Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I got one of these to play around with when it was first available. It's an interesting little device. It won't change the game of geocaching radically, but it does add to it. The main thing holding it back will be the cost.
It is a little transmitter, good for up to 30 feet or so. It broadcasts a beacon continuously at low power. If a compatible unit detects this beacon, it will send out a request to it, and it will then dump out its data. This consists of its name (9 characters), description (50 characters) and coordinates. It also sends out information such as number of visitors (it does not count unique visitors - if a unit requests data twice, it is counted twice) and low battery alert.
The battery compartment is not easy to open. Removing the battery is also difficult - I found that using a strong magnet is the easiest way of getting it out. Garmin claims the battery should last for a year.
The typical use for this will be one of the stages of a multistage cache. A geocacher will go to a location where the chirp is located. From there, they will receive instructions from it to go to the next location, without having to search out a container with a slip of paper pointing them to the next stage.
Some people are also using it as a travel bug for their car, in addition to a window decal. That way people can "discover" their vehicle travel bug wirelessly.
For security, the device can only be re-programmed by the same GPS that programmed it, or with the serial number of the unit. So write down the serial number of your GPSr just in case you lose or damage it.
The device comes with a little piece of self adhesive velcro for attaching to a surface. Any other attachment method needs to be improvised by the owner.
There are several limitations to the device. While you can save the name and coordinates by pressing "Go" after receiving the information, it will not save the description. If two chirps are close to each other, the behavior seems to be that only one of them will be active. This behavior could change with firmware updates.
Note that only some Garmin models are compatible. The lowest end models of the Oregon, Dakota, and GPSMap 62/78 does not have the hardware to support chirp. It appears unlikely that Colorado support will be added. There's currently some work by other equipment manufacturer to support this. iPhone and Android support might be available some day.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin Chirp Geocaching Wireless Beacon
chirp is a one-of-a-kind wireless beacon designed specifically for the outdoor adventures of geocaching. Affordable, durable and waterproof, chirp can communicate with, and be programmed by, any compatible wireless-enabled Garmin handheld (sold separately). chirp stores hints, multi-cache coordinates, counts visitors and confirms the cache is nearby. chirp is password protected and has a battery life of up to one year.
Get & Store Hints chirp can be programmed by any compatible wireless-enabled Garmin handheld to store geocaching hints and other information. When other geocachers arrive near your cache, they'll be alerted that the cache is nearby, and then they'll be able to access the hints you've loaded into chirp. And when you return, chirp will tell you how many visitors have been to your cache.
Setup a Multicache With chirp, setting up and maintaining a multicache has never been easier. Using your compatible Garmin handheld device, chirp automatically transmits program coordinates so other cachers can find each stage of your multicache. Or if you're on a multicache, chirp lets you download coordinates. So there's no need to manually enter numerous sets of complex coordinates--there's just one simple touch and you're on your way to the next stage.
Built To Cache--Built to Last chirp was designed by geocachers, so it's built to take the rigors of the outdoors. Plus, chirp is password protected, so you're the only one with programming powers. chirp has a battery life of up to a year and the battery is easy to replace, plus chirp features a cache-perfect, small size and is durable and waterproof.
There are a few guidelines, however:
Do not mount the chirp inside a metal container.
Do not bury the chirp.
Do not put the chirp in water.
A compatible Garmin device should detect the chirp within 10 m. For maximum transmission range, allow the chirp to have an unobstructed view in all directions.
chirp Specs
Dimensions (W x H x D): 1.3 x 0.9 x 0.3 inches (3.3 x 2.3 x 0.7 cm)
Weight: Less than 1.0 oz (28 grams)
Waterproof: Yes (IPX7--1 meter for 30 seconds)
Battery: Up to 1 year with continuous use; user replaceable battery; message appears on your compatible Garmin device when battery is low
Range: Up to 32 feet (10 meters)
Password protection: Yes
What's in the Box
Garmin chirp; CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell Battery; Small Adhesive Disc; Instructions
Click here for more information about Garmin Chirp Geocaching Wireless Beacon
0 comments:
Post a Comment