Computer Geeks' Cache # 1: My First Computer Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

Mom-n-Andy: Time to put this one to rest.

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Hidden : 1/14/2010
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

This geocache is NOT at the posted coordinates. You'll have to figure out the coordinates from information given in or linked to this cache description.


I'm a computer geek. I've been a computer geek since 1976, when I built my first computer, a COSMAC ELF, from plans in Popular Electronics magazine. It didn't do much, but it was fun to build and it cost less than $100. This ELF is part of the collection of the Computer History Museum. These days I use a Mac, which probably has something like 8 billion times the computing power of the ELF. One thing that these two computers have in common, though, is that data are stored in binary format, i.e. 1s and 0s. I can type "abc" on my Mac pretty quickly, but on the ELF I had to toggle the data in using the 8 switches you see at the bottom of the computer, one binary bit per switch, up for 1 and down for 0, and then store the data in memory by pushing the IN switch. To input "abc" on my ELF I'd have to toggle in 01100001, press the IN switch, toggle in 01100010, press the IN switch, toggle in 01100011, and press the IN switch again!

This puzzle will give you a chance to test your knowledge of binary ASCII character codes.

To find the cache, you will need to decode the following binary codes:

A=00110000
B=00110100
C=00110101
D=00110101
E=00111000
F=00110011
G=00110010
H=00110100
I=00110101
J=00110110

Cache location = N43 AB.CDE W77 FG.HIJ

The cache container is a camoflaged lock-n-lock. For the FTF there is a lammy and appropriately geeky prize, along with Taz's FTF travel bug. For everyone else there is a variety of swag.

The geocache container is hidden within Pittsford's Chatham Woods open space. Recommended parking is on Chatham Woods drive near N43 04.499 W77 32.403. Please be careful to park on pavement only. Access the trail between two well-marked Pittsford Trails signs. Note: to reach the trail from this point you will need to descend a staircase, which may be slippery at times. The trail itself is level and can be accessed from several other points; look for Pittsford Trails signs on the streets adjacent to the Chatham Woods open space. Watch out for muggles as the trail gets a lot of dog walkers and joggers. Please stay off private property and leash your dogs. Daylight hours only, please!

To find Pittsford trailheads: Zoom in on the geocaching map until you see lot lines. If you see two lots separated by a few feet, often that will be a strip of town owned land that can be used for trail access. Count the lots/houses from the nearest corner and look for Pittsford Trails signs.

Congratulations to the combined team of Peppermill 6-Pack and TazD for FTF! I hope everyone enjoys this neat little trail!

Click to verify coordinates

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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