RJFerret

In Menu -> Menu -> Setup -> Routing you need to change "Guidance Method" to 'Prompted' or 'Off Road'. It sounds like it's on 'Follow Road'. Good luck, Randy

You can, via the various waypoint transfer utilities put limited characters of the hint in the waypoint comment field but it'll either be encrypted or decrypted. The GPS can't de/encrypt for you. On mine, I made a '13ROT' waypoint w/comment of the ROT13 cheat (less a couple less used letters): ABCDEFGHILM NOPQRSTUVYZ However, I do use a Palm device with Hint Decrypter so haven't actually used it much. On the routing to parking, if the cache is near a highway, it might route you where there isn't an exit! However when you drive by it'll recalculate. It's not intelligent so you should check it although I've gotten really comfortable with it and often follow it blindly. Enjoy, Randy

On my Amiga, an ARexx script in my web browser for exporting cache info to my Palm device. On my Palm, GPilotS for transferring waypoints and tracks. Also Hint Decrypter every now and then. On my 60cs City Select. Prior to that I used QuoVadis maps on my Palm which offered great scrolling (street names stayed onscreen while you panned around). Enjoy, Randy

Wow, glad that was sorted out--I have follow road/offroad prompted and wasn't navigating during my test prior to my post. I'll remember this... (When I first tried to use it I was really baffled as I couldn't even remember the name of the function and couldn't find it in any menus like you--but your predicament was more extreme!) Phew, Randy

Try this: turn unit on and wait 'till it gets a fix, then calibrate the compass anew and check again. I had that happen when I first went to use it--turns out it's not on the menu at all unless the electronic compass is calibrated and greyed out if off or you don't have a lock. It worked phenomenally on a night cache across a wide body of water once I did the above! hth, Randy PS: Remember you need to calibrate the compass after replacing batteries AND entering area of different magnetic fields...

Wow, that's tragic. I'd have the unit checked out. Although my prior eTrex was the basic yellow...my 60cs holds reception better, reacquires more rapidly and typically received more sats in comparison. It also does this in any aspect even hanging from my belt, whereas my eTrex had to face skyward and be held away from my body. Yesterday, on a multicache of 3 stages, the arrow pointed directly at the actual sites down to 4' at two locations! My eTrex would typically be 0-40 feet away. So far the 60 has yet to be more than about 25' in use of about 100 caches... I share all this to encourage you NOT to adapt to a potentially bad unit but motivate you to get it checked out. From your description, it is underperforming... Forums are great to vent, but they can distract one from the proper course of action. If this forum didn't exist, you probably would have already called the phenomenal Garmin tech support and straightened it out! (Just be sure to save your data beforehand.) Best wishes, Randy

I believe when it takes 2+ rotations your speed wasn't as perfect as it likes, hence the longer rotation to get it's info. You can also calibrate it not level (I do mine slightly angled toward me as I naturally hold it in my hand) so it's easier to see. This is trickier if you turn it with your hands, but easier if you hold the belt clip and spin it or rotate your entire body (don't fall down--then it won't be level!). I've found I need to recalibrate if the bedrock is radically different from where I used it last. (Presumably the magnetic fields are different.) Calibrate it on a hillside and it won't be as happy when it gets to level and vise-versa. Enjoy, Randy

On 1, I can't help you (I never mark my car, just clear my track and tracback to beginning). On 2, under Map Setup I keep Zoom OFF. When I tracback, it is scaled to the size of the track... (I just tested it, first it was scaled to the width of the state as I drove to the line yesterday, then after I deleted that it was scaled to the current track.) Another option, do you really need to use the tracback function? You could simply just go to the map screen and follow your trail out without hitting any buttons at all! (I never go the way tracback wants anyway, cutting off corners and shortening my return trip.) hth, Randy

Having used a basic yellow w/magnetic compass for a couple years and 300+ caches I am VERY glad I went with the electronic compass in my 60cs. it... saves time (don't have to compare gps screen against physical compass) points accurately despite bad sat reception points accurately when you've slowed near a cache points accurately when you turn to look around or backup a bit is less confusing when there's bounce makes projection caches infinitely easier offers Sight-N-Go is one of the least expensive electronic compasses I do find I have to calibrate it more often than each battery change though. (But you can easily just hold the belt clip in your hand and rotate it with a finger.) I also don't calibrate it flat, but at a more natural viewing angle... Recently I did a cache designed to send you around a wide expanse of water--some folks visually looked at landmarks, some divided their team, some used compasses, few used FRS radios. Using Sight-n-go I simply made a waypoint at the destination! Saved tons of time, took no thought/planning, was very easy and earned me a FTF. (Speaking of which, if those scratch-offs are worth anything it could go toward paying off that $40...) Hehe, Randy PS: YMMV, but I've never heard someone regret getting it--only folks stating they don't miss it.

I have to second the kudos since I was initially critical of the quality and choices. Now I've seen no poorly exposed images, better framing and cropping, and images that compliment each other. A dramatic and vast improvement! Very impressive... Thanks all, Randy

Having cached many times at night, I was only fearful once--in a state forest I heard something approaching through the brush... It wasn't the rustling leaves of something small... It wasn't the slow steps of something large... Having seen MANY reflecting eyes turn and flee in my headlamp, this time I was turned toward the sound waiting for it's arrival. It was moving FAST and getting closer. It wasn't coming in straight, but apparently following my trail... I don't carry a staff, so was hoping my boots would be enough. It's sounds of movement were now much louder--or my adrenelin was heightening my senses...probably both... Suddenly it burst into sight, eyes a-glowing, nose to the ground, the domestic dog came right up my track and halted a few feet from me. Now I've come across many dogs off-leash (illegally), roaming free, etc. I've always won them over... This guy was not having any of it: body language didn't help, commands didn't help. He started circling me at that same distance--I turned to not let him behind me. Then he started howling like he had me treed! I'm just glad he didn't have any buddies. Finally I got bored and proceeded to head toward the coords, never letting him behind me more than my flank. He never got closer than those few feet and seemed unaffected by any behaviour on my part. Ultimately he got bored and probably headed off after the scent of a deer trail. That was NOTHING compared to numerous attacks from 3,000 lb. automobilious carniverous on the way to caches... Fortunately no homo sapien, the most vicious carnivore I see daily has ever bothered me outside of urban areas. Enjoy, Randy

At dinner-time while camping at an event this past weekend: Click here for full-size... Is that Signal in there??? Haha, Randy

Or walk down to the beach and zero it... Heh, Randy

Here's the workaround to generate driving directions from where you aren't to another point. First, from Satellite screen hit Menu button and select 'New Location'. Choose 'Use Map' from popup. Scroll to Point A on the map. Now call up Point B (any way: waypoint, select from map, Find button, etc...) and 'Go To'. Choose 'Turn Demo Mode On' from popup. If enabled select 'Follow Road' and whichever method (Faster/Shorter). Voila! Highlighted route on the map and turn-by-turn directions from A to B irrespective of where you currently are. (To return to normal simply 'Use With GPS On' from Sat screen's menu or cycle off/on.) Enjoy, Randy PS: If your 'New Location' was really far away, you'd want to reset it to near where you are to find satellites quickest again. When the unit asks if

Yuppers (except the basemap of course). Here in Connecticut, all of CT, the Eastern border of NY, all of Manhattan and surrounding, the Southern half of Mass but all Boston and all RI fit in my 60cs. I never considered the 76 'cause of button placement. I never considered no S because I wanted the electronic compass after using a physical one for 300+ caches. So that was my rational...(the 60cs does have marine functions too). I've been surprised how nice it is not having to orient the antenna like my eTrex--it sits in a cupholder in the car happily. Enjoy, Randy

Which sort of says it all didn't it? The net affect of that example (the tactless attitude-laden one) is people are left with a bad taste in their mouth and don't want to participate. To quote another, "he's taken the fun out of it". Since the approvers ARE the company's representatives... If they were provided tools and encouraged to be courteous rather than rude and arrogant, helpful rather than critical, we might witness better hides, a less negative perception of Groundspeak, more willing volunteers, and fewer bannings/restrictions of geocaching. It takes no more effort to be polite after all, it just takes a desire to do so and respect of others. hth, Randy

Most all the approvers are courteous but there are some notable exceptions. I stopped hiding caches for almost a year due to rudeness, arrogance and unfounded accusations directed at me. When I expressed I was offended by the accusations and pointed out they were unfounded--there was no apology except, "sorry you missunderstood". Believe me, 'twas quite clear to myself and others I privately shared with. Prior to that, all the approvers were delightful and courteous! The second memorable instance was the response from "contact@geocaching.com", which not only was rude, but their interactions with a local land trust brought about the first instance of risking a geocaching ban in CT. It took a couple meetings to overcome that bad PR. For the record, it was a couple years before such things occurred to me and I was quite experienced at that point. I have spoken with others locally who no longer hide for the same reason. When it's a chore/unpleasant to interact, why subject yourself to such? (In fact, there was an overall drop in new hides in CT at that time--ironic as Spring is usually when they increase rather than decrease!) Unfortunately, there's no accountability for those who hide behind fake names and any feedback dissappears into that black hole known as "contact@geocaching.com". Fortunately, the actions of the few are far outweighed by the many fabulous VOLUNTEER reviewers that take their time to aid the site. I'm afraid it's beyond the capabilities of the organization to instill courtesy in their volunteers however and new cachers quickly have their expectations adjusted. I believe many are afraid to speak out (since they don't read the forums and don't want their approver potentially being vindictive). I myself only heard about this thread 'cause another cacher saw it and immediately thought to call me! Randy

At this moment? 365,346 It'll be more by the time you read this. I won't comment on the ratio of unvalidated versus validated, nor the number of premium members of those validated, nor the percentage of premium members (which I presume would be active accounts) but it's obviously not hard to sample. Percentage-wise I'd guess the number of sock-puppet accounts is limited... Unless everyone is like this guy or his alter ego. {wink}, Randy

Yesterday I attended an event and was going to snag a few caches beforehand. I wasn't taking my Palm device, but had put the hints in the waypoint comments (which I'd normally decrypt on the Palm). It occurred to me to make a ROT13 waypoint (or 13ROT to have it alphabetically near the top) with the ROT13 code table in the description. No biggy that XYZ wouldn't fit, I can remember those to translate KLM, but today refined it to leave out least commonly used letters (cross-referenced for ROT13): abcdefghilm nopqrstuvyz That drops JW and XK (the latter frequently in hints as "rock" but obvious...) So on my 60cs, all I did was enter the first line, then enough spaces to get to the second line and entered that. Since I couldn't search out anyone who's suggested such in the forums before, I just figured I'd share. Enjoy, Randy

For my three years of geocaching with a basic yellow eTrex I used a physical compass conveniently hung from my gear. But I am SO glad I sprung for the electronic compass even after presuming the extra cost wasn't worth it. It's VERY nice to have the arrow point toward GZ no matter what. You don't have to move, you can rotate, you can look for hiding spots, etc. If the sats change the compass doesn't suddenly jump. If you have poor/no sat reception it'll still point reasonably. The extra battery drain is so minimal as to be negligable IMO. Although I tried setting it to only turn on under 2 or 3 MPH I've found manual activation is better. It's one of those things, if you never have it, you won't miss it--but as I get close to a cache I invariably turn it on and appreciate it. hth, Randy

The battery meter is NOT a battery meter. It is an anticipated usage duration countdown timer. It functioned that way in my original shipped software as well as the beta software and now 3.70. The battery meter is NOT linear and will change based upon if you have the backlight on, electronic compass on, etc. See the main 60cs thread or 60cs FAQ for more info and my full exploration/revelations of this issue. In my opinion, the "battery meter" is affectively useless, as you have to manually figure out which accessories you have engaged to budget how much battery life is left. hth, Randy

GPS might be free (work, school, friend, gift) and is optional (topomaps, compass). Computer/internet access is free at libraries, work and schools. Ghostcachers don't even use that, as some get cache page printouts from friends. Enjoy, Randy

Lotsa' issues unfortunately. First, you'd actually have to create two versions, a different one for each hardware. Second, you wouldn't want to ship it with both versions, or folks would find a friend with the other manufacturers unit and split the cost--reducing sales. Third, where would you get the map data? You've got to pay Navteq for it or hire people to create new... Fourth, you'd have to pay both manufacturers for development tools. So how do you recover all those costs? Instead of shipping one box with the software for both units costing $200, I'd probably break them up into the two different versions for $100 each. Oh wait, now we're not providing anything different than what's out there now... What can we do to differentiate our product from there's? (Especially considering the manufacturer support and customer base they already have...) As a user I can also point out that I have no use for Topo in my region and only have roads. OTOH, if you have lots of seed money for the project and none of the above scares you, you can hire me to head this project (for about a year--oh wait, did I say that out loud?)! {wink}, Randy

Head up display and handless operation. Falling short of that, make the buttons usable with winter gloves on. Think of the interface of wearable PC's as a GPS instead. In fact, the headset could incorporate the antenna so it wouldn't be blocked by the body, the display would be constantly viewable when hiking, biking, driving, boating, etc. Controlling operation handsfree while driving, biking or boating is essential. Obvious stuff like waterproof is assumed but amazingly hard to accomplish with GPS's. How about wireless realtime updating and parsing of website-posted coordinates (GPX). Enjoy, Randy

First, on the original topic, my quick solution to the ridiculous WAAS wild goose chase--turn the unit off/on. It comes back to find #35 instead of wasting time looking for non-existent birds. I ran the beta and it didn't behave this way. Secondly, my unit locked up per the described method too. (CitySelect) I can't pull the batteries as I type so... Enjoy, Randy