BIT Caches - Revision history

WikiAdmin: Protected "BIT Caches" ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite))

2021-05-21T02:06:07Z

Protected "BIT Caches" ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite))

WikiAdmin: Replaced references to OCUS with OCNA, updated to reflect the current status of BIT cache types, changes coord.ch redirect to coord.eu, added details on creating a draft cache listing, added notice at top of page

2021-04-27T15:36:34Z

Replaced references to OCUS with OCNA, updated to reflect the current status of BIT cache types, changes coord.ch redirect to coord.eu, added details on creating a draft cache listing, added notice at top of page

WikiAdmin: /* Apps */

2013-08-16T14:01:35Z

‎Apps

WikiAdmin: /* Apps */

2013-08-16T14:00:23Z

‎Apps

Ijeep at 18:37, 30 May 2013

2013-05-30T18:37:31Z

WikiAdmin: /* How To Play */

2011-08-17T20:51:35Z

‎How To Play

WikiAdmin: /* How To Play */

2011-08-17T20:19:29Z

‎How To Play

WikiAdmin: /* How To Play */

2011-08-17T19:50:07Z

‎How To Play

WikiAdmin: /* How To Play */

2011-08-17T19:44:49Z

‎How To Play

WikiAdmin: /* How To Play */

2011-08-17T19:28:21Z

‎How To Play

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[File:bit.png]]
 BIT stands for "Bound ID Tag" to represent that the cache is bound in plastic, also known as laminating it. No container. No log sheet. No hassles. Endless new hiding places. Endless fun! All you need is a GPS and a free account at OCNA... and the desire to play hide and/or seek.
@@ Line 15: / Line 19: @@
 == How To Play ==
-You will need a GPS and a free account on the OCUS site. The printed BIT cache tags are one-sided and can be attached to any flat surface or hung using a wire tie or similar device.  Before deciding where to place your new BIT cache, it is a good idea to check the OCUS site to make sure there isn't one already within 300 feet. Right now that is not an issue, but it may be in the future.
+You will need a GPS-enabled device and a free account on the OCNA site. The printed BIT cache tags are one-sided and can be attached to any flat surface or hung using a wire tie or similar device.  Before deciding where to place your new BIT cache, it is a good idea to check the OCNA site to make sure there isn't one already within 300 feet.
-If you don't know the exact spot where you will be placing your new BIT cache, you can create the listing using rough coordinates. This means the coordinates you enter when creating the listing will be edited later to be more precise before you make the listing "Ready for Search". You '''MUST''' specify in your initial description that you are using rough coordinates so the reviewers will know. Otherwise, your rough coordinates might be in a spot that would get the listing denied.  Don't worry, the reviewers will be very flexible regarding new listings of this cache type. The other option is to go to the location where you will place the cache and get the exact coordinates, then create the listing and print the tag.
+If you don't know the exact spot where you will be placing your new BIT cache, you can create the listing using rough coordinates. This means the coordinates you enter when creating the listing will be edited later to be more precise before you make the listing "Ready for Search". You '''MUST''' specify in your initial description that you are using rough coordinates so the reviewers will know. Otherwise, your rough coordinates might be in a spot that would get the listing denied.  Don't worry, the reviewers will be very flexible regarding new listings of this cache type. The other option is to go to the location where you will place the cache and get the exact coordinates, then create the listing and print the tag. Alternately, add the word "DRAFT" to the title of the new listing. The reviewers will wait until you have completed the listing and removed "DRAFT" from the title before reviewing the cache.
-When creating the cache listing at the OCUS site, remember to include the log password or the cache will not be approved. Once the listing is created, you can visit the edit page where there is an option to print the bit cache near the bottom of the page. The script pulls the necessary information to create the tag from the database and passes it to <nowiki>BITcaching.com</nowiki> where the tag is auto-generated and ready to be printed.
+When creating the cache listing at the OCNA site, remember to include the log password or the cache will not be approved. Once the listing is created, you can visit the edit page where there is an option to print the bit cache near the bottom of the page. The script pulls the necessary information to create the tag from the database and passes it to BITcaching.com where the tag is auto-generated and ready to be printed. [note: BITcaching website no longer active. TODO: create a new way for printing the BIT tags
-Printing has been tested in IE and Firefox, however Chrome can't print them yet. You are free to create your own template designs and sizes as long as you include all the information shown on the official version. The QR code and OCUS logo are optional, the rest is required. The official template design is subject to change but older versions already printed will not have to be modified.
+You are free to create your own template designs and sizes as long as you include all the information shown on the official version. The QR code and OCNA logo are optional, the rest is required. The official template design is subject to change but older versions already printed will not have to be modified.
-Once the cache listing has been approved by the OC team, you can then mark your listing as "Ready for Search". Instructions on how to do this are emailed automatically when a cache has been approved. To log a BIT cache that you found, visit [http://www.opencaching.us www.opencaching.us] or go to the printed URL on the tag itself that points to the cache listing. (Example: <nowiki>http://coord.ch/OUxxxx</nowiki>)
+Once the cache listing has been approved by the OC Team, you can then mark your listing as "Ready for Search". Instructions on how to do this are emailed automatically when a cache has been approved. To log a BIT cache that you found, visit [http://www.opencaching.us www.opencaching.us] or go to the printed URL on the tag itself that points to the cache listing. (Example: <nowiki>http://coord.eu/OUxxxx</nowiki>)
 All BIT caches require a password to be logged and the password is printed on the tag. Leave a comment to the hider and enter the password to log the find. You only need a GPS to play, but smart phone users can go paperless! Everyone else can just write down the password and the shortened URL from the BIT cache and log it when they get to a computer with internet access.
@@ Line 31: / Line 35: @@
 == Apps ==
-No app is necessary to hide or seek any caches on OCNA, including BIT Caches. However, several third party Geocaching Smartphone apps are compatible with OCNA. The list of these phone apps, and links to them in the apps store is kept current on the [http://www.opencaching.us/articles.php?page=apps Phone Apps for OC] page on our website. At the time of this Wiki edit, there were 3 Android compatible apps, 1 iPhone, and 1 Windowsphone.
+No app is necessary to hide or seek any caches on OCNA, including BIT Caches. However, several third party Geocaching Smartphone apps are compatible with OCNA. The list of these phone apps, and links to them in the apps store is kept current on the [http://www.opencaching.us/articles.php?page=apps Phone Apps for OC] page on our website.
 [[Category: Help]]

@@ Line 31: / Line 31: @@
 == Apps ==
-No app is necessary to hide or seek any caches on OCNA, including BITcaches. However, several third party Geocaching Smartphone apps are compatible with OCNA. The list of these phone apps, and links to them in the apps store is kept current on the [http://www.opencaching.us/articles.php?page=apps Phone Apps for OC] page on our website. At the time of this Wiki edit, there were 3 Android compatible apps, 1 iPhone, and 1 Windowsphone.
+No app is necessary to hide or seek any caches on OCNA, including BIT Caches. However, several third party Geocaching Smartphone apps are compatible with OCNA. The list of these phone apps, and links to them in the apps store is kept current on the [http://www.opencaching.us/articles.php?page=apps Phone Apps for OC] page on our website. At the time of this Wiki edit, there were 3 Android compatible apps, 1 iPhone, and 1 Windowsphone.
 [[Category: Help]]

@@ Line 31: / Line 31: @@
 == Apps ==
-No app is necessary to hide or seek any caches on OCUS. You can use Opencaching US on your Android phone if you choose to do so. Just download the Columbus geocaching app from the market, hit search, choose a listing option then select OCUS and start caching!  You can log your finds by hitting the "web" option which takes you directly to the cache page. This app was created by a 3rd party and not by the OC Team.
+No app is necessary to hide or seek any caches on OCNA, including BITcaches. However, several third party Geocaching Smartphone apps are compatible with OCNA. The list of these phone apps, and links to them in the apps store is kept current on the [http://www.opencaching.us/articles.php?page=apps Phone Apps for OC] page on our website. At the time of this Wiki edit, there were 3 Android compatible apps, 1 iPhone, and 1 Windowsphone.
 [[Category: Help]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[File:bit.png]]
-BIT stands for "Bound ID Tag" to represent that the cache is bound in plastic, also known as laminating it. No container. No log sheet. No hassles. Endless new hiding places. Endless fun! All you need is a GPS and a free account at OCUS... and the desire to play hide and/or seek.
+BIT stands for "Bound ID Tag" to represent that the cache is bound in plastic, also known as laminating it. No container. No log sheet. No hassles. Endless new hiding places. Endless fun! All you need is a GPS and a free account at OCNA... and the desire to play hide and/or seek.
 A BIT cache<sup><span style="font-size:8px;">TM</span></sup> consists only of a laminated tag with a password and other identifying information printed on it. This password is needed to log the cache. A BIT cache<sup><span style="font-size:8px;">TM</span></sup> may also be placed inside a container but this is not required... it is actually discouraged.

@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 You will need a GPS and a free account on the OCUS site. The printed BIT cache tags are one-sided and can be attached to any flat surface or hung using a wire tie or similar device.  Before deciding where to place your new BIT cache, it is a good idea to check the OCUS site to make sure there isn't one already within 300 feet. Right now that is not an issue, but it may be in the future.
-If you don't know the exact spot where you will be placing your new BIT cache, you can create the listing using rough coordinates. This means the coordinates you enter when creating the listing will be edited laster to be more precise before you make the listing "Ready for Search". You '''MUST''' specify in your initial description that you are using rough coordinates so the reviewers will know. Otherwise, your rough coordinates might be in a spot that would get the listing denied.  Don't worry, the reviewers will be very flexible regarding new listings of this cache type. The other option is to go to the location where you will place the cache and get the exact coordinates, then create the listing and print the tag.
+If you don't know the exact spot where you will be placing your new BIT cache, you can create the listing using rough coordinates. This means the coordinates you enter when creating the listing will be edited later to be more precise before you make the listing "Ready for Search". You '''MUST''' specify in your initial description that you are using rough coordinates so the reviewers will know. Otherwise, your rough coordinates might be in a spot that would get the listing denied.  Don't worry, the reviewers will be very flexible regarding new listings of this cache type. The other option is to go to the location where you will place the cache and get the exact coordinates, then create the listing and print the tag.
 When creating the cache listing at the OCUS site, remember to include the log password or the cache will not be approved. Once the listing is created, you can visit the edit page where there is an option to print the bit cache near the bottom of the page. The script pulls the necessary information to create the tag from the database and passes it to <nowiki>BITcaching.com</nowiki> where the tag is auto-generated and ready to be printed.

← Older revision	Revision as of 02:06, 21 May 2021
(No difference)

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 == How To Play ==
-You will need a free account on the OCUS site. Before you head out to place your new BIT cache, it is a good idea to check the OCUS site to make sure there isn't one already within 300 feet. Right now that is not an issue, but it may be in the future.
+You will need a GPS and a free account on the OCUS site. Before deciding where to place your new BIT cache, it is a good idea to check the OCUS site to make sure there isn't one already within 300 feet. Right now that is not an issue, but it may be in the future.
-You will need to have the coordinates for where you placed the BIT cache before submitting it. The site will not let you submit the cache without the coordinates. So find that perfect spot and place your BIT cache and make note of the coordinates.
+If you don't know the exact spot where you will be placing your new BIT cache, you can create the listing using rough coordinates. This means the coordinates you enter when creating the listing will be edited to be more precise before you make the listing "Ready for Search". You '''MUST''' specify in your initial description that you are using rough coordinates so the reviewers will know. Otherwise, your rough coordinates might be in a spot that would get the listing denied. The other option is to go to the location where you will place the cache and get the exact coordinates, then create the listing and print the tag.
-After you have coordinates, you can create the cache listing at the OCUS site. The form is self-explanatory but there is help in the OC Wiki if you need it. Remember to include the log password or the cache will not be approved. Once the listing is created, you can visit the edit page where there is an option to print the bit cache near the bottom of the page. The script pulls the necessary information to create the tag from the database and passes it to this site where the tag is auto-generated and ready to be printed.
+You create the cache listing at the OCUS site. The form is self-explanatory but there is help in the OC Wiki if you need it. Remember to include the log password or the cache will not be approved. Once the listing is created, you can visit the edit page where there is an option to print the bit cache near the bottom of the page. The script pulls the necessary information to create the tag from the database and passes it to <nowiki>BITcaching.com</nowiki> where the tag is auto-generated and ready to be printed.
 Printing has been tested in IE and Firefox, however Chrome can't print them yet. You are free to create your own template designs and sizes as long as you include all the information shown on the official version. The QR code and OCUS logo are optional, the rest is required. The official template design is subject to change but older versions already printed will not have to be modified.
-Once the cache listing has been approved by the OC team, you can now place your BIT cache at the coordinates. The caches are one-sided and can be attached to any flat surface or hung using a wire tie or similar device. You will also edit the cache listing to indicate it is "Ready for Search".
+Once the cache listing has been approved by the OC team, you can then mark your listing as "Ready for Search". Instructions on how to do this are emailed automatically when a cache has been approved. The tags are one-sided and can be attached to any flat surface or hung using a wire tie or similar device.
-To log a BIT cache that you found, visit [http://www.opencaching.us www.opencaching.us] or go to the printed URL on the BIT cache itself that points to the cache listing. (Example: <nowiki>http://coord.ch/OUxxxx</nowiki>)
+To log a BIT cache that you found, visit [http://www.opencaching.us www.opencaching.us] or go to the printed URL on the tag itself that points to the cache listing. (Example: <nowiki>http://coord.ch/OUxxxx</nowiki>)
 All BIT caches require a password to be logged and the password is printed on the tag. Leave a comment to the hider and enter the password to log the find. You only need a GPS to play, but smart phone users can go paperless! Everyone else can just write down the password and the shortened URL from the BIT cache and log it when they get to a computer with internet access.