Geocaching and handheld unit

tomcat76 · Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 1:23 pm Post subject: Geocaching and handheld unit

Anyone any experience of this hobby?
Thinking of having a go but stuck as to what handheld unit to go for?

Guy next door has leant me a Magellan Blazer 12 which he uses on his boat, but it either don't have the option to enter waypoints manually or I can't suss it out... anyone help?

So it must be a unit that I can enter waypoints in...looking at some of the handhelds on here, how do they manually enter them into the unit?

I understand that you can actually download them from places and using a pc cable enter them via the pc...

I obviously don't want to spend 2 or 3 hundred pounds on a unit seeing as I just bought a tt go

Any advice to a newcoming to gps would be welcome...
_________________
Regards Steve :-)

Dave · Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 3:05 pm Post subject:

Most of the Garmin and Magellan GPS Handhelds will allow you to do exactly what you want. In terms of adding waypoints you just go into the menu and add, then choose a name and it will record your present location. If you use a Garmin Receiver you can then purchase Garmin's Trip and Waypoint Manager for the PC, use (or purchase) a PC cable (serial or USB) and then manage these on your PC.

If you don't need maps (e.g. street maps) then I would suggest something like the Geko or low eTrex Garmin range. Something like a eTrex, eTrex Legend. If you want extras like a proper electronic compass and barometric altimeter for altitude accuracy then you really want to go for an eTrex Vista or something a little larger and more expensive.

You should be able to get a reasonable GPS for £150-200, maybe less depending on which features you need.

oddsock · Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 5:15 pm Post subject:

Plenty of info here if your just starting :http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?act=SF&s=96240b1c6d4be118f21cc815bd02193f&f=35
dave

tomcat76 · Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 5:33 pm Post subject:

Hi Dave, thanks for the reply... I understand about saving a waypoint when I am at a location, but what about entering a waypoint I need to get to, as in for Geocaching...?

OddSock
Thanks for the link..
_________________
Regards Steve :-)

Hunnymonster · Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 7:36 pm Post subject:

The way it worked on my handheld GPS was that you created a way point and then edited it's value to match the actual geocache you were headed for, so for example for http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=34f09304-d3df-4fe5-8121-0d111d28789d

I hit mark waypoint for where I'm standing right now (example: 54°54.345'N 3°0.346W) and I then edit the latitude and longitude for the required destination, so I'd change it to 54°52.302'N 002°49.810'W and then hit the 'goto' button and home in on it that way.

As metioned previously, it's possible to use a serial/USB cable to upload the waypoints to the GPS unit, and if I recall correctly simple software for that task is on www.geocaching.com

It's ages since I did any geocaching though - when I started there were 6 in the UK & Ireland - it would appear there are 6 within 10 miles of my house now, and over 4000 in the country.... what a difference 4 years makes!

Dave · Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 7:42 pm Post subject:

If you have already saved the waypoint then I think all will allow you to navigate to that waypoint but it won't be via roads if you are navigating across town it will be point to point as the crow flies.

I believe the T&W Manager allows you to create waypoints on the PC and download them to the GPS but I haven't used T&W Manager yet.

tomcat76 · Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 9:28 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the help....
Because I borrowed the unit from my next door neighbour was unsure how to work it, now I have found how to enter waypoints into it as I downloaded the manual... Laughing

Only one thing... where it gives you the co-ordinates from Geocache.com ie
54° 52.302 W 002° 49.810

I can not enter the last digit as there is no room ie
I enter N54° 52.30 W 002° 49.81

So would this cause much of a problem..?

Going to give it a go tomorrow off to Hyde park, if I end up Norwich I know I have gone wrong somewhere.... Wink

_________________
Regards Steve :-)

	PocketGPS
	Web