Some PPC software questions, as well as some process questions.

[+Thunder_Eagle]

I just started Geocaching today!

 

OK, I already own an iPaq and a Bluetooth GPS receiver (purchased long before I decided to try Geocaching), so I'm going down this route, and this obviously ties right into paperless caching. I've dug around here a good bit last night and this morning, followed several links, read several FAQ's, downloaded a few programs. I just need a sanity check from those that are not still overwhelmed by all of this. I think at least some of my confusion is based on me using a Windows Mobile 5 device vs. a Palm.

 

Anyhow, let me describe my setup that I used today, and see if I'm off base with anything. I'm still on trial versions of the software, so I'm open for suggestions. I also realize that some (a lot?) of people feel hand held GPS devices are better due to them being designed for the outdoors. I quickly saw how it could become an issue just from getting a little bit of mud on my hands and then needing to handle my iPaq. I think I'm going to get one of those Otterbox cases, and then eventually the handlebar mount so that I can use it as a street GPS on my motorcycle. I digress...

 

My setup:

iPaq hx2495b (has integrated Bluetooth and WiFi, as well as both SD and Compact flash slots)

GlobalSat BT-338 GPS unit (SiRF III chipset)

 

I upgraded to the Premium Geocaching.com membership to get .GPX files.

 

Software:

BackCountry Navigator

CacheMate for the PPC

GSAK

 

I know, looks to be fairly standard, except for maybe the BackCountry Navigator.

 

So, I downloaded some GPX files, copied them to the PDA, imported into both BCN and CM (that part kind of sucks, but if they were one program, there would be one hitch to the system I used today).

 

I got the topo maps downloaded through BCN. Then when I got to the park, I fired up both BCN and cachemate. I left the Geocaching.com info up in CM, then used the GPS features of BCN, including the tracking feature. Then I was able to switch back and forth between both apps to have my GPS map, and the Geocaching info pages quickly. Some of you might think you can't do this quickly in WM5, but with this free program MagicButton you get a small task bar like icons on your start bar.

 

So, then when the cache was found, I could pop right back to CM and log it as found.

 

Now, part of my confusion was most of the articles discussing getting your finds logged back into Geocaching.com involved converting the CM database via a macro in GSAK. Well, the PPC version is quite like that. Seems like I just do a GPX export, and then import that via the Load CacheMate logs and finds in GSAK, and then click on each one to log it to the website.

 

However, after search a bit more, it looks like I could use Geocaching Express Logger with the CM exported GPX files without needing to import into GSAK. So at this point I'm thinking of just using the PDA based applications, and not using GSAK.

 

Can someone give me a sanity check on all of this? Have I made it too complicated? Oversimplified it by missing something (perhaps history/tracking via GSAK that just isn't obvious to me now).

 

PS- One question I forgot to ask. My GPS reciever is WAAS capable, but I notice when I use the GPSInfo application that it is off unless I check the box. I don't see any settings for this in BCN. Is there a way to get this to stay on? Can I set it via GPSInfo, stop the GPS, then use it in another app and have it still be active?

Edited April 27, 2008 by Zanef

[+SparkyInCali]

So far you are off to a good start.I have used ppc based caching systems for quite a while.I dont use BGN because it seemed to take forever to load the maps I needed and I already had other mapping programs.You do know CM will route you to the cache with an arrow and distance like found on many handheld gps so unless you need the topo maps this could cut one program out of the equation.I like express logger for logging the caches but I use gsak to store a huge database on my computer and usually use it to filter the caches before I send the gpx to my ppc.

 

My current setup when I am not using my 60csx is

-HTC Mogul with built in GPS

-Cachmate 1.3

-Garmin Mobile XT With CityNav and Topo2008 maps

-Using Pocket IE I can access the internet and download GPX files on the go for when I am trying to get a FTF or to find caches I may not have loaded when I am out of my home area

-Google maps mobile so if I have cell coverage I can always pull up high resolution areials of where I am at