Jump to content

Etrex 20 - Reset geocache memory?


brendan714

Recommended Posts

Hi, maybe this will be the best way to outline my problem:

1) Look for geocache, can't find it, go onto Etrex 20, log attempt "did not find", find next closest. Continue with caching day.

2) Months later (with new PQ), load up new caches onto Etrex 20.

3) My DNFed caches (ones I marked as "did not find" on the Etrex 20) appear as open treasure chests (ie look like found caches) on the map display.

 

Also happens when I log attempt "needs maintenance" on the Etrex.

 

Lately I've simply not logged an attempt at all on the Etrex unless I find the cache. That way when I return months later there isn't an open chest on my map where there's a cache I haven't yet found.

 

So is there a way to "reset" the geocache memory so it doesn't think I've already attempted the cache? Shouldn't the caches I've logged as "did not find" remain closed boxes on the interface rather than open treasure chests? I think this worked properly way back with a different software version, but lately it hasn't been working.

 

Hope this makes sense. I can upload some pictures if it doesn't!

Link to comment

Just curious, how are you logging your finds?

 

After finding a cache, I go on my Etrex - menu - log attempt - found - find next closest.

The issue I have above is when I go menu - log attempt - did not find - find next closest - etc.

 

On the Etrex interactive map the caches I've logged as "did not find" appear as open chests rather than a traditional (for example) icon.

Link to comment

Just curious, how are you logging your finds?

 

After finding a cache, I go on my Etrex - menu - log attempt - found - find next closest.

The issue I have above is when I go menu - log attempt - did not find - find next closest - etc.

 

On the Etrex interactive map the caches I've logged as "did not find" appear as open chests rather than a traditional (for example) icon.

Sorry, I meant how are you logging your finds from your GPS to the Geocaching.com web site?

 

GSAK, field notes, etc.

Link to comment

Well hopefully not but if it's them that have the incorrect data it may be necessary.

The geocache_visits.txt file is only used to append logs as written, is pretty much useful only to upload logs to gc.com, and is never referred to by the unit with regard to anything found, unfound or otherwise. So deleting them isn't going to have any impact on whether the device thinks a cache has been found or not - or even visited, for that matter.
Link to comment

Well hopefully not but if it's them that have the incorrect data it may be necessary.

The geocache_visits.txt file is only used to append logs as written, is pretty much useful only to upload logs to gc.com, and is never referred to by the unit with regard to anything found, unfound or otherwise. So deleting them isn't going to have any impact on whether the device thinks a cache has been found or not - or even visited, for that matter.

The calendar finds/DNF'ds come from the geocache_visits.txt file.

Link to comment

Well hopefully not but if it's them that have the incorrect data it may be necessary.

The geocache_visits.txt file is only used to append logs as written, is pretty much useful only to upload logs to gc.com, and is never referred to by the unit with regard to anything found, unfound or otherwise. So deleting them isn't going to have any impact on whether the device thinks a cache has been found or not - or even visited, for that matter.

The calendar finds/DNF'ds come from the geocache_visits.txt file.

 

Thanks for pointing out one way the GPS uses the geocache_visits.txt file. Perhaps there are others.

Link to comment

Well hopefully not but if it's them that have the incorrect data it may be necessary.

The geocache_visits.txt file is only used to append logs as written, is pretty much useful only to upload logs to gc.com, and is never referred to by the unit with regard to anything found, unfound or otherwise. So deleting them isn't going to have any impact on whether the device thinks a cache has been found or not - or even visited, for that matter.

The calendar finds/DNF'ds come from the geocache_visits.txt file.

Indeed .. forgot about that calendar function. I never look at caches that way so never gave it a thought. Still shouldn't be changing what the OP is seeing for DNFd caches otherwise. Those should be cleared out with any newly loaded *.gpx file that doesn't include them.
Link to comment

The geocache_visits.txt (and maybe also the geocache_logs.xml file) does keep record of your log status. Thus if you mark any as "Did Not Find," they'll remain as such until you clear those two files. It's a good idea every now and then to clear your geocache_visits.txt file. I always delete the associated .xml file too just to be sure.

Link to comment

To demonstrate the facts of the matter ... go caching. Log a few as found, a few as not found. Delete the geocache_visits.txt file. Search for unfound and found caches. Same ones will show up as found and not found as were shown before. This file MAY be used for the calendar view (I have never checked that), but it doesn't impact the status of each cache in its individual 'slot' in memory and its flag as found or unfound.

Link to comment

I suggest you delete all the cache files on your Etrex and resend/reload a new PQ. I assume the caches aren't showing as found on geocaching.com?

 

You may also need to delete your log files in the Garmin folder on your Etrex.

I always delete the PQ and load up a new one onto the Etrex. No, they show up as found online.

 

Just curious, how are you logging your finds?

 

After finding a cache, I go on my Etrex - menu - log attempt - found - find next closest.

The issue I have above is when I go menu - log attempt - did not find - find next closest - etc.

 

On the Etrex interactive map the caches I've logged as "did not find" appear as open chests rather than a traditional (for example) icon.

Sorry, I meant how are you logging your finds from your GPS to the Geocaching.com web site?

 

GSAK, field notes, etc.

No GSAK, no field notes, just geocaching.com entry logs.

 

The geocache_visits.txt (and maybe also the geocache_logs.xml file) does keep record of your log status. Thus if you mark any as "Did Not Find," they'll remain as such until you clear those two files. It's a good idea every now and then to clear your geocache_visits.txt file. I always delete the associated .xml file too just to be sure.

I'll give this a shot.

 

To demonstrate the facts of the matter ... go caching. Log a few as found, a few as not found. Delete the geocache_visits.txt file. Search for unfound and found caches. Same ones will show up as found and not found as were shown before. This file MAY be used for the calendar view (I have never checked that), but it doesn't impact the status of each cache in its individual 'slot' in memory and its flag as found or unfound.

Yup, I'll give it a shot and report back in a few days/weeks.

 

As an aside, I deleted the geocache_visits.txt file and my GPSr is running MUCH faster (?!). Maybe it was just a fluke. But usually it takes 10 minutes at least to load up when I load a 1000 cache pocket query. After deleting that file, it booted pretty much right away.

I wonder if it parses through that geocache visits file (which for me had at least 4,500 lines for my 4,500 finds - I've been using this thing since day 1 and never cleared that file) and that somehow slows it down.

Like I said, maybe just a fluke. But maybe others could try too?

Link to comment
[...] So is there a way to "reset" the geocache memory so it doesn't think I've already attempted the cache? [...]

 

Yes, there is a way: log the cache again and chose "Unattempted" as log type.

 

Hans

That's a roundabout way of solving the problem that doesn't really solve the problem. I'd still like to log a "did not find" or "needs maintenance" on my Etrex when appropriate. Choosing "unattempted" skirts the issue.

Link to comment

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...