MnGCA

ArcherDragoon · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 1:34 pm Post subject: Geomate Jr

Seems to be an interesting topic on the nationals...what do the local think???

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http://shop.groundspeak.com/productDetail.cfm?CategoryID=4&ProductID=182

The Geomate.Jr. is an affordable and easy way to get in on the geocaching fun!

* The family-friendly Geomate.jr comes preloaded with approximately 250,000 geocache locations covering all 50 U.S. states
* Simply turn the unit on and it will navigate you to your current location's closest geocache; hit the "Next" button and Geomate.jr will direct you to the next closest cache
* Along with cache location, Geomate.jr provides important information like size, terrain, difficulty rating and the Geocaching.com ID code for each cache
* The Geomate.jr allows you to set a "home" waypoint to which it can guide you back
* Displays compass heading, latitude and longitude
* Visit log allows you to mark geocaches and review them later to keep track of which caches you've already found
* With new caches being created all the time, an optional update kit (sold separately) allows you to add all the newest caches to the Geomate.jr database. (Available June 2009)
* Geomate.jr is powered by 2 AAA batteries

Geomate.jr

* Position accuracy: 3 meters
* Routes: No
* Waypoints (total): 1
* Memory: No
* PC Compatible: Yes
* Compass: No
* Altimeter: No
* Color Screen: No
* Compact antenna: Yes
* Display size: 1.2 x 1.2 inches
* Screen pixels: Not applicable
* Battery type: 2 AAA
* Battery life at 70 degrees: 12+ hours
* Dimensions: 4.4 x 1.8 x 1 inches
* Weight: (With batteries) 3.2 ounces
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ArcherDragoon · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 1:38 pm Post subject:

I am not sure what to think...I can see the positive uses for something like this for the young cacher...but also see how this had gotten people worked up...
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casinoman · Geocacher Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 374

looks interesting but the main question for you guys is. Is it a Garmin NO.
It is made by Apisphere I have never herd of them you can see them at REI.com do they have them there.

It might be a good thing to start the kids on instead of handing them that real nice new colorado. or other high priced GPS.

I would say at first blush Cool. But hey remeber I'm a kid. Or that is what the wife says.
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speedysk1 · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 2:18 pm Post subject:

Looks like a nice unit for kids, but an etrex is just as good and just as durable. Considering I go after all kinds of caches, I couldn't get this for my kids as they would be disappointed if they couldn't use the gps to find the multi, puzzle, etc.

I'm not gonna get all worked up about the 250000 waypoints like on the nat'l forums. Groundspeak is entitled to do what ever they want with their data.
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ArcherDragoon · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 3:36 pm Post subject:

Arcticabn · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 4:21 pm Post subject:

And without buying the optional update kit how long might the waypoint be valid. How many will go missing or get archived that would still be in the DB.
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IanNMissy · Geocacher Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 69

For an extra $30 why not just get junior the eTrex H?

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=144&pID=8705#featureTab

That way, the kids can do the multies and such, but it's basic enough and cheap enough that if they lose it or is breaks, you're not out a ton of money. The real downside to the H is the lack of data transfer and such.

speedysk1 · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 9:08 pm Post subject:

Here's a post from Jeremy on Facebook about this. To those not on FB, the first is Jeremy's status, followed by Michael adds a comment to which Jeremy replies.

Jeremy Irish welcomes Geomate.jr, the first dedicated geocaching device - preloaded with 250,000 caches. http://www.geocaching.com/geomate/

Michael at 7:10pm May 12
Congrats on the launch, looks interesting. My question would be about the caches that come loaded, how were they picked? And i assume they are kid or family friendly?

Jeremy Irish at 7:20pm May 12
All caches should be family friendly, though we did drop traditional caches with higher difficulty and terrain levels, and picked caches that have a good find history. The update kit will provide a more custom selection.

It's meant to be a straightforward kid-friendly device, but it is also great for spontaneous geocaching (that is if you don't have an iPhone)
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Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

speedysk1 · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 9:09 pm Post subject:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3eY3y7EjDo

youtube video about it
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sir_zman · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 10:14 pm Post subject:

I was supposed to interview them for the podcast last week, but it got pushed off until this week. If anyone has any questions, post them here, and I'll do my best to ask them. I'm concerned about caches being disabled/archived and that never making it to the unit, how long before the number of caches in the unit which are no longer active becomes untrustworthy?

Jam3s · Geocacher Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 842

Pear Head · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 10:21 pm Post subject:

Jonas · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 10:24 pm Post subject: Re: Geomate Jr

Jam3s · Geocacher Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 842

sir_zman · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 12:06 pm Post subject:

I just completed my interview with the designer of the GeoMate jr. I believe I asked or had answered everyone's questions, the main thing he had to say was that the unit is designed for a beginner, someone who isn't a cacher and is just trying the sport out. Or designed for kids to use so as to not wreck their parents expensive GPS. I think that answers most of the questions.

it has a SurfIII GPS chipset in it, so it's equilivant to a 60/76 Cx, in that respect, and retails (MSRP) for $70 at REI. Check out the rest of the interview when I publish it this Sunday/Monday at http://www.tcgcpc.com
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Thanks.