The Southern Cache Bash Fox Hunt.
The
Southern Cache Bash Fox Hunt.
Well
after a good long rest from his last excursion the Fox is on his way again.
Just as cunning as ever with his brush up (Oh Matron). Out to cause havoc and
mayhem in Epping Forest. He also looks forward to outwiting all you geocachers.
Where is it being held?
The Fox hunt will
be traveling in and around Epping Forest on the 05/04/2003.
What equipment do I need?
Equipment necessary
to take part in this event (and hence the 3-star rating):
Car
Mobile phone capable of sending a receiving standard SMS text messages
Enough credit on your SIM card to see you through the time you are trying to catch the CIN Fox.
The Technology
A telematics unit
is a GPS device incorporating a GSM mobile telephone and an intelligent interface.
Telematics provide a completely new safety, security, tracking and performance
monitoring device for all vehicle owners and drivers. The system provides peace
of mind to vehicle owners by providing real-time vehicle information using SMS
text messaging and your own mobile phone. It can generate useful text messages
about the position and status of the vehicle to GSM mobile phones - wherever
they are. It is these features that have produced the first Geocaching Fox.
How do I track the
Fox?
From your mobile
phone, send the SMS text message "where" (just the word, not the inverted
commas) to the published number and the Fox will send you an SMS back telling
you exactly where it is, what direction it is moving in and how fast it is going.
For Example:
|
The SOUTH C B FOX is 1.1 miles SW of Bath (UK) travelling SE at 34 mph - 16:01
18-3-2002
51-22-18N
2-22-53W
|
Using the information
provided, enter the co-ordintaes into your GPS, and away you go.
Note, due to
limitations in the telematics software, the format of the latitude and longitude
is Degrees/Minutes/Seconds. Remember to change the format on your GPS before
you start.
How
does it know where to send the reply to?
When you send an
SMS, your mobile number is sent as part of the message. The telematics unit
extracts your mobile number, and sends the reply to it! This way, any number
of different mobile phones can be used to play the game. However, you must ensure
that the Restrich-my-ID feature is disabled on your phone, otherwise your mobile
number will not be sent. The feature is usually disabled, but check your phones
user manual just in case.
How much does this cost?
Your only cost
to take part is the cost of the text message from your mobile phone, which is
charged for at the normal rate of your service provider. Also a donation to
The Charity if you wish. (no obligation)
Are there any other costs
involved?
Yes - the organisers!
For every text message you send to the Fox, the Fox must send a response. This
cost will have to be met by The Cat. All I ask is that you limit the amount
of times you contact the Fox to a reasonable level. Please dont request a position
every five minutes - it will cost me a fortune!!
What is the telephone
number?
The telephone number
to send your SMS to is: 07909957976
Please do not
test it. The SIM card will remain in my pocket until the game commences at the
published time. If you DO send any SMSs prior to the SIM card being inserted,
they will stack up. When the SIM card is activated it will send you lots of
messages all from the same position.
Testing the Technology
The telematics
units has been tested on all UK networks on a variety of phones:
The Fox itself
is a Maxon GSM data module connected to Vodafone.
The manufacturer
of the telematics unit has warned that the system can only do one thing at a
time. However, we have tested this and managed to get three phones to successfully
request a position at the same time. If you dont get a response from your position
request, wait a a few minutes a try again. SMS traffic is renowned for sometimes
being slow. If nothing happens within a few minutes, it is likely that something
HAS gone wrong, and you should try and send your request again.
Contingency plan
This Geocache is
VERY technology dependant. As we all know, technology CAN go wrong. In the event
of failure in the telematics unit, you may telephone the Fox and request its
current position, direction and speed. This phone is connected to Vodafone,
and the call will be charged for according to the tariff of the phone you are
dialling from.
The telephone number
to speak to the Fox: 07710308739
In the event of
this number failing, all I can say is sorry and keep trying. Please remember
that some of the places I will be visiting are quite remote so mobile phone
coverage might be patchy. That is the reason I am using Vodafone as thay have
better coverage in remote areas.
What time will the game
start?
The Fox will start
Saturday 05/04/2003 at 13:00 and will go to ground at 15:30 The unit will not
be switched off during the event so you can catch me at any time.
Where will the game be
played?
In and around
Epping Forest
How do I catch the
fox?
The Fox will be
stopping about every 15 mins for 5-10 mins to give the hunters a chance to catch
up. You can not catch the Fox while it is moving. You can ONLY catch the Fox
when it is stationary. If you see the Fox whilst it is moving, you must follow
it until it stops.
How do I log my visit?
I will give you
a 6 digit code when you catch me just put this in your log and I will know you
got me..
What if I played, but
didnt catch the fox?
You can still log
your attempt as a Could not find.
Are there any other rules?
Yes, and I can
not emphasise this more - BE SAFE - DRIVE SAFE - RESPECT OTHERS.
Speed limits are NOT to be broken.
You can NOT hang out of your window at 70mph trying to slow me down.
You can NOT ram other people off the road.
Consider this as
your warning. If I witness ANYONE driving dangerously in an attempt to catch
me, I WILL report you to the Police, and the game will be stopped.
Hints and Tips
Bring a road map
(AA or similar) the area where you hope to catch up. With the information provided from the Fox, use
your map and anticipate where the Fox is heading - don't just follow it - it
will waste time and SMSs.
Print this page as an aid-memoire of the Foxs SMS and telephone number.
Don't get the SMS and telephone numbers mixed up!
How can I be informed
of updates and changes to the rules?
Watch this page.
I will publish any changes.
Any other questions?
Please submit any
other questions to me by clicking here.
I will publish the answers on this page.
I
look forward to meeting you during the event.