Reverse GeoCache Puzzle Gets Downsized

[Markus] built his own reverse geocache puzzle box but on a smaller scale than the original. His is based around a PIC 18F2520 and powered by two AAA batteries. The user interface includes one button, a 16×2 character LCD, and a piezo speaker. The box unlocks itself when the GPS module inside detects the proper location on the globe. There is also a secret code that can be tapped on the button to unlock the box prematurely, and another to show the locations in which the user attempted to open the box. This build doesn’t leave much room for a payload, but [Markus] did a great job designing the board and making the components fit as efficiently as possible.

17 thoughts on “Reverse GeoCache Puzzle Gets Downsized

  1. I loved this project the first time ’round, this smaller version is much more pleasing to look at.

    As for the payload, you could have a hint as to where the real payload is, or have some sort of card (be it a gift card or RFID card, or anything like that.)

  2. First time I saw one of these, probably on this site, I was just blown away at what a great concept this is. I’d only give the user four guesses though — an extra one just in case.

  3. Yah. Fifteen tries is a HUGE number, since the display implies that it tells you the distance to two decimal places. Two trials should narrow it down to two possible locations, then either take another one for the distance measurement, to know which one of the two it is, or just go to one of the locations and try it. If it isn’t right, try the other.

  4. @ Khordas
    Yeah, that’s great. So let’s say you’re tring to get your SO to a scenic location for a special gift, and they, for some reason, don’t break out the map and compass *before* the first try, but instead press the button a few times to see what it does.

    There goes your splendid idea, and you’ll be drinking that bottle of wine by your lonesome.

    When a person, ANY person smart or otherwise, becomes the user of a product, they immediately gain stupidity points that you should account for in your user interface.

Leave a Reply

Please be kind and respectful to help make the comments section excellent. (Comment Policy)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.