rdunnion

The SD card doesn't change the firmware limits of 2000 geocaches and/or 200 GPX files. The SD card does allow for storing additional maps on that won't fit into the internal memory. You can get maps from sources other than Garmin and by placing them on the SD card you can expand the capabilities of your GPSr. I also use my SD card for storing geocaches to virtually expand the limits of the GPSr. The GPSr will load GPX files in the /Garmin/GPX folder on the GPSr or on the SD card. I do not place any GPX files on the GPSr itself, and store all of them on my SD card. I place about 9000 geocaches split across about 50 different GPX files on my SD card, and using my PDA, I move files into the /Garmin/GPX folder based on where I happen to be caching. THis allows me to essentially have access to all 9000 geocaches by moving a few GPX files around. As for the compass, you should re-calibrate the compass after every battery change. I have not had near as many problems with the compass in my Oregon as I had with the one in my Colorado. On my Colorado, I would have to re-calibrate the compass after almost every cache find. With my Oregon, I have ony calibrated it once in the 3-4 weeks I've had it. Thats clever Geekboy. I could do the same but would have to use my laptop to move the files. I take it your PDA has a usb port? It seems like I'm recalibrating with every cache. I am definitely talking to Garmin about this.

That stinks. It would be awesome if I could hold as many Geocaches as my card could hold. I could map out the whole country!! Oh well, maybe next series. You can. The first 2000 can be geocaches. The rest can be POI's. There is a GSAK export macro that allows you to export all the cache info to a POI. However, I can't imagine needing more than 2000 caches. Thats not a bad idea. I will look for that macro and try it out tonight. I know it sounds like a lot of caches but I travel a lot and it would be nice to have everything in one spot so I could geocache anywhere. I have over 2000 caches within 60 miles of my home so you can see how it can add up.

That stinks. It would be awesome if I could hold as many Geocaches as my card could hold. I could map out the whole country!! Oh well, maybe next series.

I could be wrong but I think there is enough room for both maps on the Oregon as is. I have mine set to "battery save" which I think turns the unit off after a few minutes kind of like sleep mode on a pc. Anyways I haven't tested it extensively but it seems like I need to calibrate after each time it sleeps. I'm gonna call Garmin tomorrow and see if I should RMA it. Thanks for the info

I have a couple questions about the Oregon that I can't find the answer to. 1. Will adding a micro-SD card expand the amount of geocaches I can hold. If not than what's the use of it other than using the pre-loaded maps you can buy on cards? 2. Does everyone else have to calibrate their compass everytime you power this thing on? So far I love my Oregon, but these questions have been bugging me. Thanks. - Ryan

Thanks a bunch Joe.

Hi I'm looking to get my first handheld GPSr. I just got into the sport and and have been using a Garmin Nuvi 205 with amazing results for a unit not designed for geocaching. I want to buy a Garmin eTrex Venture HC. It looks like it has good reception and some solid features for GC. The price is right too. Will I be disappointed with this unit? Should I just save for a better unit? Thanks.

Now you might get a kick out of this but I use a Garmin Nuvi 205, exclusively for Geocaching. Actually I am looking into getting a handheld soon, as I just got into GC this week and am having lots of fun. I am looking seriously at a Garmin eTrex Venture HC. I want a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx but am also looking at Garmin GPS 60. From these 3 what would you folks reccommend?