Miragee

I don't think CMConvert goes on the Palm. That is the program that converts the .gpx file to a .pdb file for the Palm. If you use GSAK, you don't need to use CMConvert. GSAK Exports in the correct format for the Palm and prepares the file for the next HotSync.

If you are going to be using GSAK to handle all the data from Pocket Queries, this rudimentary GSAK tutorial might be helpful.

I have a pair of Leki trekking poles I bought at REI when they were having their 20% off sale. It is worth spending the extra money to get a pair of poles that do not collapse when you have to put a lot of weight on them when traversing rough terrain.

You can use Garmin's POI Loader to send waypoints to the GPSr as Points of Interest. I export .gpx files from GSAK for the POI Loader.

Waypoint = %smart=9 %con1%typ1%dif1%ter1 Waypoint Description = %Name=8 %hint POI .gpx Cache Description Export = %By %Hint %Code I rarely get out my Palm to read the description unless I am having trouble finding the cache and need some Past Logs or more of a longer hint.

Garmin has a comparison page where you can compare all the various GPS units. The best prices are often found on OffRoute.com, TheNerds.net, and Amazon.com. The 60Cx does not have the compass and altimeter. It can be compared to the more-compact, less-expensive Legend HCx. The 60CSx has the compass and altimeter and can be compared with the less-expensive Vista HCx.

Bummer . . . That is one of the reasons the first thing I do after a caching adventure is send the Tracks and Waypoints from my GPSr to Mapsource on my computer. I save those files with date and location, in case I need to refer back to the information someday.

Welcome to the Forums! If that GPS unit is like my Vista HCx, when you are on the list of Waypoints, hit the Menu button. From there, you'll see an option for Delete. You can Delete all the Waypoints, or just Delete by Symbol. You can also Delete all waypoints from the Reset Option when you hit the Menu button while looking at the Trip Computer.

Sounds like the perfect situation for several "Date Placed" PQs so you can get a 25 mile radius of caches to search . . .

What kind of GPS unit do you have?

If you want a GPS unit for hiking, check out the eTrex line from Garmin. There is a comparison page on the Garmin Site, so you can see what each of the new 'H' units, which have the High Sensitivity receivers, has by way of features. I have the Vista HCx loaded with both City Navigator for auto-routing and Topo maps for hiking.

The only way to get pictures into your Gallery is by posting them to cache logs.

When you are on the map page, hit Menu. From there, choose "Setup Map." There are several options, but when you see the one listing the maps, hit Menu again. From there you can choose to Show or Hide City Navigator or Topo.

The people who use a PPC seem to recommend GPXSonar more than the other programs, but others like the PPC version of Cachemate. I've been using Cachemate on my Palm for three years and like it.

I was using a cable with my Vista C that came with my Olympus camera. It worked -- for a while. I don't know what happened, but that cable caused a problem with the Vista C. I am now using the official Garmin cable without any problems.

I have that same GPS unit and think, once you figure out which button does what, it is very user-friendly. I have both City Navigator and Topo loaded on my Vista HCx. You have to load both types of maps at one time because each new "mapset" overwrites the previous one on your GPS unit. I recommend getting the DVD of the maps because you cannot put the maps on the card on your PC. That means you need to get a DVD drive for your PC, but those are inexpensive and easy to install. Do not purchase Unlocked maps on eBay. The newer maps can only be installed on one GPS unit, so unless you are also purchasing the GPS unit the maps have been unlocked to, you can only use the maps on your computer. The Topo maps do not have an Unlock code, so you can purchase those on eBay. If you get those, you have to visit the Garmin Site to download the newest update to Mapsource. Hope this helps a little bit . . .

If you become a Premium Member, you can get Pocket Queries which have as many as 500 caches in each file. Then, you can use EasyGPS or GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) to send up to 1000 waypoints at one time. You can also use Garmin's POI Loader to send the waypoints to your GPSr as Points of Interest. Those can have more information in the description, including the hint. For the ones you are entering now, if you look for them "By Name" instead of by "Nearest," you will find the "missing" waypoints.

When you send the Custom POIs, you just have to have a .bmp image that matches the exact name of the POI .gpx file. For Found caches, I use an open treasure chest icon. For Unfound caches, I use the closed treasure chest icon. For Archived caches, I use a little "tombstone." Check this thread for some tips.

I have the Vista HCx and much prefer its size and shape to the 76CSx, but then I use my GPSr for hiking more than any other use.

I just deleted a waypoint after accessing it from the Calendar and my Vista HCx didn't crash. I have Software Version 2.5 and GPS SW Version 2.6.

The Garmin Blue Legend connects to a computer with the Serial Port. I really recommend getting a GPS unit that connects with USB. If you don't want one of the newer units with the High Sensitivity receiver, you could check eBay for the discontinued Legend C. Perhaps those are selling for under $100 now. They connect with USB and you can use rechargeable NiMH batteries, like the Rayovac "Hybrids." With optional maps, that GPS unit will even auto-route. With the USB connection, you can change the maps easily if you travel.

Check out the Palm m500 or m515. You should get either of those inexpensively. If you want to spend a bit more money, check out the Zire 72 "Silver Edition." Some PDAs are difficult to see in bright sunlight, but those all work just fine outside.

If you want a durable, waterproof, handheld GPS unit with long battery life, I recommend either the Legend HCx or Vista HCx with the City Navigator maps. Either of those GPS units cost less than $250, but when you add in the cost of the maps, you will go over that amount by a bit . . .

I have used Cachemate on both a Palm m500 and m515 and can recommend either of those for Geocaching. The screens are easy to see in bright sunlight, something that isn't true of some of the other, more expensive models. You should be able to get one of those for around $30-$40 on eBay, including the shipping. I recommend getting a hard case to protect the PDA from the rigors of caching.

I have a Mountainsmith lumbar pack that has three compartments (two large and one small). It also has two water bottle holders. I carry my camera in its case clipped onto the belt and on the other side of the belt, I have case in which I keep the swag and Trackables. That system helps keep everything I carry somewhat organized.