Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hide

I just start up my 295 a few minutes before needing it, so It's quick to boot when I actually need it. But since I updated my maps and system software recently, the Montana's been locking up more often than it ever did before... I've had to take the battery out at least once in the last two days.

To use the 295W to Geotag locations, get a gps fix so the gps knows where it is, go into the camera mode, click the thumbtack at the lower right and accept the terms, then take a few pictures. In the camera screen click the icon on the right which gets you to the thumbnails of the pictures you've taken, then choose one, and click the Thumbtack in the upper left and it'll show you where the picture was taken. The Track Log is viewed and enabled/disabled through Settings/Navigation/Menu/Choose Automobile or Pedestrian mode, scroll down and you'll see "Trip Log/Hide/Show" (on map). You can also clear it from one of these screens. When you plug the gps into your Mac (or PC for that matter), after you plug it in go to the gps and allow it to go into "Mass Storage Mode", then give it a minute to connect properly, then you can use Finder to get pictures and tracks off the unit. The Geotag information is stored in the EXIF info of each picture.

There's no need to use any program but Finder to copy the expanded PQ file to the gpx folder on your Oregon...

On two of my Nuvis, I waited too long and didn't get any map updates. Decided not to wait for this one. would you please tell me what the last map version update number is???? The mapset I updated to the day before yesterday is North America NT 2011.31.

The Oregon is much higher resolution, so it'll be better for BirdsEye View use. Oregon resolution: 240 x 400 pixels 62S Resolution: 160 x 240 pixels

I don't know about the tutorial, but I remember reading that if you copied the contents of the cd to a directory on your computer and installed from there, you would not be nagged to have the cd in your drive while it ran.

Yep I got that update today too. I don't yet notice any thing different after the update,, you? Could you tell us what version it is? My 295 is not finding an update. It was also purchased in December. It claims software version 7.46.0, GPS firmware version 230 If you're using web updater, it won't find an update. You need to use my.garmin.com to get it. Mine also says version 7.46.0 in Settings/Menu/About. Also the same GPS Firmware version, 230.

I think you will be able to "download to gps" for individual cache details, but it's much better to be able to create a pocket query which gives you all the caches which meet your criteria in your area, so while out caching you can just do as many as you have time for, not only the ones you have loaded. Only Premium Members can create Pocket Queries.

Yep I got that update today too. I don't yet notice any thing different after the update,, you? Haven't really had a chance to check it out thoroughly yet, but nothing obvious that I can see. I wonder if there's a change log somewhere?

On the subject of accessories, if anyone is looking for a 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable, the one on Amazon works for stereo. I got the one from Eforcity ($1.21 shipped) - based on reviews I think some of the other sellers might be shipping something different. I went to The Source and bought an overpriced 2.5 to 3.5mm right angle adaptor. I like the idea of the right angle, but I don't like the idea of it costing $10.

Interesting - when I bought and registered my 295W in December I was offered a software update which I did, and today when I checked, there seems to be another software update for the unit. This is not the map I'm talking about, it's the unit software. You need to use my.garmin.com to see it, in the Dashboard area of the site. Fortunately this update is MUCH faster than the previous update. Should be done in a few minutes. Unless you're on dialup or something like that...

I hate to have to break it to you but the iPhone is not really a substitute for a handheld gps. Yes, it is great for paperless caching, but the cheapest gps out there like an old Etrex Legend will be much more likely to survive the abuse you give it when you drop it in the snow, and is likely to cost less than what you'll pay for a rugged case for the iPhone. But here's a review of cases, including "rugged" ones: http://reviews.cnet.com/top-25-tough-iphone-cases and of course there's always Otterbox.

Cachemate is also very useful, for the cache details. And don't forget to become a Premium Member so you can create Pocket Queries. With being a PM, there's no point in using Cachemate or GSAK. Just noticed, you are a PM. Good start!

But it works... And it leaves your DNA on the windshield in a nice little ring... Yuck.

I also use this: the one below is glued down to the dash. My dash usually includes one of the above and two beanbags... my wife prefers the beanbag mount because it's very quick to pick the whole thing up and check a cache, if we're out geocaching. I prefer the glued mount, myself.

Use one of these instead: Click the image to see it on the GPSCity site. It's the Canadian site, but GPSCity.com would also have it, if you're in the US.

Do a factory Reset - from the Wiki: M1.) How do I master reset my Garmin GPSMAP 62/78? [Menu][Menu]>Setup>Reset>Reset All Settings. You will be asked if you want to reset user data. If you answer "Yes" the unit will be master reset.

Read the forums, especially this one: http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=230083

I think it's actually the Oregon which is easier to use with gloves. The on-screen buttons are effectively much larger than the tiny 62 versions, and when I'm on my motorcycle I rarely have trouble using the buttons on the Oregon, but I have to be very careful to hit the buttons just right on my 62S.

Do you always carry your camera when you cache? Does your camera geotag the photo locations so you can see the locations on mapping sites and navigate back to the location if you need to? I also have no shortage of good cameras I usually carry, but the Oregon 550's camera is still really nice to have around, and well worth the extra cash.

You can also load the Geocaches as Points of Interest. I do own a registered copy of GSAK, but I tend to just drag and drop the gpx files to the right folder in the 295W and use the favorites method instead. At least this way I can see the cache symbol on the Nuvi's screen as I drive.

Nope.

Fortunately, there will never be a video game as addictive as Geocaching.

Have we started again? There must be 100 topics with exactly the same question...

You need to sneak into the store and buy the DVD version as the SD one won't allow you to transfer to another card.