Multi-Cache Waypoint Solver - Documentation

A web-based tool for solving multi-cache geocache coordinates using formulas. Perfect for multi-caches that require you to calculate waypoint coordinates based on information discovered at each stage.

Table of Contents

Overview

The Multi-Cache Waypoint Solver helps geocachers solve multi-cache coordinates by allowing them to:

Getting Started

Cache Information

Geocache Code

Enter the GC code (e.g., GC40). This will be used as the filename when saving. Required for browser storage.

Geocache Name (Optional)

Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Mystery in the Forest"). This helps identify caches in your saved list.

Step 1: Define Parameters

Choose how you want to define your parameters:

Range Method (A-B, A-C, etc.)

Select from the dropdown to create sequential parameters. For example:

Custom List Method

Enter any comma-separated letters to create custom parameter sets:

Step 2: Number of Waypoints

Enter the total number of waypoints in the multi-cache (1-50). Each waypoint gets its own coordinate formula card.

Basic Usage

Parameter Input

Each parameter has two input fields:

Understanding Coordinate Format

The tool uses the standard geocaching coordinate format:

N DD° MM.MMM E DDD° MM.MMM

For example: N 50° 00.000 E 005° 00.000

Direction Toggles

Working with Formulas

Entering Formulas

Each coordinate digit field accepts either:

  1. A direct number: Just type 5 or 7
  2. A formula using parameters: Use the parameter names from Step 1

Formula Syntax

You can use standard mathematical operations:

Operation Symbol Example
Addition + A+B
Subtraction - A-B
Multiplication * A*2
Division / B/2
Parentheses ( ) (A+B)*2
💡 Tip: The result of each formula is automatically rounded down (floor function) to get a single digit for coordinates.

Saving and Loading

Save Options

Save to File

Downloads a JSON file to your computer. The filename will be based on the Geocache Code you entered (e.g., GC40.json).

Advantages:

Save to Browser

Stores the formula in your browser's local storage for quick access.

Advantages:

See the Browser Storage section below for detailed information and constraints.

Parameter Values Checkbox

When saving, you can choose whether to include the parameter values (A, B, C, etc.):

Note: Comments are always saved regardless of this checkbox setting.

Load Options

Load from File

Browse your computer to select a previously saved JSON file.

Load from Browser

Opens a modal showing all formulas saved in browser storage. Click any formula to load it, or click the Delete button to remove it.

Load from URL

Enter a direct URL to a JSON file hosted online. The formula will be fetched and loaded automatically.

Browser Storage (In-Depth)

How Browser Storage Works

Technical Details: The tool uses the browser's localStorage API to store formula data directly on your device. This is a key-value storage system built into modern web browsers.

What Gets Stored

When you click "Save to Browser", the following data is stored:

Storage Keys

Each formula is stored with two localStorage keys:

Example:

If you save cache code GC40, it creates:

Constraints and Limitations

⚠️ Device and Browser Specific

Browser storage is NOT synced across devices or browsers.

⚠️ Storage Capacity

Typical browser limits:

This is enough for hundreds of formulas, but very large multi-caches with many waypoints will use more space.

⚠️ Data Persistence

Your data can be lost if:

⚠️ Privacy Modes

In private/incognito browsing:

Best Practices

💡 Recommended Workflow

  1. Active Caching: Use "Save to Browser" while actively working on a cache
  2. Completed/Important Caches: Use "Save to File" to create a permanent backup
  3. Before Browser Maintenance: Export all formulas to files before clearing browser data
  4. Cross-Device Work: Use file export/import or URL sharing

💡 Backup Strategy

Viewing Your Stored Data

You can inspect your browser's localStorage using browser developer tools:

  1. Press F12 to open Developer Tools
  2. Go to the "Application" or "Storage" tab
  3. Expand "Local Storage" in the sidebar
  4. Look for keys starting with gc_multi_

Manually Clearing Browser Storage

To remove all saved formulas from browser storage:

  1. Use the "Delete" button next to each formula in the "Load from Browser" modal, OR
  2. Clear site data via browser settings, OR
  3. Use browser Developer Tools to delete localStorage keys

Sharing Formulas

Method 1: Direct File Sharing

  1. Save your formula using "Save to File"
  2. Share the JSON file via email, messaging, or file sharing service
  3. Recipients use "Load from File" to import it

Method 2: URL Sharing

  1. Save your formula to a file
  2. Upload to a public location:
    • GitHub Gist (use the "Raw" URL)
    • Pastebin (use raw format)
    • Your own web server
    • Public cloud storage with direct links
  3. Share the URL with others
  4. Recipients paste the URL into "Load from URL" field

Method 3: Direct URL Parameter

You can create a link that automatically loads a formula when opened:

index.html?load=https://example.com/GC40.json

When someone clicks this link, the formula loads automatically!

Examples

Example 1: Simple Multi-Cache (3 Waypoints)

Setup:

Waypoint 1: N 50° 0A.B00 E 005° 0C.D00

Waypoint 2: N 50° 0(A+1).E00 E 005° 0C.D50

Final: N 50° 0E.(A*100) E 005° 0D.(B+C)

As you progress: Fill in A at WP1, B at WP2, etc. Each coordinate updates automatically.

Example 2: Custom Parameters

Cache uses: X, Y, Z parameters only

Setup: Use Custom List method: X,Y,Z

This creates only the three parameter inputs you need.

Tips and Tricks

💡 Use Descriptive Names

Fill in both the code AND the name fields. The name helps you remember which mystery this is when browsing your saved formulas.

💡 Add Notes to Parameters

Use the comment field under each parameter to note where the value came from (e.g., "Trees at WP1", "Year on memorial plaque").

💡 Test Your Formulas

Before heading out, verify your formulas produce reasonable coordinates (within expected geographic range).

💡 Progressive Solving

You don't need all parameters at once! Enter formulas for all waypoints, then fill in parameter values as you discover them during the cache hunt.

💡 Keep Backups

Use "Save to File" to create backup copies of your formulas, especially for complex multi-caches. Browser storage is convenient but not permanent.

💡 Share Responsibly

When sharing formulas for unsolved mysteries, uncheck "Save parameter values" to share the puzzle structure without spoiling the solution.

⚠️ Formula Errors

If a formula can't be evaluated (syntax error or missing parameters), it will show as ? in the result. Double-check your formula syntax and ensure all parameters are defined.

Additional Features

Clear All

The red "Clear All" button resets the entire form to its default state. This includes:

A confirmation dialog appears to prevent accidental data loss.

Privacy and Data Storage

All data is stored locally in your browser or in files you control:


Multi-Cache Waypoint Solver - A tool for geocachers by geocachers

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Mystery Formula Solver

A web-based tool for solving geocaching mystery cache coordinates using formulas. Perfect for mystery caches that require you to calculate final coordinates based on puzzle solutions.

Table of Contents

Overview

The Mystery Formula Solver helps geocachers solve mystery caches by allowing them to:

Getting Started

Step 1: Enter Cache Information

Geocache Code

Enter the GC code (e.g., GC6KPVG). This will be used as the filename when saving.

Geocache Name (Optional)

Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Mystery in the Forest"). This helps identify caches in your saved list.

Step 2: Define Parameters

Select the parameter range based on how many variables your puzzle uses. For example:

After selecting the range, input fields will appear for each parameter where you can enter the numeric values you solved from the puzzle.

Basic Usage

Understanding Coordinate Format

The tool uses the standard geocaching coordinate format:

N DD° MM.MMM E DDD° MM.MMM

For example: N 51° 07.358 E 004° 26.906

Direction Toggles

Working with Formulas

Entering Formulas

Each coordinate digit field accepts either:

  1. A direct number: Just type 5 or 7
  2. A formula using parameters: Use the parameter names from Step 1

Formula Syntax

You can use standard mathematical operations:

Operation Symbol Example
Addition + A+B
Subtraction - A-B
Multiplication * A*2
Division / B/2
Parentheses ( ) (A+B)*2
💡 Tip: The result of each formula is automatically rounded down (floor function) to get a single digit for coordinates.

Saving and Loading

Save Options

Save to File

Downloads a JSON file to your computer. The filename will be based on the Geocache Code you entered (e.g., GC6KPVG.json).

Save to Browser

Stores the formula in your browser's local storage. This data persists even after closing the browser, but stays on the current device only.

⚠️ Note: Browser storage is device-specific and browser-specific. Data saved in Chrome won't appear in Firefox, and data on your computer won't sync to your phone.

Parameter Values Checkbox

When saving, you can choose whether to include the parameter values (A, B, C, etc.):

Load Options

Load from File

Browse your computer to select a previously saved JSON file.

Load from Browser

Opens a modal showing all formulas saved in browser storage. Click any formula to load it, or click the Delete button to remove it.

Load from URL

Enter a direct URL to a JSON file hosted online. The formula will be fetched and loaded automatically.

Sharing Formulas

Method 1: Direct File Sharing

  1. Save your formula using "Save to File"
  2. Share the JSON file via email, messaging, or file sharing service
  3. Recipients use "Load from File" to import it

Method 2: URL Sharing

  1. Save your formula to a file
  2. Upload to a public location:
    • GitHub Gist (use the "Raw" URL)
    • Pastebin (use raw format)
    • Your own web server
    • Public cloud storage with direct links
  3. Share the URL with others
  4. Recipients paste the URL into "Load from URL" field

Method 3: Direct URL Parameter

You can create a link that automatically loads a formula when opened:

mystery-solver.html?load=https://example.com/formula.json

When someone clicks this link, the formula loads automatically!

Examples

Example 1: Simple Cache

Puzzle: Find A (answer: 5) and B (answer: 1)

Final coordinate: N 51° 0A.B58 E 004° 26.906

Setup:

  1. Parameter Range: A-B
  2. A = 5, B = 1
  3. North row: 5 1 0 A . B 5 8
  4. East row: 0 0 4 2 6 . 9 0 6

Result: N 51° 05.158 E 004° 26.906

Example 2: Formula-Based Cache

Puzzle: A=3, B=7, C=2

Final coordinate: N 5(A+B-C)° 0(B-A).C58 E 004° 26.906

Setup:

  1. Parameter Range: A-C
  2. A = 3, B = 7, C = 2
  3. Formula for degree: A+B-C (evaluates to 8)
  4. Formula for minute: B-A (evaluates to 4)

Result: N 58° 04.258 E 004° 26.906

Example 3: Complex Formula

Formula: (A+B)*C/2 where A=4, B=6, C=3

Calculation: (4+6)*3/2 = 10*3/2 = 30/2 = 15 → rounds down to 1 (tens) and 5 (ones)

Tips and Tricks

💡 Use Descriptive Names

Fill in both the code AND the name fields. The name helps you remember which mystery this is when browsing your saved formulas.

💡 Test Your Formulas

Before heading out to the cache, verify your formulas produce reasonable coordinates (within expected geographic range).

💡 Keep Backups

Use "Save to File" to create backup copies of your formulas. Browser storage can be cleared accidentally!

💡 Share Responsibly

When sharing formulas for unsolved mysteries, uncheck "Save parameter values" to share the puzzle structure without spoiling the solution.

💡 Browser Compatibility

This tool works in all modern browsers. For best results, use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

⚠️ Formula Errors

If a formula can't be evaluated (syntax error or missing parameters), it will show as ? in the result. Double-check your formula syntax and ensure all parameters are defined.

Additional Features

Clear All

The red "Clear All" button resets the entire form to its default state. This includes:

A confirmation dialog appears to prevent accidental data loss.

Privacy and Data Storage

All data is stored locally in your browser or in files you control:

Support and Feedback

This tool is designed to make solving mystery caches easier and more organized. Happy caching!


Mystery Formula Solver - A tool for geocachers by geocachers