Beginner Quiestiuons

[olddog717]

1. What Do I set My GPS unit at Nad27 or WGS84 does it make a difference in location?

 

2. What is a Micro Cache?

 

Thank-you

[n0wae]

1. Set your GPS to WGS84 and leave it there.

2. A micro cache is a very small cache like a 35mm container.

3. Welcome to Geocaching!

[+cache_test_dummies]

1) Set your GPS to WGS84.

 

2) A micro cache is a small cache (frequently about the size of a 35MM film cannister) that normally contains only a log. Good idea to bring your own pencil when seeking micro caches. Can be hard to find when you are just getting started, so you might want to look for a few regular size caches first.

 

3) Welcome, and have fun geocaching!

 

Edit: I typed too slow!

Edited March 23, 2005 by cache_test_dummies

[+Torry]

Have fun! Don't forget your bug spray and spare batteries.

[+StarBrand]

Depends on where you are at but can be quite a difference between NAD27 and WGS84 - WGS84 is standard here for geocaching. Please note however, that many maps still on the market are NAD27.

[+VirginiaJim]

It is important to be aware of which one your gps is set for and which one your map uses.

 

Datums are a frame of reference for mapping. The are many differrent datums that are used around the world. As noted in a previous post, geocaching.com uses WGS84. You will also notice a link to convert to NAD27 on each cache page. Most USGS maps use NAD27. I enjoy mapping my caches before going into the field on topo maps.

 

Try an experiment to see what a difference the two datums make. Find a cache using the correct datum and then switch to the other to see how far off you are according to your gps.

 

I am new to geocaching as well and I have enjoyed the wealth of knowledge available here in the forums. I also recommend the book Geocaching for Dummies. Of course, there are mutiple web sights that cover the different datums.

 

It is exciting to see someone new to geocaching. I trust you will ejoy it as you learn many new things.

Edited March 23, 2005 by VirginiaJim

[+AtoZ]

You want the same datum as the coordinates. Sometimes a cacher may hid a cache using NAD27 as opposed to WDS84 so pay attention but 99.999999% of the time WDS84 is good. The diffeanace here in colorado is 40 meters as some folks experianced when looking for a benchmark usung NAD27 coordinates with there GPSr set to WDS84.

Enough said on the other.

 

welcome

cheers

[+russell_53040]

How do you know which one yours is set at? I have the Garmin eTrex legend. Thanks Russ

[+The Commissar!]

you should have a map datum option somewhere in the setup area...I don't use garmin so I cannot tell you exactly where...Magies usually default to WGS84

Edited March 23, 2005 by The Commissar!

[+russell_53040]

you should have a map datum option somewhere in the setup area...I don't use garmin so I cannot tell you exactly where...Magies usually default to WGS84

Thanks. Mine is set on WGS 84.

[+Markwell]

Holy Kumbyas Batman - we're a friendly bunch this week! :( ;)

[+VirginiaJim]

Yes, Garmins do have an option for datums in the setup menu. It is a drop down list which includes WGS84 and NAD27. There are a few different NAD27 chocies. If you are using NAD27 you want NAD27 CONUS if you live in the contential Undited States.