EScout

When you go into the settings menu and choose "Location and Security" you click the toggle to turn on the GPS. Some androids can take a while to get a GPS fix if moved from last location or if the GPS has not been on in a while. There is a way to clear out a memory cache that is supposed to fix this.

With many GPSrs, you enter and save each waypoint, then create a route, and enter each of these as points in your route. When you highlight the second one, it shows the distance and direction to the second. Use a program called FizzyCalc. Enter the coords of each and it will show you distance and direction. The web site you can use is: GPSVisualizer

They still have it for sale as Yesterday's Deal. I have the white colored "Quick" charger, which charges each AA individually. It says 2 AAs charged in 1.5 hours, 4 AA charged in 4 hours. My understanding is that the black "Fast" charger charges in pairs and is 5 hours for full charge. The deal is $8.99 for 4 AAs plus the Fast Charger.

Did you miss post #5 above......

Drop the file into G7ToWin and then save it as a CSV format. G7ToWin I usually use this program as a track log utility, but it will work for waypoint files.

They look like a very good value and got good reviews. Good features like carbide tip, shock absorb on or off. I would want to try the grip. I prefer a hard foam type. The wrist strap for Trekking poles is very important. Worn properly, your weight is on the strap and you lightly grip with your fingers (hand up through, strap on outside of wrist. So I like a wide strap with no buckle.

regarding original post: You want to save and share your hikes. So, save your hikes in GPX format. You can send these to anyone to open on their Google Earth. On the left you will see the GPX files opened. Right click on a track and you will choose the elevation profile, which also has a speed graph, with listed distance, elevation gain/los, max and avg slope, time. If you want to share in a site, I also like Everytrail as listed above. If you are compiling your hikes and want summaries, graphs, aerial photos, etc, I really like SportTracks One of my screen grabs, click on thumb below, and then again on midsize at site for full size:

I have found these to be some of the brands of Low-Self-Discharge type NiMH AAs: Rayovac Hybrid Kodak Digital Camera, Ultra Low Discharge Nexcell EnergyOn Sanyo Eneloop Sony Cycle Energy Uniross Hybrio Ultralast Hybrio Lenmar R2G Maha Imedion Accupower Acculoop Ansman Max-E GP ReCyko Duracell Pre-charged Pro Power Hybrid Delkin Power (Low Discharge) Of these, I own some of the first three listed, about 8 of each that I cycle in some GPSrs and other things.

I have been using NiMH for years, and for some time have preferred the low-self-discharge type such as the Kodak, and Rayovac Hybrids. I have had the Maha smart charger MH-C9000 for a couple of years and like it. Recently I have been using the NiZN AAs in one camera and two GPSrs, and they work very well. For certain devices that need the higher voltage, they are a better choice for rechargeable.

I just compared my Droid X with my Delorme PN-30. They received the exact same satellites except the Delorme showed the WAAS bird and the Droid did not. The coords were essentially the same. I am guessing that phones do not get WAAS just as GPSrs for cars do not. In my tests on top of super-accurate benchmarks, turning WAAS on and off, with several brands of GPSrs, there was usually very little difference to maybe a couple of feet difference.

looking at the menu on my Droid X, there are 4 items under Location: "E911" (which cannot be turned off.) the next 3 items can be toggled on or off: "Use the Wireless Networks" "Use the GPS satellites" "Enable Assisted GPS" It has a GPS receiver in it, verified by using the Apps: "GPS Status", GPS Test." It is a fast and sensitive receiver. I tried it today between some high rise buildings and worked well.

The 255W at as low as $100 is a good bargain. I have two of them, and have used them for almost 2 years with good luck. One has the traffic receiver and you can plug this into another 255W and get the traffic (The 255WT is the same unit, with a power cord that is a receiver.) I like the 255 much more than my old 260. Better receiver, and does track logging.

The NiZN do have a high voltage like about 1.84 when just charged and not under load. ( I believe that they are typically 1.6V or less under load.) I just measured some new alkalines, 1.63v NiMH are above 1.40 just out of the charger. I do not have any Lithium, but I remember them being over 1.7v new. I have been using NiZN for months in the PN-30 using the Lithium setting. Same with a camera that uses 2 AAs. Both of these would not last long using NiMH on the NiMH settings. They last much longer using NiZN.

From Shnoop, I got 12 of the PowerGenix AAs with the charger for US$18.99 total delivered. They just had a 4 pack for $5 delivered. Every couple of weeks they seem to have some combination of these AAs and/or chargers in their deal of the day.

I have also been using these NiZN for several months in my Delorme PN-30, which does not like NiMH. Same thing with one of my cameras, that absolutely will not work with the low voltage of NiMH's. I just started using them in my wireless computer mouse. I have tried them in the AA battery pack in one of my hand held Ham radios and they work well. Look for the deals on Shnoop.

I got the Droid X last week and love it (and that my company is paying for it and the monthly.) In addition to the geocaching Apps, what Apps are recommended for use in the field? Specifically the essential tools and utilities that are most helpful. I find "Speed Test" very helpful for showing both 3G and Wifi speeds for various locations. I have also tried Google Earth, Tide Prediction, GPS Averaging, Radar Now (weather radar.) Please give your tried and recommended Apps.

The Yahoo eXplorist Group has files you can download once you join, including the basemaps.

I got the Droid X last week and the sales guy had his personal one in the Motorola Shell/Holster Combo. The shell is rubber-like with pattern for grip and the holster is hard. The screen faces in, so it is protected. It can be tilted vertical or horizontal. I also have the screen protector film.

The GC is a basic unit with built in street maps (including your island.) Contrary to post #2, I have one and it has a sensitive receiver and works well in the field, and is plenty accurate. It has full paperless cache info. However, compared to some of the more advanced GPSrs, it does not allow more maps (topo and aerial) to be added, and lacks good tracking feature. I got mine for $156, which is a good value, but would not pay more.

I saw it on a tag in the store in Manhattan Beach.

Your cat looks like one of my Wife's 2 cats. She loves the photo. Thanks.

If you want the least expensive option, get the PN-30 for $99.93 at REI. It comes with Topo maps of USA, and you can get the unlimited one year of downloads of aerial maps for $30.

Thanks for the info here. I find myself being told my company wants us to upgrade to a phone that will interface with our email (Outlook through Good.) I can use iPhone, Droid, Blackberry, but I want to stay with Verizon. The good news is the company will pay for all. Most people have Blackberrys, but I am leaning to Droids. Which models are recommended, primary use is email, with geocaching second.

Yes, it shows part of the name then a "..." at the end. You will see the whole name if it is 30 characters or less. If it is over 30, you will see the "..." at the end. Most cache names are under 30 characters (and spaces.)

One simple way is to connect your GC to your computer and when you see its file structure, copy the GPX file into the Geocache folder. In your original post, you said that you created a .gs file. This is a geocache file used in the earlier series of eXplorists, and will not work in your GC. You may want to get the free program from Magellan: VantagePoint. With this program, you can access this site and see all of your PQs and the date they were last run, and check which ones you want to load into your GC.