Coordinates above are for "MicroSat
#1", the first of a small constellation of tiny
satellites that are 'orbiting' near to the final cache
location for "GPS Quiz #2". This cache is a straightforward
multi-cache. Just find all the "MicroSats" and they will
guide you to the final.
In GPS
Quiz #1, you worked on one of the first aspects of GPS location
-- triangulation/trilateration. Now for a second aspect of GPS --
position determination through the use of pseudo-ranges. When
handled by your GPS receiver, this involves more of that complex
math. Do you remember from math class how to solve simultaneous
equations with 4 unknowns? Do you know how to solve equations
involving spherical intersections? Neither do I, so this cache is
only loosely based on these concepts. Leave the hard math
calculations to your handheld, radio-receiving computer... it's
gotten you this far!
For this hunt, you have to imagine that the actual cache itself
is acting as the GPS receiver and the 3 other stages are the
MicroSats (short for 'MICRO cache SATellite') arranged in a small
constellation along a path that will someday be a part of a
connector trail for the American Tobacco Trail. Once you acquire a
lock on (aka. find) each MicroSat, you will receive the necessary
almanac data (aka. coordinates) that is needed to lock onto the
next MicroSat in this constellation. As you lock onto each
MicroSat, you will see the 'pseudo range' data in diagram format
between that MicroSat and the final cache location. You will also
note that the diagrams are highly abstract representations (aka.
not geometrically correct) of the MicroSat and final cache
positions.
The coordinates of this listing are in fact the almanac data for
the first MicroSat. You should be able to easily transport yourself
to within a dozen steps of MicroSat #1, and then after that, you
will explore this as-of-yet unfinished trail.
Some minor bushwhacking will be required to walk to all stages,
but portions of the path have already been cleared by surveyors who
are (hopefully) marking and planning the location of the ATT
through this section of land. Although it is possible to
approach each MicroSat without much bushwhacking, that would be
taking the long way around. Maybe someday the this ATT connector
will be completed and this cache will be much easier to access.
Further Almanac Data for the MicroSat constellation is provided
here courtesy of this GroundSpeak Continuously Operating Reference
Station (GS CORS):
==== Week 332 almanac (Tuesday Jan. 3, 2006) ====
(obsolete almanac data)
==== Week 391 almanac (Sunday Feb. 18, 2007) ====
MicroSat #1 -- Elevation 6 ft - verified orbit
MicroSat #2 -- Elevation 8 ft - relaunched into higher orbit
MicroSat #3 -- Elevation 4 ft - verified orbit
Final Cache -- Elevation 3 ft - Small, clear, waterproof container,
approx. 6" x 3" x 4"
(all elevations are relative to local 'ground' level under each
MicroSat)
Notice to Advanced Users: If you can break the encryption
code in the 'Additional Hints' section below, you can acquire more
detailed almanac data for each MicroSat.
In their current orbits, the trek to acquire a lock on all 3
MicroSats and then over to the final cache position will be just
under 2 miles.
Important Note: At no time
do you have to cross the fence that separates this trail from the
I-40 highway right-of-way.
You should not be very visible to cars passing on the
highway due to trees and other undergrowth on the highway side of
the fence.
I hope that you appreciate the diagrams provided at each MicroSat.
By hunting for this cache, you are agreeing to join the MicroSat
Service Squad. Please inform me if you detect any problems with any
of the MicroSats because I can easily launch a new MicroSat into
this constellation to replace any unit that is nearing the end of
it's service life or if it has gone 'out of service' (aka.
missing).
It is possible that MicroSat #2 or #3 will have to orbit to new
positions, but rest assured that MicroSat #1 was inserted into a
geostationary orbit, and is not expected to change location. Any
changes in the other MicroSat positions will be reflected in the
almanac data you can acquire from each of the stages and this
GroundSpeak-Station.
Quiz #2:
Be sure to take a sheet of paper or your own personal adventure log
book (or the back of the printout for this cache would work as
well), because you may want to make note of all the information and
questions on GPS Quiz card found inside the cache. (Personally, I
find my camera handy for things like this...) The questions on Quiz
#2 are for your further study of the amazing system that we use to
play this game. You will be tested on this material at some point
in the future...
 Cache In - Trash Out!
 Beware of Muggles!
 Wear bug repellant!
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