Best GPS for geocachingNearly any GPS receiver will work for geocaching, but some work better than others. To find the best GPS for geocaching that works best for YOU, i recommend you do a little research. This article introduces you to the primary GPS receiver features from the geocaching standpoint so you'll know what to look for when reading the specifications sheet for each GPS unit. Understanding the available features will allow you to make an informed purchasing decision and enable you to use the equipment to its fullest potential. Fortunately, modern receivers share many of the same features, regardless of price. Basic features that the best GPS for geocaching should haveThe best GPS for geocaching for me would have these features:
Advanced features to look for in the best GPS for geocachingHaving these features in my best GPS for geocaching would warrant it to be an advanced equipment.
Basic features unwrappedWeight and sizeOften it's necessary to hunt discretely so best GPS for geocaching should not be noticably huge. AccuracyGPS receivers that are capable of 12 paraller channels work best for geocaching. Most GPS units sold after 1997 are equipped with this feature; however the ancient, first GPS receivers were all single channel. The older single channel equipment process information much slower form each individual satellite, one at a time through a single channel. Currently many 12-channel GPS units have an accuracy of less than 15 meters (49ft), and less than 3 meters (10 ft.) on WAAS-capable models. This is usually more than enough for geocaching. Accuracy is consistent in most modern receivers regardless of their style or cost. What is WAAS and how it affects accuracyIn WAAS, data from satellites is combined with data from ground stations to calculate GPS signal corrections, giving you even better position accuracy. A WAAS-capable receiver can give you a position accuracy of better than three meters 95 percent of the time. You don't have to pay service fees to utilize WAAS. Currently, WAAS is only available in North America. Using WAAS will drain batteries faster than standard GPS use. Battery durationBattery life is important for extended geocaching hikes with no other power source available. You should expect 20-28 hours of battery life under typical-use conditions in a good GPS for geocaching. Most modern GPS receivers can achieve this. A few years older units can be considered good if they give you 3-5 hours of operation so there has been great advances in this field. Many receivers can be operated in continuous or power-saver modes. Some units can be used with the cigarette lighter power cable. Some people use a solar charger to charge batteries and gain extended field use. Number of waypointsWaypoints are specifically recorded locations stored within a receivers memory. They enable you to return to exact locations. I think you should look for an GPS receiver which is able to store at least 500 waypoints. Water resistanceWater-resistant usually means the equipment can be splashed or briefly dunked (IPX4 rating). Waterproof means the equipment can be submerged for a specific amount of time, before damage occurs (a rating of IPX7). The best GPS for geocaching should be at least water-resistant. Advanced features unwrappedElectronic compassYou need a compass in geocaching because GPS will sometimes only get you to withing 10-50 feet of a geocache and a compass will help you take bearings using the GPS and the compass to narrow down your search to a couple of square feet. A compass is also useful in the event your GPS loses satellite lock (unusual but possible) or your batteries go dead and you forgot to bring replacements. While basic GPS units usually can only tell direction when moving, units with electronic compass displays accurate heading also while standing still. Mapping capabilitiesMost of the best recent-model GPS receivers include a map database stored within their memory. Basemaps include general information on cities, roadways and waterways. For detailed use you would need topographic maps that can be loaded directly into the GPS with other features such as routes and waypoints. Memory capacity should be at least 8 megabytes, or the receiver should include the ability to accept a memory card for as much memory as needed. Computer interfaceData in/out capability allows the unit to receive (upload) data from computer or send (download) data to a computer. This information includes digital maps, track logs, waypoint and routes. Make sure that the receiver is NMEA compatible. If you don't want to enter waypoints (like geocache locations) manually, you need a this feature. Make sure that the cable to connect the GPS receiver to the PC is included. External AntennaThis feature allows for a remote antenna if the gear is mounted within a vehicle with no clear view of the sky. Address finderAllows an exact address to be located withi a basemap database. AltimeterA 3D, four-satellite fix provides elevation information, although satellite based altimeters are not known for being very accurate. Some units provide a built-in barometric altimeter for accurate elavation readings independent of a satellite connection. A barometric altimeter is a bit overkill, IMO. Geocaching booksThe same people who run the geocaching website, wrote the book "The Complete Idiots Guide to Geocaching". It's a great book to start. They explain the sport, what you need, where to go, and just about everything else you need to know. What is geocaching
Geocaching can now be found in over 200 countries and is one of the
fastest growing sports phenomena around. The game is simple: a cache
is hidden, coordinates for it are posted on the web and then other
geocachers equipped with GPS receiver sets off to find it.
Resources and extras
GPS receiver manufacturers:
Garmin
Magellan
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