Got a new GPS, now what?

We all go through growing pains when we get a new GPS. I just got a new one yesterday and I went out with it twice today and realized that the learning curve can be pretty steep. Sometimes the differences are minor and sometimes they are huge. I am going from a 5+ year old model to the newest touchscreen model so it is a complete new mindset for me. While I was out using it I ran into some challenges which I would like to get worked out ASAP and not have to learn in the field. Therefore I would like to compile a list of things to check for when you get a new unit and possibly add it to the resources help section for future cachers who take the leap to a new unfamiliar unit. Here are a few things I can think of and I encourage you all to add some more so I can compile it into a dedicated page.

Go through all the screens and check each setting to make sure you got it set up properly, such as :

• Datum
• WAAS (for GeorgeD)
• units of measure
• date and time (if not automatic)
• coordinate format
• brightness and power settings
• Map optionscalibration
• alarms
• compass settings
• many other setting depending on GPS

Learn how to load geocaches on it and how to find them either on the map or through the list. Make sure the search list is set up how you want it, I would assume it would be set up to find closest. You also can set up how the caches are displayed on the screen by choosing the icons, name or gc code. Once you get some caches loaded play with the listing to make sure you can find all the information for the cache like the description, hint, logs and other things needed when in the field. Also check how to mark a cache as found (or not found) and how to enter field notes.

Play with all the options needed to actually find the cache, try out all the different modes or screens to navigate to the cache and how to switch between them quickly. Some of the screens are set up so that you can change how and what  is being displayed to help you, such as bearing,speed and distance to cache, mine has 2-4 different info boxes to put on the screen with about 20 different things to put in them. I went with two for now, bearing and distance.

Figure out how to enter waypoints for multis or for any other reason you would need to enter coordinates that are not where you are. Can you add a child waypoint or do you have to create a new waypoint? Learn how to do a projection from your spot or from a set of coordinates. I usually just use the reciprocal heading and walk until I reach the distance but I do know how to project.

Learn how to mark your place for when hiding. Does it average all the time or do you have to set it and leave it for a bit to get many readings?

Plug it in regularly and back it up to your hard drive to save your maps and any tracks or saved files you may have. Check with the manufacturer for firmware upgrades. I would suggest doing a bit of research before updating as sometimes these files can make changes you don’t want or may contain bugs.

The best thing to do is just to play with it and check the internet for how to videos and ask questions to other cachers with the same unit, which I don’t think I can do as there are so few Magellan users around here with my model, if any.

I am sure there are other hints, tricks or advice so please add them below.