Cachetrotters

The photo below shows a portion of the rockpile (~3ft H x ~10ft W) placed to hold a ~12ft H wood cross erect. I don't know how long the cross has been in place. I don't think it right to try to move any rocks. I made an entry on the BM page:Juniper Reset. Is there anything else I should log or report? This was our first BM hunt. don & michelle

EasyGPS is for the novice, but is very utilitarian no matter what experience level you are. It installs easily. It allows you to download the cache coordinates of interest directly from the site. It allows you to then load them directly to the receiver via proper data cable. It allows you to combine several coordinates into a route. This is much easier done on the computer, then shooting them all at once to the receiver as a route already named. It allows you to brings routes and waypoints that you've created in the field back into EasyGPS. You can save your wanderings in "albums" much like photos. It is worth the minimal effort to become proficient with it, so you can decide whether you would like a program with more features that you'd be willing to pay for (e.g. ExpertGPS). I don't think you can go wrong, for free. don

So, what we're saying here is that UTM is overlayed on each datum, and does not have it's own, or is not a "datum" in and of itself, with its own geoid, etc.? don

Well, I performed a little experiment by changing the datum while observing the UTM display for my location. There was a difference in Northing of as much as 200 meters, less in the Easting. After reading some on-line material, I find that this is not addressed specifically. Any takers? don

Someone more expert than I will give you the technical brief, but generally UTM is UTM. Just need to make sure you're in the same/correct Zone. When you enter the numbers into your GPSr, make sure you enter all of them for the Northing and Easting, with Easting being the first set of numbers, I believe. Don't play with it as much as I should. don edit grid to zone [This message was edited by Cachetrotters on May 10, 2003 at 06:36 PM.]

I use a 64Mb SanDisk SD card in my Merigreen without problem. General Question: I have heard that the more expensive multi-media SD cards can also be used. Is this so? Seems a waste of money unless you can use it for another toy that takes advantage of its features. don

We, too, always take a digital, and if I'm in the mood to carry it, my Maxuum 7 in a camera backpack. I considered getting a better digital, but decided to get a very good scanner(Epson 2400). Adds versatility at home and in the field. Now I can get really GOOD pictures with the SLR while caching and scan/upload when developed. don

quote:Originally posted by C00P:....What I need is the ability to store a 35-50 sqaure mile topo map on it. I'm not worried about having detail of every street in the US, just topo of the little piece of the world I'm camping and fishing on. Just created a 26 x 30 mile map (~700 sq mi) and the size is less than 1Mb. This includes all POI, city as well as mountainous terrain, and Topo info. A map the size of Ohio with all information included is about 20Mb. I think the STMap will be ok for your needs, mapwise. don

Since we have both a Meridian and ST and the mount for each with 1 power cable, it wouldn't be cost effective to have another 2 mounts in the computer room. So, I purchased the power/data cable for the computer room which I just screw in to each. A small price to pay. I'm just glad the connector is identical for both. When we use both GPS's in the car, I just use the pwr/data cable, too. don

quote:Originally posted by Skippy2:And -- What clamp? the little plastic thingie that has the four screws holding it in place? Yes, little plastic thingie is the technical term. I just called it a clamp, meaning saddle clamp, and the instructions call it a fastener plate. Note the 2 relief arrows. The 2 screws behind the arows should be tight, the 2 in front of the arrows should be adjusted for the preferred friction fit. (Sorry I didn't crop--was in hurry) don

I'm sorry to be a doubting Thomas (my middle name, in fact), but it should hold so tight you have to back off the screws a little so it will swivel when you want it too....unless you stripped the screws on one side... There is a specific way to tighten the clamp. Check the mounting bracket instructions and try again. don

Should only have one legal disclaimer notice that you have to acknowledge by pushing ENTER. The copyright page displays for a few seconds and moves on. Unless the Plat is different from a green or ST models.

You sure you want that Frenchie/lame software going into your made-in-China designed-in-USA Frenchie GPS? don

Suunto Vector. I wear it 23.5/7 (not in shower). Works good.

I agree with all ages. However, it can be like the movies. Most you can take the kids to, a few you go with the spouse only, and occasionally the one you better not let your other half know about ...

Search the site; I think there are references to using a MAC with waypoint management tools, allowing you to create and download waypoints and routes to the GPSr. If not, create waypoints at LostOutdoors by clicking on the map (it will return the coordinates) and then enter all waypoints of interest manually into the GPSr. Then create your route in the GPSr, too. It's old-fashioned and slooow, but a good way to learn to navigate around your new unit. don

Until you get a card reader, Topo or S&D, and large SD card, use the internet to research your cache location and print out a topo map or sat photo and take a paper copy with you. There are several sites that will allow you to do this. Try this one for starters: LostOutdoors.com. don PS--Have fun!

Like asking which car to drive...So many options, but they all carry groceries home from the store. My wife uses a Camelback M.U.L.E. because it fits her small frame well, and I use a Camelback Rim Runner. Both provide room for needed items, with the Rim Runner having quite a bit more. In my opinion, hiking in the likes of the Mojave Desert is no place for "2 water bottles will get you through the day" (short drive-ups notwithstanding). Injured in a shallow wash 100 feet from a road will get you just as dead as 20 miles from nowhere. I'm sure there are large areas of Texas that are very similar. I also like having the ability to drink on the move and keep the hands free. Whatever the delivery solution, a plenty-of-water condition is better than an out-of-water condition, and large bladders of any kind distributed across the shoulders are better than several small bottles, one of which is often in the hand--along with the GPSr, the hiking stick, the camera, the compass, and whatever else. Now, less is best here. Carying an extra few pounds won't kill you, but not having water might. don

Aren't you protected by the "first $50 rule"? Have you discussed this with them by phone so TPTB can investigate? Did you talk to PayPal about this? Phone your CC company and tell them this was an unauthorized activity, but you'll need to also send it to them in writing, too (your rights are only protected when you do it in writing). don

Congratulations on joining the geocaching crowd. I wouldn't lose sleep over this. Have opened several caches to find a rubber snake or arachnid. My heart is still ticking just fine. I suggest you leave a rubber snake under the covers on your husband's side of the bed. Then tell him to get a grip. don

Using the elevation assigned to the bench mark would allow 'lazy' cachers to get your clue without ever going to the bench mark. Make'm find the bench mark and offset the clue to the next stage by some value on the BM. don

quote:Originally posted by Irvingdog:Regarding the license..... Can the FCC find you? Yes Can they enforce the fine/license? Yes Can they prove you were using GMRS and not FRS? YES! Are they going to knock on my door just because I posted this? Yes! Will this stream of conscience ever end? God, I hope so....

For those interested, if you already have an FCC MP, GP or better license, you do not need to acquire another for GMRS. don

Question: Say you have one each--Maggie, Garmin, and Lowrance--how do you register your vote for each? Seems reasonable that each should be represented(under Both and Other), but you're allowed only one vote. And was he implying that Both meant Garmin and Magellan, or should we just infer it? And if we should be allowed to vote for each brand, then why not multiple votes for multiple units of the same brand. jtice, you should'a thought about all of this before you polled us! don

quote:Originally posted by Desert_Warrior:Garmin. Yellow E-Trex and Venture. Considered upgrading to a Sport Track Pro. After looking it over I learned the following when comparing the ST-pro to the Venture. * E-Trex has longer battery life. Probably. Garmin spec says typical, which means nothing for your Venture, only that the ones they did test lasted that long on average. Neither company guarantees their spec. * E-Trex is easy to use in one hand. Totally subjective, which is how it has to be. But don't make it sound like it's that way for everyone. I find I have no problem operating my ST Pro with my hands, either. I have seen posts, however, where some operators did not like the buttons on the side. * E-Trex has more pixels/inch in display. True. However, Magellan has the larger screen size @ 3.22sq.in. vs. 2.31sq.in. * E-Trex is lighter. True. Magellan does not indicate whether their weight (6.1 oz) is with or without batteries. Venture is lighter, with batteries, at 5.3 ounces. So, how long would you have to carry an extra ounce for it to become too much of a burden? * E-Trex is smaller. True * Loss of lock debate is muddy at best. Agree Then I learned that Magellan was owned by Thales, a french company. Magellan was not born in France. It's pretty home grown. I agree that punishing the French goverment by boycotting imported French-made goods is appropriate, but the Magellans we buy are US made by US workers paying taxes in US dollars. don *Mike. Desert_Warrior (aka KD9KC). *El Paso, Texas.