+sidderz Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 I'm not exactly a newbie, but i always like hearing what other people use to find caches i'm not sure if this is in the right topic or not (i'm new to the forum and since i'm asking about what to use, i guessed this would be the right place; so moderators feel free to change the topic or move to a different forum category ) But anyway, What do you guys use? Software or hardware wise, from the moment you lay your eyes on a cache to the moment you find it I would be really interested to know Quote Link to comment
+Chief301 Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 (edited) The moment I lay my eyes on a cache IS the moment I find it 😳 I assume you're talking about what equipment I use for a GPS. I usually cache with a Garmin Oregon 550. I also still use my iPhone 4 with the official Groundspeak Geocaching app. I also just recently (yesterday) downloaded the Geosphere app....seems to have a lot more features and options, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. Edited September 6, 2013 by Chief301 Quote Link to comment
+J Grouchy Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 My Galaxy S3 using one of the following apps: Geocaching, c:geo or CacheSense Quote Link to comment
+niraD Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 Most of the time, I use Neongeo on my Android phone. Occasionally, I use my old yellow eTrex, but it's on its last legs. I'm evaluating options for a replacement GPSr, but haven't settled on a model yet. Quote Link to comment
+ADKer Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 (edited) Most of the time, I use Neongeo on my Android phone. Occasionally, I use my old yellow eTrex, but it's on its last legs. I'm evaluating options for a replacement GPSr, but haven't settled on a model yet. Upgrade to the new etrex series! The eTrex 10 is the new version of the old yellow, and I use the eTrex 20!!! Or c:Geo on my phone if it is like a last minute thing in town. (or as a backup:blink:) Edited September 6, 2013 by Rinerts Quote Link to comment
+Heli Leo Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 If I'm planning a geo cache run I load the caches into a Garmin Nuvii for the drive between caches. Once at ground zero I use a Garmin Montana 600 or a Garmin 62sc that I have loaded the same caches into. If it is a spur off the moment trip I use my Galaxy s3 phone with the Groundspeak app. Quote Link to comment
+niraD Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 Occasionally, I use my old yellow eTrex, but it's on its last legs. I'm evaluating options for a replacement GPSr, but haven't settled on a model yet.Upgrade to the new etrex series! The eTrex 10 is the new version of the old yellow, and I use the eTrex 20!!! Thanks, but I'm looking for non-Garmin alternatives. Quote Link to comment
+coolcarcoolyou Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 I use my GPSMAP 60CSX Quote Link to comment
+T.D.M.22 Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 Depends. Planned trip; Explorist GC. Unplanned, or cant find my GC; Paid app. cacher-napped(I was told "Get in the truck, were going to find a these three caches") Nothing. Quote Link to comment
+SirDonB Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 I use the only thing I have at the moment, my Casio Commando smartphone. I primaraly use Neongeo and have c:geo as a back up or when my premium membership has run out and I have not renewed yet and I have run out of downloads in Neongeo. I also have some various other caching related apps for puzzle solving and such I am considering a dedicated handheld GPSr for when I am in an area with a thick canopy and my phone can't quite get a good lock. Quote Link to comment
+The_Incredibles_ Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 I'm using an Android with LocusPro. Quote Link to comment
+Love Cachers Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 But anyway, What do you guys use? Software or hardware wise, from the moment you lay your eyes on a cache to the moment you find it I would be really interested to know My wife & I both use our iPhone 5s with the geocaching.com app and we're real happy with them. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Not really a getting started issue, moving to a more appropriate forum. Quote Link to comment
+giddeanx Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 If you are doing cyphers (puzzle caches) http://rumkin.com/tools/cipher/ is a valuable resource. I have recently downloaded ARG tools to my Iphone for field use. Quote Link to comment
+sidderz Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 I'm liking all these answers Quote Link to comment
+wimseyguy Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Garmin Oregon 450. Had it for 3 years. Used a Garmin 60 CSx before. Use GSAK to keep things organized and help plan for outings. Rarely use my phone or apps for caching. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 My main caching GPS is a DeLorme PN40. My backups are a Garmin 60CSX and a Garmin Nuvi 500 and I also have a Motorola smart phone with the geocaching app. I temporarily misplaced my DeLorme before I left for a recent vacation so I had to use the 60CSX and the Nuvi. Even though the Nuvi was a model made specifically with geocaching in mind, it's still crappy for geocaching, so I used the 60CSX to find caches and the Nuvi to read the cache descriptions and hint when necessary. I don't like using the smart phone unless its absolutely necessary. Geocaching kills the batteries fast and that screen is nearly impossible to read in sunlight. Quote Link to comment
+desmognathus Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 For a non-Garmin alternative, you could try the Delorme PN-60, which is what I am using. It has its quirks, and loading PQ's is a bit more cumbersome than it really needs to be, but it's not a bad unit for the money. Quote Link to comment
+MartyBartfast Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 I use Linux, not Windows, then OpenCacheManager rather than GSAK to manage the caches on my laptop. My main caching device is an Etrex30, loaded with free OpenStreetMap maps. I also have a Blackberry for work, so I have Cachesense installed on it and always have some gpx exports from my database on it in case I feel the need for a bit of impromptu caching. I also bought myself a Nexus 7 tablet last week, and the first apps that went on it were (of course) geocaching apps, including Cachesense, and WhereYouGo. I've tried both out and the Nexus is a great device for caching, but the fragility and lack of waterproofing means it will only ever be for occasional use - the Etrex30 will always be my main device. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 For a non-Garmin alternative, you could try the Delorme PN-60, which is what I am using. It has its quirks, and loading PQ's is a bit more cumbersome than it really needs to be, but it's not a bad unit for the money. I think that's my next unit. I might be getting it for my birthday. That or the eTrex 30. Hoping it's the PN60 Quote Link to comment
+Lieblweb Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Garmin Nuvi to get to PZ Garmin GPSmap 62s at GZ Garmin Oregon 450 at GZ iPhone 5 /geocaching APP for logging Quote Link to comment
+JohnCNA Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Geosphere on my wife's iPhone and I use a combination of Garmin eTrex 30 and CacheSense on a Galaxy S3. I really like how I can share a GPX file between all 3 devices so we have the exact same data in the field. Quote Link to comment
+captnemo Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 I use my NUVI 2595LT to get to the area and for the paperless caching, then I use my 12 yr. old Garmin GPS V and a compass to zero in on GZ. Quote Link to comment
+hukilaulau Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Thanks, but I'm looking for non-Garmin alternatives. I still use a Magellan eXplorist 500 that I've had for about 7 years now. it's been good enough for over 3,000 caches. I've been thinking for several years that when I need a new gps I'll go with the PN-60 mentioned by others. Quote Link to comment
+Geeky Gal Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Right now I just use my smart phone and the geocaching.com app. I'm going to be getting a GPS later this month...as soon as I decide which one to get. Quote Link to comment
+onthegomom Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 I have the Delorme PN 40 and want to upgrade to the PN 60 once my 2 year old is done killing it by tossing it around. LOL If I am just out and about I use my droid. Quote Link to comment
+Be-con Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 Good to see some other Delorme PN-60s out there. I've had fairly good luck with mine. Quote Link to comment
danilightning Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 galaxys2 with c:geo and my explorist gc! Quote Link to comment
+St.Matthew Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 Delorme PN-60, because I've had nothing but bad luck with Garmin handhelds. Quote Link to comment
+cheech gang Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 Garmin 60Cx, I've had nothing but good luck with Garmin handhelds. Quote Link to comment
+BAMBOOZLE Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 1. On my computer in GC.com I create a PQ for the area I want to cache. 2. Download PQ to computer. 3. Use PQ to create database in GSAK. 4. Use GSAK to send waypoints from the created database to my two 62S Handhelds and my Nuvi 780. 5. Find cache and mark as FOUND on the 62S. 6. Upload finds from 62S to GC.com on my computer. 7. Log finds for all caches in FIELD NOTES. 8. Look at new cache totals for myself and smile. Quote Link to comment
jtcowman Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 I am excited to start geocaching, but need to make an equipment purchase first. I was looking at GPS units, and discovered I could buy a Pay as You Go smart phone for not much more(I have been without a cell phone for a few years). What do you think, can a smart phone do a good job of geocaching, and if so, does any one have any suggestions for a pay as you go phone for under $100-No PHONE CONTRACTS ALLOWED! Thanks, Jim Quote Link to comment
+pegazuz Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 I looked into smart phones with no contract and found the cheapest plan of $50 month on a pay as you go plan was far more than buying a couple of good hand held GPS units. Garmin Nuvi auto unit can usually accept coordinates to get you in vicinity of ground zero. Then any GPS unit can get you on the cache after you input the coordinates. I am new at geocaching and have acquired three units so far plus the Garmin in my car. I use my Magellan Explorist GC to find out which caches might be nearby, how far and in what direction. I use my Garmin 550T to read logs and description of what i am searching for cause the Magellan screen print is too small to read easily. If it is not readily apparent to me where the cache is hidden I plug the coordinates into my old IFindr Expedition which seems the easiest to use up close and most trustworthy and reliable in telling me the direction and distance to hidden cache. If it could do pocket queries the IFindr is only one I would use despite its larger size. Quote Link to comment
geocachebt Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 i use a GPS Map 62sc and a GPS 12 xl Quote Link to comment
HappyHikerTx Posted September 11, 2013 Share Posted September 11, 2013 I use my Samsung Rugby Pro and the Official Geocaching.com app. My phone runs on the android system and so far have had no issues at all. My phone is waterproof, shock proof, dust proof, etc. So it is definitely tough for the hunt. I like the fact that my phone serves multiple purposes. I can get to the cache (using the GPS), take pictures a plenty, call anyone, and log my find online and upload any pics instantly. All without having to switch units out multiple times. Ive gotten some cool caching pics because my phone was already in my hand. I may consider getting a ddedicated GPSr at some point, but right now my phone serves a bundle of goodies all in one awesome package. Quote Link to comment
+Heplercache Posted September 11, 2013 Share Posted September 11, 2013 (edited) I use the technology that fits the situation..... If out for a hike...The trusted Garmin 450 is the equipment of choice because of the battery life....and log as I go with my smartphone-Samsung Galaxy s4....If driving around doing park-n-grabs and short trips from the geocar for a few caches I prefer the smartphone so I can log as I go....I hate have to log 30-100 caches at the end of the day...which can take hours...when I could be having a cold one!!!!! As for software on the smartphone I have been using c:geo predominantly for the past couple of years, but have recently started using cachesense because they also show munzees, which I have recently taken a liking to seeing I have found most caches within an hour from home.....and needed an additional fix []....but they are just fillers...my heart is with geocaching!!!!!! Edited September 11, 2013 by Team.Hepler Quote Link to comment
+Artemis&Apollo Posted September 12, 2013 Share Posted September 12, 2013 We use a Nuvi to navigate between caches. We hand pick our caches because we don’t like all that are out there. We keep a running GSAK database, of our local area, that we update weekly and usually have about 300 loaded to the Nuvi’s ‘favorites’ and delete them as we find them. So the Nuvi is our master map of caches that we care about. We look at the map, decide where to go, and once we get to the location we use the GPSMAP62 to actually find the cache. The 62 has the cache description and logs loaded to it so that information is at hand and the accuracy is good. The only time we use the smart phone (Groundspeak’s app) is if we want to check more current information than we have loaded in the GPSr. The phone just seems to be oriented to “I am here, what is around me”; which is not the way we cache. Quote Link to comment
+ArtieD Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 I use an Oregon 450 for the bulk of my caching and a Nuvi 760 to get me from cache to cache. I even use my phone with the GC.com app once in a while if I am just grabbing a cache or two. Quote Link to comment
+lamoracke Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 My Garmin 60 CSX finally succumbed to another life and now its time to move on to devices than can house the description, D/T, logs, etc. I have an Oregon 450T but it frustrated me and even made me carsick as a passenger trying to use it and being upset with it losing the caches suddenly so now I upgraded to a Garmin 62ST. Seems to be working though some of the 60 CSX map functions I still like better. Quote Link to comment
Tate&Shanon Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 The moment I lay my eyes on a cache IS the moment I find it 😳 I assume you're talking about what equipment I use for a GPS. I usually cache with a Garmin Oregon 550. I also still use my iPhone 4 with the official Groundspeak Geocaching app. I also just recently (yesterday) downloaded the Geosphere app....seems to have a lot more features and options, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. What is the difference between the Groundspeak Geocaching app and the Geosphere app? Quote Link to comment
+Scootercop Posted September 14, 2013 Share Posted September 14, 2013 I live in the DFW area, so I primarily use my iphone with unlimited data. If I am going to an area that I know has poor cellular reception, I will load caches onto my gpsmap62st. Quote Link to comment
+JohnCNA Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 What is the difference between the Groundspeak Geocaching app and the Geosphere app? For me, the 'killer app' feature of Geosphere is import/export of GPX files and Dropbox support. I take a tweaked and massaged PQ from my computer, save it to Dropbox. Drag and drop to my Garmin. Open CacheSense on my Android and import from Dropbox. Open Geosphere on my wife's iPhone and import from Dropbox. Bingo. All 3 devices have the exact same data. We can transfer cache data while in the field this way, too. She hasn't used the Groundspeak app since we put Geosphere on her iPhone. Quote Link to comment
+jellis Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 First I use GSAK to download and sort the caches I want, then upload into my Garmin (4th refurbished) 60CSX. Then find caches and sign the log sheets and some I log on my iphone (noticed I don't use my iphone to find a cache). The rest I upload to Mapsource to save my finds and then log my caches through GC. Quote Link to comment
+JohnnyVegas Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 I use a Magellan Explorist 710 when on foot, in my car I use a Garmin Nuvi to get to the area of the cache. I use an older Magellan Explorist for hiding caches. Software GSAK. I also use an Apple I Pod for entering logs in the field then I stop by a local Starbucks for the WiFi to send my logs in. I have the Magellan software but I really do not care for it much. Quote Link to comment
+-CJ- Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 I'm using an Android with LocusPro. I often use my Android smartphone with Locus Free. Is Pro version worth buying from your point of view as a geocacher? (I guess you also used Free version before upgrading to Pro) Quote Link to comment
+Oxford Stone Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 I'm a c:geo person. Have more than held my own when out caching with a garmin user. Gradually getting more and more out of pocket queries, especially so slowly get new D/Ts. Project-gc.com gives you heaps of info for very little effort. Mygeocachingprofile, you need to send it your data every so often. I keep it for its count of caches per county, which AFAIK project-gc doesn't give me. Quote Link to comment
jtcowman Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 Thanks everyone for all of the great replies. Thanks to your info and some more research, I have ruled out the smartphone. The more rugged ones, which I would definitely need since I am part klutz, are $100+ with a contract, and I don't want to go there. I looked at some used handheld GPS units, by the time I got something decent unit paid shipping, I am at almost $70. For a little more than that, I can get a brand new Trex 10, and not have to worry about missing cables, instructions, ect or no support from the manufacturer. I would like a bigger screen, but $$$ is a very big factor. Thanks for all of your help, Jim Quote Link to comment
+cerberus1 Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 I scroll on the "nearest" search list for caches I'll do. - Sometimes I'll hit "Newest in.." and scroll by terrain (2+). Send to the 60CXS. If I'm not sure of the area, or if parking's listed, I plug in the Nuvi. I log when I get home on the PC. CJ might hit a hide on her iphone (GC app) if she's shopping, or at an appointment, after looking if one's close. Most times she logs from the phone. When we're together, we'll do it my old-farts way. - Often she'll pick up a C&D going to/from with her phone that I "forgot" to enter. Quote Link to comment
+cwgrizz Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 Usually: Download PQ to GSAK Load Oregon 450 using GSAK (a couple of macros add more info than just loading the PQ's directly to the 450) After the caching trip, load Found, DNF, notes from 450 back to GSAK Publish logs from GSAK to GS (more macros for formatting logs--not TFTC however or cut and paste!) On a rare occasion: When in a hurry to beat the FTF hounds OR in a spur-of-the-moment caching mood and I don't have the GPSr handy, I use the Windows Phone and the official GS APP Note: I do not prefer the phone for many reasons, but the two main ones are 1. screen is difficult for an old guy to see in daylight 2. probably haven't used it enough to be familiar with it Garmin Venture is a backup and Magellan Explorist 100 is the one for simple, indestructible use. Basecamp is also used for various reasons at times. Quote Link to comment
+MisterE250 Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 Samsung Galaxy S2 and C:GEO - however I'm looking for a good GPSR to get soon. Quote Link to comment
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