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HOWTO: Make a Hanging Geocache Container

06 August, 2009 18:53

Most everyone has their own way of creating a container to hide as a Geocache.  Although no way is best, I will show here how I made a Cache container using a bottle, such as a vitamin container, or film canister, a bracket for a computer expansion slot (just take a short drive down your street and you are sure to find an old computer in the dump), and some duck tape touched up with green camouflage paint.

Here is what the computer bracket looks like.  It covers the slots on the back of your computer.

Do it yourself Geocache Container

Next use a plyers to create a second 90 degree angle at the top end of the bracket.  Here is a before and after picture.

Do it yourself Geocache Container Do it yourself Geocache Container

Now take the metal bracket and duct tape the flat surfaced end to the Cache container bottle of your choice securing it tightly to withstand nature's furry.  After the bracket is tightly secured, use green or black paint to make the Geocache hide camouflaged.

Do it yourself Geocache Container Do it yourself Geocache Container

And their you go, you have a Geocache container you may hang from a tree or any other clever item you choose to place your Cache.  Here is a picture of the finished product.

Do it yourself Geocache Container

Edited for comment:  I used a hot glue gun and applied it to the flush end of the bracket and secured it to the container before using duct tape.  I will assume if you apply the tape with great care and strength that this is not needed.  However, you never know the rigors that the cache may go through and this adds extra protection in the case the container was pulled on to retrieve it.

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Garmin GPS - Source Code & Platform

04 August, 2009 10:06

moved from http://myspew.com/

Garmin, one of the big players in GPS (global positioning system) devices and applications has released the Linux source code for their Nuvi 8xx and Nuvi 5xxx-series devices.

The source code hints that the Linux version of these Garmin series devices is linux-2.6.17.7 and are configured to use 64MB of ram.

Here is a full list of libraries, applications and dependencies for the released source:

BSD: GPS Software & Hardware Architecture fontconfig-2.4.2 libogg-1.1 libpcap-0.9.3 libtheora-0.9+1.0alpha7 libvorbis-1.0.1 speex-1.1.7 tremor-20041119 BSD+GPL: flac-1.2.1 ppp-2.4.3 BSD-X: libfontenc-1.0.4 libxcalibrate-0.0+git20070607 libxcursor-1.1.8 libxfixes-4.0.3 libxfont-1.2.8 libxrandr-1.2.1 libxrender-0.9.2 libxsettings-client-0.10 xrandr-1.2.0 BSL: boost-1.33.1 bzip2: bzip2-1.0.2 freetype: freetype-2.1.10 GPL: alsa-lib-1.0.14 alsa-plugins-1.0.13 alsa-utils-1.0.14 apmd-3.2.2 base-files-3.0.14 base-passwd-3.5.9 blob-1.13-daisy-2.80 bluez-libs-3.4 bluez-utils-3.4 busybox-1.01 dbus-1.1.2+cvs20070620 dbus-glib-0.74 dpkg-1.13.24 gcc-cross-4.1.2 gconf-dbus-2.10.0+svn20061219 gdbm-1.8.3 gnome-common-2.4.0 gnome-mime-data-2.4.2 gnome-vfs-2.16.3 gnupg-1.4.2.2 initscripts-1.0 ipkg-0.99.154 ipkg-link-1.6+cvs20050404 kexec-tools-1.101 libid3tag-0.15.1b libmatchbox-1.9 libtool-1.5.24 libxkbfile-1.0.4 libxv-1.0.3 linux-daisy-2.6.17.7-daisy-2.80 linux-libc-headers-2.6.20 lzo-1.08 makedevs-1.0.0 matchbox-wm-1.2+svn20070417 module-init-tools-3.2.2 netbase-4.21 prelink-20061027 psplash-0.0+svn20070529 readline-4.3 settings-daemon-0.0+svn20070728 shared-mime-info-0.16 sysfsutils-2.0.0 sysvinit-2.86 tinylogin-1.4 udev-103 update-alternatives-cworth-0.99.154 update-modules-1.0 update-rc.d-0.7 wireless-tools-29 wpa-supplicant-0.6.3 xserver-kdrive-common-0.1 xserver-nodm-init-1.0 GPL+LGPL: foinse-tag-indexer-0.0.9 libgcrypt-1.2.3 libgpg-error-1.0 libsigc++-2.0-2.0.6 jpeg: jpeg-6b LGPL: atk-1.10.3 foinse-0.23.84 foinse-theme-0.5.96 garmin-audio-service-0.7.23 gconfmm-2.14.1 geoclue-0.9 glib-2.0-2.12.11 glibc-2.5 glibmm-2.12.10 gnutls-1.6.3 gst-plugins-bad-0.10.5 gst-plugins-base-0.10.14 gst-plugins-good-0.10.6 gst-pulse-0.9.4 gstreamer-0.10.14 gtk+-2.10.12 gtk-doc-1.0 gtkmm-2.10.10 libexif-0.6.16 libsdl-image-1.2.3 libsdl-mixer-1.2.6 libsdl-ttf-2.0.3 libsdl-x11-1.2.9 libsndfile1-1.0.16 pango-1.16.4 pulseaudio-0.9.5.17 qt-automake-0.0.20 speechrec-0.9.2 startup-notification-0.8 texttospeech-0.7.2 tslib-1.0 LGPL+MPL: cairo-1.4.8 cairomm-1.2.4 libpng: libpng-1.2.26 MIT: beecrypt-3.1.0 curl-7.16.2 dropbear-0.49 expat-2.0.0 ipkg-collateral-1.0 libatomics-ops-1.2 libxml2-2.6.26 modutils-collateral-1.0 ncurses-5.4 popt-1.7 xdpyinfo-1.0.2 xmodmap-1.0.2 xserver-kdrive-1.3.0.0 MIT-X: bigreqsproto-1.0.2 calibrateproto-0.0+git20070607 compositeproto-0.3.1 damageproto-1.1.0 diet-x11-1.1.1 dmxproto-2.2.2 fixesproto-4.0 fontcacheproto-0.1.2 fontsproto-2.0.2 inputproto-1.4.1 kbproto-1.0.3 libdmx-1.0.2 libice-1.0.3 libsm-1.0.2 libxau-1.0.3 libxdmcp-1.0.2 libxext-1.0.3 libxft-2.1.12 libxi-1.1.0 libxinerama-1.0.2 libxmu-1.0.3 libxp-1.0.0 libxt-1.0.5 libxtst-1.0.1 libxxf86dga-1.0.1 libxxf86misc-1.0.1 libxxf86vm-1.0.1 printproto-1.0.3 randrproto-1.2.1 recordproto-1.13.2 renderproto-0.9.2 resourceproto-1.0.2 scrnsaverproto-1.1.0 util-macros-1.1.5 videoproto-2.2.2 xcmiscproto-1.1.2 xextproto-7.0.2 xf86bigfontproto-1.1.2 xf86dgaproto-2.0.2 xf86miscproto-0.9.2 xf86vidmodeproto-2.2.2 xineramaproto-1.1.2 xinit-1.0.3 xproto-7.0.10 xtrans-1.0.3 openssl: openssl-0.9.7g OSL: elfutils-0.108 PD: modutils-initscripts-1.0 sqlite3-3.3.7 various: liboil-0.3.9 xrdb: xrdb-1.0.3 zlib: zlib-1.2.3

nuvi880According to a blog by Henri Bergius, Gnome mobile (GMAE) might be its desktop environment. This includes C, C++, API's for features such as bluetooth, and other subsets of GMAE, and a standard Gnome GTK graphical toolkit. 

nuvi8xx-v2.xx-sources/
|
+-- GPL/
|    |
|    +-- linux-daisy-2.6.17.7-daisy-2.xx
|         |
|         +-- linux-daisy-2.6.17.7-daisy-2.xx.orig.tar.bz2
|         +-- linux-daisy-2.6.17.7-daisy-2.xx.diff.tar.bz2
|
+-- LGPL/
|    |
.    .
.    .
.    .

The source code is available here:

http://developer.garmin.com/linux/

For example, the Nuvi 800 has a base set of these operating system applications and environments:

  • gnome 2.4.0
  • gnome-vfs-2.16.3
  • xserver-kdrive-common-0.1
  • busybox-1.01
  • tinylogin-1.4
  • alsa
  • blueZ
  • matchbox window manager
  • geoclue-0.9

I use Trimble's Outdoors Platinum Java application for Geocaching and outback hiking and camping which is available for various cell phones.

Here are some features of this edition of this GPS navigation system:

  • plan routes and trips using nationwide high resolution (1:24,000) topographic, aerial, or street maps
  • create your own trips by modifying trips posted by other outdoor enthusiasts on trimbleoutdoors.com
  • add notes and pictures to your trip from your PC or digital camera
  • share trips with friends and family online
  • use your cell phone as a recreational GPS receiver
  • navigate with a digital compass
  • display speed, heading, altitude and latitude/longitude coordinate readout
  • track your route with scale information for creating a bread crumb trail
  • mark waypoints and navigate to waypoints
  • input notes and pictures into your trips from your PC and digital camera
  • wirelessly download trips, routes and waypoints to your cell phone

AND the platinum version includes these extra capabilities:

  • enjoy all the features and benefits of Trimble Outdoors Gold, plus
  • wirelessly download topographic, aerial and street maps to your phone (see the list of supported phones here)
  • wirelessly insert notes into trip from your cell phone
  • wirelessly insert pictures into trips from your cell phone (requires the use of a camera phone)

Resources used:

  1. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS8827997755.html
  2. http://developer.garmin.com/linux/
  3. http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/AboutGoldPlatinum.aspx

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Wisconsin DNR Contact via Live Web Chat

04 August, 2009 10:02

moved from http://myspew.com/

Lostby7 posted an announcement on the Wisconsin Geocaching Association (WGA) website with an alternative way to contact, or ask a question, live from a Wisconsin DNR customer service representative on the web.  Here is the link:

http://dnr.wi.gov/chat/

Way to go DNR!  This makes asking simple questions about Wisconsin's natural resources and services just a click away.  Handy.

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Cobra Li6500 2WX VP GMRS and FRS Reviewed

04 August, 2009 09:56

moved from http://myspew.com/

I purchased the Cobra Li6500-2WX GMRS radio set at Menards for $69.00.  The packaging provides the following radio specifications:

  • 22 Channels
  • 121 Privacy Codes
  • 2662 Privacy Combinations
  • NOAA Weather Radio
  • Selectable HI/MED/LOW Power (In GMRS)
  • Roger Beep Selectable On/Off
  • Ultra Compact High Capacity Lithium ION Batteries (2)
  • Vibralert (tm) Silent Paging
  • VOX Hands-Free Operation
  • 10 Channel Memory
  • Scan Channels/Privacy Codes/Memory
  • 20 Mile Range

LI6500-2WX VPI unpacked the unit and installed the batteries, plugged in the base station that provides a charge to both radios simultaneously, and did a charge for 15 hours, as stated in the manuals documentation for a full charge time.  I should note that the batteries are packaged with a charge already.

When first using the radio, I put one of the units on my belt clip.  Right away the clip broke in half at the base of the clip.  The clips are very flimsy and you should expect to replace these on occasion with heavy use.  I called Cobra for a replacement.  I had not yet sent in registration.  Without question they took my address and sent me a replacement which came as second day mail.  This quality of customer relationship is beyond what I had expected before making the call.

The radios are estimated to be continuously used for a maximum of 15 hours.  After quickly setting my personal options on the GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) / FRS (Family Radio Service) radio, I turned the frequency to GMRS channel 1, 462.550 MHz - 467.550 MHz.  The unit then switched to power save mode and I let the radio receive transmission on this frequency to the depletion of the battery.  The battery lasted approximately 23 hours in total standby.

The NOAA weather channels are navigational through the mode button on the unit.  It will default to your approximate location.  However, you do have the option of browsing other hazard radio frequencies.

In testing, I estimate the range of the radios to be 9 to 13 miles.  Optimal conditions and line of site is advertised at 20 miles, however I find that what Cobra considers optimal is normally not realistic.

The radio sets can be paged using the digital squelch option which will vibrate the unit, let out a call tone, or both.

This GMRS radio set is not waterproof though is rugged and water resistant.

At this time I am happy with this purchase, though because of the belt clip, battery life, and various range discretions, I would rate this a 7 out of 10 for cost.

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Geocaching Software 2 - iSilo and GPX Spinner

03 August, 2009 17:51

Here you stand - no Net access and on your knees hoping a Geocache coordinate will fall from the sky.  You have a Smart Phone, like myself and you wonder how this could have been prevented and thus be caching instead of wishing?

Your answer is iSilo and GPX Spinner.  No, you do not need Windows Mobile, though it is one of the optional platforms supported.  First I will give a description of iSilo:

iSilo™ is a highly versatile document reader available for iPhone/iPod touch, Android™, BlackBerry® Touch, BlackBerry®, Palm OS®, Pocket PC, Windows Mobile Smartphone, Symbian S60 3rd Edition, Symbian Series 60, Symbian UIQ 3, Symbian UIQ, Symbian Series 80, and Windows® CE Handheld PC handhelds, as well as for Windows® and Mac OS X computers. You can find thousands of  ready-made documents downloadable immediately for reading with iSilo™ or you can create your own documents from HTML content using iSiloX. Some of the major features that will win you over to iSilo™ include:

  1. High text compression in iSilo™ format documents result in a 50% to 60% decrease in size, which is about 20% better than the Palm Doc format, allowing you to store more and larger documents on your handheld.
  2. Hyperlinks make it much easier to navigate through a document.
  3. Images add visual richness to documents, especially photo-quality color pictures.
  4. Tables allow the display of tabular data.
  5. Formatted text gives style to text for controlled emphasis. 

Here are the supported platforms with documentation links and examples:

So the basic idea behind using iSilo and GPX Spinner is to enable you to take a GPX file and convert it into an HTML (Web Page) document with Spinner to start, and then convert it into an iSilo supported document for viewing the exported web page on the above devices.

This software allows you to have almost a mirror of Geocaching.com within your created pocket query (PQ).  It really is just like browsing the web!

I purchased iSilo when I first started Geocaching, though I later switched to Cachemate which was mentioned in the Software Series 1 post.  However, I use it almost daily for reference documents and I even take it on the road and load a book or two on the device with iSilo when I will be on an extended trip.  Enjoy!

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