Best way to use Oregon 650

[+Mama<3Bear]

I purchased an Oregon 650 a little while ago and have been geocaching with it for a few months. I'd love to hear your opinion on what you find is the best way to use it for geocaching. What I mean by that is do you prefer to enter coordinates and use the compass? Do you prefer to go to the saved geocache info and use by direct routing, pedestrian walking, hiking, mountaineering, etc? I am usually in a very rural setting when geocaching (not much city exploring) I really hate to say it but sometimes I find it more efficient to just use my android phone and the geocaching.com app to find a cache. So I am wondering if I'm just not using the Oregon to it's best ability. I'm sure some of you are thinking that I should have just purchased a more basic GPSr. I have those thoughts myself, but I own it now and just want to figure out the best way to use it. Thanks for your help! This forum is always the best place to come to for the best feedback.

[+Atlas Cached]

I use an Oregon 650 myself for geocaching.

 

I load the GPX files onto the unit and then select the desired geocache from the list on the device.

 

I almost exclusively use direct routing. I do not need the GPSr to tell me when to turn, or where....

 

Initially, I just use the map screen with local mapping to find my way near the geocache I am seeking.

 

Then, when near the geocache area (getting out of the car, etc.), I switch to the compass screen with one large data field enabled (distance to destination) and use that information until I reach ground zero.

 

Then, it's time to turn the GPS off and start using my geosense!

 

Have you visited the Oregon 6xx wiki yet?

[+Mineral2]

First - if you're not using pocket queries, you're doing it wrong. That's not to say that you can't send individual caches to your device, but I'm guessing one reason why you like using your phone is that you can pull of all of the geocache listings around you instead of having to choose which caches you are going to find while you're at your computer. Pocket queries - send up to 1000 cache listings to your Garmin in a single file.

 

Second - Maps. Unless you have a routable map installed on your Garmin, you can only use Direct navigation to get to your cache. You can get free routable maps over at open street map (http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl) if you want street directions to get you close to the cache, but once you're on your feet, direct routing using either the map or compass (or both with the geocaching dashboard on the map) are your best settings for getting to ground zero.

 

With the Oregon's nuvi dashboard, you can use your device quite effectively for general automotive navigation. The small screen isn't as ideal as using a real Nuvi, but it's usable enough that I'll take my Oregon with me when I travel and leave my nuvi in the car.

 

Third - Profiles. Set them up. You can't have too many. I have two geocaching profiles - one to use while driving, and one to use while on foot. I'll switch between them if I'm geocaching by car. I have a separate profile for just hiking, automotive navigation, cycling, canoeing/kayaking, flying. Each profile displays certain maps and sets up dashboards and fields and home screen arrangements and other settings that make the most sense to me for the activity in question.

 

It's important to remember that your GPS isn't a do-all device. As you play with it, you'll notice its limitations, but you'll also discover times when it shines over your smart phone.

[+Mama<3Bear]

First - if you're not using pocket queries, you're doing it wrong. That's not to say that you can't send individual caches to your device, but I'm guessing one reason why you like using your phone is that you can pull of all of the geocache listings around you instead of having to choose which caches you are going to find while you're at your computer. Pocket queries - send up to 1000 cache listings to your Garmin in a single file.

 

Second - Maps. Unless you have a routable map installed on your Garmin, you can only use Direct navigation to get to your cache. You can get free routable maps over at open street map (http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl) if you want street directions to get you close to the cache, but once you're on your feet, direct routing using either the map or compass (or both with the geocaching dashboard on the map) are your best settings for getting to ground zero.

 

With the Oregon's nuvi dashboard, you can use your device quite effectively for general automotive navigation. The small screen isn't as ideal as using a real Nuvi, but it's usable enough that I'll take my Oregon with me when I travel and leave my nuvi in the car.

 

Third - Profiles. Set them up. You can't have too many. I have two geocaching profiles - one to use while driving, and one to use while on foot. I'll switch between them if I'm geocaching by car. I have a separate profile for just hiking, automotive navigation, cycling, canoeing/kayaking, flying. Each profile displays certain maps and sets up dashboards and fields and home screen arrangements and other settings that make the most sense to me for the activity in question.

 

It's important to remember that your GPS isn't a do-all device. As you play with it, you'll notice its limitations, but you'll also discover times when it shines over your smart phone.

 

Thanks mineral2!

 

This is what I'm doing. I am using pocket queries and do find them extremely helpful. Also, I do have street maps installed. That addition made the GPSr so much more usable. The Profiles suggestion is an excellent one! I will do that for sure. I really only have one profile set up and do find myself bouncing around too much to make it as user friendly as I'd like. Thanks for all of your suggestions.

 

When you're geocaching on foot, what do you have set up in your profile? What do you have set up in your profile for automotive navigation? Thanks again for your very helpful advice.

 

Mama<3Bear

[+Mama<3Bear]

I use an Oregon 650 myself for geocaching.

 

I load the GPX files onto the unit and then select the desired geocache from the list on the device.

 

I almost exclusively use direct routing. I do not need the GPSr to tell me when to turn, or where....

 

Initially, I just use the map screen with local mapping to find my way near the geocache I am seeking.

 

Then, when near the geocache area (getting out of the car, etc.), I switch to the compass screen with one large data field enabled (distance to destination) and use that information until I reach ground zero.

 

Then, it's time to turn the GPS off and start using my geosense!

 

Have you visited the Oregon 6xx wiki yet?

 

Thank you Atlas Cached! This is exactly the information I was looking for. Direct routing is what I've been using. I'll set up my compass screen with one large data field enabled (distance to destinaton). I have not visited Oregon 6xxwiki yet but will as soon as I hit "reply" Thanks again!

 

Mama<3Bear

[+Mama<3Bear]

I use an Oregon 650 myself for geocaching.

 

I load the GPX files onto the unit and then select the desired geocache from the list on the device.

 

I almost exclusively use direct routing. I do not need the GPSr to tell me when to turn, or where....

 

Initially, I just use the map screen with local mapping to find my way near the geocache I am seeking.

 

Then, when near the geocache area (getting out of the car, etc.), I switch to the compass screen with one large data field enabled (distance to destination) and use that information until I reach ground zero.

 

Then, it's time to turn the GPS off and start using my geosense!

 

Have you visited the Oregon 6xx wiki yet?

 

Thank you Atlas Cached! This is exactly the information I was looking for. Direct routing is what I've been using. I'll set up my compass screen with one large data field enabled (distance to destinaton). I have not visited Oregon 6xxwiki yet but will as soon as I hit "reply" Thanks again!

 

Mama<3Bear

 

Atlas Cached, I just visited the wikispaces page you suggested. What a great amount of information! I did have a question though...It showed that I should be able to view spoiler pics on my 650. Oregon 6xx wiki Is there something specific setting I should set my 650 at to be able to view these photos or is it outdated information? I looked up a geocache online to be sure that it did display photos and then viewed that geocache on my 650...no luck. If I was able to do that, that would be great! Let me know if you are able to view photos. Thanks!

[+Mama<3Bear]

First - if you're not using pocket queries, you're doing it wrong. That's not to say that you can't send individual caches to your device, but I'm guessing one reason why you like using your phone is that you can pull of all of the geocache listings around you instead of having to choose which caches you are going to find while you're at your computer. Pocket queries - send up to 1000 cache listings to your Garmin in a single file.

 

Second - Maps. Unless you have a routable map installed on your Garmin, you can only use Direct navigation to get to your cache. You can get free routable maps over at open street map (http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl) if you want street directions to get you close to the cache, but once you're on your feet, direct routing using either the map or compass (or both with the geocaching dashboard on the map) are your best settings for getting to ground zero.

 

With the Oregon's nuvi dashboard, you can use your device quite effectively for general automotive navigation. The small screen isn't as ideal as using a real Nuvi, but it's usable enough that I'll take my Oregon with me when I travel and leave my nuvi in the car.

 

Third - Profiles. Set them up. You can't have too many. I have two geocaching profiles - one to use while driving, and one to use while on foot. I'll switch between them if I'm geocaching by car. I have a separate profile for just hiking, automotive navigation, cycling, canoeing/kayaking, flying. Each profile displays certain maps and sets up dashboards and fields and home screen arrangements and other settings that make the most sense to me for the activity in question.

 

It's important to remember that your GPS isn't a do-all device. As you play with it, you'll notice its limitations, but you'll also discover times when it shines over your smart phone.

 

Hi again mineral2,

 

Do you have any idea if when viewing the geocache description on a 650 if you are able to view photos that have been posted to the geocache? The wiki link that Atlas Cache posted shows that you should be able to do that. I haven't been able to view any photos posted to a cache. Thanks!

Mama<3Bear

[+Mineral2]

Thanks mineral2!

 

This is what I'm doing. I am using pocket queries and do find them extremely helpful. Also, I do have street maps installed. That addition made the GPSr so much more usable. The Profiles suggestion is an excellent one! I will do that for sure. I really only have one profile set up and do find myself bouncing around too much to make it as user friendly as I'd like. Thanks for all of your suggestions.

 

When you're geocaching on foot, what do you have set up in your profile? What do you have set up in your profile for automotive navigation? Thanks again for your very helpful advice.

 

Mama<3Bear

 

My regular geocaching profile (for foot use) is set up with the geocaching dashboard on the map at all times. The user button is set for a single tap to start/stop tracking, double tap takes me to the log geocache page, and long press takes me to the waypoint averaging page (for placing a cache). The map is non-routing and topographic and routing method is direct.

 

My geocaching while driving is set up with a routable map and the geocaching dashboard when not actively routing and the nuvi dashboard when actively routing to a cache. It's set for the screen not to turn off or the backlight to time-out so I can constantly follow the map when I need to. I've set up the user button to switch to the regular geocaching profile on a single tap, which will change the map and convert the routing to direct. I can then switch back to the geocaching driving profile after I've logged my cache.

[+Mama<3Bear]

Thanks mineral2!

 

This is what I'm doing. I am using pocket queries and do find them extremely helpful. Also, I do have street maps installed. That addition made the GPSr so much more usable. The Profiles suggestion is an excellent one! I will do that for sure. I really only have one profile set up and do find myself bouncing around too much to make it as user friendly as I'd like. Thanks for all of your suggestions.

 

When you're geocaching on foot, what do you have set up in your profile? What do you have set up in your profile for automotive navigation? Thanks again for your very helpful advice.

 

Mama<3Bear

 

My regular geocaching profile (for foot use) is set up with the geocaching dashboard on the map at all times. The user button is set for a single tap to start/stop tracking, double tap takes me to the log geocache page, and long press takes me to the waypoint averaging page (for placing a cache). The map is non-routing and topographic and routing method is direct.

 

My geocaching while driving is set up with a routable map and the geocaching dashboard when not actively routing and the nuvi dashboard when actively routing to a cache. It's set for the screen not to turn off or the backlight to time-out so I can constantly follow the map when I need to. I've set up the user button to switch to the regular geocaching profile on a single tap, which will change the map and convert the routing to direct. I can then switch back to the geocaching driving profile after I've logged my cache.

 

Hi mineral2,

I just updated my 650 online (updated profiles from the wiki link you gave me). Some of the behaviors of the user key seem to have changed. The presets for the user key in the geocaching profiles are as follows. If I have not selected a geocache and am on the home screen, when I tap the user button, it takes me to the map with the geocache dashboard. When I tap it a second time, it takes me to the compass with the geocache dashboard, when I tap it for a third time, it takes me to a list of nearby geocaches. A fourth tap returns me to the home screen. A long tap of the user key brings me to my list of geocaches. If I have selected a geocache, the first screen to come up after selecting a geocache is the map with the geocache dashboard. A tap takes me to the compass with the geocache dashboard, the second tap brings me to the description/logs/hints/chirp/log screen. A third tap brings me back to the home screen. Continuing to tap the user button in either of these situations scrolls through the screens I mentioned. A long tap of the user key brings me to the log screen. Maybe my 650 had the ability to have these many options for the user key before, but I thought I only had one short tap and one long tap for the user key and power key.

[+Mineral2]

You can customize your button functions under Setup > System > Configure Keys. Customizations are unique for each profile.

[+Mama<3Bear]

I knew that the buttons were customizable but until I just revisited the location to configure keys, I didn't realize that there was a page loop option. Thanks again for all of your input.

[+Atlas Cached]

Atlas Cached, I just visited the wikispaces page you suggested. What a great amount of information! I did have a question though...It showed that I should be able to view spoiler pics on my 650. Oregon 6xx wiki Is there something specific setting I should set my 650 at to be able to view these photos or is it outdated information? I looked up a geocache online to be sure that it did display photos and then viewed that geocache on my 650...no luck. If I was able to do that, that would be great! Let me know if you are able to view photos. Thanks!

 

Getting spoiler pics onto your device is a very slow and tedious process, but it can be done. I actually find it easier to use my smart phone when I want to view images, but that only works if I have cell reception

 

The manual method of installing geocache photos to your GPSr is listed under Geocaching With Photos.

 

There are automated ways of doing this, but they require additional software and a lot of time to master.

[+Mama<3Bear]

Atlas Cached, I just visited the wikispaces page you suggested. What a great amount of information! I did have a question though...It showed that I should be able to view spoiler pics on my 650. Oregon 6xx wiki Is there something specific setting I should set my 650 at to be able to view these photos or is it outdated information? I looked up a geocache online to be sure that it did display photos and then viewed that geocache on my 650...no luck. If I was able to do that, that would be great! Let me know if you are able to view photos. Thanks!

 

Getting spoiler pics onto your device is a very slow and tedious process, but it can be done. I actually find it easier to use my smart phone when I want to view images, but that only works if I have cell reception

 

The manual method of installing geocache photos to your GPSr is listed under Geocaching With Photos.

 

There are automated ways of doing this, but they require additional software and a lot of time to master.

 

Thanks again for the additional link, Atlas Cache. It appears as though life would be a lot easier if opencaching.com was still an option. I think I'll take your suggestion and continue to use my cell phone for pics. Manually loading them does seem much too tedious for what it's worth.

 

Mama<3Bear

[+Mineral2]

Nah, opencaching.com was a mess. It had some good interface features which I wish Groundspeak would adopt, but otherwise it was a seldom used ghost town. Opencaching didn't transfer photos with caches either. I stand corrected.

Edited January 19, 2016 by mineral2

[+Atlas Cached]

Nah, opencaching.com was a mess. It had some good interface features which I wish Groundspeak would adopt, but otherwise it was a seldom used ghost town. Opencaching didn't transfer photos with caches either.

 

Yes, Opencaching DID transfer photos with the GPX files.

 

I would like to see Groundspeak adopt some of the features Opencaching offered myself. Especially the verified logging feature.

[+HHL]

[...] Opencaching didn't transfer photos with caches either.

 

That's wrong. Opencaching.com did transfer images with the caches.

 

 

Hans

[+lee737]

But then you can barely see the photo on the Garmin anyway......