QR Codes

[WilliamTM]

Sorry if this has been covered before, but since I can't search for anything less than 5 characters, I can't really find any topics about it.

 

I was wondering if it's okay to use QR codes in a geocache, for example, in multi-cache series with the co-ords of the next location/hint/etc. QR codes, if you don't already know, are these things (doubtless you've seen one before somewhere, they're fairly commonplace now):

 

 

You can get QR code readers for a wide range of phones now, such as the iPhone (I use RedLaser), Android, etc. I'm just wondering if they're okay to use, since there are still quite a few people who wouldn't be sure how to use them and/or don't have phone that could read them. If I was going to use them in a cache, obviously, I'd make it known on the cache listing page that you need something to read them, but would this be okay?

 

PS: That QR code above has a message in it.

[+JL_HSTRE]

I was wondering if it's okay to use QR codes in a geocache, for example, in multi-cache series with the co-ords of the next location/hint/etc. QR codes, if you don't already know, are these things (doubtless you've seen one before somewhere, they're fairly commonplace now):

 

One of the first puzzle caches I ever found is a local cache with a QR code image on the cache page. When converted, it gives you the coordinates.

 

I don't see anything wrong with using one.

[+OienLabs]

With zxing availabe on the net, using QR codes in the listing is moot.

However if I found this as a stage of a multi or puzzle in the field the cache would go straight to the ignore list.

 

The best would be to inform about QR code in the field on the listing, so that I could ignore the cache in advance without getting upset.

[+sbell111]

Given that it would be listed as a puzzle, I see no reason to add an explanation to the cache description.

[+TheAlabamaRambler]

See also this thread on QR Codes

[+Nicodemus3]

PS: That QR code above has a message in it.

"Don't forget to drink your Ovaltine"

 

I'd agree that I wouldn't want to come across this one mid-stage in a multi, but would be great as a stand alone puzzle cache.

[+Flintstone5611]

I think it would be an awesome twist to the cache. I love getting to a cache and finding out that I need to restrategize. It shows some more than the usual thought has gone into it. If you were able to incorporate it as a multi I think it would be great!

[+niraD]

While I can understand the argument for calling a cache with QR code stages a multi-cache, I'd have to agree with those who say it should be listed as a mystery/puzzle cache. I don't think you need to come right out and say "You'll need a QR code reader at stage 2", but it would be nice to include some indication of the tools they'll need in the field.

[+maristua]

If you find a QR code in the field on a multi cache how do you get the image on your phone to solve it?

[+TheAlabamaRambler]

If you find a QR code in the field on a multi cache how do you get the image on your phone to solve it?

You take a picture of it with any camera phone.

 

Several readers are discussed in the duplicate thread I linked to above, and more info can be found at http://qrcodenewspress.com/

[WilliamTM]

Thanks for all the suggestions/advice. I'll definitely keep them/it in mind if I go ahead with it, I just wanted to check that it's okay beforehand.

[+jellis]

If you find a QR code in the field on a multi cache how do you get the image on your phone to solve it?

You take a picture of it with any camera phone.

 

Several readers are discussed in the duplicate thread I linked to above, and more info can be found at http://qrcodenewspress.com/

 

Well they mean actually with any smartphone that can read a QR code. Most iphone, droid and Blackberries can.

[+maristua]

If you find a QR code in the field on a multi cache how do you get the image on your phone to solve it?

You take a picture of it with any camera phone.

 

Several readers are discussed in the duplicate thread I linked to above, and more info can be found at http://qrcodenewspress.com/

 

Well they mean actually with any smartphone that can read a QR code. Most iphone, droid and Blackberries can.

 

Thanks for the reply to you both

[+DukeOfURL01]

I have a cache with QR codes, and have done 2 others, one of which I was FTF on because I am one of the few people in my area that knew what they were.

[+Gus]

Clay4 has a handful of hides using bar codes, QR codes and the like. One of the QR codes even links you to a video of him directing you to where the actual cache is.

[Andronicus]

If you find a QR code in the field on a multi cache how do you get the image on your phone to solve it?

You take a picture of it with any camera phone.

 

Several readers are discussed in the duplicate thread I linked to above, and more info can be found at http://qrcodenewspress.com/

 

Well they mean actually with any smartphone that can read a QR code. Most iphone, droid and Blackberries can.

I think you can get java based apps, so most any camera phone can do it.

[+DukeOfURL01]

But if you have an iPhone or Droid or Blackberry, you're better off using an app that is native for it, while a java one probably would work. I know my iPhone won't run java apps because Apple has to retain control.

[Andronicus]

But if you have an iPhone or Droid or Blackberry, you're better off using an app that is native for it, while a java one probably would work. I know my iPhone won't run java apps because Apple has to retain control.

my point was that you do not need a smart phone, any camera phone will work. And all cell phones for the last 5ish years has a camera.

[+niraD]

And all cell phones for the last 5ish years has a camera.

Not all: http://www.jitterbugcellphone.org/

[Andronicus]

And all cell phones for the last 5ish years has a camera.

Not all: http://www.jitterbugcellphone.org/

That is funny! I stand corrected. I think I need to get one of those for my Dad.

[+Don_J]

With <b>zxing</b> availabe on the net, using QR codes in the listing is moot.

However if I found this as a stage of a multi or puzzle in the field the cache would go straight to the ignore list.

 

The best would be to inform about QR code in the field on the listing, so that I could ignore the cache in advance without getting upset.

 

I have to agree with this. If I found myself two miles up a trail and then realized that I needed a Smartphone to finish the cache, I would be very upset.

 

Plus, If you decide to follow this course, you should list it as a puzzle and spell out what conditions were necessary to find it.

[+Don_J]

Thanks for all the suggestions/advice. I'll definitely keep them/it in mind if I go ahead with it, I just wanted to check that it's okay beforehand. <img src="http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

 

Keep in mind that not everyone has a smartphone. Heck, I don't even have a camera phone. If you were to go this course, you could mention on the cache description that if you don't have the proper equipment in the field, several visits may be necessary, and then leave a bunch of copies of the graphic in the cache stage. That way, if I decide to invest the time, I can at least bring the image home, scan it and decode it.

[+Don_J]

<quote(post=4560833:date=Dec 16 2010, 04:35 PM:name=DukeOfURL01)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DukeOfURL01 @ Dec 16 2010, 04:35 PM) 4560833[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->

But if you have an iPhone or Droid or Blackberry, you're better off using an app that is native for it, while a java one probably would work. I know my iPhone won't run java apps because Apple has to retain control.

<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

my point was that you do not need a smart phone, any camera phone will work. And all cell phones for the last 5ish years has a camera.

 

Please feel free to call me a Luddite, but I'm simply not a phone guy. I did not have a cell until three years ago. I bought it at Wally World for $19 and my service is $25 every three months. It has a really unique feature. It makes phone calls. Comes in handy if I get a flat, or I'm late to the trail head for a group hike.

 

I was at a Meet and Greet about six weeks ago and was fascinated when everyone started showing off all of the apps on the SPs. These guys were standing face to face, two feet from each other and sending text messages.

 

If Darwin was correct, expect us to be born without tongues and fingers 1/5 the current size.

 

PS Sorry about the quoting. Look like GS has some work to do.

[Andronicus]

But if you have an iPhone or Droid or Blackberry, you're better off using an app that is native for it, while a java one probably would work. I know my iPhone won't run java apps because Apple has to retain control.

my point was that you do not need a smart phone, any camera phone will work. And all cell phones for the last 5ish years has a camera.

 

Please feel free to call me a Luddite, but I'm simply not a phone guy. I did not have a cell until three years ago. I bought it at Wally World for $19 and my service is $25 every three months. It has a really unique feature. It makes phone calls. Comes in handy if I get a flat, or I'm late to the trail head for a group hike.

 

I was at a Meet and Greet about six weeks ago and was fascinated when everyone started showing off all of the apps on the SPs. These guys were standing face to face, two feet from each other and sending text messages.

 

If Darwin was correct, expect us to be born without tongues and fingers 1/5 the current size.

 

PS Sorry about the quoting. Look like GS has some work to do.

I don't call people Luddites, I call them Techno-peasants. Anyway, again, smart phone not needed, just a camera phone. If you don't have a camera phone, a camera will work. You will have to go home and upload that to on of the online decoding services, but it is not an unreasonable task for a puzzle cache.

 

Edit: fixed mangled quotes. Also, I have a smart-ish phone (HTC Vogue), and use tonnes of data, however, almost never txt. I also don't do facebook, so maybe I am also a technopeasant.

 

PS, is it scary that google spell check has technopeasant in its dictionary?

Edited December 21, 2010 by Andronicus

[+Flintstone5611]

I have to agree with this. If I found myself two miles up a trail and then realized that I needed a Smartphone to finish the cache, I would be very upset.

 

Plus, If you decide to follow this course, you should list it as a puzzle and spell out what conditions were necessary to find it.

Not to sound smug, but if you came to a cache on top of a pole and you weren't told that you would need climbing gear, you would probably laugh and put it on your list of 'to do' caches.

 

I really don't think you need to tell people anything when it comes to an unknown cache (hence the 'unknown'), but give it an appropriate difficulty and terrain rating and let people choose if they want to go for it. Eventually seeing that Blue Question Mark will burn them enough to go for it (or ignore it, lol)!

[+L0ne.R]

If you find a QR code in the field on a multi cache how do you get the image on your phone to solve it?

You take a picture of it with any camera phone.

 

Several readers are discussed in the duplicate thread I linked to above, and more info can be found at http://qrcodenewspress.com/

 

Well they mean actually with any smartphone that can read a QR code. Most iphone, droid and Blackberries can.

 

I've got a Blackberry 8330 Curve. There's an app. The app doesn't work.

[AZcachemeister]

I have one already.

I'm definitely going to make a multi using this.

Sorry if anyone gets upset about it.

[+GeoGeeBee]

If you find a QR code in the field on a multi cache how do you get the image on your phone to solve it?

You take a picture of it with any camera phone.

 

Several readers are discussed in the duplicate thread I linked to above, and more info can be found at http://qrcodenewspress.com/

 

Well they mean actually with any smartphone that can read a QR code. Most iphone, droid and Blackberries can.

 

I've got a Blackberry 8330 Curve. There's an app. The app doesn't work.

I used to have a Blackberry 8330 Curve. There are several apps. Most of them do work, the problem is that the camera on the Blackberry produces images that are too fuzzy to work, most of the time.

[+mpilchfamily]

It wouldn't be a cache i would go for. If the QR Code is just on the cache listing so i can look it up before heading out thats fine. Otherwise i'd be forced to either forget about the cache after finding the middle stage or snap a pic with my cacmera phone then go home to decode it and make the trip back out to the cache. But i don't have a smart phone and don't have a data plan for my phone. Nor do i want to pay the extra charges to use data on my phone.

[+Team Van Dyk]

We recently set this series which centers around QR Codes: http://coord.info/GC2YPCX

 

Note that in the description, we included a number of suggestions on decoding including links to a site that all you have to do is email a jpg of the code to them and they'll email you back the contents. So, the minimum "required" equipment is a digital camera and Internet access.

 

With all due respect, these are not onerous requirements. IMHO, even if it required obtaining a industry grade scanner (a la UPS delivery guy), it should still be fine (although, it would have a lot fewer finds). But, with QR Codes, it doesn't require anything more than things the overwhelming majority of Geocachers already have.

 

--Matt