Diogenes51

I just purchased a Samsung Galaxy S4, deliberately with no data plan. I want to download map(s) from Wi-Fi for greater Tampa for offline use with saved searches overlaid. This looks like the perfect forum thread for inquiry and instruction, but has no progress update to the solution suggested in the last post from Jan 2012. Is there no progress, or a newer thread with newer solutions? Much appreciated.

I have an Axim x5, and use a Deluo CF card GPS receiver running Routis in the car. Supurb. Geocaching, however, I found best solution is to use an armored 'Otter-Box" brand PDA case. Totally waterproof and shockproof. Has an inset heavy membrane over the PDA face to allow full use in box. Unbelievable outdoor protection. Because my Deluo CF was too big for Otter-Box, I use a Bluetooth module, totally secured in box. Links to my Furtuna Bluetooth GPS receiver. WOW! Run both Vito Tech NavigatorII for searching waypoints, and MobiPocket to view my pocket inquiries from geocaching.com . I use GSAK to convert the pocket inquiry .gpx files and combine with National Geographic TOPO! files which I print and keep in a binder. I haven't figured out how to save the merged Topo! files with waypoints to the Axim PPC for combined viewable map. I would like to be able to find a PPC solution to run a program which acts like Garmin of Magellan to post my GPS position on the NG TOPO! map, with pocket inquiry waypoints marked, and other useful GPR dasbboard features. Does anyone know how to make that work?

Planning 3 weeks in NC, within miles of the BlueRidge Parkway. I want to be able to drive the parkway from Cherokee at it's south end to the state line north and hike to caches within a mile of the Parkway. There must be hundreds of beautiful vistas already scoped out by the professionals and offered to the masses, with appropriate cache locations. I use a Dell Axim 5x, with two 512mb SD cards for maps, and both a Deluo CF GPS card and a Fourtuna Bluetooth GPS. I have National Geographic's Backroads TOPO set, and Routis, and TomTom's USA set, and can request individual Pocket Queries for multiple sites along the route. I have planned to use NG's Backroads TOPO base maps and learn to merge multiple Queries into a full NC TOPO database to get cache locations to appear on my drives along the Parkway. Is there any other easier way? Is there any known link to a "Blueridge Geocaching Society", or such, offering a ready made "end to end" database in any PPC format just for us day-trippers? I plan to try my technique using an old laptop as a database compiler for the whole trip, but worry that my learning curve may exceed my vacation time. Also, does anyone have or know of a step-by-step procedure guide for getting multiple Pocket Queries merged with NG's Backroads TOPO into a PPC running Bluetooth GPS? I need to learn, but also need to finish roofing the house before we leave. Any help finding the appropriate tutorials or "solutions page" would be greatly appreciated. (...for the cache-mapping, not the roof. I was already told to hire it out before I step on ANOTHER nail.)

I have a Dell Axim X5 and am going Bluetooth. Decided the Fortuna Clip-on Bluetooth GPR receiver was the way to go. Then noted the "newer?" Belkin F8T051 Bluetooth GPS appears in photos to be exactly the same configuration, down to appearance of buttons, switches, sockets, case angles, dents and even the little image icoms over the LEDs. Both use a removable lithium battery. The Belkin comes with routing software for about the same price as the Foutuna, which has a clear plactic case but no software. Can anyone definatively state they have exactly the same interior/specs. They are both dual mode. I think the Fortuna claims accuracy better than 3 meter to Belkin's 10 meter, but I could be misled by the better info available for the Fortuna. Are there any techs out there familiar with both of these products. I don't seem to ever find them for sale at the same retail website.

Good Choice! I have a Dell Axim X5 and have used a Deluo CF GPS with Routis 2004, and love it. (Except I haven't found an add-on program to gain "go-to" manually input coordinates capability as seen in all GPSrs.) I found and purchased a beautiful waterproof fully armored case with a clear protected soft face for full PPC access in the woods or wherever you go. It has an optional "belt clip plate" that fully protects the soft face when carried at your side. It is made by OtterBox products, www.otterbox.com, model 2600, but I found the distributor with the lowest price and best accessories at www.watertightcase.com. No, I do not know them. I only just bought the case. The problem is this smaller case will close ok with a BlueTooth CF card, or a similar network card, but will not accomodate the full CF GPS card. (OtterBox also makes a larger 3600 series that will, with accessories.) I, too, have just ordered a BlueTooth CF card, and also the Fortuna Clip on GPS from www.semsons.com on sale. I noted OtterBox also makes a clear waterproof box with magnet specifically for a GPS module to mount on the roof, but I will need to see the Furtuna module for size first, as it appears larger than average. I have been told to never take the PPC into the field as they are too fragile. I am confident I can drop it into rapids and it will survive in this case. I'll just put a steel washer in my hat and stick the BlueTooth to it with the magnetic case. (My daughter says I will not!) I still need a small "go to" program which will work on a PPC2003 Axim, hopefully able to save waypoints as I go like a GPSr.

The reason it is harder than it looks is, noboby puts the cache by the road! Well... you may find a CLUE at the first coordinates by the road, but then you get to get out and go to where you never would have dreamed you would ever go before, just to find a plastic box and maybe a trinket. Often a few miles or more before you get back to your car. Often over or through terrain you are ill prepared for, without a paddle or a safety rope. I prefer to think of geocaching as excercise with an attitude. I DISLIKE excercise, but am a 6'1" 265lb diabetic and need to lose weight the old fashion way, work at it. I regularly go to a fitness center and use the stairmaster for 45 minute climbs, just to get in shape enough to get through the day with a straight back. I plan a three week vacation to the smokies with my daughter. Last year we just sat around watching cable TV at the "cabin". This year, we get up and get out and find all of those favorite hideaway places the locals deem fit to mark with their caches. How better to get to know the real value of an area. How better to create new memories. Of last year I only remember watching cable. This time next year I be recalling hundreds of interesting events, (sheer cliff drop-offs, rampant ivy blisters, rattlers, hornets, yellow jackets, brown recluse spiders, deer ticks...), during a very long vacation, and time well spent with my daughter. I suspect the drive there and back from Florida will take longer as well, with all of the "rest area caches" to find along the way. It's all good!

Thanks, everyone! I took most of CacheCreature's advice... with a fever!!! Bought TWO Dell Axim X5s with PPC2003, 400mgz, w/CF LAN IEEE 802.11b cards, $235ea eBay. Added two 512mb SD, $120ea. Giving one to college student daughter next week for 20th bd. First bought Deluo CF GPS with Routis software. $125 total. GREAT! and great software, but no "Go To" capability. Then found fantastic fully waterproof heavy armored PDA case from OtterBox Products, about $65 complete. You have to see it. Cheaper at http://www.watertightcase.com They have a big $ version capable of covering the large CF GPS as well, but smaller is better. Will need to sell CF GPS and buy Fortuna (thanks CacheCreature) Bluetooth GPS. $225? The armored case will hold Axim with smaller CF Bluetooth card attached. Looks bulletproof. OtterBox also makes a waterproof clear box for Bluetooth GPS with large magnet for rooftop mounting. Ordered two recommended lanyards. Premium GC.com membership. 6' oak "walking"staff. Misc everything else. I am going to have to sell everything else I own on eBay to pay for all of this, but it beats Garmin iQue blind. Last (?) question. Any easy "Go To Lat/Log" software application solution capable of using Bluetooth data to display "standard GPS direction circle w/arrow" to manually inputted coordinates, without having to buy full new Mapopolis program?

I checked Price Watch, and some stores are selling them new for under $200 each. Used loses some value of safety, warrenty, returnability if DOA or whatever. Even Best Buy discounts new "open box" items 30%, because they are not seen as "new", and that is with full warrenty. Most "used" items, with no visible wear, if it were purchased over six months, and if with no transferable warrenty, would sell for 50% fairly easily. Some items will get a little more. Condition, condition, condition. It is not a bargain to pay 70%+ of new price for anything, given the risks today in buying second hand. This said, first be sure you are listed with PayPal or a similar service to receive payment by a protected agent like PayPal. The buyer can ask PayPal to insure that an item under $500 is received as ordered, for a small fee. No one in their right mind will send anyone a money order for a forum style unsecured purchase. You should offer a safe alternative which will also protect you a little, as well. Then state what you are asking for, first comes, buys. Add, if not sold in 48 hours at your price, you will definately sell to highest offer as of a specific time/date. That stops you from being pressured down by the first poor offer. Be sure for have offered a fixed S&H. Go to the post office and price Priority Mail and list that. The box may be available at a main post office free as well. Check the Priority Mail rack. Cheapest and fast, with fixed anywhere-in-states rate. Good luck.

You can write to the Postmaster of the US Postoffice: Postmaster City, State Zip Ask for the address of record used by the boxholder when the box was set up. If you wish, tell the postmaster you need the information under the Freedom Of Information Act to settle a potential civil claim. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope. It isn't required when writing the postmaster, as he gets his reply stamps free, but it creates a small obligation not to lose the request. Research the approx geocoordinates of the address returned, just for fun. Send a certified letter, return receipt requested, directly to the boxholder at the residential address given. Give 30 days for payment or property return, pending small claims action. Tell him you have documented a proper paper trail to him good enough for court. Ask for a volunteer to knock on his door for you. Finally, if you get any confirmation of identity from an on-site interview, consider mailing to him an oversized postcard explaining your displeasure in bold print, weekly. It works to stimulate timely child support payments. Should work here.

I hope we are not too surprised to see new versions of high end phones specialized to the GeoCacher, offering features similar to Garnin's Rino series, but with the infinite range of cellular. Full color. Inifinite subscription map downloads "as you go" real time, showing all caches, with full discriptions when selected. Or filter to show the location of "team" members, or 7-11's , or speed traps of the day, or hurricane evacuation routes (I live in FL), or... All with a touch screen and stylus so we can type input to GeoCache history screens or add GoTo coordinates using a keyboard screen. And being able to switch between several open programs windows style so we can see a map and see see Cache find/maintanence programs switchable or at the same time. Sign me up!

Need help selecting an inexpensive but good pocket PC/PDA to use GSAK or similar cache import/management program with compatable map for paperless database. Vacation 2 wks into NC hills, no internet access for updates. Need max memory card option. Will buy used or refurbished to save. May not be able to afford separate costly GPS, duplicating many features. Considering CF/UCB GPS options to save. What are least expensive, but compatible/functional, combos known to work well? (I know, body-glove or armored padding and plastic bag a must.) Do any of these add-on GPS units have WAAS or quad-helix? Will I be able to manually input "Go-To" points to navigate caches by Long/Lat? (I'm trying to build my own iQue 3600 from cheaper parts.)