cache_r_joe

This may have already been answered, but I'll ask it anyway. When I put the POIs to the GPS can I then assign custom icons to them. Say if I have a POI file for traditional, micro, multi, etc caches, can I then assign the custom waypoints so they show up that way. Also can I show more than one POI file at once? I'm trying to gather the info I need so when Christmas day comes and my wife finally lets me play with my new 60CSx I've got it all down pat. Thanks Joe

On the free updates you might be thinking of updates to the Mapsource program itself. Don't mistaken that with the maps (CN, Metroguide, Topos, etc). Mapsource is the program by which you are able to view the maps and upload them to the gps. You don't get free updates to the maps. The cost of Garmin keeping the maps up to date is extreme so they would have to charge something for you to get the updates. Joe

I agree with the opinions above. You can buy all the software you mention above on CD/DVD and load the areas and maps that you need. For example, I have Metroguide Canada, Topo Canada and an old version of MetroGuide NA. You can pick individual maps to install on the GPS, you don't have to put say all the US on. In my case I usually have some of each loaded on the GPS, I usually do the following: Metroguide Canada All of New Brunswick Some of Nova Scotia Topo Canada Most Of New Brunswick Metro Guide NA Some of Maine The Metroguide NA that I have does not have autorouting but that's ok since I really don't go to the US, I just load part of Maine so that I have some maps in should I get close to the border. Being able to pick and choose makes it easy and if you are taking a specific trip, you can load just the maps along your route (Mapsource will do this for you). For example, if I was to plan a trip across Canada I could load the Metroguide Canada maps for the trip (about 185Mb) and some of the Topos I need. This is assuming I have an x model (will after Christmas). If I was using a non x model, I would save the maps into individual files that would cover my travel for a given day, at the hotel or camp site, I would load the maps for the next day into the GPS and away we go. Like the others have said, buying the maps on the cards limits you to some degree, where you are looking at using multiple maps then you should look at buying them on CD/DVD. Also you can use some maps showing at the same time, however some you cannot. For example I cannot have the Metroguide and the Topos showing at the same time, Topos don't show up. In your case you may what to have the Metroguide showing while you are traveling to your location in the car, then have the Blue Charts and the Topos showing when you are hiking or in the kyak. Joe

go to Garmin's web site and you can download the rebate. You can also check out www.gpscity.ca or www.gpscity.com the rebates are also there. Joe

I had no problems with my legend either. I now have a Legend C which I find to be quicker and the color is a big bonus. I will have a 60CSx under the tree and from what I hear it is even better. My suggestion to you is that any of the eTrex models and above are good for Geocaching. I started with an eTrex yellow and found it just fine for Geocaching, I updated to the Legend because I wanted maps, I updated to the Legend C because I wanted autorouting and am updating to the 60CSx because I want the expandable memory, larger screen and the sensors that come with it. I have found that doing this also got me the best model out there without having to lay out all the money at once. I sold each of the other units for a reasonable price and I believe they are all still being used out there. The legend C I bought less than a year ago for $350CDN and am selling it now for $150CDN. Good deal for another Geocaching and helps me finance the new unit I want. Win Win. Joe

Knowing what I did at that age makes it even more tempting. All joking asside, I agree with you, however there were a few boneheaded moves I made that my parents probably should have known about. Unfortunately my daughter will not enjoy the freedom of driving. I agree that we have to let our kids live, but some recent events (2 kids killed and one in the hospital with severe head injuries) with ATVs in the last month in my area makes me think that we have to keep them close to us and not be so willing to let go all the time.

If you are looking at routing on a laptop why not connect your GPS to Streets and Trips and have it guide you from there. Joe

Go to the map screen on the GPS, click on the menu button and choose Setup, scroll over to the maps tab, click the menu button. From here hide everything but the map set you wish to see. Joe

I'm not a big fan of Member only caches, but doesn't this defeat the purpose of the cache owner making it member only. Again I'm not a big fan of them so I'm not trying to start anything, but seems to me if I had a cache that was member only (which I would never do), then I would think I'd be a little PO'd that people found a way around it and logged it anyway. Joe

This weeks Canadian Tire Flyer has a unit that you put in the car and it tracks via GPS where the vehicle has gone and also gets speed and breaking info from the vehicle's computer. Only $299 Canadian. you get the info from it via memory stick and transfer to your PC. If my daughter was driving I would definately get one. Cost effective solution. Can't find her while she's out, but you can find out where she's been. J

If you have the decal that you showed in your link, I have one on my CUV. You have to peel one side right off (I belive it's the thicker paper). I would peel a little corner off and see if te sticker is sticky, that's the side that goes on the window. Once you have it on the window, press it down good with your hand, if you do it carefully there won't be any bubbles. From there you slowly and carefully peel the other part off and it's stuck to your window. If that's not what you havem perhaps you have a cling, plastic square with the logo printed on it. That just sticks to the inside of your window. Joe

GSAK will also assist you into loading them into your Palm if you use Cachemate. I believe it will also load to another Palm Application. Personally I use GSAK to update my PQs, sent info to my GPS, Palm, Mapsource and to MS Streets & Trips. It is quite a good program. You can use it free with out any nag screens for 21 days, and if you like it it's really cheap to buy. Joe

I did this once. I helped set up a night cache, then several months later came back and did it with a new cacher. I signed the log and logged it as a find. By then a dozen or so others had found it. I definately wouldn't log it as a FTF and in this case I let the other person do the discovering. To me numbers don't mean much so I did to more to get it off my list so to speak than add a number to the board. Joe

Well I was going to be quiet, but I thought I would weigh in here anyway. I agree the the OP had asked what to intall on the GPS, however I think IV, you have likely ran him off thinking that Geocachers are something other than helpful and friendly people. You can use GSAK for free and Clyde can correct me if I'm wrong, but there is nothing wrong with that as long as you don't mind the nag screen. Myself I bought it, for a very reasonalble price (MUCH less than it is really worth). I do preach GSAK because I love it. EasyGPS was good, but not what "I" wanted. I know that this is a bit off topic, but I think rather than taking an attitude with someone who is really trying to help and provide an opinion on their solution, you might just try to offer your own. JMHO PS.... to the OP.... if you want to get some info on GSAK, providing it is what you might be looking for, or if you wish to just get some info on your original post, please feel free to IM me, I'll do what I can to help you out. Joe

Is there any good (preferably free) software programs or excel templates out there to build your POI database? I'm thinking about something that would help with the speed alarms, etc also. Joe

A local cacher tells me that he is able to download 1000 waypoints to his unit. I have all the firmware updates (except the beta) and cannot get my unit to do it. I have no reason to believe that he cannot, just wondering if anyone else can and how they were able to do this. Joe

I want to pick up a car adapter for my legend c. The specs say 4.2 to 5.5 volts. If I picked up an adapter (cig lighter to usb) generic power cable, will it work? Obviously I don't want to damage the unit either. Anyone have any experience? Joe

What about MGA, could that be expanded to include our NF buddies? J

Ok, so it has been said that the gpx file that gc.com sends in a PQ does not contain the archived information, however there are times when I'm importing the PQ into GSAK and I get a window saying a cache has become available that was once archived/unavailable. If the info is not sent in the gpx/PQ file then how does GSAK know. I would have to assume that this is incorrect and that the info is in the PQ file. If I am correct, why does GSAK not automatically update this in the database.

I just noticed that the cache status, more specifically when a cache is disabled or archived is not being updated. I've gone searching for several caches lately and find that they are archived. I decided to compare some of the cache statuses in the database with the online logs, and several don't match. I have regular pocket queries that these would be included in. Any thoughts? Joe

This may be answered somewhere, but do the finds show up on my gc.com stats. Would be nice to have all the stats in one place. Joe

As noted above make sure your software is pointing to the right serial port, and make sure there is nothing else using that port also. A modem uses serial ports, as does any non usb devices like PDA's, etc. From there make sure your interface language is set properly on the gpsr. with easy gps you will have to have it set to garmin. Some other software applications may use another interface language. with your legend you can check the language by going to the main menu, choose settings, choose interface, then check that Garmin is listed. Good luck. Joe

At our local CITO Day some of the guys found 2 caches that were vandalized. One had contents of the cache emptied and doggy dung scooped inside. These were off the beaten path. I'm wondering if others are finding this kind of thing and what have you done to prevent it? Joe

I think so. They may be easier to find, but then again in some cases they are harder. I'm all for allowing more Locationless Caches to be registered. I know some areas that would be nice to visit, but might not be able to put an actual cache container at. JMHO Joe

If I get to the point of actually looking for the cache then yes I do. I have once or twice headed out and realized I don't have time to continue. In these cases I was not anywhere near the cache and might only post a note. I think it is very important to other cachers, the reviewers and the cache owner if people log their DNFs. In a recient case I looked and looked for a cache and just couldn't find it. I logged the DNF thinking that it was probably muggled. The next day someone logged a find at the cache. I can now go back knowing that I'm looking for something that is really there and not just tromping around the woods. JMHO Joe