[barees]

Hi Rivviepop,

The next update will include the ability to copy GPX files to the SD card and import them from there, the windows utility is simply a USB transfer tool, the BlackBerry app itself parses the GPX (XML) file into an internal CacheBerry format.

I am also looking at implementing direct HTTP transfer where you would submit your GPX to our website and have a URL sent to the device to download it.

My initial design for CacheBerry was going to use email as the transfer mechanism but unfortunately support for mail attachments on the BlackBerry is unworkable (I actually did create a web-service which broke the GPX into x-rimdevice chunks and emailed them to the device where they were reassembled and parsed but it just seemed too clunky).

Bruce

[barees]

Hi Thunder33cat,

The GPS app I'm working on is not a mapping program, there are plenty of mapping alternatives out there but nothing decent for finding waypoints offroad and creating breadcrumb tracks etc. I have a Freedom 2000 keychain GPS and have not been able to find anything worthwhile.. the only GPS program (which shall remain nameless) that claims to have Geocaching functions crashes constantly when using Bluetooth requiring a battery reset.

My main motivation for writing a GPS app is so I can use my too-cool keychain

For now CacheBerry is intended as a companion to a real GPS unit (we use a Garmin Vista) to allow paperless geocaching.

Cheers,
Bruce

[thunder33cat]

That sounds fine, Bruce. I'll gladly add it to my arsenal alongside my 60CSX and keep my GPS puck waiting patiently...

Originally Posted by barees

Hi Thunder33cat,

The GPS app I'm working on is not a mapping program, there are plenty of mapping alternatives out there but nothing decent for finding waypoints offroad and creating breadcrumb tracks etc. I have a Freedom 2000 keychain GPS and have not been able to find anything worthwhile.. the only GPS program (which shall remain nameless) that claims to have Geocaching functions crashes constantly when using Bluetooth requiring a battery reset.

My main motivation for writing a GPS app is so I can use my too-cool keychain

For now CacheBerry is intended as a companion to a real GPS unit (we use a Garmin Vista) to allow paperless geocaching.

Cheers,
Bruce

[schnider]

Cool application, at least I hope. I have an 8830 and I just tried to send a GPX file with 500 (2.88M of data) caches to it. It actually sent pretty fast (about 30 seconds), but I have been on this step for quite a while:

7. Once the transfer is complete and CacheBerry displays "Analyzing GPX file" you can disconnect the USB cable.

I bet it has been Analyzing for about 10 minutes. FYI - It actually says, "Analysing GPX." You might want to correct that typo in an update.

[schnider]

Oops I just read this part too:

"Loading a large GPX file (eg. a 500 cache pocket query) will take several minutes, please be patient."

I just thought it was only refeting to the actual transfer part. I guess it must also mean the whole thing including the analyzing part.

[barees]

But 10 minutes is definitely too long, on my 8320 it takes about 5 minutes in total to load 500 caches including the analyzing stage (which is just counting waypoint elements in order to display a progress bar during the actual XMl parsing stage).. let me know if it completed ok?

Thanks!
Bruce

[someonexh]

FYI: Just in case I am not the only one that has never heard of geocaching before..

Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook and "treasure," usually toys or trinkets of little value. Today, well over 540,000 geocaches are registered on various websites devoted to the sport. Geocaches are currently placed in over 100 countries around the world and on all seven continents, including Antarctica.[

[schnider]

And it's a lot of family fun. Go check it out:

Geocaching - The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site

[barees]

Hi All,

I won't make a habit of announcing every build in this thread but since some members asked I thought I would mention that the Beta version now online has the ability to copy GPX files to the Media card (using Mass Storage Mode for example) and import them directly on the the device.

This means the Desktop utility is not required so it will work for Mac and Linux users.

Cheers,
Bruce

[funkym]

I just figured out I can also import those GPX files into Spot. This app has GPS and map support and overlay the caches on top of a map. Well, it is pretty hard to use - I needed some time to get used to it. Also the network setup was not that easy, but it worked in the end

There is also stated native .loc geocache.com support. Didn't try that yet, but I will do so soon.

[Devices]

Hi Bruce,
my corporate BB Firewall prevented me from using Spot, so I ended up buying a Garmin GPS. I have been trying to figure out how I could go paperless caching, and a friend pointed me towards this app. It is exactly what I needed! It's quite simple to use the same pocket query gpx file, and load all the data onto my BB. I'm not really looking to use my 7290 as my GPS, but it's a great companion to store all the details for the trails. I'll be heading out today to try it out, but so far, SO good!
Cheers!

[schnider]

Originally Posted by Devices

Hi Bruce,
my corporate BB Firewall prevented me from using Spot, so I ended up buying a Garmin GPS. I have been trying to figure out how I could go paperless caching, and a friend pointed me towards this app. It is exactly what I needed! It's quite simple to use the same pocket query gpx file, and load all the data onto my BB. I'm not really looking to use my 7290 as my GPS, but it's a great companion to store all the details for the trails. I'll be heading out today to try it out, but so far, SO good!
Cheers!

Let us know what you think. Though I am quite sure you will like it. I used to carry my GPSr, phone, and a PocketPC. Now I can just keep my GPS in my hand, and my phone on my hip. If I need some help, it's right there.

[thunder33cat]

I just wanted to update and say this program is maturing nicely. I especially like the ability to show the geocache entries on Google Maps or Blackberry Maps.

One thing I've found is that if I load a big gpx file I (obviously) lose a ton of memory. This is to be expected, so I don't perceive this as a problem. However, since I'm a relatively infrequent geocacher, I don't want that much memory consumed all of the time.

My workaround: create a very small gpx file with a single entry and use it to overwrite the database. My main gpx files reside on the card and can be reloaded as needed.

[schnider]

Originally Posted by thunder33cat

I just wanted to update and say this program is maturing nicely. I especially like the ability to show the geocache entries on Google Maps or Blackberry Maps.

One thing I've found is that if I load a big gpx file I (obviously) lose a ton of memory. This is to be expected, so I don't perceive this as a problem. However, since I'm a relatively infrequent geocacher, I don't want that much memory consumed all of the time.

My workaround: create a very small gpx file with a single entry and use it to overwrite the database. My main gpx files reside on the card and can be reloaded as needed.

I did see in the CacheBerry forums that you said you posted both here and there. I am sure Bruce will get back to you soon in the CacheBerry forums. I know I asked him about this some time ago too. I just wanted to clear them all out and start over. Not really for a space issue, but more for a fresh start. I just can't remember what he told me, sorry .

[netguydave]

I can't find the Cachberry Desktop link? What am I missing?

[schnider]

Here are the instructions:

CacheBerry - Download CacheBerry

Here is the link to download the Desktop Software:

http://www.cacheberry.com/download/C...rryDesktop.exe

Hope that helps.

[netguydave]

There it is....thank you.