Cache Parameters
(Much work to be done on this page)
Remember! By listing or seeking a cache you accept [[1]] the Terms of Use .
Contents
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Cache Name
Each cache must have its name. Avoid naming the same or similar to the existing caches, also avoid names such as "A81 # 589." Cache name length is limited to 60 characters, but you should aim for a shorter name, due to problems with the presentation of long file names on mobile devices with small displays.
Cache Size
- Micro - 35 mm film container or less, typically contains only a log roll.
- Small - plastic container , small lunchbox, etc, contains the log and small trades.
- Regular - container of 1 litre or greater
- Large - 3 litres or larger
- Very Large - 10 litres or larger
Cache Type
Traditional
This is the original cache type consisting, at a bare minimum, a container and a log book. Normally you'll find a Tupperware container, ammo box, or bucket filled with goodies, or smaller container ("micro cache") too small to contain items except for a log book. The coordinates listed on the traditional cache page is the exact location for the cache.
Multicache
A multi-cache ("multiple") involves two or more locations, the final location being a physical container. There are many variations, but most multi-caches have a hint to find the second cache, and the second cache has hints to the third, and so on. The coordinates indicate the location of the first stage cache only. An offset cache (where you go to a location and get hints to the actual cache) is considered a multi-cache.
Puzzle
This form of cache can involve complicated puzzles you will first need to solve to determine the coordinates. The only commonality of this cache type is that the coordinates listed are not of the actual cache location but a related reference point, such as a nearby parking location.
Moving
A moving cache changes its location after each find. Everyone who found it, moves it to a new location and publishes the new coordinates in its log in the service. Log a note of your intent to hunt for it so others know you going after it. If you find it and take it, please log your find quickly. If possible leave an indicator like an "X" on the ground in its place to signal to a following geocacher that it's gone. When you rehide it, please conceal it well and make sure your coordinates are accurate. When you post that you have rehidden it, please include the new coordinates and new difficulty/terrain rating. When you report the new location, please make a new entry (Post a Note) so owner cache receive an email message to alert of the new position.
Virtual
A virtual cache is a cache that exists in a form of a location only. The reward for these caches is the location itself and sharing information about your visit. In order to log a find, you need to convince the cache owner you've been at the spot indicated. This is often achieved by locating a password found at the site or by submitting a photo with your log.
Webcam
These are caches that use existing web cameras. The idea is to get yourself in front of the camera to log your visit. The challenging part, however, it that you need to call a friend to look up the web site that displays the camera shot. You will need to have them to save the picture to log the cache. If you are a tech-head you could use your wireless modem and save the image yourself on your laptop.
Event
Occasionally, local geocachers and geocaching organizations designate a time and location to meet and discuss geocaching. After the event the caches of this type are archived. The coordinates indicate the location of the event. When submitting an event cache, use the event date for the "Date of hiding".
PodCache
A PodCache cache is a geeky / techy fun “game” of treasure hiding and finding. Small containers are hidden for you to find. Audio clues are recorded on an MP3 file that you can listen to with an MP3 player. Listen to the clues, follow the directions and find the “treasure chest”. When you find it, sign the enclosed log book to document your success!!!
Educache
An Educache is a virtual cache which involves some research about the cache area, this may be local to the cache or online. Usually there will be a requirement for some proof of visiting the location.
Unknown
All others caches, which do not fit to any category described above.
Coordinates
The coordinates denote the position of the cache (taken from GPS). If the coordinates do not indicate the precise position of the cache, all the information necessary to find it has to be included in the cache description.
Country
The country where the cache is placed.
Difficulty level
The level of difficulty of the task and of the terrain, rated 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest). When applied to a Quiz Cache the mental challenge applies to puzzle difficulty as well as cache camouflage. Half bars (i.e. 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, etc.) are available for fine tuning the difficulty.
Difficulty Levels
1 - The cache is in plain sight or there are only a few possible hiding spots. An experienced cacher could find it in less than 15 minutes.
2 - The cache is hidden from view and there are several possible hiding spots. An experienced cacher could find it in less than 15 minutes.
3 - The cache is well camouflaged with many places to look. May require more than an hour to find for an experienced cacher.
4 - Very well hidden with many possible hiding spots. May take an experienced cacher an full afternoon or multiple visits to locate.
5 - Extremely difficult. May require specialized equipment or knowledge to find.
Terrain levels
1 - Paved path or trail. Cache could be found and retrieved from a wheelchair.
2 - Well worn and marked trail to the cache site. May require stepping over knee-high brush. Hike is less than 1 mile with minor elevation change.
3 - The cache is hidden along a marked trail with some bushwacking required to get to the site. Hike may be 2 miles or more with moderate elevation changes that could be navigated with a mountain bike.
4 - Off trail hiking may be required to find the cache. The hike may be 10 miles or more and may require an overnight stay.
5 - Requires specialized equipment to navigate to the cache (climbing gear, boat, snorkel, etc.) Do not attempt alone!
Distance & Time
The values on the distance (one way only) and the time necessary to find the cache (total). These values of course depend on external conditions and are optional. However they are often useful, particularly for Multicache and Event caches. If you provide them, please try to give reasonable estimates, otherwise it is best to enter zero (means no value given).
Cache attributes
- Searching can involve significant level of risk of injury or other dangers. The cache description should contain details of the danger.
- Active rail line in the vicinity.
- Cliff nearby. Danger of falling down or of falling rocks.
- Hunting Area.
- Thorns or other dangerous plants.
- Ticks inhabit the area - Ticks are blood-feeding parasites that are often found in tall grass where they will wait to attach to a passing host. See Wikipedia Article.
- Cache is in a former mining area. Watch for disused shafts, etc.
- Poisonous plants.
- Dangerous animals, snakes.
- Parking available. If a fee is payable for parking, set the Parking/Access Fee attribute too.
- Accessible by public transport.
- Drinking water available.
- Public toilets nearby.
- Public phone nearby.
- First Aid available nearby.
- Cache and Dash.
- Significant hike.
- Marshy, muddy terrain.
- Hilly terrain.
- Lightweight climbing - (No special equipment).
- Swimming required.
- Letterbox cache - Rubber stamp in cache - do not take this stamp from the cache.
- Interesting or historic area.
- Moving target.
- Webcam cache.
- In an enclosed space, indoors, cave, etc.
- In the water, a submerged cache.
- A GPS is not essential to find this cache.
- Parking / Access fee payable.
- An overnight stay may be required.
- Night cache, only at night.
- Available at all times.
- Available only at certain times or dates. See the cache description for details.
- Daytime only.
- Available only at certain states of the tide.
- Available all year round.
- Nature interest nearby.
- Winter safe.
- Listed on Opencaching only.
- Rated on Handicaching.com - This does NOT mean that the cache is wheelchair accessible. See the rating on Handicaching.com for details.
- Special equipment required.
- Compass required.
- Flashlight required.
- Special climbing equipment required.
- Caving equipment / precautions required.
- Scuba equipment required.
- Boat required.
- Aircraft required.
- Mobile internet access required.
- Riddle / Puzzle.
- Arithmetic problem.
- Starting conditions - Contact the cache owner before seeking this cache.
- Ideal for children.
Description
Short description
Brief information on the location, terrain, altitude, etc. 120 characters max.
Full description
Details about the cache, including contents of the cache, what the container looks like, etc. You can be as brief or as detailed as you like. However all the information necessary to find the cache should be included in this section, together with all the potential dangers, associated with the quest.
Additional information
Enter any additional hints or spoiler information in this field. This information will be encrypted on the site until a geocacher clicks on a link to decrypt it, or decodes it on the trail. Text within brackets [like this] will not be encrypted. Please keep your hints short, so decoding it on the trail is easier. If you don't have a hint, leave it blank.
Additional waypoints
You can add additional waypoints for the cache after registering it.
Other
The date you hid the cache. If the date is in future, the status of the cache is automatically set to "Temporary Not Available". You have to change it to "Ready to Search" the day that you hid the cache (does not apply to "event" type caches). In the case of an event cache, enter the date of the event in this field.
Publish
Set when to publish the cache to Opencaching.org.uk. Select Publish Now to list the cache immediately. Select Publish Date and choose a date/time in the future to list the cache and the system will automatically list it for you then. Select Don't Publish Yet to save an unfinished cache listing while you develop its details.
Log password
A password is required to log the cache found. See the specific cache description for instructions from the hider for obtaining the password. Passwords are generally intended for virtual caches only, and not recommended to be used for other cache types. When hiding a cache that will not require a password, leave this field blank.
Images
The images are optional and can be uploaded only after the cache has been registered. Basically, a cache should be findable based on the text information only. Please try to be conservative with the number of images uploaded, one or two should be enough in most cases. The image file size is limited to 100KB.
MP3 files
The mp3 files are optional and can be uploaded only after the cache has been registered. Basically, a cache should be findable based on the text information only but for an MP3 cache, you can record information on how to find the cache.