Magpie Guy

Although presenter "Gaz" starts out with a pretty sneering and cynical attitude (almost to the point of "nerd-bashing!), you do get the impression that by the end, he'd become a genuine convert to geocaching, giving a positive summary. "Walking with a purpose" is one of my favourite ways of describing it. Magpie Guy

I originally posted this on the Geocaching for iPhone forum, but as it is a UK review it might be useful to have a reference here in the UK forum: Here is an interesting 'in the field' review of the iPhone Application that may be of interest : http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/geocaching-i...eview-2rfif.php (thanks to currykev for highlighting the link hadn't copied across correctly - no fixed) Magpie Guy

It depends on your specific GPSr - I can only speak regards my Garmin Etrex Vista HCx: Main Menu -> Setup -> System -> WASS/EGNOS = Enabled (think you also need to set GPS = Normal too). To check accuracy Main Menu -> Satellite and in the top Location shows +/- x meters/feet

At last EGNOS is actually officially "switched on" to give Europe the equivalent systems to the US's WAAS "Ongoing monitoring of the augmentation signal shows it improves the accuracy of GPS to within one to two meters and is available more than 99 percent of the time." see http://www.insidegnss.com/node/1652 and http://www.gpsworld.com/gnss-system/galile...en-service-8972 I've had it switched on my Garmin eTrex Vista HCx for a while and it usually reports an accuracy of about 2m. Anyone noticed an improvement in accuracy (assuming you have GPSr that support EGNOS of course!) ? Magpie Guy

Thanks for the feedback - I took the advice and called Garmin - when I explained what was happening with the software reload, they suspected a memory fault. To resolve this they asked that I return the unit to them for replacement. Just over a week later a brand new eTrex Vista was delivered. As your post hinted at, very good customer service by Garmin and despite the problem, a happy customer

My trusty Garmin eTrex Vista HCx has suddenly stopped locking onto satellites. On power up it now sits with "Aquiring Satellites" (or sometimes "Locating Satellites"). I've tried all the obvious things (new batteries, leaving it to 'bake' for several hours in the open air) and not one satellite is picked up on the bar section of the satellite screen. I have also tried the less obvious fix of reloading the system software and performing a hard factory reset - all with no joy. However, after a bit of searching, I think I have tracked the problem down to a courrption of the GPS firmware as described here.. http://www.gpsfaqs.org/faqs/garmin/xseries...ge.html#no_sats ...as when I go to Setup / System and take the menu option "Software Version" it shows: Software Version : 3.10 GPS SW Version : 0:00 I am assuming GPS SW Version is the problem and should be a number other than 0.00. The apparent way to fix this should be to run the Garmin Webupdater http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/ and to reload the chipset to GPS Chipset Type M2 (Region File). I've tried this for both the software and the chipset. But here's the rub... when I run Webupdater and take the option to update GPS Chipset Type M2 (Region File) it starts the download, tells me it is "Erasing...." (presumably on the Garmin). It then reports "Updating..." getting to 13%. At the same time the Garmin unit restarts itself - my PC then reports "The Garmin device is not responding". I guess this is because the software has just forced it to restart! The Webupdater program then reports "GPS Chipset Type M2 (Region File) - Transfer Aborted" with the only option being to close the porgram. When the Garmin comes back up it is still showing GPS SW Version : 0:00. Does anyone know how to get past this as I'm going round in circles?! Also what level lof GPS SW is reported on other people's Garmin eTrex Vistas? I suspected that the unit will have to go back to base for repair (it is under a year old so I'm hoping for a free replacement ), but it would be good if I could sort what appears to be a software problem without having to send the unit off and being GPSr-less.

I don't know about anyone else, but provided there is a suitable nearby landmark or object to refer to, I would suggest you double check the GPSr coord on Google Earth as it is pretty darn accurate.

I thought the cache where the presenter had to find a local lady expert sat on a bench on the side of a hill was an interesting new angle to caching. Does she sit there 24/7 waiting for the odd cacher to wander by to ask her these questions? Has this idea inspired anyone into setting up their own cache like this with the idea of putting their other half into the role of 24/7 "cache field oracle" ;- )

I thought the cache where the presenter had to find a local lady expert sat on a bench on the side of a hill was an interesting new angle to caching. Does she sit there 24/7 waiting for the odd cacher to wander by to ask her these questions? Has this idea inspired anyone into setting up their own cache like this with the idea of putting their other half into the role of 24/7 "cache field oracle" ;- )

The Countryfile program is no on the BBC iPlayer --> http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00j0...ile_01_03_2009/ at 41m 30s (to be precise!) Magpie Guy

Is it a place called "PictureQuiz" ? lol

True - the option for save GPS data from GE directly into gpx format doesn't appear to be supported (though remember we are getting a hell of a lot of bang for zero bucks ). The easiest (though slightly clunky) way to achieve this is as follows: 1. right click on the GPSr data in the GE temporary places section and the Save Place As... 2. save the output to a suitable folder as a KMZ file 3. point your browser to http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/convert_input...vert_output=gpx 4. at the site upload the KMZ file and click on “Convert” 5. on the following screen right click on the gpx file near the top of the page and select “Save Link As” and save the GPX file to a suitable folder There is also a reverse tool at this site (http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/map_input?form=googleearth) though this is now redundant as this feature replace by GEs direct support of GPSr . Magpie Guy

Munkeh, you must have been too hasty with your install... if you look carefully, the option to install Google Chrome can be switched off when you arrive at the install screen. If you don't want Chrome just uncheck the box and proceed with the download of GE 5. Hope this helps.

Some good news for cachers who use Google Earth on a regular basis - the new free version of Google Earth (v5) now includes support for a connect GPSr (this was a feature only on the Pro version until now). I have tried it out and it works a treat. With your Garmin or Magellan GPSr connected to your laptop (or more trendy netbook), GE will show your current location in 'real time'. Alternatively you can download your GPSr data directly into GE without having to use messing conversion programs or websites. Full details can be found here: http://freegeographytools.com/2009/gps-sup...of-google-earth Any reports of how people use this feature will be of interest. Magpie Guy