Is a Palmpilot with Cachemate the way to go?

[+Annie & PB]

This seems to be the most frequently mentioned combination for paperless caching. Now I know nothing about either Palmpilots or Cachemate so I'm off to do a little investigation, so if anyone has some links/sugested reading that would be good or advice on any alternatives. What are the basics that we would need to know??

[+briansnat]

It's the combo I use and it works great. Palm M505 and cachemate

[+admo1972]

I love how the word "pilot" is stuck with palm, even though there hasn't been a Palm Pilot" in many years. Pilot Pen company sued, and Palm had to drop "pilot" from the name.

[+briansnat]

It's the combo I use and it works great. Palm M505 and cachemate

[+briansnat]

It's the combo I use and it works great. Palm M505 and cachemate

[+kraushad]

I started using the Palmpilot soon after starting and reading about how cool it was on this site. I have to admit, because I love the tech factor, the palmpilot is an easier way to go once you get the software setup. You don't have to waste a bunch of ink or paper, you can travel lighter, and you get more info through the palmpilot than you can by printing the cache page (including more logs from previous cachers).

 

I happened to find a cheap Palm M515 on ebay for about $30 with the charger, foldup keyboard, and leather carrying case so I couldn't pass it up.

 

Good luck.

Edited January 8, 2008 by kraushad

[+Miragee]

I already had my Palm m500 when I started caching. Once I installed and registered Cachemate, the Palm finally got used on a regular basis. It is definitely the way to go. If you look for a Palm, get one that connects with USB. Models to check out on eBay include, in ascending price: Palm m500, m505, and m515. The Zire 72 Silver Edition is also a cool option, but, unless you really need additional features, like WiFi, spending more than $30.00 is not necessary. I recommend getting a hard case for whichever Palm you get. I recently got a $35.00 Palm OEM case for $.10, plus $3.99 shipping.

[+theosus]

I dont know much about the other models people have mentioned, but I agree with you on the using up a lot of paper! What I spent on ink could easily have bought my palm - plus theres the aggravation factor of seeking a cache you printed out two weeks ago that is now archived.

I use a palm tungsten e2 - (which for $150 is a little much for geocaching IF thats your only reason to purchase one, but I use mine for everything. It's my mp3 player, my movie player, my contacts, schedule, e-mail system, photos of the kid, etc. I have a portable folding keyboard I can use to write word docs, fill out logs, etc.) Mine is in a stout leather case i keep in a coat pocket, or leave locked in the trunk while out skulking around in the woods.

 

Cachemate (which is pretty good and very cheap) - which I fill up with pocket queries before leaving home. Cachemate is a good database with lots of info. If you can connect your GPS to your palm, there is another application that will mimic GPS functions on the palm, providing you with a compass and distance to your target, but its database isnt as good.

 

My GPS is an older sport-trak map, but GPSBabel (free) converts the pocket query info into a waypoint file I upload using mapsend.

 

PCables.Com sells cables to interface GPS units and palm devices, if you happen to need one.

[+PaRacers]

We use a Palm M500, it works VERY well and the fact that it was very inexpensive is important. If it's sat on or drenched in water, (and it will be) it's no great loss and easily replaced.

[+BilLow]

Palm is great - unless you have VISTA. If so, get a Palm and upgrade your VISTA to XP or earlier.

[+Cedar Grove Seekers]

Now I know nothing about either Palmpilots or Cachemate so I'm off to do a little investigation, so if anyone has some links/sugested reading that would be good or advice on any alternatives.

 

Assuming from your question you don't already have a Palm, then I'll ask if you have an i-Pod. They work great for paperless caching.

[+anode]

will a palm m105 work with cachemate???????

[Neos2]

I use a Palm IIIxe with Cachemate and it works great. I got a great deal on my Palm from the garage forum here.

[+Team Teague]

Palm is great - unless you have VISTA. If so, get a Palm and upgrade your VISTA to XP or earlier.

 

We have Vista on our new laptop....we installed the palm desktop, it wouldn't work, but went to the palm site and downloaded the beta version for vista and cachemate works great on it. We have a M505, love it, and got it on Ebay for $20 shipped....

[+raysnkids]

Palm is great - unless you have VISTA. If so, get a Palm and upgrade your VISTA to XP or earlier.

 

I use my Palm m515 with Windows Vista, and it works just fine....after I downloaded and installed PalmDesktopWin62Beta

 

And yes, Palm with Cachemate is definitely the way to go!

Edited January 9, 2008 by 2-Rays

[+Annie & PB]

Thanks people !!! Gret to know that we can get good advice here. (Shows how techno challenged I am that I didn't even call the PALM the correct name!!!LOL) Sounds like this combination is what we will need.

 

We don't run Vista so won't encounter those issues.

 

I am ROTFLOL about the prices though - down here in little old New Zealand I will be most likely adding a zero to the prices you guys have quoted!!!

[+Rhinogeo]

I've been using Cachemate since shortly after I started caching (PALM IIIxe then on a TRGPro)

 

I upgraded to a Palm TX last year which gave me the additonal ability to use CacheNav with a Bluetooth GPSr to guide me to the caches

 

If you don't want to go all out on a Palm TX, you can get a NEW Palm IIIxe on Dealsdirect here in Oz for only $69.95 AUD (but I don't know if they will post across the ditch)

[+sbell111]

Wow. Brian sure is excited about cachemate.

 

Anyway, I've tried cachemate, but I prefer Plucker. Plucker gives you a very internetty view of the cache pages and allows you to sort/search caches by distance from the last one, name, waypoint, owner, density, whether it has TBs, etc.

 

That being said, I use two additional programs. First, I use Sunrise instead of Pluckers desktop application. Sunrise runs faster and it allows me to easily sync any pics from the cache pages to my pda.

 

I also use Cache Log Book to record my cache hunts. It creates a convenient little database of my experiences that makes online logging a snap.

 

Also, if you buy a used palm, don't worry too much about how much memory it has. Some time ago, I bought my dad a used 2mb Palm V for geocaching. He is able to have 500 caches in Plucker, a Cache Log Book database, plus his calendar and contacts. The only thing about the older palms is that they are slower. You will notice the slowness if you are scrolling through a long list of caches. Of course, the fact that you only spent $10 for the pda may make up for it.

[+Pirates of Tuskegee]

 

I also use Cache Log Book to record my cache hunts. It creates a convenient little database of my experiences that makes online logging a snap.

 

Can you give me a little more information on how this works? I see the screen shot and the data you can enter, but can you upload that directly to geocaching.com in the form of the logs or is it just a nice place to keep the information prior to typing the logs in yourself?

[+sbell111]

I also use Cache Log Book to record my cache hunts. It creates a convenient little database of my experiences that makes online logging a snap.

Can you give me a little more information on how this works? I see the screen shot and the data you can enter, but can you upload that directly to geocaching.com in the form of the logs or is it just a nice place to keep the information prior to typing the logs in yourself?

You can't upload to GC.com. It is a database program that let's you record and retain all important information regarding each cache hunt.

 

For me, pecking out an entire log on my pda would just take too much time. Therefore, asking the program to automate those logs, while sounding awesome, would not be that useful. Instead, I document all the information to this database and then quickly use that information to flesh out complete logs online.

[+Pirates of Tuskegee]

You can't upload to GC.com. It is a database program that let's you record and retain all important information regarding each cache hunt.

 

For me, pecking out an entire log on my pda would just take too much time. Therefore, asking the program to automate those logs, while sounding awesome, would not be that useful. Instead, I document all the information to this database and then quickly use that information to flesh out complete logs online.

Sounds like what I figured. I think I am going to add this to my Palm. I haven't actually gone Paperless yet, I am just getting everything prepared for the jump. THanks for the help.

[+HopsMaltYeast]

Useful info in this thread - led me to drag out my M500.

 

I am correct in assuming that to go paperless with a PalmPilot that I need to:

 

1. become a Premium Member

2. download a 3rd party program like CacheMate or GSAK

3. do a pocket query or some such

4. use Palm software to download to my Palm?

 

Is there a site or thread around that walks you through the basics of this so I don't have to ask a bunch of question that others have already asked?

 

Thanks all - this was great info.

[+hurleyanne]

Try Geocaching University: http://www.geocacher-u.com/resources/paperless.html

[+jjasu]

I'm a newbie myself. I really like the combo of an Ipod and GSAK for going paperless. GSAK has a macro that makes exporting to Ipod notes a breeze

[+WRASTRO]

Well I finally jumped in and bought a Palm M125 with a 16mb card for just over $30 on ebay. I have downloaded and installed the Palm Desktop version 4.1.4 and I went ahead and purchased Cachemate. I also have the GSAK unregistered version. After a couple of iterations of installing, uninstalling, etc., I seem to have everything running and talking to the various components. All this on Vista. After playing with the Palm for a bit I can see it will take me a while to get used to using it instead of paper but I am hopeful this will be the way to go.

[+GIDEON-X]

Palm is great - unless you have VISTA. If so, get a Palm and upgrade your VISTA to XP or earlier.

 

I Have "VISTA" on my laptop........no problem's with palm m500, cachemate, watcher, etc. They all work just fine...........

[+Pirates of Tuskegee]

I also use Cache Log Book to record my cache hunts. It creates a convenient little database of my experiences that makes online logging a snap.

Can you give me a little more information on how this works? I see the screen shot and the data you can enter, but can you upload that directly to geocaching.com in the form of the logs or is it just a nice place to keep the information prior to typing the logs in yourself?

You can't upload to GC.com. It is a database program that let's you record and retain all important information regarding each cache hunt.

 

For me, pecking out an entire log on my pda would just take too much time. Therefore, asking the program to automate those logs, while sounding awesome, would not be that useful. Instead, I document all the information to this database and then quickly use that information to flesh out complete logs online.

I was screwing around with cachemate before I went to download this program, and I noticed that the cachemate I got (2 days ago) already has this in it. You can switch to it just like you are switching between logs/description/hints/etc.

 

I think I am just going to use that.

[+apetro]

i have a palmv that i bought here on the garage sale forums. works great. until you get one you can do this.

i have 15 caches on 1 sheet of paper. here is a small example for the sake of a shorter post. i just copy and paste the cache page into word and do some mass deleting. after i print it i highlight the names for my eyes. the font is 6 so you may need to go bigger, also remember to move your margins out as far as they will go.

 

 

Still Closer

The cache is about the size of a regular peanut butter jar with lots of room for goodies and Travel Bugs. Cache on and remember to watch your back. Muggles abound in the area.

In a JIF it's blackDecryption

 

 

St. B's

Small cache with a good view of a fairly new Columbus landmark. Easy parking and access. Cache has log book. A day at the Beech

The Wall

logbook only bring your own pen. Gone Fishing

 

Noblitt Bridge

Located in Noblitt Park near one of two bridges in the park.

This cache takes you to the People Trail system in Columbus. Cache is about the size of (2) 35mm containers. Cache container has enough room for the logbook and a pencil. Feel free to take a stroll or ride your bicycle through the park and trail system, if the nearby river has not flooded the people trails. This park is open from sunrise till 11:00 PM. Please respect the barricades if they are blocking off the people trail.

If the original container resurfaces, I will put it back into place and use it again

 

It's a BOY

The cahe is a decon container and contains: What does a tree become when it falls?

 

It's a GIRL

Have Fun. Not In The Water

 

Express Soccer

This cache is a small cylinder with some items for trade.

This is at the home of the Columbus Express Soccer Club. The entire park is filled with soccer fields. During the Fall and Spring it is filled with soccer players as well

This cache is surrounded by thorny bushes so be careful. However, if you find it there is a clear path to the cache.

Right where you think it is.On Park Property, not in anyone's yard.

 

Columbus Creekside #1

cache is located off of the People Trail inbetween 25th Street and Rockyford Road.

This is a traditional cache in a small tupperware container. Cache contains log book, small pencil, and a few items for trade.

You can access the cache by either walking the people trail on Marr Rd. between 25th St. and RockFord Rd. or by taking 30th St. to Griffa Ave. There is parking close to the cache this way. Terrain difficulty varies by where you decide to park. This one may stump you...

 

Covered Bridge Cache

This is the First Cache in Bartholomew County. The reason I places this cache is in hopes that I spur more caches in this area of the state. #1 To qualify for this cache you need to upload a Picture of yourself with the bridge.

#2 You will also need a picture of your GPS showing the location you were at when taking the picture. You can rush to the mill but not win the race.

[+f8lranger4x4]

I like mine u just have to know how to use it to get the maximum effect.