Beacon Cache

This page contains information specific to Geocaching Australia.

A Beacon Geocache is a Multi-cache that uses technological means to determine one or many subsequent waypoints; This cache type may require specialised hardware and/or software to complete, so be sure to read the cache's listing page before seeking.

Examples of technology that could be used include:

• SPOT active GPS trackers (see [1]). GCA has done some testing on these and can facilitate auto-updating of your cache should you decide to use one of these devices. Contact the admins for more information. Make sure you are using up-to-date information when seeking one of these caches!

• Garmin Chirp Beacons: (see [2]) : These devices allow you to act as a stage in a multi-cache and send the next co-ords to the finders GPS Unit. NOTE: These currently only work with a subset of Garmin Devices with specific hardware and firmware configurations, thus potentially limiting the potential finders.

• Spare Internet Router (no need to connect to the internet.
  • Simply plug in the router so it has power. There is no need to connect it to the internet.
  • Connect your laptop to the router. Usually the name and password are on the back of the device itself.
  • Log into the router and change the SSID (that's the name that is broadcast so you can see it to log on, some routers are set up likeTELSTRAKB46782 or IINET678342) to the co-ordinates of the geocache location. e.g. S37 45.000 E144 45.000
  • Use Google and the make and model of the router to know what to connect to and how to set the SSID.
  • The router advertises itself via its SSID to anyone near enough. The seeker turns on WIFI on their mobile phone and sees the SSID being broadcast.
  • Note the co-ordinates (hence no reason to connect to it, or have the router connected to the internet) and then head off to the geocache.

• A Sound Beacon
  • Buy a wireless door bell.
  • Set the ringer up in a tree with the geocache at the foot.
  • Set the button in another container a little way away.
  • Give the co-ordinates to the button.
  • The seeker finds the button and "wanders around" pressing the button until they "hear the doorbell" (i.e. the beacon) at which point they head towards the sound and find the geocache.
  • Battery life may be a challenge or you can buy solar powered ones which as long at the chime gets sunlight you should be good to go.

• Lighthouse Beacon
  • Consider a set of cheap solar lights and set them up so that the "light" becomes the beacon, like a lighthouse.
  • When they turn on at night the seeker can follow the "beacons" to the final geocache. This could also be used as a night cache.
  • Set this up where no-one goes wandering at night as they will spot the lights and follow them to your geocache or nick the lights themselves.

You are not restricted in what technologies you use for this cache type, its limits are only your imagination (and possibly your finances)

There is also the possibility that we can facilitate using old smartphone hardware such as old iPhones etc (provided you do all the work on the hardware side). We'd love to help you make your own exciting hi-tech beacon cache!