Looking back at Cachercon 2010

This past Saturday marked the first Cachercon 2010 event (GC2158P) I (xpunkx) got to Troy on Friday night. I woke up early Saturday and headed over to the venue. There was already lots and lots of people that were there and setting up. We had little over an hour before the doors opened at 10:00 am. There was still lots of checking that needed to be done.  At 10 the doors opened and there were lots of people that came into the room. Now i was starting to get nervous, I talk every week on the podcast in front of lots of people but i am sitting in my studio and dont see them face to face. We have only done a live show like this one other time and there were not this many people.

Eleven O’Clock rolled around and it was time to start the Geocaching Podcast. Montu is on the line check, our interview guest was online check and the music is rolling. We are recording and it is going great we talked with Sascha of tb-rescue.com. we talked about the The Frustromantic Box and how much fun it would be to make it. Then we brought up the hot topic of the cache that was placed on the International Space Station This brought up lots of audience questions which was great. The audio from the show will be on this website later today. If you want to check out some other pictures from the podcast check out our facebook page. After the podcast we had other great sessions going on.  I got to speak again later on in the day this time i was talking about Geocaching Swiss Army Knife (GSAK). My presentation will but available to our plus members as a video once it is edited.

One of the main highlights for me was HeadHardHat talking about geocaching in the media. At the end of his presentation he told us that coming soon there will be a prime time television show about geocaching called TreasureCache and best of all HeadHardHat is the host.

We ended up with a total of 132 people. over all it was a great event and we hope that we get to go to it again next year. Everyone I talked to had a blast and wants to have it again next year. Big shout out goes to Darrylw4 and the Motor City Cache Machine Crew for putting this event on.

It was good to meet all of our listeners out there. Thanks for stopping by

One Week With My iPhone 3GS

I've had me new iPhone 3GS for a week now and have really come to like it. The biggest thing has been the better performance for basic things. Gone are the problems I saw introduced with 2.2.1 where I was unable to answer or disconnect calls in a timely manner. (Though only missed one call this way, wasn't that the argument Apple used for controlling Apps so tightly?) Where the 3G would pause for a half-second, the 3GS rips right through without a hiccup. Even typing is responsive enough that i can write this entire post on the 3GS comfortably. Especially the new 3.0 Copy-and-Paste process is much faster and more useful. I don't find myself using the Voice Control as I'd expected though. Voice dialing had been a staple of my phone usage on the dumb phones, but here I've grown accustom to jumping into the phone or contact app to do everything so it just isn't ever used. The camera is a surprise though. The tap to autofocus and meter function really makes the camera much more useful. Giving me the power to select the point at which it meters gives me the ability to capture backlit subjects and have them be visible. More surprising though is the quality of the video. Much like the stills from the 3G, I find myself shooting little videos for the instant send capability sending them directly via e-mail or through Tweet Reel. We even used it at the office to submit silly videos to EternalMoonwalk with results rivaling many consumer cameras I've recently used. As for Geocaching I made five finds last Saturday with nothing most than the 3GS. It works as well as the 3G did, just switching screens is a little quicker. The Geocaching app doesn't yet support the compass but iGeoCacher released an update Sunday with support and I look forward to giving that a shot. The one disappointment has been the new screen coating. While it's better it doesn't jeep the screen as free from finger prints as I'd like an it's still difficult to read through the glare in the sun. I'll be adding the anti-glare screen protector to mine very soon. As for the reported heat issues I have noticed them when either radio (3G or WiFi) is running for more than a couple minutes of heavy use, but it's amplified when charging. The battery at the same time. Having only been briefly on the 3G with the 3.0 software I can't really speak to the battery life though. The 3GS does not last as long as the 3G did under 2.2, but under 3.0 even the 3G lost time of usage.i wouldn't have been likely to do the upgrade if my 3G would have behaved itself after rebuilding it, but between the home button not responding and not being permitted to terminate a call for five seconds or more, I really felt I had to do something. Overall it's been a worthy upgrade and I don't have a moment's regret over spending the extra $182 for an unsubsidized phone (I'm only nine months into my contract). I find myself using the iPhone now when I would have grabbed the laptop before and never really pickup the netbook.
I will mention though that I'm still not pleased with many iPhone limitations and will be taking a hard look on about a year at the Palm Pre and Google Android phones. Hopefully both will have more options and better support before then and if so I'm likely to move from the iPhone to one of those. As annoying and costly ad AT&T is though I might stick with them for the 3G GSM service since it allows use of the phone and data as the same time. My understanding is that CDMA (which is what SprintPCS and Verizon use) is not capable of running both services without duplicating radios - one for each. My three big complaints with Apple an the iPhone are the single carrier, lack of background tasks (not even multitasking, just back polling functions are all I need), and their total control over the App store. Who knows though - in a year they might fix those things too.

-- Posted From My iPhone

My Look at the Geomate Jr.

Listen for my short review of the Geomate Jr. on Podcacher Show 218. Also listen to the Geocaching Podcast episode 106 for an interview with Warren of Apisphere and further discussion on the new unit.

Probably the most difficult part of looking at the new Geomate Jr. by Apisphere, Inc. is determining where the product fits. This is a GPSR find only traditional geocaches -- nothing else. It is not a GPSR for avid Geocachers. It may work well for casual Geocachers. Very likely it could fit well into the hands of younger children while caching with their parents. Perhaps someone with only a GPS enabled phone would try one as a higher performance GPSR supplementing their phone when out caching. The Geomate Jr. is probably best though for couples or families just starting out with Geocaching. Really the $70USD unit doesn't seem to have an obvious fit yet it is very compelling.

The goal was to create a simple, inexpensive GPSR for Geocaching which would be ready to use out of the box. The team at Apisphere has succeeded in that task (though you have to buy the batteries separately before you can power on the Geomate Jr.). The nearly quarter million geocaches preloaded into the device are filtered to be family friendly traditional caches available to all Geocachers.

Chipset:		SIRFstar III
Preloaded Coverage:		United States
Cache Capacity:		250,000
User Waypoints:		1 (marked only, not set numerically)
LCD Display:		Compass (pointers at 22.5°) Geocache Difficulty Geocache Terrain Geocache Size Found Geocache 12 Characters on 3 Rows (5 large in center of compass, 5 small in the lower right of the compass, 2 small in the lower left of the compass) Current Display Mode GPS Signal Quality Low Battery
Buttons:		Power Left (Next) Right (Page)
Power:		2 x AAA batteries
Connection:		Proprietary Update Kit
Weight:		3.2oz
Dimensions:		1.9in x 3.7in x 1in
Resistance:		Splash proof

Someone walking out of a store with the Geomate Jr. and a pair of AAA batteries needs only to read the short foldout included, insert the batteries, power-up the GPSR, then hit the trail for the cache nearest their location. The two button interface gives quick and easy access to all you need from the limited functions the unit can perform. Pressing the left button displays the next closest cache in the list. Press and hold that button to point to the "HOME" location saved in the unit. To mark a "HOME" location, press and hold both buttons at the same time. Press the right button to cycle through the display modes -- Geocaching, GC Code, Navigation, and Found List. To mark the cache found, press and hold the right button. To refresh the list of the 20 closest caches cycle the power (turn it off then back on). While in the Geocaching display mode the arrows of the compass indicate the direction to walk while the large numbers in the center count the distance in either miles or feet. The GC Code will display the geocache's waypoint ID from Geocaching.com minus the leading "GC" (i.e. GC1DASP is displayed as 1DASP). The Navigation mode displays the heading, latitude, longitude, elevation, and satelites being tracked (the left button is used to cycle through information). The Found List is sorted to show the most recent found geocache first in the list. Displayed is the waypoint and the date of the find. That's pretty much all there is to using the Geomate Jr., there's not much more.

Preloaded into the Geomate Jr. is a database of filtered geocaches. Since the user can't enter additional waypoints, nor do they see a cache description, it seems logical that the database would have only traditional caches. I questioned Apisphere about how that initial database is created and received this response:

"...we have applied filtering that is designed to create a family-friendly list as well as maximize longevity of the database - to try to create as favorable as possible out-of-box experience. We filter the list based on things like age of geocache (we only include caches that have been in existence for a certain period of time), time since last found (if the cache hasn't been found for awhile, we don't include) and also difficultly (we don't include the hard to find or get to caches). In addition to this, every time we build a new batch of units, we always create and load a new database...."

Obviously that means any caches placed after that database was created will not be available. The bigger problem is that geocaches archived or disabled following database creation will still be available in that unit. All of this can be updated through the coming Update Kit at less than $25 scheduled to start shipping in June. That kit consists of a special cable and software allowing the user to update the entire U.S. database or select regions to load for more complete listings. In order to keep the cost of the unit low, this cable includes the controller to talk with the GPSR eliminating the need for the USB controller in the Geomate Jr. (rather than paying for that chip with each GPSR you can use one kit to upgrade many units). As that kit has not shipped yet I was unable to test it. My opinion is that it will be a very important piece for anyone looking to Geocaching beyond the first week of owning their GPSR. Apishere would like to have upgrade stations available in retail outlet refreshing the caches at the store. This large database is both the best asset and the biggest liability of the Geomate Jr.

With all this firmly committed to memory (and a copy of the User Guide PDF on my iPhone) we went out caching for a day. Our goal that day was to hit four specific virtual geocaches and any other geocaches we might encounter along the way. I was very happy with the performance of the Geomate Jr. as it guided us to caches with roughly the same accuracy of the Oregon 300. The screen is very readable in bright light, though under dark conditions it suffers having no backlight. We went to the iPhone for descriptions and hints on a couple of the caches, but none of the caches in the Geomate Jr. we attempted had been archived or disabled. Over half of the traditional caches we attempted were not in the preloaded database. I quickly realized that in most cases I would not have been able to find these caches off just the compass. The maps on the Nuvi 205T 265T, iPhone 3G, GPSMap 60CSx, or Oregon 300 were key to determining a means to access the cache and without those maps I might have spent hours hunting for just the right road to get to the parking lot. The workflow I settled into was to use the 60CSX and Nuvi 205T 265T to find the caches along the route, then once parked I'd power cycle the Geomate Jr. to check for the cache in that unit. If it was in the unit, I'd hunt with only the Geomate Jr. while Firefly03 used the Oregon 300. I found it distracting to see the caches we had marked found continue to show in the list of closest caches (they are marked as found with a little smily under the waypoint or distance). Many times the Geomate Jr. was all we needed to find the container. Other times we needs a little hint from the paperless on the Oregon 300 or from the iPhone Geocaching App. Never was guidance of the Geomate Jr. the problem in not finding a cache, only the lack of information prevented us from finding some caches with only the Geomate Jr.

The bottom line is that I'm not really sure to whom I would recommend this unit. Once the update kit becomes available it is a nice GPSR for the children in the Caching Family provided mutli- or unknown caches will not be on the menu. The Geomate Jr. would be an excellent fit for group users (i.e. park systems, schools, scouts) but without an option to load non-published or private caches it might not work for many groups who use those caches for training. It's best fit seems to be were it bundled up with the update kit, batteries, and a short book about how to Geocache. I could see giving someone such a kit to geomuggles so they could go out that day and while in the field learn to Geocache. Then when they get home they could set-up an account, log their finds, update their unit, and plan for their next trip. Perhaps such a kit could even be made available within a park system allowing the park's guests to pick-up a kit while already in the park. My goal in picking up the Geomate Jr. was to have a GPSR for the kids (our nieces and nephews) when we go out for full family geocaching. It is a good fit for them, but being that we can't enter in private caches (i.e. caches at events) or cache stages (my nephew enjoys multi-caches in the woods) I'm likely to look for sales or used eTrex H series units. When I start thinking about that I wonder if it might not be a better investment anyhow as it would give them experience which could be transferred to a more advanced unit as they look to move up. So I'm still at a loss, but hopefully it will become much more clear with the release of that Update Kit in June.

Delorme Geocaching: I Like Where They’re Going

I've been looking for an excuse to get the PN-40 out and try the new software. Unfortunately the only option right now for loading the caches into the GPS as Geocaches is through the "Send to GPS" button on geocaching.com. Last night we had three new caches publish, a perfect opportunity to give it a try. I was very impressed with their connection as it was much faster than the Garmin. There were no buttons to press, it just found the unit and loaded up the unit. As finding caches from the unit I real couldn't say as we were not the first to find any of these park and grab caches in the freshly fallen snow. I logged all the finds through the iPhone, but went through the in GPS logging on the PN-40. Between the Garmin and Delorme models, the Delorme looks to be the winner. It features a pop-up with short, common messages (i.e. "TFTC"), a field to enter extended notes, and a signature. The cache information seems a little more difficult to access than on the new Garmins (Colorado and Oregon) and is certainly harder to read. I'm anxious to really give the beta 2.5 software a work-out, but until their Cache Register app comes out it doesn't seem very likely. That will allow GPX files (Pocket Queries) to be loaded as Geocaches into the PN-40. That makes it usable for a full day cache outing and will give me the chance to really give it at work out. Once I spend more time with the unit I hope to be able to fly through the menus to get the info I need. For now I can say that I think I see the direction Delorme is going with their support for Geocaching and I am not disappointed. I'll be watching for the updates and especially the Cache Register.

(Not) Finding a Cache With the Geocaching 1.2 App

Bright and early this morning (before the sun was even peaking over the horizon) I made my way out into the 16°F morning for an attempt to find a cache using the latest release of the Geocaching App. I had my iPhone 3G, space pen, gloves, and some mail to be dropped off at the Post Office as I made my way toward the "HNY09 - Cache Rail" (GC1KA7D) cache. As I drove within 200 feet of ground zero it became apparent I wouldn't be logging a find as some maintenance muggles were milling around just on the opposite side of the driveway. So I wasn't able to find that cache with the new release but no GPSR currently available has the cloaking technology available to hide from muggles in those pre-dawn hours. I was able to grab eleven screenshots while sitting in the car (see below) to illustrate the flow on the current Geocaching app. On the way back from the Post Office though I stopped by another cache I had yet to find -- "Corner Cache" (GC1HRBJ) -- to discover that it was too snowed in to attempt in the shoes I'd selected (its a park and grab -- why would I need boots or snowshoes?). I was able to get a good feel for the improvements made to the software and am pleased with the outcome. The trip showed me that while the iPhone 3G with the Geocaching App can now replace the GPSR and PDA for most Geocaching activity, it still doesn't work well with cold hands.


Several things have changed since the first release of the Geocaching app to turn the program from an app I deleted to an application I'm happy to pay $9.99 USD and plan to keep on my iPhone. First in version 1.1 the option to provide your Groundspeak login was added to provide the option to filter out your own and found caches. That was a significant upgrade which at least provided me with an opportunity to find a cache or two while waiting for a meeting or out for an FTF. Now in version 1.2 they've provided the best field note implementation I've seen (though Bish0p's Power Notes is much more powerful) and the option to open the cache's web page from Geocaching.com in Safari. The field note feature though is what I've really needed to change this application from a tool for the Casual Cacher to a tool for Cachers from Newbie to Avid (though still not very good for power runs or trip planning, nor for multi-caches). I'll likely switch from logging caches on the Oregon on the next outing as this provides direct loading to Geocaching.com and supports returns in logs (I love dropping in the time, a return, then my notes). The link out to the actual cache page on Geocaching.com is necessary for many of the puzzle caches with special formatting in their description which hold the keys to the solution. I look forward to the coming days with less snow and warmer weather when I might really give the application a work-out.

This is all based on having the constant connectivity and even the loose location abilities of the iPhone. I haven't attempted to use the original iPhone with its cellular location on the Geocaching app, but it should provide a good alternative to hauling around a PDA for your paperless caching with the ability to show nearby caches. That functionality is lost on the iPod Touch even when you have one of the mobile WiFi routers and 3G card (though at least you still have access to the live updates). The live connection is what makes mobile applications like this and Geocaching Navigator excel in the field. Without that live data connection you'll have to save the caches to the iPhone or iPod Touch (which involves manually going to each cache within the app and pressing the save button) to view them in the field. I'm pleased to report though that the Geocaching app does save the field notes entered without a network connection then uploads them to the Geocaching.com servers the next time the application is opened with a working network connection (see image at right). All that Groundspeak would need to make this an excellent replacement for the paperless apps (like CacheMate) would be to support loading multiple caches through the Pocket Queries -- not an easy task I imagine. In lacking that option to quickly load multiple caches into the iPod Touch though, I have to advise against using the Geocaching app for those users.

I'm hopeful that we'll continue to see improvements in this application in the coming months and years. The ability to handle Multi- and Unknown Caches would be my next target. At the very least I'd like the option to simply enter coordinates for the next stage of the cache, but better yet would be support for entry and editing of coordinates and an internal note that could be referenced for those calculations which require several bits of information to be tracked. Next I'm looking for a map view to show all nearby caches, much like those available on Geocaching.com. This view helps in trip planning by giving an easy view of where clusters are located or which order to hit the caches near you. Most of our trips lately have been simply driving out to an area with unfound caches and using the GPSR's map to drive through those clusters. Finally, the ability to load and update saved waypoints in mass would really turn it into the full paperless application for all Users. My dream would be to create a Pocket Query on Geocaching.com and then cache that into the iPhone or iPod Touch for use in the field regardless of a data connection. Downloading the cache information can be slow over 3G and unbearable over the EDGE network, so pre-caching those Pocket Queries can save time and allow for the network to be lost. As it stands now I'm happy to have spent the money for this application and it will be staying on the iPhone.

UPDATE: (4:27PM) Drie and I had the chance to stop for three quick park-and-grab caches as we did lunch with a couple of old friends. We used only the iPhone and I'm happy to say that the Geocaching app worked well. I ended up using the map view though as it was easier to understand than the compass, and the accuracy was low enough that the satelite view was a huge asset. Geosense was a must for these three finds as the iPhone didn't provide a good location for any of the three.

Geocache Navigator for Blackberry

I've been testing the Geocache Navigator for Blackberry software for about four weeks. I'm loving the functionality of the software and the fact that it packs most of what I need into a single device, but the AT&T Edge service has not been up for the task. It seems that about 40% of the requests to the network for data have been timing out. I'll know not to use AT&T service when I end up switching carriers come October.

Last night XpunkX and I did an entire Geocaching Podcast episode on how it works and our take on the product. Despite the problems with TalkShoe's recording, its a good listen for anyone interested. I hope to have the time before sending the Blackberry back to Trimble to shoot a little tutorial for Icenrye's Geocaching Videozine.