Guide to Buying a GPS Device
For geocaching, an expensive and elaborate GPS device is not necessary. At the simplest
level, you will need a GPS device for which you can easily enter waypoints. A device
should also be easy to use, accessible, and durable.
Geocaching Using a Mobile Phone
Although geocaching has been traditionally done with a GPS device built for outdoor
use, an increasing number of cell phone manufacturers are now supporting GPS chips.
These new phones can support geocaching via applications like
Geocache Navigator or Groundspeak's Geocaching
iPhone Application. The real time access to geocaching.com information
allows you to go geocaching when you want without needing to plan ahead.
Buying a GPS Device
You can usually find GPS units at electronic, camping and boat supply stores or
online. Still cannot decide what device to buy? Ask geocachers what they use in
the Groundspeak Forums.
In the forums, you can search latest news, post product related questions and even
browse for used devices for sale!
Device Feature Considerations for Geocaching
- Basemap. This is highly recommended. The additional cost is marginal,
and the increase in the equipment's usefulness is substantial. Driving directions
to the area near a cache can be incredibly useful, so consider this feature in a
higher end device.
- Channels. Most GPS units today now have 12 parallel channels. Channels
help to acquire GPS satellite signals faster and more accurately. If you are looking
at older GPS devices, consider models built after 1997. Older, single-channel receivers
are much slower and may not be as accurate.
- External antenna jack. With new GPS devices this has become less
important since the newer chips are sensitive enough to acquire signal inside a
vehicle. However, it is not always possible to obtain good satellite coverage through
a front windshield; this is when an external antenna can help. Even backpackers
will benefit from the ability to safely store the receiver inside a pack with an
antenna attached to backpack shoulder straps. It can also help outdoor use in places,
like heavy tree cover, where signals are weak.
- Interface jack. If you are using the receiver with a computer,
be sure that it includes an interface cable so you can quickly load maps and waypoints
onto your device. Newer GPS units often support USB while older devices generally
have serial attachments. If you purchase an older GPS device and have a newer computer,
you may need to purchase a USB to serial port adapter as well. If you own a Mac,
you should check to ensure that it supports the Mac operating system.
- Memory. This is used to load detailed topographic maps, street-level
maps, or additional waypoints into the receiver. Detailed maps can use a great deal
of memory on your device. Consider internal storage capacity. Higher end devices
also usually accept a memory card for additional storage.
- Power source. It is preferable to have a device that can support
external power, like a cigarette lighter power cable. Due to the power requirements
the device should support standard batteries (AA or AAA) for easy replacement on
the trail. Lithium batteries are recommended for newer GPS models to ensure a longer
battery life, and power geocachers should consider rechargeable batteries.
- Rocker keypad or touchscreen. Using a receiver without a rocker
keypad is like using a computer without a mouse. Some newer GPS units have touchscreens
which helps immensely when navigating using the maps.
- Screen size. For visual ease of operation, use a device with the
largest screen that can be realistically carried. Screen size is measured diagonally.
Color is great and helps define map features and a backlight is important, although
both features burn additional battery power. A screen protector is important in
preventing scratches out on the trail.
- Waterproof. Sooner or later your device will get submerged. Get
a device that is at least water-resistant, although an IPX7 designation is preferred.
An IPX7 designation means the GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one
meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Plastic bags and boxes are also recommended
for added protection.
- Geocaching Features. An increasing number of higher end GPS devices
now have functionality specifically created for geocaching that can store all the
information from Pocket Queries. Some will also store
field notes to help you log your caches after a hunt.
(Excerpts from the book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geocaching)
