Geocaching

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Geocaching is a worldwide scavenger hunt that uses a GPS or phone app with GPS. There are over 3 million active caches around the world. Some are as small as a dime, others are big enough to walk into, all of them provide a unique adventure. We invite you to share your stories, photos, and experiences!

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GPS questions (iusearchlinux.fyi)

submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) by potentiallynotfelix@iusearchlinux.fyi to c/geocaching@lemmy.world

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I picked up a two gpses for better accuracy when caching, and I haven't got to go to an open field, but I live in an urban environment and don't have a full view of the sky, but I just can't get more than 2 satellites connected to it. Is this because of the lack of sky view and is there a way to see the locations of gps satellites in the sky?

edit: solved by waiting a long time under clear sky

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[–] agent_flounder@lemmy.world 4 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Two gps isn't that much better than one in my experience. Because they're both subject to the same atmospheric effects.

What I have found is the brand and model make a huge difference.

If you have a GPS with a ublox chip, you're in good shape. Those chips can pull in a 3d fix in my damn basement. The sensitivity is insane.

I also had great results with Venus chips but idk if any oem uses them. Ublox you can find easily. USB dongles, breakout boards, etc.

The MediaTek chips I've used can't get a fix even outside unless conditions are really good.

Anyway... If you've got a gps plugged into a laptop there are utilities to show a sky map and where sats are and which are being received. Usually the chip maker makes a utility like this. (E.g. u-center for ublox)

If it's a handheld gps there is usually a screen with a similar display.