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geocaching.com and gps unit


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I'm old fashioned and still using a basic unit so don't know first hand. But, i believe a friend of mine told me that she is able to simply drag a pocket query (gpx file) straight into her Garmin 62. Would imagine there are other units that are easy like that but i have no idea which.

 

You may be asking if there are wasy to do this wirelessly or on the fly. A smartphone with a data plan and a geocaching app can do both of these.

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How simple does it have to take before it is "seamless" to you?

 

I download my PQ, plug in my eXplorist, open the ZIP file, drag the GPX files to my eXplorist filesystem, unmount the eXplorist filesystem, and unplug my eXplorist. That seems pretty simple to me. It isn't quite as simple as loading a PQ into the app I use on my Android phone, but it's still pretty simple. But YMMV...

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For my etrex 20 (and any new garmin for that matter), I simply plug it in to the computer. There are 2 ways to load caches:

 

1: I can then click "send to GPS" on the cache page for the most seamless experience, though this only downloads 1 cache at a time.

 

2: I download a pocket query, unzip it, and drag the file to my GPS.

 

If you have any questions about that just ask!smile.gif

 

P.S. I highly recommend the eTrex 20biggrin.gif

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For my etrex 20 (and any new garmin for that matter), I simply plug it in to the computer. There are 2 ways to load caches:

 

1: I can then click "send to GPS" on the cache page for the most seamless experience, though this only downloads 1 cache at a time.

 

2: I download a pocket query, unzip it, and drag the file to my GPS.

 

If you have any questions about that just ask!smile.gif

 

P.S. I highly recommend the eTrex 20biggrin.gif

 

I'm really eying the etrex 20

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How simple does it have to take before it is "seamless" to you?

 

I download my PQ, plug in my eXplorist, open the ZIP file, drag the GPX files to my eXplorist filesystem, unmount the eXplorist filesystem, and unplug my eXplorist. That seems pretty simple to me. It isn't quite as simple as loading a PQ into the app I use on my Android phone, but it's still pretty simple. But YMMV...

 

Just reading I'm figuring what I would want is not there basically a sync option with gc.com plug it in it logs my finds with gc and brings me to a screen to enter comments.. that's the wish. Guessing not reality

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For my etrex 20 (and any new garmin for that matter), I simply plug it in to the computer. There are 2 ways to load caches:

 

1: I can then click "send to GPS" on the cache page for the most seamless experience, though this only downloads 1 cache at a time.

 

2: I download a pocket query, unzip it, and drag the file to my GPS.

 

If you have any questions about that just ask!smile.gif

 

P.S. I highly recommend the eTrex 20biggrin.gif

 

How are the geocache in unit options can't find non blurry videos of this units geocaching options

Edited by Primevci
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The geocache options are as good as any modern GPS. Let's take a tour!smile.gif

 

Geocaches can be viewed on the map:

965SaWd.png

 

You can also view a list of Geocaches:

INYbaL0.png

 

When you select a geocache, you are brought to a menu:

jLn1lG8.png

 

From here, you can do several things such as view the cache description and hint:

JZdsmPK.png

 

Or view recent logs:

znp2nxM.png

 

I forgot to take a screenshot of navigating to the cache, but you can do that too, and once you've found it, you can mark it as found:

iji5B0p.png

 

You can then leave a note if you'd like:

ktCknbE.png

 

When you get back home, you can plug the GPS into your computer and upload these notes as field notes on geocaching.com.

 

 

If you have any more questions, please ask!biggrin.gif

 

Oh and I read what you said here:

Just reading I'm figuring what I would want is not there basically a sync option with gc.com plug it in it logs my finds with gc and brings me to a screen to enter comments.. that's the wish. Guessing not reality

It sounds as though field notes are just about what you're talking about.

Edited by ADKer
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The geocache options are as good as any modern GPS. Let's take a tour!smile.gif

 

Geocaches can be viewed on the map:

965SaWd.png

 

You can also view a list of Geocaches:

INYbaL0.png

 

When you select a geocache, you are brought to a menu:

jLn1lG8.png

 

From here, you can do several things such as view the cache description and hint:

JZdsmPK.png

 

Or view recent logs:

znp2nxM.png

 

I forgot to take a screenshot of navigating to the cache, but you can do that too, and once you've found it, you can mark it as found:

iji5B0p.png

 

You can then leave a note if you'd like:

ktCknbE.png

 

When you get back home, you can plug the GPS into your computer and upload these notes as field notes on geocaching.com.

 

 

If you have any more questions, please ask!biggrin.gif

 

Oh and I read what you said here:

Just reading I'm figuring what I would want is not there basically a sync option with gc.com plug it in it logs my finds with gc and brings me to a screen to enter comments.. that's the wish. Guessing not reality

It sounds as though field notes are just about what you're talking about.

 

thats what im looking for now to find one local lol. and rei is closed:( is this not considered a modern gps?

Edited by Primevci
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No, this is definitely a modern GPS. It is Garmin's current eTrex line. (The replacement for your old Venture.) You can get good prices online if you don't mind buying it online.

 

I wish I had a review on adirontracks.com of the GPS, but I haven't written it yet. It is for sale there though for $169. It is the best selling outdoor GPS on amazon, and I've never heard anyone say anything bad about it. Basically, get this GPS!laugh.gif

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Don't like using my phone that's for emergency out on the trail

 

Oh, my bad ... I thought you were truly looking for seamless geocaching with the least amount of steps...

 

No problem..... Just was asking if there was a GPS Unit that did this..

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Got the etrex 20 couldn't be happier what a great upgrade and the field notes worked awesome there is a time saver there.. thanks for the info guys.. even talked to a older guy that was looking at units for geocaching the guy at rei was trying to sell him the new oregon model i asked him when the guy went to go get my etrex what the purpose of buy the unit was he said strictly geocaching so i told himwhat i have learned about the 20 and he said thanks wrote some model numbers down so he could research them sales guy comes back and try to sell him a 62sc i said if you liek that nit look at the 62s if you dont feel the camera is worth the extra 100 bucks.. anyways couldn't be happier.. 5000 cache loaded for various place i go threw the week im set:)

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For my etrex 20 (and any new garmin for that matter), I simply plug it in to the computer. There are 2 ways to load caches:

 

1: I can then click "send to GPS" on the cache page for the most seamless experience, though this only downloads 1 cache at a time.

 

2: I download a pocket query, unzip it, and drag the file to my GPS.

 

If you have any questions about that just ask!smile.gif

 

P.S. I highly recommend the eTrex 20biggrin.gif

 

Thanks for the instructions, I have tried this with my eTrex 30 and it worked a treat.

I found a cache and logged it on the eTrex30 but don't know how to upload the find to my Geocaching profile.

Any help would be really appreciated.

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Thanks for the instructions, I have tried this with my eTrex 30 and it worked a treat.

I found a cache and logged it on the eTrex30 but don't know how to upload the find to my Geocaching profile.

Any help would be really appreciated.

 

When the Etrex is plugged into the computer you will see a file called "geocache_visits.txt", go to the field notes page ( http://www.geocaching.com/my/fieldnotes.aspx ) and when selecting the file to upload choose that geocache_visits.txt file, and you're off. You may need to read up about using field notes a bit if you've never used them before.

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Don't like using my phone that's for emergency out on the trail

Use your phone for caching, and carry an old phone for emergencies. (You must have a few in a drawer somewhere, no?)

 

Even deactivated phones can call 911; you just need to keep the battery topped up. (I'm 99% sure of that, though I haven't actually tested it with a real call.)

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I have a Garmin GPSmap62sc. I am on a MAC I just go to geocaching website click on a cache and send it to my GPS.

All info, logs,description hint are all there, wala!!

My smaller magellen did the same thing. Maybe I don't understand the question, if so. Sorry.

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The geocache options are as good as any modern GPS. Let's take a tour!smile.gif

 

Geocaches can be viewed on the map:

965SaWd.png

 

You can also view a list of Geocaches:

INYbaL0.png

 

When you select a geocache, you are brought to a menu:

jLn1lG8.png

 

From here, you can do several things such as view the cache description and hint:

JZdsmPK.png

 

Or view recent logs:

znp2nxM.png

 

I forgot to take a screenshot of navigating to the cache, but you can do that too, and once you've found it, you can mark it as found:

iji5B0p.png

 

You can then leave a note if you'd like:

ktCknbE.png

 

When you get back home, you can plug the GPS into your computer and upload these notes as field notes on geocaching.com.

 

 

If you have any more questions, please ask!biggrin.gif

 

Oh and I read what you said here:

Just reading I'm figuring what I would want is not there basically a sync option with gc.com plug it in it logs my finds with gc and brings me to a screen to enter comments.. that's the wish. Guessing not reality

It sounds as though field notes are just about what you're talking about.

 

Why doesn't the description and hints export to my Gpsmap 62s? It sais that I need a premium account to view them, I got that and are logged in when I export to my gps.

 

Anyone hade this problem?

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Why doesn't the description and hints export to my Gpsmap 62s? It sais that I need a premium account to view them, I got that and are logged in when I export to my gps.

 

Anyone hade this problem?

 

You need to send the cache details as a GPX file not LOC Waypoint file.

And make sure you don't have any .loc on your gps before you load the gpx files. Pocket queries are awesome even if they have a learning curve.

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Why doesn't the description and hints export to my Gpsmap 62s? It sais that I need a premium account to view them, I got that and are logged in when I export to my gps.

 

Anyone hade this problem?

 

You need to send the cache details as a GPX file not LOC Waypoint file.

And make sure you don't have any .loc on your gps before you load the gpx files. Pocket queries are awesome even if they have a learning curve.

 

I'm sending them by clicking "Send to gps" and then I choose the Garmin tab and then I mark my unit and press Write.

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Ok, the info is very helpful to a newbee to GPS's. Just got a Garmin 62st and am getting beat up on the learning curve.

HOW do I erase any caches that I've downloaded to the GPS unit? Any help would be appreciated.

If you know how to load a pc to the Garmin that would be great too.

Thanks,

Bob

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Ok, the info is very helpful to a newbee to GPS's. Just got a Garmin 62st and am getting beat up on the learning curve.

HOW do I erase any caches that I've downloaded to the GPS unit? Any help would be appreciated.

If you know how to load a pc to the Garmin that would be great too.

Thanks,

Bob

You'll need to connect your unit to the computer and then select the Garmin folder. Once in there, select the GPX folder and it will show you all the .gpx files (either via a PQ or individual cache loads) on the unit. Right click and delete each one you want to remove. You can also use the ctrl key (hold it down) to select multiple caches to delete.

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Ok, the info is very helpful to a newbee to GPS's. Just got a Garmin 62st and am getting beat up on the learning curve.

HOW do I erase any caches that I've downloaded to the GPS unit? Any help would be appreciated.

If you know how to load a pc to the Garmin that would be great too.

Thanks,

Bob

You'll need to connect your unit to the computer and then select the Garmin folder. Once in there, select the GPX folder and it will show you all the .gpx files (either via a PQ or individual cache loads) on the unit. Right click and delete each one you want to remove. You can also use the ctrl key (hold it down) to select multiple caches to delete.

 

Thanks,

 

Just pasted a Pocket Query into my Garmin 62st (new yesterday). Amazing! I was told to beware of the learning curve and the lousy Garmin manual. They were correct on both points. Also got some help from a new friend in Australia who sent me step by step instructions. He also sent me a step by step on how to download a map and place in on my Micro SD card. Really helped. These should be in the Garmin manual. Willing to share with anyone who would like them. Just shoot me your email and I'll send ya the files (they are in Word format) My email is: 427racing@live.com

 

BTW, I ran down to Radio Shack this am (didn't have a micro sd card and they had a sale on the cards. Got a $19.95 8gb card for $8.95. :>)

Bob

Edited by bobandpatty
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