Just got this awesome idea

July 20, 2010

EDIT: As someone suggested, now also on http://feedback.geocaching.com/geocaching/...l_lock_and_keys

I'd like Groundspeak to sell a Lock and a Key that would be universal. Geocachers would be able to buy either a set or only the key if they don't plan to hide. Pretty simple, a unique key to open them all. I sure would never go out without my geocaching key! A key every proud geocacher would carry all the time.

Now I'm not talking about having all the cache to use the lock butin the past I wanted to do a cache that would be visible to everyone but well hidden in the environment and I wanted to secure it with a lock so most curious mugglers could see and look at it (with a question mark over the head) but would not have access to it. Also, having a second set of coordinates to find keys first, turn the cache into a Mystery...

Today we would be able to hide a normal cache stating that the geocaching key is needed to sign. A new attribute could even be created for that occasion. Some will say a normal cache cannot require something special to access it, this will have to be discussed in this specific case.

So all around the world there would be occasionnal caches that require to have the geocaching key. They key could be borrowed from another geocacher too since they are all the same... but in the end, I expect that most of the geocacher buy the key that would sell for very cheap. Available at all events and such.

So? A cool lock (and there even could be different models/sizes) that all use the same key and the key could also get some unique design with time, like one special edition about 15 years of geocaching, etc.

I can see everyone carry is own 'my precious' key!

Edited July 20, 2010 by Rhialto

1k · July 20, 2010

Realistically though, how many caches would utilize a lock such as you describe? Just because a container is a "lock and lock" doesn't mean you take the name literally. :blink:

Sounds like a cool concept, I'm just wondering if the volume is there to make the concept viable. I like the idea of combo locks and hunting down the TBs with the codes as a more fun and unique solution when using a lock on a cache.

4.2k · July 20, 2010

Where this an option, I would incorporate it into at least one of my (future) hides and I would purchase a key as well.

I think the base concept is a great idea.

4.2k · July 20, 2010

i like the idea too

i guess the popularity will depend on the price of the key, if it was somewhere up to $5 i would play along

July 20, 2010

Would we have to buy special containers though, to go with these locks? I mean, I don't see a way to lock a piece of plasticware without drilling holes and compromising water-resistance.

It's a neat idea, if the kinks can be worked out.

6.5k · July 20, 2010

So the secret handshake and greeting isn't enough anymore? :blink:

3.4k · July 20, 2010

I think I'd rather just hide a key and have the geocacher find it first, then the locked container.

I've seen this work quite well on one geocache, where the actual hide is inside a Tank at the entrance to a fort.

7.7k · July 20, 2010

How about : http://www.buylockbox.com/real-estate-lock...n-lock-box.html

You'd eliminate the need for a key (that may get lost, left at home, or someone just don't know about). They may not know the combination either, but with paperless geocaching more prevalent these days, they at least might be able to look it up if they came unprepared.

Edited July 20, 2010 by Chrysalides

18.9k · July 20, 2010

I really like this idea!!

8.4k · July 20, 2010

There is no need to have a special lock made for Groundspeak to sell.

There are several different lock makers that have coded key systems.

All we as a group need to do is pick a single code for each maker and order directly from the company.

I.E.

We as a group choose Master Lock #2001 and hide caches with a certain destinctive name as part of the title all over the world using THAT lock and key set.

You could search the caches out by a key word search and have your key ready to go find it....

July 20, 2010

You'd eliminate the need for a key.

I want my geocaching key! :blink:

2.3k · July 20, 2010

I think it's a great idea. They could sell the lock and key combination, just the key, or containers with the lock and key set already integrated.

You may try emailing them directly and see what they think.

July 20, 2010

There is no need to have a special lock made for Groundspeak to sell.

There are several different lock makers that have coded key systems.

All we as a group need to do is pick a single code for each maker and order directly from the company.

Nothing like having Groundspeak handle all this. It's their game and they can come up with specially designed lock related to geocaching instead of a silver or gold usual one.

Plus if a set cost them 11$ and they sell them for 15$ I don't mind contibuting another 4$ to the geocaching activity and community. Just throwing numbers in the air here...

7.7k · July 20, 2010

You'd eliminate the need for a key.

I want my geocaching key!

You can get this Key to the Cache 2009 geocoin :lol:

July 20, 2010

I think its a great idea...if the cost is right...it would be fun to be looking at someone's keychain and see "that" key, then pulling out your keys and letting them see yours...like some sort of secret society...teehee

July 20, 2010

You may try emailing them directly and see what they think.

I'm sure they read... and if I was to get a reply it would be something like 'Thanks for the idea, it has been added to the list'.

Let's see if Jeremy jump in to tell us what he thinks.

1.5k · July 20, 2010

What if the geocacher becomes confused....and locks the key inside the cache? :lol:

I found a cache that had 5 boxes locked with 5 locks. You used the combination to open the combination lock....which allowed you to get one key out of the one box. Then you used the key to open the next box...and the next...and the next....until you found the box with the cache in it.

You didn't know which key opened which box...it was trial and error.

I mention this cache because the Last To Find locked the keys in the wrong boxes....which ruined the process. :blink:

July 20, 2010

You can get this Key to the Cache 2009 geocoin

wow, very nice! But would not open lots of lock... :lol:

July 20, 2010

What if the geocacher becomes confused....and locks the key inside the cache?

Have you forgot to quote someone else reply? Because the fact the key is universal mean any other geocacher would be able to open it...

8.4k · July 20, 2010

It's their game and they can come up with specially designed lock related to geocaching instead of a silver or gold usual one.

It's NOT their game. I don't see Groundspeak hiding caches for me to find in myyyy neighborhood.

Get it straight. This is OUR game. Groundspeak is just the biggest and the best and the most righteously awesome listing service and gentle director of the course of OUR game. :blink:

Don't get me wrong. I count quite a few Lackeys among my personal friends, but without US, gc.com is a $6 a year domain.

July 20, 2010

I think its a great idea...if the cost is right...it would be fun to be looking at someone's keychain and see "that" key, then pulling out your keys and letting them see yours...like some sort of secret society...teehee

Exactly... you may even notice the key from an acquaintance you didn't knew was also geocaching...

2.3k · July 20, 2010

You may try emailing them directly and see what they think.

I'm sure they read... and if I was to get a reply it would be something like 'Thanks for the idea, it has been added to the list'.

Let's see if Jeremy jump in to tell us what he thinks.

They don't always read the forums and I was actually trying to be helpful.

he probably wasn't intending to be rude. It just came off that way. ok, it's all better. let's go take a walk.

July 20, 2010

How about : http://www.buylockbox.com/real-estate-lock...n-lock-box.html

You'd eliminate the need for a key (that may get lost, left at home, or someone just don't know about). They may not know the combination either, but with paperless geocaching more prevalent these days, they at least might be able to look it up if they came unprepared.

I've seen one like that before - with the combo lock (on line - haven't visited it yet) And I love the idea!

I like the key idea too - but the container would be a problem. The key would have to be really pretty! and cheap.

July 20, 2010

They don't always read the forums and I was actually trying to be helpful.

Sure that was ok... you suggest I send to contact@geocaching.com or? I meant that they must one day get by popular topics so if they don't read it today they should eventually read it.

July 20, 2010

They don't always read the forums and I was actually trying to be helpful.

Sure that was ok... you suggest I send to contact@geocaching.com or? I meant that they must one day get by popular topics so if they don't read it today they should eventually read it.

How about posting the idea on the new feedback site?

Could be fun if the idea does catch on.

July 20, 2010

How about posting the idea on the new feedback site?
Could be fun if the idea does catch on.

Good idea! http://feedback.geocaching.com/geocaching/...l_lock_and_keys

Thanks!

4.2k · July 20, 2010

It's their game and they can come up with specially designed lock related to geocaching instead of a silver or gold usual one.

It's NOT their game. I don't see Groundspeak hiding caches for me to find in myyyy neighborhood.

Get it straight. This is OUR game. Groundspeak is just the biggest and the best and the most righteously awesome listing service and gentle director of the course of OUR game.

Yeah but, some of the periphery of concepts, or at least the implementation of them, are local to Groundspeak-

-Travelers have existed since letterboxing, but the Travel Bug (and the associated database of trackable numbers) is a Groundspeak device, if not a completely original concept.

-The Letterbox Hybrid cache type (and the associated icon), while incorporating the concept of letterboxing, is a Groundspeak device

-Wherigo is its own beast while the Wherigo Hybrid Cache is a Groundspeak device.

So some sort of incorporated/sanctioned Locked Cache (with hypothetical unique icon?) would need some sort of Groundspeak buy-in.

I guess you could say that this could be done on some other listing site, but then we wouldn't be discussing it here, would we?

Edited July 20, 2010 by Castle Mischief

3.3k · July 20, 2010

Don't like the idea. It just seams wrong.

11.8k · July 20, 2010

Now I'm not talking about having all the cache to use the lock butin the past I wanted to do a cache that would be visible to everyone but well hidden in the environment and I wanted to secure it with a lock so most curious mugglers could see and look at it (with a question mark over the head) but would not have access to it.

One idea for my first cache was a locked box in a county park. I asked on this forum, and several responses were about how a locked container invites vandalism, particularly by over-enthusiastic Geocachers who for whatever reason, can't unlock it. Though I'm still not convinced that really happens, the replies assured me it does.

But you could use a Travel Bug dogtag as a key to specially made locks. A TB has a "barcode" bug on it.

Edited July 20, 2010 by kunarion

8k · July 20, 2010

Sounds like mainly an idea for some additional merchandise for Groundspeak to sell. At best it creates a new class of PMO caches - these caches are available only to geocachers who own keys.

I'm not sure these caches would become popular enough that people will be running out to buy their own key. Perhaps in some areas with cache maggots, the locked cache would deter some theft. Perhaps the idea of using these locks on travel bug hotels would gain some traction -- a belief that those who have a key are more likely to handle travel bugs properly and the reduced risk that a muggle who finds the cache might take a travel bug. But there are ways to put locks on caches that only geocachers can open (hiding keys or combinations as travel bugs in other caches or putting the combination on the page of a PMO cache. Not likely that many would go through the added expense of a special lock and key for what isn't the greatest security in the first place.

3.4k · July 20, 2010

Don't like the idea. It just seams wrong.

I haven't done a locked cache, yet, because I haven't worked out a way to do it that I'm happy with.

Recently thought up a neat idea for something I found washed up on a beach, I knew it could be useful if I just waited long enough for inspiration. Now I just need the perfect location to place it. :blink: A box, but no locks involved.

July 20, 2010

I've found a few caches with a combination lock, but knowing the combination was part of the puzzle. It does add an extra challenge. Special containers would have to be available for the lock idea to become popular. In many cases, containers without locks (decon) are already hard to open, especially in cold weather. :blink:

8.4k · July 20, 2010

Don't like the idea. It just seams wrong.

I haven't done a locked cache, yet, because I haven't worked out a way to do it that I'm happy with.

I found 2 locked caches on my recent GW8 tour of the left half of the country.

They were both 3 digit combos. One had the combo right on the cache page. The other had a hint that the combo was the same as the exit # to the cache. That was really cool and lucky me I had a map right there in the car.

The coolest locked cache I know of was called Bring Me A Shrubbery. The CO had 7-10 keys out engraved with the final coords that were cable locked to plastic shrubs of different sizes. They were ALL rather heavy and some were quite large plus the hike to the cache was quite long. :blink: Well worth it to find a suit of armor (display) holding the cache for you. :lol: :lol:

6k · July 20, 2010

Everyone around here is throwing 35mm cannisters out the window and marking the location for a cache. You really think people are going spend money to buy a lock or locking container from the froggie.

July 20, 2010

Everyone around here is throwing 35mm cannisters out the window and marking the location for a cache.

This happen too much everwhere but there are those like me who have fun creating/working on a cache.

1.7k · July 20, 2010

I found 2 locked caches on my recent GW8 tour of the left half of the country.

They were both 3 digit combos. One had the combo right on the cache page. The other had a hint that the combo was the same as the exit # to the cache. That was really cool and lucky me I had a map right there in the car.

The coolest locked cache I know of was called Bring Me A Shrubbery. The CO had 7-10 keys out engraved with the final coords that were cable locked to plastic shrubs of different sizes. They were ALL rather heavy and some were quite large plus the hike to the cache was quite long. Well worth it to find a suit of armor (display) holding the cache for you.

Now, THAT cache I'd LOVE to find. Where was it? (Yes, I'm lazy.)

8.4k · July 21, 2010

I found 2 locked caches on my recent GW8 tour of the left half of the country.

They were both 3 digit combos. One had the combo right on the cache page. The other had a hint that the combo was the same as the exit # to the cache. That was really cool and lucky me I had a map right there in the car.

The coolest locked cache I know of was called Bring Me A Shrubbery. The CO had 7-10 keys out engraved with the final coords that were cable locked to plastic shrubs of different sizes. They were ALL rather heavy and some were quite large plus the hike to the cache was quite long. Well worth it to find a suit of armor (display) holding the cache for you.

Now, THAT cache I'd LOVE to find. Where was it? (Yes, I'm lazy.)

The CO is geowyz. The cache was archived years and years ago. A local cache sourpuss off their meds cut the lock off a trashed the area.

Geowyz's cache pages were/are works of art. Some of the most well done online pages and special caches I've ever seen. He really went the extra mile. A new geowyz cache was always cause for much celebration back in the day.

I still had a key when he archived it.

July 21, 2010

How about : http://www.buylockbox.com/real-estate-lock...n-lock-box.html

You'd eliminate the need for a key (that may get lost, left at home, or someone just don't know about). They may not know the combination either, but with paperless geocaching more prevalent these days, they at least might be able to look it up if they came unprepared.

I have a mystery/puzzle cache using a similar container.

4.8k · July 21, 2010

But I already have my "Master Key" set

4.2k · July 21, 2010

Everyone around here is throwing 35mm cannisters out the window and marking the location for a cache. You really think people are going spend money to buy a lock or locking container from the froggie.

Some will. Some won't. What's your point, that innovation and new ideas should be squashed flat because your observation is that your local cachers take a cheaper route to hiding?

People are buying containers from the froggie now.

Edited July 21, 2010 by Castle Mischief

July 21, 2010

The TSA lock standard could be used.

7.7k · July 21, 2010

The TSA lock standard could be used.

If I understand it correctly, the TSA system allows each lock to be keyed differently, but one master key can open all the locks. I don't know how TSA implemented their particular system, but we don't have the requirement of individual keys and master key, so snoogan's suggestion in post #10 is easier and cheaper to implement.

Just got this awesome idea

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