The Geocaching Fox Hunt

The First Game

Team Tate arranged the UKs (maybe even the worlds) first Geocache Fox Hunt!

The idea was insprired from the early days of CB radio, where a CB (the Fox) continually transmitted, and would be tracked down by chasers (the hounds) using their signal strength meters and some basic triangulation. Now the sport has been given a 21st Century makeover, to allow owners of a GPS receiver and a mobile phone to play the game.

The Technology

A telematics unit is a GPS device incorporating a GSM mobile telephone and an intelligent interface. Telematics provide a completely new safety, security, tracking and performance monitoring device for all vehicle owners and drivers. The system provides peace of mind to vehicle owners by providing real-time vehicle information using SMS text messaging and your own mobile phone. It can generate useful text messages about the position and status of the vehicle to GSM mobile phones - wherever they are. It is these features that have produced the first Geocaching Fox.

How was the Fox tracked?

From a mobile phone, the Hounds sent the SMS text message "where" (just the word, not the inverted commas) to the published number, and the Fox sent an SMS back telling exactly where it was, what direction it was moving in and how fast it was going.

For Example:

Using the information provided, the co-ordintaes were enetered into the Hounds GPS, and the chase was on.

How did it know where to send the reply to?

When you send an SMS, your mobile number is sent as part of the message. The telematics unit extracts your mobile number, and sends the reply to it! This way, any number of different mobile phones can be used to play the game. However, you must ensure that the Restrich-my-ID feature is disabled on your phone, otherwise your mobile number will not be sent. The feature is usually disabled, but check your phones user manual just in case.

How much does this cost?

Your only cost to take part is the cost of the text message from your mobile phone, which is charged for at the normal rate of your service provider.

Are there any other costs involved?

Yes - the organisers! For every text message you send to the Fox, the Fox must send a response. This cost will have to be met by the event organiser. Please limit the amount of times you contact the Fox to a reasonable level. Please dont request a position every five minutes - it could cost a fortune!!

Testing the Technology

The telematics units has been tested on all UK networks on a variety of phones:

Samsung T100 on Orange (Thanks for your help Rich!)
Ericsson T68i on O2 (Cellnet) (Again, thanks to Rich)
Motorola V50 on O2 (Cellnet)
Nokia 3310 on Vodafone
Nokia 5510 on T Mobile (1-2-1) (Thanks to Andy!)

The manufacturer of the telematics unit has warned that the system can only do one thing at a time. However, it has been tested and it managed to get three phones to successfully request a position at the same time. If you dont get a response from your position request, wait a a few minutes a try again. SMS traffic is renowned for sometimes being slow. If nothing happens within a few minutes, it is likely that something HAS gone wrong, and you should try and send your request again.

Contingency plan

This Geocache is VERY technology dependant. As we all know, technology CAN go wrong. In the event of failure in the telematics unit, you may need to set up an emergency telephone so the Fox can be contacted to request its current position, direction and speed.

Are there any other rules?

Yes, and it can not emphasised more - BE SAFE - DRIVE SAFE - RESPECT OTHERS.
Speed limits are NOT to be broken.
You can NOT ram other people off the road.

Hints and Tips

Bring a road map (AA or similar) of the Game area. With the information provided from the Fox, use your map and anticipate where the Fox is heading - don't just follow it - it will waste time and SMSs.

Write down Foxs SMS and telephone number. Also print any maps, and dont forget to bring them with you. Don't get the SMS and telephone numbers mixed up!