Cobra Electronics GPS 100 User Manual

The user is responsible for operating this product wisely. The product is intended for use only as a navigational aid and should not be used when precise measurement of direction, location, distance or topography is required.

GPS (Global Positioning System) is operated by the U.S. government, which is solely responsible for its accuracy and maintenance. The system is subject to changes, which could affect the accuracy and performance of GPS equipment.

Remove the batteries from the unit if you do not expect to use it for months at a time. As with any batteries, leakage can occur. When re-installing batteries, observe proper polarity.

Warning: If you choose to use this device in a vehicle, it is the sole responsibility of the operator of the vehicle to use this device in a safe manner. Be careful to avoid being distracted from safe and proper driving practices.

Warning: If you choose to use this device in a vehicle, it is the sole responsibility of the operator 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 receiver over airbag panels or in a place where the driver or passengers are likely to have an impact with the device in an accident or collision.

Cobra Electronics Corporation reserves the right to change or improve information in this manual without notice. Please visit www.cobra.com for updates or questions.

Customer Support

In this user's manual, you should find all the information you need to operate your GPS 100. If you require further assistance after reading through this manual, Cobra

Electronics offers the following customer support services: In the USA:

Automated Help Desk is available in English 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 773-889-3087.

Customer Service Operators are available in English and Spanish at 773-889-3087 Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST.

Questions can be faxed to 773-622-2269. Automated Technical Assistance is available

in English or Spanish 24 hours, 7 days a week via e-mail at: productinfo@cobra.com

On-line answers to frequently asked questions (in English only) can be found at: www.cobra.com.

Outside the U.S.A., please contact your local dealer.

Non-English Manuals

The GPS 100 is equipped to communicate in the language of your choice: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish or Swedish, (see “System PageSettings: Languages,” page 36).

For operating instructions in Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish or Swedish please visit

www.cobra.com/gps-manuals.html.

Important Information

FCC Compliance

This device complies with Class B of the FCC rules.

Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. It must accept any interference received, including that which may cause undesirable operation.

CAUTION

WARNING

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

Operating Instructions for Your

GPS 100

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM RECEIVER

ENGLISH

Go to Table of Contents

Congratulations!

You’ve made a smart choice by purchasing the GPS 100 Global Positioning System receiver from Cobra

. Designed to give you access to the most advanced satellite navigation technology available, your GPS 100 offers you these sophisticated features and capabilities:

Features:

• Cobra®EXCLUSIVE 18-channel technology gives you the quickest acquisition time of any handheld recreational GPS receiver available

• Locks on to signals from satellites. Delivers accurate positioning within as little as 3 meters

• Indicates direction of travel to your destination with a compass pointer

• Displays current position, altitude, bearing, time of day, current speed of travel, average speed throughout your trip and estimated time of arrival at your destination

• Stores up to 500 navigational waypoints

• Lets you program and store a navigational route using up to 50 waypoints

• Displays the route to your destination and your progress along that route

• Automatically tracks your travel, and shows you how to return along the same track (up to 10 separate tracks can be stored)

• Up to 100 map datums to choose from

• Display screen can be backlit for maximum visibility

• Is waterproof to IXP7 (submerged 1 meter for 30 minutes) standards and can operate in temperatures from 5˚F to 158˚F (-15˚C to 70˚C)

GPS 100

PAGE button

ZOOM OUT button

ZOOM IN button

POWER and Backlight button

D-Ring Fastener

Battery Compartment door

External power connector cover

Lanyard connector loop

ENTER button

Backlit display screen

Lanyard connector loop

GPS 100

Global Positioning System

ZOOM IN/OUT buttons

POWER and Backlight button

ZOOM IN/OUT buttons

Go to Table of Contents

Important Information........................................................................................................ A1

Product Features ............................................................................................................... A2–A3

Welcome.......................................................................................................................... 1

GPS General Information .................................................................................................... 2–4

Basic Operation................................................................................................................. 5–7

Installing Batteries...................................................................................................... 5

Using the Buttons....................................................................................................... 5–6

Tur ning the Power On ................................................................................................. 6

Powersaver Mode....................................................................................................... 6

Navigating with the GPS 100 ...................................................................................... 7

The Five Main Pages.......................................................................................................... 8

2.1 Map Page.................................................................................................................. 9–10

2.2 Gauges Page.............................................................................................................. 11–12

2.3 Trip Meter Page.......................................................................................................... 13–14

2.4 Nav Data Page........................................................................................................... 15–30

Waypoints................................................................................................................. 15–18

Tracks....................................................................................................................... 19–20

Route ....................................................................................................................... 21–25

Delete Options........................................................................................................... 26–28

Editing Text ............................................................................................................... 29

Sort or Search ........................................................................................................... 30

2.5 System Page ............................................................................................................. 31–38

Alert................................................................................................................................ 39

GPS General Information .................................................................................................... 40–42

Specifications.................................................................................................................... 43

Maintenance and Service.................................................................................................... 44

Index............................................................................................................................... 45–46

Accessories....................................................................................................................... 47

Declaration of Conformity ................................................................................................... 47

Warranty.......................................................................................................................... 47

Order Form....................................................................................................................... 48

3 4 5 6 7 8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GPS GENERAL INFORMATION

GPS Basics

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based radionavigation system. It consists of 24 satellites, which orbit the Earth at an altitude of approximately 11,000 miles, and ground stations. GPS provides users with accurate information on position, velocity and time. This is available anywhere in the world and in most weather conditions.

GPS was initiated in 1973 to reduce the proliferation of navigation aids by the United States Department of Defense. By creating a robust system that overcame the limitations of many previously existing navigation systems, GPS became attractive to a broader spectrum of users. GPS has been successful in classic applications such as aviation and marine navigation since it was first developed. Since then, it has become useful for a wide range of people because its capabilities are accessible using small, affordable equipment. What was once available only in very expensive equipment, Cobra

brings to you with our high-quality line of affordable

handheld GPS receivers

How GPS Works

GPS uses a global network of 24 satellites that transmit radio signals to earth from high earth orbit. Thankfully for users, the United States has offered free use of the system to the international community. Many international user groups have accepted GPS as the core for an international civil satellite navigation capability.

GPS service provides users with extremely accurate positioning information anywhere on or near the surface of the earth. To accomplish this, each of the 24 satellites emits signals to receivers below. GPS determines location by computing the difference between the time that a signal is sent and the time it is received. GPS satellites carry atomic clocks that provide extremely accurate time information. The time information is placed in the codes broadcast by the

satellite so that a receiver can continuously determine the time the signal was broadcast. The signal contains data that your Cobra

GPS receiver uses to compute the locations of the satellites and to make other adjustments needed for accurate positioning. Your Cobra

GPS receiver uses the time difference between the time of signal reception and the broadcast time to compute the distance, or range, from the receiver to the satellite. With information about the ranges to four satellites and the location of each satellite when the signal was sent, your Cobra

receiver can compute its own three-dimensional position: latitude, longitude, and altitude. People think of GPS as having three segments: the control, space and user segments. What follows is a little information about each segment.

Control Segment

The Control Segment of GPS consists of the Master Control Station, Monitor Stations and Ground Antennas.

The one master control station, located at Falcon Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA is responsible for overall management of the remote monitoring and transmission sites. As the center for support operations, it calculates any position or clock errors for each individual satellite, based on information received from the monitor stations. Then it "orders" the appropriate ground antennas to relay the corrective information back to that satellite.

Five monitor stations are located at Falcon Air Force Base in Colorado, Hawaii, Ascension Island in the Atlantic Ocean, Diego Garcia Atoll in the Indian Ocean and Kwajalein Island in the South Pacific Ocean. Each of the monitor stations checks the exact altitude, position, speed and overall health of the orbiting satellites. The control segment uses measurements collected by the monitor stations to predict each satellite's orbit and clock. The prediction data is up-linked, or transmitted, to the satellites for transmission back to the

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WELCOME TO THE COBRA®GPS 100

 “GoTo” on

Map Page

 “GoTo” on

Gauges Page

 Navigate

Route On Map Page

 Navigate

Route on Gauges Page

Making Travel Easier

Your Cobra®GPS 100 receiver makes travel easier through three major ways:

GoTo a Waypoint – The GPS 100 guides you in a straight line

to a single point. (See  and  )

Navigate a Route – The GPS 100 gives you the opportunity to

select two or more waypoints to create a route. You can then use your GPS 100 to guide you in a straight line from point to point through your stored route. (See  and  )

Navigate a Track – The GPS 100 automatically keeps a record

of your progress as you travel and gives you a graphic representation or “track log” of the path or track you have taken. You can use the track log to create a track that you can recall for navigation. The track can be navigated in the forward or the reverse direction of the original travel. (See  and  )

This manual is designed to help you take advantage of these and our many other features. We suggest that you begin by reading the “General Information” and “System Sections” first. If you are not familiar with the satellite navigation technology, these will help you understand the basics. Then, take your Cobra

GPS receiver outside and practice while you read the

sections on how to operate it.

 Navigate

Track on Map Page

 Navigate

Track on Gauges Page

Go to Table of Contents

GPS GENERAL INFORMATION

users. The control segment also ensures that the GPS satellite orbits and clocks remain as designed. A station can track up to 11 satellites at a time. Each station performs this "check-up" twice a day, as the satellites complete their journeys around the earth. Noted variations, such as those caused by the gravity of the moon and sun and the pressure of solar radiation, are passed along to the master control station.

The last of the three pieces of the control segment of GPS are the ground antennas. Ground antennas monitor and track the satellites from horizon to horizon. They also transmit correction information to individual satellites.

Space Segment

The space segment includes the satellites and the Delta rockets that launch the satellites from Cape Canaveral in Florida. GPS satellites fly in circular orbits at an altitude of 10,900 miles (17,500 km) and with a period of 12 hours. The orbits are tilted to the earth's equator by 55 degrees to ensure coverage of the polar regions. Powered by solar cells, the satellites continuously orient themselves to point their solar panels toward the sun and their antenna toward the earth. Each of the 24 satellites, positioned in 6 orbital planes, circles the earth twice a day.

The satellites are composed of three major subsystems: Solar Panels, Internal Components and External Components.

Solar Panels Each satellite is equipped with solar array panels. These

panels capture energy from the sun, which provides power for the satellite throughout its life.

Inter

nal Components

Internal components are subsystems such as atomic clocks and radio transmitters. Each satellite contains four atomic clocks. These clocks are accurate to a nanosecond

or a billionth of a second. The atomic clocks within the satellites are so accurate because even an extremely small time inaccuracy would translate into a extremely large position difference (1/100 of a second inaccuracy translates to a position difference of 1,860 miles to any GPS receiver).

Exter

nal Components

The exterior of the GPS satellite has a variety of antennas. The signals generated by the radio transmitter are sent to your Cobra

GPS receiver via L-band antennas. Another component of the satellite is the radio transmitter, which generates the signal. Each of the 24 satellites transmits its own unique code in the signal.

User Segment

You and your Cobra

GPS receiver are a part of the user segment along with many other private individuals and military personnel and their GPS receivers. Military GPS equipment has been integrated into fighters, bombers, tankers, helicopters, ships, submarines, tanks, jeeps and soldiers' equipment. GPS is also used on Space Shuttles.

Cutting-edge Satellite navigation technology coupled with your Cobra®GPS receiver can help overcome many of the hardships and hazards associated with recreation. Your Cobra

GPS receiver allows you to go practically anywhere with confidence knowing precisely where you are at all times. With your Cobra

GPS receiver, you will be able to record accurately any location and return to that precise spot time and again, any time, anywhere.

GPS GENERAL INFORMATION

Data Field Choices Descriptions

Your Cobra®GPS 100 has the ability to display various types of information to you. In order to take advantage of the rich information available to you, it is important that you understand the meaning of certain terms. Below is a list of terms that will aid you in using your Cobra

GPS 100.

Accuracy - the distance within which the unit can accurately

locate a position

Avg Speed - average speed throughout the current

navigation

Bearing - the direction you are currently heading Date - the current date Destination - the destination is the last point on a route, or

the end of a track

Elevation - your current elevation above sea level ETA - Estimated Time of Arrival, based on the average speed

you have traveled over the course of your entire route or track

Location - your current location shown in degrees/minutes

of latitude and longitude

Max Speed - the highest speed that you have traveled

during the current navigation

Odometer - total cumulative distance traveled since the last

time the odometer was reset

Power - power icon showing power source (external or

battery), battery charge level, and backlight On or Off

Speed - your current speed Time - the current time in your selected time zone Trip Odom - the distance traveled since the last time the trip

odometer was reset

Trip Time - the trip time is the total time that has elapsed

during your current navigation since your last reset

Set Data Display

Map Page

Set Data Display

Gauges Page

Set Data Display

Trip Meter Page

Go to Table of Contents

Installing Batteries  

Your GPS 100 operates on two standard AA batteries (not included). Always use high-quality alkaline batteries. To install batteries, twist the D-ring connector counterclockwise (anticlockwise) and remove the battery compartment cover. Insert two AA batteries ensuring correct polarity alignment. Replace the battery compartment cover and twist the D-ring clockwise to lock.

As an optional power source, an Automotive Power Adapter (not included, see “Optional Accessories”, page 47) can be used with your GPS 100.

Using the Buttons

You can access all features of your GPS 100 by using three buttons. After reading the general explanations below, please refer to “Using the Map Page,” page 9, to begin using the buttons to operate your unit.

The POWER Button 

Pressing and holding the POWER button for 2 seconds will turn the device on or off.

With the unit turned on, pressing and releasing the POWER button will turn on the display backlight. The display will remain lit until no buttons have been pushed for 15 seconds (for more details, see page 31).

The PAGE Button 

Pressing and releasing the PAGE button allows you to cycle through the five main pages (described in the next section). If you have proceeded to one of the menus (described later in this manual), the PAGE button is an “escape” key, allowing you to exit the menu and return to the main page. At any time, press and hold the PAGE button for 2 seconds to display the Page List menu. From this menu you can go directly to any main page.

The ZOOM IN/OUT Button 

When a map is displayed, you can use the ZOOM IN/OUT button to zoom in or zoom out on the image of the map. Also, whenever you see a menu of selections, using the ZOOM IN/OUT button allows you to scroll through the selections displayed. A side scroll bar next to a menu indicates that more selections can be viewed by scrolling beyond the bottom or top of the list that is currently visible.

continued

BASIC OPERATION

 

 ZOOM IN/OUT Button

 PAGE Button

 POWER Button

BASIC OPERATION

The ENTER Button 

Pressing and releasing the ENTER button accepts a highlighted selection.

The ENTER button can also be used as a Waypoint shortcut. To mark a new waypoint using current location, press and

hold the ENTER button for 2 seconds. A confirmation window will pop up.

Turning the Power On  

To turn on your GPS 100, press and hold the POWER button for 2 seconds. A start-up screen appears for a few seconds, followed by a screen that shows that the unit is attempting to lock onto signals from GPS satellites. Once three satellite signals have been acquired, the screen will automatically switch to the Map page and the unit is ready to use.

NOTE: The unit must be outside with a clear view of the sky to acquire satellite signals for navigation.

To turn the power off, press and hold the POWER button for 2 seconds.

Powersaver Mode  

If you wish to save battery power while using just the non-navigational features of your unit, you can turn GPS navigation off. To do so, select “No” and press the ENTER button before the screen automatically changes to the Map page.

In Powersaver Mode, no GPS functions will be available until you turn GPS back on. To do so, please refer to page 33 of this manual.

NOTE: You can turn GPS off at any time. Please see “Turning GPS Off and On,” page 33.

 ENTER Button



ENTER Button



Power Button



GPS Status Screen



Startup Screen

NOTE: When you use the GPS 100 for the first time, it will take up to

approximately 50 seconds to lock on to the GPS satellites.

Go to Table of Contents

BASIC OPERATION

Navigating with the GPS 100

Your GPS 100 receives signals from Global Positioning System satellites that are in fixed orbits (stationary relative to the ground) around the earth. By acquiring – or locking onto – the signals from at least three satellites, your unit can use triangulation to precisely determine your current position, elevation above sea level and bearing (the direction you are traveling). As you travel, the unit automatically acquires the strongest satellite signals available at your current location. By becoming familiar with the unit’s basic operating features, you will be able to use its powerful navigational capabilities.

Waypoint 

A waypoint is a specific location that you ask the unit to record. In this manual, you will learn how to mark your current location as a waypoint, or set the coordinates for a waypoint anywhere in the world. You can create and store up to 500 waypoints. You can have the unit show you the direction of travel to an individual waypoint, or how to navigate along a series of waypoints.

Track 

Your GPS 100 automatically keeps a record of your travel, called a track. The unit shows you a map-like picture of your track. You can create and store up to 10 different tracks. Each track can be recalled and used for navigation as the unit shows you how to retrace the track again, either forward or in the reverse direction. When traveling in unfamiliar territory, this is a quick and easy way to make sure you always know how to get back to your starting point.

Route 

A route is a series of waypoints which you choose to navigate in a specific sequence. Up to 50 waypoints may be stored in a route. Once you have created a route, your GPS 100 will guide you from waypoint to waypoint. As you reach each waypoint, the unit automatically begins navigating to the next one.

Trip Meter 

Along with the navigational features, the trip meter in your GPS 100 keeps accurate time, allowing it to precisely calculate your speed of travel, average speed throughout your trip and estimated time of arrival (ETA) if you have chosen a destination.

THE FIVE MAIN PAGES

 Waypoint

 Track

 Route

 Trip Meter

The Five Main Pages

In the following sections of this manual, you will learn how to use five main pages to access all the features of your GPS 100:

Map Page 

The Map page displays a map of your current position in relation to any waypoints that you have selected. It can show you the direction of travel to a selected destination. The Map page also shows you the track that you have traveled along. If you have created a route, the map can show you that route and your current position on it. (See page 9)

Gauges Page 

The Gauges page displays a compass that shows your current direction of travel or the direction to your next waypoint. The data field currently showing “speed” is user-selectable. (See page 11)

Trip Meter Page 

The Trip Meter page displays a number of user-selectable fields with information about your current location, the progress you have made, your direction of travel, your speed of travel and the time of your trip. (See page 13)

Nav Data Page 

The Nav Data page allows you to store and select waypoints for navigation, use the unit’s automatic tracking feature and program and recall a route to selected destinations. (See page 15)

System Page 

The System page allows you to choose the various settings and formats that the unit uses to navigate and display information. (See page 31)

NOTE: Whenever satellite lock is lost or GPS is turned OFF, certain animation icons (below) appear on screen and continue to loop until GPS is ON and/or satellite lock is re-acquired. (See page 41)

Animation sequence that appears when satellite lock is lost

Animation sequence that appears when GPS is turned OFF

 Map Page  Gauges Page

 Trip Meter

Page

 Nav Data

Page

 System Page

Go to Table of Contents

2.1

MAP PAGE

2.1

MAP PAGE

Map Page 

The Map page displays a graphic representation of the navigation currently in progress. Any waypoints, routes or tracks that you are using will be displayed. A black ▲ (triangle) in the middle points to the direction you are currently traveling. A data field at the bottom of the screen shows you information of your choosing about your position or navigation. You can zoom in and out on the map image by using the ZOOM IN/OUT button. You have a number of options for customizing the display, (details below).

Selecting Options  

From the Map page, press and release the ENTER button to display the Map Page Options menu. Use the ZOOM IN/OUT button to scroll through the menu sections, then press the ENTER button to go to the highlighted option. Use the ZOOM IN/OUT button again to highlight your choice, then press the ENTER button to select it. Press the PAGE button to return to the main page.

Orient Option  

Highlight and select ORIENT to designate the orientation of the map display. To make the screen always represent magnetic north, highlight and select NORTH UP (see ). To make the screen always represent the direction of travel, highlight and select TRACK UP (see ).

Set Data Option   

Highlight and select SET DATA to choose the information about your current position or navigation that you want to be displayed at the bottom of the Map page. Highlight and select FULL MAP to show the entire image of the map currently in use (see ). Highlight and select from the following for display at the bottom of the page: Accuracy, Average Speed, Bearing, Date, Destination, Elevation, ETA, Location, Maximum Speed, Odometer, Power, Speed, Time, Trip Odometer,Trip Time (see ). (For more information about the optional data selections, see “Data Descriptions,” page 4)

continued

 Map Page

(North Up)

 Select Options

 Orient Map

Display

 Set Data

Display

Using the Map Page

 Full Map

(Track Up)

Using the Map Page

 Set Auto Zoom  Map Details

 Defaults

On/Off

 Stop Nav

On/Off

Map Detail Option  

Highlight and select DETAIL to show/hide any or all of the details to be displayed on the map. These details include names of waypoints, waypoint symbols, your navigational route and travel completed so far (track).*

Auto Zoom Option  

Highlight and select AUTO ZOOM to turn this feature on or off. When this feature is on, the scale of the map adjusts automatically to show the entire navigation currently in progress. When this feature is off, you adjust the scale of the map manually using the ZOOM IN/OUT button.*

Stop Nav Option  

To stop the current navigation (GoTo, Route or Track), highlight and select STOP NAV. Highlight and select YES to stop. Highlight and select NO to make the current navigation continue.*

Defaults Option  

Highlight and Select DEFAULTS to restore all original default Map page settings. Highlight and select YES to restore original settings to map Orientation = North Up; Data field information = Speed; map Details shown = Names, Symbols, Route, Track; Auto Zoom = On. Highlight and select NO to maintain all current settings.

*See “Using the Nav Data Page,” page 15, to learn about this feature.

Go to Table of Contents

2.2

GAUGES PAGE

2.2

GAUGES PAGE

Using the Gauges Page

 Compass

 Select Options

 Bearing

 Pointer

Settings

Gauges Page 

The Gauges page displays a compass that indicates direction of travel. It can show the direction you are currently traveling or the direction from your current position to the next waypoint in your navigation.

Selecting Options  

From the Gauges page, press and release the ENTER button to display the Gauges Page Options menu. Use the ZOOM IN/OUT button to scroll through the menu sections, then press the ENTER button to go to the highlighted option. Use the ZOOM IN/OUT button again to highlight your choice, then press the ENTER button to select it. Press the PAGE button to return to the main page.

Pointer Options      

Highlight and select POINTER to designate the compass display information about your course . Highlight and select BEARING to make the compass indicate the direction to your next waypoint . Highlight and select COURSE to make the compass indicate direction to your next waypoint with arrows that show if you are on course  or left  or right  of course. This display also shows how many feet or meters off course you are currently.*

 Right of

Course

 Left of Course  On Course

continued

*See “Using the Nav Data Page,” page 15, to learn about this feature.

Using the Gauges Page

Set Data Option   

Highlight and select SET DATA to choose information about your current position or navigation that you want displayed at the bottom of the Gauges page. You may highlight and select from the following: Accuracy, Average Speed, Bearing, Date, Destination, Elevation, ETA, Location, Maximum Speed, Odometer, Power, Speed, Time, Trip Odometer, Trip Time. (For more information about the optional data selections, see “Data Descriptions,” page 4)

Stop Nav Option  

To stop the current navigation (GoTo, Route or Track), highlight and select STOP NAV. Highlight and select YES to stop. Highlight and select NO to make the current navigation continue.*

Defaults Option  

Highlight and Select DEFAULTS to restore all original default Gauges page settings. Highlight and select YES to restore original settings to Pointer = Bearing; Data field information = Speed. Highlight and select NO to maintain all current settings.

*See “Using the Nav Data Page,” page 15, to learn about this feature.

 Set Data List

 Stop Nav

Yes/No

 Restore

Defaults Yes/No

 Data from

Set Data List Displays on Gauges Page

Go to Table of Contents

+ 19 hidden pages