User manual GARMIN GPS III PLUS

Owner's Manual & Reference GARMIN International, 1200 E. 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062 USA Tel: 913/397.8200 Fax: 913/397.8282 GARMIN (Europe) Ltd., Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 9AQ UK Tel: 44/1794.519944 Fax: 44/1794.519222 GARMIN Corporation, No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan Tel: 886/2/2642.9199 Fax: 886/2.2642.9099 Web Site Address: www.garmin.com © 1999-2001 GARMIN Corporation. All rights reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any storage medium, for any purpose without prior written consent of GARMIN Corporation. GARMIN Corporation hereby grants permission to download a single copy of this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed for personal use, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual contains the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual is strictly prohibited. GARMIN®, Autolocate®, TracBack®, and Phasetrac 12® are registered trademarks and MapSourceTM is a trademark of GARMIN Corporation and may not be used without the express permission of GARMIN Corporation. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. GARMIN Corporation reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes. Visit the GARMIN web site (www.garmin.com) for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use and operation of this and other GARMIN products. January 2001 Part # 190-00162-00 Rev. B Printed in Taiwan. Thank You! INTRODUCTION About This Manual Thank you for choosing the GARMIN GPS III+ -- an easy-to-use GPS navigator for marine, automotive and outdoor use! The GPS III+ represents GARMIN's continuing commitment to provide quality navigation information in a versatile and user-friendly flexible design you'll enjoy for years. To get the most from your new GPS, take the time to read through the owner's manual in order to understand the operating features of the GPS III+. This manual is organized into three sections for your convenience: Section One (Getting Started) introduces you to the basic features of the unit and provides a quick-start orientation to the GPS III+. Section Two (Simulator Tour) provides a step-by-step lesson in how your new GPS III+ would operate in the real world by utilizing the built-in simulator mode. Section Three (Reference) provides details about the advanced features and operations of the GPS III+ by topic. Before getting started with your GPS, check to see that your GARMIN GPS III+ package includes the following items. If you are missing any parts, please contact your dealer immediately. Standard Package: · GPS III+ Unit with Detachable Antenna · Wrist Strap · GPS III+ Owner's Manual · Quick Reference Card · Velcro Mount · PC Interface Cable i INTRODUCTION Cautions CAUTION: The Global Positioning System (GPS) is operated by the government of the United States, which is solely responsible for its accuracy and maintenance. The system is subject to changes which could affect the accuracy and performance of all GPS equipment. Although the GPS III+ is a precision electronic NAVigation AID (NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and, therefore, become unsafe. WARNING: For vehicular applications, it's the sole responsibility of the owner/operator of the GPS III+ to secure the GPS unit so that it will not cause damage or personal injury in the event of an accident. Do not mount the GPS III+ over airbag panels or in a place where the driver or passengers are likely to have an impact with it in an accident or collision. The mounting hardware provided by GARMIN is not warranted against collision damage or the consequences thereof. WARNING: For vehicular operations, it is the sole responsibility of the operator of the vehicle to operate his or her vehicle in a safe manner, maintain full surveillance of all driving conditions at all times, and never become distracted by the GPS III+ to the exclusion of safe operating practices. It is unsafe to operate the GPS III+ while you are driving. Failure by the operator of a vehicle equipped with a GPS III+ to pay full attention to operating the vehicle and road conditions while the vehicle is in motion could result in an accident or collision with property damage and personal injury. MAP DATA INFORMATION: One of the goals of GARMIN is to provide customers with the most complete and accurate cartography that is available to us at a reasonable cost. We use a combination of governmental and private data sources, which we identify as required in product literature and copyright messages displayed to the consumer. Virtually all data sources contain inaccurate or incomplete data to some degree. This is particularly true outside the United States, where complete and accurate digital data is either not available or prohibitively expensive. I ii INTRODUCTION FCC Compliance This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC limits for Class B digital devices. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to other equipment, which can be determined by turning the affected equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by relocating the equipment or connecting the equipment to a different circuit than the affected equipment. Consult an authorized dealer or other qualified service technician for additional help if these remedies do not correct the problem. Operation of this device is subject to the following conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. The GPS III+ does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by an authorized GARMIN service center. Unauthorized repairs or modifications could void your warranty and authority to operate this device under Part 15 regulations. iii INTRODUCTION Limited Warranty GARMIN Corporation warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. GARMIN will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components which fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. The customer is, however, responsible for any transportation costs. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorized alteration or repairs. THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. IN NO EVENT SHALL GARMIN BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. To obtain warranty service, call the GARMIN Customer Service department (913-397-8200) for a returned merchandise tracking number. The unit should be securely packaged with the tracking number clearly marked on the outside of the package, and sent freight prepaid and insured to a GARMIN warranty service station. A copy of the original sales receipt is required as the proof of purchase for warranty repairs. GARMIN retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit or software or offer a full refund of the purchase price at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY. iv INTRODUCTION Registration Customer Service Product Registration Help us better support you by completing our on-line registration today! Have the serial number of your GPS III+ handy and connect to our web site (www.garmin.com). Look for the Product Registration link on the Home page. You can also find current user's manuals, updated unit operating software, FAQs and more on the Support page. Also, be sure to record your serial number in the area provided below. NOTE: If you have previously registered a GARMIN product purchase using a mail-in registration card, we invite you to re-register using our on-line system. Many services provided by our new product registration system are now being automated and re-registering your purchase ensures you the best possible support from GARMIN. Why should you register your GARMIN GPS unit: · Notification of Product Updates · Notification of New Products · Lost or Stolen unit tracking Serial Number Use this area to record the serial number (8-digit number located on the back of the unit) in case it is lost, stolen, or needs service. Be sure to keep your original sales receipt in a safe place or attach a photocopy inside the manual. Serial Number: v INTRODUCTION Table of Contents INTRODUCTION About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii FCC Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv GETTING STARTED Unit Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Keypad Usage / Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Battery Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 What is GPS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Main Page Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Satellite Status Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Position Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Map Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Compass Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Highway Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Marking Waypoint Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Going to a Waypoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Active Route Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 SIMULATOR TOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 REFERENCE Satellite Status Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Satellite Status Page Options . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Position Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Position Page Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Map Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Highway Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Map Page Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Compass Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Compass Page Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Highway Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Highway Page Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Waypoint Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 vi INTRODUCTION Table of Contents Nearest Waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOTO Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TracBack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Route Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Active Route Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Active Route Page Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A: Dashboard Mounting . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX B: Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX C: Wiring/Interfacing . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX D: Antenna/Remote Mounting . . . . APPENDIX E: Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX F: Map Datums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX G: Navigation Terms . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H: Time Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX I : Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 55 56 57 58 59 65 66 67 69 74 86 87 88 89 90 92 95 97 98 vii INTRODUCTION REFERENCE Proximity Waypoints "How To" Index This list is provided to help you quickly find some of the more important procedures you will use on your new GPS III+. TO DO THIS: SEE PAGE(S): Turn the unit on or off .............................................................. 5 Initialize the GPS receiver (first time use) ................................. 5 Adjust screen contrast or backlighting .................................... 25 Enter data and select options .................................................... 2 Learn how to operate the unit's function keys........................... 2 Mark your present location as a waypoint.......................... 14,22 Goto a destination.............................................................. 15,55 Create and use a route ............................................................ 60 Learn about the map page ................................................. 10,33 Pan using the map arrow ................................................... 20,34 Zoom in or out on the Map page ....................................... 10,33 Reconfigure the Map Page display........................................... 36 Access the Main Menu ............................................................ 69 Change units of measure (statute, nautical, metric) ................ 78 Change the displayed time (zone)........................................... 80 Set alarms ............................................................................... 81 See current position, date and time...................................... 9,20 View a unit message................................................................ 90 viii GETTING STARTED Unit Features Antenna (detachable) Function Keys Power/Backlight Key (red) Rocker Keypad LCD Display To change the screen orientation, press and hold the PAGE key. Battery Door 1 GETTING STARTED Keypad Usage / Display Pressing UP or DOWN on the ROCKER KEYPAD changes numbers and letters. (POWER)-- Red key turns the unit on and off, and controls three levels of screen backlighting intensity. (PAGE)-- Scrolls main pages in sequence and returns display from a menu/options page to a main page. Press and hold this key to change screen orientation. (MENU)-- Displays a menu of available options for the current page. Press twice to display the Main Menu. (GOTO)-- Displays the GOTO waypoint window, allowing you to select the destination waypoint. Press and hold this key to activate MOB feature. (ENTER/MARK)-- Activates highlighted fields and confirms menu options and data entry. Press and hold this key to mark present position as a waypoint. (QUIT)-- Returns the display to a previous page or restores a data field's previous value. (IN and OUT)-- Allows you to zoom in/out through 24 scales on the Map Page. Also adjusts scale on the Highway Page. (ROCKER KEYPAD)-- Controls the movement of the cursor, is used to select options and positions, and to enter data. 2 Cursor Pressing LEFT or RIGHT on the ROCKER KEYPAD moves the cursor along the line or to the next line. DATA ENTRY-- Entering data, such as waypoint names, typically begins and ends with the ENTER/ MARK key. Use the rocker keypad to enter the actual data: UP/DOWN to change the highlighted character, RIGHT to move on to the next character. CURSOR-- A solid black bar which can be moved up, down, left, and right with the keypad to select individual fields on the display. FIELD-- The location on a page where a group of characters or option is entered and displayed. HIGHLIGHT-- The act of using the cursor to select a field for the purpose of entering data. SCROLL-- The act of moving through characters or options from a selected field. DEFAULT-- A system-selected format, built into the operating software or the unit's memory, that will be followed unless the user chooses a different setting. The GPS III+ operates on 4 AA batteries (not included), which are installed at the base of the unit. These batteries provide up to 36 hours of continuous use (See page 87). Rechargeable NiCad or lithium batteries may also be used. GETTING STARTED Battery Installation Polarity Markings NOTE: The on-screen battery level indicator is calibrated for alkaline batteries, and will not be accurate when using NiCad or lithium batteries (see page 77). To install the batteries: 1. Flip up the metal ring at the base of the unit, and turn the ring 90° counterclockwise. 2. Install the batteries and close the battery compartment door. When replacing the GPS III+'s batteries, observe the polarity markings engraved in the plastic case. 3. Lock the door in the closed position by rotating the metal ring 90° clockwise. H Battery life varies due to a variety of factors, including temperature, use of an external antenna, and backlighting. You may find that the battery life varies in different conditions and that lithium batteries provide longer life in colder conditions. An internal 10-year lithium battery will retain your data while you're changing batteries. 3 GETTING STARTED What is GPS? Hold the receiver at a comfortable height with the antenna pointing up. When new (or if a position cannot be determined after 10 minutes), the GPS III+ will prompt you to initialize the receiver. The unit needs a starting position to determine 4 which satellites are in view. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a system of 24 satellites which circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit information to earth. The GPS III+ must continuously "see" at least three of these satellites to calculate your position and track your movement. At times, additional satellites may be needed to determine a position. Visit the GARMIN web site for more information on GPS. By using an almanac (a timetable of satellite numbers and their orbits) stored in the receiver's memory, the GPS III+ can determine the distance and position of any GPS satellite and use this information to compute your position. Your GPS receiver can only see satellites above the horizon, so it needs to know what satellites to look for at any given time. To use this almanac data, your GPS needs to either be told its general location ("initialized") or given the opportunity to find itself. Once you initialize the unit to a position, it will typically compute a fix within a few minutes. We'll show you how to initialize your new GPS III+ on page 5. Initialization is only necessary under the following conditions: · The first time you use your receiver (new from the factory). · After the receiver has been moved over 500 miles (with the power off) from the last time you used it. · If the receiver's memory has been cleared and all internally stored data has been lost. Because the GPS III+ relies on satellite signals to provide you with navigation guidance, the receiver needs to have an unobstructed, clear view of the sky for best performance. In a nutshell, the GPS receiver's view of the sky will generally determine how fast you get a position fix--or if you get a fix at all. GPS signals are relatively weak and do not travel through rocks, buildings, people, or metal, so remember to keep a clear view of the sky at all times for best performance. Once the GPS III+ has calculated a position fix, you'll usually have anywhere from five to twelve satellites in view. The receiver will then continuously select the best satellites in view to update your position. If some of the satellites in view get blocked or "shaded," the receiver can simply use an alternate satellite to maintain the position fix. Although a GPS receiver needs four satellites to provide a three-dimensional (3D) fix, it can maintain a two-dimensional (2D) fix with only three satellites. A three-dimensional fix means the unit knows its latitude, longitude, and altitude, while a two-dimensional fix means the unit knows only its latitude and longitude. Initializing Your GPS III+ To initialize the GPS III+, take the receiver outside and find an open area where the antenna has a clear view of the sky. You may either hold the receiver at a comfortable height with the antenna pointing up (see page 4), or mount the receiver on the dash of a vehicle (Appendix A) or on a bike. (Likewise, when you use your GPS III+ in a vehicle, make sure the antenna is pointing up.) To turn the GPS III+ on, press and hold the red power key. The Welcome Page will be displayed while the unit conducts a self test. Once testing is complete, the Welcome Page will be replaced by a warning page, then by the Satellite Status Page. A message will inform you to "select initialization method". (If the initialization prompt has not automatically appeared, press MENU and highlight `Initialize Position' and press ENTER.) To initialize your unit: 1. Press ENTER to acknowledge the message and see a list of initialization options. 2. Use the rocker keypad to highlight `Use Map', and press ENTER. 3. Use the rocker keypad to point the map cursor to your approximate location (within 250 miles). You may also wish to use the IN and OUT zoom keys to make it easier to identify your approximate position. 4. Press ENTER to select the position and begin searching for satellites. GETTING STARTED Initialization Check the Satellite Status Page for `2D Navigation' or `3D Navigation' to verify a position fix. To initialize the GPS III+, designate your approximate location directly on the map display. Use the rocker keypad and IN/OUT zoom keys to position the cursor on the 5 map. GETTING STARTED Initialization This usually provides a position fix in 1 minute. You'll know you have a fix when the unit automatically transitions from the Satellite Page to the Map Page, unless you have manually changed pages (shown left). Your receiver is now ready to use! To turn the unit off: 1. Press and hold the red power key for 1 second. Troubleshooting Once the GPS III+ has a position fix, it will automatically transition from the Satellite Status Page to the Map Page. If powering the III+ with external power, and the external power is lost, the unit will automatically turn off after 30 seconds. 6 If you have trouble initializing or getting a position fix, check the following: · Does the receiver have a clear view of the sky? If there are large buildings or mountains, or if there is heavy tree cover, the receiver may not be receiving enough satellite signals to calculate a fix. Also, if you're using the GPS III+ on a car dash, make sure the unit is placed so that it has the clearest possible view of the sky. Your GPS will only be able to detect satellites that it can "see" through your vehicle's windshield. Depending on the slope of your dash or the overall surface area of the window, it may be necessary to mount an external antenna on your vehicle's roof or trunk in order to give the unit a better view of the sky. (Contact your local GARMIN dealer or GARMIN Sales and inquire about the GA 26C low-profile remote antenna, part number 010-10052-04.) · Have you selected the right area when initializing? Check for the correct approximate position on the Map Page (press PAGE until the Map Page appears; see pages 7 and 10), or reselect your approximate location to restart the initialization. · Have you moved more than 500 miles from the last calculated position with the receiver off? Reinitialize the receiver by selecting your approximate position on the map, or select `AutoLocate' from the Satellite Status Page options (see page 29). GETTING STARTED Main Page Sequence Satellite Status Page Position Page Press the PAGE key to move through each of the main pages in normal fashion. Active Route Page Map Page Highway Page Compass Page To turn the GPS III+ back on, press and hold the red power key. The GPS III+ features six main pages which are linked together in a chain. You can quickly scroll through the pages in either direction using the PAGE or QUIT keys. Let's briefly tour each of these pages in order to give you some insight into how they help you navigate. We'll go over all of them in more detail in the reference section. Press the QUIT key to sequence through the main pages in reverse order. 7 GETTING STARTED Satellite Status Page The signal strength bars give you an indication of what satellites are visible to the receiver, whether or not they're being used to calculate a position fix, and the signal quality. Let's start with the Satellite Status Page, which is the page you'll view while your unit is getting a position fix. If you're not already on this page, press PAGE or QUIT until it appears. The Satellite Status Page shows you status information that helps you understand what the receiver is doing at any given time, and it's a page that you'll want to occasionally refer back to as you use your unit. It features a sky view of available satellites, corresponding signal strength bars, the status of your current position fix (acquiring, 2D, 3D, etc.), and your estimated position error (EPE). You can also tell how much battery power is remaining, and you can adjust the screen contrast/backlighting by pressing the rocker keypad. Satellites are indicated on the sky view and the signal strength bars by their corresponding number, from 01 through 32. The sky view shows where it is looking in the sky for each satellite, by indicating the direction and elevation (angle above the horizon). The signal strength bars depict the relative strength of the signal from each satellite being received. The taller the bar, the stronger the signal. Receiver Status Signal Strength Bar 8 If satellite reception is lost, or an insufficient number of satellites are available, you will be alerted with a `Poor Coverage' receiver status and message. Battery Level Indicator Sky View Satellite Status Page The Position Page shows you where you are, what direction you're heading, and how fast you're going--and it's the page you'll want to use when you don't have a destination selected. A graphic compass display at the top of the page shows your direction of travel (track) while you're moving, while six user-selectable data fields below display your current speed, average speed, trip odometer, trip timer, and sunrise/sunset times at your current position. "User-selectable" means you can change them to display other information. We'll cover these fields more in the reference section. Below the user-selectable data fields are additional data fields to display your current position, along with current time and date. The current position readout can be in latitude/longitude, UTM/UPS, Loran TD, MGRS, Maidenhead or one of several regional grids. Current time and date can be in local time or UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). GETTING STARTED Position Page Position Page showing UTM coordinates for use with USGS topographic maps, etc. Track Compass Trip Odometer Current Position Coordinates Position Page Current Time and Date The trip odometer, trip timer and average speed readings can all be reset from the `Trip Computer' option on the Main Menu. See page 74. 9 GETTING STARTED Map Page The Map Page shows your movement using a real-time track log (an electronic breadcrumb trail that appears directly on the map as you're traveling), and your present position as a pointer icon in the center of the map. The Map Page also shows any nearby lakes, rivers, highways and towns. Use the zoom keys (IN and OUT) to adjust the map to the desired scale. To change the map scale: 1. Press the IN zoom key to select a smaller scale and more detail for a smaller area. With the map oriented to `track up', the pointer always points up and the map rotates to your current direction of travel (track). Note the north indicator on the map. 2. Press the OUT zoom key to select a larger scale and display a larger area. The map can be oriented with the top of the page always pointing north, oriented along your desired course, or it can automatically rotate to keep your current direction of travel (track) at the top of the screen. The default setting is `North Up', which keeps the top of the page always pointing north. Nearby waypoints are depicted on the map with any one of over 70 different symbols, with the waypoint name shown directly above the symbol. We'll cover more about the GPS III+'s waypoint features and the Map Page in the reference section of this manual. Data Fields You can also select a fullscreen map from the Map Page Options. See page 37. Present Position Nearby Waypoint 10 Map Page The GPS III+ features two different navigation pages: Compass and Highway. The Compass Page is first. This page provides graphic steering guidance to a destination waypoint, with an emphasis on the bearing to your destination and current direction of travel. (The Highway Page places greater emphasis on the straight-line desired course and the distance and direction you are off course.) The middle of the page features a rotating `compass ring' that shows your course over ground (track) while you're moving, and a bearing pointer that indicates the direction of the destination (bearing) relative to the course over ground. The compass ring and pointer arrow work independently to show--at a glance--the direction of your movement and the direction to your destination. For instance, if the arrow points up, you are going directly to the waypoint. If the arrow points any direction other than up, turn toward the arrow until it points up--then continue in that direction. The current speed and distance to the destination waypoint are displayed at the top of the screen. The bottom of the page displays the time to the destination waypoint and the current time. This page provides better steering guidance than the Highway Page when travelling at slower speeds and/or when making frequent directional changes. Pointer (Bearing to Destination) Current Speed and Distance to Waypoint Time to Waypoint and Current Time Compass Page GETTING STARTED Compass Page If the bearing pointer points up, your are going directly to your destination. If not, turn toward the arrow until it points up, then continue in that direction. Compass Ring The `Big Numbers' option (available from the Compass Page Options) shows a much smaller compass display and larger data field characters. See page 44. 11 GETTING STARTED Highway Page If you move off course the highway display will move, indicating the direction you are off course. To stay on course, simply move toward the center of the highway. The GPS III+'s Highway Page also provides graphic steering guidance to a destination waypoint. As you head toward your destination, the middle of the screen provides visual guidance to your waypoint on a moving graphic "highway." Your present position is at the bottom center of the highway display. The line down the middle of the highway represents your desired course. As you navigate toward a waypoint, the highway will actually move--indicating the direction you're off course. To stay on course, simply move toward the center of the highway. The top of the page indicates speed and distance to your destination (or the next waypoint in a route), along with a track compass showing current direction of travel. Directly below the distance reading is the time required to reach your destination (or the next waypoint in a route), in hours/minutes or minutes/seconds. The pointer at the bottom of the page also shows the bearing to your destination, relative to your current track. If the pointer points straight ahead, you're heading directly to your destination! Use the Highway Page as your primary navigation page (in lieu of the Compass Page) when your main concern is following a defined course. 12 As you approach your destination, the graphic highway will stop at the destination waypoint. You have arrived when the waypoint is at the bottom center of the display. Track Compass Distance to Destination (or Next Route Waypoint) Pointer (Bearing to Destination) Highway Display Highway Page The GPS III+'s Main Menu provides access to additional pages (submenus) that are used to create or edit waypoints, create routes, list nearby waypoints, review trip information and timers or make changes to system settings. These six pages are divided into categories by function. The waypoint and route management features of the Main Menu are described in more detail in the Reference section of this manual. Let's take a quick look at the Main Menu and one of its submenu items. To view the Main Menu: 1. Press the MENU key twice. GETTING STARTED Main Menu To select a submenu item from the Main Menu: 1. Highlight the desired item using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER. 2. To return to the Main Menu, press QUIT. The Main Menu provides access to seven additional (submenu) pages. The `Setup' option provides a list of choices (presented as a series of `file tabs') to perform various configuration settings including system settings, selection of position format and units of measure, time display, setting various alarms, enabling the built-in simulator feature and interface options with other equipment: To change units of measure for distance and speed: 1. Select the `Setup' option from the Main Menu (as described above), and press ENTER. 2. Highlight the `Units' tab with the rocker keypad. The units settings are automatically displayed. 3. Highlight the `Distance & Speed' field using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER. A pop-up menu appears showing the available options. 4. Select the desired option using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER. The `Setup' option provides a list of menu choices to perform various configuration settings, such as changing units of measure for distance and speed. 13 GETTING STARTED Marking Waypoint Positions GPS is really about marking and going to places called `waypoints'. Before we can use the GPS III+ to guide us somewhere, we have to mark a position as a waypoint. Your GPS III+ can hold up to 500 waypoints. To mark your present position: 1. Press and hold the ENTER/MARK key. The Mark Waypoint Page will appear, with a default three-digit name for the new waypoint in the upper-left portion of the page. To rename the waypoint: Each waypoint stored in memory is identified by a unique name, up to six characters long (letters and/or numbers). 1. Use the keypad to highlight the name field, and press ENTER. 2. Enter the new waypoint name using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER. Each waypoint may also be assigned a custom waypoint symbol for easy waypoint recognition on the Map Page. To change the waypoint symbol: 1. Highlight the waypoint symbol field (immediately to the left of the waypoint name field) and press ENTER. 2. Select the desired symbol, and press ENTER. 3. Move the cursor to the `DONE?' prompt, and press ENTER. Each waypoint may also be assigned a custom waypoint symbol, making it easy to identify the waypoint on the Map Page. 14 The Mark Position Page will be replaced with the page displayed before you pressed ENTER/MARK to mark your position. The new waypoint is now stored in the GPS III+'s memory. Once you've stored a waypoint in memory, you can use the GPS III+ to guide you to it by using the GOTO feature. A GOTO is really nothing more than a straight-line course from your present position to the destination you've selected. A GOTO can be performed several ways: by specifying the destination from the GOTO Page, graphically from the map display or by highlighting the waypoint name on any page (such as from one the 'Nearest' lists). To select a GOTO destination from the GOTO Page: 1. Press GOTO. This captures your current position as the starting point for your trip. 2. Highlight the `All' tab, using the rocker keypad, to list all waypoints currently stored in memory. 3. Highlight the desired waypoint, using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER. GETTING STARTED Going to a Waypoint To select a GOTO destination from the Map Page: 1. With the Map Page displayed, use the rocker keypad to place the cursor over the desired destination waypoint. (If no waypoint exists at the destination location, the GPS III+ will automatically create one, named `MAP' in the step below.) 2. Press GOTO, and then ENTER to navigate to the selected location. To select a destination from all waypoints stored in memory, highlight the `All' tab, then select the desired waypoint and press ENTER. To GOTO a listed point on the Nearest Waypoints, Nearest Cities, Nearest Exits, or Nearest Geo Points Lists: 1. With the Nearest Waypoints, Cities, Exits, or Geo Points tab highlighted (see pages 53 and 55), use the rocker keypad to highlight the desired point. 2. Press GOTO, and then ENTER to navigate to the selected location. Once the GOTO destination is selected, use the Map Page, Compass Page and/or Highway Page to keep track of your progress as you head toward your destination. To GOTO one of the listed `Nearest' cities, highlight the desired city, press GOTO and then ENTER. A new waypoint will be created using the city name. Cities with names longer than six characters will 15 be abbreviated. GETTING STARTED Cancel GOTO/Active Route To cancel the current GOTO destination, simply select another destination. If no destination is currently desired, or you want to resume a previously selected route, the GOTO operation may be cancelled from the GOTO Options Page. To cancel the current GOTO destination: 1. Press GOTO. 2. Press MENU. 3. Highlight `Cancel GOTO' and press ENTER. To cancel the current GOTO destination, select `Cancel GOTO' from the GOTO Options Page. Active Route Page The last of the six main pages is the Active Route Page. This page shows the GOTO waypoint or each waypoint of a route, with waypoint name and the course along each leg (segment) of the route. When using a route, the current destination is marked with an arrow on the left-hand side of the screen. If no destination has been specified using the GOTO key or a route, no waypoints will be listed on the page. (For more information on using routes, see page 60 in the Reference section.) Route Name Field Selectable Field, showing Course to this Waypoint from Previous Waypoint (or start of GOTO) Use the LEFT/RIGHT keys on the rocker keypad to select the desired data item. Available items include course, distance, fuel, and sunrise/sunset times. 16 Waypoint Name Active Route Page The GPS III+ is a powerful navigation system providing detailed mapping information in a convenient, compact package. This simulator tour is designed to show you the basic features of your new GPS III+ during a simulated trip. The simulator tour assumes that the receiver has been properly initialized as outlined in the Getting Started section of this manual, and that you have not changed any of the factory default settings. If you have changed any settings (position formats, units of measure, etc.), the descriptions and pictures in the tour may not match your configuration. Once you're familiar with the primary functions of the GPS III+, you'll be ready to use your new receiver on a real trip to a destination of your choice. The Reference section of this manual may be consulted for any additional questions you may have, or to learn about the more advanced features of the GPS III+. For now, let's get started on the Simulator Tour! If the GPS III+ is currently off, we'll need to start by turning it on. To turn the GPS III+ on, press and hold the red power key. The Welcome Page will be displayed while the unit conducts a self test. Once testing is complete, the Welcome Page is replaced by a warning page, then by the Satellite Status Page. Since we'll be using the simulator mode, we don't need to wait for the receiver to acquire satellites. SIMULATOR TOUR Selecting Simulator Mode The Welcome Page is displayed when the GPS III+ is first turned on. After a brief self-test, it is replaced by a warning page for about 10 seconds. To acknowledge this page, press ENTER. WARNING: Keep in mind that the GPS III+ does not track satellites in simulator mode and should never be used for actual navigation. The GPS III+ cannot be turned on in simulator mode. If you forget to change back to normal operation before shutting the receiver off, it will automatically return to normal mode the next time you use the receiver. I The Satellite Status Page appears next. For simulator mode operations, there's no need to wait for the GPS III+ to acquire satellites. 17 SIMULATOR TOUR Selecting Simulator Mode To select the simulator mode: 1. Press MENU to list the options for the Satellite Status Page. 2. Highlight `Start Simulator' with the rocker keypad, and press ENTER. 3. Press ENTER again to acknowledge the simulator warning message. Let's look at the sequence of pages again. The PAGE and QUIT keys are used to find your way around on the GPS III+. To cycle through the main pages: Select `Start Simulator' from the Satellite Status Page Options to enable the built-in simulator. 1. Press PAGE to move through each of the main pages in normal fashion. 2. Press QUIT to sequence through the main pages in reverse order. 18 The simulator imitates satellite reception and shows that information on the Satellite Status Page. Remember, in this mode the GPS III+ is not actually tracking satellites. In normal mode operation, the GPS III+ would automatically sequence from Satellite Status Page to Map Page once enough satellites were received to determine your position. At that point the receiver is ready to use for navigation. Since we're in simulator we won't see that automatic sequence of steps, but as you cycle through the main pages, notice that the simulator imitates satellite reception and shows that information on the Satellite Status Page. The Position Page will show the last known position as a starting location. If you've already initialized the receiver, as outlined in the Getting Started section, the starting location should be very close to your current position! We'll use this starting location from which to begin our simulated trip. Let's move on to the Map Page to see where we are, create a destination and explore the navigation features of the GPS III+. To select the Map Page, press PAGE repeatedly until it appears. The GPS III+'s Map Page combines digital charting with a number of user-selectable features. Before we select our destination and begin navigating toward it, let's take a look at some of those features. Nearby Waypoints SIMULATOR TOUR Using the Map Page Background Roads and Railways Present Position The map display shows your present position using a pointer icon in the center of the screen. The Map Page also shows any nearby lakes, rivers, highways and towns. Use the zoom keys (IN and OUT) to adjust the map to the desired scale. The current scale is indicated in the lower-left corner. To change the map scale: 1. Press the IN zoom key to select a smaller scale and display a smaller geographic area. 2. Press the OUT zoom key to select a larger scale and display a larger geographic area. In the `Track Up' orientation, the map is automatically rotated to keep your current direction of travel at the top of the screen. Note the north indicator in upper-left corner. The map can be oriented with the top of the page always pointing north (`North Up'), oriented along your desired course (`Course Up'), or it can automatically rotate to keep your current direction of travel at the top of the screen (`Track Up'). Nearby waypoints are depicted on the map with any one of over 70 different symbols, with the waypoint name displayed directly above the symbol. Let's create a waypoint directly on the map display to see how that process works, then we'll navigate to this new waypoint. Use the IN/OUT zoom keys to change the map scale. The current scale appears in the lower-left corner of the map display. 19 SIMULATOR TOUR Creating a Waypoint Select a five mile scale by pressing zoom IN or OUT repeatedly. Working from the Map Page is a simple process that centers around the use of a reference "arrow". Controlled by the rocker keypad, the reference arrow is an important tool allowing you to pan to other areas on the map display, create waypoints, view waypoint information and create routes. To get a feel for using the Map Page and the arrow, try the following exercise: 1. Using the rocker keypad to move the arrow, try following a highway (or other feature) near your position. Simply press and hold one side of the rocker keypad to move more quickly. Notice how a data field appears above the map, showing the bearing and distance from present position to the cursor, along with the latitude/ longitude of the arrow's position. 2. Using the rocker keypad, move the arrow in any direction until you find a nearby city or town. Once you find a nearby city or town, place the pointer on it to highlight the location. Now, press ENTER to create a waypoint at the arrow location and display the New Map Waypoint Page. Use the rocker keypad to pan to other areas on the map display. When panning an on-screen arrow appears for reference, along with a data field above the map. Waypoint Symbol Field Place the panning arrow over an on-screen item to display a descriptive name. Waypoint Name Field Waypoint Position 20 3. If the name of the city or town is longer than six characters, the GPS III+ will abbreviate the name when it creates the waypoint. (If you select an open location on the map, where no city, town or other feature is located, a three-digit number is pre-assigned to the new waypoint created at the panning arrow location. To change the name, highlight the waypoint name field, press ENTER and use the rocker keypad to enter a new name ­ UP/DOWN to change the first character, RIGHT to move to the next character, and repeat. Once the new name is spelled out, press ENTER.) 4. A city symbol is assigned to the new waypoint, but let's use a special symbol to identify it. Highlight the waypoint symbol field, using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER. Use UP/DOWN on the rocker keypad to select the `Information' icon (`?') and press ENTER. 5. To save the new waypoint, highlight `Done' with the rocker keypad and press ENTER. SIMULATOR TOUR Going to the Waypoint Now that we've created our new waypoint (also see pg. 47), let's see how the GPS III+ is used to navigate to it. The reference arrow can also be used to GOTO any point on the map--even without a waypoint already at that location--by simply pressing GOTO. (We won't try that here. A waypoint named `MAP' is automatically created, so all the previous steps for creating and naming a waypoint wouldn't be needed. You might want to experiment with this procedure at the end of the Simulator Tour.) For the Simulator Tour, we'll stick with the waypoint we just created. To select the GOTO destination: 1. Press GOTO. 2. If the `All' file tab is not selected, use the rocker keypad to highlight this tab. (`All' will display a list of all waypoints currently stored in memory.) 3. Highlight the new waypoint you just created using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER. You can select a special symbol to identify the waypoint on the Map Page. Notice that a course line appears on the map display showing the way to our destination. Imagine you're about to depart. Maybe you're heading out from the marina or you're about to venture into the wilderness. What if you want to return to your present position when you're done for the day? You have two options available: · You can mark your present position now and save it as a waypoint, or · You can use the TracBack feature at the end of the day to retrace your steps ­ following the same path you travelled, but in reverse. For now, we'll mark our present position and save it as a waypoint. (You might want to experiment with the TracBack feature later. It's described on page 58.) To select a GOTO destination, press GOTO and highlight the desired waypoint on the list. (You may also need to select the `All' file tab on the GOTO Page, to see all waypoints 21 currently in memory.) SIMULATOR TOUR Marking Present Position To mark your present position: 1. Press and hold the ENTER/MARK key. The Mark Waypoint Page will appear, with a default three-digit name for the new waypoint in the upper-left portion of the page. Let's call our present position `HOME'. (If you were at home when you initialized your GPS III+, you might want to keep this waypoint in memory for future use!) To rename the waypoint and change its symbol: To mark your present position and save it as a waypoint, press and hold ENTER. A three-digit name is automatically assigned to the waypoint. 1. Use the keypad to highlight the name field, and press ENTER. 2. Enter the new waypoint name (`HOME') using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER. (Remember to use UP/DOWN to change the character and RIGHT to move to the next character field.) 3. Highlight the waypoint symbol field and press ENTER. 4. Select the `Residence' symbol, and press ENTER. 5. Move the cursor to the `DONE?' prompt, and press ENTER. From the Compass Page you can increase/decrease the simulated speed using the UP/DOWN keys on the rocker keypad. 22 Now we have two waypoints in memory and on the map: the city location we saved earlier and `HOME'. It's about time we get started, so let's plug a speed into this simulator to animate the displays! To enter a simulated speed and animate the displays: 1. Press PAGE repeatedly until the Compass Page appears. 2. Enter a simulated speed of `10' (mph or knots) using the rocker keypad. (Press UP on the rocker keypad once to select `10'. The speed readout is on the upper right corner of the Compass Page.) 3. Press PAGE (or QUIT) repeatedly to return to the Map Page. Notice the information on the map display is slowly moving? That's how it would look in actual use as well. The background map information and nearby waypoints will move across the screen, while your current position remains fixed in the center. The other primary navigation screens are the Compass and Highway pages, with the Compass Page appearing first in the sequence of main pages. To view the Compass Page, press PAGE. Bearing Pointer Compass Ring SIMULATOR TOUR Compass Page User-selectable data fields The background map moves while keeping your current position at the center of the map display. The GPS III+'s Compass Page provides graphic steering guidance to a destination waypoint. The middle of the page features a rotating `compass ring' that shows your course over ground (track) while you're moving, and a bearing pointer that indicates the direction of the destination (bearing) relative to the course over ground. The compass ring and pointer arrow work independently to show--at a glance--the direction of your movement and the direction to your destination. If the arrow points up, you are going directly to the waypoint. If the arrow points any direction other than up, turn toward the arrow until it points up--then continue in that direction. The distance to the next waypoint, time to the next waypoint and current speed are displayed to the right of the graphic compass display. To see how all this works on our simulated trip, let's head off course and watch the displays change. To move off course / on course in simulator mode, use the LEFT/RIGHT keys on the rocker keypad. The Compass Page will also guide you to your destination. The rotating `compass ring' shows the direction of travel (track) and the arrow points to your destination (bearing). 23 SIMULATOR TOUR Highway Page Use the LEFT/RIGHT keys on the rocker keypad to move off course / on course. To return to your course, steer toward the highway centerline. When you reach your destination, the highway will end at the waypoint marker. Also note the `distance to next' waypoint readout. If you pass the waypoint the pointer will swing around, pointing down. 24 To view the Highway Page, press PAGE. The Highway Page provides a graphic highway display that shows your movement relative to the desired course. The line down the middle of the highway represents your desired course. As you navigate toward your destination, the highway will actually move, indicating the direction you're off course. To stay on course, simply steer toward the center of the highway. As you approach the waypoint, the highway will end at the final destination. When the waypoint marker is at the bottom center of the highway display, you've arrived at your destination. A track compass also shows your current track directly above the highway display, making it easy to see at a glance which way you're headed. The pointer arrow at the bottom of the page indicates the direction to the destination waypoint (bearing) relative to the direction you are moving (track). If the pointer points straight ahead, you're heading directly to the waypoint. If not, turn in the direction of the pointer and the pointer will swing around, pointing straight ahead as you begin moving toward the destination waypoint. Try moving on course/ off course again using the rocker keypad and watch as the highway display and bearing pointer change. That's it! You've covered the basics and you're ready to venture off on your own. Operating the GPS III+ is just as simple as you've seen here in the Simulator Tour, but in real applications you won't need to change speed and track with the rocker keypad. That's all done automatically utilizing information from the GPS satellites as you move about. Before ending the tour, try a few experiments of your own, such as going back to the `HOME' waypoint, retracing your steps utilizing the TracBack feature, or creating a few more waypoints. Use the Reference section of this manual for more ideas. The GPS III+'s Satellite Status Page provides a visual reference of various receiver functions, including current satellite coverage, receiver operating mode, battery level and position accuracy. As the receiver locks onto satellites, a signal strength bar will appear for each satellite in view, with the appropriate satellite number (01-32) underneath each bar. The progress of satellite acquisition is shown in three stages: · No signal strength bars-- the receiver is looking for the satellites indicated. · Hollow signal strength bars-- the receiver has found the satellite(s) and is collecting data. · Solid signal strength bars-- the receiver has collected the necessary data and the satellite(s) is ready for use. Each satellite has a 30-second data transmission that must be collected (hollow bar status) before that satellite may be used for navigation (solid bar status). Once a fix has been calculated, the GPS III+ will then update your position, track, and speed by selecting and using the best satellites in view. You can also access the GPS III+'s backlight and contrast feature from this page. To adjust the screen contrast and/or backlighting: 1. Press LEFT or RIGHT on the rocker keypad to adjust the level of contrast, and press ENTER to save the new contrast setting. 2. Press UP or DOWN on the rocker keypad to adjust the level of backlighting, and press ENTER to save the new backlight setting. REFERENCE Satellite Status Page The Satellite Status Page shows where the satellites are and how strong the signal is from each one. A solid signal bar means the satellite is ready to use. Sky View and Signal Strength Bars The sky view and signal strength bars give you an indication of what satellites are visible to the receiver, whether or not they are being used to calculate a position fix, and the signal quality. The satellite sky view shows a bird's-eye view of the position of each available satellite relative to the unit's last known position. The outer circle represents the horizon (north up); the inner circle 45º above the horizon; and the center point directly overhead. Use the LEFT/RIGHT keys on the rocker keypad to adjust the screen contrast and the UP/DOWN keys to adjust the backlighting. Press ENTER to save the settings. 25 REFERENCE Satellite Status Page `2D Navigation' means the GPS III+ has determined a horizontal position (latitude/ longitude), but is unable to determine altitude. Additional satellites may be needed. You can use the sky view to help determine if any satellites are being blocked, and whether you have a current position fix (indicated by a `2D Navigation' or `3D Navigation' in the status field). You can also set the sky view to a `Track Up' configuration, causing the top of the sky view to align along your current track heading. When the receiver is looking for a particular satellite, the corresponding signal strength bar will be blank and the sky view indicator will not be highlighted. Once the receiver has found the satellite, a hollow signal strength bar will appear, indicating that the satellite has been found and the receiver is collecting data from it. The satellite number in the sky view will appear highlighted. As soon as the GPS III+ has collected the necessary data to calculate a fix, the status field will indicate a 2D or 3D status. (For `2D', you may need to enter your altitude. See page 29.) Receiver Status Receiver status is indicated at the top left of the page. The status will be shown as one of the following conditions: Searching-- the GPS III+ is looking for any available satellites in view. AutoLocate-- the GPS III+ is initializing and collecting new almanac data. This process can take up to 5 minutes, depending on the satellites currently in view. Acquiring-- the receiver is collecting data from available satellites, but has not collected enough data to calculate a position fix. 2D Navigation-- at least three satellites with good geometry have been locked onto and a 2-dimensional position fix (latitude and longitude) is being calculated. `2D Diff' will appear when you are receiving DGPS corrections in 2D mode. 3D Navigation-- at least four satellites with good geometry have been locked onto, and your position is now being calculated in latitude, longitude and altitude. `3D Diff' will appear when you are receiving DGPS corrections in 3D mode. 26 `3D Navigation' means the GPS III+ has determined a horizontal and vertical position (latitude, longitude and altitude). The receiver is ready for navigation. Poor GPS Coverage-- the receiver isn't tracking enough satellites for a 2D or 3D fix due to bad satellite geometry. Not Usable-- the receiver is unusable, possibly due to incorrect initialization or abnormal satellite conditions. Turn the unit off and back on to reset, and reinitialize the receiver if necessary. Simulating Nav-- the receiver is in simulator mode. `Need to Select Initialization' Prompt If no satellites are received for several minutes (or an insufficient number of satellites are received to determine a position fix) a message will appear, prompting you to initialize the receiver (see page 5). This allows you to specify a starting location from which to search for satellites, or to enable the AutoLocate feature, and is useful if you have traveled over 500 miles with the receiver off. (This message will automatically appear when you first use your GPS III+. The prompt may also appear during normal use if the antenna is shaded or the unit is used indoors.) Battery Level Indicator The Satellite Status Page also features a battery level indicator, located to the left of the sky view, which displays the strength of the unit's batteries. The battery indicator will not appear if the receiver is operating on external power. REFERENCE Satellite Status Page `Poor GPS Coverage' means the receiver isn't tracking enough satellites for a position fix. Check for obstructions, such as trees, buildings, etc. NOTE: The battery level indicator is calibrated for alkaline batteries. NiCad and lithium batteries will display the battery level differently due to voltage differences. To display battery level accurately select the appropriate type, as described on page 77. The GPS III+ features an internal 10-year lithium battery that will maintain the unit's memory when the receiver is not running off batteries or external power. H This message appears if a position fix cannot be determined after several minutes. After acknowledging the message, select `Use Map' or `AutoLocate' from the options list. 27 REFERENCE Satellite Status Page EPE and DOP The Satellite Status Page also indicates the accuracy of the position fix, using Estimated Position Error (EPE) and Dilution of Precision (DOP) figures. DOP measures satellite geometry quality (i.e., number of satellites received and where they are relative to each other) on a scale from one to ten. The lowest numbers are the best accuracy and the highest numbers are the worst. EPE uses DOP and other factors to calculate a horizontal position error, in feet or meters. Satellite Status Page Options Many features of the GPS III+ are menu driven. Each of the main pages has an options menu, allowing you to custom tailor the corresponding page to your preferences and/or select special features which specifically relate to that page. To display the Satellite Status Page Options, press MENU (with the Satellite Status Page displayed). The following Satellite Status Page options are available: Start Simulator-- allows you to activate the GPS III+'s built-in simulator mode. If `Start Simulator' is selected, `Stop Simulator' will appear as an option instead. To activate (deactivate) simulator mode: 1. Highlight `Start Simulator' (or `Stop Simulator') and press ENTER. 2. Highlight `Yes' and press ENTER. The Satellite Status Page Options allow you to enable the built-in simulator, change the sky view orientation or initialize the receiver. `AutoLocate' forces the receiver to search for all satellites (twelve at a time) until enough satellites are found to determine a position. 28 Track Up-- changes the sky view display from `North Up' orientation to align to current direction of travel (track). If `Track Up' is selected, `North Up' will appear as an option instead. To change the sky view orientation: 1. Highlight `Track Up' (or `North Up') and press ENTER. AutoLocate-- forces the GPS III+ to search for any available satellite(s) to determine its position. This option is useful if you've relocated a long distance Satellite Status Page Options (>500 miles) from the last location the GPS III+ was used. To select AutoLocate, highlight `AutoLocate' and press ENTER. Initialize Position-- allows you to designate your approximate position in order to speed up satellite acquisition. This option may be used in lieu of `AutoLocate', above. To initialize your starting position: 1. Highlight `Initialize Position' and press ENTER. 2. Designate your approximate position on the map using the rocker keypad and press ENTER. (You may wish to use the IN/OUT zoom keys to adjust the level of detail displayed, as you determine your approximate position.) REFERENCE Set 2D Altitude-- allows you to designate your approximate altitude, when the GPS III+ is acquiring satellites or navigating in 2D mode. By default, 2D navigation will attempt to use the last known altitude. If the altitude shown is off by several hundred feet (or more), manually entering your approximate altitude will enable the receiver to more accurately determine a position fix. To enter an altitude: 1. Highlight `Set 2D Altitude' and press ENTER. 2. Enter your approximate altitude using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER. `Initialize Position' is used to designate your approximate position directly on the map display. The receiver uses this information to determine which satellites should be in view. With 2D coverage, you will need to enter your approximate altitude. Without an approximate altitude, your position error can be substantial. 29 REFERENCE Contrast and Backlighting Contrast and Backlighting On page 25, we introduced display contrast and backlighting adjustments accessible from the Satellite Status Page. Display settings can also be adjusted from any page, by pressing the red power key. When backlighting is on, a bulb icon will appear on the Satellite Status Page, to the bottom left of the sky view. To adjust the duration of the screen backlighting, refer to the operation setup section (see pg. 77). To adjust the screen contrast and/or backlighting from any page: 1. Press the red power key momentarily. A window will appear showing the current contrast and backlighting settings. 2. Press LEFT or RIGHT on the rocker keypad to adjust the level of contrast, and press ENTER to save the new contrast setting. 3. Press UP or DOWN on the rocker keypad to adjust the level of backlighting, and press ENTER to save the new backlight setting. When screen backlighting is on, a bulb icon will appear in the lower-left corner of the Satellite Status Page. Position Page The second page in the GPS III+'s main page sequence is the Position Page. This page shows you where you are, what direction you're heading, and how fast you're going, and it's most useful when you are traveling without an active destination waypoint. The graphic heading display at the top of the page indicates the direction you're heading, or track, only while you're moving. Directly below this display are the speed, average speed, trip timer, trip odometer and sunrise/sunset fields (default). The sunrise/sunset times indicated are for your present position. These times, and the current time display in the lower-right corner, can be displayed in local or UTC (universal) time. The lower left-hand corner of the page shows your current latitude and longitude in degrees and minutes (default). The GPS III+ uses this basic information to mark exact positions as waypoints, which help guide you from one place to another. Average speed, sunrise and sunset times (at The Position Page shows you where you are, what direction you're heading and how fast you're going. 30 your present position) also appear on the Position Page (as default selections). Units of measure and the position readout are selectable from the Main Menu, as outlined on page 74-75. `Trip Computer' functions--such as average speed, max speed, trip odometer and trip timer--can each be reset from the Main Menu, as described on page 74. Many features of the GPS III+ are menu driven. Each of the main pages has an options menu, allowing you to custom tailor the corresponding page to your preferences and/or select special features which specifically relate to that page. To display the Position Page Options, press MENU (with the Position Page displayed). The following options are available: Average Position-- allows you to average position samples over time and save the averaged result as a waypoint. Averaging reduces the effects of selective availability on position error and results in a more accurate position reading. To average position samples and save the result as a waypoint: 1. Highlight `Average Position' and press ENTER. The Average Position Page will appear. Observe the `Estimated Accuracy' and `Measurement Count' fields. 2. When the `Estimated Accuracy' and/or `Measurement Count' figures reach the desired value(s), highlight `Save' and press ENTER. (To cancel the averaging function, highlight `Discard' and press ENTER.) 3. The New Waypoint Page appears with a three-digit number assigned as a name for the new waypoint. To save the waypoint with this name, highlight `Done' and press ENTER. Or, 4. To change the waypoint name, highlight the waypoint name field and press ENTER. Use the rocker keypad to enter a new name for this waypoint and press ENTER when finished. Highlight `Done' and press ENTER to save the waypoint. REFERENCE Position Page Options The Position Page Options allow you to average position samples and save the result as a waypoint, change data fields or restore factory defaults. When averaging positions to create a waypoint, observe the `Estimated Accuracy' and `Measurement Count' figures. When they reach the desired value(s), highlight `Save' and 31 press ENTER. REFERENCE Position Page Options Change Fields-- allows you to choose the data displayed on the six user-selectable data fields. Available data types are: Altitude, Average (Avg) Speed, Battery (Bat) Timer, Max Speed, Odometer, Speed, Sunrise (at present position), Sunset (at present position), Track, Trip Odometer, Trip Timer, User Timer and Voltage. See page 95 for descriptions of navigation terms. To change a data field: 1. Highlight `Change Fields' and press ENTER. 2. Highlight the data field you wish to change (using the rocker keypad) and press ENTER. 3. Select the type of data you want to appear on this field and press ENTER. `Change Fields' allows you to custom tailor the information that appears on the Position Page. Select the desired data type from the list. Restore Defaults-- resets all data fields to the factory default settings. To restore the factory default settings, highlight `Restore Defaults' and press ENTER. `Restore Defaults' will override any data field changes you've made to the Position Page, reverting back to the factory default settings. 32 The GPS III+ features a powerful real-time moving map that can do much more than just plot your course and route. The Map Page also displays background detail, including geographic names, lakes, rivers, coastlines and highways. An on-screen cursor lets you pan ahead to nearby waypoints, determine the distance and bearing to any map position, mark new waypoints while you navigate or retrieve exit information. The GPS III+ also features dedicated zoom keys for instant zooming (see pg. 2). The map portion of the page displays your present position as a pointer icon, with your track and/or route displayed as small points on the screen (an electronic bread crumb trail, if you will). Nearby waypoints are represented with names and symbols. You may select which features are shown via the Map Page Options (see pg. 36). The data window beside (or above when display is vertical) the map displays the time and distance to next waypoint, plus your current speed (all defaults). A bearing pointer lets you know if you're heading toward your destination. (If the pointer points straight ahead, you're heading directly to it.) Each data field may be configured to display any one of twenty-four data options. Zooming and Panning There are three main functions you can perform from the Map Page: zooming, panning, and pointing. The map has 24 map scales (from 120 feet to 500 miles, or 30 meters to 800 km) which are selected by pressing the IN and OUT zoom keys. The current map scale is indicated in the bottom left corner of the map display. To change the map scale: 1. Press zoom IN to see a smaller area with more detail. 2. Press zoom OUT to see a larger area with less detail. REFERENCE Map Page The Map Page displays a digital map, including lakes, rivers, highways, highway exits and towns. Zoom IN to see more detail for a smaller area. Zoom OUT to see a larger area. 33 REFERENCE Map Page Another function on the Map Page is the pan function, which allows you to move the map with the keypad in order to view areas beyond the current map. To activate the pan function: 1. Use the rocker keypad to move the map in any direction, including diagonally. Use the rocker keypad to pan away from your present position. Place the arrow on a waypoint and press ENTER to see more information. As you begin to pan on the map, an arrow appears. This arrow will serve as a target marker for the map. When the arrow is placed on an object, the name of that object will be highlighted. (If the name wasn't originally displayed it will appear when the arrow is placed on the object.) This feature applies to waypoints, roads, lakes, rivers--pretty much everything displayed except route lines and track log data. When a waypoint name is highlighted, you can review information about the waypoint, list waypoint options, or execute a GOTO right from the Map Page. To select an on-screen waypoint with the panning arrow: 1. Use the rocker keypad to highlight the desired waypoint. 2. Press ENTER to review information for the selected waypoint. 3. To exit the information page, press QUIT. To GOTO a highlighted waypoint: By placing the panning arrow over an on-screen waypoint and pressing GOTO, you won't have to manually select your destination from the GOTO Page. 1. With the waypoint highlighted, press GOTO, followed by ENTER. The GOTO function can be used anywhere on the map. If a waypoint or highway exit is not highlighted, a new waypoint (called `MAP') will be created at the arrow location before the GOTO is initiated. To cancel the pan function and re-center the map on your position: 1. Press the QUIT key. 34 Highway exit information is also available when using the pan function. Simply place the panning pointer over the exit location to retrieve additional information--including available services--about the exit. Exit information is generally limited to interstate highways and is categorized into two types: Common Exits-- traditional ramp, cloverleaf or intersection exits. Special Exits-- rest areas, service areas, toll booths, welcome centers and weigh stations. Common exits are depicted with an open square icon when services are available and a filled-gray square icon when no services are available. To display available services for an exit shown on the map page: 1. Use the rocker keypad to place the panning arrow on the desired exit. A window will appear showing the exit number, along with icons depicting the available services. 2. Press ENTER to display the Exit Info Page for the selected exit. The Exit Info Page shows the number of available services, and the bearing and distance to the exit location. 3. Highlight the "View" button at the bottom of the page and press ENTER to display the Services Near Exit List. The Services Near Exit List shows a service icon and the name for each available service. 4. Highlight the desired service and press ENTER to display an Exit Service Detail Page. This page provides a checklist of available services--such as fuels, parking, convenience stores, etc. 5. Press QUIT, as often as needed, to back out of each exit services page. If you continue to press QUIT, you will return to the Map Page. REFERENCE Map Page: Exits For a selected highway exit, the Exit Info Page displays the number of available services and icons depicting the type of available services. The Exit Services Detail Page provides a checklist of available services. Start from the Services Near Exit List and select the desired service to display this page. 35 REFERENCE Map Page Options A full-screen map, without the data fields, is available by selecting the `Data Fields Off' option. Many GPS III+ features are menu driven. Each of the main pages has an options menu, allowing you to custom tailor the corresponding page to your preferences and/or select special features which specifically relate to that page. To display the Map Page Options, press MENU (with the Map Page displayed). The following options are available: Data Fields On/Off-- allows you to toggle between a full-screen map display or the default map display with data window. If the data fields are off, `Data Fields On' will appear as an option instead and vice-versa. To turn the data fields off (or on), highlight `Data Fields Off' (or `Data Fields On') and press ENTER. Change Fields-- allows you to choose the data displayed on four user-selectable data fields. There are twenty-four available data types, including Average (AVG) Speed, Bearing, Distance, ETA to Destination (DEST), Speed, Time to Destination (DEST), Track and a Trip Odometer. See page 95 for descriptions of navigation terms. To change a data field: 1. Highlight `Change Fields' and press ENTER. 2. Highlight the data field you wish to change and press ENTER. 3. Select the type of data you want to appear on this field and press ENTER. 36 The `Change Fields' option allows you to select the desired data you wish to display in the four user-selectable fields (along the right-hand side of the map page). MapSource Info-- shows the number of maps downloaded from the optional MapSource software package and the amount of memory used (in kilobytes). MapSource allows you to supplement the built-in map with up to 1.44 MB of additional detail, including residential streets and topographic information. Each downloaded map is described by name, and may be deselected if you wish to retain the map in memory, but not display the data on the Map Page. (When a MapSource file is selected, the boundary for any downloaded map is shown on the Map Page as a gray shaded outline.) To display the MapSource Info Page: 1. Highlight `MapSource Info' and press ENTER. 2. Use the rocker keypad to scroll through the list of downloaded maps. 3. To select/deselect a map, highlight the box to the immediate left of the desired map. Press ENTER to select/deselect the map. The map is selected and will be displayed on the Map Page when an "X" appears in the box adjacent to that map. 4. To Enable/Disable All maps, press MENU from the MapSource Info Page, select the desired setting, and press ENTER. REFERENCE Map Page Options The MapSource Info page lists any detailed maps that have been downloaded from the optional MapSource software package. Measure Dist-- allows you to measure the bearing and distance between any two points on the map display. To measure bearing and distance between two points: 1. Highlight `Measure Dist' and press ENTER. An on-screen pointer will appear on the map display at your present position. 2. Move the cursor to the desired reference point (the point you want to measure from) and press ENTER. 3. Move the cursor to the point you want to measure to. The bearing and distance from the reference point will be displayed at the top of the page. When using the `Measure Dist' option, the arrow includes an `Enter Reference' prompt and the arrow position appears at the top of the map display. 37 REFERENCE Map Page Options The 'Nearest to Pntr' option will only be available when the pointer is moved on the screen. Nearest to Pntr (Pointer)-- allows you to view the bearing and distance of the nine nearest waypoints, 50 nearest cities, 50 exits on the nearest (interstate) highway and 50 geo (geographical) points nearest to the map pointer. The nearest locations pages are organized by a series of `file tabs' (denoting categories for Waypoints, Cities, Exits and Geo Points) and display the bearing (BRG) and distance (DST) to each nearby location for the selected tab (category). The lists are continuously updated as you're moving and provide quick access to the closest points of safety in an emergency. To view points nearest the map pointer: 1. Use the rocker keypad to move the cursor to the desired position on the Map Page. 2. Press the MENU key, then highlight 'Nearest to Pntr' and press ENTER. 3. Highlight the appropriate tab (Waypoints, Cities, Exits or Geo Pnts) for the desired nearest list. 4. Scroll through the list using the UP/DOWN portion of the rocker keypad. To view additional information for a nearby item: 1. Scroll through the selected nearest list (as described above) and highlight the desired item (Waypoint, City, Exit or Geo Pnts). 38 The exit with the arrow to the left of the number is the next exit ahead, given your direction of travel. Exits which appear above in the list are the closest the opposite direction. 2. Press ENTER to display the info page for the selected item. 3. For waypoints, the information is displayed on the Waypoint Edit Page. You can edit the waypoint's location, name, symbol, etc. from this page, as outlined on pages 50-51. 4. For cities, the information includes state, country, size or reference, and position. You can show the map area for the city, save it as a waypoint or switch between city size and reference information as described on pages 69-70. 5. For exits, all the exit services information (described on page 35) is available. You can show the map area for the point or save it as a waypoint. 6. For geo points, the information includes geographic points, rivers/lakes, park areas and airports. If you do not have optional MapSource data loaded, only airports will be shown. You can show the map area for the point or save it as a waypoint. REFERENCE Map Page Options Options menus available from the Cities, Exits and Geo Pnts info pages allow you to select special features which specifically relate to that page. Show Map-- allows you to return to the map, centered on the selected item. While viewing the map display, you can also use the IN and OUT zoom keys to see additional detail. To view the map area around an item on the City, Exit, or Geo Pnts Info Pages: 1. Press MENU, then select `Show Map' (from the Info Page Options) and press ENTER. Press QUIT to return to the previous screen. Menu options for Geo Pnts. Save As Waypnt-- creates a waypoint at the item location and saves it in memory. If the item name is longer than six characters, it will be abbreviated when creating the waypoint. To save an item as a waypoint from the City, Exit, or Geo Pnt Info Page: 1. Press MENU, then select `Save As Waypnt' and press ENTER. 2. With `Done' highlighted, press ENTER to save the new waypoint. Show Reference (For cities only)-- See page 70 for details. Items with names longer than six characters will be abbreviated when saved as a waypoint or activated as an active GOTO. 39 REFERENCE Map Page Options Geo Pnts setup allows you to choose what category items are to be displayed. Options menus are also available for the Cities, Exits and Geo Pnts lists which allow you to select special features which specifically relate to that page. These options include a setup feature to exclude those item categories you don't wish to view and a setting to restore defaults. To view these options press MENU from the nearest Cities, Exits or Geo Pnts lists. Cities/Exits/Geo Pnts Setup-- allows you to designate which item categories you wish to display on the City, Exit services or Geo Pnts list pages. See page 54 for setup instructions. Restore Defaults-- resets all options to the factory default settings for the current list only. To restore the factory default settings, highlight `Restore Defaults' (from any list option window) and press ENTER. Pressing MENU from the Services Near Exit page displays options for the Services Near Exit List. See page 54 for details. 40