What is a "beacon?"

[+CanadianRockies]

I've been checking some Minneapolis caches and have seen several references to "beacons." (E.g., "I wasn't sure which beacon to check, but eventually I spotted it.) Any idea what that is?

[+kunarion]

Sometimes cachers refer to an item that stands out as a Geocache hiding spot as a "beacon". A suspicious pile of sticks, or a lamp skirt, for example.

[+stijnhommes]

Here is a link to the help file about beacon caches.

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=303

[+jtbrady01]

Here is a link to the help file about beacon caches.

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=303

 

Good example. I've seen these used quite a bit as "Unknown" type. As you approach the beacon or chirp your GPS if enabled will give you a clue or the coordinates to the final.

[+CanadianRockies]

Sometimes cachers refer to an item that stands out as a Geocache hiding spot as a "beacon". A suspicious pile of sticks, or a lamp skirt, for example.

Thanks. That seems to fit in the context of the logs I've been reading.

[+Great Scott!]

Here is a link to the help file about beacon caches.

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=303

 

Good example. I've seen these used quite a bit as "Unknown" type. As you approach the beacon or chirp your GPS if enabled will give you a clue or the coordinates to the final.

 

Good example...except that the subtitle of the post stated "Not a Garmin beacon/Chirp"

[+dennistubaplayer]

My cousin is the announcer for the syracuse orange- maybe I could have a beacon cache where he would give the coordinates during the pre-game show or sompthing. Could I do that?

[+kunarion]

1 hour ago, dennistubaplayer said:

My cousin is the announcer for the syracuse orange- maybe I could have a beacon cache where he would give the coordinates during the pre-game show or sompthing. Could I do that?

It would have to be broadcast regularly, but how frequently, maybe ask the reviewer.

 

There’s a local cache with a web site “radio station” that eventually provides clues between tunes.  And I hunted a temporary cache at an Event that had an FM “radio station” that worked in a similar way. But that kind of thing seems pretty rare.

 

 

Edited November 10, 2020 by kunarion