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My uncle used to GeoCache all the time. After getting my Garmin GPSMap 60CSx, he and I were speaking, and I brought up my desire to try paperless caching. He told me that the unit I had was perfect for GeoCaching, and that it was even possible to download all the info on a cache page, including description, encrypted clues, and all that mess. He said that there was a free piece of software on the links page that would allow for this transfer, and that it would let me dump straight to my GPS from gc.com. I went to the links page, but felt a bit overwhelmed by the options. I have also checked some of the postings on this forum, as well as the sticky, but can't seem to find a direct answer to my question.

 

Sorry if this has been asked before; I didn't actually check all 14 pages of posts. If you know of a posting with the answer I need, feel free to post that instead.

 

Thanks for all the help!!!

 

PS: My uncle has a GPSMap 60 CS, and says that he has done this, but can't remember which program it was b/c it has been awhile since he has gone caching

Edited by Hoosier_Daddy
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Sorry but he was not correct.

 

You cannot even download everything to a PDA.

 

GSAK will let you (with custom POIs) download the caches and most of the hint to your GPS, but you cannot get anything like the description or logs into GPS.

 

Paperless Caching (which is the way to go) really requires a PDA.

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The free piece of software he referred to was probably EasyGPS. A low cost ($20) alternative with lots more power (but with a larger learning curve) is GSAK. Enter either in Google and you'll find it.

 

As Myotis mentioned, your uncle oversold the software a bit. If you are a premium member, you can do a "pocket querie" and download the cache info for up to 500 caches at a time to your computer. The above-mentioned software can be configured to sort the information, and then load the cache name and coordinates to your GPSr. GSAK can even load the hint or description of the cache to a 60CS, but the field in the GPSr that holds info other than the name and coordinates is limited to about 30 characters--often too short for the full hint, let alone other info from the cache page.

 

Cachemate, a program that runs on a PDA, will let you hold and display cache info without the silly 30 character limit. GSAK will let you filter, sort and tell it exactly what to upload, and Cachemate will make the data readable. There is nice tutorial at http://65.34.18.106/content.php?article.15

Edited by Sputnik 57
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I have a 60csx,premium member,registered GSAK,registered cachmate.My question is after I ran my PQ I get GPX files but no "hints" I have tried several settings and still cant get info into logs,or the important stuff like the hints. Any ideas?? I have read alot of post and searched both help faqs on all websites. The referrals to florida geo site are for older versions.Any help would be very much appreciated. Screen prints are worth a million words :laughing:

I do not have any problem moving the info into my Palm(zire72) but I just cant get the hints into cachemate Forgive me for this newbie is really new to software.

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You have to use custom POI comment fields as they have the most letters you can use.

 

In GSAK, export your file to a gpx file and put %hint in the comment field. (I use %hint %name %code in case there is no hint or still more room). Then load the file as a custom POI with POI loader. You can automate it if you want.

 

When geocaching, I have the waypoints loaded AND the custom POI. I use the waypoints for the find cache function and also to record the finds on the calander. Custom POIs do not work for that. If I need the hint, I just select find custom POI and it is always the closest one. Then you can see the hint in the comment field. If I need more, I get out my PDA.

 

I have a 60csx,premium member,registered GSAK,registered cachmate.My question is after I ran my PQ I get GPX files but no "hints" I have tried several settings and still cant get info into logs,or the important stuff like the hints. Any ideas?? I have read alot of post and searched both help faqs on all websites. The referrals to florida geo site are for older versions.Any help would be very much appreciated. Screen prints are worth a million words :laughing:

I do not have any problem moving the info into my Palm(zire72) but I just cant get the hints into cachemate Forgive me for this newbie is really new to software.

Edited by myotis
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ok now I did it :laughing: To start off on the right foot.I erased everything I had loaded in my GSAK and cachemate.In GSAK I dont see any notes loaded(in the 5th colum over that looks like apiece of paper)which is where I think problem lies. I think if this has no data I cant transfer it to cachemate. I built a new query(100milesfrom94122) checked same info and "in the format" choose both gpx files and ebook.It loaded 20 files.Isync with palm.I get 20 files.both name and wpt.Still no hints. I believe my problem is in loading GSAK. Please help....3-4hrs trying to get this right :laughing: thank you for not laughing to hard I just started :laughing:

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Load your pocket querry (gpx file) in GSAK

 

Then ctrl G

 

That will bring up the export interface

 

Here are the settings I use:

 

For waypoint name I put:

 

%smart=13 %typ1 %con1 %last4 %Dif/%Ter %by

 

In maxium characters 44

 

Chache description format:

 

%hint %name %code

 

For the file name I use:

 

C:\Documents and Settings\My Garmin\POI\Geocache.gpx (This should be where you have your POI files)

 

Save the settings I save them as POI

 

Then select generate

 

After you set it up the first time, everytime you do ctrl G, it should bring up these settings (if not you can select them from the saved settings)

 

Then run the POI loader

 

It wiil then load them onto your gps adn you will be able to access them wioth the find menu under custom POIs.

 

If you still cannot figure it out, email me and I will send you a screen capture of the settings.

Edited by myotis
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If you want to go paperless check out the article on GeocacherU website for using a palm, I just got mine set up and working. Low cost

software: FREE DOWNLOADS

palm: HANDSPRING VISOR DELUXE $25.00 off ebay

time to figure it out: LESS THAN 2HRS

You do need to be a PAYING MEMBER to download the pocket querys. I suscribed for a month $3.00 to make sure I could get it working, now that it is I will suscribe for the year. Email me direct if you have any questions, my email is listed on my profile. PS I also use a GARMIN MAP60CS

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First of all thank you ALL! Something I learned was first go to garmin an load ximage.This is used for those neat screen shots of your gps(i havent tried it yet) go here

 

Next go to garmin and get custom poi loader(this was what you need to get all poi's into your gps) go here

 

Now for the real question. I cant seem to get any "hints" into my palm/pda. Im so close and when I figure this out I will post a new heading for all lurkers and first timers like myself.Some nice people have offered to take this offline and when I get it straight I will update this. THANK for all help. :D

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I sometimes use Mapsource to load waypoints into my GPS (60CSx) and it will load the hints (providing I have typed them in) It is much easier than directly entering them into the GPs if you have several to do. I don't carry any paper, just the waqypoint and the hint in my receiver, so I guess I am paperless without a PDA.

Edited by DustyWalker
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Ok Ok now we are cooking.First for knuckle heads like myself.Wait for PQ to be send to your email.

Second load all data into both pc,gps,palm.

3rd sync palm and check mobipocket.

 

Software needed to go paperless is:GSAK,cachemate,premium member of gc.com,mobipocket,PQ in inbox!

 

Thank you for all info.I will get well versed and post in getting started(with screen shots) so lurkers and newbies........There is help.

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The free piece of software he referred to was probably EasyGPS. A low cost ($20) alternative with lots more power (but with a larger learning curve) is GSAK. Enter either in Google and you'll find it.

 

You can also use "GPS Utility" for transferring data to your GPS. GPS Utility can import LOC, GPX and KML files. If you wish to do more with your data you can also use it for mapping, manipulating, and managing your GPS waypoint/route/track data in many different datums and coordinate systems.

 

The freeware version supports up to 100 waypoints whilst the shareware version supports up to 65000 waypoints. See "www.gpsu.co.uk" for more details.

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