MnGCA

Jonas · Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 8:32 am Post subject: 2009 Geotech event

In the fall of 2007, Merkman put together a very well liked Geotech event. This event setup classes in various geocaching topics at Gander Mountain.

It has now been almost two years since that event and the time is ripe that we held another geotech event. We've been in contact with REI and they will let us use their classroom in their Bloomington location free of charge.

A tentative schedule would allow about 5 one hour classes in various topics. One class should probably be "Introduction to geocaching".

What other classes would you like to see at this event and would you be interested in teaching a class?

Ideas currently suggested:
Introduction to geocaching
Introduction to GSAK - Betty
Intermediate GSAK - Betty
GSAK - Macros
How to solve geocaching puzzles
Creating an advanced cache page
Technical walk through of GPS models

(Edited to add the ideas proposed)

-Jonas

bigred_librarian · Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 10:40 am Post subject: GSAK

Definitely a class on GSAK. GSAK changed the way I geocache and I know that I am only using a small part of this cool and powerful geocaching application.
_________________
"Those librarians, that's one terrorist group you don't want to mess with." Michael Moore

Pear Head · Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 3:02 pm Post subject:

I think you need to have multiple GSAK classes offered, based on skill level. Learning basic GSAK, intermediate GSAK (building custom waypoint names, retrieving PQs by email, etc), and advanced GSAK (macros, etc). These topic can't really be rolled into one class without either boring half the class or overwhelming half the class.

There was recently an article put together by Bus&Betty about building PQs based on a route - I bet 'Betty' would be willing to teach a class like that!

I would suggest looking at the last event's schedule to see what else was on the agenda if you haven't already.
_________________
Hmm...

sapalas · Geocacher Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 32

How about a class on puzzle caches? I look at a lot of those and only figure out a few. Maybe going over some of the basic puzzle ideas, and showing us what to look for in a puzzle.

loneeagle_24 · Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 6:51 am Post subject:

I know myself I'd like to see something on how to "dress up" a cache page on GC.com. Maybe someone could put a little instructional pamplet together? Not sure if I'll be there though. It all depends when it is going to be held.
_________________
King of the Jeff Gordon TB's!
They put that cache WHERE?

minnesotabrad · Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 8:52 am Post subject:

Pear Head · Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 8:56 am Post subject:

Pfalstad did the class on this last time. It was an excellent discussion and well attended.
_________________
Hmm...

Bus&Betty · Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 9:23 am Post subject:

Jonas · Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 9:56 am Post subject:

NYSandy23 · Geocacher Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 162 Location: Eagan

How about a class on getting the most out of your particular GPS model? Some are very advanced and others not quite so but each have features many do not how to use or take best advantage. They buy based on price not features.
_________________
If you're successful in what you do over a period of time, you'll start approaching records, but that's not what you're playing for. You're playing to challenge and be challenged.--Lou Brock

Jam3s · Geocacher Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 842

Jonas · Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 7:13 pm Post subject:

It can probably still be done. A class showing four distinctly different models and some of their features and how to do the advanced stuff could be interesting especially if you are in the market for a new device.
Oregon, 60CSx, iPhone and maybe a Magellan/Lowrance model?

-Jonas

Jam3s · Geocacher Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 842

Jonas · Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 7:40 pm Post subject:

Jam3s · Geocacher Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 842

I like it! I would like to attend the sessions, but would help out with anything that is needed. If you need help, let me know!
_________________
~~ I was told all I needed was a GPS. I wanted everything else. ~~