Douglas Rehfeldt » Geocaching

New Paperless Geocaching Solution

Douglas — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:42:47 +0000

Back in April of 2007 I first posted about my paperless geocaching solution. This solution has changed over the years from a Dell Axim with a handheld GPS and then with a bluetooth GPS, to a WinMo smartphone with the Cachemate software (a great little program) and a bluetooth GPS, to most recently an iPhone with Groundspeak’s Geocaching iPhone Application. The iPhone geocaching app rocks and combined with the iphone’s GPS, internet access and Google Maps it makes for a fantastic urban geocaching solution. I include urban because I haven’t tested this yet outside of the phones coverage area. My search continues for a great iPhone waterproof and protective case, something along the lines of an Otterbox 2600. The season is changing here in Michigan and protecting the phone while geocaching will be a priority. I have used zip-lock bags, but plastic bags lack shock protection and tear easily. My latest paperless is the best yet and I recommend the app to all Geocaching iPhone owners.

Learn to use a map and compass

Douglas — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:29:32 +0000

A GPS receiver (GPSr) is the main tool used by most geocachers, but you don’t need a GPSr to find the cache, you can also find caches with just a map and compass. Most people will geocache with a GPSr, a map and compass are “good-idea” tools to keep in your day pack in case the GPSr fails. But, you need to know how to use the map and compass. Kjetil Kjernsmo put together an illustrated guide on “How to use a compass.” Also, perform a web search for orienteering and maybe even find a nearby orienteering club for help and more challenges.

My paperless geocaching solution

Douglas — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 14:46:02 +0000

I’ve found that using a PDA while geocaching to be the way to go with this hobby. I didn’t take long to figure out that printing information for every cache site was going to be a real hassle. Over time, I have developed a paperless geocaching solution using a PDA and a Bluetooth enabled GPS . Currently, I use a Dell Axim x50v and a combination of software.

CacheMate (there is a Palm version too)
Vito Navigator II
Microsoft Pocket Streets & Trips with GPS Locator
GPSgate

CacheMate™ is a database for tracking GPS cache hunts. You can store information about caches or benchmarks, decode hints, and transfer data to and from other software and devices. Where Cachmate is a database, Vito Navigator II provides additional GPS navigation features. Streets and Trips provides the maps when driving between caches. And the GPSgate software allows multiple programs on the PDA to share a GPS signal at the same time, plus it has many more features. Microsoft has a press release on the software and GPS, which is a Pharos GPS. I paired this GPS with a Pharos GPS Bluetooth dock which provides a GPS signal to the PDA without the wires.

An added bonus with the Dell Axim x50v is the built-in Wi-Fi capabililty. This allows me to download maps, like google maps for mobile devices, and other information from the internet if there is a free wireless hotspot in the area. This has come in very handy with difficult to find caches that have hints or when you are looking for a close parking spot.

Now some of the more tech savvy people will recognize that these devices need power, especially the PDA when using wireless such as bluetooth or Wi-Fi. I carry an extra battery for the PDA and have a car charger/power cable for both the PDA and bluetooth dock.

I also own my first GPS that I purchased when I started geocaching, a Magellan Meridian Gold GPS receiver, and it still works great. It is a rugged model with good battery life that was discontinued in December 2005 by Magellan and is now considered a legacy product. It works great in both cold (used at -10F) and wet (dropped in a stream) conditions, plus the two AA batteries can be replaced in the field. I would buy another one, but this receiver just keeps going.

A PDA can add to the geocaching experience by allowing a person to download and have access to the cache details while on the hunt. And with software like CacheMate you will be able to keep track of the cache finds and log your notes right away on the PDA. Whether it’s a Palm or Pocket PC, you can find older PDA’s on ebay for a low cost. I still have a Palm Visor Platinum running CacheMate, which was my first paperless geocaching PDA, and works great for geocaching because the two AA batteries can be replaced in the field. In the end, all you really need to geocache is a GPS and access to the geocaching web site for the cache information, but a PDA is one part of a paperless solution.

More information on paperless geocaching can be found by googling for paperless geocaching.