+Vibe2 Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Hi: Any tips on having the info for the cache with you while out looking for it. I don't like using paper and printing everything off but there is a lot of information that is on the web listing that one should have with them, ie, tips for paths, problems past hunters have had, etc etc .. and if I have to print it, can I print a couple of lines per listing so I don't need a a page per listing. Quote Link to comment
+Buggheart Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 (edited) You could highlight the info you'd like to print with your mouse and copy and paste it into another document and print that which would enable you to just carry the most important info for several caches on one or two pages rather than several pages for each. Some people download cache listings to a PDA so they can carry all the listings along with them while caching and get to the data if necessary. I also do not like to print gobs of cache listings out so I was using a small notebook to plan out my daily route and to note certain things about each (Name, #, size, location). But when I started randomly caching on the way to or from somewhere I ran into problems as I didn't have the info with me and had to call friends a few times so I got a PDA and keep that with me and it works great. Edited November 20, 2008 by Buggheart Quote Link to comment
+jhssearcher Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 I printed the pages for my 1st 7 months, did way to much printing, now have gone paperless, with a PDA, really love it, gives you all the info the cache page has, except for the pictures. Quote Link to comment
+kraushad Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 (edited) I second the idea of paperless. Been at it for almost a year now and paperless is awesome once you get it setup. Grab a cheap PDA of Ebay for $20-30 (M500 or 505, 515) with a cradle to connect to PC. Then you can purchase GSAK for about $30, and you are golden. I hated to drop the money but it makes it really easy. A few clicks and you have all the page info in one palm, and the GPS in the other. It has the summary and description as well as the last 5 logs from other finders. You can even log your finds in your Palm by clicking the "found" checkbox, and record what you took/left. This way when you get back to the computer, you simply scroll to your "found" caches in the palm, and enter your notes. Aren't gadgets great? Edited November 20, 2008 by kraushad Quote Link to comment
+Photographer Jim Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 I definitely agree that paperless is the way to go. I bought an inexpensive Palm Z22 on ebay, loaded it with CacheMate and away I went. WELL worth the relatively small expense. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 I second the idea of paperless. Been at it for almost a year now and paperless is awesome once you get it setup. Grab a cheap PDA of Ebay for $20-30 (M500 or 505, 515) with a cradle to connect to PC. Then you can purchase GSAK for about $30, and you are golden. I hated to drop the money but it makes it really easy. A few clicks and you have all the page info in one palm, and the GPS in the other. It has the summary and description as well as the last 5 logs from other finders. You can even log your finds in your Palm by clicking the "found" checkbox, and record what you took/left. This way when you get back to the computer, you simply scroll to your "found" caches in the palm, and enter your notes. Aren't gadgets great? You don't even need GSAK. Just a cheap PDA and Cachemate will do the job nicely. Quote Link to comment
+TheLinderKlan Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 After carrying about 20 pages of local cache info with me, I finally got smart and dug my old Palm M130 out of storage. Loaded everything up into it and cleaned a whole lot of paper out of my backpack. Cachemate is cool and definitely worth the $10. I can't wait to get out and actually use it on a search. Now I just need a case/lanyard so I can attach it to my backpack and I'll be set. Quote Link to comment
+Stripes Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 (edited) At this point, I am in the beginning stages of caching and print off information. I usually print just the first few pages and then if there is something in the logs I have not printed, I will write that on the first page. Hmm, wonder if my old Palm is to old. Will have to check into that. Since I have a laptop, haven't used it in a long time, hmm. Edited November 20, 2008 by Stripes Quote Link to comment
+DiamondDaveG Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 As you can see there are many different ways to go and it all boils down to personal preference. Personally, I would love to go paperless but at this time I haven't. Until I go paperless, I do it one of two different ways. If I will be out and about working and have a chance at only a couple caches, I will just note the important info (name, coordinates, D/T, size, & notes in text and hint) in a mini-notebook and head out to work. If I am heading on a long work related road trip or a specific cache run I will take all that info and put it on an Excel spreadsheet and just print that out. Recently we headed out on a 35+ cache run and all relevant info fit on 2 pages with enough room for notes we made on the way. Quote Link to comment
+KG1960 Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 I agree that paperless may be more convenient, but I haven't gone that way yet. I usually do just a handfull at a time and do as Buggheart suggested: Copy and paste the significant data. Example: The family is going to my brothers house for Thanksgiving, and I selected some caches in his area to try. I have eight caches on only two sheets of paper (eight is more than we will have time for). Quote Link to comment
Neos2 Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 I love having all the cache info in my PDA. It even shows the last few logs and lets me keep the hint coded, but switch it over to clear with just a button click. I use an old Palm IIIxe and my husband uses a Zire. Before we went paperless, I would copy the list of nearest caches and the map of nearest caches, and shrink it down to fit onto one or two pages. I'd take out all the unneeded info and shrink the font to help make it smaller. That would come out to one or two lines for each cache of size, type, name, GC ID, last date found, etc. I'd go through by hand and add a shortened version of the hint, any notes from the cache page and logs I thought would help, parking tips and so forth. I'd have twenty or thirty caches all located in a centralized area on the sheet or two. It really didn't take that long to do that...or use that much paper... but it was very nice when I didn't have to do that any longer! Quote Link to comment
+StarBrand Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Used Palm off of ebay is about $25. Cachemate is $8. Ink Cartridge for HP Printer ~$35. A few hundred pages and then another one. Do the math. Quote Link to comment
+Vibe2 Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 Thanks everyone for the suggestions of using a PDA........ Quote Link to comment
+Len & Cheri Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I still print some of them. I do have internet access on my phone and have recently started logging onto the site with that while I'm out caching. For some reason though I can't do a search, only by inputting the GC##### can I view the cache description. Quote Link to comment
+succotash Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 We are just starting to graduate to paperless, it's great. Our only caution is if you like earthcaches and virtuals with lengthy explanations and graphics you may want to still print those off to make sure you can find the information about what you are supposed to do/learn when you get there. Quote Link to comment
+Wild Thing 73 Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I definitely agree that paperless is the way to go. I bought an inexpensive Palm Z22 on eBay, loaded it with CacheMate and away I went. WELL worth the relatively small expense. Every PM needs GSAK.....With GSAK and your GPSr, you can transfer cache information from GSAK to your GPSr and it becomes a mini PDA.....I carry a PDA, but very seldom refer to the PDA, because I have the info on my 60CSx GPSr.....Yes gadgets with there technology are great. .....Good hunting. Quote Link to comment
+Night Stalker Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I have GPX view on my Pocket PC. When I load my pocket queries into my GPS it gives me the complete cache description and the last 5 logs. The one thing it does not give you is any pictures. This is still a lot better then the covered clipboard I used to carry full of the caches I wanted to find that day. Quote Link to comment
+KJcachers Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 GSAK using the iPodNotes Macro. I have everything on my iPod including the last 5 logs for each cache. Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 Killing trees is fun! Okay. I'm hoping someone will get me a PDA for Christmas. Quote Link to comment
+WRASTRO Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 I definitely agree that paperless is the way to go. I bought an inexpensive Palm Z22 on eBay, loaded it with CacheMate and away I went. WELL worth the relatively small expense. Every PM needs GSAK.....With GSAK and your GPSr, you can transfer cache information from GSAK to your GPSr and it becomes a mini PDA.....I carry a PDA, but very seldom refer to the PDA, because I have the info on my 60CSx GPSr.....Yes gadgets with there technology are great. .....Good hunting. I have GSAK and agree it is wonderful, but it is a bit of a stretch to claim that every cacher or PM needs it. Very useful product. There are alternatives. I use a Palm M125 but I do find that most of the time I end up printing the cache pages when I am only heading out to hunt a cache or a few. The Palm end up being used when we head out for a day of hunts or we are off on a trip. Quote Link to comment
+GrateBear Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 I started with paper, moved to a PDA, but then even better, got a new Palm Centro cell phone! Downloaded Cachemate to it and now only have to go out with my GPS and phone. And, a pen, of course Quote Link to comment
+WRASTRO Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 I started with paper, moved to a PDA, but then even better, got a new Palm Centro cell phone! Downloaded Cachemate to it and now only have to go out with my GPS and phone. And, a pen, of course What is this "pen" you reference? Don't you sign all logs in blood? Quote Link to comment
+chemitzi Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 (edited) I definitely agree that paperless is the way to go. I bought an inexpensive Palm Z22 on ebay, loaded it with CacheMate and away I went. WELL worth the relatively small expense. I got a PalmZ22 for Christmas two years ago. Today I bought CacheMate and tried to load it, but I was using the wrong cable to HotSync. The official cable is missing. I spent $10 on CacheMate for nothing! By the way, when my Palm was new, it cost $100. Now I see the same exact thing on ebay for $.99. The problem with using paper is keeping up with them all. I went out today and left one page behind. What a waste of time and energy. Plus, the wind likes to blow them away. I used to use an Excel spreadsheet to do my pre-caching research. The columns would include name, code, hint, location, etc. I could get lots of info on one page, but it never seemed to be quite enough. Edited November 26, 2008 by chemitzi Quote Link to comment
richard1152 Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 Are there any GPSr that have the capability of storing webpages/notes? Quote Link to comment
+Wild Thing 73 Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 Another method is using "bookmarks"....Make a "bookmark" of the caches you will be searching for.....then copy, cut, and paste until you have one sheet of caches (about 15-20 caches, that is 1 line or 2 per cache) with just the minimum important information that you will need. TYPE, CONTAINER, AND HINT...Also serves as a "check-off list".... You will have 1 or 2 sheets of paper in the field....or, buy a PDA and download all the cache pages...I use both methods and it works for me...... Stay safe. Quote Link to comment
+Wild Thing 73 Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 I definitely agree that paperless is the way to go. I bought an inexpensive Palm Z22 on ebay, loaded it with CacheMate and away I went. WELL worth the relatively small expense. I got a PalmZ22 for Christmas two years ago. Today I bought CacheMate and tried to load it, but I was using the wrong cable to HotSync. The official cable is missing. I spent $10 on CacheMate for nothing! By the way, when my Palm was new, it cost $100. Now I see the same exact thing on ebay for $.99. The problem with using paper is keeping up with them all. I went out today and left one page behind. What a waste of time and energy. Plus, the wind likes to blow them away. I used to use an Excel spreadsheet to do my pre-caching research. The columns would include name, code, hint, location, etc. I could get lots of info on one page, but it never seemed to be quite enough. I use a Garmin Map60CSx that I have set-up to show...type of cache....type of container....Hint. It is now serves as a mini PDA as well as a GPSr. Stay safe. Quote Link to comment
+Wild Thing 73 Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 I definitely agree that paperless is the way to go. I bought an inexpensive Palm Z22 on ebay, loaded it with CacheMate and away I went. WELL worth the relatively small expense. I got a PalmZ22 for Christmas two years ago. Today I bought CacheMate and tried to load it, but I was using the wrong cable to HotSync. The official cable is missing. I spent $10 on CacheMate for nothing! By the way, when my Palm was new, it cost $100. Now I see the same exact thing on ebay for $.99. The problem with using paper is keeping up with them all. I went out today and left one page behind. What a waste of time and energy. Plus, the wind likes to blow them away. I used to use an Excel spreadsheet to do my pre-caching research. The columns would include name, code, hint, location, etc. I could get lots of info on one page, but it never seemed to be quite enough. I use a Garmin Map60CSx that I have set-up to show...type of cache....type of container....Hint. It is now serves as a mini PDA as well as a GPSr. Stay safe. Quote Link to comment
+GrateBear Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 I got a PalmZ22 for Christmas two years ago. Today I bought CacheMate and tried to load it, but I was using the wrong cable to HotSync. The official cable is missing. I spent $10 on CacheMate for nothing! You should be able to pick up a sync cable that will work rather cheaply somewhere on-line. I moved recently and thought I had lost a box that had my hotsync cable in it and found quite a few alternatives on line. Quote Link to comment
+quigquay Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 I definitely agree that paperless is the way to go. I bought an inexpensive Palm Z22 on eBay, loaded it with CacheMate and away I went. WELL worth the relatively small expense. Every PM needs GSAK.....With GSAK and your GPSr, you can transfer cache information from GSAK to your GPSr and it becomes a mini PDA.....I carry a PDA, but very seldom refer to the PDA, because I have the info on my 60CSx GPSr.....Yes gadgets with there technology are great. .....Good hunting. I like the idea of using GSAK to output to my GPSr, and then having the additional info available, thus allowing me to go paperless. However, when I do the output from GSAK, all I see on the GPSr is the standard info. Any suggestions on what I'm doing wrong, or steps I'm missing? I'm using a Garmin etrex Venture HC, if that makes a difference. Thanks, Quigquay Quote Link to comment
+StarBrand Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 I definitely agree that paperless is the way to go. I bought an inexpensive Palm Z22 on eBay, loaded it with CacheMate and away I went. WELL worth the relatively small expense. Every PM needs GSAK.....With GSAK and your GPSr, you can transfer cache information from GSAK to your GPSr and it becomes a mini PDA.....I carry a PDA, but very seldom refer to the PDA, because I have the info on my 60CSx GPSr.....Yes gadgets with there technology are great. .....Good hunting. I like the idea of using GSAK to output to my GPSr, and then having the additional info available, thus allowing me to go paperless. However, when I do the output from GSAK, all I see on the GPSr is the standard info. Any suggestions on what I'm doing wrong, or steps I'm missing? I'm using a Garmin etrex Venture HC, if that makes a difference. Thanks, Quigquay You can sort of "code" the information into the description field and name field. The name field can be something like 14 characters and the description 35. Use %hint% to put the hint in the description. Lots of other GSAK codes can be used in there as well. "Code" the name to include GC code, terrain, difficult and size - something like SD3E1/1LR = GCSD3E 1 Terrain 1 Difficulty Large size regular. It isn't paperless but you can get some info to take with you. Quote Link to comment
IslandAdventure4 Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Still New to Geocaching, I'm gonna stick to the paper for now, print them out at work (saves me on paper and ink). I just got the Black Berry Storm, going to try and go paperless with that. Quote Link to comment
+quigquay Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 You can sort of "code" the information into the description field and name field. The name field can be something like 14 characters and the description 35. Use %hint% to put the hint in the description. Lots of other GSAK codes can be used in there as well. "Code" the name to include GC code, terrain, difficult and size - something like SD3E1/1LR = GCSD3E 1 Terrain 1 Difficulty Large size regular. It isn't paperless but you can get some info to take with you. I posted this on another thread, but this page (http://www.geocacher-u.com/resources/paperless.html) contains great instructions on how to go paperless using two programs called GPX Spinner and Plucker. Quote Link to comment
+Ockette Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 I'm paperless the easy way; my phone has internet, so I just go to wap.geocaching.com and do my searches there. It's great if I'm in the middle of nowhere and want to see if there's a cache near me. Quote Link to comment
7rxc Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 I started with paper, moved to a PDA, but then even better, got a new Palm Centro cell phone! Downloaded Cachemate to it and now only have to go out with my GPS and phone. And, a pen, of course What is this "pen" you reference? Don't you sign all logs in blood? Its the pointy implement you dip into the blood in order to apply same to the paper / parchment / papyrus or whatever is handy... preferably some one elses blood! Doug Quote Link to comment
+Chaircity Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 I still print out the pages, three hole punch them and put them in a binder I carry with me in the vehicle. Pull out the one I am looking for and put in my pocket. Works for me. Quote Link to comment
+Team Woodward Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Are there any GPSr that have the capability of storing webpages/notes? Garmin Colorado & Oregon series. I have the Colorado 400T. I have a couple of PQ's that I run weekly. I takes about 30 seconds for me to update the GPSr with the new PQ. I then have descriptions, hints, logs, etc. all at my finger tips. It still kind of seems like cheating to me as I started with a original Etrex (non-WAAS) & paper! Quote Link to comment
+usyoopers Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Paperless !! I can't imagine going back to printing out all those cache pages. Quote Link to comment
+WebChimp Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hi:Any tips on having the info for the cache with you while out looking for it. Lots of good suggestions, especially the ones on using a PDA. Instead of getting a Palm, I'd suggest looking for a used Dell Axim on ebay. It's a Pocket PC, and and will also let you run some Windows apps such as an Excel sheet of caching contacts. Both the Axim 30 and Axim 50 series also have an internal wireless receiver, so you can use wireless hotspots to access the internet. The Axim 50 is also GPS capable, so you could have a GPS backup. Both series also do Bluetooth, if that's of any use to you. I recently purchased a like-new Axim 30 off ebay for less than $80. GSAK (the paid version) is also the way to go. Strong "amen" to the Cachemate suggestion. It's way underpriced for the job it does. Quote Link to comment
Stompy Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Instead of getting a Palm, I'd suggest looking for a used Dell Axim on ebay. It's a Pocket PC, and and will also let you run some Windows apps such as an Excel sheet of caching contacts. How does the cache information appear in the Dell, are they they same as web pages. What if someone has created thier cache page with HTML so they have tables etc included, do these appear as they do on the internet? I'm thinking about getting a Dell from ebay also Quote Link to comment
+StarBrand Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Instead of getting a Palm, I'd suggest looking for a used Dell Axim on ebay. It's a Pocket PC, and and will also let you run some Windows apps such as an Excel sheet of caching contacts. How does the cache information appear in the Dell, are they they same as web pages. What if someone has created thier cache page with HTML so they have tables etc included, do these appear as they do on the internet? I'm thinking about getting a Dell from ebay also I use a Dell Axim (when I don't have my Oregon with me) - and I view the pages with GPXview or GPXSonar. Both make the cache pages appear very much like they are on the Internet but some HTML doesn't come out exactly right but for the most part very useable. Quote Link to comment
+CachinSpree Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 I just ordered a Palm Zire 31 off of E-bay. I am not all that computer savvy so how difficult are they to set up and use. This is my first PDA. Thanks - Spree Quote Link to comment
+sportside Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Late to the thread... I use an iPod nano and CacheMagnet for paperless. Before that I had a notebook i would write down number, size, and the hints. I like the iPod much better... Quote Link to comment
+Prime Suspect Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 You can sort of "code" the information into the description field and name field. The name field can be something like 14 characters and the description 35. Use %hint% to put the hint in the description. Lots of other GSAK codes can be used in there as well. "Code" the name to include GC code, terrain, difficult and size - something like SD3E1/1LR = GCSD3E 1 Terrain 1 Difficulty Large size regular. It isn't paperless but you can get some info to take with you. I posted this on another thread, but this page (http://www.geocacher-u.com/resources/paperless.html) contains great instructions on how to go paperless using two programs called GPX Spinner and Plucker. While the Plucker Viewer works fine, I'd suggest using Sunrise XP, rather than the Plucker distiller. That's the program that takes the HTML pages and images, and converts them into a file that you can Hot-Sync to your Palm. Plucker distiller has been known to choke for no apparent reason. Sunrise XP is pretty rock-solid. Quote Link to comment
+WebChimp Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 How does the cache information appear in the Dell, are they they same as web pages. What if someone has created thier cache page with HTML so they have tables etc included, do these appear as they do on the internet? The Axim has Internet Explorer built in, so if you save the cache page (with images) it should show html pages pretty normally. Quote Link to comment
+Prime Suspect Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Hi:Any tips on having the info for the cache with you while out looking for it. Lots of good suggestions, especially the ones on using a PDA. Instead of getting a Palm, I'd suggest looking for a used Dell Axim on ebay. It's a Pocket PC, and and will also let you run some Windows apps such as an Excel sheet of caching contacts. Both the Axim 30 and Axim 50 series also have an internal wireless receiver, so you can use wireless hotspots to access the internet. The Axim 50 is also GPS capable, so you could have a GPS backup. Both series also do Bluetooth, if that's of any use to you. Of course, Palms can also run Excel spreadsheets, and have Bluetooth and 3G wireless browsers. Quote Link to comment
+raslas Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 (edited) Are there any GPSr that have the capability of storing webpages/notes? Garmin Colorado & Oregon series. I have the Colorado 400T. I have a couple of PQ's that I run weekly. I takes about 30 seconds for me to update the GPSr with the new PQ. I then have descriptions, hints, logs, etc. all at my finger tips. It still kind of seems like cheating to me as I started with a original Etrex (non-WAAS) & paper! I have the Oregon 400T and it makes paperless caching extremely easy. Everything is on 1 unit so you don't have to carry both the gps and the pda around. It's great. Also have a Nuvi in my vehicle to help me get there and I also load the cache info into it. Edited December 6, 2008 by raslas Quote Link to comment
+KJcachers Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Are there any GPSr that have the capability of storing webpages/notes? either of the DeLorme PN-xx's will hold all you need to find a cache. By the end of the year they will have new software that eliminates the current 800 character limit from the cache description. I may actually be able to retire my iPod Notes workaround when this becomes available. Quote Link to comment
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