Gsak (geocaching Swiss Army Knife)

July 28, 2004

I just have to add to the other comments on this thread. GSAK is wonderful. I am just waiting for a few more things to be automated, and then I will be able to run a script that does everything I need to go caching with a single mouse click.

Actually, that isn't QUITE true. I'd like it to be able to generate a pocket query request on Geocaching.com for me :rolleyes:

-Jif

2.8k · July 28, 2004

I just have to add to the other comments on this thread. GSAK is wonderful. I am just waiting for a few more things to be automated, and then I will be able to run a script that does everything I need to go caching with a single mouse click.

Actually, that isn't QUITE true. I'd like it to be able to generate a pocket query request on Geocaching.com for me

-Jif

Could you please specify what it is that you are waiting for with regard to automation.

It is the items that users request that get added first

2.8k · July 28, 2004

When I create a Mapsource 5.4 file, all the waypoints are the typical geocaching icon. I've checked the box labelled Use Same Labels as GPS Send and have changed the GPS send to different icons. Actualy this had been done with the previous GSAK version which was doing it right.

What's wrong? Am I suppose to modify something with 4.01?

Tks

Alan

No, It looks like you have found a bug.

This bug was introduced with the changes made for using multi brands of GPS.

Until the fix is done the work around is to uncheck the "Use same icons as GPS send" then click on the change button to set the icons as you would like.

4.5k · July 28, 2004

Yup That did it. Do I get a prize for finding a bug? :laughing:

tks.

Alan

July 28, 2004

I would suggest that you include in the dropdown field for "Container" the type of "None" since events, webcams and locationless have no container.

Currently all these containers come under the heading of "Unknown"

Do we really need a "None" as well as "Unknown"?

Hi Clyde

I thought that "Unknown" could be replaced by "None", since there is no such thing as unknown container, but it either physically exists, so it is one of the other categories, or it doesn't phsically exist, so it is "None"

Thomas

That is not true. The GPX files from geocaching.com do sometimes have a container of "Unknown" as well as other miscellaneous names.

I guess it is just a case of terminology. What I am saying here is that basically they all mean the same thing and are therefore grouped under the one heading o f "Unknown" for the purpose of filtering.

Well Clyde, so we let it be that way.

It was more a "cosmetic" thing to me, as I don't see, how and why a container ever could be "unknown", as I said before, a physical container is certainely always of a "known" type, and if there is no container so it is still not "unknown" there is just "none".

As I am a guy, who always wants to know everything, it disturbed me to have something "unknown" in the grid :laughing:

Sorry for the bother!

Thanks

Thomas

5.6k · July 28, 2004

The cache page allows two container options that would fall under "Unknown" - "Not Listed" and "Other". So it isn't true that the container size is always of a "known" type. Some Mystery caches don't want to list the container as that would give away part of the mystery.

July 28, 2004

OK, I give up... :laughing: I just didn't know, there really are unknown containers, but now I can see the "why" and "how".

Well, I will live with the "unknown" in my grid :unsure:

Thanks anyway for considering

Thomas

2.8k · July 28, 2004

So it isn't true that the container size is always of a "known" type

No, it is not always true. As per my previous post there are some caches that actually have a container of literally "Unknown" .

But this is semantics. In summary, a container size can be unknown, none, not listed, and other. For the sake of simplicity GSAK groups all of these under the one heading of "Unknown" just to make filtering easier for the user.

So perhaps the choices are:

1. Change the term "Unknown" to something else to cover all the above

2. Add in ALL these miscellaneous types (and allow filtering on each individual one)

3. Leave as is.

Edited July 28, 2004 by ClydeE

July 28, 2004

It was more a "cosmetic" thing to me, as I don't see, how and why a container ever could be "unknown", as I said before, a physical container is certainely always of a "known" type, and if there is no container so it is still not "unknown" there is just "none".

Your statement is very true that there HAS to be a size to a container. It's just that if the owner doesn't list it, it is a mystery to all who have not found it.

Here is one example of no container size listed - GCK352

Gary

July 29, 2004

I know I've seen it, but can't find it at the moment, are there any plans for, or intrest in adding the icons for benchmarking?

July 29, 2004

So perhaps the choices are:

1. Change the term "Unknown" to something else to cover all the above

2. Add in ALL these miscellaneous types (and allow filtering on each individual one)

3. Leave as is.

Leave as is.

There are caches where the owner did not list the type, so they are literally unknown. We don't need more categorys for such a small group of caches.

2.8k · July 29, 2004

I know I've seen it, but can't find it at the moment, are there any plans for, or intrest in adding the icons for benchmarking?

I am waiting for Groundspeak to introduce the Benchmark PQ GPX downloads. (It was mooted a while ago they would do this) I was then going to review the whole benchmark issue.

I must admit, this does seem to be taking a long time. I really don't want to introduce benchmark support until this happens. However, there have been requests for the Benchmark type (and icon) as well as an "other" or "user" icon and type.

As an interim step I will be looking at adding these two new types and icons in the next release.

Edited July 29, 2004 by ClydeE

July 29, 2004

In this post on Logging Shortcuts in the 'Geocaching.com Website' forum ClydeE writes about adding a custom URL for a direct link to the 'Log this Cache'-page. Great!

I added it, and right-clicking and chosing the new entry worked fine.

That is, a new page opened inside my Opera-browser.

But when I preceeded the Link name with an '!' to get the link on the generated HTML-pages and in the 'Details' part of the split screen I got a problem. Clicking the link in the details brought up the page inside GSAK, but GSAk dont 'know me', so I have to log in to log the cache. If I right-click the link and choose 'Open in New Page' it opens up InternetExplorer.

Is there any way to indicate that I want that link to open up the page in my standard browser?

hbrx.

2.8k · July 29, 2004

In this post on Logging Shortcuts in the 'Geocaching.com Website' forum ClydeE writes about adding a custom URL for a direct link to the 'Log this Cache'-page. Great!
I added it, and right-clicking and chosing the new entry worked fine.

That is, a new page opened inside my Opera-browser.

But when I preceeded the Link name with an '!' to get the link on the generated HTML-pages and in the 'Details' part of the split screen I got a problem. Clicking the link in the details brought up the page inside GSAK, but GSAk dont 'know me', so I have to log in to log the cache. If I right-click the link and choose 'Open in New Page' it opens up InternetExplorer.

Is there any way to indicate that I want that link to open up the page in my standard browser?

hbrx.

Split screen view uses the windows API for Internet Explorer to render this screen, so only Internet explorer can be used here.

If you want to show HTML in your default browser you must use the right click menu options. These options are not tied into Internet explorer, but rather your default browser.

July 29, 2004

More detail on my request for a "few more things to be animated"

1) For the LOAD command, I'd like to be able to specify the values of "Clear Database before loading (yes/no)" as well as the choice of "Always/Existing Only/Newer" and "Set User Flag". In other words, give in automation all user controls in the normal "Open File" dialog.

2) Actually, those two dialog items are the only ones really pressing for me. :tired:

-Jif

Edited July 29, 2004 by TeamJiffy

July 30, 2004

I have several filters set on a database. One of them is puzzling me. Whenever I click in the User Flag block, that waypoint goes away, but the count stays the same. What's going on?

Also, is there a way to add waypoints that I missed the first time to an existing filter?

Most of my symbols are the Question mark; I don't get pocket queries, so I have to load loc files.

July 31, 2004

I exported a mps file to MapSource. The symbols got changed to Amusement Park icons. That wouldn't be so bad, but there's no glabal way to change them that I can find, only one at a time. Is there an easier way?

2.8k · July 31, 2004

My icons come out as Geocache icons when I export to MapSource. Click on File / Export / MapSource and is your Not Found set to Amusement Park?

I have the option selected right above it to use the icons for GPS Send, and in GPS send I have:

Found = Geocache Found

Not Found = Geocache

Placed = Geocache

Archived = Geocache Found

July 31, 2004

My icons come out as Geocache icons when I export to MapSource. Click on File / Export / MapSource and is your Not Found set to Amusement Park?

Yes it is; how do I change it?

July 31, 2004

Never mind, I got it.

Thanks.

2.8k · August 1, 2004

I have several filters set on a database. One of them is puzzling me. Whenever I click in the User Flag block, that waypoint goes away, but the count stays the same. What's going on?

Looks like you have found a bug in the calculation of the total counts when a waypoint is manually removed from the filter.

Also, is there a way to add waypoints that I missed the first time to an existing filter?

Yes, Just cancel your filter and select the required waypoints. You can then re apply you filter by selecting the "... Last active filter"

August 1, 2004

When you are transferring waypoints to your GPSr, GSAK gives you a choice from 1 to the total of waypoints you have in the database. It would be nice to have a column that numbers the cache waypoints 1,2 3, 4, etc so it would be easier to select by number say, line 20 thru 40 and transfer only them to the GPSr.

August 1, 2004

Clyde,

I have a suggestion/request for the next version if it is possible. Maybe this has been considered and talked about before, if so I apologize for bringing it back up. I travel regionally a good bit and have a problem keeping up with not founds and partials. Is there a way to add either 1 or 2 highlight colors on the edit screen - one for not found and one for partially complete? I don't think it warrants another column, just a way to highlight the code (say pink for not found and light blue for partially complete or whatever color you think would work better) to help keep better track. Maybe placing it up at the top next to the arrow keys.

Thanks for the consideration and for continuing to improve such a great product!

Thorny1

2.8k · August 1, 2004

Clyde,

I have a suggestion/request for the next version if it is possible. Maybe this has been considered and talked about before, if so I apologize for bringing it back up. I travel regionally a good bit and have a problem keeping up with not founds and partials. Is there a way to add either 1 or 2 highlight colors on the edit screen - one for not found and one for partially complete? I don't think it warrants another column, just a way to highlight the code (say pink for not found and light blue for partially complete or whatever color you think would work better) to help keep better track. Maybe placing it up at the top next to the arrow keys.

Thanks for the consideration and for continuing to improve such a great product!

Thorny1

DNFs will be addressed in the next release. I'm not convinced partially founds (you are the first person to request this) need their own colour.

Current users tend to use the notes section or user data for this purpose.

For example you could create a code of "PFND" (or make up something that you would expect to be unique throughout your database) for partial found. Now just add this code anywhere in the user notes.

Now if you wanted a subset of all your partially found caches just set a full text filter on "PFND". You can use this method to make up all sorts of "home spun" codes that you can use to further filter/classify your data.

Edited August 1, 2004 by ClydeE

August 2, 2004

The answer to my question is most likly so simple I almost hate to ask it, almost. If I have two databases (Found and Not Found) how do I move a cache from one database to the other? I just got GSAK and I am in a real learning curve, but so far I like the program, just need a little help from my friends.

Thanks

Thumper

2.8k · August 2, 2004

The easiest way is to get what you want to move as the only caches displayed in the grid, then do an export - File / Export / GPX/LOC file

Select GPX as the file format in the export dialog and then import it into the other database.

Now... why have multiple databases - just mark the caches as found and use filters to display All, only Found or only Not Found.

David

2.8k · August 2, 2004

The answer to my question is most likly so simple I almost hate to ask it, almost. If I have two databases (Found and Not Found) how do I move a cache from one database to the other?

In a future release I will add support for merging databases and sub sets.

But for now, the comments offered by Team Demp echo my thoughts exactly.

August 2, 2004

Just a quick question, what is the maximum amount of characters that will be sent when using the %hint tag? It seems as though pretty much all the hints (notes) associated with caches in my 60CS are cut in half. It makes it difficult to actually make use of the hints.

August 2, 2004

The hint tag sends all of the characters, but your 60CS has a 30 character limit for the "description" field.

2.8k · August 2, 2004

Just a quick question, what is the maximum amount of characters that will be sent when using the %hint tag? It seems as though pretty much all the hints (notes) associated with caches in my 60CS are cut in half. It makes it difficult to actually make use of the hints.

As much as you may not like the answer, I am afraid Team Geodillo is correct on this one.

Many users have sent email to Garmin saying this is a ridiculous limit (and I agree) so you might get lucky and it will be increased in a future firmware upgrade.

August 2, 2004

Very good... I'll do my part and fire off an email to them as well. Thanks you two!

August 2, 2004

I read earlier in this thread that v4 supports multiple finds for a single cache, as in an event that allows you multiple finds. How does this work? My found count seems to be off by exactly this amount.

Also, I'm requesting an addition to the "macro" automation list... I use Street Atlas as my nav & mapping program. GSAK does a GREAT job of exporting the txt files I need for this, but I don't see it listed under the "Export" type options in the "Automating GSAK" section.

Great program, you'll be getting my registration soon!!!

Marty

August 2, 2004

I read earlier in this thread that v4 supports multiple finds for a single cache, as in an event that allows you multiple finds. How does this work? My found count seems to be off by exactly this amount.

Also, I'm requesting an addition to the "macro" automation list... I use Street Atlas as my nav & mapping program. GSAK does a GREAT job of exporting the txt files I need for this, but I don't see it listed under the "Export" type options in the "Automating GSAK" section.

Great program, you'll be getting my registration soon!!!

Marty

The first thing to verify is that your geocaching.com ID is set correctly? I may be mistaken, but I think I remember that the multiple finds works only if you are using the geocaching.com logon ID. (If I'm mistaken, somebody will let me know, I trust!)

Go to Tools | Options | General tab.
Make sure the "Method for matching placed (hidden) caches" is set to "Use geocaching.com logon ID."
To get your ID number, open a gpx with a cache you found. Find your log. In your log, look for the tag <Groundspeak:finder id="12345">. "12345" will be replaced with your geocaching.com logon ID. Use that number in the GSAK settings.

Clyde, it seems like variations on this question come up quite a bit. Perhaps the text for the option could be changed to something like "Method for matching placed (hidden) and found caches" to more accurately reflect what the option does.

August 2, 2004

[*]To get your ID number, open a gpx with a cache you found. Find your log. In your log, look for the tag <Groundspeak:finder id="12345">. "12345" will be replaced with your geocaching.com logon ID. Use that number in the GSAK settings.

Er. how? What do you use to open the gpx?

August 2, 2004

You can open it with Notepad or just drag and drop onto an open Internet Explorer window. Then use the FIND command to find your user name. From there you can get the user ID.

Edited August 2, 2004 by Team GeoDillo

August 2, 2004

Don't you need to be a premium member to view the user ID?

2.8k · August 2, 2004

Don't you need to be a premium member to view the user ID?

Yes, and this method is the best to use for matching placed/found caches.

However, it is not the only method. GSAK provides 3 methods for matching. If you are not a premium member, then try one of the other 2.

For more information see http://www.gsak.net/help/hs10900.htm

August 2, 2004

Is there support for USB (Garmin 60C) in the new version?

August 2, 2004

Is there user instructions posted somewhere? I have downloaded gsak but I can't figure out how to use it. I am sure there are some useful features. :blink:

2.8k · August 2, 2004

Is there support for USB (Garmin 60C) in the new version?

USB support is less a function of GSAK and more of the utility it uses behind the scenes which is GPSBabel. The GPSBabel developer is currently working on enabling USB support. When it handles it, GSAK will handle it.

2.8k · August 2, 2004

Is there user instructions posted somewhere? I have downloaded gsak but I can't figure out how to use it. I am sure there are some useful features.

Let me ask a silly question... why did you download it? GSAK is a utlity to manipulate caches you load into it from PQ's of GPX files. You can load in LOC files but I see you are a premium member so you'd be best off running PQs and creating GPX files.

Once you have caches loaded into it, you can sort 100 ways from Sunday, filter (show only caches that meet certain criteria), link to websites to display the cache on maps, etc. You can also export the displayed subset to one of many programs/formats it supports natively, or any program/format that GPSBabel supports.

So, to answer your question... what do you want to do and maybe we can suggest various ways to do it.

August 2, 2004

Is there support for USB (Garmin 60C) in the new version?

There's no need for it (sure it would be nice to have, but it's not at all necessary).

Just export all of your GSAK waypoints to a MapSource MPS file (this is easily done by clicking on the "Export MapSource MPS file" button on GSAK's toolbar), double click on the resulting MPS file that was created by GSAK (or have GSAK open it automatically for you by checking the "Load file into MapSource after generation?" check box in the Export to MapSource dialog box), and then use MapSource to send the waypoints to your 60C via USB.

This is super fast (takes less than 2 seconds), super easy, and doesn't cost you a red cent since MapSource and the USB cable comes free with your 60C (not to mention the fact that GSAK is free too - although donations to the author to support its continued development are nice).

I hope this helps some...

August 3, 2004

Just a quick question, what is the maximum amount of characters that will be sent when using the %hint tag? It seems as though pretty much all the hints (notes) associated with caches in my 60CS are cut in half. It makes it difficult to actually make use of the hints.

As much as you may not like the answer, I am afraid Team Geodillo is correct on this one.

Many users have sent email to Garmin saying this is a ridiculous limit (and I agree) so you might get lucky and it will be increased in a future firmware upgrade.

I did my part, but the response I recieved from Garmin seems to indicate that not to many people have told them about their troubles with a 30 character limit:

Thank you for contacting GARMIN International,

I have not had any other request of that nature, but I can forward on your

request to our software engineers for a possible future software update.

Best Regards,

Rick Patterson

Product Support Specialist

GARMIN International

2.8k · August 3, 2004

I did my part, but the response I recieved from Garmin seems to indicate that not to many people have told them about their troubles with a 30 character limit:

Very strange.

Someone is not telling the truth here. Either, 60c users have not been sending these requests - or Garmin is not telling the true story.

I guess all 60c users can do is keep sending in these requests until someone takes notice.

Edited August 3, 2004 by ClydeE

5.6k · August 3, 2004

Is there any way to add your GC ID # to cache listings you add manually? I do this with the actual co-ords for puzzle caches. I list myself as hider so that they would show up as 'mine' in the unfound database I have. But for caches I've hidden (listed in another database) I need to use the ID # as sometimes the name won't match my user name (i.e.. 'The "Birthday Boy" Jester' on a cache hidden on my birthday).

2.8k · August 3, 2004

Is there any way to add your GC ID # to cache listings you add manually? I do this with the actual co-ords for puzzle caches. I list myself as hider so that they would show up as 'mine' in the unfound database I have. But for caches I've hidden (listed in another database) I need to use the ID # as sometimes the name won't match my user name (i.e.. 'The "Birthday Boy" Jester' on a cache hidden on my birthday).

Currently no. I will look at adding this in a future release.

The only workaround would be to:

1. Export the cache to GPX

2. Edit the GPX in any text editor, replacing your correct owner id.

3. Load the GPX back into the same database.

5.6k · August 3, 2004

Thanks for the quick response. It really only affects one cache right now (a couple more later as I may adopt them), and I can always switch the option when switching DBs.

1.2k · August 3, 2004

Help! I have a Meriplat, I have Mapsend software, I created a .wpt file in Mapsend, and GSAK rejects my file with a claim... rats, forgot to note the error message. Something along the lines of it not being a valid file, claiming it is for EasyGPS. Then it claims that there are no waypoints in my wpt file and gives up.

When I open the .wpt file in Notepad just to see what is going on, it looks the same as any other wpt file I have.

GSAK and my Mapsend software had worked and played well wonderfully before I downloaded the new GSAK update... what happened?

2.8k · August 3, 2004

Help! I have a Meriplat, I have Mapsend software, I created a .wpt file in Mapsend, and GSAK rejects my file with a claim...

It sounds like you are trying to load a .wpt file into GSAK. GSAK exports this format, not import it. Currently the only formats that GSAK accept for import are GPX and LOC

If for some reason you do need to load the .wpt into GSAK then use GPSBabel to convert to a GPX file first.

August 3, 2004

I have several 'Puzzle' caches in my database. I have solved the puzzles, but have not yet had the opportunity to search for these caches. I entered corrected coordinates for each of these, but the next time I downloaded a local pocket query, they were set back to the posted coordinates. OK, I'll lock the records! I did that, but the corrected coordinates still went away, but the rest of the record was not updated and remained locked. Is there a way to keep corrected coordinates from reverting back to the posted coordinates from the pocket queries? Maybe my expectations are wrong.

Thanks for any enlightenment.

Brian

Gsak (geocaching Swiss Army Knife)

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