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Ellteejak

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Posts posted by Ellteejak

    Paperless Caching....amazing

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    well we are getting good at hitting things with our military stuff now, and getting good at automating airplane landings, so pilots dont make human error with ease.

     

    We are also getting good at creating mcirochips that know how to process RF infoormation more effectively (higher accuracy, faster like the SirfIII). Yep it is all good.

     

     

     

    I was reading about paperless caching and PDA's here last night, and remembered I had a Plam Vx that I had not used in over a year, so decided to ramp up my knowledge quickly. I already use GSAK and saw it would export to Cachemate, so I downloaded Cachemate and installed it. After charging the Palm, I exported one of my databases to Cachemate and ran it. It only loaded 12 waypoints, but that was enough to convince me that I really wanted the registered version of Cachemate. After registering and working with both Cachemate and GSAK, I am amazed at how much data the Palm can take and how much information I get from the Cachemate software.

     

    Now I won't have to print out pages anymore, and can do some spontaneous Geocaching as long as I have my 60CSx and Palm with me.

     

    As I sat last night thinking about the technology we have as geocachers it is truly amazing. I just started geocaching last month. For an activity that is so recent, things have come a long way. As I download PQ's to my computer using GSAK, then upload to my MapSource then GPSr, then upload to the Palm, I realized how much more work it took just a few years ago to get the same info.

     

    I guess since it is an activity built on technology, it is natural that the technology continues to evolve rapidly with this hobby.

     

    Several years ago, I got so frustrated with my Garmin GPS III whenever I wanted to use it because so much of Western Oregon is in dense tree cover. Now with my 60CSx. I can walk through a forest with the GPSr in my pocket and it receives the satellite info. Great new technology.

     

    Just think how many billions of dollars of investment it took to provide all the technology so we can tramp through the woods looking for little hidden things. :anibad:

     

    Geofindr

    60csx..is The Reception Worth The $?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted · Edited by Ellteejak

    lets talk apples:

     

    Garmin Legend Color (not the Cx version ) is around $200

     

    Garmin 60CSX is around $420.

     

    When geocaching EVERYONE is saying put the GPS away when you get within 20 feet. Are we all saying that the Legend Color at times will FAIL to get you to within 20 feet? I doubt it. Geocaches would have some very high difficulty ratings and numerous failure to find (FTFs) listed if the generic cheap GPS was having problems.

     

    That said, the 60CSX is "future proof" for maybe five years, as I doubt there would be any new incredible technology coming along to compete with it. (or its cousin 76CSX or other SIRFIII chip GPS devices). If you have the money and you want one SUPER UNIVERSAL CAN DO ANYTHING ANY OTHER GPS CAN DO, ONLY BETTER type device then the 60CSX is your man!!

     

    If I owned a 60CSX I would say it is the best too, but I still think that for that price difference extra $220 + $30 more you could get a Ique 3600 PDA with maps, voice autorouting, cachemate geocache clues, expandable memory, downloaded web pages to read, adobe documents to read, external antenna connector, car mount/power, large screen, note taking device.

     

     

     

     

    Thanks for the replys.

     

    I just returned the Vista C and ordered a 60csx from chumbo. Should be here today. I'll let you know how it works. :anibad:

    Pda As A Substitute Computer For Hiking Trip

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Palm Tungsten T3, and an AA battery backup

    external palm keyboard

    Data cable between the Palm and the GPS

    Pathaway software to upload custom maps, once you find a source.

     

     

     

    This summer I will be hiking hut to village to hut in Switzerland, and as I will be carrying all my belongings on my back my laptop will be staying at home. I will need to use a PDA as a "substitute computer" for that trip, and I know absolutely nothing about PDAs.

     

    My requirements (other than the standard features) are:

     

    1. Ability to store many routes and waypoints, calculated before the trip, and to easily exchange information with both my computer and my GPSr. It would also be nice if I could do some editing of the data as I download it from my GPSr.

     

    My GPSr (Garmin GPSmap 76CS) has both USB and serial connections; as I own a USB cable I would obviously prefer to use it. My current computer is not Bluetooth enabled, but my next one will be, so that would be a nice feature.

     

    Please note that I will not be using the PDA to display maps; just to store (and edit) data.

     

    2. Keyboard, as I will be keeping a diary.

     

    3. Long battery life, as I will occasionally be away from available power sources for up to four days (the huts have electricity, but no outlets for guests to use).

     

    What hardware/software combination would you recommend? I would like components that are standard, especially connecting cables (I understand nothing about wiring diagrams!!).

     

    Thanks!!!

    Legend C Memory Question

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted · Edited by Ellteejak

    Try to look for an older used copy of Mapsource to save some bucks. I think the major roads have not changed much in five years, so maybe you can get away with an older version (do not beat me up on this people!). I always like printed paper maps (like from Microsoft Streets & Trips), and an actual commercial road map

     

    Ever see that commercial yet where the guy drives into the store because he is OBEYING his voice GPS? I know, I know, it is an urban legend, but I could see some people doing that.

     

    I am using my Legend C for GPS in the woods on foot, when I could drop it.

     

    If I want road navigation I need $150 for the road kit? Come on!! Better to spend $100 more and get a second gps, get the Ique 3600 PDA so you can do more. Be my clone!!! :) I am going to try to put Ique mapsource maps on my Legend C since I own both (both in the mail) and I think the activation/authorization code for mapsource might work with two units maximum. Hope I am right, but we will see.

    Good Pda / Gps Combo?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I just looked and found the Palm Lifedrive that has a large internal hard drive. I can even find a SD card with GPS that will work in the Lifedrive. The combination cost does not seem too optimal to replace my GPS-Cellphone-PDA-IPOD, at least not yet. Give it five years and we should see a better combined solution that is proven and hardened for real life use.

     

    I was also looking at the Blackberry GPS applications. There is quite a lot available for the Blackberry. You might be able to pull off a combined PDA-GPS-Cellphone by getting a Blackberry.

     

     

    I would have thought that there would be PPC models out there that have internal drives and 30GB or 60GB. If the IPOD can do it why not a PPC? Well if you (or any) see such a PPC with a large hard drive let me know. (let us all know).

     

     

     

    I haven't used an Ipod so I can't compare, but there is lots of PPC video & audio/music software out there. But the largest SD or CF memory card available I believe is 6 GB and is quite pricey. The largest memory card I have is 1gb, but i have several along with all the "grandfather" cards from previous PDA's & digital camera's (6-32's/4-128's/2-256's/3-512's mb's). Memory wise you've got me beat by far.

     

     

    Good Pda / Gps Combo?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I would have thought that there would be PPC models out there that have internal drives and 30GB or 60GB. If the IPOD can do it why not a PPC? Well if you (or any) see such a PPC with a large hard drive let me know. (let us all know).

     

     

     

    I haven't used an Ipod so I can't compare, but there is lots of PPC video & audio/music software out there. But the largest SD or CF memory card available I believe is 6 GB and is quite pricey. The largest memory card I have is 1gb, but i have several along with all the "grandfather" cards from previous PDA's & digital camera's (6-32's/4-128's/2-256's/3-512's mb's). Memory wise you've got me beat by far.

     

     

    Good Pda / Gps Combo?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Now I am extremely jealous!! You must killed on sight so I can steal your toy!! Well looks like I know what I want sooner or later for my next toy.

     

    Is there any pocket PC software that emulates/simulates/does as good as an IPOD? I can sell my IPOD and just consolidate into one SUPER universal device. I have the 30GB IPOD video. Can your PPC PDA play video?

     

    *********

    Check, I do have the 337, (307=late night, bleary eyes). This card does come with an antenna port (the retailer tossed in the antenna for free. cool!) I've only had to use the MMCX external antenna once though, I get 3d locks inside warehouses, buildings, deep woods, where ever with no external antenna all the time.

     

    Yes, the model 3600 otter box handles the cf card with ease, it also has add-on case components, top and bottom to fit your cards or battery packs. My PDA is probably the largest you can buy now & it fits in the case with the CF card perfectly.

     

    ***********

    Bc-337 Has External Antenna Connector?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted · Edited by Ellteejak

    I was looking at the CF GPS from Globalsat called the BC-337 with the SIRFIII chipset. It supposedly has as an accessory an external antenna.

     

    So does this CF card have an external antenna?

     

    Also the web site mentioned it is not compatable with the newest version of Windos Mobile PC, I think I saw that someone here was using it. So I assume it works with the older versions of windows mobiles for PPC?

    Good Pda / Gps Combo?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted · Edited by Ellteejak

    Even though I just bought a Garmin Ique 3600 PDA-GPS (with Palm software) I have to admit that your setup is a slick efficient optimal solution.

     

    I was looking to see what the total could cost me if I switch platform to MS Pocket PC with a CF GPS. Glad you were fully honest about the $600 cost. I would say the equivalent on the Palm platform with some compromises in performance but still competitively functional (not the largest screen, not the fastest processor, not the easiest software) is the Ique 3600 with auto/car kit and some kind of protective case (to be bought for $400 total).

     

    The only change from your system I would suggest is to trade up to the BC-337 with SirfIII chip. Your older CF slot GPS card is a SirfII card. With the SirfIII the rumor is that if you cant find and use satellites, you must be inside a metal elevator, shielded from all RF energy. I guess you are implying that the OTTER BOX can handle the CF card and patch attenna sticking out at the top, and protect it as well?? Wish these CF GPS cards had some kind of external antenna connector, to allow me to attach a glisson antenna if I wanted to use one.

     

    I use a Toshiba e-830 with a USGlobalSat BC-307 CF GPS Receiver with Pocket Streets when I'm driving & GPSDASH 4 when I'm caching. Ive found Pocket streets & trips more than adequate for my navigation needs. Maps can be easily made on my desktop and are relatively small in size when compared to other software, There isn't any update fee and you can make a map & route from Canada to Mexico. Total cost including software was around the $600 mark but I purchased the PDA well before catching the Geocaching bug so my GPSin' cost was around $190, so for under $200 I have a killer GPS, with the largest, best looking color PDA screen, on the market, that can play mp3's, videos or video games, connects to the internet, oh and is a neat little office work station in a pinch.

     

    I get about 5 hours with the back light on the lowest setting on the main battery. When I plug in my Nimh rechargeable external battery pack(4-2500 AA's) I can get 16+ hours total run time (Bonus of the battery pack setup is I can use the batteries in my digital camera and recharge my cell phone with it). If I use "screen off" software, i'll last for days. (The screen off software turns off your screen, saving battery power but leaves your PDA on keeping your GPS hot, also one the cool options is linking the screen off function to a pda button so you turn your screen on & off quickly & easily) You can get a freeware version here:

     

    http://www.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=14498

     

    I chose the CF card over bluetooth just because of the power drain issue and the multiple batteries/charging complication (although I do have to charge the battery pack). With bluetooth on I get 3-4 hours on my main battery.

     

    I use my setup in the woods all the time but I bought an Otterbox 3600 case and use it religiously. My first night out with it, I (275 #'s) fell fully on top of it after slipping on a patch of ice. I came out bruised, the PDA didn't even turn off, the case wasn't scratched but my stainless steel thermos looked like a crushed pop can. If you use your PDA on the trail I'd suggest you invest in one of these cases, they are absolutely bullet proof!

     

    http://www.otterbox.com/products/pda_cases/3600/

    Turn-by-turn Routing

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted · Edited by Ellteejak

    Sorry I did not get back to you on this. I would have trouble reading my PDA in the field (always had trouble seeing one). So I am getting a field GPS. I think I will be keeping my new Garmin Legend C (if it has a good storage for POIs, and can use them), along with using the Ique 3600 in the car. Not using TomTom as I will just use the garmin Mapsource that came with the PDA.

     

    I think your TOMTOM solution is great. It got superior reviews by several tough groups (I think consumer reports, etc.). Why do you want to change? Just get an armored case for your PDA and you are set.

     

    That smashed PDA just sounds like someone made a bad mistake. My PDA is in the field with me all the time. I have dropped it, but I usually don't

     

    Man I'm daft...this never even occured to me (armored case).

     

    Can you read the screen in the daylight with your PDA? I assume you have a separate GPS for the "off road stuff? Or are you using TomTom and just dealing with no detail?

     

    I do love the TomTom, except the maps are slightly inferior to Garmin...I noticed it was missing information for the roads leading to my office in Colorado Springs. But I figured out a way to make a waypoint in Mapsource and loaded it to TomTom as a POI, and then marked the POI as a favorite to really make it stand out. Sounds like I can also accomplish this by enterting location into GSAK and then converting to POI. Anyway, I'm curious to see if it will actually understand my destination is another 3 blocks further than where the road ended (I work in MD but will be visiting the CO Springs area where I'm not familiar).

    Off Track Alarm Beep, And Proximity Alarm Beep

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Looks like the paid PathAway software does this for the Ique 3600. For $60 that is not bad. Then Path Away can use any map software that I have to use as a calibrated basemap.

     

    Then I use Garmin Mapsource software for auto routing.

     

    Or I can use the free BIRD FINDER software to do the same as PathAway but no maps.

     

    The Etrex Legend color has proximity alarms. It can do autorouting too (for $150 extra), but I would rather spend another $100 and get my Ique 3600.

    Mapopolis Coupon Code - Trade For Anything?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I have a mapopilis coupon Code for $20 off the full Mapopolis version regular $100. It looks like I can't use it, but if anyone has anything (advise - hey that is worth something, free software, MP3/IPOD song list - not the songs!!) that they are willing to trade, I am willing to pass it on to you.

     

    Hope it will work and that it is not coded to my name or something.

     

    Posting here first, then GPSPassion web site, and BargainPDA web sites too.

    Points Of Interest - Poi Web Sites?

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    I am trying to find web sites that list POINTS OF INTEREST that can be uploaded to my GPS. I see that some GPS manufacturers have them. But I would think there would be some central area that has them too.

     

    GPS Passion at www.gpspassion.com sort of has them. I see some sites/countries have listings of all the SPEED TRAPS for upload to the GPS (Slick!!).

     

    But I am more looking at general points of interest.

     

    Please respond here, or email me direct to let me know of sources.

    Off Track Alarm Beep, And Proximity Alarm Beep

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Guess I need to look in the Garmin manual under GEOCACHE section for my Etrex Legend C. Thanks for the note!!

     

    I have a 76CSx. When it is in Geocache mode an alarm goes off when I am near a cache. I can also manually set a proximity alarm around any waypoint I want. It will set off an alarm when I get within a distance I set around a waypoint. This is my first GPSr and I just got it but I am pretty sure there is no way to set an alarm is you go off track. It would sure be a nice feature, especially for river navigation.

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