Jeepster

Didn't understand what you were saying until I noticed the red "(Corrected)" note on the coordinate line in the cache write-up. Thanks, that answered the question of how to tell if the coordinates were really locked. A apologize in advance for maybe wondering off topic a little, but this is also a very neat feature of GSAK that I've just discovered. I've added a column called "User Data" to the grid. The data for that column is added in the "User data" field of the edit screen. In that column is where the data you suggested resides ... "Night Cache Hunt", "Solved - N 45° 45.714 W 42° 42.645", "Need Ladder", "GZ Start", "Chirp Unit", etc. That allows me to see and sort on which caches to upload for the next cache run. Of course it only works if you maintain the database through refreshing (and adding new caches) rather than starting over with a fresh download each time. Refreshing the database doesn't affect the information in the "User Data" column.

Thank you ... that's the perfect answer to the problem. I was changing the coordinates via the right click "Edit..." function and not the right click "Corrected Coordinates" function. That difference probably explains why some folks also had the problem and others didn't ... editing via two different functions.

How do you guys handle this "problem" with corrected coordinates? One can change the coordinates for a puzzle cache, on Geocaching.com, to show the solved location - there's an edit pencil right next to the coordinates on the cache page. Changing the coordinates yields these results when I'm logged in: 1) The corrected coordinates show up on the cache page. 2) The corrected coordinates show up in any pocket query that includes that cache. 3) A download of the pocket query and a subsequent upload into GSAK shows the corrected coordinates. 4) A direct download of the pocket query into GSAK - using the "Download pocket queries" option - shows the corrected coordinates. Now the problem: When using the "Refresh cache data" option in GSAK, the corrected coordinates are replaced with the original "incorrect" coordinates. That problem caught me recently on a puzzle cache. Luckily, I'd checked the location via Google Earth and knew where to look without having to return home to get the solved coordinates. My work-a-round now is to keep puzzle caches in a separate database and use the "Get recent logs ..." option instead of "Refresh cache data" option.

Would like some feedback/input from others as to their experience with this problem. My Nuvi 1450 is used only to route the Jeep close to the cache via the roadway. The handheld GPS is used to store the cache data and to make the final trek to GZ ... plus record the find ... or DNF as the case may be. All permanent waypoints (like family homes, etc.) are loaded in the Nuvi as POIs. The favorites folder is reserved for caches and other erasable waypoints. That allows the favorites folder to be deleted in full when updating the stored caches. On a trip, the favorites folder will end up being changed at the end of almost every day. Now for the problem ... some times I couldn't get a large (800~950 caches) .GPX file to upload. I'd have to go back into GSAK and recreate the .GPX file using GC numbers instead of cache names or simply reduce the number of caches in the pocket query. One day a large .GPX file would load and then the next day it wouldn't ... was driving me crazy. Even though a property search showed plenty of available memory, I still tried adding a 2Gig card and loading the map on it ... nope, didn't solve the problem. Yesterday, when a large pocket query wouldn't load, I started to experiment in a logical fashion ... loaded a ONE cache .GPX file. When that worked, I went through the steps to load 100-cache .GPX file. When the GPX folder was opened to erase the "Current" and installed ".GPX" files, I noticed something odd. The .GPX file, with one cache in it, was only 1 KB, but the "Current" file was 2000 plus KBs in size. That shouldn't be!!!! The "current" file is supposed to be the .GPX file with all the extraneous data stripped off. When the "Current" file was opened in EasyGPS to find out what was bulking it up, I found the single cache, but also found unarchived cookie crumbs from several trips. The cookie crumbs seemed to be filling up the "Current" file such that there is only room for a small .GPX file to be uploaded. Unless you go into the "data" folder and clear the Trip Log, the trip crumbs are stored somewhere in memory. When a new "current" file is created - you're loading a new .GPX file - the Nuvi inserts the crumbs into the "current" file and fills up the majority of the space. If the trip crumbs have accumulated to a level just before the GPS unit archives them, then you can only load a small .GPX file into the unit. If the trip crumbs were archived just before you changed out the .GPX file, then a lot of room is available to load up caches. So, I believe the fix for my problem is to also CLEAR the accumulated crumbs when loading new cache files. Here's a quick step-by-step process: 1) Clear old data from the Nuvi before connecting to the computer by: a ... Start the unit b ... Tap "Tools" c ... Tap "My Data" d ... Tap "Delete Favorite(s)" e ... Tap "Select All" ... if you want to save a few, then scroll down to them and uncheck each one individually f ... Tap "Delete" e ... You'll now be back to "My Data" where you tap "Clear Trip Log" and then "Yes" 2) Plug the Nuvi into your computer and: a ... Open the "Garmin nuvi (E:) folder ... the "E" is the drive on my computer, yours might be different b ... Open the GPX folder c ... Delete the "Current" file and the .GPX file(s) d ... Copy the new .GPX file(s) into the GPX folder. e ... Disconnect the Nuvi from your computer ... remember to do an electronic eject first 3) Start up the Nuvi and go geocaching Since clearing the Trip Log at the same time as deleting favorites, the Nuvi loads large .GPX files reliably. Please give me some feedback: Have you experienced the same problem? Is this process unnecessary 'cuz I've missed pushing the magic button? Has this already been posted someplace else? ??? Thanks for listening, Tom

Back from our trip, so I re-updated the firmware from Garmin's website. Now everything works as it should with Version 5.8 installed. The original download must have become corrupted somehow during the update. Guess I'll have to sit over in the corner with my dunce cap on for awhile. Glad it worked the second time. I still think it's a great idea to save a copy of each version that you upload. With a copy in hand, it can be a lifesaver if you later find problems with the newest release. Cheers, Tom

I just updated to the 2012.40 maps on my Nuvi 1450 and the firmware was first updated to version 5.8. Unfortunately, the unit would then not recognize my geocaches loaded into favorites. Since the trip is tomorrow morning, I didn't do any experimenting ... just back dated the firmware to version 5.7. So fair warning, before you allow Garmin to update your firmware, take the time to save a copy of version 5.7 to your computer. Then, after Garmin has their way with you, change out the 5.8 version to 5.7 and you will be okay. The firmware versions are all labeled "GUPDATE.GCD", so you'll have to be careful not to get them mixed up. Again, I didn't do much experimenting, just went ahead and back dated. If I've overlooked something, please feel free to set me straight. Cheers, Tom

Ah! I do remember hearing about that. Thanks for mentioning it. That means I definitely need to load them as favorites. I may also load them as POIs too. How about managing/deleting them? I heard that to delete Favorites you have to delete them individually or all at once. Neither sounds ideal to me. I wouldn't want to delete favorites like Grandma's house, Moe's Tavern, etc. every time I want to remove old caches and add new ones. How do you manage this? Thanks! Here's the process we've finally settled on: Nuvi 1450 and Oregon 450t 0) Grandma's house and Moe's Tavern are loaded as POI's ... I use sub-folders like Family, Taverns, etc to help with the sorting. Oh yes, one of those POIs is our home ... labeled as "HOME". 1) I use GSAK to do a final filter on the pocket query ... 4 no finds on a 1/1, non-solved puzzles, etc. get tossed. If you've done a good job with your ignore list, GSAK isn't necessary. However, if you're on a trip or in a new area, it's an extremely handy program to avoid "sorting" through the caches to avoid while on the road.. 2) Upload the .GPX file into the Oregon 450 with all the paperless advantages. 3) Do a "delete all" on the favorites in the Nuvi 1450 ... all your favorites are throwaway points 'cuz grandma is over in the POI list. Although you can check the "Delete All" box at the top of the list and then uncheck the ones you want to save, that takes time and comes with the risk of missing a favorite that you wanted to save. Also, "Home" is at the bottom of the GCxxxx list and you have to scroll down for several minutes to un-check that box. Optional) If you want to quickly get your "Home" attached to the "Home" button in the "Where to" list, do the following: Go to the main screen and tap the "Where to?" button. Scroll down and tap the "Extras" button. Find your "Home" listing and tap it. You should now be back to the map with your home clearly label ... tap the "Save" button ... tap the "OK" button. Now your home is back in the favorites list. Back out to the main screen. Tap the "Where To? button. Tap the "Go Home" button. Tap the "Chose from Recently Found" line ... "home" is right at the top of the list ... tap it ... tap "Go" or "Save". Your home coordinates are now attached to the "Go Home" button. Sounds complicated, but it only takes about 20 seconds to accomplish. 4) Attach the Nuvi to your computer and upload the .GPX file into the favorites section. 5) Go geocaching!! The upload process is very fast and convenient with minimal steps. At it's very basic, it's a pocket query drag and drop process on the two units. While geocaching, the Nuvi is used for a large screen picture of the local area. Pick a cache, tap on it, tap on go and the Nuvi will provide on-road routing to the cache area. Some discretion is needed ... the best approach might not be via the closest road. While on the way, my wife reads the paperless write-up on the Oregon 450. Once on site the Oregon 450 is used to locate the cache. The "found" button is pushed on the Oregon to record the find in a paperless manner. Once back at the Jeep, that cache is deleted from the Nuvi so that only non-found caches are on the screen. Makes for a clear picture of what is available in the area to help with choosing the next cache. As usual ... your mileage may vary!!! Cheers, Tom

This update showed up last week ... it fixes the "little black square" problem with favorites. I've installed it on a 1450 and it works as advertized. Hmmm, only took Garmin seven months to correct the programing error: nüvi 13xx and 14xx Firmware Version 5.70 Changes made from version 5.40 to 5.70: Added new Fleet Management Interface features. Fixed Fleet Management Interface errors. Added support for Maged, a new Arabic text-to-speech voice language. Fixed an error that caused TrafficMaster UK subscription to display as 'New Subscription' when using a GTM 25. Fixed map display errors. Fixed POI search errors. Fixed route calculation and display errors. Fixed an error that caused location information to not appear on the Go! page for certain Points of Interest. http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4551

Well, I screwed up while updating the maps ... must of hit the wrong button 'cuz the firmware updated to version 5.4 and the favorite icons are back to little black squares. I can't believe a company as big as Garmin would have a problem like this and not fix it. I've known about it for four months ... wonder how long they have known about it. First Garmin I've owned ... maybe the last. Cheers, Tom

Bought a new Garmin 1450LM this week. Loaded up a GPX file and found the symbols on the map to be small black squares. Checked in editing and they were loaded as a treasure chest symbol. Hmmm. Changed the symbol in the editing function to several others with the same results. Contacted Garmin and was connected with a computer software guy by mistake ... best thing that every happened. He understood the problem and verified that Garmin knew about it and was working on a fix. Couldn't say when it would be fixed, but promised to send me an e-mail when it was. So, if you have a 1xxx series Nuvi and you can change the POI sympols, you might think twice about upgrading the firmware in your unit until Garmin fixes the problem. Version 5.2 is the newest and has the problem ... version 4.9 doesn't have the problem. Don't know about 5.0 and 5.1 ... sorry.

If you've already checked this, just ignore my suggestion. But, have you activated the waypoint printing feature? Select <File> and then <Print Preview> off the menu. Then select <Options> ... make sure the <Waypoints> box is checked. Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

Cortney, I realize that the amount of travel is outside your several hour drive limit, but still, the top cache has to be The Journal in mid-Illinois. Read some of the write-ups and you'll get a sense of the fun and challenge that is involved in this cache. You should note that several of the cache logs are for folks with less then 100 logs ... at least less then 100 when they completed this cache. One couple completed it in one day ... they are trail runners. The rest of us took several days and several miles to complete it. Cheers! Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

quote:Originally posted by seporp1:Ok Ok ! ! So we're located more in the south central Illinois than Central ... I'm sorry if I confused any of you. No confusion, honest! Just enjoying the opportunity to point out how different folks think about where they live ... my own phobias included. The real center of mass of Illinois is at 40.1333° -089.3667° ... Now that I think about it though, with Markwell's mass in Chicago, it might have moved a foot or two further north. RDW posted a virtual find on the location last February ... &quotFound it today between 2 and 3p. The point is south of Lincoln in a soybean field about 1000ft from the road. I was able to get within 130ft before I was stopped by a nasty drainage ditch. Great idea for a cache. rdw&quot I think that location is very close to where bsmally works. And, speaking of bsmally ... that's a neat job on the web page. Since I am road kill on the inforamtion highway, I have no idea of the amount of work that went into what's up so far. But, I'm impressed. Thanks for taking the time! Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

Has anybody else noticed that Markwell and Team WO9LF both have been hovering around the forum discussing &quotCheeseburgers in Paradise&quot quite a bit lately? And, their discussions tend to gravitate towards drinking, eating and dressing funny? Maybe even the males should be wary around those two this weekend. Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

quote:Originally posted by seporp1:Just wanted to let you know there is a goecaching club in central Illinois. Now, to Markwell, I live in the southern part of the state ... heck he describes anybody south of I80 as from southern Illinois. And you talk about the Olney area as being &quotcentral Illinois&quot ... which means I live in northern Illinois. No wonder I'm soooo confused. Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

Washington, Illinois 61571 329 caches ... but, you'll not hear me complain. Last summer we found that North Dakota had less then 20 caches ... and that's for the whole state. Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

Actually, bsmally really would like someone to go geocaching with. eeee4 and I did his &quotRevenge&quot cache this last Sunday ... great cache by the way, so don't miss it. He joined up with us to watch over our shoulder ... and looked so sad whenever we found one of his stashes. Now, I've got to warn you though. Until I met him this weekend, I thought his avatar was staged. Will, let's just say that at least he cut his hair. Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

quote:Originally posted by Moun10Bike: Currently, the oldest active cache in the world is http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=48 in Kansas. http://geocachingwa.org I see that Mingo has an older date, but Beverly has both a lower GC number GC28 vs GC30 and a lower ID number ID#40 vs 48. The date is controlled by the placer ... it can be hidden on one date and not registered for some time after. Thus, what should be the official determination of the oldest active cache? The first listed find for each cache is well past the May hide date, so that's not a good deciding factor. Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

quote:Originally posted by Jamie Z:Twelve days ... Jamie Jamie, you're going to give engineers a bad name ... it's only been eleven days. I'm waiting patiently right along with you. My merigold works great, but the blue spots are an irritant ... can't decide if I want it fixed or not. So, waiting for a positive review. If it ain't broken, keep fixing it until it is broken. Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

I can respond with positive results for a SanDisk 64MB SD card in combination with a Zio SD card reader. Have never had a problem with that combination ... luckily. I use the card in a MeriGold. I've never uploaded maps via the serial port. That's the only difference I can see. Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

If you've posted a &quotno find&quot on a Markwell cache then you might be a redn... opps, that fits in another forum. Seriously, if you've posted a &quotno find&quot on a Markwell cache, then what is your degree of separation? You've got to understand that Markwell doesn't like to share his caches with folks in Illinois who live South of I80 ... he has been known to take them in on the weekends so we can't find them. I even caught him at it once on his new cache Liberal Arts. Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

quote:Originally posted by bsmalley:I hope that I will be able to figure out what is required of me and decrypt the message for a return next week. If all goes well I'll quickly solve Jeepster's puzzles ... Well, next week is here. Hope you have all the information you need. Good luck. While in Lincoln, we double checked on your three micro-caches ... yep, they are all there and just waiting to stump someone. After hitting two caches right next to where you &quotwork&quot we stopped by to see if you could come out and play. The REALLY BIG guy at the gate said NO! What a spoil sport ... what are visiting hours for anyway? Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

Why mess around with tape when you have a product like this? The Good Stuff The palm pilot stuff is too thick and clouds the screen too much. This stuff is very clear and introduces very little glare. Apply it with a light misting of water and you'll get great protection with no bubbles. I like it so much, I threw out my Belkin covers. Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

quote:Originally posted by bsmalley:Tomorrow, I will head north and try a couple more Peoria caches including Jeepster's new one. Promises, promises ... Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.

quote:Originally posted by bsmalley:I've noticed a marked decline in the amount of logs coming out of Central Illinois geocachers lately. Is the colder weather keeping people from going out? Did Seth! wear everyone but me out when he came for his visit? Just curious. Brad Smalley Okay, all of the bugs are worked out of the Lincoln Site I cache ... where is everybody. No, Seth didn't wear me out while he was here ... but, he sure got even after he left. Through no fault of his, someone decided to redo the exterior of one of his waypoints. You would think that a bronze plaque bolted to the side of a building would be safe to use as a waypoint, wouldn't you? Well, it wasn't. But, Seth has provided a workaround so the cache is waiting. bsmally, I'll have an additional cache out for this weekend. Everything is already installed and rechecked ... just have to finish the write-up. If you really spent over five hours hiking the woods while doing &quotThe Steps of La Salle&quot, please leave your family with a well documented &quotWill&quot. Jeepster - We did not inherit the land from our parents; we are borrowing it from our children.