Groovy Cachin' Dude!

Do you have NMEA 2.1 turned ON your GPSr? What about the BAUD rate on your GPSr? Does it match the computer settings? Just other things to check without knowing more about your situation.

Can you connect your GPSr to your computer? If so, you can either download them from your GPSr directly into MapSend, or use another software program (like GSAK) to convert the gpx or loc files into wpt files for MapSend. If you don't already have GSAK, I'd highly recommend getting at least the free trial version. After only a short time using it, you'll spend the $20.00 to register your copy. Many cachers agree that it was one of their best investments beyond a GPSr that can connect to their PC.

I started caching with this model that I got at a garage sale for $20.00. I was able to find over 50 caches and have even done side-by-side testing with this unit and a newer Magellan. The 2000 was actually pretty accurate and was well within generally acceptable error. Go to page 13 of the manual. It will tell you how to select the correct LAT/LON coordinates. I used WGS84 datum and DEG/MIN.MMM which will give you accuracy to 3 decimal places. hikergps is right about the batteries as it uses four versus two in some newer models. I thought that using NiMh batteries would be a great idea in this unit, but they did not supply enough voltage to power this unit. NiMh are 1.2v x 4 = 4.8v versus Alkaline 1.5v x 4 = 6.0v. The other annoying aspect of this GPSr is that every waypoint you want in the unit must be hand-entered. This becomes very tiresome as you get more into geocaching. I'd suggest staying with this unit until you've decided if you are addicted to caching. If you soon start to become frustrated about satellite acquisition time and manually entering in waypoints, start looking for a new GPSr on e-bay. You can usually find pretty good deals on there or elsewhere online. Good luck!

You should be able to download at least some of those items into 1-GSAK, 2-EasyGPS, 3-Map Send S&D, 4-Other mapping software like MS-Streets. Do you have any software like this?

Well, I've found both a traditional moving cache, as well as Pablo Mac's White Jeep TB and I have to admit that I really enjoyed grabbing the White Jeep. It's fun to see it driving around, and it's easy to log. What is even better is that by creating a TB, you can actually keep track of mileage. As for a cache on your Jeep, I wouldn't know where to sign the log.

D'Oh! Yes...that is correct. Imagine my surprise when I clicked the [i have found] check box and ASSuMEd that it would return ALL caches that I have found (including those that are archived). My next question is WHY doesn't GC.com return archived caches as well. Are they moved off of that server? I can still view my logs from those caches if I enter in the GC####. How odd... MANY THANKS Miragee!!!

Great tip Lasagna! I didn't know about that one...typically I use a filter too. One other thing you may do is to create separate databases. Create one database for Found and one for Unfound. After you find a cache, click the found button (mine is a visible column along with the date found) in your Unfound DB. Then you can filter on your recently found caches and move these waypoints to your found DB. Did you follow that? It makes it really easy to keep a running tally of your cache finds without having to run multiple PQ if you have more than 500 finds. Good luck.

Hi, I've been following a lot of threads lately discussing PQ problems. I have one that I just can't figure out. I have a PQ checking for all caches that I've found within 500 miles of my zip code and the data is not correct. I've gone through the query several times checking all data sets: -Show me: 500 caches (which are fine because I haven't found that many). -Of: Any type -Of: Any container -That (and): I have found -And T/D: Unchecked -Within: None Selected -From Origin: Postal code (mine, but I've tried another in our town resulting in the same results). -Within radius of: 500 miles (haven't cached farther than that except a Location less in Ohio). -Placed during: None Selected Why would my PQ be giving me 51 caches less than I've actually found. I haven't changed my GC ID. My other PQ’s seem to be working okay. Any help on what I'm missing would be appreciated. Thanks.

Here is the thread to my original post which had a similar request as yours. As it turned out, I gave up on Windows CE, and got a Handspring Visor Deluxe that I use with GSAK (desktop) and Cachemate (Palm OS) device. Luckily I got the Handspring for free from my Dad with a cradle and leather case, but I was watching them go for approximately $20-$30 new including S/H on e-Bay. If you do end up purchasing a Palm OS device, just make sure it has at least Palm OS 3.0 or greater as Cachemate (awesome program worth $8.00 to register) won't work with anything less. Good luck! P.S. I do miss my built in keyboard and pocket streets ability with the Palm, but I'm quite happy now.

Great! I'm glad that you were able to find what you needed in time. So, how did it go? :

I wholeheartedly concur with gof1!

Hi, I’m going to guess at what in particular you need help with…so here it goes. 1-You have an area picked out (like a park) and have identified some locations for “caches”. 2-You need to be able to program these waypoints into the GPSr. 3-You need to be able to have the kids create a “goto” to a stored waypoint. What I’ve done in similar instances is go to your first “cache” spot with your GPSr on and locked. Stand at the cache location for a few minutes; watching the “Position Screen” and make sure that you have stable coordinates. Press and hold (for 3-seconds) the “goto” or hiker button (bottom-center button). This will bring up “Mark Waypoint Screen”. At this point, you can edit any data that you want by using the “Compass” rocker button; pressing the “Enter” button to edit the highlighted field; and using the “Compass” rocker button to change values. Don’t forget to save the changes. Once you’ve added all waypoints to the GPSr, you can set up a “goto”. To enable a “goto”, push the hiker button; use the “Compass” rocker to select “User Waypoint”; press the “enter” button. Use the “Compass” rocker to select the desired waypoint (i.e. WPT001); press the “enter” button. I usually use the “map” screen to navigate to within about 50’ of the cache location. Use the “+” or “-“ buttons to zoom in/out to help you navigate. Once you are close, you can use other screens to help you get closer. I’ve modified my screens to have “Distance” and “XTE” (cross-track error) on one screen so help you get close. You can always use a printed document with the waypoint names and coordinates, along with the position screen to get to the cache. Hope this helps. I guess the Magellan website is down right now, or I'd link you the manual.

Taken from GSAK's web site. Paperless Caching: Using Cachemate. PDF Step-by-Step Tutorial; Another Step-by-Step Tutorial.

You can use a filter in GSAK to eliminate most (if not all) DNF's. [search], [Filter...], [Logs]. Then just set the filter criteria for whatever you want.

Questions: What operating system are you using? What GPSr are you using? What software are you trying to connect? Without knowing these answers, start by making sure your computer has the latest USB drivers installed. Restart your computer after installing the drivers. Make sure your GPSr and your computer have the same baud rate, port settings (8/N/1), compatible NMEA settings for the software. I'm sure if you supply answers to the above questions, you'll solve the problem in no time.

One comment you made caught my attention...only 8-10 hours of use in your GPSr? Do you have a backlight on? You didn't mention what unit you have; maybe that type of run-time is typical of your GPSr, but I typically get about 24 hours with alkaline batteries (no light), but with 1950 Amp Hour NiMH batteries I get about 14 hours. Before switching to rechargeables, make sure your GPSr can operate with them (my first GPSr wouldn't turn on with rechargeables). If all will work with your GPSr, I'd switch to rechargeables, but I always carry alkalines as a backup. It's also great using the NiMH in my digital camera. Nothing even comes close to lasting in a digital camera as do NiMH in my experience.

We've bicycled up and down a path by our house many times; missing a cache by just 2' before we know about caching.

I'm not sure about your software mapping products, but Microsoft Streets and Trips has options for "shortest", "quickest", "major highways". Once I import my waypoints into MS-S&T's (that have been trimmed in GSAK), I add the waypoints as stops on a new route. It's really easy to pick and choose the waypoints while setting up the route, but S&T's has an option to "optimize" the route per the above choices. Then if you don't like how the software created the route, you can still manually move the stop points around. It's really easy and only takes a few minutes. Then you can print out turn-by-turn directions. Great if you are going to an area outside of your norm. I prefer a printed map for navigating versus the map on my GPSr. If your software doesn't have this feature (and I'd be surprised if it didn't), you can pick up a copy of S&T's for $30.00 for a new version, but an upgrade to previous owners is only about $15.00. Bonus: you can also hook your GPSr up to it and a laptop/PPC and it shows your current position (a car icon) traveling real-time along the map. Not too bad for the price. Now, I'd be the first to say that this isn't the greatest software (nor are any of the others) as the POI's, new streets, etc are not always correct...and will always be out of date the second they are made. Knowing this and accepting it will keep your frustrations down as you find errors.

An inexpensive Palm OS device is the way to go. My Dad just gave me a Handspring Visor Deluxe with 8MB of RAM and it works great with Cachemate. Its memory is upgradeable via the springboard expansion slot (they also have Magellan GPSr units that plug into this port selling on E-bay for about $40.00 with maps. Before my Dad gave me this unit, I was watching Visor's on E-bay sell for ~$20.00 with shipping (used, but perfect) with a leather case and USB docking station. Just be sure that your Palm OS is at least 3.0 or greater. The new version of Cachemate won't work with anything less. BTW, spend the $8.00 to register Cachemate, it is WELL worth the investment. You may also consider giving GSAK a try. It is a fantastic database program for sorting caches before you go for them. Ask anyone in the forums...everyone raves about GSAK!

Put me down for a DNF.

Yes...an inexpensive Palm OS device is the way to go. My Dad just gave me a Handspring Visor Deluxe with 8MB of RAM and it works great with Cachemate. Its memory is upgradeable via the springboard expansion slot (they also have Magellan GPSr units that plug into this port selling on E-bay for about $40.00 with maps. Before my Dad gave me this unit, I was watching Visor's on E-bay sell for ~$20.00 with shipping (used, but perfect) with a leather case and USB docking station. Just be sure that your Palm OS is at least 3.0 or greater. The new version of Cachemate won't work with anything less. BTW, spend the $8.00 to register Cachemate, it is WELL worth the investment. You may also consider giving GSAK a try. It is a fantastic database program for sorting caches before you go for them. Ask anyone in the forums...everyone raves about GSAK! Good luck and enjoy your addiction.

Hey thanks for posting. I just watched my first episode...it's almost like I'm in Georgia.

I always love the ". . . who traveled the fartherst/shortest to the Event?" or ". . .who trashed out the yuckiest item; and be able to prove it!"

Check out this thread.

Here are some you can try: http://www.topozone.com/ http://terraserver-usa.com/default.aspx http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/index.html Hope this helps...sorry to hear about Lost Outdoors