about others but T-mobile's text messaging is limited to 160 characters so, accordingly, we'd have to find the lowest denominator for TM length and configure accordingly. There are many items to consider here but, 32 character name length limits, use of decimal degrees uses fewer characters, a description name field for texting would have to be added to the cache creation page that the cache owner would have to describe in an abbreviated form for TM transmission only etc.. These additional fields of course would increase our database size but, could it be done economically? After all, it's only another ~113 million characters to add to the DB. A similarly abbreviated TM can be configured for cache notifications (watching) and be even more abbreviated by needing only Cache ID, CacheName and activity occured. Details are not essential here but could be adjusted to fit the actual needs. Just my 99 cents worth, but it would certainly be a nice addition to GCs already awesome database format.

From a cache page at Geocaching.com, just select the "Send to GPS" button. Cache ID #, Cache Name and coordinates will be sent directly to your GPS60. If you haven't done so already, consider also using the GSAK program and Cachemate with your PDA. If you don't have a PDA a perfectly good Palm Vx can be found on eBay for around $20.00 shipped. It is a great combination and allows you to carry data 'paperless caching' with you that you can't get into your GPS.

The past several days I'm no longer able to be automatically logged in when I come into GeoCaching.com. It had worked just fine in the past but now it will not. I've set it to 'save' a myriad of times but still, it is not recognizing it. I'm automatically logged into every other site I have auto logins for without problem otherwise. Cookies are set to accept geocaching.com, but, to no avail. If, for example, I'm already logged in to g.c and go to the forums, I'm logged in when I arrive, no intervention is needed. If I just open my browser, type in geocaching.com, it comes up no problem but will not log in. If I come in from Google Earth to GC, it doesn't log. If I come in from GSAK to GC, it doesn't log. Nor, if I should happen to come into GC from some other link, it will not autolog me in. Don't matter if I just shut down my browser or do a 'log out'. It won't autolog when I come back in. There has got to be a simple solution to this but it is escaping me like a Prying Pandora's cache. Anybody please?

You might have to buy a DVD to get more detailed maps, but you'll find substantially more, and better information in these forums than you would from just about anything you could buy from anyone. Take some time, play with each feature and when you're stumped or confused then, do an online search using keywords of GPSr type and your question(s) e.g.. Google "gpsmap 60cs altitude"

Your best bet is to research each major brand to see what features you really want to have. TomTom, for one, has a feature comparison chart for their products, also consider your price commitment carefully against the features you want. Stick with the top names then consider searching eBay. I got excellent buys on both a used TomTom 720 for addresses and later an awesome total, delivered, price for my Garmin 60csx ($195) and, while used, both units were in excellent condition and exactly as advertised on ebay. You also need to consider the date of the installed maps. If you're primary need is in well established older communities/cities, you can probably get by with maps that are 2 or 3 years old. Your particular needs is the primary consideration though.

Only logging in from one computer so that's not an issue. This is getting really frustrating though since its such a waste of time, even more so now that I've begun using GSAK and am trying to update a bunch of caches (400+) already on my GPSr. I don't want to spend the hours necessary to go back in and rebuild the data manually when GSAK is such a great tool for the task.

I'd like to attribute this to using the 'Log Out' feature but that is not the case for me. Up until just a few days ago (4-5?) each time I went to the Geocaching.com url my settings would automatically log in. Now, no matter what I try I cannot get the autolog to work. What bugs me though is the thought that some other program may have caused this but, today, when I came to Groundspeak.com my autologin worked here. Won't work at Geocaching and yes, cookies are set to authorized for Geocaching Any thoughts on how to fix this? It has worked without problem since first signing on in May but not any more! TIA

Great that you're making progress, it can be a fun hobby. I've got to argue a bit with some of the responses above though. Sitting on my desk, inside my house with the venetian blinds closed on the only window, I turn on my GPSr and aquired 4 sats. When I aquired my position (marked) and open up Google Earth the coordinates are precise (within inches) I can measure my room dimensions from my GPSr then measure in Google Earth, you can't tell the difference. Garmin 60csx. Depends on your receiver and environment.

I Highly recommend DeLorme's Topo USA and consider purchasing image overlays for your primary areas of interest. I probably don't need to stress how important it is to know the topography of areas you're searching in so, there's some justification right there. If you add their GPSr (LT20, LT40) for their software, you've got a great combination to use for planning purposes while in the field. I'd have to look back at my software a little but if I remember correctly I was able to do an import of cache/waypoint data from Garmin's MapSource into Topo USA and I believe even from the GeoCaching dot com cache data when I was fooling around with it. I was able to pick up TOPO USA 5 with the LT20 (new) for about $70, you may find better deals on it if you look around. While I have all my mapping and geocaching data on both my laptop and desktop I have yet to take the laptop into the field as I can research everything I plan to hit before I go and load all the data onto my 60csx and not worry about leaving my laptop in my vehicle. That said, I still take my laptop if I were on any trip of more that a single day. Topo maps on your GPS are equally important if you're doing woodlands/off road geocaching. Also consider an inexpensive portable printer. Have fun

Thank you guys, I appreciate your help and it worked just fine. I guess that method just doesn't seem logical to us newbies but it worked great I'm beginning to love this new community I've discovered! Tom in Kent, WA

I could write a book about how I arrived at this project's forum but, I won't bore you with it just yet. Short and sweet version. I discovered NWT project an hour ago, I've downloaded and installed the trails map into MapSource and can view them well. Great job by all of you involved. But, in trying to resolve the question of 'overlays' I've gotten totally lost. Do I understand correctly, that the NWT project map can be overlaid onto other map data in MapSource. Can I overlay the trails onto Topo 2008 for example? If so, can anyone describe the process to a total newbie? As is common, in any endeavor, those involved know all the terms and shorthand... eg. TNLNSL TFTH, but to us newbies it's all Geekspeak. In layman's terms please. TIA Tom in Kent

Thank you Roy, that did the trick. So much to learn with this new toy. I went FAT32 in the format and all seems to be fine.

Greetings all, I was able to download the IbycusUSA exe without problems a few days ago and load them to my computer where MapSource easily sees them. So I ordered a 2G microSD, wow those things have gotten small. When they taught me electronics for the navy it would take a whole tube to effect just one yes-no gate and now we have 2 gigs on a fingernail from the pinkey. Some of you probably don't know what a tube is but that's okay. So I tried to copy some of the files over from my HD to the SD, they transferred fine but didn't show anything in the gps, with or without putting them in a 'garmin' folder. Frustrated with that and not yet seeing any clear method to do it, I downloaded a program 'Img2gps' and executed that. But, when I finally sent the files to the card it stopped after a few seconds and burped out 'cannot read from source file or disk' I haven't been able to duplicate it yet but at one point I got a 'file corrupt' message. I can't delete any of the garbage files but was able to transfer one 2meg photo image to the SD even though it shows over 2gig of corrupt files, I wasn't able to add any more than that though and I'm able to delete the image file (photo) Any thoughts would be appreciated. TIA Tom in Seattle

Garmin Legend HCX NEW available on eBay for $200.00 shipped, Vista HCX $220 shipped. Both are map types but you can get by with the 'included' stuff for starters. New! Garmin GPSMap 60CSx new at Walmart for $300. I just picked up a used 60CSx for 200 last night. Choice of a GPS is a matter of how you intend to use it as well as cost/features. Used with a great deal of planning using online or computer based mapping software GeoCaching and Hiking can be done well without having a mapping feature so long as you do your homework and upload routes & waypoints to your GPS from your computer. I started a week or so ago and, in 4 days 'in the field' picked up 21 caches with a Garmin GPS II+ that I purchased in 1997. A few hours with Google earth and other free mapping programs and about all you need to do is enter the final coordinates for the cache into your gps and carry printouts or notes on your access routes. Within your budget allocation I think your best value would be the Vista HCx but I'm too new at this to be your sole source of advice. Others will help you decide. I've only been doing computer maping since the early 90s so I'm still a novice. I hope that's some help.

Don't you just love it when you talk to yourself and solve your own problems? Get a fuzzy warm feeling?