elmo-fried

Heh, so I figured, this puppy is getting mailed in anyway, might as well try giving it a few sharp hits... Gripping the Legend firmly in my right hand I hit the left side against the palm of my left hand (not too hard, but a good firm jolt). Streaks cleared up for a second, then came back. Gave it a few more wacks, went away again until I repositioned my hand on the unit. Pushing my fingers against different parts of the screen don't seem to "break" it again... hmrm. I'll be keeping a good eye on this puppy the next few days. I'd rather have it get swapped out before the warranty runs out if it is acting flakey :/ Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

My Legend's screen also just decided to "check out." Streaks across the front. I just so happened to be loading 8mb worth of Metro and Topo data, so it'd been on for a while. I tried doing the Master Reset 4-finger solute. Tried reflashing it with 3.20. Tried loading the base POI mapset. Tried another set of rechargables. Tried a brand new set of Alkaline. Just toast (streaks and I can just barely make out what screen I'm on or what menu item I have selected). It was working fine just 3 hours ago when I first put it on the table and I was poking around the menus waiting for Mapsource to ready what it was going to send, and I noticed the streaks, but didn't think much of it as it was going to start transmitting... Wish me luck contacting Garmin tomorrow. I bought this about 9 months ago from Circuit City. Don't know if I still have the receipt (probably mailed it in for the Rebate, so Garmin should at least know who I am), but perhaps I can get another copy from Circuit City (they store all that stuff and can pull it up so long as you have the same credit card). Way bummed as I was hoping to snag a few caches tomorrow in SF. Oh well. Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by bartacus:Okay, so I was bored ... I eyeballed the maps from the http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/directions.asp, and created this list of waypoints within Garmin's MapSource: I've also made a http://www.spainhour.com/geocaching/SF_BART_Stations.zip. http://img.Groundspeak.com/user/57027_1500.gif You rock! I'll be going from Dublin to SF Embarcadero tomorrow, so I'll see how accurate the map is. Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by Renegade Knight:How does this relate to goecaching? The BLM often owns stranded parcels of land. The BLM allows geocaching. A cache placed there would be legitimate. However being surounded by private property you could not actually get there without permission or trespassing. For your game that's what you do. Place caches where you can be; but not go too. At least that's my take for this particular universe we are in. Helicopter ;-p Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by Fallen: quote:Originally posted by ZachNLiam:I just archived Warrio #1. I'm amazed it was there that long for such a big cache. Thanks to elmo for taking it and letting me know it was destroyed! We've been crazy busy recently, but we should begin caching again soon! Hi to everyone! Randy http://www.garmin.com/graphics/guy.gif http://www.jamzcheer.com/cvcth.jpg How sad! What happened to it? http://img.Groundspeak.com/user/70546_1300.gif If there is something to B17ch about I'll make sure you're the first to know. Construction site took it out. Uhm, technically if that gate hadn't been more open, we couldn't have gotten to it. Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by Cachetrotters:Flipping this coin, would we expect novices to read the manual on-line if they're not going to read the one that came boxed with the unit? A great many problems posted _here_ can be taken care of _in there_(rtm). Manuals sometimes contain pictures and diagrams, too. They're a lot like a photos, aren't they? Finally, if people care about upgrades, they'll do what I and others do--check on occasion to see if there is an upgrade on the GPSr's relevant website. don I did read the manual. I do consider myself fairly technical, but I'd not used maps or compasses beyond simply being able to tell which way I was heading and a simple street atlas, etc. The problem with the manual is that it gives you too much information about too many things you don't care about (at least to start with). I'd no idea about the various formats that a LAT/LON coordinate could come in. Actually, I did notice that there were two formats that MapQuest and other sites and programs use: DMS and decimal degrees. The biggest problem is that decimal minutes looks a lot like DMS at first: N 38° 02.050 W 120° 24.050 If I'm new to using a GPSr, and my default format is DMS, I'm going to imput it as: N D:38 M:2 S:50 W D:120 M:24 S:50 Yeah, many caches won't fit the DMS format if you follow this logic... then there is the further confusing "or convert to NAD27 at Jeeep.com" link which just throws a ton of numbers at you. Much better to put a link like "How to set your GPSr to use this format", IMHO What's worst, is that entering the coordinates like this will get you to the general area (like a park), and then you're searching in vain. Just my two cents. I've heard from a number of folks who started Geocaching on their own (meaning that they didn't have a friend showing it to them to help), and ran into this same problem. For me, it wrecked my first 'cache and delayed me trying again for 6 months. I even read up a lot at the Geocaching site, and even the Guide to Finding a Cache or Geocaching FAQ doesn't mention making sure your GPSr is in the proper decimal degrees mode before you try and enter LAT/LON coordinates. Perhaps these would be good places to have that info. Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by Searching_ut:The idea of having instructions specific to each unit out there sounds pretty good to me. You do see a lot of posts involving problems in this very area. The notification of updates also couldn't hurt, although I generally catch wind of them fairly quickly through the various forums I keep an eye on. I'm not sure the idea would be easy to implement for the geocaching.com folks however. It would involve having access to the various receivers, writing up the instructions, and taking the time to check for updates on a regular basis, and of course dealing with all the complaints where it wasn't done the way "I would do it" My thought is that the Geocaching community would do all the work once the website allowed for it to be done. They owners of a specific model of GPSr could take the step-by-step photos and upload them. Anyone could also report an update of the software... the Geocaching folks wouldn't have to do anything once the base website code was written to handle it (perhaps have a few "veteran" Geocachers police/moderate it). Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

I wonder how many folks would be interested in seeing a way to log what GPSr unit(s) you have, and optionally (mayhaps a members-only feature) get notification when a new software update hits the street? Here was my original idea I posted in another thread, but thought I'd start a new one (and a poll): It'd be nice of Geocaching.com let you store what GPSr unit(s) you own (for stats reasons, hehe), and when you first register your GPSr it could warn you about the default settings if they are not in decimal degrees, and give you a screen-shot step-by-step walk-through on how to change it. I know it sounds kinda lame, but some folks that are more tech-impared than others might find it useful (I know this screwed up my first geocaching experience, and I didn't try again for 6 months). I like the idea of tracking stats myself (hehe, can you see the Garmin vs. Magellan evangelists going at it?) ;-)' There could also be a 'checkbox' for 'notification of software updates.' I check Garmin's site from time to time to see if my eTrex Legend has updates, but more often than not a software update with some cool new features or bug fixes has been out for 2-3 weeks before I notice it. If a geocacher spots that their model has a newer software version out, they could report it on the site (including the most direct link) and everyone who wanted to be notified would know within hours ;-) Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

It'd be nice of Geocaching.com let you store what GPSr unit(s) you own (for stats reasons, hehe), and when you first register your GPSr it could warn you about the default settings if they are not in decimal degrees, and give you a screen-shot step-by-step walk-through on how to change it. I know it sounds kinda lame, but some folks that are more tech-impared than others might find it useful. I like the stats part myself ;-)' There could also be a 'checkbox' for 'notification of software updates.' I check Garmin's site from time to time, but more often than not a software update with some cool new features or bug fixes has been out for 2-3 weeks before I notice it. If a geocacher spots that their model has a newer software version out, they could report it on the site (including the most direct link) and everyone who wanted to be notified would know within hours ;-) I shall post this idea on a new thread, methinks. Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by nyarlotep:thanx, i saw the rebate. Amazon has the Legend for, like $190; after the rebate, only costs $140. They've offered the $50 rebate many times before, so no reason to think that they won't do it again. But if you don't want to risk it, be sure and buy it and get the rebate in to them before 6/6. Rebate PDF Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by Duelly:George; N 37*36.132 W 120*55.942 Stop in and say hi. I found out that we have a friend that knoes us both. Talk to ya' later. That's too funny. If I did the Decimal-minute to DMS conversion right (.132 * 60, .942 *60), then it looks like you're 2-3 blocks (as the crow flies) from a friend on mine on Suffolk Dr. He also has an open WiFi and Charter cable. My own person open WiFi is close to my J.M. Pike cache (I can hit my WiFi from that park, anyway). freenet.artoo.net Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by Camelot Crew: quote:Originally posted by elmo-fried:but I'm too cheap to do a membership when there are still hundreds of caches within a half-hour drive of me. Hopefully it'll stick around for me to exhaust the "free" ones, and once I shell out some cache to do the members-only cahces it'll still be around. Jason Roysdon http://jason.roysdon.net/ I see the premium member tag is up now. Guess Elmo-Fried had a change of heart. Heh, well, it's only $3 to try it out for a month. I've got 924 caches in my GPS, and 500 for Fresno, Sacramento, San Francisco and Modesto on my laptop in Wacher... I could care less about member-only caches thus far... Pocket Queries are more than worth the fee, IMHO. Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by Highpointer:_Warning_: There is a http://www.geocaching.com/profile/default.asp?A=121309 on the loose in the Phoenix metropolitan area. On Saturday, May 3, he plundered nine caches . He took everything out of the caches except for the logbook. He wrote a skull and crossbones on the page in which he signed the log. _Ken Akerman_ (a.k.a. __Highpointer__) I'm sure Jeremy has a log of the IPs this guy is using and could possibly either match it up to another account, or perhaps just suspend/ban the account (if if static, the IP address). Sorry to hear that you folks in AZ are having to deal with this. Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by eroyd:Folks who complain about the system but are to cheap to dig up the thirty-odd bucks to feed Jeremy. and totally unrelated: Those feminine hygiene adds on TV during the play-offs. I take issue feminine hygiene commericals period Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by GeoSharks: quote:Originally posted by nubbin:Duly noted - I'll hit it again tomorrow. what would you *locals* suggest as the most fun for a beginner in and around Stockton? http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.asp?ID=36127 is easy I typically wouldn't drive all the way to the Bay for this, but it's just a block away from the Fremont BART, so I may just try and make it out (the BART is always fun for the kids, but I just found out they have a friend's birthday party to attend... but that won't stop JWR and myself) and I don't mind traveling that way and just having to drive to Dublin/Pleasanton. Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net [This message was edited by elmo-fried on May 02, 2003 at 06:14 PM.]

quote:Originally posted by Ron Streeter:_Probably no CVC takers for this one, but..._ ...here's another hiking cache. http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=66794&Nocache=0.7055475 Ron __I've never been lost. Fearsome confused sometimes, but never lost.__ I love hiking ones, but I'm too cheap to do a membership when there are still hundreds of caches within a half-hour drive of me. Hopefully it'll stick around for me to exhaust the "free" ones, and once I shell out some cache to do the members-only cahces it'll still be around. Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

Might I suggest getting a personalized stamp (or stamp of an animal/object that fits with your nickname)? When you can sign and stamp the log ;-) Hmm, I wonder where I can get a stamp of an Elmo doll that looks like it's going insane ;-) Edit: I just did a Google:stamp+custom and found plenty of places online that will make 'em with custom text... I suppose I shall have to check out some trinket type shops for an animal/object stamp. Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

I won't deny things have changed in my attitude, but perhaps it's just that I'm maturing a bit. (My Wife says I haven't tho, heh). Basically, I keep my mouth shut and don't smart off to anyone in an authority position, well except rent-a-cops ;-p But then just Sunday I was climbing a high-voltage power structure on a busy street corner to get a cache (cache wasn't that high up and could have been reached by a talle person, but I'm short). Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

I'm rather bummed to hear these replies. Basically, if you want an FRS radio w/GPS PtP, get a RINO. But if you want a GMRS radio, get a GMRS-only unit (especially since you'll get typically 2 - 5 watts). Garmin really should have designed the units with at least 2 watts for GMRS. Secondly, they should have allowed using a secondary FRS channel to transmit PtP even when you've got the voice channel set to a GMRS frequency. Oh well. Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 15:14:18 -0600 From: TechSupp To: Jason Roysdon The only channels the Rino will use the GRMS 1.00 watt power to transmit is on channels 15-22 only. Channels 1-14 will transmit the peer to peer positioning using the .5 watt power output. If you have any further questions please let me know. Thank You, Brian McMahon Senior Product Support Specialist GARMIN International 1200 E. 151st Street Olathe, KS 66062 1-800-800-1020 http://www.garmin.com Fax 1-913-397-0836 Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 08:20:57 -0600 From: TechSupp To: Jason Roysdon The unit will only transmit on one channel at a time, so if you are set to a GMRS frequency your position will not be transmitted. You must be talking on one of the FRS frequencies for the position to be sent. Thank You, Brian McMahon Senior Product Support Specialist GARMIN International 1200 E. 151st Street Olathe, KS 66062 1-800-800-1020 http://www.garmin.com Fax 1-913-397-0836 Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by Big W:I was flying airtran and was using my GPS. The FA asked me to turn it off saying the FAA did not allow them, that it would interfere with airplanes navigation instruments. I think now it is up to the individual airline.. I am flying Delta for now on.. I would have told her I'll gladly comply and stow the unit, but I'd ask her to please talk with the pilot when she has a chance and verify that he thinks a GPS receiver would interfere. That way you're not coming off as argumentative (worst thing you can do at an airport or on an airline these days), but just wanting to get her educated (which she won't appreciate, but she can't complain about you either since you're complying). Hell, bring a print-out from another airline next time and ask her why it is Delta or whowever specifically allows it ;-p Err, don't put it like that, again, be pleasant and agree to comply right away, but mention that you'd checked around at airline websites and found information saying that it's permitted on many of them. Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by Green Achers:*snip* Too bad the park is closed at night because this would be a ''best hunted at night'' cache. *snip* Hmm, that's never stopped me before. I wonder if I can rustle JWR up and get snag my first FTF? Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by Ron Streeter:At 7 pm Sunday...anyone else having trouble accessing the web site for *my cache page* or looking at individual cache pages? I spent some time at Pardee Lake recently, checking on my Patti's Point and Olive Grove caches, and put two new ones in as well. They aren't published yet, and now I'm having trouble getting back to them to do some more editing. Site must be on overload ! Ron __I've never been lost. Fearsome confused sometimes, but never lost.__ Yup, Mozilla reports the actual server error: Server too busy. Appears to be all better now (at least the forums are on another system so we can keep posting and reading even when the main site is down). Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by roasteroo:Would it still be a 'problem' if it were spooky single women meeting in parks and walking off into the woods in pairs? Heh, well my Wife said she felt extremely safe at our local gay cruising park (the same one that George of georgeandmary mentioned). Personally, it spooked me a bit, being young, male, and attractive as I am (modest too!). Especially since when we got there about 90 minutes before twilight and there were maybe 2 other cars in the parking lot, and when we got done searching for caches there were over 50 cars (I kid you not, the parking lot was nearly full) and plenty of men either just sitting in their cars or walking around in circles not too far from the parking lot. Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

quote:Originally posted by jgilliland:*snip* On the other hand, though, with the Garmin rebate, the mapping Legend unit is only about $40 to $50 more than the non-mapping units. So it might be worth it to spend the extra money anyway. *snip Of course, for just a bit more ($209 online) you could get a RINO 120 which is pretty much the same as an eTrex Legend, but with FRS radio capability (and if you buy a pair PtP would be fun), and if you pay the $75 FCC GMRS licensing fee you can use those channels as well (GMRS has higher wattage and travels much further than FRS). Heh, but where does it end? I'm always finding myself justifying spending more and more ;-p Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net

I doubt this would fix it if it's a hardware problem, but you should try the latest eTrex Legend 3.20 software and perhaps it just needs to be re-flashed. I had no problems when I upgraded from 2.50 to 3.10, and today I upgraded from 3.10 to 3.20 and had WAAS working all day long (although that's not the norm, you can't always see the two WAAS birds). Jason Roysdon jason.roysdon.net