JulieMigs Posted June 10, 2002 Share Posted June 10, 2002 I have an ipaq and have recently taken on geocaching as a hobby. So far I have went with friends who own a gps unit, but I would like to use my ipaq. What type of device would I need to purchase? Do I also have to purchase software? Thanks! Julie Quote Link to comment
jfitzpat Posted June 10, 2002 Share Posted June 10, 2002 Although there are compact flash GPS receivers that you can add to your iPaq, most are pretty expensive for what you get. Also, the add ons generally do not rival the stand alone receivers when it comes to battery life and durability (ex. many handheld GPS receivers are water proof, your iPaq is not). You can buy an entry level receiver like the Garmin eTrex for about $100. Some users augment their receivers with a PDA. For example, Daniel at our office takes an iPaq with him on adventures. He connects it to his basic eTrex and uses it to provide live http://www.lostoutdoors.com type aerial and topo maps. You can download a trial version of his app (called SkyEye) from our office site http://www.etree.com (I think it is $10 to register). Frankly, I added SkyEye map support to LostOutdoors, but I, personally, leave the PDA at home when I'm enjoying the great outdoors. Good Luck, -jjf Quote Link to comment
+avaloncourt Posted June 10, 2002 Share Posted June 10, 2002 The comment about battery life is a very good point. If your Ipaq fails and you're in the "middle of nowhere" you can't change the batteries. You can get some extra life by using an exernal battery pack plugged into the charging connector but that's just something else you'd have to drag along. Having an extra two batteries for a regular GPS would be a lot smaller and more convenient. Quote Link to comment
Duggie Posted June 10, 2002 Share Posted June 10, 2002 I have a Ipaq with Teletype cf unit and teletype software for it. It is great for driving anywhere using door to door or whatever but i have not used it for geocashing mainly because the battery wont last and it drain's pretty fast too. It nice to use Topo map's on it and put your own maps using this software if you have a place to charge it or extra battery packs, and that will get expensive. Also waterproof is a big issue too. Im just waiting for the Garmin Rino to come out to use for geocaching and i'll have the best of both worlds. Ipaq = for driving, Rino for geocaching. 2 battery packs = $150-$250 1 garmin Rino 120 = $210 <---- waterproof Quote Link to comment
JulieMigs Posted June 11, 2002 Author Share Posted June 11, 2002 Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment
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