NAVIGATION is one of the main activities during Land Ops events.
Very similar to geocaching we play navigational games using GPS, off road vehicles, and radios. The navigation is more tactical than regular progressive geocaching and usually involved teamwork. Some exercises are competitive with prizes. All are conducted in our area of operation; currently the California Interior.

You need a geocache friendly GPS and an off road vehicle. If you need an FRS radio you can usually rent them with batteries from Land Ops for $5.

GPS devices are limited. So you best buy your own. We may have one or two extras but they are usually taken quickly.

LAT LONG CALCULATOR Link to FCC Calculator
Degrees, Minutes, Seconds and Decimal Degrees Latitude/Longitude Conversions

This utility permits the user to convert latitude and longitude between decimal degrees and degrees, minutes, and seconds. For convenience, a link is included to the National Geodetic Survey's NADCON program, which allows conversions between the NAD83 / WGS84 coordinate system and the older NAD27 coordinate system. NAD27 coordinates are presently used for broadcast authorizations and applications.

GPS (Global Positioning System): If you are going to enjoy the Land Ops adventures the first geek tool you're going to need is a GPS device. Not just any GPS device, but one that can accept latitude and longitude input. There are some awesome products on the market that specifically cater to the geocaching community. You can really go off the geek end and spend a small fortune or you can keep thinks a little more simple. We're happy to link your to some excellent information and reviews concerning different GPS devices. If you want some in-depth knowledge go to GPS reviews at geocaching.com (follow the link and we'll see you later.)

Land Ops uses some simple equipment. We're not into testing and reviewing different products, yet, but we will at least share what we are using and how its working out for us. The Magellan Triton 400 is what we are currently using with National Geographic TOPO Explorer Deluxe. We have a few units and I've had to return one already, right out of the box. The nav-button on another unit was damaged after it was dropped from a moving quad, but I was able to repair it myself. Other than this we're happy. We learned real quick that the best place for a GPS device, while riding a quad, is attached to the quad and not in the hand or pocket of the rider. Perhaps a good secure belt clip and holster would suffice. Don't be surprised if someone comes up with a way to mount one on their helmet. If it can be done without sacrificing safety I'm all for it.

GPS is NOT the only geek equipment we use. APRS (described below) and PLB's (personal locator beacons) such as the Spot (also described below) are among other geek tools.

Satellite beacons such as the popular SPOT personal tracker should be standard equipment for those who venture out into the wild. We do not use SPOT for basic vehicle tracking, although it does have a tracking feature that sends a signal to the satellite every 10 minutes. You may track our events live by viewing our public "spot" page. Track Land Ops Live!

RV's already equipped with a mobile broadband connection with a system such as MotoSat will have extra fun using the SPOT's tracking feature, but will probably see more Land Ops activity using APRS. APRS mapping software is free on the Internet at ui-view.org, but all you really need a packet radio receiver setup. You are not required to be a licensed Ham as long as you do not transmit. Receiving and reading APRS data is legal by anyone as long as your radio is not transmitting a signal.

APRS Vehicle Trackers
installed inside Pelican cases

The smaller unit is the type we install on quads, hikers and even dirt bikes.

click images to enlarge.

FREE APRS (Automatic Position Reporting System) DEMONSTRATIONS; During the Land Ops events we provide free demonstrations of this tracking technology. APRS was developed by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR. Land Ops is privileged to utilize this technology by being a licensed amateur radio operator KI6QBM. In simple terms we use APRS as a VHF beacon for tracking vehicles in the field. This VHF beacon provides the Land Ops base camp and mobile units with the exact GPS coordinates, elevation, direction of movement, on virtually any type of vehicle including quads and buggies. Data packets received on frequencies such as 144.390 MHz are overlaid onto mapping software in the field as well as GPS display screens without any need to connect to the Internet. This communication network is self-contained and provides tracking data over a very large region without the need for a satellite relay.

Special thanks to Phil Pacier, AD6NH at Ham Radio Outlet in Anaheim, California for his assistance in preparing our first 3 tracking units external. Phil provided the special wiring needed to connect the mini GPS and the TNC (terminal note controller) to the radios. This effectively converts our 2 meter radios into packet radio beacons. We've currently converted 2 Yaesu FT-2800's (for larger vehicle tracking) and 1 Yaesu VX-170 handheld for tracking smaller vehicles such as quads, buggies and Rhino's. The special waterproof housings and vehicle adapter connections for each unit were constructed by Chris Doering (Land Ops).

APRS technology is utilized to coordinate live off road land operations and increase situational awareness among participants. It is also used to conduct various GPS and geocaching projects as well as the monitoring of search and rescue units. Advanced expeditionary group members should be equipped with a dual band 144/440 radio. Voice radio traffic is conducted in the 70 cm band so as not to interrupt or miss packet data on the 2 meter band.

The picture at the left (click to enlarge) shows several APRS packet radios in ruggedized waterproof housings. The larger sized units have each been installed in their own Pelican 1400 case. These have been specially built to be deployed in the trunk of a car, the bed of a pick up truck or on the roof rack of any vehicle. They transmit a maximum of 65 watts which is plenty of power for our field of operation.

The smaller APRS unit is mounted in a Pelican 1060. This houses a handheld VX-170 by Yaesu which provides a maximum of 5 watts transmitting power. This unit size is excellent for strapping onto quads and buggies, even putting in back packs. All APRS units have been fitted with an Argent Data, OpenTracker+ and a small Deluo magnet mount GPS. Picture at right shows inside one of the larger units.

Land Ops founder Chris Doering is a licensed Ham, call sign KI6QBM.