Security for your gear just become more afordable and easier.

[Ed Carlson]

CHIRP...CHIRP..."KEWL"...there it is!

$22.99 each.

This is how easy it can now be to locate lost or even stolen gear, with your Garmin GPS unit and the new one-of-a-kind wireless beacon designed specifically for the outdoor...the Garmin "Chirp".

Affordable, durable and waterproof, chirp can communicate with, and be programmed by, any compatible wireless-enabled Garmin handheld (sold separately). chirp stores hints, multicache coordinates, counts visitors and confirms the cache is nearby. chirp is password protected and has a battery life of up to one year.

Get & Store Hints

Chirp detection screen (on an Oregon)

Trip computer screen showing chirp detection indication on dashboard (on an Oregon)

"Chirp" can be programmed by any compatible wireless-enabled Garmin handheld to store geocaching hints and other information. When other geocachers arrive near your cache, they’ll be alerted that the cache is nearby, and then they’ll be able to access the hints you’ve loaded into chirp. And when you return, chirp will tell you how many visitors have been to your cache.

Set Up a Multicache.

With chirp, setting up and maintaining a multicache has never been easier. Using your compatible Garmin handheld device, chirp automatically transmits program coordinates so other cachers can find each stage of your multicache. Or if you’re on a multicache, chirp lets you download coordinates. So there’s no need to manually enter numerous sets of complex coordinates – there’s just one simple touch and you’re on your way to the next stage.

Built To Cache — Built to Last.

The new Garmin Chirp was designed by geocachers, so it’s built to take the rigors of the outdoors. Plus, chirp is password protected, so you’re the only one with programming powers. chirp has a battery life of up to a year and the battery is easy to replace, plus chirp features a cache-perfect, small size and is durable and waterproof.

This new tech tool utility from Garmin is made for the geocacher, but I believe it has the crossover use for the sportsman in the field we have been long seeking. Very interesting non the less, and something we should watch in it's use and future development.

As a beacon, it should be able to be used to track and locate lost gear. Deserves further study for sure.

A very interesting utility, and potential tool, for sure.

[jwmiller33]

wow that sounds awesome and revolutionary! definitely going to look into one of these getting put on our wheelhouse, sno-bear and possibly the boats too

[KG243]

That is great Ed thanks for showing this too us. At $23 it is cheep insurance for my high priced gear.

[Ed Carlson]

At first glance, I can easily see many uses in hunting for instance. To mark and locate tree stands in deep bush. Trail cams...ect..all should be able to be marked and traced. Trap sets..and on and on.

I believe this is a new utility that will see many new utility versions grow from, versions to better fit specific applications in the outdoors and in home and personal effects security.

Interesting stuff for sure.

[fishnfool]

Range: Up to 32 feet (10 meters)

[quijibo]

Does it just tell you when you're close or does it give actual location with coordinates? I'm kind of ignorant on the subject of geocaching.

Adam

[Ed Carlson]

I'm learning it's capability's a little at a time here too guys. It appears as you program it with your Garmin GPS, you can program and set how far off you wish the beacon of the "Chirp" to be picked up from.

Not sure if the 32 foot range is the audible confirmation range, programmable sharing range...or what at this point? The gps beacon range has to be much farther than 32 feet, or how would anyone ever find a cash without first having the whole route, the hints, or coordinate? Since they go into details on FCC compliance for USA and Canada in the manual, I suspect the range to be near that of GMRS communication, or closely related to it. This would suggest a much longer range.

"CHIRP" Manual

[DTro]

I can already see guides finding these things hidden in their boat.

[Ed Carlson]

LOL..Ya...a bit paranoid...but ya...stuff like that could happen.

[nolte]

I must be missing something on this. Unless this unit can transmit to your GPS a location from miles away, it's not going to do much. Unless I'm 10 yards away from my stolen gear. I doubt that Garmin would allow satellite location routing for $23. It has to be some sort of radio signal that can be picked up at certain distances.

Garmin has a GPS collar for hunting dogs, which has an effective range for about a mile. You can get more or less depending on terrain. In any case the rechargeable battery in the collar on only lasts 20 hours, so I don't know how this little $30 unit would last a year.

It might have some possibilities, but I wouldn't get too excited yet. A person could just mark their stuff and then give the GPS with coordinates to someone else. The only benefit would be if you could direct the person by directions but you'd have to get them within 10 yards. Should be able to find a deer stand if you can already get them to within that distance.

[rugbymn]

At first glance, I can easily see many uses in hunting for instance. To mark and locate tree stands in deep bush. Trail cams...ect..all should be able to be marked and traced. Trap sets..and on and on.

Why pay $23 when you can set waypoints for free?

[jwmiller33]

Why pay $23 when you can set waypoints for free?

yes you might be able to set a waypoint where your stand or trailcam is, but when it gets stolen, that way point isn't going to do anything for you..... thats the point

[Walleye Guy]

"As a beacon, it should be able to be used to track and locate lost gear. Deserves further study for sure."

So is this like a portable "On-Star" that would have the ability to locate lost or stolen gear? I'm guessing that it is not but if somebody could clarify what exactly this does that would be very helpful.

[bobbymalone]

i think you are guys are sorely confused on what this thing does and doesn't do. it's made for geocachers.

you upload the waypoint for the cache you are looking for in your gps. you drive, walk, take the bus to the general area. you get within 10 meters and it sends a message, maybe a hint "look for the forked tree" or the coordinates for a secondary cache. as the owner of the thing, it will keep track of how many people wandered over there looking for it, provided their garmin gps is capable.

you could stick in your ice house, then when it gets stolen you could randomly drive all over the state until you get within 10 meters of it so you will get a message saying it is near, which you would already know because you are 30 feet away.

it's not some sort of CIA tracking device. anything that functions similar to a movie style CIA tracking device is gonna require a monthly service.

[Westsidefishing]

i think you are guys are sorely confused on what this thing does and doesn't do. it's made for geocachers.

you upload the waypoint for the cache you are looking for in your gps. you drive, walk, take the bus to the general area. you get within 10 meters and it sends a message, maybe a hint "look for the forked tree" or the coordinates for a secondary cache. as the owner of the thing, it will keep track of how many people wandered over there looking for it, provided their garmin gps is capable.

you could stick in your ice house, then when it gets stolen you could randomly drive all over the state until you get within 10 meters of it so you will get a message saying it is near, which you would already know because you are 30 feet away.

it's not some sort of CIA tracking device. anything that functions similar to a movie style CIA tracking device is gonna require a monthly service.

If this is right I do not see much use of this CHIRP in hunting or Fishing. May be more info will change my view in future.

[bobbymalone]

If this is right I do not see much use of this CHIRP in hunting or Fishing. May be more info will change my view in future.

i know a bit about geocaching so the description at garmin's HSOforum might make more sense to me than someone that isn't familiar with it.

[olbaidhh]

i think you are guys are sorely confused on what this thing does and doesn't do. it's made for geocachers.

you upload the waypoint for the cache you are looking for in your gps. you drive, walk, take the bus to the general area. you get within 10 meters and it sends a message, maybe a hint "look for the forked tree" or the coordinates for a secondary cache. as the owner of the thing, it will keep track of how many people wandered over there looking for it, provided their garmin gps is capable.

you could stick in your ice house, then when it gets stolen you could randomly drive all over the state until you get within 10 meters of it so you will get a message saying it is near, which you would already know because you are 30 feet away.

it's not some sort of CIA tracking device. anything that functions similar to a movie style CIA tracking device is gonna require a monthly service.

Exactly... its not going to work how some of us where wishing.

[Westsidefishing]

i know a bit about geocaching so the description at garmin's HSOforum might make more sense to me than someone that isn't familiar with it.

Funny, I was taking to Garmin support earlier today about my GPS and asked what Geocaching was? I guess now I know what "geocashing" is, atleast that how she pronounced it.

[shnelson]

One small step for man...

This is the first I've read about chirp, and it had me hopeful. But being an avid geocacher myself (I know, how could I miss this product??), I can see the market they are trying to target and it is not us, in a sense. This device has NO gps functionality, it is just communicating and logging information to/from your gps device. Probably utilizing blue tooth technology, I believe that is effective up to 30ft?

It's basically an automated cache token, no more writing on small notepads with a dull pencil, no more paper to get wet etc. You can do it all wirelessly, and I bet it will integrate well with geocaching dot com. Biggest concern would be people stealing the token itself and keeping it for their own. Sure, it's password protected, but EVERY electronic device has a reset button. I suppose you could tack it out of site on a nearby tree, and not actually within the cache since the communication is completely wireless.

[JimBuck]

Not to sidetrack but how did you guys get involved with Geocaching? I know a guy that does it and he seems to really enjoy it. It's quite a devoted community.

[Ed Carlson]

Like I said initially, this new utility deserves more study on it's capability's. It is headed in the right direction. There are far more costly utility's out that do send a hit to your cell phone if an object that is bugged is moved, and tracks it by GPS and records it's movements and location..but far more spendy by far.

I thing the beacon aspect may have lead me to perceive it as a sending beacon, with a bit more range. I'm a bit confused at how any geocasher can track the Chirp if they do not already have the coordinate given to them ahead of time...then..really what fun is that?

This could be a stepping stone. If Garmin knew how badly sportsman wished a security tag gps version, they would jump on it. May be a great time to slip them a ton of e-mails on it and see them run with it. If anyone would, it would be Garmin.

[shnelson]

Geocaching starts with a set of coordinates you pull from the internet - geocaching dot com being one of the major databases of caches. Most are fairly simple finds because your GPS will take you right to them, but some of the guys get clever and really get the cache camouflaged out of view.

Once you find the cache, you check out what other people have left inside and decide if you're going to take any of it to put in the next cache you find. Sign the log book, mark it off on your gps then jump back on the HSOforum to claim the find in your profile. The Chirp looks like it is designed to take a lot of the legwork out of it. Now you go find your cache and everything gets logged automatically. When you're within 30 feet it'll pin a message on your GPS saying you are close, but it in no way will indicate where it is in relation to your current position. I'm sure it'll keep you updated on your proximity so you know you are going in the right direction, but you still need to visually locate the cache.

I do agree that Garmin will likely be the ones to come up with our GPS beacon technology, but I'm afraid it wont come in the flavor of $22!

[bobbymalone]

Not to sidetrack but how did you guys get involved with Geocaching? I know a guy that does it and he seems to really enjoy it. It's quite a devoted community.

+ 1 for the above post.

if you like wandering around in the woods or hiking you would probably like geocaching. it has brought me to a lot of places i would have never been if it weren't for a cache. in addition to finding the cache, i found plenty of new shorefishing spots, great views, morel mushrooms, plenty of animal sightings, and just some generally cool stuff.

[tsande00]

+ 1 for the above post.

if you like wandering around in the woods or hiking you would probably like geocaching. it has brought me to a lot of places i would have never been if it weren't for a cache. in addition to finding the cache, i found plenty of new shorefishing spots, great views, morel mushrooms, plenty of animal sightings, and just some generally cool stuff.

+2

I just got into it this spring. For all the reasons above it can be a very enjoyable pastime. The best part is it's enjoyable by nearly all ages so everyone can be involved. I would go out after supper with my son for an hour or two, sometimes for a few hours Saturday morning, etc. It is a great excuse to take a hike through the woods and explore new territory you would otherwise have never seen or experienced. I also found many new places just around town that I never knew existed. Even my mom got into it. A great way to take part in an activity that my mom, myself, and even my 5 year old son can all enjoy.

For whatever reason I haven't gone in awhile. Mid summer kicks in and I'd rather be sitting in the boat with my spare time...winter time I'd rather be sitting on the ice. It's great filler though!