pocket queries

[joshadair]

what are they how do i use it where are they located at im confused an new to this

[+briansnat]

Pocket queries are a way to obtain cache information for up to 500 caches at a time. A file is sent to your e-mail address and you can save this file and load the waypoints to your GPS.. If you have a PDA, you can also use that file to load cache pages to it, so you can carry around hundreds or thousands of cache pages in your pocket.

 

Pocket queries (or PQs as they are often called) also allow you to select caches using certain criteria. You can use a PQ to select, or eliminate caches of a certain type or size, terrain and or difficulty.

 

Say for instance you are visiting Boston for a weekend and want a list of the 50 caches nearest to your hotel that are less 3 stars in difficulty, less than 2 stars in terrain and you want no micros or multi caches. You can use a PQ to filter out the caches you don't want and the remainder are sent in a file to your e-mail address.

 

Similarly, if you are heading out for a day of caching in your area and only want caches that have a terrain rating of 2 stars and higher and you only want puzzle caches, you can use a PQ to select those.

 

PQs are a premium feature, so you won't be able to access them unless you become a premium member.

Edited January 2, 2008 by briansnat

[+StarBrand]

The best of the PM features is the ability to do a PQ.

 

Think of it as the ability to download just the caches you would like to hunt in the area you specify. Up to 500 at a time - up to 5 times per day.

 

And just to top it off, you can also do a PQ for the caches you would like to find along a route you specify.

[+Choptop]

How long does it usually take to receive a PQ?

I asked for one o few hours ago and haven't seen anything.

[+FamilyDNA]

How long does it usually take to receive a PQ?

Usually only a few minutes.

I asked for one o few hours ago and haven't seen anything.

Did you select a day for it to run?

[+Choptop]

That's what I missed, I selected "run once" but I neglected to put in the day.

[+egami]

Working in IT this concept was a bit misleading to me. I was under the impression that I'd essentially be able to run a query on the fly in the field with connection to Internet or to GC.com. When, in actuality, you run the query and get the results in your "pocket".

 

If you want something you can kind of "query" with in the field you can use GSAK on a PC and someone with hands on experience on the PDA side maybe can clarify that particular aspect...I don't use a PDA currently.

[+Clue Seeker]

Be aware of the PQ thief! I have lost atleast five PQs to the internet ether within the last month. GC.COM indicates they processed. It counts against my five for the day. But on the occaisons when they aren't delivered quickly into my e-mail they NEVER make it there. A couple of times they appeared days later, long after I have departed for a trip. What's one to do?

[+Markwell]

Working in IT this concept was a bit misleading to me. I was under the impression that I'd essentially be able to run a query on the fly in the field with connection to Internet or to GC.com. When, in actuality, you run the query and get the results in your "pocket".

 

If you want something you can kind of "query" with in the field you can use GSAK on a PC and someone with hands on experience on the PDA side maybe can clarify that particular aspect...I don't use a PDA currently.

 

People always seem to miss that they can preview the data. That gives immediate results as many times per day as you want. To actually GET the data to your in-box, that's what goes to your pocket. Query all you want, but only take 2500 caches per day to your computer.

 

Be aware of the PQ thief! I have lost atleast five PQs to the internet ether within the last month. GC.COM indicates they processed. It counts against my five for the day. But on the occaisons when they aren't delivered quickly into my e-mail they NEVER make it there. A couple of times they appeared days later, long after I have departed for a trip. What's one to do?

Let's say a company sends you a $100 check. Unbeknownst to the postal service, the carrier steals the check. Don't blame the company sending the check - they'll tell you it went out their door and was picked up by the postal service.

 

If GC.com sends out the PQ and it's left their building, how is it their fault that your ISP is blocking the e-mails (I presume it's Comcast or one of the others that's currently blocking e-mail from GC.com).

[+egami]

Working in IT this concept was a bit misleading to me. I was under the impression that I'd essentially be able to run a query on the fly in the field with connection to Internet or to GC.com. When, in actuality, you run the query and get the results in your "pocket".

 

If you want something you can kind of "query" with in the field you can use GSAK on a PC and someone with hands on experience on the PDA side maybe can clarify that particular aspect...I don't use a PDA currently.

 

People always seem to miss that they can preview the data. That gives immediate results as many times per day as you want. To actually GET the data to your in-box, that's what goes to your pocket. Query all you want, but only take 2500 caches per day to your computer.

 

Yeah, I figured that part of it out fine. I guess I am saying that prior to researching and understanding what one is I assumed I'd be able to actually run the query on the fly in my pocket, but in actuality it's just the results of them you get in your pocket. Just a technical hang up from my occupation versus the layman's nature of the term here.

 

That's a great point you bring out though...I've showed 3 or 4 people I've helped introduce to geocaching that they could do that. Personally, I wish it showed you the results by default...

[+WRITE SHOP ROBERT]

Pocket queries are when you get to the Cache site and realize you forgot to bring swag, so you start rummaging around, "OK, let's see what I have in THIS pocket...no good, what about THAT pocket? Ooh, ooh, I can leave this Golden Dollar and take that Marble"

[tttedzeins]

Have you ever put your hand in your pocket, felt something and thought, "WHAT THE @$#% IS THAT ?"

 

That my friend is a pocket query.

[+WRITE SHOP ROBERT]

Pocket Queries are when you get nailed by the cops while GeoCaching, and as they start to pat you down they ask if you have any knives, needles or anything sharp in your pockert that will cut or poke them.