Dead Drop Caches
A Dead Drop cache is simply a USB thumb drive attached to or embedded into a wall, building, curb, etc. It must be accessible to everyone and in a public place. It may be placed indoors but cannot be in a place with an age or sex restriction (bars, bathrooms, etc). Permission must be granted by the property owner before you permanently attach a USB cache. If you do not permanently attach the USB drive, it is highly likely that it will be stolen.
Each USB cache is installed empty except for a readme.txt file and a logbook.txt file. The readme.txt is a file explaining the project and the logbook.txt file is where you sign your name and leave your comments. See Downloads.
You may share data via USB caches, however it is expressly forbidden for USB caches to contain commercial, pornographic, illegal or malicious content. All content must be suitable for all ages! If you find a USB cache with inappropriate content, you are encouraged to delete that content immediately. Do not delete the readme.txt or logbook.txt files, though they may be freely edited if they contain inappropriate content.
When submitting a USB Cache, be sure to specify the capacity of the USB drive. For example, 512MB, 2GB, 4GB, etc.
To Create a Dead Drop Cache
- Get a USB flash drive of any size.
- Delete any autorun software from the drive.
- Copy the readme.txt and logbook.txt files to the drive. Edit to add identifying info.
- Remove the plastic cover from the USB drive.
- Wrap the USB Drive in Teflon tape to seal it.
- Use fast setting concrete, epoxy or glue to secure the USB Drive into a crack, hole or other suitable location.
- Make sure to place it in a way that it can be accessed directly with a laptop.
- Take a few pictures in case someone needs help finding the cache. A close-up, one from about 25' and one from about 50'.
- Submit your cache listing at www.opencaching.us
Final Note: Get a USB extension cable and carry it with you when hunting Dead Drop caches!
