+PopUpPirate Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 (edited) This first post will be kept up to date 10 minutes of work and you'll have a souped-up caching experience... there are many variations on this but here's my guide which is very comprehensive and a huge advantage over using Internet Explorer. All cachers should try this!!! Ok... step-by-step... Download and install Firefox http://www.getfirefox.com Install the Geocaching Quick Search function (very cool) Geocaching Quick Search Install Greasemonkey Greasemonkey Install Tweaks as you see fit (got about three quarters of them installed myself). http://gmscripts.locusprime.net/ Install Southseekers "OS Maps On Cache Pages" tweak Link to download Install LordElphs "OS Links" tweak Link to forum thread (first post) Optional but recommended : Install Adblock, Adblock Updater, PDF Downloader and Image Zoom Install Topic Ignore Buttons LordElph's geocaching forum tools greasemonkey script Install OS Maps on Cache Pages Edgemasters OS Maps on cache page Then just browse away as you would, no further work to do again! Edited to add : Obv its others who have done the hard work here, I've just put it all in one place edited to correct link at the request of the poster Edited June 13, 2007 by Deceangi Quote Link to comment
+Boardslider Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 I still haven't migrated to version 2 because I can't wean myself off the superb "Session Saver" (don't tell me about the built in one in v2, it just doesn't cut it). I have one window with all my GC pages and forms that I follow all saved as one session. Quote Link to comment
+HazelS Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 and I'm just plain scared about doing it..... Quote Link to comment
+PopUpPirate Posted March 20, 2007 Author Share Posted March 20, 2007 No harm can be done You've still got IE to fall back on if you really must, it's all "standalone" stuff. Quote Link to comment
+Catherine's Team Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 (edited) This is too cool! I've been a firefox fan for years - never realised how much you can do with it. I have a great - gadget-happy=geek smile on my face now Thanks BUT i have a problem with "stall Southseekers "OS Maps On Cache Pages" tweak" - i get a "config error, server not found" message where the map should be - any tips on how to make it work? Edited March 20, 2007 by Catherine's Team Quote Link to comment
+Clyde. Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Bonnie and I have been using firefox for about 2yrs to date and I must say that its a superb browser, so configurable its unbelievable. As PUP says it is a standalone browser so you can always fall back on IE but if you are like us, you will never use IE again. Don't forget that Microsoft have 'dolled up' their latest version to act and look like Firefox so they must be worried As its non microsoft software, it is also much safer to use.... Its perfik for geocaching and for us 'lazier of cachers' as its all there when you need it..... Quote Link to comment
Deceangi Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 You missed opensearchfox Lets you add just about any web page search field to the tool bar search tool. And it only takes a couple of clicks And I can highly recommend the Locus prime scripts Quote Link to comment
+HazelS Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 PUP has been trying to get me to convert for months.... I'm having my PC rebuilt as soon as I can, so maybe I'll take the plunge then....... might as well while I'm doing everything else to it! Quote Link to comment
+Boardslider Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 If you're nervous about installing stuff on your shiney new OS, try Altiris Software Virtualisation here, free for personal use. You just 'capture' the install process into a virtual layer which can then be switched on or off on demand. It's great for stuff that insists on puting loads of things into your startup sequence or pollutes the system tray; and er, it's also good for hiding non corporate applications (like skype) when connected to the work network - but I never said that. Quote Link to comment
Edgemaster Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 (edited) I'll pop in here to advertise a few of my own scripts. I have a modified version of LordElph's OS links tweak to also link to flashearth (very cool satellite images site), and to make the boxes on the OS pages look nicer. (forum post) I have expanded upon the Southseekers' trig (and SP) finds with a 'Finds by placer icon' here. Also, for the forums, LordElph's Thread ignorer (also a post here bringing together scripts) Edited March 21, 2007 by Edgemaster Quote Link to comment
+ForsdykeFinders Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Having been a long term Firefox fan, I have naver been brave enough to get into this GreaseMonkey stuff. I have followed the instructions and am now dead impressed. I like the LordElph map link and the Geocache Quick Search. Thanks for the tips. Quote Link to comment
+SidAndBob Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 It's one of those strange questions like why did/do people buy/use iPods, VHS tapes, MS-DOS and now IE 6, when there are far superior products around. The answer is marketing. Once you start using Firefox you'll wonder why you ever messed around with that clucky old IE 6 - and let's not even talk about IE 7. I uninstalled it pretty sharpish. It's simple things like the use of tabs, rather than opening a new window each time and being able to stick my very favourite bookmarks on toolbar buttons that are so user friendly. Looking foward to checking out some of the other bits. Great thread. Share the knowledge. Quote Link to comment
+The Cache Hoppers Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Fully Firefoxed and GreaseMonkeyed now! IE7 is Pants! Quote Link to comment
+Mr'D Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Fully Firefoxed and GreaseMonkeyed now! IE7 is Pants! Well that's a bit strong... At least IE7 boots up first time unlike my FF that now refuses to boot in first time. Yes I have removed all greasemonkey scripts and reinstalled too Jon Quote Link to comment
+martlakes Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Hi I've just downloaded Firefox2 for Mac OS10.3 after my bank seems to have given up with Safari. Can you get these geocaching scripts that make it really handy for caching for a Mac version, or is it just PC only? Quote Link to comment
+The Bolas Heathens Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 They all work on Mac too I've just downloaded Firefox2 for Mac OS10.3 after my bank seems to have given up with Safari. Can you get these geocaching scripts that make it really handy for caching for a Mac version, or is it just PC only? Quote Link to comment
+flipflopnick Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 They all work on Mac too I've just downloaded Firefox2 for Mac OS10.3 after my bank seems to have given up with Safari. Can you get these geocaching scripts that make it really handy for caching for a Mac version, or is it just PC only? Greasemonkey does not install with Seamonkey, boo hoo! Oh well the Mycroft searches do. Thanx Quote Link to comment
+martlakes Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 They all work on Mac too O good! I'll have a play. Sounds like some useful additions for caching. Cheers Quote Link to comment
+Sparrowhawk Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 (edited) http://gmscripts.locusprime.net/Totals_By_Log_Type.html COOL! Whoops... sorry... this is a British forum... I mean "BRILLIANT"! Then it says: "Greasemonkey 0.6.4 (Firefox 1.5) Compatible!" OH. I have Firefox 2.0. And this does NOT work in Firefox 2.0. When will these scripts be updated? Edited March 22, 2007 by Sparrowhawk Quote Link to comment
Edgemaster Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 http://gmscripts.locusprime.net/Totals_By_Log_Type.html COOL! Whoops... sorry... this is a British forum... I mean "BRILLIANT"! Then it says: "Greasemonkey 0.6.4 (Firefox 1.5) Compatible!" OH. I have Firefox 2.0. And this does NOT work in Firefox 2.0. When will these scripts be updated? They DO work. (for me, on WinXP at least, Firefox/2.0.0.3) Quote Link to comment
Nediam Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 http://gmscripts.locusprime.net/Totals_By_Log_Type.html COOL! Whoops... sorry... this is a British forum... I mean "BRILLIANT"! Then it says: "Greasemonkey 0.6.4 (Firefox 1.5) Compatible!" OH. I have Firefox 2.0. And this does NOT work in Firefox 2.0. When will these scripts be updated? They DO work. (for me, on WinXP at least, Firefox/2.0.0.3) It also works for me Have you restarted FireFox after installing? Quote Link to comment
+PopUpPirate Posted March 22, 2007 Author Share Posted March 22, 2007 All works on Vista too Quote Link to comment
+fat boy slow Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 Thanks for those, all seem fine on FF2.0 for me ( xp) Quote Link to comment
+2202 Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 http://gmscripts.locusprime.net/Totals_By_Log_Type.html Strangely it only works on 7 digit caches for me, not a dickie bird on the old ones, am I the only one? Quote Link to comment
Nediam Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Strangely it only works on 7 digit caches for me, not a dickie bird on the old ones, am I the only one? Works OK on the old ones for me How many of the older ones have you looked at? Quote Link to comment
+Rosie's Rangers Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Strangely it only works on 7 digit caches for me, not a dickie bird on the old ones, am I the only one? Have you selected "Show all logs" at the bottom of the cache page? This feature only works when all logs are visibile on the cache's webpage. Maybe the newer caches haven't been logged that much, so don't need to show all logs. Quote Link to comment
+gazooks Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 (edited) Strangely it only works on 7 digit caches for me, not a dickie bird on the old ones, am I the only one? Have you selected "Show all logs" at the bottom of the cache page? This feature only works when all logs are visibile on the cache's webpage. Maybe the newer caches haven't been logged that much, so don't need to show all logs. There is even an addin that does the 'Show all logs' for you. I've never tried FF before - I am now impressed. Edited March 23, 2007 by gazooks Quote Link to comment
+SidAndBob Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Image Zoom is very cool, though I'm not sure yet if it's just a gimmick or not. It's a shame that GC.com don't add some of these enhancements to their pages. In some cases it would mean they would have less of a hit on their resources. Love the OS link script. Simple, but brilliant. Quote Link to comment
+PopUpPirate Posted March 23, 2007 Author Share Posted March 23, 2007 Adblock now here https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/10/ Mods can you please edit the first post in this thread to reflect this? Thx Quote Link to comment
+markz68 Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 http://gmscripts.locusprime.net/Totals_By_Log_Type.html COOL! Whoops... sorry... this is a British forum... I mean "BRILLIANT"! Then it says: "Greasemonkey 0.6.4 (Firefox 1.5) Compatible!" OH. I have Firefox 2.0. And this does NOT work in Firefox 2.0. When will these scripts be updated? They DO work. (for me, on WinXP at least, Firefox/2.0.0.3) It also works for me Have you restarted FireFox after installing? Where on the page are these stats shown? I added the script to my GM. I am using XP with FF 2.0.0.3 and I don't see them either. Quote Link to comment
+markz68 Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Where on the page are these stats shown? I added the script to my GM. I am using XP with FF 2.0.0.3 and I don't see them either. Nevermind! I wasn't viewing "all logs on one page". Now I see them. Quote Link to comment
+Sparrowhawk Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 (edited) "Show all logs..." Duh. Sorry. NOW I see it! HAHAHAHAHA! My busiest cache shows 666 finds right now! OOOOOOO! Scary! That's fun. Edited March 24, 2007 by Sparrowhawk Quote Link to comment
+markz68 Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 "Show all logs..." Duh. Sorry. NOW I see it! HAHAHAHAHA! My busiest cache shows 666 finds right now! OOOOOOO! Scary! That's fun. There is another Greasemonkey script on this page that defaults to show all logs: http://gmscripts.locusprime.net/index.html Quote Link to comment
+2202 Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 Strangely it only works on 7 digit caches for me, not a dickie bird on the old ones, am I the only one? Have you selected "Show all logs" at the bottom of the cache page? This feature only works when all logs are visibile on the cache's webpage. Maybe the newer caches haven't been logged that much, so don't need to show all logs. That be it, I now see there is even a script to show all logs. I migrated to Firefox some two years ago and haven't looked back. Its just very annoying when you go to work that they insist on keeping us all on IE Quote Link to comment
+Cache U Nutter Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 Sounds great, but what does it do for me? What exactly is the purpose of this exercise ?? Quote Link to comment
+PopUpPirate Posted March 24, 2007 Author Share Posted March 24, 2007 (edited) Sounds great, but what does it do for me? What exactly is the purpose of this exercise ?? As it doesn't affect your computer, there's no harm in trying it, takes just 10 minutes. Edited March 24, 2007 by PopUpPirate Quote Link to comment
Edgemaster Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 Oh, came across this a few months ago. You know those blocks on cache pages? Well, this collapses them like this: It's customisable too! Useful for collapsing those annoying this cache has no TB messages automatically... http://www.lildevil.org/greasemonkey/collapse-blocks Quote Link to comment
+Team Sieni Posted March 25, 2007 Share Posted March 25, 2007 Before I actually do all this ... can someone explain in simple terms what I will get when it's finished. I don't want to seem negative, but I can see a lot of "how to" here, but no "why" ... apart from the fact that it's enhanced. I've no doubt that it's all really good ... but what is it? Quote Link to comment
+Just Roger Posted March 25, 2007 Share Posted March 25, 2007 Before I actually do all this ... can someone explain in simple terms what I will get when it's finished. I don't want to seem negative, but I can see a lot of "how to" here, but no "why" ... apart from the fact that it's enhanced. I've no doubt that it's all really good ... but what is it? The best one is IMHO the map replacer. This replaces the usless map on the cache page that tells you that the cache is somewhere between London and Manchester with a clip of 1:50,000 OS map complete with small red circle around the cache location. After installing the script it need no action from you at all - it happens completely automatically. The next best is the one that turns the OS Grid reference just below the coordinates at the top of the page into a clickable link to bring up a 25,000 OS Map, this time with a little red arrow to the cache location. Those two alone make it worth installing Greasemonkey and there are many more - like the one that puts a little X by each thread in the forum. Click on the X and the thread disappears (very useful for Congrats threads or about events 500 miles from home). I would say that you should install Grease monkey and try them out. If you don't like them or find them useful, it's easy enough to get rid of them. Quote Link to comment
+lordelph Posted March 25, 2007 Share Posted March 25, 2007 (edited) Here's my take: The old way: users don't like the way a site works, they email the webmaster asking for improvements, who may, or may not, in the fullness of time, get around to do doing it. The new way: users don't like the way a site works, they write a Greasemonkey script which provides the functionality and distribute to others who might like it. If a particular enhancement doesn't meet your needs, don't install it. Take one of mine, which allows you to ignore particular forum threads by hiding them. This appeals to some as there might be a bunch of threads hovering around the top spot you aren't interested in, or pinned threads you never read. The plugin lets you make them go away. I personally won't install the collapse blocks plugin as I don't think it would particularly enhance my use of gc.com. So the "why" is really down to you.... Edited March 25, 2007 by lordelph Quote Link to comment
+Team Sieni Posted March 25, 2007 Share Posted March 25, 2007 The best one is IMHO the map replacer. This replaces the usless map on the cache page that tells you that the cache is somewhere between London and Manchester with a clip of 1:50,000 OS map complete with small red circle around the cache location. After installing the script it need no action from you at all - it happens completely automatically. The next best is the one that turns the OS Grid reference just below the coordinates at the top of the page into a clickable link to bring up a 25,000 OS Map, this time with a little red arrow to the cache location. Cheers Just Roger. That's just what I was interested in - a clear reason "why" to do this. I'm not entirely sure I'll bother just now (I just cut n paste into streetmap ) but at least I know what it's all about. Quote Link to comment
Deceangi Posted March 25, 2007 Share Posted March 25, 2007 Ok I'll have a quick stab at why . The scripts give you extra information when viewing cache pages, ie: the No of finds-DNF's-notes to s cache. When logging or making a note instead of a tiny box to write in meaning a longish log has to be scrolled to be proof read, you can expand the width and depth of the box. As a reviewer and a player I use both, along with most other Greasemonkey scripts for GC [as a Mod I can't use the forum ignore script ] I've found my workload and browsing of GC has been enhanced and I'm extremely grateful to all the authors of the scripts. As to why the need for the scripts, GC is current a mix of Hobby code [it was started as a hobby site] and commercial code, TPTB are working to bring all the coding into commercial ones, which will ultimately allow the coding for the site to be upgraded. As there are currently regular issues with the site crashing due to the continued massive increase in membership, their priority working with outside consultants is to allow a scalability for the site which will remove these issues. As such many features are on a wish list [sorry I haven't got a clue what's actually on the list] and once the access issues have been resolved and the coding upgraded, we will see a large No of features added to the site. Until then it's a case of patience Grasshopper and all hail Greasemonkey and the script writer acolytes As your using Streetmap, there is no need to cut and paste, there is a link on each cache page. Also there is a add on that sits in the tool bar in FF which allows you to highlight coordinates and one click takes you to Streetmap [sorry I haven't got a link but I'm sure someone will come up with it] Quote Link to comment
+It's Spitting! Posted March 25, 2007 Share Posted March 25, 2007 Great thread PUP. I have been using Firefox for years now (Apple Mac) but never got round having a proper look at the various extensions. Having your step by step guide made it easy and I am well impressed... The best one is IMHO the map replacer. This replaces the usless map on the cache page that tells you that the cache is somewhere between London and Manchester with a clip of 1:50,000 OS map complete with small red circle around the cache location. After installing the script it need no action from you at all - it happens completely automatically. Yep, totally agree. The default map only ever gave the vaguest indication where a cache was and my next move was always then to click on the Streetmap link. This gives the best of both worlds - an OS Map directly on the cache page. Excellent stuff I've just found another extension that looks useful (http://clipmarks.com/how-to-clip/) It enables you to clip text, images and even video from a web page and then save them for future use (rather than having to book mark the whole page). Quote Link to comment
+Team Sieni Posted March 25, 2007 Share Posted March 25, 2007 Ta for the info. I may look into it one day when I have a bit of time. For now I'll let Occam's razor and complete laziness rule. I've just had a look at the greasemonkey site and, having written a bit of JS years ago it's quite interesting. But for now I have to go and do some decorating ... on with the overalls. Quote Link to comment
Edgemaster Posted March 25, 2007 Share Posted March 25, 2007 I had a request to improve upon the 'Totals By Log Type' script, to count how many times a cacher finds a cache. (not much use for normal caches, but it is for roaming virtuals ) And here is my improved script Uninstall the previous version (GC True Totals) first. Quote Link to comment
+chizu Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 Can anyone create a GM script for Trackables? I'd like to be able to see how many people had logged discovered etc and how many of each type of cache they'd been through (multi, event etc)? Quote Link to comment
+Bear and Ragged Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 >snip< Also there is a add on that sits in the tool bar in FF which allows you to highlight coordinates and one click takes you to Streetmap [sorry I haven't got a link but I'm sure someone will come up with it] Mapit! G Quote Link to comment
+It's Spitting! Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 PUP, spotted this and thought of you What do you reckon? Couple of useful ones in there to add to the list? Top 10 Must-Have Firefox Extensions Quote Link to comment
+martlakes Posted March 28, 2007 Share Posted March 28, 2007 Well, I've got FF up and running, together with GM 6.07 (couldn't download 6.08), plus the map replacement script, links to OS 1:25000, links to Flash Earth, and Mapit in the bookmark bar. It all works really well and the maps are a great improvement for my caching experience saving me loads of time and clicks to get a useful map. Thanks for the really useful info! Cheers Quote Link to comment
Deceangi Posted March 28, 2007 Share Posted March 28, 2007 As this is proving to be a handy topic, I've added it to the list in the pinned multi topic thread at the top of the page. Quote Link to comment
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