Us 5 Camp

quote:Originally posted by CheesyD: I used http://thegpsstore.com to purchase my MeriPlat and accessories. I did a bit of price comparisons online and found the package deal offered by these guys provided me the most for my money. All was delivered as promised and I would definitely do business with them again. Good luck! _CheesyD_ Nothing but great service / prices & advice from honest people who know GPS... I've also ordered from TVNAV.com These are two of the best out there...

quote:Originally posted by Mr. Snazz: If you don't want the risk of doing a "bad" newbie cache, steer clear of the first few caches placed by a cacher until they've been sufficiently logged by others. I've got 12 or so finds and 1 hide and still consider myself a newbie. However, it doesn't take long to realize the importance of good coordinates, an interesting location, poison ivy avoidance, a private hiding space, decent cache contents, etc. etc. etc..... I took a lot of time getting ready to place my 1st cache and feel it was placed successfully. The last thing I'd want is for people not to be able to find my cache because of poor coordinates or instructions....

quote:Originally posted by Mr. Snazz: If you don't want the risk of doing a "bad" newbie cache, steer clear of the first few caches placed by a cacher until they've been sufficiently logged by others. I've got 12 or so finds and 1 hide and still consider myself a newbie. However, it doesn't take long to realize the importance of good coordinates, an interesting location, poison ivy avoidance, a private hiding space, decent cache contents, etc. etc. etc..... I took a lot of time getting ready to place my 1st cache and feel it was placed successfully. The last thing I'd want is for people not to be able to find my cache because of poor coordinates or instructions....

Thanks to all who replied. I will leave it where it's at. I wanted opinions and got them in plenty and in unison (sp?) That should about kill this thread.....

Thanks to all who replied. I will leave it where it's at. I wanted opinions and got them in plenty and in unison (sp?) That should about kill this thread.....

For what it's worth.... This weekend while driving through the country side with my 76S wedged between the windshield and dash I noticed I had a strong lock on all 12 satelite slots with WAAS off. Accuracy 14ft. So, I enabled WAAS to see how things might change. To my surprise I again had a strong lock on all satelite banks with the little "D" locked onto all satelite banks. Accuracy 12 ft. Again FWIW, I normally drive and cache w/o WAAS enabled. Any observations or mis-statements on my part from our 'waas experts' ???

For what it's worth.... This weekend while driving through the country side with my 76S wedged between the windshield and dash I noticed I had a strong lock on all 12 satelite slots with WAAS off. Accuracy 14ft. So, I enabled WAAS to see how things might change. To my surprise I again had a strong lock on all satelite banks with the little "D" locked onto all satelite banks. Accuracy 12 ft. Again FWIW, I normally drive and cache w/o WAAS enabled. Any observations or mis-statements on my part from our 'waas experts' ???

After reading the 1st three logs to a cache I've placed, I am considering relocating it. All three logs in the Kensington Runestone Cache not only mention mosquitos, they emphasize the ferocity of these pesky creatures. The cache isn't more than 40 - 60 feet off the trail and the ground cover isn't extremely thick, but the canopy is dense. I spent a lot of time trying to locate an area void of poison ivy and a higher area that may get some breeze. I also took time in getting good coordinates as the cover is very dense. The day I placed the cache there was a slight breeze and the bugs were very mild. This July 4th weekend the weather here was very humid, very still and very hot. I can imagine the bugs were HORRIBLE! My question is, I do have another alternate location in this same park, should I relocate the cache so soon after it's 1st finds? My alternate location would be less buggy and easier to find as the canopy is orders of magnitude less dense. My main concern is the 1st find posts scaring off traffic from an otherwise good caching park. What do you think? P.S. I guess there is a reason I've added a mosquito head net to my geocaching backpack! [This message was edited by Us 5 Camp on July 09, 2002 at 07:26 AM.]

After reading the 1st three logs to a cache I've placed, I am considering relocating it. All three logs in the Kensington Runestone Cache not only mention mosquitos, they emphasize the ferocity of these pesky creatures. The cache isn't more than 40 - 60 feet off the trail and the ground cover isn't extremely thick, but the canopy is dense. I spent a lot of time trying to locate an area void of poison ivy and a higher area that may get some breeze. I also took time in getting good coordinates as the cover is very dense. The day I placed the cache there was a slight breeze and the bugs were very mild. This July 4th weekend the weather here was very humid, very still and very hot. I can imagine the bugs were HORRIBLE! My question is, I do have another alternate location in this same park, should I relocate the cache so soon after it's 1st finds? My alternate location would be less buggy and easier to find as the canopy is orders of magnitude less dense. My main concern is the 1st find posts scaring off traffic from an otherwise good caching park. What do you think? P.S. I guess there is a reason I've added a mosquito head net to my geocaching backpack! [This message was edited by Us 5 Camp on July 09, 2002 at 07:26 AM.]

I just received an antenna from GPSGEEK after reading threads like this . The antenna referenced was made by EMTAC model GPA-02A. The model I received is by? and a model SM-76. It appears to be a well made antenna. My question for the tech. experts: Are there appreciable differences between the MMII specs and the SM-76 specs both linked below: SM -76 Specifications (obtained from GPSGEEK for ~$30) Emtac GPS-02A (also sold from GPSGEEK) and finally the Mighty Mouse II By the way for a very good link on external antenna modifications (by Rich in NEPA) read this thread. Whew,

I just received an antenna from GPSGEEK after reading threads like this . The antenna referenced was made by EMTAC model GPA-02A. The model I received is by? and a model SM-76. It appears to be a well made antenna. My question for the tech. experts: Are there appreciable differences between the MMII specs and the SM-76 specs both linked below: SM -76 Specifications (obtained from GPSGEEK for ~$30) Emtac GPS-02A (also sold from GPSGEEK) and finally the Mighty Mouse II By the way for a very good link on external antenna modifications (by Rich in NEPA) read this thread. Whew,

quote:Originally posted by the_wanderer:Under the roof of my car (no sunroof), I've had the accuracy reading down to about 27-35 feet. While driving w/ my 76S in the car I've seen the accuracy reading down to 11ft on several instances. Granted this was in S. Dakota, so flatness has it's virtures at times...

quote:Originally posted by the_wanderer:Under the roof of my car (no sunroof), I've had the accuracy reading down to about 27-35 feet. While driving w/ my 76S in the car I've seen the accuracy reading down to 11ft on several instances. Granted this was in S. Dakota, so flatness has it's virtures at times...

quote: "tracklog points reversible" If you are referencing the ability to store a track log and navigate the track in either direction (as is possible on my 76S), this is a very useful feature for trekking into an area, saving the track and following the track back out. It is also nice for saving a frequently driven track and navigating both directions. If this isn't what you're referring to then ???? =========================================== quote: are the internal patch antenna is as good as the maggie ant. No, the patch (e-trex line) antenna is not as good as the maggie Quad antenna. The 76 line (Quad) and the V have very comparable reception to the maggie.

quote:Originally posted by Dr. Fonz: Hi folks, The resolution on the Garmin is 288x160 compared to 120X160 on the Maggies... what does this translate to? by analogy is fine. thanks Alfonso See THIS POST . It is series of links on my 76S vs. Meridian Platinum. The when i had a chance to see the two units side by side, the screen resolution difference was very large. In the end I went with better resolution and what I felt to be a better interface (among other factors) over more memory. Your milage may vary...

quote:Originally posted by Dr. Fonz: Hi folks, The resolution on the Garmin is 288x160 compared to 120X160 on the Maggies... what does this translate to? by analogy is fine. thanks Alfonso See THIS POST . It is series of links on my 76S vs. Meridian Platinum. The when i had a chance to see the two units side by side, the screen resolution difference was very large. In the end I went with better resolution and what I felt to be a better interface (among other factors) over more memory. Your milage may vary...

There's lot's of info on these models in the search feature. Here's some posts I've taken part in on the two units. There's lots more in the archives: Here's one... Here's another.... Another on memory size.... One more... Hope this helps....

There's lot's of info on these models in the search feature. Here's some posts I've taken part in on the two units. There's lots more in the archives: Here's one... Here's another.... Another on memory size.... One more... Hope this helps....

quote:Originally posted by HydraShok: Is this possible? Most parks close within 1/2 hour of sunset. Are there any caches in MN that can be found at night? Many caches might be fun in the cooler months. I wouldn't relish the sunset time for the mosquito season here in MN.

This was a fun little exercise.... I am sending you via e-mail my coordinates. I just read the cache page again, didn't realize it was a "traditional" cache. I won't be going to CA anytime soon but would appreciate a reply to verify my problem solving was correct. I will leave my log on your page as a "note" only. Thanks for the exercise! [This message was edited by Us 5 Camp on June 27, 2002 at 10:24 AM.]

I noticed all the external antennas come with 8' or 16' cords. I was interested in trying an external antenna while hiking in DENSE tree cover with a 76S. Is What's involved in shortening the cables? Can one cut the cable shorter to say 3-4' and use a coupler to add the longer length back in if needed? One example of GPS Antenna from GPS Geeks.... Thanks for you help.

I noticed all the external antennas come with 8' or 16' cords. I was interested in trying an external antenna while hiking in DENSE tree cover with a 76S. Is What's involved in shortening the cables? Can one cut the cable shorter to say 3-4' and use a coupler to add the longer length back in if needed? One example of GPS Antenna from GPS Geeks.... Thanks for you help.

quote:Originally posted by Bakahead: Ok first off I'm thinking of buying the Magellan Platinum online..who do you guys like or dislike For price, service and availability it would be hard to beat The GPS Store They sell both Garmin & Magellan, they know GPS', their order service is quick and reliable. Their prices are very good and they'll match any authorized dealer's price. I bought a 76S from them and couldn't have been happier with the service. The Platinum was my other choice. It was hard to turn down the SD card memory expansion, but I chose the 76S for it's high resolution screen and (IMO) the more intuitive interface (I tried both units side by side). The Platinum is very nice and I am sure I would also be satisfied with it. Good Luck,