First cache

[dls64]

We are looking to put out or first cache. We have a garmin e-trex legend. Do you have any suggestions on how to get the most accurate coordinates. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[greyhounder]

Average, average, average! The longer you let the GPS average, the better the reading. There will always a certain amount of error. Set down the GPS and bring along a book or a lunch. After that’s done, and you’ve marked the cache, walk away. The set your cache as a goto and see how accurate your coordinates are. I’ll do that a few times too — for a couple days.

Time consuming, but it works for me!

Bec

[bnb]

For a real cache (not an event temp cache) I take multiple readings over multiple days, if I can. On each particular day, each reading is separated by turning off/on the GPSr and letting it reacquire the satellites in a clear area before taking a reading at the cache again. I do at least three sets and throw out data that seems way off. I am also fortunate enough to be able to use multiple GPSrs so if I need the coords quickly, I take multiple readings at the same time with different GPSrs.

I top that off with a real hint.

But this is how *I* do it. I like to use the hint only if I need to. Therefore, I like to have the hint mean something. Others geocache differently so they have different opinions about hints.

(Edited because I forgot to add…) I also send my husband out with the coords to look for it.

Ruth

[This message has been edited by bnb (edited 01-31-2006).]

[Flushingrouse]

Bec is right. The longer you can leave your GPS “settle in” while you’re doing the hiding the more accurate they will be… I usually try to leave it still for at least 10min… Bec’s idea to leave the area with your coords and then go back the next day and see where you end up is a great thing to do…

Here are a couple of links to some reading on the subject…
http://members.aol.com/marklent60544/myhomepage/Geocaching/markwellcacheaverage.htm
http://www.factsfacts.com/geocachingsoft/AveragingCoordinates.htm

Good Luck!

Bill

[Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFu]

You all summed it up. I always average for at least a few minutes and if it’s a really icky day out (heavy cloud cover) I go back a couple times 7/or on a really nice day and average again.!!

If I hide in a thick area (heavy foliage) I walk to a clearing and back to the cache a couple times and average each time.

Hope it helps, good luck and congrats on the first cache placement.

Careful……it gets addicting!

[rpaske]

quote:

---

Originally posted by dls64:
We are looking to put out or first cache. We have a garmin e-trex legend. Do you have any suggestions on how to get the most accurate coordinates. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

---

Accuracy is important as well as a good hint. But, the most important thought is the placement of the hide. Bring geocachers to a place you wish to share. A place with a view, a place with history, a place for one to stop and resore the soul.

[Ray]

We have the advantage of having multiple GPS receivers available (the whole family has done some caching at one time or another). But, usually trudy & I will each take readings on at least two occasions before averaging and posting them. Our Garmin 60’s are usually within 10-12 feet of one another.

[EnergySaver]

As others have said … averaging and multiple readings.

Also, read my article on placing your First Cache … http://wi-geocaching.com/article.html

[Author]

Posts