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gelfling6

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Everything posted by gelfling6

  1. Too many! 1999 Ford Taurus Sedan (main transportation) 1999 TOMOS Targa Moped (short jaunts) ???? TREK Mountain Bike (for the short-jaunt, L-O-N-G multicaches) My own two feet.
  2. I'm about to put the following on my next cache, titled "Take Two Of These!".. Since the containers are two beach holders, that look like HUGE Tylenol capsules. (only, these aren't tampered with.... YET!) Since most of the drug companies are required to put disclaimers on their medications, I thought it appropriate, (and comical) to put this in...
  3. I've just started tinkering with GSAK, and one output from it, kinda soured me.. When I did an export of the database in .LOC format, it took the already existing .LOC files, and shuffled them. (going from closest to furthest, to totally shuffled!) is there a way for force GSAK to output in a specific order, when exporting? It'd be nice, because I'm finding it works great in combining, trimming down, and organizing multiple .LOC files. (I.E. newest in area, multiple .LOC files from downloading the search via zipcode, etc.) I still keep a pair of .LOC files, (A Master of all the area .LOC's combined into a single file, and another of those found.).. but the shuffling, is aggravating. Stephen (gelfling6)
  4. Odd.. I always thought they layed perfectly flat on paper maps? some roll off.. Although, I do admit to one cache hunt, where the batteries in my GPS were.. ended-up doing a little manual search just to get back out of the woods. (listen for sounds of traffic, moss on north side of trees, sun (Okay, it was raining this day. )) Stephen (gelfling6)
  5. I think i have attained 100% paperless.. Tools: eTrex legend GPS Palm Tungsten-E for text from the web page, calculator for clues requiring math, and a handheld version of a mapping program. I generally use the laptop for pre-trip (viewing the webpage, etc.) If there are additional clues, I'll copy them to a plain text file, which I can read under the memo pad on the Palm. I also have both the plain computer version & the Palm version of DeLorme Street Atlas USA 2006.. The Palm can be used to additionally preveiw the maps, before feeding new coordinates to the GPS. Unfortunately, no way to link the GPS & the Palm. I use the Palm as a "Notepad", mainly because the printer doesn't always work. I can also use the Palm to list area waypoints. Stephen (gelfling6)
  6. Pretty sure Spider, from the webbing. Someone's cache obviously became the incubator. I've seen similar to this in a few items I've recycled (Old Computers), but on a smaller scale.. Funniest, the eggs had hatched.. Was like a miniature of the Harry Potter movie, with all these little tiny spiders scrambling out of a case when I opened it. Stephen (gelfling6)
  7. And You're telling this to a Schoolbus driver? How do you htink I keep that 1 step ahead of what they're capable of? Stephen (gelfling6)
  8. One thing I'd like to see, is a more variable (or larger than 20) group of waypoints per page, before downloading. (Home > hide & seek > By Zipcode, or home > By Zipcode... ... then check all > download Waypoints).. At present, I must download, merge, and edit close to 139 .LOC files, to create one single file. Programs like GPS Express & GPS-Babel can swallow the huge files, as long as you edit them down to a single header, loc= , </loc>, and just keep adding or deleting <Waypoint>...</waypoint> entries... .. I'm trying to automate the process, but it's pretty annoying to still need to edit.. (wishing there was a way to load the XML format into a Database that could be read, edited, exported.) Single waypoint .LOC files are still easily add-able. but it's still pretty drawn-out.. I wish there were an easier way.. I've already submitted the change idea for the larger # output by the search pages, and a request for a URL at the end of the "New Caches" list on the LoBot Newsletter, to download ALL waypoints for the new caches. Stephen (gelfling6)
  9. I use DeLorme Street Atlas USA (2006 version is fairly recent).. along with the eTrex Classic (Yellow) and the Legend (clear-blue). as well as both the old Combo data cable/power cord, and the Data Only cord that came with the Legend (Adventure Pack). The DeLorme software is fairly combersome unless you're used to it. I've used 4 different versions (2002, 2003, 2005, & 2006). It has Voice capability (but I prefer it off.. about a 1/2 second delay between the voice and the actual direction. Remember the Nationwide Commercial? where it says turn right..*CRASH!*..in 50 feet..) I also use it for Geocaching. I process the .LOC files from geocaching.com, through GPS-Babel, to DeLorme Draw files. (basic setting on GPS-Babel's convertion, Everything!).. I've assigned wordpad as the default for the .LOC files, so I can cut/paste.. and divide the whole .LOC file of all 2777+ caches close by, to two files.. tofind.loc & found.loc .. In the "Found.loc" file, I change the <Symbol="Geocache"> to <Symbol="Geocache Found> The resulting translated draw files, tofind.an1 & found.an1, are assigned to the mapfile "geocache.saf" ,which is the local map, and import the two draw files.. the result, on the displayed map, I have the draw files with checkboxes, so I can unselect the found or to-find. Also, Street Atlas, will also URL-through the caches, to their page. (I.E. If I click on the open treasure chest for "A Knights Tale" (GC12H7Y)(Sorry, shamless plug) It will open my web browser to the page for the cache in a separate window. I've also found the DeLorme software is faster at transferring waypoints to the GPS's (Via serial). The Laptop is a Dell Latitude C610 (P3-1.0ghz, 384M RAM, 80GB HD). WIN-XP Home(sp2), all the updates. Power, is usually a Targus APD10 (DC universal supply) either plugged into the cigarette lighter, or connected to a 18Ah battery, connected through a Anderson Power Poll set (I'm also an amature radio operator) Kind of a novice still, but 25 caches under my finds list, and one of my own out there. I know, I probably take the hard way of doing it.. But, I'm more used to Street Atlas, so it's more natural, and I can keep a better view of what's out there, whereabouts, and what I've already found. I'm still tinkering with an idea, of using a Learning Robot (Original version VEX, prior to Radioshack dropping the ball.) to do a little searching.. the concept isn't very practical, but it should work. teaching the robot to read the GPS co-ordinates, and navigate itself within a few feet. (if it doesn't run off a cliff.) but also deal with its surroundings. (bump, move away, ultrasonic ranging, navigate around.) The base is still in the planning stages.. getting it together, and running autonimous for any situation, then adding the GPS direction.) Yes, I am a geek.. deal with it! Stephen (gelfling6)
  10. editing, mainly..for the back-forth conversion.. But, since this is the wrong thread, I'll end here.
  11. I ran into an interesting problem, with both Easy GPS, and GPS-Babel.. I mainly use GPS-Babel to translate massive (2700+ entries) .LOC files, to DeLorme Draw (.AN1) so I can enter the caches, by name, to my eTrex Legend. But, When I translate the draw file back to .LOC format, it somehow becomes corrupted.. Because, if I try to load the .LOC file, back to .Draw (.AN1), it reports an error, if the cache description (name, etc.) contains any quotes, or <>{}[] symbols. The same line errors appear if I try to load the back-converted .LOC with Easy GPS. I can't seem to figure why GPS-Babel creates the odd .LOC file.. After all, it should be a 1-2-1 convertion (from type 1, to type 2, back to type 1 again.) Stephen (gelfling6)
  12. Okay, When I snagged my 1st travelbug, (Wandering Wizard Of The Woods), it was near a water reservoir, part of the Connecticut Metropolitan District Co-operative (MDC) water supply. While I was writing into the logbook, I heard a little commotion down on the perimeter road.. A Male & Female goose had flown off an island, in the water, to the bank to feed.. About the time, a family, parents, one small child, walked near.. The male became a little agressive, protecting the female, making slightly threatening moves at the family as they walked by. I climbed down after closing the cache, and got a little closer myself. Again, he made some moves as if to ward me off, but since I stayed put, and snapped the pictures, it made no other agression towards me. After awhile, the two geese flew off, back to the island. When I got a look at the island from another angle, there was a nest with what looked like 2 eggs. not exactly right next to the cache, but within 100-feet... (Picture I took close to the geese to follow.. On another computer) Stephen (gelfling6) (Personally, If I saw a snake near a cache, I wouldn't bother figuring if it was poisonous, or not.. I'd be too busy RUNNING!! )
  13. gAAAAAHHH!!!!! Killer Rabbit! Run-Away! Run-Away!!!!! Sorry,, had a fit of Python there for a sec. Actually, the rabbit DOES Look quite angry.
  14. LOL! Yeah, I imagine you would.. Well, actually, the paper itself might not always be biodegradable. some have a thin plastic coat to them. Retains the ink, prevents bleeding (wet ink, spreading away from the printed info) Also, I seem to remember, not all inks, despite being water based, are 100% non-toxic either. Just, the base which eartha hit upon.. Why become part of the problem? Keep an eye on your things. Side note, I ran into this with one cache, in kind of a remote place, that looked like it was either vandalized, or BEAR Fodder. The cache box was broken open, items strewn about. Despite being left for close to 1/2 a month (since the last log entry) and raining, the items survived, but no log book, no pen, some powdered drink packets still sealed, despite paper outside being soaked. Majority of the items in a cache, are non-biodegradable. they should last awhile out in the woods. But, if left loose (box open, plastic bags flying from wind, etc.) they could pose a problem too.. I usually keep my PDA in my back pocket (unless I'm sitting.. Very uncormfortable! ) and my GPS in my hand at all times (till I put it down to fill in a log book.) BUT... I do remember to pick it back up again. Stephen (gelfling6)
  15. Nice to see I'm not the only one who likes the Plasti-Kote "Stone Touch" paint. I camo'ed a Lock-n-Lock box with it, applying just enough to keep the flaps flexible. It looks like a Granite Block, since the cache is nead an area where there are a few small stacks of cinderblocks. Mine, just looks like one left off to the side hap-hazardly. (unless you're looking at it, when stood up, then it looks obvious.) The paint seems to be quite weather proof.. The prototype still sits at home, weathering. while the cache has been out there for a few weeks now. (GC12H7Y) The only tough part, is finding a color that'll match natural... unless you can find a lot of granite rocks.. it doesn't work too well. Stephen (gelfling6)
  16. Depends on how much you want to pay, and what features you're looking for. Actually, I use the Legend, and find it quite good for dual use. (Driving navigation & Geocaching.) Portable, can easily fit in a Slide-Clamp cell phone holder ]0[ .. I program mine with waypoints via DeLorme Street Atlas USA, which I use for both purposes as well. (Directions for bus charters, (I drive a schoolbus) and Cache waypoints via GPS-Babel translation to DeLorme Draw file (.AN1)) I agree, the maps are expensive! And a bit cumbersome. I bought my Legend in their "Adventure Pack", but never received the "unlock coupon" for Mapsource TOPO.. But, it's all about the base two.. Features, and cost.. The Legend has served me well in the past month, finding at least 18 caches so-far, and beaing able to locate places for sports charters while on the road. Stephen (gelfling6)
  17. When searching for a cache yesterday (Sunday), I happened upon a bit of an unpleasent sight... 3 sheets of paper, Inkjet printout, of a cache.. YES, the name of the user was on the page as well.. When I found the cache, the person had written their log the previous day, so the papers had been either sitting against the downed treee wherer I found them, or blown there by the wind.. In a nutshell, Keep a firm hold on printouts, or, if you can, save the text of the printout, and dump it to a plain text file.. Most PDA's, and even some MP3 players have E-Book capability (this even works for Non-Premium members. ) When I call-up a main page for a cache, with clues, I do a copy, paste from the web browser, to a simple text file, and later feed the text file either to a Palm (using the memopad), or save the text file to a MP3 player which has the ability to read text files to the screen. (iRiver H10 20GB).. Just, let's not become the reason for CITO.. Like the signs say at most parks, If you carry it in, Carry it out with you. Stephen (gelfling6)
  18. I ran across something similar with a cheapy Digital camera/camcorder last year. Can't remember the manufacturer's name, Think it was GSX, bought it at Target. Not AIPTEK. I've had better luck with them. 6MP, had a flip-out LCD screen. Also fed it a 1GB SanDisk memory card. Took it to a Renaissance faire, and when I got home, I wanted to replace it immediately! More than 30% of the pictures were corrupted, unviewable. more than 80% of the videos were corrupted, or unviewable. I took it back to Target, and replaced it with a AIPTEK DV2. (same specs. I've used the AIPTEK 3100 & 5100 before.) Some cameras have a top limit of how big a card they'll handle. Since most of the data is handled serially (single path wire, like recording to a magnetic tape through a Mic.) it's easy for the data to get corrupted in stream. (which is why I am still not looking at SATA hard drives. they may be faster, but I'm not convinced they're stable.) You'll pay a lot more than places like Staples, Walmart, etc.. but go to a Walgreens (Phamacy), and see the line-up of cards they sell.. 128M and down to 32M. They may be more compatable. Also, instead of downloading through the camera, Invest in an external reader for the SD card. I've hadmore success with USB card readers, than using the camera as the card reader. Use the camera cable only for reading the internal memory of the camera. This saves onthe camera's batteries as well. (not all draw power through the USB port). If your camera uses the RS-232 line, this might also raise havoc. Again, You're using the camera's battery for power, and the internal firmware may have a conflict with the larger size card. (the power-saver mode may be crashing the transfer.) Hope this helps. Stephen (gelfling6)
  19. I think also, You're limited by the Laptop's battery life.. I could probably get away with carrying my Latitude C610, in a backpack, with a couple of mid sized 12V gel cells, and a mini inverter/adaptor. Drawback: pure weight! and even the gel cells don't hold a charge forever. I've been using a couple of tools, on a laptop... GPS Babel 1.3.1, Delorme Street Atlas 2006, Garmin ETrex (original yellow model).. I download the .LOC file, send it through GPS Babel, import the .AN1 draw file into Street Atlas, mark the location as a waypoint, exchange the data into the GPS, and rely more on the GPS, than the mapping program. (Obvious, since the handheld GPS is a lot more portable than the laptop. ) I imagine I could use the Delorme ET-20 GPS module on the laptop, but yet again, this is one more draw of power for the laptop. Gelfling6
  20. Count me in as a solo novice. I think most of the placers note if the terra of the cache location is rough, or unsteady. I think quite a few in my location, have their caches marked wether or not the area is suitable for children, pets, etc.. I'll take a wild stab, from your name, we're both roughly the same age. (also born in 1963 ) I'm pretty sure most won't place the cache in unsafe areas.. The key, I think the best way is with someone else to enjoy it with you. And, if both involved have GPS's, then that's 1/2 the work tracking the coordinates. (not every GPS is accurate to the foot/meter. ) I've had a devil of a time trying to locate a few myself, tried to get one girlfriend interested, but that relationship ended before anything got started. Also, depends on your health. If you're not in any health to be hiking out in the woods, it's a pretty safe guess that Geocaching is not a good hobby to start. Gelfling6
  21. If you do a zipcode search, click on the cache name.. the next page that comes up, gives the coordinates about the 3rd line, under the name of the cache. Example for one right next door to me, ------------------------------------- Roaring Brook Nature Cache by Justin'sDad [profile] N 41° 50.117 W 072° 53.024 UTM: 18T E 675719 N 4633653 ------------------------------------- the coordinates, are North 41° 50.117 , West 072° 53.024 (and for Justin's Dad, I'll admit it's a tough one to find, using a Garmin ETrex. Original model.) from one newbie to another, Enjoy! Gelfling6
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