If you attend one of the Isle of Wight Geocaching events, you will be lent a Garmin Geko 201 GPS unit.

How do I use the GPS?
If you can use a mobile phone, you will be able to use a GPS unit. All of the information you need to operate the GPS (Geko 201) is found on its four main pages, or display screens. To view the pages press the PAGE button to cycle from one page to the next. The five pages are shown below.

Menu

Satellite

Navigation

Map

Trip odometer

Need some help?
Sometimes the GPS data can be a bit variable; the signal can be interrupted by obstacles, such as buildings and trees, and by holding the unit upside down! Remember the pointer only shows the right direction when the GPS is moving.

Loading a waypoint
Use the page button to cycle through the pages to the menu page. Use the ‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ button to highlight ‘WAYPOINTS’ then press ‘OK’. Select ‘LIST NEAREST’. Press ‘OK’. Use the ‘DOWN’ button to highlight one of the waypoints (FV1 to FV7) and press ‘OK’ again. Highlight ‘GOTO’ and press ‘OK’. The navigation page automatically displays.

Navigation page

Navigation Screen POINTER: The navigation page displays a pointer indicating the direction to go. Hold the unit flat in front of you with the buttons at the top. Wherever possible, walk in the direction the pointer indicates, changing direction until the pointer points straight forward. It is only active when you are moving, so if you stand still it may give some odd readings. Travel forward until directed to turn again or until you are close to the cache. If in doubt, retrace your steps a little and try again.

DISTANCE: Your distance from the cache is displayed in metres. As well as looking at the pointer, check that your distance from the cache is decreasing - this indicates that you are nearing the cache. Don’t forget that the GPS is only accurate to about 10 metres (about 30 feet), so when you get close, use the clues on this leaflet!

To stop navigating
Whilst on the map or navigation page, press ‘OK’. Use the ‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ button, highlight ‘STOP NAVIGATION’ then press ‘OK’. Now you can select your next waypoint and start again!