Hobbies And Interests
Geocaching
Geocaching is a hobby in which small waterproof containers are hidden to be found by others. Typical geocaches only contain a small logbook where geocachers can sign it with their codename and the date they found it. Geocaches are found via GPS coordinates, which are usually posted online with hints about the item's actual hiding place in the specified location. Geocaching is a global hobby, with geocaches hidden throughout the world for anyone to find and mark.
Garmin Chirp
The Garmin Chirp is a transmitter designed by Garmin specifically for use in geocaching. The Chirp is a geocaching beacon intended for use in "multi-cache" finds where a single hunt has multiple caches hidden throughout an area. The transmitters can transmit a name, coordinates and a small data message to compatible Garmin GPS receivers. This message can contain a hint about the next cache.
Benefits
The Chirp transmitter is ideal for multi-cache hunts, and enables the hunter to quickly move onto the next location without having to find another hint online or physically within the cache itself. The Chirp can also be programmed with a five-digit PIN number to prevent tampering by anyone finding the cache. The Chirp is very small, making it easy to hide in most geocaches. It can also be affixed with an adhesive to prevent movement during windy conditions and other inclement weather.
Drawbacks
While the Chirp transmitter is locked with a code that renders it tamper-proof, the code can eventually be cracked with a brute-force method where the attacker tries all possible combinations until he succeeds. The transmitter itself can also be stolen or moved from its intended location. The transmitters are also not invincible -- while you can store them in waterproof containers and otherwise protect them from inclement weather, they are still vulnerable to impacts and other potential hazards. In addition, because these transmitters are battery powered, you need to periodically replace their batteries.