Garmin 176C, 176 user manual

GPSMAP 176C/176

chartplotting receiver

owner’s
manual
and
reference
guide

© Copyright 2001-2002 GARMIN Ltd. or its subsidiaries

GARMIN International, Inc.
1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A.
Tel. [phone] or 800/800.1020
Fax [phone]

GARMIN (Europe) Ltd.
Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9AQ, U.K.
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]

GARMIN Corporation

nd

No. 68, Jangshu 2

Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]

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 the express prior written consent of GARMIN. GARMIN hereby grants permission to download a single copy of
this manual and of any revision to this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of this manual or of any
revision hereto, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any
unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly prohibited.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. GARMIN 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 or improvements.

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.

GARMIN® and AutoLocate® are registered trademarks, and MapSource™, BlueChart™ and MetroGuide™ are trademarks of GARMIN Ltd. or its subsidiaries and
may not be used without the express permission of GARMIN.

June 2002 Part Number 190-00185-10 Rev. A Printed in Taiwan

Preface

Congratulations on choosing one of the most advanced marine navigation systems available! The
GARMIN GPSMAP 176 utilizes the proven performance of GARMIN GPS and full featured mapping to
create an unsurpassed portable marine navigation chartplotter.

Be sure you take the time to read the Quick Start Guide fi rst to get acquainted with the basic
features of the GPSMAP 176. After you have read the Quick Start Guide, you may read through this
Owner’s Manual in order to understand the operating features of the GPSMAP 176 in detail. This
manual is broken down into three sections for your convenience.

The Introduction Section provides FCC and safety information and the Table of Contents. The
Reference Section provides details about all of the features of the GPSMAP 176, organized by topic.
This allows you to concentrate on a specifi c topic quickly and can be used to look up detailed
information about the GPSMAP 176. The Appendices contain supplemental information such as
specifi cations, accessories, and an Index organized by subject.

Product Registration and Support

Help us better support you by completing our on-line registration today! Have the serial
number of your GPSMAP 176 handy and connect to our website (www.garmin.com). Look for the Prod-
uct Registration link on the Home page. Also, be sure to record your serial number in the area provided
on page v of this manual.

Why should you register you GARMIN GPS unit?

• Notifi cation of product updates

• Notifi cation of new products

• Lost or stolen unit tracking

GARMIN’s Product Support department can be reached Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central
Standard Time, by phone at 1-800-800-1020, or by e-mail at [e-mail].

Introduction

Product Registration

and Support

The GPSMAP 176 uses GPS technology in order to fi nd your
precise location. GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a
group of 24 satellites, circling the Earth twice a day, at an altitude
of about 12,000 miles. The satellites transmit very low power
radio signals containing position and time information, allowing
anyone with a GPS receiver to determine their location on the
Earth within 100 meters or better. For more detailed information
regarding GPS, we have prepared a booklet called “GPS Guide
for Beginners” which is available to you from our web site at
www.garmin.com.

i

Introduction

FCC Compliance Statement

FCC Compliance

The GPSMAP 176 complies with Part 15 of the FCC interference limits for Class B digital devices
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE. These limits are designed to provide more reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation, and are more stringent than “outdoor” requirements.

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.

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.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.

• Consult the dealer or and experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The GPSMAP 176 does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by an
authorized GARMIN service center. Unauthorized repairs or modifi cations could result in permanent
damage to the equipment, and void your warranty and your authority to operated this device under Part
15 regulations.

ii

Software License Agreement

BY USING THE GPSMAP 176, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
OF THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT
CAREFULLY.

GARMIN grants you a limited license to use the software embedded in this device (the “Software) in
binary executable form in the normal operation of the product. Title, ownership rights and intellectual
property rights in and to the Software remain in GARMIN.

You acknowledge that the Software is the property of GARMIN and is protected under the United
States of America copyright laws and international copyright treaties. You further acknowledge that
the structure, organization and code of the Software are valuable trade secrets of GARMIN and that
the Software in source code form remains a valuable trade secret of GARMIN. You agree not to
decompile, disassemble, modify, reverse assemble, reverse engineer or reduce to human readable form
the Software of any part thereof or create any derivative works based on the Software. You agree
not to export or re-export the Software to any country in violation of the export control laws of the
United States of America.

Introduction

Software License Agreement

iii

Introduction

Warnings and Cautions

WARNING: The GPS system is operated by the United States government, 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 GARMIN GPSMAP 176 is a precision
electronic NAVigation AID (NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and, therefore,
become unsafe.

CAUTION: Use the GPSMAP 176 at your own risk. To reduce the risk of unsafe operation,
carefully review and understand all aspects of this Owner’s Manual—and thoroughly practice operation
using the simulator mode prior to actual use. When in actual use, carefully compare indications from
the GPSMAP 176 to all available navigation sources, including the information from other NAVAIDs,
visual sightings, charts, etc. For safety, always resolve any discrepancies before continuing navigation.

CAUTION: It is the user’s responsibility to use this product prudently. This product is intended to
be used only as a navigational aid and must not be used for any purpose requiring precise measurement
of direction, distance, location or topography.

NOTE: The electronic chart is an aid to navigation and is designed to facilitate the use of authorized
government charts, not replace them. Only offi cial government charts and notices to mariners contain
all information needed for safe navigation – and, as always, the user is responsible for their prudent
use.

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.

iv

LIMITED WARRANTY

This GARMIN product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for one
year from the date of purchase. Within this period, GARMIN will at its sole option, repair or replace
any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to
the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation
cost. 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 EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY
ARISING UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR

Use this area to record the serial number (8-digit number located
on the bottom 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

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
exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

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.

To obtain warranty service, call your local GARMIN authorized dealer. Or call GARMIN Customer
Service at one of the numbers listed on the inside front cover of this manual for shipping instructions
and an RMA tracking number. The unit should be securely packed with the tracking number clearly
written on the outside

of the package. The unit should be sent, freight charges prepaid, to any GARMIN

warranty service station. A copy of the original sales receipt is required as the proof of purchase for

The GARMIN GPSMAP 176 has no user-serviceable parts. Should
you ever encounter a problem with your unit, please take it to an
authorized GARMIN dealer for repairs.

The GPSMAP 176 is fastened shut with screws. Any attempt
to open the case to change or modify the unit in any way will
void your warranty and may result in permanent damage to the
equipment.

warranty repairs.

Introduction

Warranty and Serial Number

Serial Number

a photocopy inside the manual.

Serial Number:

,

v

Introduction

Features and Capabilities

Designed for detailed electronic charting capability, the GARMIN GPSMAP 176 is a powerful device

that can give you the navigation information you need:

Precision Performance

• The GPSMAP 176 features a 3.8” diagonal, high-contrast, 320 x 240 FSTN display with
backlighting

• The GPSMAP 176C features a 3.8” diagonal, 16 color, 320 x 240 TFT display with backlighting

• 12-channel parallel receiver tracks and uses up to 12 satellites for fast, accurate positioning

• DGPS, USCG and WAAS capable

• Fully gasketed, high-impact plastic alloy case, waterproof to IEC 529-IPX-7

Advanced Navigating and Plotting

• 3000 alphanumeric waypoints with selectable icons and comments

• Built-in Americas basemap includes detailed ocean, river and lake coastlines, tide stations, cities,
interstates, US state highways, and local thoroughfares

• 50 reversible routes with up to 50 waypoints each

• Enhanced mapping available by using GARMIN’s BlueChart™ preprogrammed data cards, or
by creating additional data cards using MapSource™ BlueChart or MetroGuide™ U.S.A. PC
products

• Coordinates: Lat/Lon, UTM/UPS, Loran TD, plus 24 grids, including Maidenhead

• TracBack route feature which allows you to quickly retrace your track log to a starting position

• Built-in simulator mode

vi

Introduction

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i -viii

Product Registration and Support . . . . . . . . . . . i

FCC Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii

Software License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Warnings and Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Warranty and Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Features and Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii

“How To” Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-56

Initializing the GPS Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Initialization Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Map Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Using the Cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Selecting Map Scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Map Page Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Compass Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Highway Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Numbers Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Creating and Using Waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Marking your Present Position . . . . . . . . .17

Creating Waypoints Graphically . . . . . . . .18

Additional Options for Creating

Waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Waypoint Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Reviewing and Editing Waypoints . . . . . . . . .20

Waypoint Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

User Waypoints List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Proximity Waypoints List . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Going To A Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Selecting a ‘Go To’ Graphically . . . . . . . . . 26

TracBack Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

MOB (Man Overboard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Creating a Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Following a Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Route List Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Route Review Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Route Review Menu Options . . . . . . . . . .33

Active Route Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Main Menu Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

GPS Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Tide Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Trip Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Celestial Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Hunt Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Points Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Route Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Track Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Time Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Map Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

System Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Location Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Table of Contents

Units Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Communication Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Alarm Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57-73

Appendix A: Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Appendix B: Wiring and Interfacing . . . . . . .58

Appendix C: Time Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Appendix D: Map Datums . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-61

Appendix E: Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . 62-63

Appendix F: Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64-65

Appendix G: LORAN TD Setup . . . . . . . . 66-67

Appendix H: Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68-69

Appendix

Appendix J: Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71-73

I: Specifi cations . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

vii

Introduction

TO DO THIS: SEE PAGE(S):

Access the Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

“How To” Index

Change the Displayed Time (zone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Change Units of Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Create a Waypoint on the Map Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Create and Follow a Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31

Go to a Destination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-31

Initialize the GPS Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Learn about the Map Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Mark your Current Location as a Waypoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Project a Waypoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Set Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Set Up Loran TD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-67

Use the Find Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39

View Current Position, Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

View Celestial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

View Data Card Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

View Tide Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45

viii

This Reference Manual describes the Main Display pages and their options in detail. The Quick
Start Guide describes the basic functions of the GPSMAP 176 and the processes of navigating the Main
Display pages. While the Reference Manual will provide some direction on how to select an item, the
main purpose is to describe each Main Page and its Option Menu in detail.

Initializing the GPS Receiver

Before the GPSMAP 176 can be used for GPS navigation, the GPS receiver must be initialized. The
GPS receiver only needs to be initialized the fi rst time the unit is used, or if it has been stored for several
months. This process is automatic and should only take a few minutes.

The GPSMAP 176 stores orbital data for each satellite in an Almanac. The orbital data is supplied in
the satellite signals. Each time the unit receives satellite signals, the Almanac is updated. This is how
the GPSMAP 176 knows which satellites to search for. If you do not use the unit for several months, or
move the unit several hundred miles between uses, the Almanac can become “cold,” which means the
orbital data is no longer valid. If the Almanac is “cold,” your unit may take longer to lock on to satel­lites while it updates the Almanac with fresh data.

To initialize the GPS receiver:

1. With fresh batteries installed, take the unit outside where it will have an unobstructed view of the sky
and turn it on. Make sure the antenna is pointed up and not in the saved position.

2. The unit will search for satellite signals and begin to gather and save the information that it needs
to become operational. Following the screen prompts, press ENTER to display the GPS Information
page.

3. When the unit is able to navigate, the message ‘2D GPS Location’ or ‘3D GPS Location’ will be dis­played at the top of the GPS Information page and/or the unit will automatically switch to the Map
Page.

If the unit is not able to gather the necessary satellite information, an options page will be displayed.
Select ‘New Location’ then ‘Automatic’ and allow the unit to continue initializing. This selection will
force the unit to search for all satellites and the unit may take a little longer to become operational using
this method.

Reference

Initializing the GPS Receiver

GPS Information Page

1

Reference

Initializing the GPS Receiver

GPS Information Page Options

Initialization Options

If the GPSMAP 176 is unable to determine its location, an options menu will be displayed.

Depending on the situation, select the appropriate option to help the unit acquire satellites.

Start Simulator—

and can not receive satellite signals, or if you wish to practice using the unit in simulator mode. This
options saves battery power and allows the map to redraw faster.

New Location—

trouble locking on to satellites, select ‘New Location.’ Another menu will be displayed with the
options ‘Automatic’ or ‘Use Map.’ If ‘Automatic’ is selected, the unit switches to AutoLocate mode
and begins searching for satellites. If ‘Use Map’ is selected, use the pointer on the Map page to select
your approximate location and the unit will continue to acquire satellites normally. ‘Automatic’ may
take longer to acquire satellites.

Stored w/o Batteries—

may be incorrect. To check the date, highlight ‘Stored w/o Batteries’ and verify the date displayed
below the options menu. If the date is incorrect, select ‘Stored w/o Batteries’ and press ENTER to
search for satellites.

Continue Acquiring—

being blocked.

For more information on the GPS Information page, see pages 40-43.

This option will turn the GPS receiver Off. Select this option if you are indoors

If you have moved to another state, province or country, and you are having

If you have stored the unit without batteries, the date stored in the GPS

Select this option if you are in an area where the satellites are temporarily

2

Map Page

The GPSMAP 176’s Map Page provides a comprehensive display of electronic cartography, plotting
and navigational data. When using the unit with the optional BlueChart data or MapSource soft­ware, the map display shows your location on a digital chart, complete with geographic names, map
items, navaids and a host of other chart features. It also plots your track and displays any routes and
waypoints you create. An on-screen cursor lets you pan and scroll to other map areas, determine the
distance and bearing to a position, and perform various route and waypoint functions.

Two basic map operating modes, position mode and cursor mode, determine what cartography is
shown on the map display. Position mode pans the cartography to keep the present position marker
within the display area, while cursor mode pans the cartography to keep the cursor within the display
area. The GPSMAP 176 will always power up in the position mode, with the last known location cen­tered on the map display. When the ARROW KEYPAD is pressed, the GPSMAP 176 will enter cursor
mode.

Land

When the cursor is active, an additional data window will appear at the top of the screen to indicate
the position, range and bearing to the cursor or a selected waypoint or map item.

Using the Cursor

Water

The cursor allows you to pan away from your present position and scroll to other map areas around
the world (even outside of your current detail coverage). As you pan past the edge of the current map
display, the screen will actively scroll forward to provide continuous map coverage (keep in mind that
the boat icon will move with the scrolling map, and may not be visible on the display screen).

NOTE: When the cursor reaches the edge of the map, the unit may pause as it loads new

)

map data.

Current
Location

Reference

Map Page

User
Waypoint

Map Page with optional BlueChart Marine data.

Geographic Name

Navaids

Data Fields

Map Scale

To move the cursor:

1. Press the ARROW KEYPAD to move the cursor in an up, down, left or right direction.

3

Reference

Map Page Cursor

Position the cursor over an item on the map to highlight it.

Information tabs for BlueChart data (‘Chart’ tab shown).

Select ‘Show Notes’ to view additional notes about the chart,

or ‘Map List’ to view the list of maps on your data card

4

(Data Card Information screen).

As you move the cursor, the distance and bearing from your present position to the cursor will be
displayed in the data window, along with the cursor’s position coordinates. When you zoom in cursor
mode, the cursor will stay centered on the screen. When the cursor is stationary, a fi xed coordinate
position will appear in the position fi eld, and the distance and bearing from your present position will
change as your boat moves.

To eliminate the cursor and re-center your position on screen:

1. Press the QUIT key. The unit will return to position mode.

The cursor may also be used to ‘snap’ to on-screen waypoints and map items, allowing you to review
a selected position directly from the map display.

To select an on-screen waypoint or map item with the cursor:

1. Use the ARROW KEYPAD to move the cursor to the desired waypoint or map item (if there are
several waypoints grouped closely together, zoom in closer for a better view).

2. When a waypoint or map item is selected, it will become highlighted on screen, with the name and
position displayed at the top of the screen.

To view additional details about an on-screen waypoint or map item:

1. With the desired waypoint or map item highlighted, press ENTER.

2. If the item is a waypoint, the Waypoint Review page appears, showing the waypoint name, symbol,
coordinates, elevation, depth (all of which are editable), and the options to ‘Delete’ the waypoint,
show it on the map (‘Show Map’), or ‘OK’ to return to the Map Page. Use the ARROW KEYPAD to
highlight ‘OK’ or press QUIT to exit the Waypoint Review page.

If the item is a map feature or a feature of BlueChart or MapSource data, an Information page

appears, showing additional details about the feature, and options to show the feature on the map
(‘Show Map’) or create a waypoint at the map feature location (‘Create Wpt’). In some cases, addi­tional information tabs and option buttons will appear. Use the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight the
individual tabs to display the additional information and options. Press QUIT to exit the Information
page.

The cursor may also be used to create a new waypoint directly from the map.

To create a waypoint with the cursor on an open map location:

1. Use the ARROW KEYPAD to move the cursor to the desired map position.

2. Press and quickly release the ENTER/MARK key to capture the cursor location (Pressing and holding
the ENTER/MARK key will capture the current location, not the cursor’s location).

3. The ‘New Map Waypoint’ window will appear. With ‘OK’ highlighted, press ENTER to confi rm the

new waypoint using the default three-digit name and symbol.

To create a waypoint with the cursor on a map item:

1. Use the ARROW KEYPAD to move the cursor and highlight the desired map feature.

2. Press the ENTER/MARK key to capture the cursor location. The Information page for that feature will

appear. Use the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight ‘Create Waypt’ and press ENTER.

3. The ‘New Waypoint’ window will appear. With ‘OK’ highlighted, press ENTER to confi rm the new

waypoint using the default name and symbol based on the map feature.

Selecting Map Scales

The map display has 28 available range scales from 20 ft. to 800 mi. (5 mt. to 1200 km). The map
scale is controlled by the IN and OUT keys, with the current scale displayed at the bottom right of the
data window.

To select a map scale:

1. Press the OUT key to zoom out and the IN key to zoom in.

The scale value represents the distance from one end of the scale bar to the other.

)

The GPSMAP 176’s system has a built-in worldwide database to 20 mi, with more detailed coverage
available through the use of the optional BlueChart or MapSource data. The GPSMAP 176 will display
cartography as long as there is chart information available for the range you’ve selected.

Reference

Creating Waypoints

with the Map Page Cursor

Creating a New Map Waypoint

Using Built-In Basemap

Using BlueChart/MapSource Data

Overzoom, no additional data

5

Reference

Map Page Options

Map Page Options

Map coverage will conform to the following conditions:

• When the selected zoom range is covered by either the internal database BlueChart, or MapSource
data, cartography will be displayed.

• When the selected zoom range is covered by both the internal database and BlueChart/MapSource
data, cartography will be displayed using the data with the best resolution.

• When the selected zoom range exceeds the resolution of the data in use, an ‘overzoom’ warning will
appear below the scale fi eld.

Map Page Options

Many features of the GPSMAP 176 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
that specifi cally relate to that page. The data window, located at the right side of the display, provides a
user-selectable layout of various types of useful data. Each data fi eld may be confi gured to display any
one of several data options. The data window layout may also be customized to change the actual size
of the data displayed. The GPSMAP 176’s Map Page options menu provides access to functions and
features relating to the Map Page and options for layout of the page.

To display the Map Page options:

1. Press MENU.

To select a menu option:

1. Use the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight the option and press ENTER.

The available options are Full Screen Map/Show Data Fields, Measure Distance, Show/Hide Next
Street, Setup Page Layout, Change Data Fields, Setup Map and Declutter On/Off. Following are details
on using each of these options.

6

• Full Screen Map/Show Data Fields— toggles between a Map Page without or with data fi elds on
the map display.

To maximize the map/show data fi elds:

1. Highlight the ‘Full Screen Map’ option and press ENTER. The Map Page will now be maximized with
no data fi elds.

2. To show the data fi elds again, press MENU, highlight ‘Show Data Fields’ and press ENTER.

• Measure Distance— allows you to measure the bearing/distance between two points on the map.

To measure the Bearing/Distance between two points:

1. Highlight the ‘Measure Distance’ option and press ENTER. An on-screen pointer will appear on the
map display at your present position with ‘ENT REF’ below it.

2. Move the cursor to the desired reference point (the point that 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 and cursor coordinates will be displayed in the data window at the top of the display.

4. Press the QUIT key to fi nish.

• Show Next Street/Hide Next Street— displays the next cross street in a window at the top of the
display. This option is only available if MapSource Metroguide or City Navigator data is loaded.

To show the next street:

1. Highlight the ‘Show Next Street’ option and press ENTER.

To hide the next street window:

1. Highlight the ‘Hide Next Street’ option and press ENTER.

Reference

Map Page Options

Distance and Bearing

Map Cursor

Full screen map shown (with BlueChart data)

Cursor Coordinates

7

Map Page Options

Small (1 Column)

Small (2 Columns)

Reference

• Setup Page Layout— allows you to choose the size of text and number of data fi elds.

To setup the page layout:

1. Highlight the ‘Setup Page Layout’ option and press ENTER.

2. Select the desired option, None, Small (1 Column), Small (2 Columns), or Large (1 Column), and press
ENTER.

• Change Data Fields— allows you to specify the type of data displayed in each data fi eld used on the
map display. This option is available from any of the main pages.

To change a data fi eld:

1. From the menu, use the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight ‘Change Numbers’ and press ENTER.

2. Move the fi eld highlight to the data fi eld you want to change and press ENTER.

3. Move up or down on the list using the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight the data you want to display,
and press ENTER. To exit, press QUIT.

Large (1 Column)

Page Layout Setup Options

8

Highlight the data fi eld you wish to change.

• ACCURACY – Estimated accuracy of GPS position

• BEARING – Compass direction from your position to destination

• COURSE – Desired Track

• DEPTH – Depth below transducer (if receiving proper sonar NMEA data from other device)

• DIST TO DEST – Distance to fi nal waypoint

• DIST TO NEXT – Distance to next waypoint

• DOP – Dilution of Precision, refl ects the quality of the GPS signals and satellite geometry.

• ELEVATION – Elevation above/below MSL (Mean Sea Level)

• ETA AT DEST – Estimated Time of Arrival to fi nal waypoint

• ETA AT NEXT – Estimated Time of Arrival to next waypoint

• MAX SPEED – Fastest speed the unit has traveled

• MOV AVG SPEED – Average moving speed

• MOV TRIP TIMER – Time unit has been moving since last reset

• OFF COURSE – Distance from desired track

The following options are available for display in data fi elds on the main pages:

• POINTER – Arrow points to your destination

• SPEED – Speed over ground

• TIME OF DAY – Current time

• TIME TO DEST – Time to fi nal waypoint

• TIME TO NEXT – Time to next waypoint

• TO COURSE – Distance to desired track

• TRACK – Current compass direction of travel

• TRIP ODOM – Trip Odometer

• TTL AVG SPEED – Total average speed

• TTL TRIP TIMER – Total travel time of trip, stopped and moving

• TURN – Directional amount of turn needed to match bearing

• VMG – Velocity Made Good to destination

• VOLTAGE – Current voltage reading being received by unit

• WATER SPEED – Speed through the water (if receiving proper sonar NMEA data from other device)

• WATER TEMP – Water temperature (if receiving proper sonar NMEA data from other device)

Reference

Map Page Options

• Set Up Map— jumps to the Map tab of the Main Menu, allowing you to confi gure the map display to
your preferences, including map detail, map orientation, automatic zoom, and various map items and
points. The map setup option uses a ‘fi le tab’ feature, organizing the various settings for ease of use.

To change a map setup feature:

1. From the Map Page menu, highlight ‘Set Up Map’ and press ENTER.

2. Move LEFT or RIGHT on the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight the desired fi le tab, then UP or DOWN on
the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight to the setting you want to change and press ENTER.

3. Move UP or DOWN on the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight to the desired setting and press ENTER.

4. To exit, press QUIT.

Choose the type of data you wish to display.

Map Tab of Main Menu

9

Reference

Map Page Setup Options

General Tab

General Tab

Detail— Most, More, Normal, Less, Least: controls how much map detail you will see. This setting

only applies to any map feature set to ‘Auto’. Those features which have a specifi ed scale or turned
‘Off’ are unaffected by this setting.

Orientation— North Up: fi xes the top of the map display to a north heading; Track Up: fi xes the top

of the map display to the current track heading; Course Up: fi xes the map so the direction of naviga­tion is always “up” and turns the navigation leg line vertical on the screen.

Color Mode— Water Mode or Land Mode: when in ‘Water Mode’, land will appear as a dark color

and water will be light. In ‘Land Mode’, land will appear as a light color and water will be dark. If
using optional BlueChart data, ‘Water Mode’ is recommended.

AutoZoom— On/Off: when ‘On’ the map will automatically adjust the map scale to a lower scale as

you approach you destination point.

10

Map Tab

Point Tab

Waypoint Tab

Map Tab

Basemap— On/Off: turns the built in basemap on or off.

Data Card Maps— On/Off: turns all optional BlueChart/MapSource data on or off.

Lat/Lon Grid— Off, Auto, 20 ft.-800 mi: sets the maximum scale at which the feature appears on the

screen. Some types of data will only be displayed to certain zoom scales.

Grid Labels— Off, Auto, 20 ft.-800 mi: sets the maximum scale at which the feature appears on the

screen. Some types of data will only be displayed to certain zoom scales.

Waypoint Tab— Waypoints, Active Route

Text— Off, Small, Medium, and Large: controls the screen size of the name.

Zoom— Auto, Off, 20 ft.-800 mi.: sets the maximum scale at which the feature appears on the screen.

Some types of data will only be displayed to certain zoom scales.

Point Tab

Text— Off, Small, Medium, and Large: controls the screen size of the name.

Zoom— Auto, Off, 20 ft.-800 mi.: sets the maximum scale at which the feature appears on the screen.

— Businesses, Facilities, Geo/Exit

Some types of data will only be displayed to certain zoom scales.

Marine Tab

Text— Off, Small, Medium, and Large: controls the screen size of the name.

Zoom— Auto, Off, 20 ft.-800 mi.: sets the maximum scale at which the feature appears on the screen.

Line Tab

Heading Line— On/Off: turns the Heading Line on or off. The Heading Line projects from the

Bearing Line— Auto, Off, 20 ft.-800 mi.: sets the maximum scale at which the Bearing Line appears

Course Line— Auto, Off, 20 ft.-800 mi.: sets the maximum scale at which the Course Line appears on

Track Tab— Track Log, Saved Tracks

Zoom— Auto, Off, 120 ft.-800 mi.: sets the maximum scale at which the feature appears on the

Area Tab— River/Lake, Park, Other, Metro

Text— Off, Small, Medium, and Large: controls the screen size of the name.

Zoom— Auto, Off, 20 ft.-800 mi.: sets the maximum scale at which the feature appears on the screen.

Topo Tab— Major Contour, Inter Contour, Minor Contour, Land Cover

Text— Off, Small, Medium, and Large: controls the screen size of the name.

Zoom— Auto, Off, 20 ft.-800 mi.: sets the maximum scale at which the contours appear on the

— Marine Services, Spot Soundings, Tide Stations, Navaids, Light Sectors

Some types of data will only be displayed at certain zoom scales.

triangle showing your current heading.

on the screen. The Bearing Line shows the bearing from your current location to a destination
waypoint.

the screen. The Course Line shows a direct navigation line from the point navigation was initiated to a
destination waypoint.

screen. Some types of data will only show up at certain zoom scales.

Some types of data will only be displayed at certain zoom scales.

screen. Some types of data will only be displayed at certain zoom scales.

Reference

Map Page Setup Options

Marine Tab

Line Tab

Track Tab

Area Tab

11

Reference

Map Page Setup Options

Topo Tab

City Tab

Road Tab

City Tab— Large City, Medium City, Small City, Small Town

Text— Off, Small, Medium, and Large: controls the screen size of the name.

Zoom— Auto, Off, 20 ft.-800 mi.: sets the maximum scale at which the cities appear on the screen.

Some types of data will only be displayed at certain zoom scales.

Road Tab— Freeway, Highway, Local Road, Local Road Name

Text— Off, Small, Medium, and Large: controls the screen size of the name.

Zoom— Auto, Off, 20 ft.-800 mi.: sets the maximum scale at which the roads appear on the screen.

Some types of data will only be displayed at certain zoom scales.

Other Tab

Railroad— Auto, Off, 120 ft.-800 mi.: sets the maximum scale at which railroads appear on the screen.

Accuracy Circle— On/Off: toggles the circle ‘On’ and ‘Off’. The circle represents the approximate accu-

racy of the unit based on EPE, DOP, and basemap quality. You position will be within the circle.

Lock to Roads— On/Off: This feature is only available if MapSource MetroGuide or City Navigator

data is loaded. When the feature is active, the triangle icon will lock to the road that you are traveling.

Map Outlines— On/Off: toggles the coverage boxes for BlueChart/MapSource data ‘On’ and ‘Off’.

Setup Map Menu Options

From the Map Setup page (Map tab of the Main Menu), the following options are available by

pressing the MENU key:

• Defaults

• All Map Defaults

• Data Card Information

12

Other Tab

To restore defaults for map settings:

1. From the Map setup page, highlight the desired tab or setup feature you want to restore settings to
and press MENU.

2. Highlight ‘Defaults’ (highlight ‘All Map Defaults’ if you want all tabs restored) and press ENTER.

To review/change data card information:

1. From the Map setup page, press MENU, then highlight ‘Data Card Information’ and press ENTER.

2. Use the ARROW KEYPAD to scroll through the list of map coverage areas available. Those with a
check mark in the box to the left of the name are selected to be displayed on the Map page.

3. To select/deselect a map for display, use the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight the box next to the
desired map, and press ENTER to check/uncheck the box.

OR, press MENU and select one of the options (‘Show All’, ‘Show None’, or ‘Show <MapSource

product name>’), and press ENTER.

4. To view details about a map, highlight the map name and press ENTER. Highlight ‘Next’ or ‘Map
List’ to return to the map list.

5. Press QUIT when fi nished to return to the Map setup page.

• Declutter On/Declutter Off— toggles between showing spot soundings and map outlines for easier
viewing.

Reference

Map Page Setup Options/

Compass Page

Compass Page

Whenever a ‘Go To’, ‘Navigate Track’ (TracBack) or ‘Navigate Route’ have been activated, the
GPSMAP 176’s Compass Page will guide you to your destination with digital readouts and a graphic
compass display, which includes a bearing pointer. Use this page (instead of the Highway Page) when
travelling at slower speeds, when making frequent directional changes, or where straight-line navigation
is not possible due to obstructions or terrain.

The middle of the page features a rotating ‘compass ring’ that shows your course over ground (track)
while you’re moving. Your present course over ground is indicated at the top of the compass ring. A
bearing pointer, in the middle of the compass ring, 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.

Data Card Information Screen and Options

Compass Ring—indicates
current direction of travel

Pointer—points toward
destination while moving

13

Reference

The bearing pointer and/or compass ring may point in various directions when you are

,

stationary or at very low speeds. Once you start moving, the pointer will be correct.

Compass Page/Highway Page

Compass Page Options

The GPSMAP 176’s Compass Page features a menu page that provides access to layout and data fi eld
options. The data window, located at the top of the page, provides a user-selectable layout of vari­ous types of useful data. Each data fi eld may be confi gured to display several data options. The data
window layout may also be changed to display more/less data fi elds and change the actual size of the
data displayed.

To display the Compass Page options:

1. Press MENU.

To select a menu option:

1. Use the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight the desired option and press ENTER. For detailed instructions
on changing the data fi elds and layout of the Compass Page, see pages 8-9.

Highway Page

Whenever a ‘Go To’, ‘TracBack’ or ‘Route’ has been activated, the GPSMAP 176’s Highway Page
provides digital and graphic steering guidance to the destination. The right side of the Highway Page
features user-selectable data fi elds that display useful navigation information. A compass ribbon is
displayed at the top of the page to show your current heading along with a dark, vertical bar which
will indicate the bearing to your course. To stay on course, steer towards the dark, vertical indicator
(or arrows) until it lines up with the lighter gray bar in the middle. The bottom section of the screen
provides visual guidance to the waypoint on a graphic highway display. The line down the center of the
highway represents your desired track line.

14

As you head toward your destination, the highway perspective moves to indicate your progress to
the waypoint and which direction you should steer to stay on course. If you are navigating a route, the
Highway Page shows each route waypoint in sequence connected by a black “road” with a white line
down the middle, which is your desired track line. Nearby waypoints not in the active route can also
be displayed. The highway perspective scale may also be zoomed in or out to display a larger or smaller
view of the highway. Five settings are available from 1X to 16X, with a default setting of 8X.

Reference

Highway Page

To change the highway perspective scale:

1. Press the IN or OUT key to select the desired setting.

Current Nav Point

The GPSMAP 176’s Highway Page options allows you to defi ne the data fi elds and select which
waypoints and track are displayed on screen. The data window, located at the top of the page, pro­vides The GPSMAP 176’s Highway Page options allows you to defi ne the data fi elds and select which
waypoints and track are displayed on screen. The data window, located along the right side of the page,
provides a user-selectable layout of various types of useful data. Each data fi eld may be confi gured to
display several data options. The data window layout may also be changed to display additional data
fi elds and change the actual size of the data displayed.

To display the Highway Page options:

1. Press MENU.

To select a menu option:

1. Using the ARROW KEYPAD, highlight the desired option and press ENTER.

Desired Track Line

The following options are available from the Highway Page menu:

• Setup Page Layout— allows you to choose the size of text and number of data fi elds.

To setup the page layout:

1. Highlight the ‘Setup Page Layout’ option and press ENTER.

2. Select the desired option from the following: None, Small (1 Column), Small (2 Columns), or
Large (1 Column); and press

ENTER

.

Current Track

Current Location

Highway Page Options Menu

Zoom Scale

Data Fields

15

Reference

• Change Data Fields — allows you to specify the type of data displayed in each data fi eld used on
the map display. This option is available from any of the main pages. See pages 8-9 for a listing of the
data fi elds.

Highway Page Options/

Active Route & Numbers Pages

Setup Highway Waypoint TabSetup Highway Line Tab

Numbers Page

To change a data fi eld:

1. From the menu, use the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight ‘Change Numbers’ and press ENTER.

2. Move the fi eld highlight to the data fi eld you want to change and press ENTER.

3. Move UP or DOWN on the list using the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight the data you want to display,
and press ENTER. To exit, press QUIT.

• Set Up Highway— displays an option menu with two tabs: Line, and Waypoint. Each tab has On/
Off settings for several options. The Line Tab determines if the ‘Active Leg’, ‘Active Route’, ‘Track Log’
or ‘Saved Tracks’ will be displayed on the Highway Page. The Waypoint Tab determines if the ‘Next’,
‘Route’, or ‘Other’ Waypoints will be displayed on the Highway Page. For an item to be displayed the
setting must be ‘On’.

Active Route Page

Whenever you have activated a route in the GPSMAP 176, the Active Route page will show each
waypoint of the active route, along with various, user-selectable types of data. For additional details on
the Active Route Page, see page 37.

Numbers Page

The Numbers Page provides a quick reference for the important data you want to display. The
default page will display four large, user-selectable data fi elds showing speed, track, the current location
and accuracy. You may also choose to show the one data fi eld in large lettering for better readability.
For detailed instructions on changing the data fi elds and layout of the Numbers page, see pages 8-9.

16