Jenischmeni

Oh! I would be so ticked off at that! Gas is just too expensive to go out and hunt for something you don't even want to be looking for in the first place! (Did that make sense?!)

I may only know enough to be dangerous but...I want to take a stab at this with a couple of options. A lot of cheap gizmos & gadgets come with card reader accessories. My daughter had this (cheap) little music player called a juice box that used SD cards. It actually came with an adapter that the SD card went into and then plugged into the USB of our computers. It ends up being the thing we use on the computers that don't have the ability to insert SD cards. (But I did read that the poster's palm did not use SD card.) Can you access the Palm like an external drive when it's hooked up to the computer by it's hot sync cord and transfer over that way? I honestly can't test this method myself (or I would have). I have issues hot syncing the Palm by cord and can only do it wirelessly. (I've written Palm - it's a 38 step process to fix and ultimately it'll wipe out/reset the Palm. Not my most favorite fix since I can do it wirelessly without resetting.) Again, I apologize if I'm mudding the waters. I do know that there are a lot or work arounds for Vista. My son has Vista and has been successful at getting everything to work. Unfortunately, he's not that familiar with Cachemate. BUT, when he's home later, I will have him contact the OP with some Vista recommendations.

Vic, I answered this for you over in the thread you have in GPS Units & Software. It's pretty lengthy and easier to just paste the link: http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=172483

Being the blond that I am, I'm required to ask a stupid question.... Does anyone have the coordinates for the entrance to Summit Lake? (A). It makes it easier for me to find it BEFORE I set up a tent beside the road... and B.) It'd be nice to use for a center point for GSAK & PQs.) Thanks!

I like LPCs and here is why. I make a game out it. It's quite fun and I readily recommend you try this the next time. The rule is...you cannot set your feet on the ground. You have to reach it from the car! Some are easy, almost like a McDonald's Drive-Thru. Others are lower and, quite frankly, require keen driving skills and agility. Sometimes, if Miss.Betsy is with me, I just don't QUITE pull up close enough. But she's young and limber! If you look at like the game it was intended, it's more fun to play! (But I'm quirky like that!)

Yes, a Nuvi allows you to input coordinates. You select "Where to" and one of the options is coordinates. It will have automatically filled in your present coordinates, but you just use the back arrow to erase and press the numbers. Yes, it's even set up like a KEYPAD on the screen. Very nice!

Oh, I hope I can describe this right. (It'd be a heck of a lot easier to show you, but I'll try!) I use GSAK, Cachemate, and POI Loader all running on Windows XP. (POI loader is a free download from Garmin.) I have GSAK set up in databases. I have a default list of those caches around my home area. (The ones I am always 'working on'.) I set up other databases for any regions I may be traveling to. So, let's pretend that I'm getting ready to head out to an event (which I am btw). I'll run a PQ for caches near the event (or on the way - whatever). I'll make a separate database for that in GSAK. For the sake of argument, let's call that database "Event". I'll toss the PQ into my newly created "Event" database in GSAK (assuming you know how to do that already). I always go through those listings after GSAK has imported it. I'll weed out any that I don't think I really want. (For whatever reason, maybe it's a multi and I know I won't have time. Maybe it's a puzzle and I don't think I'll get it solved before I leave.) I don't want to junk up my GPSr and Palm with Caches that I may, inadvertently, try to find that aren't really at the coordinates posted. If my newly created "Event" database is more than 50 caches (common), I'll end up having to make more event folders because the Nuvi can only hold 50 waypoints per database (including child waypoints). It's so easy to have multiple databases in GSAK. (Easy to add, easy to remove.) So, let's pretend that the PQ has 90 cache listings in it. I'll make two databases in GSAK and Call them Event1 and Event2. (It sounds a little Dr. Suessish, doesn't it?) I sort the original Event database by distance. (You can do it alphabetically - your preference.) I go through and 'user check' the first 45 cache listings. Filter the list by "User Checked" so only those 45 show up. Copy those waypoints into Default1. Go back to original Event database. Uncheck those first 45 and check the bottom 45. Rinse and repeat except copy them into Event2. I have a folder created in "My Documents called" (and this is original) "Nuvi". I export Default1 & Default2 as a gpx/loc file (again, using GSAK) and have it saved into that Nuvi folder. Open POI Loader. You're given the option of installing those waypoints on the Nuvi itself or the SD card. I always use the card because I read on the forums that if you put them on the Nuvi itself, it's a pain to get them back off. (They have to be deleted one by one.) You can delete them in mass if they're on the card. As you're following the POI Loader instructions, it will have you find the folder where that exported gpx/loc file is sitting. I click my Nuvi folder and POI Loader loads them on the Nuvi for me. (Now this part is a bit dated, imo, it sort of reminds me of windows 3.1 when opening folders and such.) You won't see your actual file under a folder (like the newer versions of windows). But, if you've put the file in there, it WILL load just fine. Okay, the Nuvi is loaded! Loading the 60CSX is a much simpler animal! I just send over the original Event database to the 60CSX. Okay, the 60CSX and the Nuvi are all ready to go. I go into my Palm and make a database under cachemate called...you guessed it...Event. (Trust me on this, it's easier to have that database BEFORE I try to import that file!) I go back to GSAK and back to the original Event database. Use the Export to Cachemate option. Sync the Palm. After syncing is done, I open cachemate. As soon as I open Cachemate, it will be asking me what to do with the "Event" database it just imported. I just select "Event" from the drop down list (because I had already made it.) Now all my caches near the event are patiently sitting on the Palm. I know this sounds like a lot. You don't have to have multiple databases, but I'm anal like that. I hate to be scrolling through 500 waypoints trying to find something. It's easier for me to sort them. (But that's just me.) Now, I'm ready to go! Again, I know it sounds like a lot, but I can get all of this done in about 20 minutes. Maybe even less. The first time, it took longer, but you get accustomed to it. Afterwards, I can back to GSAK and delete databases Event1 & Event2. They were only made for the purpose of loading the Nuvi. After the Event, when I've logged my finds into GSAK, I move the found caches over to my (you guessed it) "Found" database. And then, I'll probably delete the Event database. The next time I'm in that area, I'd probably want a new PQ anyway with new information. I hope, hope, hope this makes sense!

And my Nuvi 200 can do it too. I set the proximity alarm to 500', though. The bonging can get pretty annoying otherwise! I used GSAK to export to the Nuvi all the time.

If you purchase the mapping programs to go with a 60CSX, yes it will give you points of interest like hotels, food and such and yes it will navigate you to those spots. You push "find" and the options are there (with the mapping software).

*sigh* double post

Speaking of milestones, Mark, WTG on the Matrix! That's my long term goal! I'm not rushing through it, but I always keep it in mind! TERRIFIC work and well earned!!!!!!!!! I'm pea-green with envy!!!!

Yikes, I hesitate to post but..... I have a problem with a lot of caches that are poorly placed with no thought given to the future seekers. Typically, we don't know the area so we don't know where to park. More often than not, nothing is mentioned in the description. I'm not comfortable pulling off the side of the road and hunting in a ROW. I'm not comfortable parking ON the road to search a bridge. Yes, it may be a gorgeous, historic bridge. But if it's a narrow lane, with no pull-off parking, it becomes dangerous. And unless specific directions are given, you can put yourself in danger trying to look along this bridge/overpass if a car comes through. That being said, I exercise my own prudence and just drive on by. It frustrates some people who cache with me, but I look at like a 'vote'. If I find the cache, I'm only endorsing the poor practice. To each his own though. I know cachers that NEVER pass one up. I pass up lots of them. But really cooks my goose is to be a goodly ways from home, in an unfamiliar area, trying to figure out HOW to get around a 4 acre lake so I can park somewhere besides someone's driveway! These type of caches probably fall into the category of ill-placed caches. If I don't like 'em, I won't sign 'em and they won't get MY vote. I think it's too easy for people to place caches without giving too much thought about what they're doing. I'd be pretty ticked to find a tupperware container strapped to my parents grave with a geo sticker on it! (And I'm a cacher!)

I have a Nuvi 200 and it suffices quite adequately for caching (and navigation). No, I'm not planning cross country trips, but it serves my purpose and can be had for $250 (or even cheaper). I use my 60CSX out of the car and the Nuvi in the car. You can download (for free) POI Loader from Garmin and load your waypoints into the Nuvi (I recommend loading them on a card - read the topics about this). I export a .loc file of my GSAK database onto the SD card in the Nuvi and I'm ready to go. You can even set proximity alerts based upon your own preference. The Nuvi will ding if you're within that distance of a cache. Basically, I load the PQ into GSAK, export the database to cachemate - Load on the Palm. Send the database to my 60CSX. Export the database as a gpx/loc file and then use POI Loader to upload it to the Nuvi. It's a bit of an overkill probably, but frequently I'm caching by myself and don't have the luxury of a co-pilot helping to navigate. I totally agree with the poster who said "Buy cheap and decide what you want". That's what I did and I'm not even anxious to spend more for something I'm not missing! Don't you wish there was a way that we could test drive these expensive electronics before we spend our hard earned money for them????

I have a Nuvi 200 and it can accept coordinates. If you download POI Loader from Garmin (it's free) you can use it to import a .loc file (from GSAK) and load up your coordinates. There are some drawbacks, it lists the caches by GC#, but you can push them and then it'll give their name. (Or just use GC # - like I do.) There are some good topics on how to use POI Loader and those are what I used to figure the process out. The 200 is considerably cheaper than the higher end models and it suffices for me. The only drawback is that it does not SPEAK the name of the street, but the street name does show up on the screen. It does give verbal instructions, i.e. "In point two miles turn left", "Turn left now". Yes, the Nuvi can actually be taken out of the car (it has an internal battery), but I really wouldn't recommend it to be used outdoors. It's not waterproof and I don't think it's touch screen would take much abuse out in the wild. But it is great in the car! I think they usually run about $250, but I'm sure with some savvy shopping you could find it cheaper.

I use a Nuvi 200 in the car. No, it doesn't announce the NAME of the street, but it does verbally speak driving directions. (It was a LOT cheaper!) No blue tooth, but that wasn't important to me. I use it to get me to the cache site and then use my 60CSX on foot. I also use the Nuvi for other navigation purposes (besides geocaching). I agree that the 60CSX is a bit harder to see in the car and I needed a little more than a 'beep'! Here's my lay (and very naive) opinion of the two units side by side: The Nuvi takes coordinates - that's great. You can force it to go off road if the need arises (I haven't). BUT...Nuvi doesn't always understand that you can't pull off the freeway, scramble down the side and retrieve a cache that's located where a road dead-ends into an interstate. In all fairness, I've seen the 60CSX trying to do the same thing. (It makes sense, it's probably the same mapping software.) If you keep going past the spot, it will usually try to reroute you back to that exact same spot (by having you turn around at the next exit ramp). What I do, is use the maps that I can see on the screen to figure out the roads to get to the cache site. (And ignoring Nuvi imploring me to "When possible, make a u-turn".) Sometimes, it'll pick up what you're trying to do, sometimes not. It's not that hard to load your waypoints on the Nuvi. I figured it out from the forums (and I'm not that tech savvy). You can download POI Loader for free from Garmin. I did find out that the 200 can only hold up to 200 waypoints and only if you divide them into 4 databases (50 per database). I load them onto the SD card so it's easier to get them all cleared back off (I read this in the forums). Another drawback is that when the Nuvi is navigating by coordinate, it won't recognize that the site could be a city park. It will frequently guide you to a neighborhood and think you've arrived. (Because the exact site is in the part of the park which is next to a neighborhood.) I've found that if you know the Park's name, you can input that as the destination and it does a better job of getting you to a parking lot in the park. To the best of my knowledge (which isn't that great), the Nuvi is the only car navigational system that can accept coordinates. Now, it sounds like I don't like my Nuvi and that's the farthest thing from the truth. I've found it an invaluable tool. I do quite a bit of caching all by myself and I don't have the luxury of someone helping to navigate. The screen is VERY easy to see while driving. The touch screen is easy to use and the input of an address is pretty simple, imo. Since you already have a 60CSX, don't spend the extra money for a USB cable for the Nuvi. They take the same cord. (My HP camera cord fits them both, too, btw.) Now, here is my last (and most important) vote for the Nuvi. Last Friday, my daughter and I were caching about an hour and a half from home. We encountered a horde of bees and were sting many, many times. We jumped in the car, switched on the Nuvi, pressed "Where To?", pressed "Points of Interest", pressed "Hospitals" and IMMEDIATELY a list of 4 popped up with the directional arrows and how many miles away. This gave me 2 medical centers and 2 major hospitals. I picked from the list and Nuvi guided us there. Without a doubt, this was well worth any drawbacks it had in getting me to a tupperware container in the woods! Yes, I know the 60CSX (with mapping software) will do that, but would it have been as easy to use, see & hear? No. Just my .02 worth. Good Luck!

Geography? Gee, if I was good at geography, I wouldn't need a GPSr! (Or a Nuvi or a car that lets me know which direction I am traveling. Or a map!)

Just to add my .02 worth....I saw on Good Morning America that a sunscreen/insect repellent combination is totally ineffective. The combination tends to cancel each out. You won't have good insect protection because something in the sunscreen makes the insect repellent ineffective. Gee, I've sworn off of summer caching in forests because of stinging nettles, chiggers, and mosquitoes. Ticks hadn't really rose up in mind until NOW! Snow caching can be very fun, imo!

I used my 210 for 7 months and just upgraded to a Garmin 60CSX. I think the 210 is a wonderful unit to start out with. I know many have issues with Magellan, so as long as you know the customer service issues up front. The 210 is easy to use (especially for newbies). I think it's a great value for the money (abt. $150). It comes with the ability to hook up via USB (the Garmins in that price range hook up via serial port.) I found Magellan's Geocache Manager easy to use. You can still use GSAK with it, but you have to export to the 210 (as opposed to send to GPS) . In MY personal experience, I found it easier to use the map page than the compass page. (AGAIN, that was MY preference.) One drawback to it is that it can only hold 200 geocaches per file. This isn't that hard to work around, imo. You just make multiple files. (I did it by city/region.) Garmin owners find it annoying. I found it easier than having a billion (okay an exaggeration) all in one file. Again, it's all personal preference. Feel free to message me with any questions. I'm still fond of the 210 although I've moved up. (And I DO still keep the caches current in the 210 -and riding around in the glove box- until the 60CSX has totally proven itself!)

As the above poster said, you have to have that particular file/list set as the default list. If that is done, the caches will show up on the map page like little treasure chests. Press the menu button, select "Preferences", select "Active Setup", scroll down through the boxes until the box for "Geocaches" is lit. This SHOULD be the same as the file you created in Magellan's Geocache Manager. If it's not, click on it. Then click on "Select File". "Up one level" shows up here, but underneath that should be a list of the files you've created in Magellan's Geocache Manager. Scroll down to the one you want, click on that file. If it's not currently the default file, it will ask you to confirm that you want to make that file "active". Answer yes, and it will return to Active Setup. Just press the "Esc" button until you're back at the map page and the caches should show up on the map. If the list you made in Magellan Geocache Manager is NOT showing up, you've not go it transferred over. I'd suggest creating the file in Magellan's Geocache Manager and naming it something very identifiable. Maybe even something corny like "Experimental List". Anything that is not a common Windows/Magellan/GSAK or whatever name. That way it'll be easier for you to see & find. Magellan's Geocache Manager is pretty easy to use and up until a week ago, I used it and my 210 exclusively. After your list is set to the default, you can still use the go-to like you asked, but you probably won't need to. Once the little treasure chests show up on the map, you can just move your pointer over to the chest until you see the name of the cache. Then, just click on it and it'll bring up that cache information. At that point, you can choose it as your go-to. I hope I've explained this okay. It's awfully hard to write it! I could show you easier! LOL

It's kind of comforting to see that other people had a lot of problems when they started out too! I couldn't find the first 10 or so I went after. I did all the wrong things that these kind posters told you NOT to do! A friend told me about it and I ran right out and bought the GPSr and dashed out to find these little buggers. It REALLY helps to have an experienced cacher with you. They know the nuances and likely spots. If you go to the regional forums and post in your local topic, I'd be willing to be that a number of experienced cachers would be thrilled to meet up with you and tackle several. Have them meet you at one of the ones you couldn't find. Then, you'll know if it's there or not. From there you can team up and hit a few more and you'll start to see a pattern in the hides. Early into this hobby, I attended an event and was shocked to realize how easily an ammo box could be hidden. Later, I attended another event. Both of these events gave me the opportunity to cache with very experienced cachers. It was there that I learned the little tricks. That's not to say that I still have to DNF some caches. But that number goes down with experience. If you don't have an event in your area, just start a thread in the appropriate forum and you'll find someone who will help you out. Geocachers are some of the friendliest people I've ever met!

I'm going to be one of those who tell you to use GSAK. If you're already using a Palm, what program are you using to export to cachemate? GSAK is what I use to to export to cachemate and it displays the cache pages offline on your PC. It has a generous trial period so you could give it a whirl on your trip and see if it's going to work for you.

This may sound very stupid, but are you sure you're looking in the right place on the receiver for the file(s)? Magellan Geocache Manager puts it in an odd spot. On the receiver, you click on menu, points of interest, Geocache Pts, and there they are listed. BUT, if you've loaded more than one file and/or database, you'll have to go to: Menu, Preferences, Active Setup, scroll down to Geocaches and change the file to whichever database/file you want to use. You make the file/database the default file/database to be displayed. Once you've set the list, the new one will show up instead. Like I said, it's a stupid answer, but I lost a whole slew of caches that way when I first started out. They WERE on the receiver, I just didn't know it!

Sweetpersimmon, PLEASE don't give up. I was just like you. A friend told me about this sport/hobby, but had no time to take me out and demonstrate it. I was anxious to get started, so I went out and bought the GPSr, printed out pages and off I went. I really had NO idea what I was looking for. I actually thought the caches would look like little treasure chests in the woods! It took a lot of trial and error before I knew what I was doing. Every other poster is right, you'd really benefit from the experience of someone who has been caching a bit. If you don't have an experienced geobuddy, and you don't mind me suggesting, go over to the appropriate forum for your area. There should be one for the Northwest area. Post in the forum and look for someone who has some experience under their belt. I'm sure that there are quite a few people quite near to you who would be thrilled to go around to a few caches with you and kind of show you what to look for. Caches do get muggled and it's unfortunate that the ones you were looking for are probably gone. Again, that would be something that a seasoned geocacher would probably have picked up on. It's by no means your fault, it's just part of the learning curve! Heck, I'm still learning!!!!

Warm congratulations to JPlus14 for hitting 7000! Indian Rope Trick (GC122XP) was his monumental find. WTG!

Can I second that motion?