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GrayHawk613

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Posts posted by GrayHawk613

    Noob--How can Tablets work with Geocaching?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Most tablets come with a GPS chip inside them. Tablets use a combination of the GPS chip, known Wi-Fi locations, and triangulation between cell phone towers (as those coordinates are known) to provide a decent location fix. The antenna is not necessary, though not having one does impact its accuracy (meaning the 60 you had was more accurate than a tablet). In my experience with cell phones, I'd say my GPSr has an average EPE (estimated position error) of 16 feet while my cell phone might have 30 feet and suffer more from tree cover. The accuracy has improved over the last few years.

     

    You're right about Wi-Fi not being available in the desert! However, you don't have as many things obstructing the device's reception, so the GPS chip can get a more accurate fix without relying on other signals.

    Do iPads have chips?

    GPSMAP 64-series FW 3.70 update released...

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Looks like firmware update 3.70 is available for download for the GPSMAP 64 series. Apparently, 3-axis compass performance has been addressed:

     

    http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=6805

     

    FYI, the previous firmware update was 3.40. Not sure how they jumped from 3.40 to 3.70, but so be it! B)

     

    Just ran the update here and will see how things go... glad to see the squeaky wheels getting the grease.

    So does it work better?

    Best Current GPSr (Relative, I know)

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Thanks guys. Yeah, I went with a second thread cause I was looking to go broader with my questioning, considering any make/model that popped up. Not trying to be impatient or pestering. ;) I'm happy to listen to everyone's personal preferences, as they may show me facets I haven't considered. Thank you guys for sharing! Mineral2, I misspoke. I meant the antenna style of the Garmin 62, 64, or even the nub on the Delorme, as opposed to the Oregons. I forgot there were actual external antenna attachments. :)

     

    One of the main points for me is getting detailed maps. If I can get 1:24K topos from DeLorme for $30 for the US, but only a section of the US for $90 from Garmin, that may seal the deal.

    Keep in mind that there are lots of free maps out there.

    Best Current GPSr (Relative, I know)

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    my research suggests that the Garmin GPSMAP 62 series does (but not the 64 series - someone confirm?) as does the GPSMAP 78 series.

     

    Anyway, I don't think that an external antenna is really necessary these days. The on-board antennas are quite capable of receiving a signal and holding it in some tight places.

    I agree.

    The 64 and 62 series both support :laughing: Get it? SupPORT? :laughing: ha sorry,they both support MCX external antennas.

    Where are you purchasing fresh batteries, and what brand?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I hope I posted this in the correct section.

     

    I have a Magellan Explorist 310 - it suits me well until I am able to save for a different GPS.

     

    My question is, what is the consensus on where to purchase fresh batteries and what brand? I use AA, and I have tried buying them at the checkout area of a few different busy grocery stores thinking the turnover would keep them new, nope they don't last long at all, I tried buying them at the SUPER busy (and pain in the neck) Wal-Mart....still not that long of a life. I always buy smaller packs thinking they will be newer, always check the date - not even sure if that matters. I use the GPS like most, maybe four hours at a stretch, and I put mine in suspend mode when I know I am hiking up a distance before I even get into the area....and my batteries only last me about four trips. I like to keep spares in my pack, but even then, if they are dead, they are of no use.

     

    I have tried duracell, eveready, and energizer. I almost think energizer worked slightly longer - but I would really like to hear what many of you are using and where you are buying them.

     

    Thanks!!

    Are you using rechargeables?

    can a hunting gps be used for geocaching

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted · Edited by GrayHawk613

    My grandpa has told me that the gps is a Garmin GPS 12.

    We started with that unit. It worked well enough for our first 100+.

     

    A few drawbacks worth noting...

    4] data field(s) are short -- that is, you are limited to five (5) or seven (7) characters for the cache name (use the cache ID#, dropping the GC as they all have that), the lat/long fields will record only to the second decimal (not to the third decimal as other units do).

     

    Simply put, it wasn't made with geocaching in mind. It was designed before geocaching was conceived.

     

    Well that's how all devices were when it was desinged.Even in the Idiots Guide to Geocaching 3rd edition they say that you should put the GC code because most units can't handle a long name. What a long way we've come since 2011! :)

    can a hunting gps be used for geocaching

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    My grandpa has told me that the gps is a Garmin GPS 12.

    We found our first few caches with the GPS 12 I got in 2000.

     

    It will work, but it will be bare bones: unless he has some basic maps on there, it's going to be coordinates and either an arrow or a dot on a screen. Mine wasn't terribly accurate, either. It was, after all, designed in the days before selective availability was turned off, so I suspect it was not designed for pinpoint, or even broad brush, accuracy.

     

    Let me put it this way, we noticed almost an exponential improvement in accuracy when we got a GPSMAP 60CSx and quit using our GPS 12.

     

    (Still, it's better than no GPSr at all.

    And probably a nuvi.

    Vicious Muggles

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    At first glance I thought this thread's title was VISCOUS Muggles.

     

    I was looking forward to reading THAT!

     

    Some muggles do have a very high viscosity, especially in regard to their brain matter, so that's not far off!

    :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

    Garmin 64s vs st vs Montana

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    After buying and being somewhat disappointed with my Oregon 600, I bought a 64S a few weeks ago. Though I've only been caching with it a few times, it's hands-down the unit I want to take caching with me. No freeze-ups and more consistent accuracy. The 600 definitely has a better screen, but I want to find caches, not be impressed with graphics.

     

    I found four caches today. The first was a 2-stage and the 64s got me to within 5 feet of both stages. At the next cache the 64s pretty much zeroed itself at GZ. The third cache has had trouble with scatter and the last finder posted new coords. I found the hide 12 feet away. The last find was off by five feet.

     

    I'm pleased.

    Wow. That's pretty impressive!

    Garmin 64s vs st vs Montana

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    If it makes a difference, the Oregon has a "nuvi" mode which emulates the interface of Garmin's automotive units for use when driving (requires a routable map for turn-by-turn directions [ OpenStreetMap is routable and free]). I do use a Nuvi in the car, but when geocaching, I'll often navigate with my Oregon to the cache since the waypoints are already loaded.

     

    The 64 will also do turn-by-turn road navigation with a routable map, but I personally find that the Oregon is easier to use in the car. I also bring the Oregon with me on vacation instead of the nuvi.

    Very helpful to know!

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