+huskytown Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 How are Palm Pilots used in geocaching? I know that they do not act as a GPS but are the caches stored and downloaded onto Palms for easy reference? If so, here is another question: I have an old Palm IIIxe-does anyone know if I could possibly use my old Palm to d/l caches? Also, that model is not waterproof. Any cases that protect the Palm from the elements that allow you to use them in inclement weather? Thanks for your help Quote Link to comment
+webscouter. Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 IMHO the best way to get caches on your palm is with Cachemate. http://www.smittyware.com/palm/cachemate/changes.php It will cost you $8.00 but it is well worth it. If you are a premium member you can create a pocket query that includes up to 500 caches closest to you. Using Cachemate converter you can create a database for the palm that Cachemate will open. It is a simple two step process and you will then have everything from the cache page except pictures. Quote Link to comment
+Tiffany's Slaves Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 I have a GPS attachement for my old Palm 3X... i never used it for caching but the capability does exist. Quote Link to comment
+huskytown Posted April 26, 2005 Author Share Posted April 26, 2005 I am just thinking of using the old Palm to d/l the caches so that I have the info, clues, etc out in the field. Is an old Palm ok for this use? I am a little concerned about the elements but I have to believe that there is a waterproof case out there for it. Quote Link to comment
+kfcthecolonel Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 I just dusted off an old Palm Vx and got it set up for Geocaching and I can't imagine Caching without it after just 1 week. Check out http://65.34.18.106/print.php?content.15 for a great article to get you started. You will need Cachemate for Palm and GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) but I think the time I spent getting this set up will save me so much time in the field. kfcthecolonel Quote Link to comment
+webscouter. Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 You don't need GSAK. Cachemate converter works just fine and is included in the Cachemate download. Then you don't have another piece of software to purchase. Quote Link to comment
+kfcthecolonel Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Thanks for the info on the Cachemate Converter, I'll need to check that out. I'm about to start a new thread on Scouts and Geocaching and I'd like your input. Give me a minute and take a look. kfcthecolonel Quote Link to comment
+huskytown Posted April 26, 2005 Author Share Posted April 26, 2005 Sounds great. Anybody have any waterproof cases they might recommend? Quote Link to comment
+Team Benhamtroll Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Rather than starting ANOTHER thread on PDAs, I had a couple of questions as well. Specifically, I'm interested in picking up a cheap PDA specifically for cacheing. I've been looking at the Palm IIIxe and the m105 as options. I like the Palm III, but I can't seem to get one for as cheap as I like, but the 8mb storage seems important if I want to store enough caches. Would the m105 be an acceptable solution? If I'm not planning on having more than a couple hundred caches stored at any given time, would a 2mb option work? I'm not planning on using it for much more than cacheing, most likely with Cachemate . . . Quote Link to comment
+PDOP's Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 (edited) You don't need GSAK. Cachemate converter works just fine and is included in the Cachemate download. Then you don't have another piece of software to purchase. You don't really need Cachemate either Geocaching Sans Paper - the Art of Paperless Caching Both Cachemate and GSAK are good programs that you'll probably want to look at. Edited April 26, 2005 by PDOP's Quote Link to comment
+PDOP's Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Would the m105 be an acceptable solution? Yup That's what I use and I've got over a thousand caches on it so you'll be fine. The serial connection on the m105 allows you to transfer data between the PDA and GPSr too which can be a problem with USB. Quote Link to comment
+mrodfamily Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Is it rude to add another question along the same line just a little different, Palm vs. Ipaq. Software for Ipaq? Quote Link to comment
+Team Wampus Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Specifically, I'm interested in picking up a cheap PDA specifically for cacheing. I've been looking at the Palm IIIxe and the m105 as options. I like the Palm III, but I can't seem to get one for as cheap as I like, but the 8mb storage seems important if I want to store enough caches. I just went paperless a few weeks ago by getting an 8mb Palm IIIxe on eBay for $15.50 plus $5 shipping. Can't get much cheaper than that! It was used but looks brand new, only had a serial cable instead of docking station, but that's OK given the price I paid. I kept bidding on different auctions for a about a week before I got the deal I wanted. Just be patient and be willing to lose a bunch before you win. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Sounds great. Anybody have any waterproof cases they might recommend? To me a hard case was more important than waterproof. I have an aluminum Rhinoskin protecting my Palm. If it's raining I put it in a Ziploc. Quote Link to comment
+Team Benhamtroll Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 I just went paperless a few weeks ago by getting an 8mb Palm IIIxe on eBay for $15.50 plus $5 shipping. Can't get much cheaper than that! It was used but looks brand new, only had a serial cable instead of docking station, but that's OK given the price I paid. I kept bidding on different auctions for a about a week before I got the deal I wanted. Just be patient and be willing to lose a bunch before you win. That's what I'm going for. I guess I'll just have to keep on it. Everything seems to pass the $20 mark with 2 days left at the moment. Grr. Quote Link to comment
+ricstone Posted April 27, 2005 Share Posted April 27, 2005 got my Palm IIIxe off ebay for $16.50 with the cradle an papers an cds. i use Plucker an GPX SPINNER. they both are free an works great! Quote Link to comment
+ZingerHead Posted April 27, 2005 Share Posted April 27, 2005 I use an m130 without a protective case, but I keep it in my pack, in a plastic bag, or inside my raincoat. Since I only need to refer to it occasionally, this level of protection has kept it safe and sound. The GPS, on the other hand, is constantly out in the elements - thank god it's waterproof! Quote Link to comment
+huskytown Posted April 27, 2005 Author Share Posted April 27, 2005 got my Palm IIIxe off ebay for $16.50 with the cradle an papers an cds. i use Plucker an GPX SPINNER. they both are free an works great! forgive me but what is plucker or GPX SPINNER? Quote Link to comment
+PDOP's Posted April 27, 2005 Share Posted April 27, 2005 forgive me but what is plucker or GPX SPINNER? Look here for links. Downloading GPX/LOC Files Quote Link to comment
+Sonoran Privateers Posted April 27, 2005 Share Posted April 27, 2005 I just use ebook. The basic one is free and you can get the ebook files with your pocket query. It gives you everything from the cache page, sans the pictures, and is indexed. Between GSAK and Ebook, all I need is a loaded GPSr and my PDA and I'm ready for Random Acts of Caching. Quote Link to comment
+PhotoDuck Posted April 27, 2005 Share Posted April 27, 2005 I have to chime in here and say... I love my Treo 650. I wouldnt have paid so much for a phone/palm... but work did. If you havent looked at the treo, it's a Palm device, and a phone. It also hase an "always on" internet connection if you subscribe to the service. I can log my caches from the cache, in the woods at 140kb/sec. (And being able to VPN/VNC or SSH into my work servers while caching is nice. I'd rather be working and caching than working in the office ) I just recently started geocaching, but this thing is great. Get lost or need a topo map? No problem, load up lostoutdoors.com and enter my lat/lon and pull up a map fromt he web. My palm IS my gps display unit. I use a bluetooth GPS with it (bt 338). I can keep my gps on my belt, it's small and has 15 hours of battery. If I ever upgrade/switch my phone, I can connect the bluetooth gps to any other bluetooth enabled device. I havent yet bought an Otterbox (waterproof rugged case for the treo) but I have a full covered plastic case which keeps it pretty secure in the woods. I wouldnt use it with a 5/5 cache, but if I ever did one of those, Id have a sherpa and not a palm... Only thing I hate about Palm caching/gps software so far, is the lack of ability to open a loc/gpx or have multiple targets shown. CotoGPS and CetusGPS are nice, but you still need to convert a gpx/loc to a pdb. With internet enabled palms/phones I can easily log onto geocaching.com, download the gpx or loc right to my sd card on my device... but no way to import it. I bypass it by manually entering the lat/long. This is something I would think would be an easy thing to add maybe I will when I get some time. Not for the typical user... but if any of oyu are a gadget geek, look into it. (And make sure you get the MediaWorks or PDA Data plan Unlimited data/Web) Quote Link to comment
+huskytown Posted May 3, 2005 Author Share Posted May 3, 2005 IMHO the best way to get caches on your palm is with Cachemate. http://www.smittyware.com/palm/cachemate/changes.phpUsing Cachemate converter you can create a database for the palm that Cachemate will open. It is a simple two step process and you will then have everything from the cache page except pictures. How do I do this? Thanks. Quote Link to comment
+M-T-P Posted May 3, 2005 Share Posted May 3, 2005 This is just my opinion, but I used to use a paperless All-in-One solution that I quit to use my eTrex and paper again. When I started caching, I used a Palm OS-based Handspring Visor Neo and the HandyGPS attachment. Using CacheMate to keep track of the cache info and the HandyGPS attachment to navigate, this was a complete all-in-one solution. But it became too much trouble. Now, I just pick the area that I want to cache and print their cache pages on paper and set out with my trusty Garmin eTrex. No more fumbling with electronic devices that will break on the slightest impact. I think I spent more time trying to protect the electronic eggshell I was carrying around instead of looking for the caches. Also, the battery life on my paper is SO much longer than on my Handspring. Quote Link to comment
+Miragee Posted May 3, 2005 Share Posted May 3, 2005 (edited) IMHO the best way to get caches on your palm is with Cachemate. http://www.smittyware.com/palm/cachemate/changes.phpUsing Cachemate converter you can create a database for the palm that Cachemate will open. It is a simple two step process and you will then have everything from the cache page except pictures. How do I do this? Thanks. Download Cachemate and install it to your Palm. Download the .gpx files and use Cachemate Convert, which is on your computer, to create the .pdb files which will be installed to the Palm the next time you HotSync the PDA. Those files will be added to the Cachemate database the next time you run Cachemate on the Palm. Edited May 3, 2005 by idiosyncratic Quote Link to comment
+Miragee Posted May 3, 2005 Share Posted May 3, 2005 This is just my opinion, but I used to use a paperless All-in-One solution that I quit to use my eTrex and paper again. When I started caching, I used a Palm OS-based Handspring Visor Neo and the HandyGPS attachment. Using CacheMate to keep track of the cache info and the HandyGPS attachment to navigate, this was a complete all-in-one solution. But it became too much trouble. Now, I just pick the area that I want to cache and print their cache pages on paper and set out with my trusty Garmin eTrex. No more fumbling with electronic devices that will break on the slightest impact. I think I spent more time trying to protect the electronic eggshell I was carrying around instead of looking for the caches. Also, the battery life on my paper is SO much longer than on my Handspring. I can't plan like that . . . I never know where I might end up. I love having 500+ caches in my inexpensive Palm M500 (in a hard case) and being able to seek any cache, any where, regardless of where I end up during a trip to town to run errands . . . Quote Link to comment
+Hydnckr Posted May 3, 2005 Share Posted May 3, 2005 I am an experienced geocacher but still a newbie in paperless caching. The question I have deals with downloading new queries into my Palm. Assuming I already have a query loaded, and I go to load a new one (weekly, new info, new caches, etc) Does the query overwrite what I already have in the PDA ? Does it recognize that the PDA already contains GC1ABC and skip it or will I have to deal with 2 entries of GC1ABC ? Thanks Quote Link to comment
+Miragee Posted May 3, 2005 Share Posted May 3, 2005 It merges the data, provided you haven't created new folders and put one set of data in a one folder and put the new set of data in a different one. I have this problem because I have a huge potential area to cache in, with huge numbers of caches in each zip code. I occasionally forget and put a specific PQ in the "Not Found" folder when I actually was supposed to have those files in a different folder. Quote Link to comment
+Team Benhamtroll Posted May 4, 2005 Share Posted May 4, 2005 I just went paperless a few weeks ago by getting an 8mb Palm IIIxe on eBay for $15.50 plus $5 shipping. Can't get much cheaper than that! It was used but looks brand new, only had a serial cable instead of docking station, but that's OK given the price I paid. I kept bidding on different auctions for a about a week before I got the deal I wanted. Just be patient and be willing to lose a bunch before you win. Finally got one in my price range. A full set up for a Palm IIIxe, and it only cost me $13.01 with free shipping. You can't beat that! I can't wait to try it out . . . Quote Link to comment
+WARedBear Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 Okay...I took all of your suggestions and bought a Palm IIIxe this morning off of E-bay. So now it is time for me to put the cart before the horse. I have never used a Palm but I do know my way around computers inside and out. The Palm is coming with the manuals so I will have some reading to do...but I am the type of person (man) that does first and reads later. Now the questions begin:.... Can you load caching programs onto the Palm? What programs do I need to go paperless? Can you load mapping programs onto the Palm? Do they have to be a specific type? Can I download the programs (mapping) from www.palmone.com? Will my Magellan GPS connect to the Palm? (via serial cable) Am I asking to many questions? Thanks for the help. Palm Newbie Quote Link to comment
+Eweiccirou Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 I just got a PalmIIIxe off ebay a couple of weeks ago and I use Cachemate and GSAK. I followed the instructions on this website.... Paperless Caching Instructions Cachemate Website GSAK Website You do need to be a preminum member to download pocket queries from geocaching.com. This is just one method, I know I've read other methods on the forums. Quote Link to comment
+Ladycacher Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 (edited) I have a palm for paperless and love it. The first thing you will need is Cachemate, which can be bought online for 8 bucks. Then you will never look at paper again! I also bought mapping software for my palm that works pretty well. Do I use it....no. The gps does all that work for me. MAKE SURE you get a hard case for your palm!!! I have read on here people who have fell on thiers or whatever and broke it. Have fun! Edited May 11, 2005 by ladycacher Quote Link to comment
+WARedBear Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 So what are the differences...pro's vs con's of Cachemate vs GSAK? Quote Link to comment
+clan_Barron Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 I just dusted off an old Palm Vx and got it set up for Geocaching and I can't imagine Caching without it after just 1 week. Check out http://65.34.18.106/print.php?content.15 for a great article to get you started. You will need Cachemate for Palm and GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) but I think the time I spent getting this set up will save me so much time in the field. kfcthecolonel Cool! I wrote that article, so I highly recommend it . A Palm IIIxe is what I use and it works great for caching. Even lost it out the door of the Jeep while 4 wheel caching once. About 2 miles later (next cache) I realized it was gone. Backtracked and found it sticking in the mud. Cleaned it off and continued on. CacheMate is great! And a real bargin at $8. You can easily get by using just cachmate convert but GSAK has some real advantages for helping filter and keep stuff organized. Clyde and Smittyware both have excellent customer service and are both well woth supporting. Quote Link to comment
kstate Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 Is a Sony Clie PEG-S360 to old to use for paperless? Quote Link to comment
+Uncle T K Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 Hello WaredBear So what are the differences...pro's vs con's of Cachemate vs GSAK? Cachemate is a PDA (Program) that converts GPX files to PDA files, so you can view them on you Palm (PDA). It has all of the information on the web site cache page on your palm. (Hints that can be decoded & Etc) GSAK is a PC Program that manages GPX files on you PC. (Sort view Etc) looks like a excel spreadsheet. You then can filter files to send to you GPS and to Cachemate. Quote Link to comment
+WARedBear Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 Thanks Uncle. That is exactly what I needed to know. I am using a temporary copy of GSAK and like what it does. I read the web page on Cachemate but didn't see where it was just for the PDA. Happy Hunting Reid Quote Link to comment
+mrking Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 (edited) Is a Sony Clie PEG-S360 to old to use for paperless? Hehe, no not at all. You need Palm OS 3.0 minimum for cachemate and the Sony Clie PEG-S360 has 4.0. I am using a Handspring Visor for my paperless caching. Works great too. Edited May 12, 2005 by mrking Quote Link to comment
kstate Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 Is a Sony Clie PEG-S360 to old to use for paperless? Hehe, no not at all. You need Palm OS 3.0 minimum for cachemate and the Sony Clie PEG-S360 has 4.0. Thanks for the information. The experts on this site are very helpful which makes life much easier for us newbies. Quote Link to comment
+Casas Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 Is it rude to add another question along the same line just a little different, Palm vs. Ipaq. Software for Ipaq? First post...first PDA and it's a Pocket PC hp iPAQ. Need help getting started. Downloaded GSAK. Is there a conversion needed to put the info into an iPAQ? THANX Quote Link to comment
+The Saints Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 I've seen waterproof containers for the T5, here is a link for that web site. They may be universal for pda's www.thepocketsolution.com Quote Link to comment
+WARedBear Posted May 31, 2005 Share Posted May 31, 2005 Well I went south to Georgia and did my first paperless caching. It was great!!! Only thing is you have to remember to take the PDA with you. I forgot..okay didn't take it with me three times and I had to go back to get it. But it was a lifesaver with past logs, hints, descriptions and being able to make notes. I won't go back to paper. Quote Link to comment
YellowDogMo Posted May 31, 2005 Share Posted May 31, 2005 With the cost of printer cartridges and paper... can't go wrong with paperless caching. Palm off eBay for $15.50 + GSAK $20 + Cachemate $8 = Priceless hours of geocaching! Quote Link to comment
+Casas Posted June 5, 2005 Share Posted June 5, 2005 But with the iPAQ I have a different operating system and cachemate says There is currently no port of CacheMate for Pocket PC. If you want something for that platform that is comparable, though, try GPXSonar. I guess I am really not computer literate enough for this....should have done the less expensive way mentioned but now I have this nice new expensive IPAQ 2315 that uses Windows CE 4.21 and that seems to be the problem. Casas Quote Link to comment
+archeangelsk2002 Posted June 5, 2005 Share Posted June 5, 2005 i have 3 palm III xe's. i am supremely satisfied with cachemate and gsak. cachemate is individually registered on each of my palm pilots. i have one palm IIIxe set up for interet use, one for arts and entertainment, and one solely for geocaching. i prefer the palm pilots because of there being so inexpensive. i purchased mine on ebay for 29.95 postage included. i stated in an earlier posting that i would much rather lose or have broken a 29.95 palm IIxe than a 399.00 palm tungsten c. for field work you just cant beat the palm IIIxe. also you can download all kinds of applications from www.palmgear.com as well as purchase a dial up modem from ebay for use of the palms on the internet. regards archie ps: very important...if you get a palm IIIxe from ebay be sure to check for sure on which operating system it uses. most are OS 3.5 to 3.5.3. these are the least expensive BUT i think cachemate requires a minimum of palm OS 4.0 and you may have to purchase the 4.0 upgrade cd (i paod 8.00 postage included and have all of my palms set up on OS 4.0) also the guy who sells the palm IIIxe's for 29.95 postage included DOES NOT include the desk top cradle. Quote Link to comment
+archeangelsk2002 Posted June 5, 2005 Share Posted June 5, 2005 Sounds great. Anybody have any waterproof cases they might recommend? i got the armor clad case from office depot. it cost 29.95. it seems to be rain proof but im not sure about immersion. the case was kinda expensive but after my palm rolled down a rocky hill in jefferson memorial forrest no harm came to the case or my palm IIIxe. i also have the type-n-go keyboard case combo. paid 12.00 for it on ebay. i was getting in the car and dropped the case with the palm in it from waist high and niether the case nor the palm or keyboard was damaged. JUST MAKE SURE IF YOU LOOK FOR THIS ONE THE EBAY SEARCH SHOULD BE FOR "type and go for palm pilot."..ive seen them here in the past 2 months for as little as 5.00 excluding postage. there is also available a type-n-go case/keyboard combo for the handspring visor. regards archie Quote Link to comment
+bigdog999 Posted June 5, 2005 Share Posted June 5, 2005 Casas, GPX Sonar is the PocketPC version of Cachemate. Different authors, but works primarily the same. Quote Link to comment
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