jackrob

earthcache.org What I was told: "Note in particular that the primary focus of an EarthCache must be earth science - this does not include environmental or biological topics. The cache must contain substantial educational information regarding the geology of the site. The logging tasks for an EarthCache must also be primarily geology-oriented."

I have had a Vista HCX since August and I wouldn't trade it for other units I've seen, especially for the cost difference. I have cached in a group with other users that had a Garmin 60CSx and a Colorado 400. The Vista HCx was always at least as accurate and sometimes more accurate. The compass works fine for me. The 60CSx has a larger screen which is nice. Battery life on the HCx is fantastic,and it uses AA batteries that are easily found where ever you might be. One tip if your compass doesn't seem to work. CALIBRATE IT. It takes about 10 seconds.

I think you would be very happy with the HCx. Mine has been great. I love being able to swap out microSD chips with various data sets. The paperless option with GSAK/macro above works great for me. I also have tried an old Palm IIIxe with Cachemate, the whole thing cost about $20, and that works great as well. You can pay twice as much for a truly paperless GPSr and get no better accuracy.

Kyle, 2.60 firmware version that came installed on the unit. We're up to about 50 caches now and I would have to say that 25 ft would be unusual. I haven't "dropped a stake" and measured how far off it was, but I know on a couple of occasions I almost stepped on the caches, one a micro and the other an ammo can. Some luck for sure, but in all cases, we've been pretty close. I've also checked some benchmarks and been "right on" within reason, and then just for kicks I marked a few waypoints and put them in Google maps, clicked on "Street View" and sure enough looked at the spots I marked online. I hope you have good luck with the new upgrades!

Received my Vista HCx less than two weeks ago. Bravo 2 - 2.60. I've been through one set of Alkaline batteries so far it has been highly accurate on location. I have WAAS enabled.