DustyJacket

mtnsteve - thanks. I had been to that site before, but didn't go through the hoops to check the price, and I couldn't remember if that was one of the rip-off places or not. Their price beats Costco by $10. (I feel much better now.) DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

I went to several stores that say (on-line) they carry Magellan GPSr units. They all carried only Garmin. Same for bookstores and the alleged GPS books. And GMRS/FRS radios.......... I guess I need to shop on-line. DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

It appears from reviews on the Internet that the Sprtrak and Meridian GPSr are the most accurate, althought there are a lot of testemonials for the Garmen Rino series. I want to have the radio seperate from the GPSr for various reasons. I really like the memory card feature, so the SporTrak Pro is gone. I really like to Meridian Color, to easily distinguish streams from trails, plains from bodies of water, etc. But, for $499 it is nearly twice what the platinum is at Costo (Internet order only). That extra $220 will pay for a nice CamelBak pack, a logbook, a better compas, trade goods, an FRS/GMSR radio, etc, etc. So it looks like The Meridian Platinum is how I'll go. Once I make the purchase and work with it, I'll post observations for other newbies like me. Thanks to all who have contributed to this link. DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

Nicolesmama - I am in Lees Summit and also looking for local cachers. if you hear from any in my neck of the woods, please let me know and I'll do the same for you. I, also, and just starting out. I think I am approaching the decision point on which GPS to get, but am still choosing between the Magellan Sport track Pro, Meridian Platinum, Meridian Color, or (if I can afford it) the Garmin 76S. Good luck on your choices, I have been researching this for well over 3 weeks. DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

quote:Just remember to not leave it on top of your car. Probably the best suggestion I have received yet. Thanks for all the info. DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

If I was solo, I'd not want to read a card, taking my eyes off the cacher, but law enforcement here in MO is way different from CO. I came up with a card that I am not completely satisfied with, but figured I could hand it out after a verbal explanation. Maybe it would indicate that I was not making up a story on the spot. It is probably just a waste of time, but sometimes peace officers in this neck of the woods give me the willies. (It shouldn't, since I spent a dozen years as a police officer in CO) I think the most convincing explanation will involve my personal logbook. DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

I appreciate the link. It is very easy to use, and works well. DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

I noticed the Garmins are all 15 seconds and the Magellans are all 1 minute, with a 2 minute cols Acquisition time. DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

And, if you don't want the compas, how does the Sport track Pro stand up? Darn, I thought I had my mind made up, but each time I am ready to order, someone posts a new problem with a MeriPlat...... DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

You print it once on one side of the card stock, then again on the other side. Assuming you have them oriented properly, they should come out at a folded ared with one flap shorter than the other, with the URL showing on the long flap. I went with a much less wordy card. It fits on both sides of a normal Avery business card, and is the bare minimum explanation for a law enforement officer, rather than a receuiting thing. Have had been an officer for a dozen years, I know how tense such encounters can be...... DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

I was hoping to hear from a VISTA owner as well. Here is what I have: MeriPlat: Waterproof & floats Possibly more accurate Screen is better for marine use. Possibly more susceptible to cold weather Possibly has "issues" with firmware updates Vista: Does not float Possibly does better in cold weather Possibly has "issues" with loose batteries Hmmm..... what to do, what to do .......... DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

Thanks for the link, and for not stomping.... I have been going through these forums for a couple of weeks and never found that thread. DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

Please forgive me if this topic has already been discussed, but I cannot find a reference to it. I have read/heard of GeoCachers encountering police who tend to view wandering around the area with radios, bags, and whatnot suspicious. Has someone come up with the idea of producing a laminated card with your personal info on one side, and a (brief) explanation of what we do on the other side? Something that would quickly explain GeoCaching, and maybe make it look more organized, and less like "some whacko" lurking in the woods. Maybe that would be something that www.geocaching.com could do? Comments? Other ideas? (I realized that "registration" could be highly negative to many folks.) DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

I am new to GeoCaching, and new to Missouri. Are there any cachers in the Lee's Summit or Blue Springs area? Any geoCaching clubs in the KCMO area? DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

Should I be concerned about Magellan quality? Or is these firmware and shutoff problems affecting very few people? Should I stick to the Garmen line? I really like the idea of an SD card which the Garmin does not have (one less connection to my COM ports). That is pretty much why I am leaning towards the MeriPlat. (Having it cheap at Costco does not hurt.) I have the enthusiasm and permission of my better half to buy a GPS with all these features, but I will not have the permission to get a second one (probably forever), so I need to buy the right one, the first time. DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

Thanks to those who have posted so far. I am leaning towards the MeriPlat. Heck, Costco has them for $279. DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

quote:Originally posted by Corp Of Discovery:.... need to load more than 9 regions... ....I need about 16 regions total ...... Maybe use multiple cards? You certainly don't need 16 regions at the same time. DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.

I am researching 2 GPS units: Garmin eTrex Vista Magellan Meridian Platinum I intend to use the GPS for GeoCaching (duh!) as well an in a small boat for basic navigation (using a map). Any opinions as to which one would best fill the bill? Is one easier to use than the other? If someone has a strong opinion about some other models (less expensive0 I wouldn't mind heaing them as well. I will be buying add-on topo maps. I don't see a waterways mp for Missouri, showing ramps and such. For the Meridian, can you download maps dirctly to the SD card (using an SD card reader in my computer) and then plug the card into the GPS and the maps will be ready to use? (Thus avoiding having to plug the GPS into my computer) Or do I need to download through the GPS to the card? (running out of computer ports) DustyJacket ...If life was fair, a banana split would cure cancer.