[cachehedz]

Did I hear a can opener?

Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

I like to go geocaching. I didn’t log multiple finds at the one event I attended, and if I attend future events I will log the event once. However, I have 8) lurked 8) long enough here and at Groundspeak to know that many others who also like to go geocaching have many good reasons to log each temporary cache.
And, if I met a “multiple-logger” at the final coords for a geocache like Ice Age Vista, for example, I pretty much doubt that the subject of numbers would even come up. But, I don’t doubt we would both say, “Wow, what a spectacular view!” in pretty much the same way.

Cache for fun, log the way you want.

[cachehedz]

Okay, I’m a geek. Here is the data from two Garmins, an eTrex Legend and a GPSMAP60C…

---

eTrex Legend

w/ GPSr off…………..62 mA (switched on but not receiving)

GPSr on……………..140

plus WAAS……………148

plus backlight……….202

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GPSMAP60C

w/ GPSr off…………..39 mA

GPSr on………………78

plus WAAS…………….80

plus 50% backlight……170

100% backlight……….188

---

You can get a rough idea of runtime by dividing the capacity of your cells (in milliamp-hours) by the load (in milliamps). I use old rechargeable 1700 mAh NimH cells. When these were brand new, I could probably expect to run the Legend with WAAS and no backlight for 11.5 hrs. The 60C would run almost double that or 21.2 hrs. The fact is, these batteries have seen many discharge/charge cycles and probably last only half that long.

Typical (cheap) alkalines might power the Legend for 5.2 hours, and the 60C for 9.6 hours.

This is just a rule of thumb, because I am guessing a GPSr eats watts, not amps, so it also depends on the cell voltage throughout the discharge. As mentioned, a rechargeable cell’s age plays a huge part.

I didn’t expect the Legend to be that less efficient than the 60C. I would be interested in what load the electronic altimeter and compass add to the 60CS and other models.

I also expected WAAS load to be higher, based on what I have been seeing in the forums, but maybe I didn’t leave the GPSr locked on long enough for it to have an effect (the satellite screen did not indicate WAAS correction), I don’t know.

Sorry, no Magellans to test.

My ammeter hasn’t exactly been calibrated lately, so the data isn’t guaranteed. Your mileage may vary.

[This message has been edited by cachehedz (edited 04-22-2005).]

[cachehedz]

I remember seeing (and using) that search-by-address option, too. It was there about a year and a half ago, then it went away. There has been a little discussion on the groundspeak forums about the possibility of bringing it back, but no info from “the powers that be”.

Yes, that feature would’ve come in handy for Sunday night’s trivia question. But I probably still would’ve blown it by picking that nearby Minnesota cache!

[cachehedz]

Congratulations, jthorson! I don’t know what is more impressive – your number of finds or your number of very witty log entries. Keep it up!

[This message has been edited by cachehedz (edited 09-19-2004).]

[cachehedz]

Nice Job, ecorangers! I am glad the second waypoint didn’t give you too many fits!! And I am also glad the reporter got to try his hand at the bonus cache. I wonder how the article would’ve come out if he had to post a DNF!

[cachehedz]

Well, judging from this log, it looks like they didn’t let this stand in their way of finding the cache!

(edit cuz I’m a UBB newbie)

[This message has been edited by cachehedz (edited 03-03-2004).]

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