GPSMAP 64s Preffered Method of Loading Caches

[+WSMx3]

New GPSr and somewhat new to caching... Did it years ago with the original etrex, and just inputed coordinates... Now with the 64s, things are so different. What is your preffered method of transferring caches? I did a pocket query and copied the files directly to the SIM and that seemed ok, but I had some questions and Garmin recommended importing them to basecamp first. Not sure which is better. For some reason, when I went the Basecamp route, the geocaches would show up in the list, but not on the map unless I went to "Find - Geocache" I was told to reset it and try.

 

Ultimately, I would like for Geocaches to only be seen on the map while in Geocaching profile, while they are not seen in my hiking profile. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

[+Gitchee-Gummee]

New GPSr and somewhat new to caching... Did it years ago with the original etrex, and just inputed coordinates... Now with the 64s, things are so different. What is your preffered method of transferring caches? I did a pocket query and copied the files directly to the SIM and that seemed ok, but I had some questions and Garmin recommended importing them to basecamp first. Not sure which is better. For some reason, when I went the Basecamp route, the geocaches would show up in the list, but not on the map unless I went to "Find - Geocache" I was told to reset it and try.

 

Ultimately, I would like for Geocaches to only be seen on the map while in Geocaching profile, while they are not seen in my hiking profile. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

SIM? Do you mean the micro SD card?

 

Many if not most, load directly to their GPSr (or SD card) via drag 'n drop (or) copy method. The download file of the PQ results MUST be unzipped before loading it to the unit. The GPSr cannot read a zipped file.

When unzipped, there will (should) be two files: xxxxxxxxx.GPX as well as xxxxxxxx-wpts.GP, copy both files.

 

With a Garmin unit, that loading would be directed to the GARMIN/GPX/ folder. If it is not loaded to that folder, the unit will not 'see' the file.

 

 

Not that using Base Camp is a bad thing -- it isn't. But of course, Garmin would say you should use it -- it's their product after-all (similarly, the manual telling you to load caches from their xxxxxxxxxxx.com geocaching site).

 

Profiles: You can set the profiles for any type of activity you want. When in one profile setting, others should not interfere.

Edited January 13, 2015 by Gitchee-Gummee

[insig]

Ultimately, I would like for Geocaches to only be seen on the map while in Geocaching profile, while they are not seen in my hiking profile. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

In your hiking profile, Setup -> Map -> Advanced Map Setup -> Zoom Levels -> Geocaches -> Off.

[+BikeBill]

I use GSAK to load large numbers of caches, which is a route you may want to investigate for it's other advantages. To just load a few caches, you can 'Send to GPS' directly from the Geocache Map page or from the specific cache's page.

[+WSMx3]

Ultimately, I would like for Geocaches to only be seen on the map while in Geocaching profile, while they are not seen in my hiking profile. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

In your hiking profile, Setup -> Map -> Advanced Map Setup -> Zoom Levels -> Geocaches -> Off.

 

The above is what I needed. Thank you so much.

 

I will play with adding the caches. I appreciate your help.

[Pacific NW]

No need to add the caches in the Pocket Query GPX file via Basecamp software. That's just an extra step. You can simply copy & paste directly to the GPX folder on either the GPSMAP 64, or the same-named folder on the SD card (if installed).

 

If you are using a Mac and frequently loading caches, be sure to delete any old Pocket Query GPX files off the GPS, empty the trash can, and THEN copy & paste any new Pocket Queries. Otherwise the Mac will not truly "delete" the old files, they will be in your trash can, and space will be still taken up on the GPS or SD card. This also can cause hiccups when the GPS boots up and tries to load the Query GPX files.