chirp





What is chirp?


The Garmin chirp is a unique wireless beacon designed specifically for geocaching. Affordable, durable and waterproof, chirp can communicate with, and be programmed by compatible Garmin handheld devices. Chirp can store hints, multi-cache coordinates, count visitors and confirm a cache is nearby.

With chirp, setting up and maintaining a multi-cache has never been easier. Using compatible Garmin handheld devices, chirp automatically transmits programmed coordinates so other geocachers can find each stage of your multi-cache, so there’s no need to manually enter numerous sets of complex coordinates - there’s just one simple touch and you’re on your way to the next stage!

Chirp is password protected, so you’re the only one with programming powers. The chirp battery is easy to replace, and can provide power for up to one full year of operation. Chirp is small enough to fit into most cache hides, so when other geocachers arrive near your cache, they’ll be alerted that your cache is nearby, and they’ll be able to access the hints and coordinates you have programmed. And when you return, chirp will tell you how many visitors have been to your cache.

Read the Garmin chirp press release.

 

While the examples provided below were created with an Oregon 7x0, most chirp compatible Garmin GPSr will employ similar workflows.

 

 

chirp Specification


Battery Type

User replaceable CR2032 or BR2032



Battery Life

Up to 12 months



Water Resistance

Water resistant to 32.9ft. (10m)



Operating Temperature

CR2032: -04°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
BR2032: -22°F to 176°F (-30°C to 80°C)
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Radio Frequency

2.4 GHz ANT+ wireless communication protocol

 



chirp Access



Select [Setup] Select [Geocaching] Geocaching setup menu
with chirp access

 




chirp Searching


Open
Geocaching setup menu
Toggle
[chirp Searching] On
chirp Searching
enabled
Chirp detected!
 



Discover a New chirp


Initiate chirp search Blank chirp detected Select [Yes]
to program chirp
Select [No] to exit




Discover a Programmed chirp


Initiate chirp search Programmed chirp
detected
chirp data transfer
is complete
[OK] exits to
Geocaching setup menu
       
 
[Show Details]
to view chirp details
[Go] Begins navigation
to chirp coordinates
[Edit] option provided
to chirp owner
 



 

Access a Programmed chirp


 
From
Geocaching setup menu
Select [Program chirp]
Enter last 5 digits of
chirp owner unit ID
to unlock
Incorrect PIN warning  



 

View chirp Information


 
Open
Geocaching Page
Select [chirp] View chirp
Information
 



Program a chirp

Send Waypoint


Open
Geocaching setup menu
Select
[Program chirp]
Select
[Send Waypoint]
Make selection from
available waypoints


Send Geocache


Open
Geocaching setup menu
Select
[Program chirp]
Select
[Send Geocache]
Make selection from
available geocaches


Change Name


Open
Geocaching setup menu
Select
[Program chirp]
Select
[Change Name]
Enter desired name
(max 8 characters)


Change Message


Open
Geocaching setup menu
Select
[Program chirp]
Select
[Change Message]
Enter desired message


Erase a chirp


Open
Geocaching setup menu
Select
[Program chirp]
Select
[Erase]
Erase chirp
confirmation request





Select [Yes] to proceed Chirp erasure
in process
Chirp erasure
complete