geo-jedi

We've downloaded ours using Pocket queries but somehow it seems not to want to send Finds from archived caches (if memory serves me). Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

Rusty and Libby seem to have a good name for it: COMMANDO CACHING! Full commando means waypoints and coordinates only - commando means you're taking along the descriptions on a PDA just in case... Take no prisoners! Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

quote: ____________________________ originally posted by TeamX40: So Geo-Jedi, are you saying Hammack shouldn't just "use the force"? ____________________________ Not at all. Doing it that way can be fun (i.e., a blast). Unfortunately, you can end up doing lots of unnecessary driving and getting lots of DNF. I've done it that way myself. One of the funniest involved looking for a virtual whose coordinates were way off - by about a tenth of a mile. Several cachers had found the site and inserted correct coordinates. Unfortunately, none of the last five finders had included that information and the cache owner never updated the coords. You might also find out that closest according to the GPSr is less than useful if the next cache is in a park on the OTHER side of the freeway. The next one to do may be a little bit further away as the crow flies but is really closer. But I digress... The real point was to come up with a name for this kind of caching. From the world of computer science and operations research, there are computer algorithms that work like this. So rather than just call this kind of caching "Inefficient" I offer two more names. Nearest Neighbor Caching or Greedy Geocaching Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

Inefficient. It is kinda fun but you might be slightly better off by reviewing some of the descriptions and logs before hand and maybe even mapping out a general order to go after the caches that seem worthwhile. It is especially important to make sure that the description doesn't say in BOLD CAPITALS that "THE CACHE IS NOT AT THIS LOCATION ... you must first solve ...." But that is just the engineer in me. One can certainly have a blast doing what you say ... Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

My rebate check just arrived two days ago! Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

It is very convenient to buy containers in bulk (okay, sets of 3 or 6); to buy swag in bulk; and to paint and label the containers at the same time. That's what we've done. While caching or driving around or hiking, new possible cache locations may present themselves. We take notes and then will put several out around the same time. Around here (southern california), there are some geocachers who focus on hides and put out a new cache at least once a month. Others seem to place in spurts. To each his own! Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

Dairy continue with this cheesy thread? I say "NO" and that's no bull! Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

I think stats are fun and I am interested in seeing gc.com support them. I am not very worried about cheaters or competition getting unruly. A close analogy might be found from the birdwatching world. They count and from what I hear "birders" are quite honorable about it. I don't see why geocachers would be any less honorable. Of course, birdwatchers combine their observations to give a better picture of ecological conditions when one looks at bird counts by geography over time. This may be part of the reason they keep stats but I know that most birders also know how many species they have as well. Could some birdwatcher add some observations from that hobby in terms of how individual stats hurt or make it more enjoyable. Thanks, Team Geo-Jedi Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

I received the same warning email about an empty PQ but the specified PQ came through as expected about 5 minutes later! Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

I would not stop geocaching if there were no stats but the stats do make the game more interesting to me. It warms my heart that Jeremy has chimed in with words that TPTB will consider adding Stats to the site. quote: --------------------------------------- Not that I'm ignoring the rumblings in the forum, however. We have been considering two concepts which could find its way on the web site, depending on interest: 1. Users check a box that says "Yes. I think points matter." Only those people become ranked in the system. 2. People can join groups and see rankings of their stats on the web site as a group. ----------------------------------- I like the idea that one will have to opt in before their stats will be available. Team Geo-Jedi pledges not to complain. Even though we are a paying customer, we think that $30/year barely covers the enjoyment the family gets from the site. It certainly doesn't lead us to expect immediate responses to our whims! To that end, I'd suspect that many [of us] would be willing to pay a one-time fee as part of the signup to have one's statistics tabulated. In addition to the stats being shared in user defined groups, it could be interesting to see stats by city,state,country, and date joined. Keep up the good work! Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

Here are the Team Geo-Jedi geodogs... Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

Cool little puzzle. Team Geo-Jedi solved it as well. We didn't need the offered luck, we just worked it out. We solved for p, q, r, and s only to realize what the previous solvers found. You made it too easy! Now, how many weird units between southern California and BC? Is there still snow up there, enough for a sciing trip? Too far to make it today... We don't generally log a DNF unless we get within 20 feet and can't find it after a bit of searching. We use the dreaded DNF as a flag to the hider that the cache may be missing, or that we got skunked by the hide. Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

Thanks for an entertaining rant R.K... We went out this morning to do some cache maintenance (and finding). Imagine our surprise when we couldn't find one of our caches that had been logged the day before. It turned out that a previous finder couldn't figure out how to put it back where he found it, so he hid it in a new spot. His log did note that he thought the original hiding spot was harder than the posted difficulty rating. Even funnier was another log that was at the cache but not online. The finder noted that they took a pocket compass and left a business card of one of their friends. That's what I call trading up! The antics of some of the finders has provided a source of amusement for Team Geo-Jedi. Maintaining one's sense of humor is an essential part of keeping fun in this game. That folks so clueless about the guidelines can actually find these caches also seems quite amazing. Again, thanks for the rant. Team Geo-Jedi Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

Here is a perhaps more rigorous solution for a heads up display. The serious research for this kind of application is to assist with the visually impaired. The paper reference here goes into more detail. Here is a photo. Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

test 5-8 Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

test Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

How to reference other threads? A thread titled "Anyone hear of this bluetooth unit" seems to have been revived. There are actually two Jeremy posts - one is below. _______________________________________________ I have been checking out this GPS unit. I'll wait until Socket starts selling it standalone, however. Also, seeing some real duds from companies just getting into the market, I'll take each new device with a grain of salt. There's a certain "art" to creating a decent GPS unit, mostly due to the antenna design. Jeremy Irish __________________________________________ There were some pointers to a couple of units that accomplish some of what has been discussed. http://www.transplantcomputing.com/btgpspalm.html and http://www.fortuna.com.tw/GPSmart.htm Are these real devices? or vapor? Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

I like it. Helps my thinking about what new GPSr to buy. Is there a reason you left off the Garmin eMap? I know it is getting a littl dated but it works fine for geocaching. It would be nice if a second click on a selection unselected it without having to clear the form. Anyway, thanks! Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

The Trimble GeoXT seems cool although it is a bit heavy at over 1 lb. A sales rep called it "little" in comparison to the backpack unit that this model replaced. You can pick one up for under $7,000! Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

The microwave might be a little difficult and there is probably no need to support a 48 hour requirement - 16 should do. Indeed, I do realize how much of a geek I am. Thank you for the compliment. GPSr chipsets are commercially available (e.g., www.sirf.com) that have a power requirement of about 170 mW at about 60 mA. I suspect these are the same kind of chipsets now being integrated into cell phones (e.g., Motorola i88s). There are already GPSr modules to plug into PocketPCs and other PDAs (e.g. Pharos). So, it seems that the geocachers needs are not really a matter of new technology but instead are an issue of component packaging and design and software development. The first stage of software development is trying to come up with requirements. Threads like this are wonderful mechanisms for engineers to explore. Some use tools to enjoy their hobbies. Others (e.g. nerds) use their hobbies to think of new tools. Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

And the Prices? Cacher’s Delight Sphere ($475) The Sphere is the ultimate, top-of-the line model with a wearable detachable color display and voice recognition control software for completely hands-free operation. Cacher’s Delight Circle ($250) The highly capable Circle model has a detachable monochrome display and multiple mechanisms for data entry while maintaining the high quality GPS receiver that is in the Sphere model. Cacher’s Delight Dot ($150) The Dot is a very capable handheld unit with a consolidated integrated monochrome display. Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

This is a review of the bidding with heavy borrowing from 3fro... Cacher’s Delight – a Dream GPSr The Cacher’s Delight family of GPS receiver-computers adds a whole new level of functionality and enjoyment to your geocaching activities. Not only are these GPSr designed for durability and fieldwork, there are a number of features that should especially appeal to the dedicated geocacher. All three models sport ruggedized lightweight waterproof and floatable cases, a 3-axis electronic compass, the ability to track 12 satellites simultaneously. These WAAS enabled devices can geolocate to within 3 meters with high reliability. All three GPSr’s have the features you have come to expect in your favorite gps including Finding the Nearest Object, finding Objects by Name, and autorouting. The speedy processor and generous amount of built-in memory can be further supplemented by SD memory cards. Linux is the operating system used by all Cacher’s Delight GPSrc’s. Open source extensions to our software are encouraged. There are several active communities of developers and a sanctioned software developer’s kit (SDK). Cacher’s Delight Sphere The Sphere is the ultimate, top-of-the line model with a wearable detachable color display and voice recognition control software for completely hands-free operation. 10 oz with a 4 oz detachable display with data entry mechanism. Cacher’s Delight Circle The highly capable Circle model has a detachable monochrome display and multiple mechanisms for data entry while maintaining the high quality GPS receiver that is in the Sphere model. 9 oz with a 3 oz detachable display with data entry mechanism Cacher’s Delight Dot The Dot is a very capable handheld unit with a consolidated integrated monochrome display. Standard alkaline batteries are the power source. Although there is an infrared communications mechanism, there is no WiFi or Bluetooth connection. A USB cable is used to connect the device with your computer. 8 oz More details on the common features Power - Uses AA batteries or a nominal 12 volts with an optional adapter - Optional solar strip extends battery life Physical Aspects - Compact case with a standard rubber shock absorbing case - Completely waterproof and floatable (when in rubber case) - Easy to use optional lanyard or belt clip Hardware – A robust hardware design is of utmost importance. Processor - Fast processor - no lags in redrawing screens Memory - 32 megabytes is standard - 128 Megabytes for Circle and Sphere models - Expandable with SD memory User Interface - Typical rocker switch is included - Scrolling side control eases reviewing list data - On Circle and Sphere, display moves to reveal a mini keyboard Antenna - Built-in quad-helix antenna for fast satellite acquisition - Plug in for external antenna Display - A high resolution display 480x320 pixels - High contrast with adjustable backlight (with “light on” indicator) - A screen power-save feature: turn off the screen while still making use of the GPS receiver to create tracks and maintain position data - Ability to use display in landscape or portrait mode - The Sphere model has a touch screen and can recognize Graffiti Audio - Digital voice recorder with telephone quality sound - Tiny tinny speakers - The Sphere has simple voice recognition for selected commands Interfaces/Connectivity - USB and firewire hard wire connections - Bluetooth and IR wireless connections - Can send/receive geo-data via these connections - Can communicate with other IR and Bluetooth devices Linux Operating system Firmware/System Software - Directory/Folder structure for Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks - Flexible naming for navigational elements -Extensive comment fields are possible - Storage limited only by memory limitation, no fixed limit on number of waypoints - Programmable track resolution - Icons may be imported and stored in non-volatile memory - Tools to personalize the start up screens and audio - Name and contact information - MP3 or WAV file of your choice - Reward information - User can program an audible alarm based on measured proximity to any one of a set of navigational elements (e.g., selected waypoints) - Fixed location averaging – a fixed location may be named – the unit can be directed to take new measurements at the location to come up with a more accurate position by using a weighted average of the measurements biased by the degree of precision of each measurement taken Versatile Electronic Compass - 3D Axis so works in any orientation - Programmable settings for auto on/off - Hot key for compass on/off - On screen indication of compass mode - T (True), M (Magnetic), or C (Course) Maps - Base maps are standard - An XML format for building add-ins is provided - Compatible with Open-Map data products Other features - Calendar - Sun and moon data - Tide tables - Temperature (maintains coldest and warmest) - Barometer (and altimeter) Accessories - Detachable keyboard - Cradle with connection and recharger - Headphones - 12 volt adapter - solar strip Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

3fro's list is impressive. Can I buy two? It forced me to think more about what would be convenient and feasible. Multiple screens was one idea. Several cell phones feature a small screen on the outside and a larger one when flipped open. The small screen could show just an arrow and maybe range or position or error depending on the mode. This would address a smaller power drain as well as the need of one of the thread's participants just for an arrow to point the way. As I explored this further, I realized that there is no reason that the display couldn't be separated from the receiver. I would much prefer to carry the receiver on my belt and hold a smaller ruggedized (and replaceable) screen in my hand. A wired connection would be trivial but a Bluetooth connection would be cooler. The next step, of course, is to move to a hands free screen via goggles or some other type of wearable display. On the screen, I'd also want more tools for decluttering. Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

I sent e-mail to Garmin, Lowrance, and Magellan about this thread. So far, only Garmin has responded. It was slightly more than a machine response thanking me for my interest but informing me that they have a policy not to participate in online discussions. Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

Just an alarm - we're dreaming. How about an announcement "Waypoint GCGR8T - range 3 miles at 30 degrees." I think I'd want to limit it to a selected set of waypoints so I could exclude Found caches, etc. The audible alarm made me think that we should want not just an alarm and other auditory output but also voice input. This would certainly trump the notion of one-handed operation that could be important. Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth