Brer Rabbit

I thought as much. Glad you saved me the effort of trying though. Too bad we can't come up with a slightly larger flash with a watch battery and host properties though. Thanks for the reply!

I searched for this but didn't see it. Is anyone aware of a flash drive with a mini usb connector? I fail to see why Garmin doesn't use this as a method to store more maps for the 60CS unless they just want to sell more CSX units. Of course I could try the usb/usbmini adapter cable along with a gender change for the usb end but it seems like there should be something smaller to "plug and play" and store in your jeans pocket. Anyone have any experience here? Would it work?

I'm posting this since I am a RPh and have experimented some. If the container is not sealed, they are pretty much useless. However, when dealing with normal condesation in a sealed ammo can (which every regular cache should be placed in IMO) they perform quite well - especially the larger packs. I have tested 2 ammo cans, one with one without, for over 9 months and there is a definite difference in the one with the silica. Both cans are in great condition but the paper is always slightly damp in the one without. Placing the dessicant in a quality ziploc along with the logbook is the best solution for damp pages. Try asking your local pharmacist to save you a few bags from time to time. They get thrown in the trash everyday.

Thanks Remote! I thought 6.5 should do it but apparently I had problems with the download b/c it didn't give me the option to save as a different file extension. I downloaded 6.5, re-installed and there it was. Now I can successfully convert the files but I am on to a new problem. When I open a new file in USAPhotoMaps, it will recognize the gpx file from Mapsource but the waypoints do not load. It may be due to the converted gpx files lacking critical components from the original gdb files. Then again, maybe I need to remove USAPM and download the program again. Anyway, at least I can now convert the files to gpx which solves my main problem. Thanks to all for your help/suggestions!

Have had Mapsource 6.5 for about a week now. It will recognize either gdb or gpx files for sure but I failed to see a way to open a gdb file and then convert it to gpx. There is no export function that will do this nor an option to save the waypoint as a gpx file. I would like to do this to "send" some (gdb) files to USAPhotoMaps program and other programs of interest. I really have far too many files to upload to GPS unit then transfer to these programs. The USAPM program apparently only allows importing gpx files. I also checked EasyMPS and I think it will go from gpx to gdb but not the reverse. Maybe I am missing something. Thanks for the posts! Maybe one day I will "get it"

Ok, I have searched for this topic and have failed to see it. I have many gdb files on hand that I want to convert to gpx files. I know this can be done when transferring from GPSr but what if I need to convert them without using the GPSr? Anyone know of software that can handle this. I see where the reverse route is handled by various programs but I need to do this without having to load the files back onto the GPSr and then into one of these programs. Seems like this should be relatively simple to do but apparently I missed something. And please don't suggest loading them back to GPSr then back to appropriate software as I need to eliminate the GPSr in this process. I have my reasons.

Since you seem relatively new to all of this let me remind you to go to Garmins website and upgrade your software version as soon as the wrapping paper gets wet with eggnog. This way you will be sure to have the "current" version and you may possibly avoid some trivial problems. I have owned and operated several different GPSr's both Garmin and Magellan and I promise you will find the 60CS to be as good as you can get. It does require time and patience to fully appreciate any GPSr. This is truly a good unit.

Performed it Monday...no problems here.

If my math is correct, 61 w/i 50 miles of 33º 12.500 083º17.000 (rounded slightly to protect the innocent . I did appreciate this thread though as now I better understand how some of you can compile such large numbers of finds in relatively short time. I am not one for competing with numbers and I guess it's good that I don't. I wish there were more caches in the general area and I am planning more hides at the moment. Ps. haven't checked but I would guess that roughly half of that 61 are virtuals.

FOLKS, try your local pharmacist. All forms of silica containers are frequently placed in drug bottles from wholesalers. We throw them away all the time. If you ask your local pharmacist, I'll bet he will save a few for you over a week's time.

[ I believe you're wrong when you say "Garmin has assigned elevation values to particular coordinates --- often use my Vista when flying, its altimeter usually says something in the region of 1500m to 2000m, even though the actual altitude is around 10km. This is because the Vista is calculating altitude based on air pressure, which in the cabin is kept to the equivalent of 1500m to 2000m. With the Vista it is possible to view the GPS altitude, which correctly reports 10km.--- On a separate note, the Vista is a superb unit and if anyone is thinking of buying one, then go ahead] I stand corrected, thank you. I was thinking in terms of overlaying topo software and regular basemap software doesn't appear to have any info regarding elevation data. I have also used my Vista in commercial flight and noticed the difference in elevation and altitude. I assume positional altitude is calculated from satellite and waas ground stations serve to improve the accuracy, right? I wish I were more knowledgeable about flight navigation as one of my pilot friends recently told me that his unit gives ground elevation data as well as altitude data. To me this sounds like a good backup for radar. I also agree with your rating of the Vista...It is a superb unit. I have found that most owners (including myself) fail to fully understand it's capabilities.

Another interesting observation. Elevation info on my Vista changes relative to ambient pressure. Driving down the road with the windows up I can get a reading that will change rapidly (generally 15 to 30 feet) if I suddenly crack the window. I realize that ambient pressure (inside a car or house) can differ from barometric pressure (outside) but I was surprised to find that the barometer on the Vista is sensitive enough to quickly tell the difference. Try it sometime!

My feet tend to sweat badly at times, resulting in damp socks and eventually cold feet. Ski sock (wool, silk etc) help but I have also found that antiperspirant applied to the feet will keep them from sweating as much which helps keep your feet dry and warm (not to mention less funky smelling). Works well for me when I ski. You might give it a try sometime (maybe right on/left off) to see if it makes a difference.

Altitude of neg 100's? Sounds like a cave cache or scuba cache to me. LOL. Seriously, ignore the altitude input as previous post suggested. I have also found my altimeter to be with 10 feet of accuracy whenever I checked with posted altitudes. Fortunately I live on a lake where I know the water level within 3 to 4 feet of sea level and I can calibrate my gps according. Also, fortunately, every time I have actually attempted to calibrate the Vista, it's altimeter was always w/i 10 feet of the correct altitude.

SeeSquirrel Bridge cache. The first cache I placed. Unfortunately one geocacher fell and broke an ankle while approaching (I believe it was a fair distance from the actual cache). I felt terrible. Bumped up the difficulty a bit and posted my regards for the cacher but didn't know what else to do. I thought about archiving it but then I have been on several caches that I felt were much more difficult and apparently other finders have liked the area/cache. What would you do if it was your cache?

I have owned Vista for over 2 years. First of all, turn off WAAS...you dont need it. Second, turn off compass feature until you really need it. (probably consumes the most power). Third, try battery saver mode which can extend my life to near 20 hours. This mode basically increases the time interval between "locking" points on your tracklog. At lower speeds you really dont need to store a track point every 10 seconds or so. At higher rates of speed, say your vehicle, use a cig cord and burn as much power as you want. There is also an option to manually set up the tracklog to a particular time or distance interval or even to cut off the tracklog entirely. I typically get 12 to 14 hours on new alkalines w/o turning off options and about 12 to 13 on NiMh's now that I have learned to pad the batteries in compartment to keep a tight fit. If you use NiMh, be sure to change the battery type in the setup menu. I have used my unit on hikes side by side with Legends, Geko's and other GPSr's and haven't noticed much difference in battery life when I am careful to turn off the features I don't need. A couple pair of NiMh's is what I recommend. It's really no different than any other gadgets which require a power soure...the more functions you have, the more power you need. Just learn to turn those functions off if you don't need them and be glad Garmin gave you some options to do so. After you have used the Vista some, you will be glad you have all of the functions. After all, I don't use 4 wheel drive everday but it's nice to have when I need it.

Thanks to input from GeckoGeek, HartClimbs and bigeddy on the garmin NiMh battery problem with my Vista. I have definitely determined that the fit is not tight and hope to resolve the problem soon. Sometimes I wonder why I come to these forums and then good advice like this justifies my visits. Thanks again!

DOH! Oh boy do I feel stupid. Seems I read a similar post months back with someone stating that Duracell seemed to fit more snugly than Energizer. Unfortunately with my Energizer-sized brain it didn't click. Now I can't wait to go out and try the rechargeables again. Thanks for all the input from you fine folks. I might have learned something positive here. If it works, I'll post and let you know. Thanks again.

End point for me is when the unit cuts off. Generally it will turn back on but only for a minute or so then off again. I recently updated to latest firmware and alkalines seem to work just fine, it's just not long on NiMH. Not a huge problem for me as I usually keep a couple of spare NIMH's around anyway and use the plug in the truck. Generally speaking they will last long enough for short caching trips but I tend not to use them on hikes, etc. I guess it could be a problem in the unit when I switch it to the NiMH setting but everything else seems to work just fine. Also, when I pull the batteries, recharge, then use them in my camera, the camera is good to go for 50 plus pictures and normal LCD usage. Unit is 2 yo now and not much point in sending it to Garmin when everything else works great. Thanks for the response. If anyone else has experienced this I would appreciate a note.

In our case, the Geko seems to work better under cover than the eTrex Vista. Between the two, we are pretty well covered for most situations.

Ok, question for you gurus out there. I've been using NiMH batteries (4 different brands) for a little over a year now. They all seem to run my new Sony D.Cam quite well, even longer than the alkalines. Problem is my Vista seems to only get a couple of hours use at best. Yes, I have switched to the NiMH option on the Vista. I have tried repeatedly to fully charge and use each of the brands but come to the same conclusion each time - about 2 hours. The alkalines seem to work just fine lasting at least 12 hours continuous without the battery saver mode. Since most of the replys suggest NiMH are better I assume I am doing something wrong. Any guesses here? The only mah I can read (other batteries are worn from use in camera) is the Rayovac Ultra which is 1600 mAh according to the label. Also, fully charged the voltage is reading 1.38 on a digital meter. Just Wondering

I feel qualified to reply here. I own Vista. Bought 2 Geko 101 for my kids. Have compared them extensively and found the Geko's do tend to keep lock better than the Vista in heavy cover. They also tend to lock faster from startup. You can view your position as stated previously. They both tend to be fine units as far as positioning goes...very much equals if not better than the more expensive units (though I fail to understand why). I wouldn't hesitate one bit to use them for everyday caching. I do like the other features of the Vista when it comes to hiking, using maps, altimeter, etc but the Geko is a fine unit IMO, not to mention it is lightweight enough to clip to the bill of your baseball cap as you hike.

WOW! Most of you guys are SERIOUS! I don't usually carry that much on a weekend hiking trip with our scouts. I admire you cause my backpack for scout weekends nearly kills me. I don't post frequently but figured I would since I seem so different. 90% of the time I carry my gps (coords downloaded from easy gps). No food, maps, compass, knives, or even cache printouts. Most of the time I figure the coords are all I need. Makes it more of a challenge. I dont like hints, cheats, etc and rarely read the logs. Sometimes it brings me to my knees when I can't find the cache since I didn't read something correctly or the last log would have told me it had evaporated. But I really don't care. I enjoy the hunt. If I miss it, oh well. Maybe I'll review it to see what I did wrong when I get home. I really don't care about the numbers. I just love to get out with just the basics (only coordinates). When I do score, it's major pride. Ocassionally I will bring an empty trash bag to TO. Most of the time I forget to put a trade item in my pocket so I just sign TNLN. I have enjoyed reading what all of you guys carry with you. I guess in certain situations or climates I would carry more but for now I save that for the scout trips. Happy Caching! Of course I could stop using the coords and make it a real challenge!