Zuckerruebensirup
-
Posts
1056 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Posts posted by Zuckerruebensirup
-
-
After getting my hubby a new 60Cx for his birthday last month, I now need to get the mapping software for it, and thought it would a) make a good excuse for a Christmas present, and b ) be nice to have before we head for Alabama this coming Saturday.
But, after doing a little research, I realize that I'm completely lacking in my techno-geek skills. Whether that's a good thing or bad thing, I'm not sure, but now I'm in need of some advice.
It sounds like City Navigator is the way to go, and I understand that the NT version is more condensed than v8, but where I'm confused is whether it's a good idea to spend the extra $$ to get the SD card version instead. With the SD card, do I automatically have all of North America at my fingertips, without having to upload applicable sections onto the smaller memory card that came with the GPSr?
Also, when I do a price comparison, I see that there is an 'SD card' version available for approximately $160, and a 'micro SD card' version for about $30 more. What's the difference? I'm stumped about what I should get, and time is running out.
-
Wow, I'm surprised not to have received a single encouraging reply.
The idea isn't necessarily to increase the percentage of wilderness areas in the US, but to protect what we have from continuing to shrink, and to ensure that they remain available for public use. Following is an excerpt from the ASAP website:
When enough people "Sign It This Summer," we'll persuade President Bush to keep his promise to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, for its original purpose was created to provide close to home recreation for all Americans.The bad news is that America's open spaces — parks, playgrounds and ball fields, fields and streams, bike paths and hiking trails — are shrinking at an alarming rate. The good news is that there's already a plan in place to help Americans Save American Places.
Convincing President Bush to live up to his promise would do wonders for the Great Outdoors. It would:
- Make it possible to keep our national parks open and thriving. More information
- Bring parks, playgrounds, ball fields and other open spaces within reach of young people living in urban and suburban communities. More information
- Encourage more active lifestyles by providing America's families with access to convenient places to hike, fish, hunt, camp, and bird watch. More information
- Reduce burgeoning health care costs stemming from physical inactivity by providing close-to-home recreational opportunities to more Americans. More information
- Make it possible for more people to get off the couch to see, catch, track, photograph, and experience the wonder of America's wildlife. More information
My fear is that if we idly sit by and do nothing, before we know it all of our public lands will be yanked out from under us. By then it may very well be too late.
- Make it possible to keep our national parks open and thriving. More information
-
This summer, Americans Saving American Places (ASAP) is gathering the signatures of one million Americans to persuade President Bush to keep his promise to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Please join us in this critical campaign to protect America's Great Outdoors.
Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, geocaching, or just spending time outside, protecting our public lands is critical for continuing these activities. To show your support, go here.
-
quote:
Originally posted by PDOP's:There's an option in the Palm Desktop software that will only load Hot Sync when Palm Destop is running. Also be sure to delete HotSync from your StartUp folder.
I've got an HP Jornada (which has Windows CE operating system rather than Palm). I imagine they are similar, though. I'll go through my settings again, and see if anything is active that I wasn't aware of. I have been assuming if the little 'sync' light is greyed out, rather than green, that the software is "off". Maybe that's not the case.
quote:
Did you download the Help file for GPS Trackmaker. It's a separate download from the main program file.Nope, I didn't do that. Until my acquaintance asked the question, I never thought about saving a track recording to use as a trail map. And by that time, I'd already given up on the idea of interfacing my GPSr with the computer at all.
Thanks for the file reference, though. I'll check it out and/or forward it on to him.
-
quote:
Originally posted by Warm Fuzzies - Fuzzy:Nope, it's sufficient to just turn [the PDA synchronization software] off.
Hmm, it was definitely turned off, but the computer still couldn't see that my GPSr was connected.
-
quote:
Originally posted by Goat6500:The problem is that most geocacher's aren't. Frankly, they suck. They pick up bugs, forget to log them, forget that they have them, forget the tracking number and lose them. Or they put off logging them cause they don't have the bug with them at the computer and then forget it all together. They need things as simple as possible.
So, rather than patiently teaching the newer members how the system works, you suggest 'dumbing' things down, so that nobody has to think or put in any effort to do things right?
And, personally, I think the statement that "most" geocachers suck, and don't have the patience or intelligence to figure out how to log a bug, is a bit of an exaggeration.
quote:
Under the "Old System" you could just pick up a bug with your cache log with a drop down menu without a tracking number, just like when you're dropping it off.Hmmm, it hasn't been like that in the year that I've been involved in the sport. I guess you've been around longer than most of us, to remember the 'pre-tracking number' times.
-------
"I may be slow, but at least I'm sweet!"
-
quote:
Originally posted by geospotter:The most likely culprit is PDA sync software running on your COM port. If you have it running, turn it off and try again.
Actually, the question I e-mailed to EasyGPS was whether I needed to uninstall my PDA sychronization software, or if I could just turn it off while connecting my GPSr. Do I have to completely take it off my computer?
-
I've got an acquaintance who manages a wildlife sanctuary that contains public hiking trails. He'd like to make a map of the park and trails, and wondered if it's possible to upload a recorded trek into a file that can then be used to modify into a map of the park. He doesn't currently own a GPS, but is planning on gettting one soon, and trying to decide what brand/model to get.
I currently have a Magellan MAP330X, and I know that it includes a trek recording, but I'm not computer literate enough to know whether I can then upload that map into a file. (I can't even make my computer "see" my GPSr when I connect it, in an attempt to download Geocaching coordinates to it...I'm still entering them all one at a time, by hand.
I sent an e-mail to support2002@easygps.com to see if they could give me any advice on how to troubleshoot the problem, but never got an acknowledgment of the request, let alone any useful help.)Ok, I'll quit whining now, and get back to my original question.
Does anyone know if it's possible to upload a recorded trail from the MAP330X onto the computer as a picture, or if not, what other (reasonably priced) models have that capability?P.S. Any advice on the other dilemma (what to try if my computer won't acknowledge my GPSr connection) would be welcomed, too. (I double checked, and made sure the baud rate is the same, but still no go.)
-------
"I may be slow, but at least I'm sweet!"
-
quote:
Originally posted by bmac:What do people usually use as log books in micro caches?
quote:
Originally posted by Rubbertoe:They make Post It type sticky pads that are pretty small... they are probably 2 inches long by a half inch wide or so. Not exact, but the pads are about the size of a fat index finger
Those are exactly what I use in my micros (stapled). That, and a golf score pencil fit perfectly into the brand of magnetic hide-a-key containers that I typically use for my micro caches.
-------
"I may be slow, but at least I'm sweet!"
-
quote:
Originally posted by upinyachit:I was just wondering if any other members get into conflicts with their loved one's over geocaching?
Just today, my husband and I got into a 'discussion' of whether we'll take time out for one or two 'stretch our legs and get some fresh air'
breaks during our 16 hour drive to Alabama for Christmas.Very occasionally, I can talk him into going caching with me, but it ends up costing me a lot of brownie points. He continually gives me flack about how many wasteful miles I put on my truck in pursuit of silly treasures.
I envy those couples who share their addiction for this sport.
-------
"I may be slow, but at least I'm sweet!"
-
quote:
Originally posted by Aronius:Which Garmin do you own?
Note-also see the eTrex Poll and the Magellan Poll.
I thought an eTrex was a Garmin.
-------
"I may be slow, but at least I'm sweet!"
-
quote:
Originally posted by Aronius:Did you buy your GPSr for another reason and then discover Geocaching or did you buy your GPSr for Geocaching?
Aronius, here's a similar poll that you might find interesting to browse: Why'd you buy your GPS?
P.S. By the way, is your name pronounced the same as Erroneous?
-
quote:
Originally posted by BrianSnat:how can you write a book about our sport with limited experience?
Perhaps they were referring to putting a logbook together. (Not that I can think of what 'work' that would involve, other than writing the cache name and/or "Logbook" on the cover, and maybe an introductory note on the opening page. But then, I've seen a few people do some creative things where I wouldn't have had the first idea, so who knows.)
-
quote:
Originally posted by writer:I'm interested in what works best for the actual containers.
Overall, ammo cans really do seem to work best (for all the reasons mentioned above). The only time I'd recommend Tupperware/Rubbermaid instead, is if the cache is hidden in a place that people might get spooked by something that looks like it could contain something omimous. Plastic containers are generally see-through, which makes them seem a little less threatening. (My only occasional complaint with ammo cans is that they tend to be kind of noisy when opening them. It can make it a challenge to be discreet and 'natural' sounding in the the woods.) In general, though, ammo cans just can't be beat. Be sure to mark it clearly on the outside as a GEOCACHE, and there shouldn't be any concern, even if a non-cacher stumbles across it.
quote:
Have you ever tried putting plastic wrap under the lid to improve the seal?One rule of thumb I've learned over the past year is that you can't count on anyone to put things back the way they were originally arranged (that includes plastic under/over the lid, any kind of camouflage covering the container, like branches or leaves, etc.) In general, the more idiot (or 'careless') proof your container and hiding places are, the better off you are. I've found many plastic containers that didn't have the seal all the way on. With an ammo can, it's almost impossible to accidentally leave the lid unsealed.
quote:
Any problems with breakage?Yes, I've seen many (usually cheap) containers that end up cracked or chewed on. If you live in a climate that goes through freezing/thawing cycles, that's something to keep in mind, too.
quote:
Anything you definitely wouldn't do?I definitely advise against Gladware or Ziplock type bowls, or anything that doesn't have a good, watertight seal; or anything that will be difficult to open or close in all types of weather.
Good luck with your first cache placement. I think you'll find it's a lot of fun reading of people's adventures.
-------
"I may be slow, but at least I'm sweet!"
-
quote:
Originally posted by BrianSnat:This is not a "concerned geocacher";rather it's a government official, or a self appointed busybody fishing in this forum.
It's actually possible for a person to be BOTH a geocacher AND a park manager and/or government official. I got the impression that trailmaven might be someone who's just found out about geocaching (perhaps they spoke to the person they observed, and that's how they found out what the person was doing off trail?), and is interested in finding a compromise between keeping the cache while minimizing impact on the land and vegitation:
quote:
Originally posted by trailmaven:I'd like to keep geocaching and don't want to be considered a "problem" by public land managers or private landowners.
-
quote:
Originally posted by BrianSnat:It's easy to find out which cache it is. If you were a real geocacher, you'd know how to do so. You would also know how to contact the cache owner with your concerns.
Let's try to give this person the benefit of the doubt, ok? If it's someone new to the sport, we shouldn't assume that they would automatically know how to do the things being asked about. I thought trailmaven's note was very nicely written, and seemed to show genuine concern. In his/her shoes, I'd find your reply very condescending and unwelcoming. It would make me question whether geocaching and geocachers were the kind of activity and people I'd want to further associate myself with.
Try not to forget that we were all newbies (to both Geocaching and computers) at one time...and things that seem very straightforward now might not have always seemed so simple.
-
quote:
Originally posted by trailmaven:Does anyone know how to contact the person that set up the site to let them know and perhaps move the cache to a better ( and less impacting) location?
If you know the name of the cache, you can go to its cache page and click on the placer's name, and follow the instructions to send them an e-mail. If you don't know the cache name, it could be a little more difficult to locate the cache page. (I did a search for caches within 15 miles of Bend, OR, and 68 matches came up. On the other hand, if you know the approximate coordinates, you can search by those, and it should be easier to narrow down which cache is the one in question.)
However, after reading Mr. Snazz's post, it sounds like he knows the cache and the placer(s) in question. Taking him up on his offer sounds like it may be the best way to voice your concerns, without the cache owners feeling like they are being criticized.
I applaud your interest in keeping the sport of geocaching alive, while at the same time ensuring good stewardship of the land. Welcome to the sport.
-------
"I may be slow, but at least I'm sweet!"
-
quote:
Originally posted by dthigpen:what do you think scares the snakes away when you're hiking up overgrown dry creekbeds?
The coyotes that are stalking you.
-
quote:
Originally posted by King Pellinore:Wow, I just had my 99th find! Took me long enough. Anyway, I was wondering if any of you did anything special for your milestone finds
Congratulations on reaching #99!
This past weekend, I celebrated my one year caching anniversary with my hundredth cache find.
I polled the Michigan Geocaching forum, and asked for advice on what caches would make good candidates as a fun and memorable way to celebrate my milestone. In the end, Bill & Gary's Excellent Adventure won out...and it turned into a regular caching party, with six of us teaming up, and celebrating with pizza afterward. All in all, it was a great time, and a memorable experience. -------
"I may be slow, but at least I'm sweet!"
-
When someone new to Geocaching leaves a food item in one of your caches, what's a tactful way to explain to them that it's not a good idea...without sounding like you are reprimanding them and giving them a negative first impression?
-------
"I may be slow, but at least I'm sweet!"
-
-
quote:
Originally posted by enfanta:Failing to include such broad, basic information as a town name is a weak way to improve the difficulty of a cache.
It only takes one click of a mouse to view a detailed map of the exact location of the cache. You can zoom in or out as far as you want to.
I usually give suggested parking coordinates to my caches (in cases where it might not be obvious). That allows people to use the extra help if they want, or to ignore it if they prefer the extra challenge. I'm thiking the map link works the same way.
But, if we list in our description, "Go to such-n-such park, in such-n-such town." it's kind hard for a person to skip over that information and strike it from their memory if they would have wanted the extra challenge.
-------
"I may be slow, but at least I'm sweet!"
-
quote:
Originally posted by Egnix:Guess I wasn't that clear in my orig post. Locationless caches no longer list coords. So, if they're truely non-existent, then you would think they wouldn't add milage to a bug. But if coords still do exist for that cache and just aren't displayed then I wouldn't be surprised to still see bogus milage added.
I'm pretty sure that the cache I tried to log was one that was created before the 'locationless' category existed. Although no coordinates are listed on the page, it still mentions a waypoint of GC505B and the state of South Carolina. (It looks like all locationless caches list a waypoint, but not necessarily a state. I'm not sure if there's a difference between the pre-existing vs. the newer ones, or if it just depends on whether the cache creater lists a state or not.) All I know, is that the one that I tried to log my travel bug into gave it a bunch of bogus miles, so I deleted the log and changed it to a note instead.
-
quote:
Originally posted by bigredmed:A cruelly efficient proposal
Once you take a TB from a cache, you have 14 days of website access. On day 15, if you haven't already logged it as placed elsewhere, the only thing that comes up on this site is the TB location page and insipid Yani music.
I imagine you're just kidding, but just in case you weren't...I'm thinking that if something like this were incorporated, it would encourage more people to NOT log their travel bug find when they first pick up a bug, but instead just hold onto it anonymously until after they've dropped it off again...and then log the retrevial and placement at the same time. This would cause a huge increase in the frequency of cache pages showing phantom travel bug links.
Or maybe you were suggesting that there would be a little microchip inside each TB tag that would communicate with our GPSrs (which would be serialized and linked with our Geocaching accounts), and transmit a message back to the geocaching site that the bug is now in a particular person's possession, thus activating the appropriate lockouts on the site?
Maybe it would be simpler to just put a chip in each TB tag that continuously transmits its position, so that we can always take a look, and see EXACTLY where it is at any given moment...and when a finder doesn't place it again within a reasonable amount of time, we could track them down and *literally* 'grab' the bug back.
Plus, the See a map of this bug's travels page would look pretty cool, too.-------
"I may be slow, but at least I'm sweet!"
City Navigator Questions
in GPS technology and devices
Posted
Thanks for the help guys.
By the way, here's where I saw the microSD version, which specifically mentioned the 60Cx model: www.tigergps.com. But it sounds like that's not the way to go.