GC2PWDM SA Returns: A Meet & Greet (Event Cache) in British Columbia, Canada created by Herring Red & the Fools of the Fourth Month

This cache has been archived.

Chewy_06: Thanks for coming everyone - see you at the next one... :)

GC2PWDM ▼

A cache by Herring Red & the Fools of the Fourth Month Message this owner

Hidden : Friday, April 1, 2011

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: other (other)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Related Web Page

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

The US Government (National Executive Committee for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing – jointly chaired by the DOT (visit link) ) recently announced that they plan on turning SA (Selective Availability) back on effective at 0000 hours PDT on April 1, 2011.

There was also a recent article on a hardware hacking site about some hidden functionality that had been built into some wireless capable GPS units. As a non-techie, if I’m reading it correctly, suggests that a major manufacturer will also be releasing a major firmware upgrade some time on the first which will allow their wireless capable units of gaining a local ground based correction signal via 900MHz cellular antenna signals – which would be I guess just like the late nineties when DGPS broke onto the scene. If it’s true & if it works I’ll take it. I have a hard enough time finding some caches when I think I have 12’ of accuracy; with 120’ – I’d be scuppered!

Yes, the potential loss of accuracy has me scared. I’ve even picked up a few purportedly accuracy improving batteries to test out – will be interesting to see how they work. I decelined to pick up one of the external antenna hats though - it just looked too crazy.

So, with all these developments coming to fruition at the same time – and, there not being any events over the last little while here – and none that we noticed coming, we figured it would be a great idea to get together, compare how accurate or more likely how much less accurate they are all of a sudden and maybe test out our various units on a few test caches.

Come one, come all… let’s meet at the Panorama Club, located in beautiful not quite south Surrey (not kidding: go do a web search it does exist) at 15132 62A Ave, Surrey (at the end of 62A West of 152nd St). Why don’t we plan to start the commiserations at about 1800, and be cleaned up and back out in the real world by 2100. Parking’s not a problem, just be sure you don’t park where you’re not supposed to & your car should be there when you get done (i've posted a picture that shows where you can, and cannot park). There is lots of street parking within a 10 minute walk of the location. Please feel free to park at Sullivan Hall (the Sullivan Hall Association has graciously given us permission to use their lot if we need to)

Donations will be gladly accepted, there will be a jar at the door, i'm hoping that an (entirely voluntary) contribution of $2 or so per person should cover the room rental costs for the night.

I'll also happily take solutions to local puzzle caches, NiMH rechargeable batteries and/or unwanted GPSr's. Children, puppies & scrap metal would be frowned upon as donations.

Highlights planned for the evening so far:

• A costume contest – bonus points for the fishiest costume of the evening
• There will be a local geocaching supply outfit on site for the evening (in case you want to stock up on some supplies!)
• Nano cache logsheet re-rolling contest (we may even do a full size log rolling contest in the pool too!)
• A cookie eating contest (bring your own)
• A GPSr accuracy challenge (and maybe a pool on who’ll take the longest to get it just right!)
• A salt crystal counting contest (my personal favourite)
• Blindfolded ammo can opening, logging, lid reinstallation & securing contests
• Food sampling. Please do let us know what you’re bringing for us to sample ok?

Maybe a few other surprises – then again, maybe not.

When you arrive at the door, be sure you use the code word so we have a way of identifying you!

One last thing, by special request - please bring something to share with you - although I have NO idea what this could be in reference to!

Any other questions? Drop Scruffster a note! Tell him Gordy sent you
(visit link)

Additional Hints (No hints available.)