Loading Caches Directly Into A GPS
I recently got a great comment from Andy on the article “Using Geocaching.com To Find A Spot For A Cache”
I would normally load all the caches in that area to my GPS. When I find a good site I just simply check the GPS for any nearby waypoints in my GPS and it will show up it the new cache is close to an existing one. If this is the case I would try to seek out a new spot using the same method.
But that got me thinking:
How many cachers know how to load caches into their GPS?
I didn’t discover this until MONTHS after I started caching. Loading the coordinates of a cache directly into the GPS solved all the problems of “missing” caches due to a transposed or incorrect number or imputing the parking coordinates by mistake.
Geocaching.com currently supports Garmin, DeLorme and Magellin GPS units for direct loading.
To start with, you’ll need to find the USB port on the back of your GPS. Then, you’ll need a USB cable that interfaces with that port. It’s very likely that this cable was provided with your GPS.
My GPS, a Garmin eTrex, takes a USB 2 connection. I don’t even use a special cable, I just use the same cable from my camera card reader!
You’ll need to plug your GPS into your computer and turn it on. At that point, your computer SHOULD automatically find your GPS through Plug-and-Play software. But if it doesn’t, go to the website of your GPS and you should be able to get instructions.
Here are the steps to load the cache directly into the GPS:
1. Navigate to the cache page. I’m showing my cache ‘No Cows Here’ as an illustration. Then click on the button that says ‘Send to my GPS’
1a. If it’s the first time you’ve done this, you’ll need to load the software that allows geocaching.com to “talk” directly to your GPS.
1b. Then, you’ll either need to click on ‘Find Devices’ OR turn on your GPS. In my case, all I needed to do was power up the GPS.
2. Click on the ‘Write’ button.
3. Look for the confirmation screen.
That’s it! Just 3 easy steps and you’ll be able to load the caches to your GPS. I still print the cache sheet, with 5 logs, so I can get the hint and cache size, etc.
Readers Weigh In:
- Do you have a different way you load the coordinates to your GPS?
- What are some of the disadvantages to loading coordinates directly into the GPS?
- Any other tips, hints, or tricks to share with newbies? (Or the technologically challenged!)
September 24, 2010 @ 4:30 pm
I still have an older GPS without a USB connection, so loading geocaches into it is a much more tedious process.
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September 24, 2010 @ 4:41 pm
Shawn — I feel your pain! A caching buddy of mine has the same problem. Sounds like you’ll be saving up for an upgrade!
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September 25, 2010 @ 4:03 am
If you are a premium member, using the gpx option is really helpful. That way, when the cache hits your gps, you can also have the hint included.
I use gsak (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) which is a database programme to organize geocaches. Each week, I have a pocket query of new caches sent to me that I dump into the programme (I can also simply grab them as they get posted, if I want to try for an FTF).
GSAK keeps all the info organized and I can search for caches within a specific radius, difficulty, size, etc. and simply tell the programme to put them on my gps. They get sent on over and I’m ready to get out the door with a few dozen caches in the Garmin or Magellan (we have both) in a matter of minutes, rather than the considerably longer time it took me to load each cache individually.
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October 2, 2010 @ 3:10 pm
I have a Garmin eTrex but it does not seem to have a data port. When I lift the black flap I see a couple of brass “screws” where your picture shows a port. Is this an earlier model or a defect?
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October 8, 2010 @ 12:51 pm
Gene —
It might be either. In this case, I’d recommend looking through your documentation/user manual that came with the unit. If you can’t find it, you should be able to download it from Garmin’s website.
How old is your model?
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October 9, 2010 @ 10:59 am
Kim, I bought my eTrex last January or February at the Langley Air Force Base. I looked at another eTrex they currently have and it has the exact same set up – four brass pins – entirely different from what appears to be yours.
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Guest Author: Review of Magellan eXplorist
May 5, 2011 @ 4:55 pm
[…] there is a download to GPS button. Click it and follow the directions. (Here’s an article on Loading Caches Directly to a GPS) It’s that easy!! The geocache coordinates are now on your […]
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