[Feature Request] GPS version in PQs

[+schafili]

I am caching with my Phone (prefers GPS 1.0.1, so the attributes are in)

and with my garmin oregon 450. needs GPS 1.0, can not work with the new GPS version).

 

If I create a pocket query, it either holds less information than I want on my phone, or is not usable for the GPS.

 

Please make it possible to define the GPS version for each PQ, so I can use PQs from my phone and my GPS, without the need to change the GPS version all the time, and have to run the important queries twice.

 

Thanks alot.

[+Walts Hunting]

you don't say what phone and app you are using which would help. You could use GSAK to download the PQ and then save it in two forms.

[+Cardinal Red]

I am caching with my Phone (prefers GPS 1.0.1, so the attributes are in)

and with my garmin oregon 450. needs GPS 1.0, can not work with the new GPS version).

 

If I create a pocket query, it either holds less information than I want on my phone, or is not usable for the GPS.

 

Please make it possible to define the GPS version for each PQ, so I can use PQs from my phone and my GPS, without the need to change the GPS version all the time, and have to run the important queries twice.

 

Thanks alot.

 

Your state that your phone 'prefers' the richer data GPX Version 1.0.1, so you are asked to clarify the Phone and App. Why? It's working OK. You claim your Oregon 450 will not accept the 1.0.1 Version. And THAT is never questioned? Is there ANYONE out there with ANY paperless Garmin who has to use the older 1.0 Version?

 

You don't give any details about your process to get a PQ on to your Oregon. I copy my unzipped 1.01 GPX DIRECTLY to my Oregon 450t (same GPS except for memory and maps). Whatever your problem is, it is not the 1.0.1 GPX Version. I have not bothered to upload the most recent Oregon software update yet, but the Oregon has NOT complained about 1.01 over the three or four Oregon updates before that.

 

Are you using ANY software between your original unzipped GPX file on your computer and your Oregon? What specifically indicated there was a problem?

[+Walts Hunting]

I had a 450 when they first came out and it wouldn't take the newer format. I don't know when the software changed but it has always worked on my 550 and 650.

[+schafili]

As you also do, I am unzipping the GPX files into the Garmin GPX folder. Works out fine for GPX version 1.0. Does not work for 1.0.1.

If I import 1.0.1 GPX files and try to open a cache, the Garmin 450 does not show any information. Sometimes it even freezes.

 

On my phone I use c:geo. It is able to use both versions, but I prefer the one with more information.

Of course I can also just download the caches as a whole, but this cloggs up more space in my phone, it is way slower and creates alot more traffic, also at geocaching.com.

 

The point of having the choice for each different pocket query to pick wether I want it to be 1.0 or 1.0.1 is to have less work, and pick the amount of information I want in it.

To use other tools like GSAK in between is beside the point, as I want less work instead of more, not an option.

 

As I see it all this additional information regarding my setup is not relevant.

When a pocket query is created, you already have the option to choose between .GPX and .LOC.

But the information which GPX Version is to be used is taken from the user preferences.

It would be pretty simple to program, to not take the GPX version from the user preferences, but to offer three choices: GPX 1.0, GPX 1.0.1 and LOC.

Add "(default)" for GPX 1.0 so beginners know which to choose if they dont know better.

 

So to sum it up: I still like to see this, as it makes life a lot easier.

I know the topic is wrong... it should be GPX, not GPS. ;-)

[+larryc43230]

I've owned an Oregon 650 since they first came out. The 650 is identical to the 450 in terms of how it handles GPX files. My geocaching account is set to provide me with GPX 1.0.1 files, and has been set that way since 1.0.1 was introduced. Most of the time I wind up loading a GGZ file created by GSAK, but I often load individual GPX files straight off the cache page when new caches are published.

 

I've loaded a thousand or more GPX 1.0.1 files into my 650 over the years, and I've never once had one of those files cause any problems with my 650. I really think your 450 has some other issue that isn't actually related to the version of GPX file.

 

--Larry

Edited April 1, 2015 by larryc43230

[+dprovan]

I know nothing about Oregon's, but this sounds like a simple bug that would have been fixed years ago. Have you checked with GPSr company to see if there's new firmware?

 

I think your suggestion would have made sense a couple years ago, but at this point I suspect it would be more likely for the .loc option to be removed than a v1.0 option to be added.

[+The A-Team]

On my phone I use c:geo. It is able to use both versions, but I prefer the one with more information.

Of course I can also just download the caches as a whole, but this cloggs up more space in my phone, it is way slower and creates alot more traffic, also at geocaching.com.

If you're worried about wasting bandwidth, it would be best to stop using that app entirely. It wastes data in spades. ...but that's a matter for another discussion...

 

As for the GPX version, I've been using 1.0.1 with my 450 for years and haven't had a problem. I'm sure there were issues when 1.0.1 first came out, but I believe Garmin added 1.0.1 compatibility long ago. I just did some searching and found posts from 450 users in 2010 that were using 1.0.1 without any problems. I'm not sure why you're running into so many issues with your Oregon. Are you maybe running a really old version of the Oregon software? You may want to check for updates.