Paperless caching for novices

[+Hedgehunters]

So we've been caching for some time now and have been on a couple of caching trips both of which found us laden down with print outs, maps etc. etc. We want this years trip to be different. We're going to the Lake District where there are far too many caches for us to cover in the few days we're there. Rather than taking an entire ream of paper with us, we have decided to go paperless if possible.

 

Question is how? What kit do we need: Pocket pc, PDA, New GPS? and how best do we use it and how much will it cost (we've got a few hundred to spare)

 

All help gratefully accepted...

[+The Blorenges]

Have you seen the programme for the Burrington Combe Bash? It looks like the 12.00 slot might be helpful to you.

 

There's also a very useful link on markandlynn's home page BUT it's not available at the moment. I'm sure it will reappear soon.

 

MrsB

[+sssss]

(we've got a few hundred to spare)

 

 

pay me to come and i can bring all the stuff for you for each caching trip

 

i started with just a pda for holding html files using the garmin handheld for the actual find

 

then added cachemate (do wish gsak would fit directly onto the pda but hey might as well pay twice for two bits of software)

 

added spoiler sync

 

then added memory map to the pda to help with footpaths etc

 

and now also a blue tooth receiver to memory map/cachenav

 

tbh, prefer using memory map/cachemate on the pda with garmin handheld.

[+stora]

A cheap palm will hold your cache info and logs. £10-£20 (secondhand)

Cachemate $8 USD

GSAK. $25 USD.

[+Matrix]

A guide to using a PDA in geocaching - Moote has produced this interesting and useful guide to using a PDA when geocaching. It is in PDF format.

[+Bob Smith]

Acer N50 pdas are available on Ebay at present for £120 upwards. Comes with Bluetooth and Wlan, but needs a separate GPS. Will take a 2g SD card (or perhaps even bigger, I havn't tried)

 

I use mine with Memory Map and GSAK generated HTML files, works great.

 

Bob S

Edited January 27, 2007 by Bob Smith

[fraggle69]

You can get a cheapo palm for a few quid on ebay if it's just the paper you want to get rid of.

Used with cachemate this should be a perfect soloution.

If you want mapping as well then I'd go and get a pocket PC and memory map. I already have a palm so I use fugawi and it's not at all bad. That's probably the expensive bit, and you want to have your goodies protected so you might want to buy an otterbox or an aquapak.

 

PS never leave home without a compass and a map that won't run out of batteries

 

Aii

Edited January 27, 2007 by fraggle69

[+Gralorn]

Depends on the pocket.

 

Basic (Paperless) Palm - Cachemate - Fugawi Mapping System - Hand held GPS

 

Intermediate (Paperless) PDA (Other than Palm) - Cachemate - Memory Map mapping - Hand Held GPS

 

De Luxe (Paperless) Mio P550 (Internal GPS) - Cachemate - Tom Tom - Memory Map - Hand Held GPS

 

or any combination really, except Memory map will not function with Palm. Although you can add a BT-338 gps to the basic and your well away.

 

Each to there own and the size of their pockets!!