MuskokaGuy

BaseCamp is the successor to MapSource. They both allow you to manage waypoints and maps on your Garmin units. Basecamp has some features not available in the older MapSource (including some geocaching support for certain Garmin units) but some people still prefer the MapSource interface. GSAK is a third party software. It works with several GPS brands, not just Garmin. It is focused on Geocaching so it has as lot of more tools for geocachers than BaseCamp. For example, I use GSAK to modify the cache description for puzzles that I have solved. It does not support Garmin maps like BaseCamp or perform routing on streets. If you need those features you will use BaseCamp or MapSource. When you import your GPX files into GSAK you have a lot of options. You can have it start with a clean load or your can have it simple update the records you already have. One option has GSAK set the user flag field for records it updates. Since the Pocket Query does not contain archived caches, this is what I do. I first clear all user flags. Then I tell GSAK to import my GPX files and update the database. I have GSAK set the user flag for each record in the GPX files. Then I filter the cache that don't have the user flag set. These are the caches that were not in my GPX files. These caches have either been archived or were not include because there were over 1000 caches closer to my center point. I can safely delete these caches from GSAK database as I am not going to look for them. You can get quite sophisticated in GSAK filtering to find caches that are or are not in your GPX files and be really selective in what you delete that way. Thanks tozainamboku, I appreciate the information and taking the time to respond. I do have a considerable amount to learn - your reply was very helpful. Cheers!

Getting antsy for better weather in the "Near North" of Ontario, Canada. Looking forward to getting rid that 0(zero) in my "Found" list! (Hates being a newbie for long) :-)

The ability to edit a post can save our tail at times. :}> I considered the issue of stale/ archived caches, I thank you for reiterating that possibility on my behalf. That was my first consideration when I initiated my PQ for "only" 500 caches. I felt that to obtain 1000 caches would be more than I could possibly want. With changes to the database inevitably occurring, I ask is there a means to have GSAK run a "diff" process which would only updated changes in the original run of the 1000 I now have? Those caches which have become archived/changed or added will be updated while leaving those which haven't been updated unchanged. As I type this, I guess it would just be easier to install the most recent PQ with the same parameters prior to hunting, than go through the trouble of trying to reinvent the wheel by modifying an existing PQ, so to speak. To ensure I understand the process as a whole, GSAK allows me to manage my waypoints, whereas BaseCamp allows me to map caches that I've found with my tracks, correct? Through investigation I have been lead to believe that MapSource is essentially the same software as BaseCamp, with it's primary focus on trip planning. I also read that MapSource is no longer being developed, in lieu of the introduction of BaseCamp? Confusion sets in at this point, because it conflicts with my previous statement that BaseCamp is used for geocaching, and Mapsource for trip planning. Could someone please clear up my misconception on this subject? Thanks for your support.

@ Gitchee-Gummee: So many ways to "skin-a-cat", choices are a good thing. Thanks.

Thanks Totem Clan & tozainamboku for your very prompt responses. In trying to keep it "simple" as I am new, I thought would take Totem's advice and just run another query, thought reminding me tozainamboku that filtering is what using GSAK is all about. Wow, I am amazed at the number of caches in my area. The latest PQ resulted in the furthest cache at now only 54 miles away. Not that I'm complaining mind you with the cost of gas these days! :-) Appreciate the help!

I am doing research for my next PQ which will be down the road in the distant future. I am just ensuring it all goes smoothly and that I am not obtaining information that I've already gotten. My initial PQ was 500 caches centered around my home location with a radius of 100 miles. I was surprised to see that the last cache in my list was roughly (only) 40 miles away, meaning that there are considerably more to come when I run my next query. I am using GSAK to manage my PQ data. How would I go about querying those caches that are "beyond" that 40 miles (not to exceed the 100 mile radius) without duplicating those caches I have already obtained? There is a lot to learn, and my interest is piqued. I appreciate any leads or suggestions from the forum. Thanks.

You can't simply shift people over to OSM, pushing the problem off on a non-profit to keep $ in your pocket! Geez!

I can understand the need for generating revenue to cover servers, bandwidth usage, employees, and general business expenses and the like. No problem. I also understand that everyone contributes to this site, regardless of whether they are "Basic" members or "Premium" members. I assume, and probably not in error, when I say the number of "Basic" memberships far exceeds the number of "Premium" memberships by far. With this in mind, it is logical to assume that "Basic" members contribute more to this site than "Premium" members by virtue simply based on the numbers? When I say contribute, I'm inferring to the number of caches submitted, threads responded to, assistance given which (again) benefits all members. I mean isn't what this site is really about ... GeoCaching and not GeoCashing? Agreed? Or am I barking up the wrong tree? The elitist undertone I sense when "Basic" members are referred to as being "poor" or deserve nothing better than "poor-mans" maps is not conducive nor productive to growth, community or sense of "belonging" to the site as a whole. "Basic" members are members none the less. No one member is more important than the next, deserving of perks, or respect, simply based on ability to pay. We all enjoy the hobby, camaraderie and social aspects that GC.com provides us, regardless of being labeled with the title "Basic," "Premium," or simply "Member." It degrades the great collection of people who gather here routinely. My intention is not to belly-ache, complain or rant. This may have been mentioned before in the forum, if so I apologize. I want to suggest that maybe the site should consider requiring everyone pay something to access the site, be "equal" or "more equal" than what it seems to be at the moment. Have everyone simply pay $10/year for example which would guarantee equal access, equal "benefits," etc. across the board and rid the site of the atmosphere of "US" and "them".

I've run a 16GB one in mine with no issues Thanks for that Eusty.

If I could ask a quick question here, without "hijacking" the original poster's thread .... What is the maximum size microSD card the 450 can use? 2/15/12: I've found, via an older thread, the answer to my question is 4G although others claim to be using 8G with success.

Hi Zebo I am new to the forums, and new to geocaching as well. I selected the Garmin (a trusted name in gps devices) Oregon 450 myself, it should be coming in tomorrow. It's a middle of the road unit so to speak, neither too cheap nor too expensive. Primarily I chose this model for the screen size, electronic compass, in addition to the touchscreen, nothing about toggles excites me. I spent a couple of days reviewing models and comparing them. I am under the assumption that the eTrex models are to become phased out, so that essentially eliminated them from being seriously considered. I purchased my Oregon through Amazon, no difference in price between the $C & $US which is always an advantageous position to be in. Considering this models' ability to add/use free customizable maps that can be loaded from on the web (or custom made by me), and not pre-loaded with maps (which only increases the initial outlay of cash), more than sufficient # of waypoints, and "paperless" feature cinched the decision in my mind, etc. I considered all these specs, and reasoned them all to be a "positives." It was a recommendation from an experienced GeoCacher that this model will meet or exceed the requirements for serious GeoCaching. I trust the source for length of time geocaching, and the experience of finding over 5, 000 to date. Good luck in your search for the right unit. Cheers