Dale_Lynn

January 17, 2014

Guess my question is answered..... Also its my assumption any cache is fine, what we chase can be our own preferred cache models..... Real negative is cache owner who does not take this seriously and maintain a quality cache, no matter what size or form..... Thanks...

Dale

January 13, 2014

New policy may be if cupboard is bare, leave something, take nothing...

But that's not necessarily what the cache owner prefers.

I prefer to have no swag in my caches and I'm certainly not willing to visit one of my caches just to clean up the swag. I could hide micros, but I do not like them as they are harder to find and do not leave space for trackables.

I also need to admit that it happened more than once to me that the log book and sensitive trading items

got dirty due to my fault when I had to grab the log book without being able to clean my fingers that got dirty

while I approached the cache. At quite a number of caches I have to log when I'm lacking a good stand and need one hand for

not sliding down a steep slope. Handling cache containers with a lot of swag in such a situation is a real pain.

Cezanne

If you put a note on the lid, I won't leave nutin'.

Would seem to me a cache with no swag is just a micro.... Exactly what you seem to voice a distaste for.....

Dale

January 10, 2014

New policy may be if cupboard is bare, leave something, take nothing...

But that's not necessarily what the cache owner prefers.

I prefer to have no swag in my caches and I'm certainly not willing to visit one of

my caches just to clean up the swag. I could hide micros, but I do not like them as they are

harder to find and do not leave space for trackables.

I also need to admit that it happened more than once to me that the log book and sensitive trading items

got dirty due to my fault when I had to grab the log book without being able to clean my fingers that got dirty

while I approached the cache. At quite a number of caches I have to log when I'm lacking a good stand and need one hand for

not sliding down a steep slope. Handling cache containers with a lot of swag in such a situation is a real pain.

Cezanne

Got to wonder why you are involved in geocaching... All you negatives are what make this a adventure and enjoyable...

Dale

January 9, 2014

Well it sort of looks like swag has its place.... Was never excited about micro-caches, to me it was not just the "find" but the "exchange" and I have a couple of really nice things I have exchanged for hanging on Christmas tree each year to remind me what a great adventure I had finding stuff....

Will continue to exchange swag if there is something in container...

New policy may be if cupboard is bare, leave something, take nothing...

Cheers!

Dale

January 7, 2014

Hi...Been away from GC for quit awhile and did a few caches, a few days ago and found them either quite pathetic or plain missing swag. Has something changed over the years I have been gone? Is it no longer important to have a good quality cache with fine swag, or did I just do a series of pathetic caches

Dale

September 4, 2010

I know very little about iPads, so this might be a dumb question. I've seen them in our local Apple store, and played around on the Internet, presumably going through the store's Wifi? Can you get a wireless network card, (or Apple equivalent), so you can get online anywhere you get cell phone coverage? If so, I think it'd be pretty kewl to put Google Earth on there, with the .kml software running.

Get the G3 enabled iPad and it can "connect" to almost anything (internet) through G3 cellular network (you may need a contract) or just use its WIFI capabilities, it also has the AGPS chip which will actually provide lat/lon coordinate for satellite GPS system (at least this is my understanding)..

I to have many questions about capabilities of iPad ...

EDIT to Add link to ATT G3 services...

http://www.apple.com/ipad/3g/

Dale

September 3, 2010

Anybody using GPS feature with WIFI and G3 enabled I-Pad (AGPS chip equipped)...

Was wondering how well GPS and Compass features (apps) work when in back country out of WIFI range or G3 network range. Was wondering basically how good latitude and longiture reading are with satellite only ... Have been reading some and it indicates I-Phone apps (at least some) will also work on I-Pad, any comments?

Also anybody use any USGS maps (in pdf format) on I-Pad... Was told the Ebook app. would display pdf files and was hoping somebody had tried this and can report any success (or not).. Maybe some other App?

IS there a message thread already on forum already addressing this particular application for I-Pad?

I know there is a geocacheing App (from this site) for I-phone, will it work on I-Pad?

Dale

August 18, 2008

edited to nothing....

August 18, 2008

Is there a way to download multiple caches after you use the check all box? Is there a way to download the directions/ discription to your gps?

These could be your best friends if you are on a budget...

http://www.easygps.com/

Get "free" version for now.....

Also...

http://www.factsfacts.com/geocachingsoft/EZCompanion.htm

Dale

August 18, 2008

Today I was playing around with my Triton 300 that I have had for a few months now and I finally figured out how to import GPX files into the vantage point software that it came with. YAHOOO!! It actually loads short and long discriptions, hints and all the other particulars about the cache straight from my pocket query. I could not be happier. If anyone owns a Triton and has not figured this out just email me.

Why not just share it here!

Dale

June 11, 2007

I got all excited and thought I was in the clear because my notebook has a PCMCIA slot...but I haven't been able to locate any serial port cards that support Windows Vista.

GRRRRRR!

Helga

Get name and model numbers and query manufacturer if their unit is VISTA capable. Just because it is not listed on box as Vista compatible does not mean it will not work... It just may be time before "new" packaging of product catches up with new operating system...

Also if you buy it and it does not work, check manufacturers website for upgrade software.... A lot of times hardware never changes, its just a dirver issue and manufacturer just has to update it. All you need to do in most cases is download it from manufacturer and install it.

Dale

June 8, 2007

The following information was written for USB to SERIAL adapter cables related to communications between GPS and PC, however it may also apply to USB/Serial converters used with a PDA. One will have to make a leap of faith to use some information with PDA software when deriving parameters for COM ports.

Finding Com Port

It's quite possible your lap top or desk top machine can not "find" correct COM port!...

Or your computer does not have traditional serial port. (they are slowly going away in favor of USB). A USB/Serial adapter may be the answer for you.

FIRST and foremost, LOAD the USB drivers that came on CD included with USB/SERIAL adapter. Unless you do this everything else you try is a waste of time. IF this has been done them lets move on.

If you have Serial/USB adapter and are not getting it to work, suggest you delve into what COM ports or USB/adapter ports your "systems" have available or how they are configured ....

The major problem is usually identifying what COM port number the USB/RS-232 Serial Adapter was assigned by WINDOWS system. This is also valid for locating available hard wired serial ports. Port numbers can be verified in the "Control Panel" under "System" under "Hardware" under "Device Manager". Scroll down to “Ports” and it will tell you the “port number” and at what speed (baud) port is configured at. You can actually plug in and unplug adapter and see the "port" appear and disappear on ports field. Right clicking on "port" and selecting "properties" will tell you everything you need to know about port. This info is necessary to get EasyGPS and GSAK and “other” programs to communicate with GPS unit. Yes you do need to set baud rate on GPS to match computer COM port which may be set with whatever software computer is running. See instructions for GPS unit on setting Baud rate and other Serial Port parameters.

Most software applications and hardware (modems) like to work with COM 1 ... Also if you have any "synchronize” software running for a Palm or other hand held PDA, it grabs COM 1 and will not let any other applications use it. You may need to disable any synchronization software it you have it as a running application to release COM 1 if you have to use that specific COM port.

Also just plugging in a USB/Serial adapter to USB port may not trigger system to assign COM port number. In some cases you must have a valid device (GPS) on end of data cable from USB/Serial adapter and the device must be turned on for system to respond and assign a COM port number. Also having a loop back plug in USB/Serial adapter will trigger adapter/system to assign com port number if serial adapter requires a "valid" device on end of cable.

Also be aware you will most likely need to load USB/Serial Port adapter drives from included CD to get adapter to work properly. This should be done before plugging in adapter for first time.

Hyper Link Test

Here is procedure to test COM/SERIAL/USB port. It will work with both hard wired serial port (COM) on older computers or with USB/SERIAL adapters if proper drivers are loaded. This test will require a “loop back” plug for serial connector that has pins 2 and 3 connected (shorted) back to each other.

1. Determine COM port number using the process above to find the port number (Finding Com Port).

2. Open HYPER-TERM the communications terminal program that is standard part of Windows supplied utilities. If installed it may be found under “Communications” on main menus. (or any other terminal program you are familiar with).

3. Establish a “new connection” file name something like “serialist” or “loopbacktest”. Specifying the specific COM port number (found in above procedure). Set ASCII options to NOT echo characters locally (Uncheck - Echo Characters Locally).

4. Plug in USB/SERIAL adapter and install “loop back” plug on serial connector plug ( if using hard wired port on computer that is where loop back plug goes also) . IF you can now type characters on key board and see them appear on screen the com port and path (and USB adapter) are good. If you unplug loop back plug and then type and characters do not appear on screen this further verifies port is working properly and adapter is working. If you type and get double characters (aa-bb-cc) for each key stroke with loop back plug in place it means “local echo” is turned on. If you only get single characters when loop back plug is removed then it still proves serial path is good.

Hyper Terminal setup.

Start Hyper Terminal and when “New Connection” window box is presented enter your file name (“looptest” or whatever) Click ok.

Next box should say “Connect To:”

In this box, at bottom it should say “Connect Using“ and there should be a com port number ( mine comes up COM 4 - Yours may be different). Click OK.

Note: Hyper Terminal should only show you any valid COM ports available by system. IF you don't see and COM ports your adapter is not configured (drivers?). Your computers MODEM should also be listed if computer is so equipped and modem is “active”.

With loop back plug in place try typing. Do you get characters? Answer should be yes.

Remove loop back plug, do you get characters? Answer should be no.

If you need to change “echo” settings. Go to File drop down menu and click on Properties. In properties box, click on Settings Tab. In setting box select ASCII Setup. Either check or uncheck “ Echo typed characters locally” (what ever you prefer).

USB-PARAMETERS

I think if you will fine that if you set up port parameters in GPS and Software (GSAK-EasyGPS) to same as "default" parameters found in "properties" for USB/Serial adapter you will not have any connection problems.

Did you even know that there is a properties setting for COM port on control panel?. Try right clicking “Port" once you have hot swapped - plugged in USB/Serial adapter.

By default mine are:

Baud =9600

DataBits = 8

Parity = None

Stop Bits = 1

Flow Control = None

The driver "defaults" set in port parameters (Properties) in "hardware" can be adjusted and saved so every time you plug in adapter it will default to desired setting... You have to have software and GPS unit set to match.

I still believe most of the "problems" is not having "port defaults" at (initialization- plug-in time), software, GPS all set to same parameters.... And boot up has nothing or very little to do with it.

Though RS-232 Serial Ports are on way out, it would probably be a little beneficial for one to look up how they function and what parameters do..

<http://www.arcelect.com/rs232.htm>

FINDING - PORT

Here is how I find my USB/SERIAL adapter...

Easiest solution to find COM port is to go into "Control Panel" >> Select "System " icon >> Select "Hardware" >> Select "Device Manager" >> Scroll down to "PORTS" (COM & LPT) and see what new "port" pops up when you plug in USB/SERIAL adapter cable

Mine comes up as "Prolific USB to Serial Com Port (COM5) "

What ever Com port number USB port is assigned by "system" (COM5 in my case) is Com port number you need to use when setting up parameters/properties in your software used to communicate with GPS unit through USB/SERIAL adapter cable.

Be sure USB drivers for adapter cable are loaded from CD FIRST (or off I-net) before trying to plug in USB/Serial adapter cable.

Pretty much like other user described in previous responses..

In this cases you probably need to clean out drivers and reinstall them BEFORE you attempt to plug in adapter cable.... Even though BELKIN is brand name, Prolific makes about 90% of USB/serial adapters on market today...

NOTE: Some Garmin units using MAPSOURCE seem to prefer using COM 1 or COM 2 or COM 3. You may have to change parameters in “PORTS” setup (hardware manager) as units will not work is using COM 5 or COM 6 as USB/Serial adapter seems to think is ok…

Revised 11-18 -2006

Also most PALM/PDA software wants to use COM 1 as perfered port. If USB/Converter software does not have COM 1 set up into parameters PDA software is not going to see proper COM port and communications will fail.

Hope there is some clues in all this to help...

Dale

June 8, 2007

Are you by chance using a SERIAL to USB adapter cable to communicate with your GPS unit from PC?

If so you must load drivers for Serial/USB converter then setup "software" parameters to use specific COM Port number derived by "converter" and these COM port numbers need to be put into your "GSP communication" software such as EasyGPS or GSAK....

Dale

June 2, 2007

Basically you go to geocache.com and find a page of caches close to your location. Select the ones you want (that appeal to you) by placing a check mark in the "download" box....

At bottom of page select "download caches" and the files will be sent to your computer with a extender as a ".LOC" file...

Use software like EasyGPS or GSAK to load the .loc file and edit it.... There is setup parameters in EasyGPS or GSAK to "connect" with GPS unit through either the COM port or USB connector of your PC... Then you SEND the data file (from EasyGPS or GSAK) to GPS unit....

This is basic concept. You have a bit of learning curve depending on GPS unit you have, and cache manipulation software you use and transmission process between PC and GPS...

May 21, 2007

Its a secret application you were not supposed to know about... Now they will have to eliminate you....

Dale

May 18, 2007

So I just got a new GPS and I am loving it! However, I have noticed that when I look at the cache information page that there is a screen to view the cache hint. My question is this, do I have to manually input the hint or is there a way to download it when I download the waypoints. I have not figured out how to get the terrain, altitude, or difficulty level as well. I would love to be able to download the info as I usually do not like to look at the hint until after I've looked at least once for the cache. Any help would be appreciated.

Generally you can "check mark" numerous caches in a displayed page and then download the checked caches into a .loc file to you computer. You will need some software like EasyGPS or GSAK for PC to talk to GPS....

You will have to upload USB driver for USB connection between GPS and PC befor you try to do any transfers...

You use EasyGPS or GSAK to up load the information in the .loc file into GPS unit.

EasyGPS does not download to GPS the "hint" or graphics on cache page just the cache name and coordinates.... Some of us just print out cache page if we want hard copy of cache description. Check out "printer friendly" option.........

This information is by no means the ultimate, there are many option as to software and premium memberships and a lot of "other" things........

This is just to get you started...

Dale

May 16, 2007

Anybody seen or used this new BUSHNELL unit, the ONIX200?...

http://www.bushnellgps.com/products/products.htm

They claim to have multiple screen layering and satellite and aerial photographs witrh you actuyal position sumpeimposed on it...

Dale

May 8, 2007

Does anybody have any proof that turning off WAAS actually saves battery life. I always assumed it was sort of a urban legend. Seems to me the processor in GPS is running all the time. So WAAS data is just some more data in the data stream and not a separate unique function that uses a area of the chip that needs to be turned OFF/ON... I always though turning WAAS OFF/ON was just a software feature to block or pass a specific series of bits in data stream.

Dale

May 7, 2007

Well, my small wrist lanyard for the MeriGold failed. I am glad that the unit was not damaged though. (It probably can be repaired- i just dont want it to fail again.)

Do i now need to go to a hardware store to buy parts to make a replacement? Are their any other options besides ordering one from Magellan?

Since I usually carry GPS in my hand, I made a lanyard ring for back of unit, similar to Maggie Lanyard, and use a small dog leash to attach GPS to backpack strap... Its more for "I cant lose it if its tied on"....

Just be aware that if you use an around the neck lanyard it should have a "safety release" if you fall and lanyard catches on some thing, if has the potential to strangle you. A bruised neck and a break away lanyard is much better alternative.

Dale

May 5, 2007

I have had good luck using the free program "EasyGPS" and use a utility called "Easy GPS Companion" to merge all my .loc files into one major file to load into EasyGPS..

http://www.factsfacts.com/geocachingsoft/EZCompanion.htm

Dale

May 5, 2007

Hi Good Afternoon - I'm hoping you all can help me with this.

I've had a Megellan Meridian Platinum for a couple years, but haven't done anything with it. All I've got is the base map, but I'd like to transfer some new maps. I recently purchased DeLorme SA 07 and I'm wondering if these maps are compatible with the Meridian.

Also - for whatever reason, I'm having trouble with my PC recognizing the gps is attached. Is there something I need to configure (baud rate?) to make them see each other?

Thanks for your help on both my questions!

Alex

Can't help you with the map situation other than to note that maps are pretty much proprietary and usually a GPS will only accept maps that are proprietary to the unit provided by the units manufacturer.

As for the serial connection, yes all the parameters have to match.... Usually its "8 data bits", "1 stop bit" and "no parity" and baud rate of PC has to match baud rate setup in GPS. Think Magellan default is set at 4800 baud (check parameters on GPS unit) .... Also software that PC is running has to know the physical COM port number GPS is plugged into.

Dale

May 1, 2007

It could possibly be adapter. Did you load software drives for adapter before plugging it in to computer. Also do you have correct COM port number (USB adapter supplied) entered into Software....