View Full Version : Gps



craftycaching
01-10-2007, 03:56 PM
Hi everyone! New Geocacher here. I honestly have been reading and reading lots of threads, books, articles, etc.... and there is LOTS of info, maybe a bit overwhelming....so OPEN TO GPS opinions....I have found 9 caches so far without a GPS (YEAH) . I am thinking from what I have read to purchase the Garmin 60csx:confused: :confused: ? The least expensive place I have found it at is Walmart for 376.44(as much as I'd hate to give them business:rolleyes: :rolleyes: ); any opinions are WELCOME....Also, what will I need in addition? I will obviously have to wait and save for the rest after this purchase.........MY BIGGEST WORRY IS FIGURING OUT HOW TO USE THE THING:eek: :eek: !!! LOL Looking forward to talking with you all!!!! ----------------Craftycaching : Ami:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :) :) :) :) :)

d’76
01-10-2007, 04:10 PM
If you can afford the 60csx, that is what I would recommend. Remember thou that unit only comes with base maps that are not very detailed. To use the full potential of the unit you will want to purchase a mapping program for it. If you are considering using it without the maps then you could purchase a much more inexpensive unit.

So all in all the 60csx is a far better unit, if you can afford it buy it. Enjoy:)

rmwllc
01-10-2007, 04:17 PM
That is what we use... and like it

firefighterjake
01-10-2007, 04:53 PM
Hi everyone! New Geocacher here. I honestly have been reading and reading lots of threads, books, articles, etc.... and there is LOTS of info, maybe a bit overwhelming....so OPEN TO GPS opinions....I have found 9 caches so far without a GPS (YEAH) . I am thinking from what I have read to purchase the Garmin 60csx:confused: :confused: ? The least expensive place I have found it at is Walmart for 376.44(as much as I'd hate to give them business:rolleyes: :rolleyes: ); any opinions are WELCOME....Also, what will I need in addition? I will obviously have to wait and save for the rest after this purchase.........MY BIGGEST WORRY IS FIGURING OUT HOW TO USE THE THING:eek: :eek: !!! LOL Looking forward to talking with you all!!!! ----------------Craftycaching : Ami:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :) :) :) :) :)

Welcome to geocaching and geocachingmaine.org . . . sounds like you like to do your research before plunging into a new activity . . . which is what I did . . . except that my research led me to purchase a Magellan. :D

Some caches can be found without a GPSr . . . and then there are some that are much easier to find with a GPSr . . . and then there are some that I wouldn't even attempt to try without a GPSr. It sounds as though you've taken the first step and now realize that geocaching might be a lot of fun . . . especially with a GPSr.

I'm not sure if you're looking for the touch-and-feel-and-try experience and good feeling (i.e. the ability to easily return the product) that comes with buying a GPSr from a traditional brick and mortar store or not . . . but it seems to me that a lot of times you can find some good deals on GPSrs through internet stores . . . have you searched for any deals there or not?

As Dave said . . . you'll probably want to buy more detailed mapping software. Just about every make and model out there with mapping abilities comes with a base map, but they're not very detailed and generally only contain major roads and/or topographical features (i.e. rivers, lakes, etc.) Detailed maps for a visually-oriented type of guy like me are very important.

Also you'll probably want to start investing in rechargeable batteries. I generally use rechargeables whenever possible, but keep some "regular" batteries on hand as well.

Finally, you're in a good place . . . both by being here and by being in Waterville . . . if you're looking for help and input as you start out geocaching. The folks here can offer lots of good opinions and advice -- all you have to do is ask . . . and there are several folks in Waterville (Haffy, Hiram or the G-Team for example) and within striking distance of Waterville (WhereRWe, TRF, Smitty and others for example) that are familiar with the Garmin line of GPSr and would be more than happy to show you the "ropes" . . . again, you need only ask in most cases.

Again, welcome to gcmaine!

WhereRWe?
01-10-2007, 07:35 PM
The least expensive place I have found it at is Walmart for 376.44(as much as I'd hate to give them business:rolleyes: :rolleyes: )

Crafty - the one thing I've asked as long as I've been a member of this group - and it's been a while - is that there be no POLITICAL discussions.

I like WalMart. I own stock in Walmart. Can you see where this could lead?

Your cooperation would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.

:D :D

craftycaching
01-10-2007, 10:35 PM
Thank you all for the information. Appreciate it ALOT. And I apologise for the "political" comment, did not mean at all to be offensive. Sorry.

craftycaching
01-11-2007, 12:12 AM
Thanks again everyone!!! I made a choice and went with the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSX, I got a awesome deal for $341.74 with shipping off of Ebay. Thank you for all the messages, e-mails, and advice. Cannot wait to get it & figure it out!!! Have a great night!!

LaughingTerry
01-11-2007, 12:54 AM
Thanks again everyone!!! I made a choice and went with the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSX, I got a awesome deal for $341.74 with shipping off of Ebay. Thank you for all the messages, e-mails, and advice. Cannot wait to get it & figure it out!!! Have a great night!!


Now do you have the Mapsource mapware for it? You can get a couple different kinds. One will give you the maps and a straight line to the cache while the other will give you the maps along with directions by road. I have the second and love it.

WhereRWe?
01-11-2007, 12:58 PM
Now do you have the Mapsource mapware for it? You can get a couple different kinds. One will give you the maps and a straight line to the cache while the other will give you the maps along with directions by road. I have the second and love it.

YES! If you've got the 60csx, you really need to get Garmin's Mapsource City Navigator. :D :D

And then you need a laptop to take with you when you go caching. ;) ;)

craftycaching
01-11-2007, 03:18 PM
no, I do not have any Mapping software for it as of yet. I do want to get it of course. I think I may want to see what someone elses looks like as an example maybe..... at this point I am so happy that I ordered the GPS--lol- I have the handbook downloaded onto my laptop desktop browsing through BUT I need to hold it and play with it to really get it...
Now WhereRWe you mentioned having a laptop to bring? I have one, is that to use the pocket query's? Is that only internet accesible? I am sorry if I sound stupid, just figuring it ALL out. LOL Haffy helped me do a pocket query, can that be saved offline onto the laptop? Or is the laptop for a different purpose? I am not sure if I wanna carry it around with me BUT if it is USEFUL I would consider it!!! LOL I am trying to figure out what I should know FIRST and not overwhelm myself with info that can wait. I look forward to learning more about maps though. I never really had an interest in maps but LOVE to be outdoors, and fish and camp BUT I do want to know how to get myself out of the woods when I get myself LOST!!! LOL Thanks everyone- you are all so nice!

d’76
01-11-2007, 03:40 PM
no, I do not have any Mapping software for it as of yet. I do want to get it of course. I think I may want to see what someone elses looks like as an example maybe..... at this point I am so happy that I ordered the GPS--lol- I have the handbook downloaded onto my laptop desktop browsing through BUT I need to hold it and play with it to really get it...
Now WhereRWe you mentioned having a laptop to bring? I have one, is that to use the pocket query's? Is that only internet accesible? I am sorry if I sound stupid, just figuring it ALL out. LOL Haffy helped me do a pocket query, can that be saved offline onto the laptop? Or is the laptop for a different purpose? I am not sure if I wanna carry it around with me BUT if it is USEFUL I would consider it!!! LOL I am trying to figure out what I should know FIRST and not overwhelm myself with info that can wait. I look forward to learning more about maps though. I never really had an interest in maps but LOVE to be outdoors, and fish and camp BUT I do want to know how to get myself out of the woods when I get myself LOST!!! LOL Thanks everyone- you are all so nice!

I tend to carry the gps and the laptop while out on the trail, when the laptop gets heavey I just give it to the little woman and let her carry it for awhile. Just kidding, you can store your pq's off line in gsak and then revisit them anytime you want. You will also need a palm pilot of some sort. Has anyone mentioned that to you yet. LOL the list of toys that you could "need" is endless. Get yourself started with the gps and a couple of pages of caches printed off and go find them. As time progresses you can ease into it instead of jumping right in head first.:)

WhereRWe?
01-11-2007, 04:37 PM
Now WhereRWe you mentioned having a laptop to bring? I have one, is that to use the pocket query's? Is that only internet accesible? I am sorry if I sound stupid, just figuring it ALL out. LOL Haffy helped me do a pocket query, can that be saved offline onto the laptop? Or is the laptop for a different purpose?

You don't usually need the laptop with you when you go caching, but it can be a help sometimes. We usually only take ours with us when we make an overnight caching trip.

But you do need to get GSAK (http://gsak.net/) (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife). It's the best program for cache management. You load your pocket query into GSAK, and you can do almost anything with the data. Haffy can help you with that, or we can demonstrate it at the WWWWWW3 event next month.

firefighterjake
01-11-2007, 04:45 PM
no, I do not have any Mapping software for it as of yet. I do want to get it of course. I think I may want to see what someone elses looks like as an example maybe..... at this point I am so happy that I ordered the GPS--lol- I have the handbook downloaded onto my laptop desktop browsing through BUT I need to hold it and play with it to really get it...
Now WhereRWe you mentioned having a laptop to bring? I have one, is that to use the pocket query's? Is that only internet accesible? I am sorry if I sound stupid, just figuring it ALL out. LOL Haffy helped me do a pocket query, can that be saved offline onto the laptop? Or is the laptop for a different purpose? I am not sure if I wanna carry it around with me BUT if it is USEFUL I would consider it!!! LOL I am trying to figure out what I should know FIRST and not overwhelm myself with info that can wait. I look forward to learning more about maps though. I never really had an interest in maps but LOVE to be outdoors, and fish and camp BUT I do want to know how to get myself out of the woods when I get myself LOST!!! LOL Thanks everyone- you are all so nice!

You can always do what I did . . . but then again I'm a Magellan user . . . sorry, had to beat Hiram to the punch . . . when I first started. I started out by printing out the pages and didn't go paperless (and even now I'm slowly testing these proverbial waters) until recently. As a new user I found it easier to have one less high-tech thing to worry about . . . instead I could just concentrate on the search and logging in the right coords -- but as I said that was me and I'm pretty close to being a technological Neanderthal.

firefighterjake
01-11-2007, 04:57 PM
Just to make a clarification . . .

If you're just starting out geocaching all you really need is a GPS receiver, batteries to power it, the coords/hint and computer with internet access so you can first find out where the caches are hidden and then to log on afterwards to report your "found" cache.

Items, such as swag or signature items, are nice to drop in the cache, but if you TNLN (took nothing left nothing) you don't need this . . . and obviously water, proper clothing, etc. are necessary depending on where and when you go searching for the cache (i.e. wearing shorts this time of year might not be very wise, not taking some water with you to do the Gulf Hagas cache may not be smart, etc.)

However, and this is a big HOWEVER, if you're going the paper-less caching route then (as Dave said) you can buy all kinds of things from a laptop, PDA and the accompanying software such as GSAK and Cachemate. GSAK is not necessary if you're not doing the paperless thing, although it can be useful . . . ditto for many other items.

If I were you, but I am not the last I checked, I would personally recommend that you get the GPSr, print out a couple of "easy" local caches (1-2 star rating on the difficulty), learn how to set the waypoints of the GPSr and go looking for these caches . . . I honestly believe that the best way to learn how to geocache is with the hands-on approach -- although an even better way and perhaps even more enjoyable method would be to hook up with an experienced cacher and have him/her work with you so you can learn how to use your new GPSr and at the same time learn a little about how to search for geocaches, how geocaches are hidden, geocache etiquette and how you might want to eventually buy extra stuff if you get hooked with caching. Again, just my suggestion.

craftycaching
01-11-2007, 05:09 PM
Yes, actually haffy mentioned a Palm Pilot, I am wondering about that as I would like to go paperless too (eventually)- "endless" toys LOL I imagine!! Sounds like FUN though! I already have a laptop so I have got to figure out all this stuff, Haffy also helpd me download GSAK- now I have got to figure it all out. Having the GPS in hand will be better- but like you said I can ease into it; got the GPS ordered, already hooked, lol- THANKS!!!!!

:D
I tend to carry the gps and the laptop while out on the trail, when the laptop gets heavey I just give it to the little woman and let her carry it for awhile. Just kidding, you can store your pq's off line in gsak and then revisit them anytime you want. You will also need a palm pilot of some sort. Has anyone mentioned that to you yet. LOL the list of toys that you could "need" is endless. Get yourself started with the gps and a couple of pages of caches printed off and go find them. As time progresses you can ease into it instead of jumping right in head first.:)

craftycaching
01-11-2007, 05:10 PM
THanks- Now I have to figure the program out! lol

:D
You don't usually need the laptop with you when you go caching, but it can be a help sometimes. We usually only take ours with us when we make an overnight caching trip.

But you do need to get GSAK (http://gsak.net/) (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife). It's the best program for cache management. You load your pocket query into GSAK, and you can do almost anything with the data. Haffy can help you with that, or we can demonstrate it at the WWWWWW3 event next month.

craftycaching
01-11-2007, 05:15 PM
THanks so much!! Got the unit, gotta get some extra batteries, have the internet connection and BELIEVE me I have quite a few locations I would love to visit--lol
My daughter and I already have a box of SWAG items too-lol
And we are trying to not overpack or underpack what we may need....
But with the cold your better off safe rather than sorry.

I appreciate ALL your suggestions!!! I definatlely have to learn about the waypoints and I cannot wait to meet people and hear their expierences and learn from them. Caching with someone else sounds fun too!

Thanks FF JAKE!!!!

craftycaching
:D
Just to make a clarification . . .

If you're just starting out geocaching all you really need is a GPS receiver, batteries to power it, the coords/hint and computer with internet access so you can first find out where the caches are hidden and then to log on afterwards to report your "found" cache.

Items, such as swag or signature items, are nice to drop in the cache, but if you TNLN (took nothing left nothing) you don't need this . . . and obviously water, proper clothing, etc. are necessary depending on where and when you go searching for the cache (i.e. wearing shorts this time of year might not be very wise, not taking some water with you to do the Gulf Hagas cache may not be smart, etc.)

However, and this is a big HOWEVER, if you're going the paper-less caching route then (as Dave said) you can buy all kinds of things from a laptop, PDA and the accompanying software such as GSAK and Cachemate. GSAK is not necessary if you're not doing the paperless thing, although it can be useful . . . ditto for many other items.

If I were you, but I am not the last I checked, I would personally recommend that you get the GPSr, print out a couple of "easy" local caches (1-2 star rating on the difficulty), learn how to set the waypoints of the GPSr and go looking for these caches . . . I honestly believe that the best way to learn how to geocache is with the hands-on approach -- although an even better way and perhaps even more enjoyable method would be to hook up with an experienced cacher and have him/her work with you so you can learn how to use your new GPSr and at the same time learn a little about how to search for geocaches, how geocaches are hidden, geocache etiquette and how you might want to eventually buy extra stuff if you get hooked with caching. Again, just my suggestion.

Team2hunt
01-11-2007, 08:19 PM
Karen is planning on having TAT and I set up our laptops with the mapping software on them. Come next Sunday to the event, " I'm Sitting " and see them. I use DeLorme Streets, and Mapsource, Topo and nRoute. I think TAT has some others. Come join us and see for yourself. Welcome aboard.

Since when does an opinion on a retailer, constitute " political ". Bruce you need to get out and get some caches.

craftycaching
01-11-2007, 08:26 PM
Thanks for the information; I hope I get my GPS Unit by then, but even if I do not I would love to come, are their any children going? My daughter 12 would come too if there is...... I would love to come check things out and get a feel for what the heck I need to learn....lol:o Thanks for the welcome!!!
Craftycaching-------Ami


Karen is planning on having TAT and I set up our laptops with the mapping software on them. Come next Sunday to the event, " I'm Sitting " and see them. I use DeLorme Streets, and Mapsource, Topo and nRoute. I think TAT has some others. Come join us and see for yourself. Welcome aboard.

Since when does an opinion on a retailer, constitute " political ". Bruce you need to get out and get some caches.

Team2hunt
01-11-2007, 08:31 PM
Thanks for the information; I hope I get my GPS Unit by then, but even if I do not I would love to come, are their any children going? My daughter 12 would come too if there is...... I would love to come check things out and get a feel for what the heck I need to learn....lol:o Thanks for the welcome!!!
Craftycaching-------Ami

There should be lots of kids coming. My son 1manteam will be there. Karen has set up lots of things for them to do, to keep them busy. You know " crafty " stuff. :rolleyes: Sorry I couldn't resist. You'll learn alot. There should be quite a few of the MAP60CSx's there for you to check out. And PDA's too. I'm sure we can answer all your questions.

craftycaching
01-11-2007, 08:38 PM
So, what should I bring with me???
Been browsing through the forums and theres so much info!!! Pretty NEAT!! Sounds like everyone has lots of fun!


There should be lots of kids coming. My son 1manteam will be there. Karen has set up lots of things for them to do, to keep them busy. You know " crafty " stuff. :rolleyes: Sorry I couldn't resist. You'll learn alot. There should be quite a few of the MAP60CSx's there for you to check out. And PDA's too. I'm sure we can answer all your questions.

Team2hunt
01-11-2007, 09:17 PM
Use the link on the front page to take you to the event page. There are instructions there. Bring something to eat and a good attitude for learning. See you then. :cool:

craftycaching
01-11-2007, 09:23 PM
:D :D :D :D GREAT ---THANKS!!!!!:D :D :D :D



Use the link on the front page to take you to the event page. There are instructions there. Bring something to eat and a good attitude for learning. See you then. :cool:

caro
01-11-2007, 09:24 PM
This is so stupid but I can't figure out how to start a new thread. This one seems very active now so I just am hoping I can get an answer.

Team2hunt
01-11-2007, 09:37 PM
This is so stupid but I can't figure out how to start a new thread. This one seems very active now so I just am hoping I can get an answer.

Great question. From the HOME page, click FORUMS, and then choose which forum you want to add the new thread to. Then go to the bottom of the page, lower left and click on NEW THREAD. Hope this helps.

Team2hunt
01-13-2007, 05:29 PM
I finally put nRoute on my laptop and connected up my Vista GPS'r to it. I lost all of the detail to the maps in Mapsource. The maps were " detail locked ". After consulting with a few cachers at the recent event in Biddeford. I ran the Garmin UNLOCK wizard in the utilities section of the tool bar. It took me thru several pages where I could connect the Vista and get a second UNLOCK code, for the 2nd GPS'r I had, at no cost. It was very simple. Thanks for the help. There is also a new upgrade to Mapsource dated December 2006. That was free too.