GeoCraig

The guy at earthcache.org is very nice. He had me write the cache page 3 times before he accepted it, but he was helpful. They want a narrative of what will be seen and learned while visiting the site. I'm not sure it some invisible underground feature will cut it, but you can always ask. Follow the e-mail link at earthcache.org and ask away. He will let you know what you need.

I guess I have a lot of DNFs that I have to change to finds because of the effort. If effort is the criteron, I've usually put a lot more effort into most DNFs because I just keep looking and looking.....and looking with only a DNF for the effort.

http://boulter.com/gps/grabber/ is another good tool for locationless caching.

BTW--the cache is in the area of Avenue of the Americas and 41st Street.

Meet Someone New (GCN2H4) is a multi-cache that starts in Los Angeles, part 2 is in Manhattan, and I think the final leg is in LA. I need someone to find the hid-a-key with the coordinates for part 3 of the cache. Once part 3 is found, we both get credit for the cache. If you are interested, please e-mail me at coakford@yahoo.com and I'll send you the coordinates for part 2. Thanks. Craig

Magellan GPSs will only interface with Magellan mapping software like MapSend or DirectRoute. S&T is a nice program--you should can use it directly with the GPS.

GSAK has a very nice export function for Streets and Trips. I use it all the time. File Export Streets&Trips

I quit trading. I don't even look for anything but the log book. If there is a TB in the cache, I will often trade it out. But I don't even bother with trading.

Yes. In fact, I think loading maps with a card reader is the prefered method. As far as time, I think you are in the ballpark.

I've enjoyed locationless caches. Most are more difficult and more interesting than another micro hidden in a news stand or a light pole. They can take planning and research. I wish they would be allowed again.

Here are some more downtown LA cache that are easily reached from the Convention Center on DASH. GCGADA Great Western Bank Foreign Exchange GCBFEC Challenger Shuttle Memorial GCK3JJ Little Tokyo Walk GCN302 Little Tokyo muggle-me-not GCNB0C Little Tokyo's Secret Mall GC5718 Sword and Shield The DASH map is at http://www.ladottransit.com/dash/

Will you have a car? If not, the recommended caches near the Convention Center can easily be reached on the DASH bus--it's only 25 cents. The City of Angels is a multi and it will take you a while. Do your homework for Awed Couples (I recommend www.imdb.com) before you try it and then it is very straightforward. My Central Library cache and Howling Coyote Wilderness cache both have photo hints. Howling is almost impossible without the photo hints. If you need some help, please let me know. I work a block away from the Central Library. If you have some free time at lunch I can go with you to a cache or two if you would like a guide.

I think I read somewhat that it only charges from the USB when the unit is OFF. Without reversing the cord, I've left it plugged in to the USB car adapter overnight and it was fully charged in the morning. The USB car adapter I am using is to recharge my Palm. Seems to be working great for the GPS.

64 megs. But that is a very large area. I did several maps: So California/So Nevada (Mexico to Bay Area) and UT/CO/AZ/NM were both under the 64 meg limit.

I have a USB adapter for my car outlet, so I've been just leaving my 500 connected to the external power. I left the GPS on and put it in the console box between the front seats while I had an appointment. When I came out, the GPS still had a good lock on 7 sats. I'm impressed.

The Guide has been posted at the URL listed above. http://rapidshare.de/files/1324628/eXplori..._Guide.pdf.html I tried it out and it works just fine---the timer before downloading is a little annoying, but hey, it's free.

500 User Guide Perhaps the Yahoo Groups site isn't the best place to download the Guide. Does anyone have another idea. I'll be happy to send it to individuals as long as I have the time to do it or until we come up with another solution.

Explorist 500 User Guide I just posting to the Explorist Yahoo Groups Files sections the 117 page User Guide. I have no idea why it wasn't included with the unit or why you can't access it from the Magellan website, but Steve in Tech Support e-mail it to me. It is clear that the folks in Tech Support have not been trained for the release of the 500 or 600. The qualityof the info I have been getting is a crap shoot. Hopefully this User Guide will address some of the questions I have been having. Here is the URL for the Guide: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eXplorist/files/

My 500 came yesterday. I think I'm going to like it once I get use to it. Mine didn't come with the main manuall--only a quick start. Re the serial number--delete the leading 0 and the final number and give it a try.

MapSend Topo 3D v DirectRoute I decided to go with the Direct Route. I never (rarely, anyway) look at the topo lines and other trail map info on my current map, so why not get fancy with DirectRoute. I bought it at erwincomp.com for $86, $96 with shipping.

The software question--- After I got an answer on the phone that the Explorist 500 could use the MapSend Topo 3.0, I wrote and asked again. I got a pretty strong reply that it is NOT compatible. So now the question is---is Direct Route worth the extra expense over Map Send Topo 3-D? How many of you have been using the Direct Route features?

Tried the refresh action. It still wasn't listed for a while. Very strange.

Back to the software. I have MapSend Topo 3.0 that I've been using with my Sportrak Pro. I just called Magellan tech support to ask if it will be compatible with an Explorist 500. The tech guy said yes. When I mentioned that their website doesn't list it, he said the web page needs to be updated. So, does anyone know for sure if I need to buy new map software or if the tech support guy is right? BTW--I notice the REI just dropped their price on the 500 to $318.99. I ordered mine from shopharmony.com last night for $279--$293.95 after shipping.

I've noticed that sometimes there is quite a bit of time between went I log a cache and when it actually shows up. I can tell that it want through because it shows on my personal history. It just doesn't show up on the log page for a while. Are the logs moderated?

Why move this? Washington DC caches are of national interest. I would never think of looking in the NE forum, but would be interested in seeing what cachers have to say from all over the country on this one.