Software-Technology Overload… WOW

[jsdad]

Well I’m off and running now. Bought a Delorme PN-40 to replace my Nuvi 255W and learning the new GPSr. I’m learning the Topo 8 custom map installs. Upgraded to premium @ “Geocache.com” learning pocket Queries. Trying to figure out GSAK… WOW 😯 I’m getting overwhelmed by all the tech. It’s a load to learn all at once, but I’ve got 22 finds already in the first couple of weeks!

On a side note: What do the letters prior to the cache name stand for?
Like “WSQ”

Thanks in advance.

[Braid Beards Gang]

WSQ stands for Wisconsin Spirit Quest. When you see those letters on a cache listing, it indicates that the cache will be located in a cemetery.

[jsdad]

Thank you… Yup, those finds were in cemeteries.

[Team Black-Cat]

Don’t get overwhelmed. Just remember that you don’t have to learn everything all at once.
I have the same setup (PN-40, GSAK, Topo USA) so if you have any specific questions, just post them here.

[Todd300]

Mine is :

1) Garmin Venture HC . It records caches that’s I’ve found or DNF’ed, eliminating the need for me to write down GC numbers of caches that I’ve visited.

2) Garmin Nuvi 205- to drive to caches

3) Ipod (with cache notes loaded onto it)

4) GSAK with pocket queries loaded onto it..have over 4000 unfound caches in my personal database so I’m set if GC goes down – lol. I really don’t need to load more unless I plan on hitting a new area.

5) Laptop – just ordered one and will take with me on caching runs.

I guess you can say geocachers are geeks – lol.

[jsdad]

I should of got hooked on this hobby a couple of months earlier. With cabin fever set in, and plenty of time to play on the PC, would of made it a bit easier. (but a lot tougher going out and finding caches) LOL

Topo 8 and GSAK have been the most daunting. Thanks for the help offer.

[CodeJunkie]

@jsdad wrote:

(but a lot tougher going out and finding caches)

I had an absolute blast caching this winter. Add a set of snowshoes to the “low tech” bucket of gadgets. I’m starting to see that each season has it’s pro’s / con’s. Snow buries things and leaves hide things.

On a tech side – I just purchased an iTouch for paperless caching and it works pretty well. I haven’t used it for logging caches only because it would take forever to type things up. I do use it to copy down TB numbers, make notes about the cache to be expounded on later, etc. It’s also very handy to have a bunch loaded up to be flexible and just grab one when you’re in an area without having to plan ahead as much.

GSAK is also a great tool for tracking puzzle solves, multi’s, etc. I also cache with my family and many times I’ll pre-flight some caches and then go back weeks or months later with the family and it’s handy to have the waypoints pre-entered.

Low tech gadgets – pen / notepad to write down WP’s while doing multi’s. I do this to prevent transposing / miskeying WP’s into the GPSr. I key them in and then also write them down to check later if needed. Sure beats backtracking to the prior WP if you have questions.

[frmr]

@jsdad wrote:

(but a lot tougher going out and finding caches) LOL

Wisconsin has two seasons. 5 Terrian (Summer) and 2 Terrian (Winter)

[CodeJunkie]

@frmr wrote:

@jsdad wrote:

(but a lot tougher going out and finding caches) LOL

Wisconsin has two seasons. 5 Terrian (Summer) and 2 Terrian (Winter)

Winter – 2 Terrain? That’s weird because on 1/1/10 I distinctly remember hiking 3/4 mile through a 1/2 frozen swamp to spend over an hour chopping ice trying to locate a submerged ammo can (wait – that would be difficulty not terrain). 😆 😆 😆 And the terrain would definately be next to impossible in summer – so you’re right.

[frmr]

@CodeJunkie wrote:

@frmr wrote:

@jsdad wrote:

(but a lot tougher going out and finding caches) LOL

Wisconsin has two seasons. 5 Terrian (Summer) and 2 Terrian (Winter)

Winter – 2 Terrain? That’s weird because on 1/1/10 I distinctly remember hiking 3/4 mile through a 1/2 frozen swamp to spend over an hour chopping ice trying to locate a submerged ammo can (wait – that would be difficulty not terrain). 😆 😆 😆 And the terrain would definately be next to impossible in summer – so you’re right.

Talked yourself through that one. No special equipment to get across the water in the winter.

[The Yinnies]

Does anyone here use Cache Register from Delorme? I use it and it is great. I have GSAK but I never really use it. With CR all you do is run a PQ and then open CR and load it to your GPS. It is fast, easy and $10.
Thanks

[Team Black-Cat]

I’ve used Delorme’s Cache Register a few times. It worked well, but I still perfer GSAK. For a single PQ, Cache Register is probably a little easier.

[jsdad]

I was thinking on trying Cache Register as well, but I’ve got the basic GSAK figured out loading my quarries and managing my “finds”. Not sure what else I would need.

I sure do like all the data/info that my PN-40 will load for each cache with the premium membership @ Geocache. I didn’t think going “paperless” would be that big of deal, but after a couple of days of aggressive caching it’s FANTASTIC. Not to mention saving a fortune on ink cartridge and paper.

I still have to find time to learn about “tracks” and “routes” on the GPS as I want to also use this for hunting and hiking.

[Author]

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