What Would You Add?

[codeman3]

If u could add anything to your GPS that u would want need or that would help you find cache's or anything else what would it be?

[Broadwing]

I hadn't thought about this until now, but my cell phone has an LED flashlight that comes in handy while looking in places that I question sticking my hands into. THis would be a perfect addition.

[+Mystery Ink]

Metal detector.

[+Davispak]

Gps/PDA combo ..that would ROCK!

 

I know they are probably out there,but one that doesn't cost my first born to purchase would be nice.

[+ParrotRobAndCeCe]

Gps/PDA combo ..that would ROCK!

 

I know they are probably out there,but one that doesn't cost my first born to purchase would be nice.

You can get GPS receivers that work with your PDA via bluetooth or, like mine, that pug directly into a CF port. I use my PDA all the time for caching and for road navigation.

[+Davispak]

Blootooth, We don't need no stinkin blootooth

 

Seriously lets get a fully intergrated wrist band type PDA with GPS, satelite, WIFI, digital camera, and uses one of those motion batteries like on those flashlights, so that it charges as you walk. Now that is what everyone needs. Oh yea and it has a phone.

I give it 10 years and they will all have this.

[+Zzyzx Road]

I would like to see a signal feature (that is optional on/off) so when hubby gets worried that I am lost or hanging off a steep corner somewhere (while out caching) he can see on the GPSr at home that I am actually driving on the freeway trying to make up time that I lost (while out caching).

[+Guitar4Him]

Gps/PDA combo ..that would ROCK!

 

I know they are probably out there,but one that doesn't cost my first born to purchase would be nice.

How about a Garmin Ique?

 

[+Team Maccabee]

Blootooth, We don't need no stinkin blootooth

 

Seriously lets get a fully intergrated wrist band type PDA with GPS, satelite, WIFI, digital camera, and uses one of those motion batteries like on those flashlights, so that it charges as you walk. Now that is what everyone needs. Oh yea and it has a phone.

I give it 10 years and they will all have this.

Yeah, I think I saw one of those... on my kids' SpyKids movie. It was so full of features that there wasn't enough room for the clock, so it couldn't tell time...

 

Team Maccabee

[+Renegade Knight]

A proximity alarm for any and all geocache waypoints. That and 10,000 waypoints along with the ability to read the cache page from the GPX file I uploaded to my GPS.

[+wandererrob]

a built-in "bubble" level so I know when my compass is actually level. dadgum thing keeps telling me "keep level" but never tells me what exactly level is, even if I THINK I am level.

 

Otherwise my Vista has never left me wanting for anything.

[+Kiamichi Muskrat]

I considered buying an Ique, but it's delicate and not waterproof. As many times as I've dropped my eTrex and been caught in the rain, the Ique is just not feasible.

 

That said, I'd like a GPS with SOLAR POWER.

[+Isonzo Karst]

beam me up, Scotty

[+Deliveryguy428]

Leaf/pine needler blower

[+Thrak]

I'd settle for something like a 256 character display so that the name, difficulty, etc. could all be displayed on the thing instead of the pathetically limited number of characters currently available.

[Hugh Jazz]

voice input of coordinates and voice command:

 

"go to north thirty seven degrees fourteen point zero two one minutes, west ninety-seven degrees..."

"go to waypoint GCXXXX"

"switch to compass screen"

"switch to map screen, zoom out, pan right, track up"

"setup, tones off"

"begin recording track, end recording track"

"go to address: 1313 mockingbird lane" (and it would be smart enough to know you meant the city you're currently in if you didn't specify a city)

 

automatic detection of battery type

 

automatic charging of rechargeable battery types when connected to the car power cord

 

some way to 'beam' coords between units out in the field

 

a way to download all cache information for the 10-mile radius around your current position

 

a way to display the whole cache page including hints,

 

waypoint identifiers that are, oh say quite a bit longer than 6 or 10 characters. Is this 32 chars or 256 characters or what I don't know but 10 is too few.

 

x-ray mode where it projects an x-ray beam out away from the user and displays the x-rayed items on the screen, this way you could see right through that pile of sticks to see if there was an ammo can in it, without reaching your hand in and getting bit by a scorpion. Be sure to disable this before sticking it in your pocket or you'll give yourself cancer.

 

automatic setting of the correct time zone and daylight savings time mode based on your current position

Edited January 26, 2006 by Hugh Jazz

[+The Jester]

some way to 'beam' coords between units out in the field

 

The Garmin Rino's already do this.

 

There's one off the list!

[+Cardinal Red]

I want to be able to see the distance to destination to stay in feet instead of miles above 527.9 feet. Why can't I see that I am 2,345 Feet away?

 

I want to be able to designate one of my Data Fields to display the DATUM I am set to.

 

I want to be able to bring up a list of Nearest Waypoints and have it continuously update the list while driving.

 

Thrak Posted on Jan 25 2006, 08:43 PM

a 256 character display so that the name, difficulty, etc. could all be displayed on the thing instead of the pathetically limited number of characters currently available

 

OK that's a slight exaggeration, but yes: I want more characters too.

[+Teamhawaii1981 & blueicyrose]

I want to be able to bring up a list of Nearest Waypoints and have it continuously update the list while driving.

 

Yes please. And with a column on the right that continuously updates how far away those waypoints are.

[+The Jester]

I want to be able to bring up a list of Nearest Waypoints and have it continuously update the list while driving.

 

My old Garmin GPS 12 did this, the new Rino doesn't.

[+Thrak]

a way to display the whole cache page including hints,

Not on the GPSr but, with Spinner and Plucker that is exactly what I get on my Palm.

[+JohnnyVegas]

A GPS that I could connect to my stereo so that I could hear the beeps while using direct route. After 20 plus years as a licensed fire works pyro, my hearing is not what it use to be

[+Glenn]

Metal detector.

Tupperware detector.

[+Confucius' Cat]

a coord entry screen that displays only the coords in large characters so's i can see 'em easily

[+Davispak]

A nice gas powered chain saw for those pesky thorn bushes

[+Mearth]

Ummmm....DUH! Chocolate.

[+Clan X-Man]

LED Flashlight

[+Airmapper]

Smith & Wesson .357 Now there is more bang for your buck on a Lowrance

[+WRITE SHOP ROBERT]

LED Flashlight

I second that, and put one on my phone too!

[+Mudfrog]

automatic charging of rechargeable battery types when connected to the car power cord

 

I second that! I wonder why this is so hard to implement?

[+ParrotRobAndCeCe]

automatic charging of rechargeable battery types when connected to the car power cord

 

I second that! I wonder why this is so hard to implement?

Good question, my PDA charges it's batteries when on car power just fine as does my phone, why not a GPSr?

 

On second though, maybe it's because your GPSr takes normal "over the counter" batteries and not a specific proprietary battery. The charger doesn't know what sort of battery you have in there, rechargable or not, and if it is rechargable, whether it's Li Ion, NiMH...

[+HaLiJuSaPa]

I would like to see a signal feature (that is optional on/off) so when hubby gets worried that I am lost or hanging off a steep corner somewhere (while out caching) he can see on the GPSr at home that I am actually driving on the freeway trying to make up time that I lost (while out caching).

Though I don't know for what range, don't the Garmin Rino GPS radio series already sort of do this?

[+darus67]

I was thinking it would be neat to have an audible, or heads up, mode where the GPSr would beep to tell relative distance and direction to the waypoint. As you get closer it beeps faster, if you're off course, the pitch changes. If you were willing to wear stereo headphones, it could beep in one ear or the other, or both to indicate left, right, or ahead.

 

Wouldn't THAT freak out the muggles!

Beep... Beep... Beep... Beep...

Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep

beepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeep

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Heh.

[+CYBret]

My newest toy.

 

I haven't sprung for the GPS Shell yet because I want make sure it will be possible to beam waypoints from my Palm to the phone. Other than that though, it has a digital compass, camera, flashlight and wireless Internet.

 

I understand I can also use it to make calls.....I haven't figured out that part yet, though.

 

Bret

[Ferreter5]

Definitely the ability to store and display more text data with each waypoint (e.g. longer waypoint name, alternate waypoint name, comment/description, etc).

[+StarBrand]

Ability to directly read the info out of a GPX file. Hints and all.

[Rupert2]

If u could add anything to your GPS that u would want need or that would help you find cache's or anything else what would it be?

a mute button for the kids.

[+Team Red Oak]

I'd like a button to push that would make the cacher invisible. That way it would be easier to grab caches in areas where there are a lot of people. It would probably lead to other mischief too.

[codeman3]

well I' d have 1 of everything!!!!!!!

[+DubbleD70]

My newest toy.

 

I haven't sprung for the GPS Shell yet because I want make sure it will be possible to beam waypoints from my Palm to the phone. Other than that though, it has a digital compass, camera, flashlight and wireless Internet.

 

I understand I can also use it to make calls.....I haven't figured out that part yet, though.

 

Bret

My new toy

 

The company I work for just ordered 9 of these for key employees (Me included)... I wonder if there's some GPS software I can install on it... Hmmmm...

 

Then I can use it to find my caches graphically, take pics while at the cache, then visit the GC website and log my finds and upload the pics. All from my cell...

[+Cardinal Red]

Confuse-A-Cat Posted: Jan 25 2006, 11:07 PM

 

a coord entry screen that displays only the coords in large characters so's i can see 'em easily

 

At the least allowing you to put Latitude in one Data Field and Longitude in a different Data Field would be a big help.

 

And how could I forget this one.

It seems you can select from 100 different Datums and just as many Formats.

I want to be able to display a customized selection set of just the very few I actually use. All visible on just one screen!

[CoyoteRed]

I was thinking about this thread yesterday and when I come back several have touched upon most of the features I came up with. Here's what I was thinking:

• GPS with all of the present features including 3 axis electronic compass and autorouting.
  
• 5 watt GMRS/FRS radio with weather.
  
• Tri-mode cellphone
  
• PDA-like functionality
  
• Camera
  
• The ability to communication natively with like units with whatever mode is available.
  
• Voice prompts, commands, dictation, and recording.
  
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
  
• Heart rate monitor.
  
• Personal Locater Beacon.
  

In operation the unit would function in a way that you wear a bluetooth headset and it operates mainly through audio commands;

• Voice prompts you toward a selected cache.
  
• User selected frequency of prompts including "left twenty seven degrees" or "warmer/colder" etc.
  
• Voice commands to read description or hint.
  
• Warning if passing not-selected waypoint.
  
• Voice recognition/dictation of caches log for download later.
  
• Voice recording for your thoughts of the cache or commentary.
  
• Voice command for next nearest cache with autoroute and smart determination if you have to return to your vehicle.
  
• Next nearest cache can be skipped, deleted, highlighted for later, or targeted.
  
• Camera automatically stamped with location.
  
• Set partner units to warn if you are too far away or stopped moving.
  
• Can be set to prompt you to go faster or slower for aerobic benefit. Monitors fatigue. Prompts rest periods.
  
• Weather forecasts with announce of imminent weather changes.
  
• Understand how to project a set of coordinates transparently.
  
• Will call home if stopped for a long(ish) period and you don't respond to prompts. Attempts to use cell phone first. If all else fails activates PLB.
  
• Automatically detects and announces Wi-Fi connects. Can be set to connect to internet.
  
• If connected to internet will connect to site to download activity to this point and based on rules you set with log caches you've dictated, upload track logs, etc. Downloads your latest cache updates.
  
• Bluetooths directly to a large screen in your vehicle for autorouting and display of various data about the cache, your activity, or whatever. Of course, the screen can be taken with you for use inside or where ever.
  

I'm sure more functionality can be stuffed in to this. Nothing above is beyond the technology of today. Don't know the size of the unit, but it is simply hung on your belt most of the time anyway.

[+VO2WW]

LED Flashight for sure!!!! On, Off and Flash

Make that with switchable Red and Clear LED's too

Camera with time, date, location stamp.

Alarm with ear piercing volume.

More note space on my Garmin 60C.

[+WalruZ]

A 30 hour-per-day clock.

 

My biggest problem finding geocaches lately has been getting the time to do so.

[+VegasCacheHounds]

I was thinking about this thread yesterday and when I come back several have touched upon most of the features I came up with. Here's what I was thinking:

• GPS with all of the present features including 3 axis electronic compass and autorouting.
  
• 5 watt GMRS/FRS radio with weather.
  
• Tri-mode cellphone
  
• PDA-like functionality
  
• Camera
  
• The ability to communication natively with like units with whatever mode is available.
  
• Voice prompts, commands, dictation, and recording.
  
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
  
• Heart rate monitor.
  
• Personal Locater Beacon.
  

In operation the unit would function in a way that you wear a bluetooth headset and it operates mainly through audio commands;

• Voice prompts you toward a selected cache.
  
• User selected frequency of prompts including "left twenty seven degrees" or "warmer/colder" etc.
  
• Voice commands to read description or hint.
  
• Warning if passing not-selected waypoint.
  
• Voice recognition/dictation of caches log for download later.
  
• Voice recording for your thoughts of the cache or commentary.
  
• Voice command for next nearest cache with autoroute and smart determination if you have to return to your vehicle.
  
• Next nearest cache can be skipped, deleted, highlighted for later, or targeted.
  
• Camera automatically stamped with location.
  
• Set partner units to warn if you are too far away or stopped moving.
  
• Can be set to prompt you to go faster or slower for aerobic benefit. Monitors fatigue. Prompts rest periods.
  
• Weather forecasts with announce of imminent weather changes.
  
• Understand how to project a set of coordinates transparently.
  
• Will call home if stopped for a long(ish) period and you don't respond to prompts. Attempts to use cell phone first. If all else fails activates PLB.
  
• Automatically detects and announces Wi-Fi connects. Can be set to connect to internet.
  
• If connected to internet will connect to site to download activity to this point and based on rules you set with log caches you've dictated, upload track logs, etc. Downloads your latest cache updates.
  
• Bluetooths directly to a large screen in your vehicle for autorouting and display of various data about the cache, your activity, or whatever. Of course, the screen can be taken with you for use inside or where ever.
  

I'm sure more functionality can be stuffed in to this. Nothing above is beyond the technology of today. Don't know the size of the unit, but it is simply hung on your belt most of the time anyway.

Ooh, sign me up for one of those also!

[+fox-and-the-hound]

Definitely like the idea of a wireless internet link. How nice would it be to download in the field after finishing earlier than expected and get to put in just one more... just one more.... just

[+billyandtheboingers]

Maybe, if you happen to watch the GPS too much when walking, an alert that tells you when you're about to run into a tree

[+badlands]

Metal detector. 

Tupperware detector.

How about an RFID chip on every cache.

 

Seriously, if I could just toggle between Street Route and Point to Point I be pretty happy.

Edited January 29, 2006 by badlands

[+Glenn]

Metal detector. 

Tupperware detector.

How about an RFID chip on every cache.

 

<snip>

Hmmm, I wonder what kind of range RFID tags have?

[Ferreter5]

I'd add a "What Is It?" button. You just point your GPSr at something, push the button, and the GPSr identifies it for you (e.g. a tree, a critter, a geological formation, etc).