Just stumbled on the the Geocaching Craze

[Chosengamer]

I didn't really realise that Geocaching existed till a few days ago. I live in Nova Scotia Canada.

Now i have no GPS capability yet, but i am looking into it. One option is i was looking at upgrading my phone to an iphone 4 and then getting the Geocaching app. I am not sure how well it will work. There is no 3G in my area. I am not sure how that affects performance.

I was also looking at the Magellan eXplorist GC GPS. I see this is made with Geocaching in mind. Now does this come with good maps already, or is it a money pit of spending money on maps?

 

Seems the iphone is good for being able to just do a search of your surroundings whereever you are and look for the nearest caches. Seems the handheld gps's are more a planned event, in you have to download caches to it before you leave the house.

 

I am uneducated when comes to any gps devices. Any advice or suggestions would be great.

[+BZLuck]

I'm in nearly the same boat as you.

 

Been lurking around here for a few weeks gathering intel and doing lots of reading.

 

I have a Droid 2, but the dang thing sucks battery life like no tomorrow when it is doing anything other than text messages or being a phone. Besides the screen is nearly invisible when in direct sunlight.

 

So, last weekend I went to Target and purchased the Magellan eXplorist GC on sale for $169. You do NOT (actually you can not) add new maps for it. It has a "full base map" of the US and Europe, but that is really just streets/names and blocks of color for water and parks and such.

 

I already have a Garmin Nuvi in my car do do turn-by-turn navigating, so I didn't really need another unit to do that for me, and the GC unit does not.

 

It is a hand held GPS, with basic tracking functions, a simple compass, and was designed to load, read and point you to geocaches quickly and with lots of informational details. One of my goals was to be a paperless as possible, and this unit falls into that catagory without spending a whole lot of money.

 

What I determined was this: Sure the Magellan GC unit is an entry level GPSr. No, it does not do everything that a $400+ unit will do. Yes it was designed for Geocaching and not much else. It does (if you are a premium member here) let you VERY quickly and easily load "pocket queries" (which are groups of caches from a specified area, aka NOT having to load them one at a time) into the device. You create the query they are e-mailed to you. You plug in your GC to the PC and copy the .GPX files right into a folder on the GPS. Reboot the GC and there they are with descriptions, hints and everything ready to go.

 

So of that is your intent, then for the money it appears to be a good unit. I have yet to really field test mine, but the discussions I read led me to that unit as a starter GPS.

 

I also figured that as a "starter GPS" for under $200, if some dramatic change occurs in the GPS/Geocaching market in the reasonably near future, I don't feel like I'm stuck with a top of the line GPS that I spent a bunch of money on, to experiment with an activity that I'm not even if I'll totally dig it or not.

 

So there ya go, I hope that helps!

[+Team MacKenzie]

There's a bunch of things to consider.

 

If you only intend to cache in the major urban areas, as in you'll never ever step foot in the woods, then the Iphone might work for you.

 

If you have to buy a new phone AND upgrade your plan to a higher monthly fee, then factor in the costs over the course of the next few years. A GPS is bought once unless you keep upgrading..

 

Some phone apps are known to suck up time big time so you might have to plan with that in mind.

 

Most of the phones (so I've read) also have specialized batteries that have to be recharged frequently when used with the geocaching apps, so you're limited to how long you can be out there geocaching. My GPS takes 2 AA batteries that can be changed in the field when necessary and I get at least 16 to 18 hours of run time with them. I can go all day long without worrying about battery strength and with spare batteries in my pack I never have to worry about getting back out of the bush trail with no GPS to guide me back to my van.

 

A stand alone GPSr will provide you with geocaching and other features no matter where you go. I cache probably 80% of the time without cell phone service availability and can use my GPS for navigating on both the roads and for recording my track when I go off into the bush. A cell phone app would never work for me. I don't have 'paperless' ability with my Garmin 60 Csx but I picked up a used PDA for under 60 Cdn and love the combination.

 

You don't necessarily need to pour mega bucks into maps for a GPS..there are lots of free or nominal cost maps available. I put Ibycus topo maps on mine and am perfectly happy with them.

 

If you have a cell plan that works for you and a phone that isn't on it's last legs AND you want the freedom to cache whenever, wherever, then a GPS is probably the wisest choice.

 

As to which GPS to get...well, that's another really detailed discussion. You'll find lots and lots of information on what each do, how well they do them. I've used 3 different Garmin GPSs and wouldn't trade my Garmin 60 Csx for anything but it's kinda like talking Dodge, Ford & Chevy...

[Chosengamer]

Yeah i think i will go with a handheld GPS rather than iphone.

 

I was looking at the closest store to me. (Canadian Tire) and the models that they have that look ok and not too expensive are

 

Garmin eTrex Legend HCx

 

Magellan eXplorist GC GPS

 

Looks like the Garmin one can also hook up to computer via usb and grab coordinates from the website.

any recommendations out of these 2?

[+cterral]

I cache using an iPhone 3G and the Groundspeak app. It is all I have ever used and have been very successful with it. I do live in an area that has 3G coverage so that may account for my success. However, the downside is that it uses a lot of battery because it is constantly updating the position. The 3G does not have a built in compass like the iPhone 4 so that may account for the battery life issues. I just got a iPhone 4 this week but haven't had the opportunity to cache with it. I do not have a GPS device of any kind so I cannot comment on that.

[+Panther&Pine]

Yeah i think i will go with a handheld GPS rather than iphone.

 

I was looking at the closest store to me. (Canadian Tire) and the models that they have that look ok and not too expensive are

 

Garmin eTrex Legend HCx

 

Magellan eXplorist GC GPS

 

Looks like the Garmin one can also hook up to computer via usb and grab coordinates from the website.

any recommendations out of these 2?

I have the HCx. I like it, it works well and is fairly rugged(although I haven't checked it after my DNF/fall/slide down Mt. Sneffels... hummm I should do that when I get home).

[Chosengamer]

Endura Outback Handheld GPS is also available and about 50 bucks cheaper than the other 2

[+Team MacKenzie]

Yeah i think i will go with a handheld GPS rather than iphone.

 

I was looking at the closest store to me. (Canadian Tire) and the models that they have that look ok and not too expensive are

 

Garmin eTrex Legend HCx

 

Magellan eXplorist GC GPS

 

Looks like the Garmin one can also hook up to computer via usb and grab coordinates from the website.

any recommendations out of these 2?

 

Like anything else, some people swear at Magellans' and some people swear by them!!

 

There's a whole section here on GPSs and review section here at www.geocaching.com/reviews/gps (not sure why it isn't linking for me)

 

Before you go and buy anything, homework time!

 

Picking wisely now will save you replacing it in six months with a fancier model.

 

Oh and welcome to the addiction!

[NordicMan]

Yeah i think i will go with a handheld GPS rather than iphone.

 

I was looking at the closest store to me. (Canadian Tire) and the models that they have that look ok and not too expensive are

 

Garmin eTrex Legend HCx

 

Magellan eXplorist GC GPS

 

Looks like the Garmin one can also hook up to computer via usb and grab coordinates from the website.

any recommendations out of these 2?

Welcome to the sport/hobby/addiction I hope you enjoy the adventures.

 

The 2 models you list both have advantages & disadvantages (like most things in life, lol)

 

The Legend HCx doesn't do "paperless caching", however it is a very capable & proven model, and with the right maps installed it can even auto-route your car. And yes it can connect to your computer no problem.

 

The Explorist GC does do paperless caching, but is pretty much good for only geocaching. No additional maps, no car autorouting, etc etc.. It kinda depends on what your "other needs" are to make the decision which one to buy

[+jeffbouldin]

Be aware that with the Legand HCx you will have to run the Pocket Query through a software to convert it to the format that the Legand HCx can read. I'm not sure if it comes with the software to do so but GSAK (www.gsak.net) does that and much more. As mentioned it does not do full paperless, you only get a little info from the page on the unit. However you can add Topo maps or street maps to it if you get into back country hiking. Extra money there. The eXplorist GC you cannot add more maps but you do not have to run the pocket queries through any software and you get all of the page info on the unit.

 

You can also look at the Delorme PN-40 or PN-60. They do get all of the cache info on the unit and they make it easy to get it on there using their Topo9 software or the CacheRegister widget, both log into your GC account, get the PQs and transfer them to the unit. Both of those units also come with Topo and street maps.

[Chosengamer]

Another question. If i bought a Handheld GPS off ebay but the Seller was in America, would it have the proper maps for me in Canada?

Or should i just buy one here at a local store? The local stores are just more expensive.

 

Another question. I notice that when you have a cache opened up here on the goecaching site there is a "Send to my GPS" button. It says it's for Garmin GPS units. So all i have to do if a had a garmin is plug it in and hit that button and it uploads cache coordinates to the GPS?

Edited September 24, 2010 by Chosengamer

[NordicMan]

Yes most American GPSr's will work fine in Canada. Garmin & Magellan cover us pretty much as well as America for mapping. Delormes, not so much.. And the Lowrances are also a bit sketchy map-wise north of the border.

[Chosengamer]

I think i may get a Garmin. Now its just a question of which model. And not spending a fortune. I would like one that can work in the car as well.

[+Team MacKenzie]

I think i may get a Garmin. Now its just a question of which model. And not spending a fortune. I would like one that can work in the car as well.

 

What do you consider to be a 'fortune'?

 

To some $150.00 is a small fortune to others it's pocket change!

[+t4e]

Costco has some good prices on handhelds

 

60CSX

 

Oregon 200

[Chosengamer]

I think i may get a Garmin. Now its just a question of which model. And not spending a fortune. I would like one that can work in the car as well.

 

What do you consider to be a 'fortune'?

 

To some $150.00 is a small fortune to others it's pocket change!

 

I could probably spend $300.00 Canadian

[+ventura_kids]

My overall favorite gpsr is my old reliable Garmin eTrex Legend.

There is a newer model Garmin eTrex Legend HCx that has a memory card in it.

If you hike, it will work. If you can drive to the cache, it will work.

 

Currently I have a couple of other units that I use ..... but that's not required unless your hobby gets out of control.

 

If you don't want to spend tons of money yet ( you may quit after a year), I'd get one of the Etrex series units.

[+BlueDeuce]

Another question. If i bought a Handheld GPS off ebay but the Seller was in America, would it have the proper maps for me in Canada?

 

Keep in mind that for the Etrex models (Legend etc) and the 60's only come with a base map of major highways and such. Detailed maps are separate.

 

For a side-by-side comparison of the current Etrex models Click here (Ignore the prices)

Edited September 24, 2010 by BlueDeuce

[Chosengamer]

I went out at lunch time from work and bought a Garmin eTrex Legend H. It was cheap and probably a good starter for geocaching. I can get something better at a later date if i really get into Geocaching.

 

Now i just have to learn how to use it.

[Chosengamer]

So i know this only has 24mb onboard room, but is there any map updates i can do. Right now i can see my town on the map but it is only a dot with the name. No street maps. Or is this gps not street map capable?

[+jeffbouldin]

I'm not sure if you can put maps on it, but the thing is you don't need them to go caching. I did not have maps on mine for the first 2.5 years of caching and found over 2000. Many have found more than that. Now that I have them they are nice, but not a necessity. Use that unit and later on after you have a feel for what kind of caching you will do. If you do a lot of hiking you may find you want Topo maps. If you stick to urban areas you may want one to download Hi-Res satellite imagery, or you may find that your phone is fine when you need that and the eTrax is all you need.

 

As for the Delorme, the latest Topo9 comes with Topo and Street maps for Canada. Also their subscription service includes Canada maps.

[+BlueDeuce]

So i know this only has 24mb onboard room, but is there any map updates i can do. Right now i can see my town on the map but it is only a dot with the name. No street maps. Or is this gps not street map capable?

 

Dude, the cache is a five minute walk down a trail, do you need that much help finding the parking lot?

[+Team MacKenzie]

So i know this only has 24mb onboard room, but is there any map updates i can do. Right now i can see my town on the map but it is only a dot with the name. No street maps. Or is this gps not street map capable?

 

I'm thinking you haven't found the zoom keys yet!

 

If, after you've figured out the capabilities of the GPS, you still feel the need for more maps there are lots of free or nearly free apps available. I had Ibycus topo's loaded on mine and don't fee the need for anything else.

[Chosengamer]

I took that GPS back to the store. I wasn't happy with it at all.

I went for geocache hunt this morning at the crack of daylight for fun. I came up empty handed but was still a good time.