New cache types

[oliver]

Next step in migration of oc.de to the new code is the migration of the new cache types:

From oc.se / oc.nl:
Podcast Cache
Educational Cache
Challenge Cache
Guest Book Cache
Dead Drop Cache (USB)

My questions:

1. Can you post an short description (in english) of the cache type for http://www.opencaching.de/articles.php?page=cacheinfo

2. Is there a good reason not to use an attribute? E.g. a guest book cache could be single stage or multi stage with attribute "guest book"?

[OlofL]

[quote="oliver"]
...
2. Is there a good reason not to use an attribute? E.g. a guest book cache could be single stage or multi stage with attribute "guest book"?
...
[/quote]
Attributes is something that I see upon as optional information. I know that you in Germany see upon attributes as mandatory to check out, but the general cacher in Sweden does NOT look at attributes beforehand and usually not afterwards either because paperless caching with Garmin devicies has been the norm here since 2008.

This is something that we don't want to change for opencaching.se. If you rather want to have new caches types as attributes this should be implemented as an option in code and this should be dealt with in the integration so a cache type in opencaching.se is transformed to an attribute in opencaching.de and vice versa.

[harrieklomp]

I think the main reason to have more cache types and/or attributes is to have something more/else to offer than GC.com.
Not every country is the same and every country like different caches, in the Netherlands they like (very) short caches just to get the points and to say "look how many caches i have found". I have bin many times in Germany and i think they like long easy walks.

As i have asked before in another part in this forum is to build in something in the sourcecode to have the options to choose from cache types and attributes.

So import all cache types and attributes from all countries and let the country choose what they want on the site. 

[oliver]

Transforming cache-types to attributes and vice versa will not work well, when the servers synchronize. This would add some new constraints to the synchronisation process. E.g. you could assign challange AND podcast in germany ... what type would be displayed in sweden?

Also, when one node decides to introduce an attribute, all other nodes must display that attribute. The other nodes may decide not to allow their users to define the attribute in their own caches, but all attributes are part of the cache and must be shown. In special cases the other nodes may decide to hide the entire cache if a certain attribute is assigned.

E.g. When i assign an attribute "dangerous area, keep childs out", then i dont write that in the cache description again. If sweden does not display that attribute, there is an important notice missing.

But i think the discussion what is possible with synchronisation and what will not be possible is another discussion. When we have the first version of synchronisation running, we can improve the abilities and maybe it will then be possible to convert cache types to attributes - but we should realy begin with an easy and robust synchronisation process.

To continue with the current task of code migration, i still need the descriptions of the cache types (answer for 1).

As i understand it right, the answer for 2) was: Because Garmin devices dont display attributes.

[alamostrail]

Hello,

Do not know if this is what you need. I found this link:

http://wiki.opencaching.us/index.php/Cache_parameters


Podcast Cache
A PodCast 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!!!
SPANISH: Un podcast es un tipo de cache tecnologicamente divertido . Los pequeños contenedores están ocultos para que tu puedas encontrarlos. Las Pistas son audios se graban en un archivo MP3 que podrás escuchar con un reproductor de MP3. Escuchar las pistas, sige las instrucciones y encontraras el "tesoro". Cuando lo encuentre, firmar el libro de registro.

Educational Cache 


Challenge Cache


Guest Book Cache
The Guest Book cache is a cache that shows the location of an existing guest book (or you can create a new one). The guest book should be open to the public so visitors can sign it. To log the cache, the guest book should be signed then record it here!
SPANISH: El Guest Book es un tipo cache que muestra la ubicación de un libro de visitas existente (o crear uno nuevo). El libro de visitas debe ser abierto al público para que los visitantes pueden firmar. Para registrar este cache deberas firmar en el libro de visitas y posteriormente logearlo aquí.

Dead Drop Cache (USB)
The Dead Drop cache is a cache that is contained on a USB thumb drive. The USB drive is usually embedded into a wall to prevent theft. To log the cache, the user accesses the drive via a laptop and adds his/her name to the log text file contained on the USB drive. Your find is then recorded on this site.
SPANISH: El Drop Dead es tipo de cache que se encuentra en una unidad flash USB. La unidad USB esta usualmente escondida para evitar el robo. Para registrar este cache, el usuario deberá accede a la unidad a través de un ordenador portátil y añadir su nombre en el fichero de registro de texto contenido en la unidad USB. Su hallazgo se registra en este sitio posteriormente.

<<NEW>> BIT Cache
This is a playing card type paperless cache. Each game piece has a serial number on it and this is also the password needed to log the find. See www.BITcaching.com
SPANISH: Este es una etiqueta que se pega en un sitio concreto. Cada etiqueta tiene un número de serie en ella y una  la contraseña necesaria para iniciar la sesión el hallazgo. ver www.BITcaching.com

[OlofL]

Educational Cache

An Educational Cache is similar to a virtual but it requires the user to gain some knowledge and prove it. The answers are usually sent to the cache owner. The coordinates leads to a location where there is something to learn. The cache type does not have a container and it is a good idea to either have the user find a password to log or require a photo from the site to avoid bogus logs.

[OlofL]

Challenge Cache

The challenge cache is a box at the specified coordinates but for the user to to be allowed to log specific caching related task must have been accomplished. For example to find and log 100 caches at opencaching.

[oliver]

Okay, thank you very much for descriptions ... now i can integrate it

[RVRoadTrip]

<<NEW>> BIT Cache
This is a playing card type paperless cache. Each game piece has a serial number on it and this is also the password needed to log the find. See www.BITcaching.com
SPANISH: Este es una etiqueta que se pega en un sitio concreto. Cada etiqueta tiene un número de serie en ella y una  la contraseña necesaria para iniciar la sesión el hallazgo. ver www.BITcaching.com

If another node implements this cache type, let me know so I can edit the bitcaching.com site to include the info.

[biboleck30]

Hi guys,
we are currently discussing the system of cache types and attributes. Due to the fact that we wish to synchronize several opencaching countries later on, we should focus on one system to make things easier. Right now the way we are using in Germany is rather clear with the possibility of extensions like further attributes. We provide four different cache types and several attributes.
I would be glad if you could point out, whether if there are changes to be made, or if we should stick to that.

Cacheart / cache type:   
normaler Cache / Traditional 
Multicache / Multi cache   
Webcam Cache / webcam cache
Event Cache
Rätselcache / Mystery with a special clue 
Mathe-/Physikcache / Mystery with questions in maths and physics   
Beweglicher Cache / Moveable reverse cache: cache moves from one place to another one   
Drive-In Cache / Tradi: Traditional cache which can be logged from the car
virtueller Cache    / Virtual: Cache without a logbook, can be logged with a password which has to be found out
unbekannter Cachetyp / Unknown: Cache which does not fit into the other cache types   

Group / Attribute / Attributes:
Infrastructure: (kein) Parkplatz in der Nähe - (no) car park nearby
Waypoint: Letterbox - Letterbox
Waypoint: Interesting place
Waypoint: Final coordinates moving
Waypoint: Webcam at the final
Waypoint: Cache in the water
Waypoint: No GPS (Letterbox, Cistes, Compass-juggling, ...)
General: Parking fee or entrance has to be paid
Time: At night
Systems: OC only
Systems: Link to external websites (not new caches due to Terms of Use)
Requires further equipment: climbing equipment
Requires further equipment: equipment for holes in the earth
Requires further equipment: scuba equipment
Preparation: Research
Preparation: Clues
Preparation: Calculation
Person: For children

To avoid confused users, it would be great to come to a list of 4 to 5 different types of caches. And it would be great, if we could realize all the other types of caches or special things as attributes. It would enease the synchronisation later on.

What's your opinion on these things? Which types of caches are must-haves for your nodes?

[harrieklomp]

In the Netherlands we use the next cachetypes/attributes.

http://www.opencaching.nl/articles.php?page=cacheinfo

[maltee_h]

Challenge Cache? Oh no!
Then, we would copy the Cache Typ from Groundspeak, Geocaching.com
And: I hate Challenge Caches...