Sending Geocache Files to Lowrance. (For Premium Member's)

This post is for Premium Members of Geocaching.com, and can get Pocket Queries. By getting these files that contain almost complete cache info, you can configure a Lowrance unit to show pertinent cache info on screen.

Programs Needed:

GSAK, Geocaching Swiss Army Knife Free for trial use, nag screens appear after the trial period, registration is $20.

Works With:

Any Lowrance unit with an SD card slot.

The i-Finder Go and Go2 will not work with this method as
shown.

First, you will need to get your Pocket Query. Set it up to receive the data you want, and receive the .ZIP file, which is a .GPX file compressed.

Once you have your Pocket Query, load it into GSAK. From here you can sort and manage the data to fit your needs.

In GSAK, under the GPS tab, is the option, "Send to Lowrance USR." A screen will appear so you can configure the way in which data is sent to the unit. By default the settings will work, but if you are like me you may want to customize the options to better suit you. Personally I changed the icons to reflect cache type and status. For example, a cache I have found is "X 1", a cache I own is an "Exit" icon, and a disabled cache is the "Skull and Crossbones" icon. Also, a micro cache is a "Cross", a virtual is a "Flag", an event is a "store", and traditional caches are "Flag Buoy." There are many options, and you can set them as you like.

Another feature is the name tags. These let you configure what the waypoint name will read. I have mine set so that I see: Cache name/ type/ size/ terr/diff/ last 4 logs/ TB status.

This gives me a load of info, and allows me to see at a glance what I am hunting. This can also be adjusted to taste.

Now, place the GPS's SD card into your reader. In the GSAK "Send to Lowrance" screen, select a spot for your file. You can send it straight to the SD card by selecting it's drive letter under "My Computer." Press the "Generate" button in GSAK, and let it work it's magic. In a few seconds it translates all the cache info into a .usr file by using GPSBabel in the background, and generates a file.

You can also save a .usr file to your computer for later use, or to look at in Mapcreate, by simply selecting a different destination for the file.

Now, turn your unit on, and use the following key entry to load the file to your units active memory. --Menu -->Menu--> System Setup--> Transfer my Data--> Load--. Select your file from the drop down menu, and hit --> Enter. A screen will appear confirming a successful load, now exit out of all the screens, go to the map page, and you should be able to find your
waypoints. (Zooming out will let you see them faster, you must move your cursor to the area they are in, if you are not selecting caches in your immediate area.)

One important option you need to set is the waypoint name display. After configuring the name field to show cache info, it will clutter the screen to an extreme extent, making the map impossible to see. Lowrance has a feature to go around this. On the map page, press Menu once. Select "Map Categories" On top will be, "My Waypoints" Buy using the Left/ Right pan keys you can select between "Names" and "Symbols." Place "Names" in the bottom, and if there is a checkmark, press "Enter", if there is not, leave it as set and "Exit." "Symbols" should be checked. By deselecting "Names" only the symbols for waypoints will appear on the map screen, and by hovering over them with the pan key and courser crosshairs, the info will pop- up.

Tip:
You can search for nearest caches, or for caches by name. Hit the "Find" key, and select "My Waypoints." Select either by Name or by Nearest, and the results will appear.