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Roles
Team's are free to configure as they wish, but here's my tentative plan.
Pilot - I envision the driver (Pilot) staying in the vehicle. Simply
too much to do and focus on for the driver to be a Finder. The driver
will, with assistance of the Navigator, handle communications with the
support staff.
Navigator/Finder - One member will be the Navigator, handling the
routing instructions and equipment. I envision the Navigator staying in
the car as well, for the most part, preparing driving instructions to
the next cache. The Navigator will share logging and communications
responsibilities with the Pilot.
Finders (2 or more) - Finders will do the actual geocaching,
jumping and running at each stop. Between caches Finders will read and
discuss the next cache, read any hints and plan the hunt.
Equipment
Configure yours as you please - here's my plan:
I am a ham operator, as will be whomever is chosen for my Navigator
and primary support staff. This means we will have real-time radio
communications no matter where we are.
Finders will carry ham handi-talkies (if they are licensed) or FRS radios to communicate with the truck and each other.
There will be a power inverter available to run both 12v and 115v electronics.
There will be at least two laptops, one for the Navigator and one for the Finders, configured the same for easy collaboration.
Both laptops will be loaded with GSAK and all caches in the area,
with a filter set to display just our selected targets. An HTML export
will provide the cache page on a local drive. Street Atlas or simular
mapping software will be loaded onto the Navigator's GPS-enabled laptop
and the map will show all target caches.
Wi-fi won't do us any good as we will not be sitting still, so both
laptops will be Bluetooth-enabled to connect via celular service.
Each finder will carry a PDA with CacheMate or simular software to
provide cache page details while away from the truck. PDAs may be
Bluetooth-enabled for connectivity and logging as well.
Head-lamps will be very useful both in the truck and out, along
with high-power hand-helds for the runners. A 12v spotlight will be in
the vehicle to light the Finders path if needed.
As mentioned, configure your team as you desire - mine will have
all the toys required to make this run as fast, safe and fun as can be.
More to come!
Ed
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