Geo-Caching

[tstu2]

I have tried this in the past. I always have the same difficulties.

When following the trail, the GPS will read 25 feet directly in front of me. As I walk the 25 feet, it will tell me the inal coordinates are 15 to the left, I go 15 feet, then it tells me another direction.

I never get to the point where it takes me right there.

Is it because of the "canopy" - clouds and trees, or is it because I have a entry level GPS. I have a Magellan eXplorist 100.

Thanks

[hitechman]

normal, especially in heavy tree cover. Heck, ya can stand still and it will bounce around a little. Might even be poor satellite reception for other reasons. Less sensitive receiver (entry level) may also be part of the reason.

Steve

[Splitshot]

Unless you purchase the most expensive GPS units used for surveying, 25 feet is as close as you will get in most cases. Once within range you must use your own senses to find the cache.

Remember the person who found the location has the same problem as you. Your GPS will get you close enough and the rest is up to you.

[MichiganHunter1971]

I have done geo caching with a buddy of mine, and matter of fact I have placed a cache in manistee county just down the street from my property called the pine river corridor cache, we set this with my buddys garmen etrex vista c and anyone can get within a few feet from the cahce. I also do alot of caching with him up there and his can put him alot closer than 25 feet 85% of the time. So I will disagree with the 25" is all the closer you can get!

[TrailFndr]

I'll also disagree with the 25 ft comment. I use an Etrex Legend and I get within 5-10 ft consistantly. My Garmin Quest is even more accurate than that, but I use it on my Motorcycle.

[Westlakedrive]

I believe the point that is being made though is that if you are within 5 or 25 feet the cache still will not jump up and bite you. You do have to look around a bit whether its a small circle or a bigger circle.

[hitechman]

:yeahthat:

Sometimes my GPS will take me within 2-3 feet--other times only 50-60 feet. The point is that if the person hiding the cache had a 10 foot accuracy and you have a 10 foot accuracy on your GPS while searching, you could be 20 feet off. Accuracy on a GPS is really a probabilty. I've had a 25' accuracy in heavy tree cover and it took me within 2 feet of the cache. All a 25' accuracy means is that the waypoint you are looking for is within a 25' circle--could be 25' or or 3" away.

When your satellite signal is weakend (trees, buildings, weather, etc.) the accuracy will be less.

Thry this: mark a waypoint and go to it with your GPS zoomed all the way in--then stand still and watch the way point move around (and you know that can't be!).

Steve

[twohats]

I am also a cacher. And if you can get whith in 20 ft of the posted cords I would say thats good. Some people who place a cache do not always average the cords before posting it,then I know people who will average a cache location over a few days before posting the cords. But then you also have to deal with interferance, solar flares,electricale towers,ect. I have found a few caches that had my gps reading one to two feet directly on the cache and others reading 30 to 40 feet.And then sometimes a cache will not get put back in its proper location. Also if you are picking up a wass satilite you will get much better accurace.Oh, my caching team name is Land Pirates.