GSAK v8

[lgxkls]

What is the advantage of upgrading to GSAK 8?  I've had my version of GSAK for some years and would not benefit from the discount being offered, so wondered what the new version will give me that my old version doesn't.
Thanks

[JustAlan]

I've been running 8.0.0.133 for a few weeks (no discount on upgrade), and one main change is the ability to download stuff (including PQ's) direct from gc.com into GSAK. The interface has also changed colour/style.

Seems very stable (as always),

[drdicknvick]

Another advantage is the ability to create all your logs off line and then opt to publish them all through the API, one click does it all once the logs are written.
Latest version is V8.1.31  http://gsak.net/board/index.php?showtopic=19095

Plus you can import caches direct from the site without the need to have a PQ, handy if you are going to visit an area and just want a few caches down. Enter the centre point and select radius and max number and they will be imported to your selected database.

[The Tares Clan]

To sum it up, the major change is the use of the gs.com API which allows you to do a lot more querying than PQs etc alone.

For example, you can do a status check against a particular set of caches without using a PQ.

[Ashby-Bells]

Bumping this one in case after a bit more use, anyone has any further thoughts, as I'm wondering about whether to upgrade too.

[Bobbinz]

I absolutely love it. Would not be without it.  But that's just my 2p

[RoPeHe]

I've not upgraded to v8 yet, but it sounds like it might be worth doing so!

[lgxkls]

We upgraded a few weeks ago and are very impressed.
We like the facility to:
Check status updates of all caches in your database.
Load PQ's directly into GSAK - no having to download file from GC.com and then load it into GSAK.
To get geocaches directly from a centre point in GSAK. You can get up to 6000 caches a day this way in addition to your PQ's, and it means you don't have to wait for a PQ to come through.
I suspect it does all sorts of other clever things that we have not yet discovered.

[Bobbinz]

To get geocaches directly from a centre point in GSAK. You can get up to 6000 caches a day

10 000 if you get the 'lite' cache data.  I.E. the cache data without logs, pictures etc only the stuff you need

[Bobbinz]

You can also log your caches via GSAK now too, great if you want something nice and generic for a mega series or power trail.  I have not actually used it yet as I like to write something vaguely related the the cache

[gushoneybun]

You can also log your caches via GSAK now too, great if you want something nice and generic for a mega series or power trail.  I have not actually used it yet as I like to write something vaguely related the the cache

I have written all my logs over the last couple of months via GSAK, I don't do generic logs. The benefit I find is I can bounce between them, so when writing the next log if I then remember something about the last, I can go back and add it in. Plus now with trackables support.

[Bobbinz]

Plus now with trackables support.

That was the other thing stopping me using it, maybe now I will give it a go.  Just need to find some caches...

[Ashby-Bells]

... You can get up to 6000 caches a day this way in addition to your PQ's...

Aaaggghhhhh!!!  Bet that won't get me far away, had a busy few months away from caching [] Might be good to load onto TomTom though...  Currently have a whole heap of databases, for various areas & frequently used routes.

Is there a maximum distance for these?  PQs stop at 500 miles & I was trying to find out where all the D1/T5s might be lurking as there are very very few in the UK (& we don't own a kayak) & hoping some holiday destinations might prove useful.

Maybe we should have a "things I like about GSAK" thread as I know I only use a fraction of its capability?

[Bobbinz]

Nope, no maximum distance, just the search area and the 6000 cache limit!

There are a couple of tools in GSAK for finding D/T ratings you have not found yet.

[Ashby-Bells]

Have got the gridkiller macro, but now have only got 6 combos to find with 1 local one earmarked some time ago & another waiting for Erewash canal 14 to be replaced (fingers crossed!)... Had a good run up to mother-in-law's in NE Scotland last summer, bagging 5 on the way & 1 while we were there  - that helped a lot!