I'm going GPS crazy!

[+RiggsNC]

Hi. As a brand new geocacher family we've found out we LOVE this new hobby but also how much it eats up our data package. There's 5 of us on the plan and it's just WAY to expensive to get unlimited data for us so...... We're shopping for a gps. I've researched so much my head is full but also feels more confused!

 

I really like the Garmin 450 a fellow geocacher is letting us try out but it is discontinued and even though I can still find them, I called Garmin directly and they said that support for it will only last maybe another 2-3 years. The newer 600 seems to have more bells and whistles than us beginners need so I'm also looking at the Garmin Etrex 30 (also discontinued lol). It seems as though the newer 30x would be fine too.

 

Anyway, they both seem to have great reviews for caching all across the internet so I guess I'm looking at 2 good options (besides the fact that they have limited support now) but the display size has me a bit concerned. There is not a seller in my city, even Garmin looked it up for me within 60 miles of me, so I could go get my hands on the Etrex but if the 450 is 3" and the Etrex says 1.4" x 1.7" that sounds super tiny! Amazon has it at 2". Can anyone tell me if that is an ok size if you wear cheaters? Sheesh, it sounds SO tiny! Anyway, that's it for now. Thanks for any help!

[+Viajero Perdido]

Before you abandon phone-caching because of the data usage, look into offline phone caching. Yes, it's possible. Supposedly the Groundspeak apps can work offline (I'll take people's word for it), and I know some of the third-party apps do as well. https://www.geocachi...obile/partners/

 

I always cache offline (with pre-loaded data and maps via WiFi at home), and only go online if I'm having trouble and need to read a lot of logs. And my monthly phone bill (data included) is less than the land line it replaced.

Edited March 10, 2016 by Viajero Perdido

[Pup Patrol]

We are using a Garmin 60csx. Not worried about it being discontinued for quite some time now.

 

You don't say which phone or app you are using.

 

Help Center → Apps → Geocaching Classic Android App

4.8. How do I create/delete an offline list?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=448

 

Help Center → Apps → Geocaching Classic iPhone App

3.12. How do I Create/Delete an Offline Lists?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=430

 

You are a Premium Member...have you looked into Pocket Queries?

 

2. Pocket Queries

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=28

 

And bookmark lists...you can create bookmark lists and run pq's of them.

 

1.3. Bookmark Lists and Instructional Video

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=283

 

Help Center → Apps → Geocaching Classic Android App

4.10. Using Pocket Queries

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=461

 

Help Center → Apps → Geocaching Classic iPhone App

3.19. How Do I Use Pocket Queries?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=280

 

B.

Edited March 10, 2016 by Pup Patrol

[+RiggsNC]

Before you abandon phone-caching because of the data usage, look into offline phone caching. Yes, it's possible. Supposedly the Groundspeak apps can work offline (I'll take people's word for it), and I know some of the third-party apps do as well. https://www.geocachi...obile/partners/

 

I always cache offline (with pre-loaded data and maps via WiFi at home), and only go online if I'm having trouble and need to read a lot of logs. And my monthly phone bill (data included) is less than the land line it replaced.

 

Thank you! I totally did not know this. I will look into it.

[+RiggsNC]

We are using a Garmin 60csx. Not worried about it being discontinued for quite some time now.

 

You don't say which phone or app you are using.

 

Help Center → Apps → Geocaching Classic Android App

4.8. How do I create/delete an offline list?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=448

 

Help Center → Apps → Geocaching Classic iPhone App

3.12. How do I Create/Delete an Offline Lists?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=430

 

You are a Premium Member...have you looked into Pocket Queries?

 

2. Pocket Queries

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=28

 

And bookmark lists...you can create bookmark lists and run pq's of them.

 

1.3. Bookmark Lists and Instructional Video

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=283

 

Help Center → Apps → Geocaching Classic Android App

4.10. Using Pocket Queries

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=461

 

Help Center → Apps → Geocaching Classic iPhone App

3.19. How Do I Use Pocket Queries?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=280

 

B.

 

Thank you so much for this info. I did not even know I could do offline caching, until the first post above. Told you I was new! I will look into this. I have only heard about the PQ but will learn more for sure.

I have a Samsung Galaxy S6. Takes the most awesome pics and does well with the GC apps but I can't use the data up. Will have to definitely learn more about this.

Edited March 10, 2016 by MeandHim16

[+Mineral2]

The Oregon 600 doesn't have any more bells and whistles than the Oregon 450. Both have the same size touch screen, and both have a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. The 600's screen is brighter and easier to read, and the capacitive touch screen with multi-touch is nice compared with the 450's resistive screen. In short, the Oregon 600 is the 450 with some much needed improvements, so don't discount it.

 

I also reject the notion that a particular GPS is "too much" for a beginner. If you buy a trimmed down GPS and quickly discover that you wish you had some features available on another model, you'll wish you had just invested in the other model from the start. All GPS models work the same - they connect to satellites and return your position, they can tell you what direction and distance you have to travel to your destination/next waypoint, and they collect and display trip data for you.

 

What's the difference between an eTrex 30x and an Oregon 600? One is the interface - touch screen vs. joystick - and the rest come down to size/weight/screen size/processor speed/onboard storage space. That last one is not really of consequence if you load maps and data onto a SD card. In general, the eTrex line is stripped down in terms of hardware (processor, bus speed, etc.), but otherwise the 30x has the same bells and whistles as 64s or Oregon 600.

[+RiggsNC]

The Oregon 600 doesn't have any more bells and whistles than the Oregon 450. Both have the same size touch screen, and both have a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. The 600's screen is brighter and easier to read, and the capacitive touch screen with multi-touch is nice compared with the 450's resistive screen. In short, the Oregon 600 is the 450 with some much needed improvements, so don't discount it.

 

I also reject the notion that a particular GPS is "too much" for a beginner. If you buy a trimmed down GPS and quickly discover that you wish you had some features available on another model, you'll wish you had just invested in the other model from the start. All GPS models work the same - they connect to satellites and return your position, they can tell you what direction and distance you have to travel to your destination/next waypoint, and they collect and display trip data for you.

 

What's the difference between an eTrex 30x and an Oregon 600? One is the interface - touch screen vs. joystick - and the rest come down to size/weight/screen size/processor speed/onboard storage space. That last one is not really of consequence if you load maps and data onto a SD card. In general, the eTrex line is stripped down in terms of hardware (processor, bus speed, etc.), but otherwise the 30x has the same bells and whistles as 64s or Oregon 600.

 

Hi. Thanks so much for your reply. I don't really know anything about the 600 but my friend that loaned me his 450 also has the 600 and he says he likes them both but prefers the 450 and calls his 600 his "Gucci" gps. Lol. I don't know why but I know he said there'rs stuff on it he'll never use so that was what I was really meaning about too fancy of a model. I do agree with you though on not getting the very basic of models because I've read about "gps envy". haha. I also know that my son that was diag with several special needs, really needs the digital compass thing, 3 axis I think it was. So anyway, I've steered clear of the cheaper priced ones like the etrex 10 or whatever because I do think he'll grow into and don't want to have to buy another nicer one in a year. Although I have read plenty of people that love their 10s for geocaching but I think it doesn't look like the right fit for us. After researching most of the day I think the etrex 30x will be fine for us. Plus it is $100 less than the 450 and my son prefers the toggle over the touch screen so I think it'll work. I hope anyway. I do have Amazon Prime so we can return it for free if it's just too small a screen or whatever. Thanks for your help.

[+Viajero Perdido]

I have a Samsung Galaxy S6.

Android, good.

 

At the risk of sounding like a shill for my favorite app (I do mention it a lot), check out Locus Map; there are free and pro versions, and in spite of the name, it's also a very functional caching app. It works brilliantly offline, especially if you load up the vector maps, which amount to a massive saving in storage space vs the more common caching of tiles which this and other apps offer. (Vector maps are what GPS units use too, though they're not interchangeable.)

 

Locus does take a while to learn. There's a lot going on in there.

Edited March 10, 2016 by Viajero Perdido

[+RiggsNC]

I have a Samsung Galaxy S6.

Android, good.

 

At the risk of sounding like a shill for my favorite app (I do mention it a lot), check out Locus Map; there are free and pro versions, and in spite of the name, it's also a very functional caching app. It works brilliantly offline, especially if you load up the vector maps, which amount to a massive saving in storage space vs the more common caching of tiles which this and other apps offer. (Vector maps are what GPS units use too, though they're not interchangeable.)

 

Locus does take a while to learn. There's a lot going on in there.

 

Thanks! I will check it out although I might need to learn all about geocaching first I think before I try to figure that out. I'm still learning what all the abbreviations are about! Just got a GCing for Dummies so that should help. Ha.

[+Atlas Cached]

The Oregon 600 doesn't have any more bells and whistles than the Oregon 450.

 

This could not farther from the truth.

 

Here are just a few reason why.