+Restcure794 Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 I am a relatively new geocacher and am currently using my iPhone5 for caching. It has been good so far but I am finding limitations to ground zero accuracy and very quick battery drain. Perhaps this is a functionality I haven't discovered yet, but I can't seem to find a way to enter GPS coordinates into the map app or the geocaching app. I would like an idea of what a stand alone unit has over using my iPhone app. I am currently look at the Garmin etrex 10. Thank you, Restcure 794 Quote Link to comment
+cerberus1 Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 All I'll say is you probably wouldn't be too happy with what is now one of the most basic of low-end GPSrs. Just a simple search in these forums on the subject of phones/GPSrs could have you entertained and enlightened 'til next Summer. Quote Link to comment
+kunarion Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 (edited) I am a relatively new geocacher and am currently using my iPhone5 for caching. It has been good so far but I am finding limitations to ground zero accuracy and very quick battery drain. Perhaps this is a functionality I haven't discovered yet, but I can't seem to find a way to enter GPS coordinates into the map app or the geocaching app. I would like an idea of what a stand alone unit has over using my iPhone app. I am currently look at the Garmin etrex 10. Thank you, Restcure 794 Cool. I've been trying out an iPhone 5, as a wifi-only Geocaching device. Remember that once you get to within 30 feet or so of GZ, check the cache description again, read the hint (unless you want to search first), and look at the sat map to get a feel for where the cache is. Then put the phone away and start searching. Don't try to get to "0" feet, since that rarely works out well. While approaching, say at 80 feet out, I make a mental note like "80 feet will be about at that tree", or whatever. You can save new coords as a waypoint within the official App, while navigating to a cache. And only then. You can enter coords into Google Maps by doing a search like N 33 33.333, W 084 44.444, which puts a pin on the map. There's a free App called "Commander Compass" where you can type coords or tap the map to set a target. Stand-alone GPSrs are great for Geocaching! The Etrex 10 may be on the low end, as far as memory and capability, but it's inexpensive. Edited June 1, 2016 by kunarion Quote Link to comment
+noncentric Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 (edited) I would advise against the eTrex 10. It is very limited compared to other GPSr's. If you can start with an eTrex 20 or 20x, then you might be happier. kunarion's advice provides good coverage of your other questions. Welcome to the hobby. I don't use an iPhone, so I can't comment about your specific phone's performance. However, I can provide some links to some of the GPSr vs Smartphone threads. Most of these threads specifically refer to the iPhone: Iphone6 V GPS Benefit of GPS device vs iPhone? GPS vs iPhone Do I need GPS? GPS vs Phone App GPS Or Smartphone GPS device - can I use my iPhone6? Smartphone not good with too many clouds Can a Smartphone Replace a Dedicated GPS? Edited June 1, 2016 by noncentric Quote Link to comment
+Restcure794 Posted June 6, 2016 Author Share Posted June 6, 2016 Thanks for your feedback. I've purchased the trex 20x. Now to learn to use it! Quote Link to comment
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