Gps Unit That Sends Data Back

[DogDogDog]

I'm new to the sport and still researching GPS units and what geocaching is all about. Is there a GPS unit that can send waypoint data back via satellite when you're out in the wild?

 

I guess what I'm thinking of is similiar to one of those child GPS locators that looks like a big candy wristwatch. Like this

 

http://www.wherifywireless.com/corp_home.htm

 

but in this case, our unit would transmit a waypoint when you choose.

 

Thanks in advance!

[+KerryG]

I have seen "vehicle tracking devices" that send via cell phone technology a stream of waypoints to a website. Good for tracking your kids/spouse/etc. But nothing in a handheld.

[+Poindexter]

We Ham Radio operators do this all the time via the ham radio airwaves which include satellites. It's called APRS and there's a ton of information available on how to do it. Many of the "digipeaters" in the APRS network are connected to the internet and allows anyone with internet access to see your position and short messages you may send. It's VERY popular.

 

Poindexter

[+EScout]

Poindexter is right about APRS; very interesting part of the hobby.

If you are talking about emergency communitcations with satelites:

EPIRBs and such

You can carry one of these while in the most inaccessable areas of the world and activate if there is an extreme emergency. Check out the GPIRBs (EPIRBs with GPS)

[+RB_Nielsen]

I read through the information in this thread, which if you follow all the links is considerable. Then I thought about my new cell phone, which has GPS capability. I can turn the GPS on so it is active permanently, or I can set it to turn on only with a 911 call. Now whether that capability can be harnessed in some way may be yet another issue - but interesting nonetheless

Edited January 10, 2004 by RB_Nielsen