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gunsnfish

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/First off hello to every one !!!! I am an out door enthusiast and avid fisherman .And would like to gain some knowledge about GPS receivers. I own a garmin 48 marine receiver back from the time I had my boat. I used it last weekend.To find a location in park land not to far from my home. I punched in coordinates from google earth and it did not bring were I wanted . Wound up using google map from my android phone and it brought me right to it.

Question is were to obtain accurate coordinates for GPS ??? Next question I would like to purchase a new GPS receiver for land use would like to here some suggestions.Last but not least I am intrigued with geocaching and might want to give it a try I live in the NYC area. Are there ample locations in the city are ? Any one else from NYC give this a try yet ????

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I realize that you are new to the forums, but with questions specifically regarding GPS, it probably should've been in the GPS forums (further down on the page) rather than Getting Started forums (geocaching).

 

With that said, don't worry about it... a moderator, if one sees fit will move it (you cannot). Do not re-post the same question, yourself.

 

This link will download the GPS48 manual if you don't have one: http://www.manualslib.com/manual/56220/Garmin-Gps-48.html#manual .

It very much resembles and functions as does our old GPS12.

It should work for geocaching... as well as other GPSr uses. BUT, its' use is clunky, has no maps and is unable to accept any mapping programs, getting it to work with a (current) computer is going to be problematic.

 

In short, I feel that you will be FAR better off with a newer model -- even a cheap, used one... but one at least a generation newer (there are 4-5 generations since that model was produced). There is no support or service available for it, anymore.

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GPS makers:

GARMIN -- http://www.garmin.com/en-US

MAGELLAN -- http://www.magellangps.com/

DELORME -- http://www.delorme.com/

LOWRANCE -- (They have pretty much abandoned geocaching and land navigation units) https://www.google.com/search?q=lowrance&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb

 

Deals are available outside of the manufacturers... they will provide you with MSRP only. Used units are available most anywhere, including the "GPS Garage Sale", a sub-forum in the "GPS/API/Technology" forums; eBay; Craig's List; etc.

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The most likely reason that your 48 didn't take you to the location is that the (map) DATUM setting is not correct.

You can access it through the main menu on the unit -- read the manual.

It will need to be set to the WGS84 DATUM (current, most used datum), it will be available from within the unit itself.

 

For geocaching uses, the FORMAT setting (access it in the same manner) should be set to HDD(D)° MM.MMM.... BUT, there is a (small) problem with that, as your unit will not accept the full format -- it will only use the first two characters to the right of the decimal... other than that, it will work fine.

 

By-the-by, in Google Earth, you can select the coordinate FORMAT you want. You can change it with a link at the bottom of the page (I think) in Google Earth.

 

The GPS48 unit will provide you with azimuth and distance to the coordinates. It does so ONLY "as the crow flies". You will need to figure out how to get from point A (your location) to point B (the targeted coordinate location).

Newer units (with appropriate mapping) will direct you street-by-street, if you want.

 

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Obtaining coordinates? If you are signed in to geocaching.com, each cache page will provide you with the coordinates for that particular cache. YOU NEED TO BE SIGNED IN TO SEE THEM.

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Personal RESEARCH is the name of the game. In selecting a make/model of GPSr unit, the manufacturer websites are the best place to start.

In geocaching, the geocaching.com website itself is also a great start. Click on every link that you can find, but beware... there is an awful lot to absorb. Geocaching is easy and it can be fun -- as well as frustrating -- but you really need to read up on it before jumping out of the pan and into the fire.

 

Questions? Well, you found the right place already... these forums.

 

Welcome... and good luck.

Edited by Gitchee-Gummee
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I also noticed the GPS reads out N 40 31 .777

W074 10 .167

 

40 31'33.82

 

I am gaining 2 diigits in front of the Decimal Loosing 1 after it How do I convert that ???????????

Those are two DIFFERING formats.

The top (set) of coordinates (which I marked in blue) are Decimal-Minute format (hddd mm.mmm);

The bottom (single) coordinate (I marked in red) is Decimal-Seconds format (hddd mm ss.sss)

 

Your device can use either type of format, but you cannot mix 'n match. They must be consistently the same type.

 

You can convert any coordinates using this link: http://boulter.com/gps/

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Gitchee Gummee thanks again I tried it this morning way more accurate than last time. Not what I would call spot on . I don't Have any thing to compare it to ? What is considered good accuracy ??

It ("accuracy") varies in an ever-changing manner... due to a wide array of variables, some noticeable while others are not.

Consider ~20' (3m) as the norm. But again, not all the time.

 

Keep in mind that it is extremely difficult to find a map (any map) that is 100% correct regarding the coordinate positions.

The surface of Mother Earth is neither flat nor level... but maps are (so to speak). The earth isn't truly spherical either, for that matter.

Note also, that your GPSr (as any other) has a built-in possible/probable error factor.

 

Don't ever expect it to take you TO the location, only NEAR the location.

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I am an out door enthusiast and avid fisherman ..Last but not least I am intrigued with geocaching.

I am also a avid fisherman and I started geocaching. I love it. It kind of gives you that same thrill of seeking out the fish looking for the cache, and then finding it kind of gives you that same thrill as when you hook into that fish.

Warning though I got hooked on caching and do it more then fishing now! It works into my schedule better. I don't always have a few hours to get out fishing and it usually takes me a couple of hours to get set up, get to the location and then get the fish to start biting and all. Geocaching I can often do in a few min and it still gets me to cool outdoor locations. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

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Hi again Would like to ask what type of GPS should I purchase . What would you purchase If you were to buy one .

Whew! Ten comments will give ten opinions. The best comments will ask about your needs, caching style, etc.

 

Since you're new, start with something you already have (a phone, right? If so, add the app), cache for a while, & then you'll know what if anything to buy as far as a GPSr.

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Hi again Would like to ask what type of GPS should I purchase . What would you purchase If you were to buy one .

Whew! Ten comments will give ten opinions. The best comments will ask about your needs, caching style, etc.

 

Since you're new, start with something you already have (a phone, right? If so, add the app), cache for a while, & then you'll know what if anything to buy as far as a GPSr. Excellent Idea will do thanks for above replies!!!

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I'm not sure we were as specific as the OP wanted, but i'm sure many would agree that it's best to start with little if any cost, give it a try, and then make the major purchase if needed. This is because different styles of caching and quantities and locations of hides will each be best served by different features and different GPSrs. There is also a learning curve time-cost for the more complicated options, which may be unnecessary for some cachers.

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