All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without
the written consent of Garmin. Garmin reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make
changes in the content of this manual without obligation to notify any person or organization of such
changes or improvements. Go to www.garmin.com for current updates and supplemental information
concerning the use of this product.
®
Garmin
, the Garmin logo, eTrex®, BlueChart®, and City Navigator® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd.
or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. ANT
™
HomePort
, and Thumb Stick™ are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may
™
, ANT+™, BaseCamp™, chirp™,
not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
®
Windows
is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
®
Mac
is a registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. microSD™ is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC. Other
trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
See the Important Safety and Product
Information guide in the product
box for product warnings and other
important information.
When using your device the rst time,
you should complete these tasks to set
up the device and get to know the basic
features.
1. Install the batteries (page 7).
2. Turn on the device (page 8).
3. Acquire satellites (page 8).
4. Register the device (page 8).
5. Mark a waypoint (page 9).
6. Create a route (page 12).
7. Record a track (page 14).
8. Navigate to a destination (page 16).
9. Calibrate the compass (page 17).
eTrex Owner’s Manual 5
Device Overview
➊
➌
➍
Zoom keys
➊
Back key
➋
Thumb Stick™
➌
Menu key
➍
➎
/Backlight key
➋
➎
Page 6
Getting Started
➏
➐
➑
➒
Mini-USB port (under weather cap)
➏
Battery cover
➐
Battery cover locking ring
➑
Mounting spine
➒
Using the eTrex Keys
• Move the Thumb Stick up, down,
left, and right to highlight menu
selections or to move around the
map.
• Press the center of the Thumb Stick
to select the highlighted item.
• Press back to move back one step
in the menu structure.
• Press menu to display a list of
commonly-used functions for the
current page. Press menu twice
to access the main menu from any
page.
• Press ▲ and ▼ to zoom in and out
on the map.
6 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 7
Battery Information
WARNING
2. Insert the batteries, observing
The temperature rating for the device
(-4°F to 158°F, or -20 to 70°C) may
exceed the usable range of some
batteries. Alkaline batteries can rupture
at high temperatures.
notice
Alkaline batteries lose a signicant
amount of their capacity as temperature
decreases. Therefore, use lithium
batteries when operating the device in
3. Replace the battery cover, and turn
below-freezing conditions.
4. Hold .
Installing AA Batteries
The device operates on two AA
batteries. You can use alkaline, NiMH,
or lithium batteries. Use NiMH or
5. Select Setup > System > Battery
6. Select Alkaline, Lithium, or
lithium batteries for best results.
1. Turn the D-ring counter-clockwise,
and pull up to remove the cover.
Getting Started
polarity.
the D-ring clockwise.
Type.
Rechargeable NiMH.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 7
Page 8
Getting Started
Turning the Device On or
Off
Hold .
Satellite Signals
After the device is turned on, it begins
acquiring satellite signals. The device
may need a clear view of the sky to
acquire satellite signals. When the GPS
bars on the backlight page
(page 40) are solid green, your device
has acquired satellite signals. The time
and date are set automatically based on
the GPS position.
For more information about GPS, go to
http://www.garmin.com/aboutGPS.
Registering Your Device
• Go to garmin.com/express.
• Keep the original sales receipt, or a
photocopy, in a safe place.
8 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 9
Waypoints, Routes,
and Tracks
Waypoints
Waypoints are locations you record and
store in the device.
Creating a Waypoint
You can save your current location as
a waypoint.
1. Select Mark Waypoint.
2. Select an option:
• To save the waypoint without
changes, select Done.
• To make changes to the
waypoint, select an item to edit,
and select Done.
Finding a Waypoint
1. Select Where To? > Waypoints.
2. Select a waypoint.
Editing a Waypoint
Before you can edit a waypoint, you
must create a waypoint.
1. Select Waypoint Manager.
2. Select a waypoint.
3. Select an item to edit.
4. Enter the new information.
5. Select Done.
Deleting a Waypoint
1. Select WaypointManager.
2. Select a waypoint.
3. Select menu > Delete > Yes.
Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks
eTrex Owner’s Manual 9
Page 10
Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks
Increasing the Accuracy of a
Waypoint Location
Waypoint averaging allows you to
increase the accuracy of a waypoint
location by collecting multiple samples
of the waypoint location.
1. Select Waypoint Averaging.
2. Select a waypoint.
3. Move to the location.
4. Select Start.
5. When the Sample Condence status
bar reaches 100%, select Save.
For best results, collect four to
eight samples for the waypoint,
Using Sight ‘N Go
Sight ‘N Go is available on the
eTrex 30x.
You can point the device at an object in
the distance, lock in the direction, and
then navigate to the object.
1. Select Sight ‘N Go.
2. Point the device at an object or in
3. Select Lock Direction > Project
4. Select a unit of measure.
5. Enter the distance to the object, and
waiting at least 90 minutes between
samples.
the direction of a location.
Waypoint.
select Done > Save.
10 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 11
Where To? Menu
You can use the Where To? menu to
nd a destination to navigate to. Not all
Where To? categories are available in
all areas and maps.
Additional Maps
You can use additional maps on
the eTrex 20x and eTrex 30x, such
as BirdsEye™ satellite imagery,
BlueChart® g2, TOPO, and City
Finding a Location by Name
Depending on the maps loaded on
your device, you can search for cities,
geographic points, and various points
of interest (POIs), such as restaurants,
hotels, and auto services.
1. Select Where To?.
2. Select a category.
3. Select menu > Spell Search.
4. Enter all or part of the name, and
Navigator® detailed maps. Detailed
maps may contain additional points of
interest, such as restaurants or marine
services. For more information, go to
http://buy.garmin.com or contact your
Finding a Location Near
Another Location
1. Select Where To? > menu >
Garmin dealer.
2. Select an option.
3. If necessary, select a location.
Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks
select Done.
Search Near.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 11
Page 12
Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks
Finding an Address
You can use optional City Navigator
Creating a Route
1. Select RoutePlanner > Create
maps to search for addresses.
1. Select Where To? > Addresses.
2. If necessary, enter the country or
state.
3. Enter the city or postal code.
2. Select a category.
3. Select the rst point in the route.
4. Select Use > Select Next Point.
5. Repeat steps 2–4 until the route is
NOTE: Not all map data provides
postal code searching.
4. Select the city.
5. Enter the house number.
6. Enter the street.
6. Select back to save the route.
Editing the Name of a Route
1. Select RoutePlanner.
2. Select a route.
3. Select Change Name.
Routes
A route is a sequence of waypoints that
leads you to your nal destination.
4. Enter the new name.
5. Select Done.
Route > Select First Point.
complete.
12 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 13
Editing a Route
1. Select RoutePlanner.
2. Select a route.
3. Select EditRoute.
4. Select a point.
5. Select an option:
• To view the point on the map,
select Review.
• To change the order of the point
on the route, select Move Down
or Move Up.
• To add an additional point on
the route, select Insert.
The additional point is inserted
before the point you are editing.
• To remove the point from the
route, select Remove.
6. Select back to save the route.
Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks
Viewing a Route on the Map
1. Select RoutePlanner.
2. Select a route.
3. Select ViewMap.
Deleting a Route
1. Select RoutePlanner.
2. Select a route.
3. Select Delete Route.
Viewing the Active Route
1. While navigating a route, select
ActiveRoute.
2. Select a point in the route to view
additional details.
Reversing a Route
1. Select RoutePlanner.
2. Select a route.
3. Select Reverse Route.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 13
Page 14
Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks
Tracks
A track is a recording of your path.
The track log contains information
about points along the recorded path,
including time, location, and elevation
for each point.
Recording Track Logs
1. Select Setup > Tracks > Track
Log.
2. Select Record, Do Not Show or
Record, Show On Map.
If you select Record, Show On
Map, a line on the map indicates
your track.
• To record tracks at a specied
time, select Time.
5. Select Record Interval.
6. Complete an action:
• Select an option to record tracks
more or less often.
NOTE: Using the Most Often
interval provides the most track
detail, but lls up the device
memory quicker.
• Enter a time or distance, and
select Done.
As you move with the device turned
on, a track log is created.
3. Select Record Method.
4. Select an option:
• To record tracks at a variable
rate that creates an optimum
representation of your tracks,
select Auto.
• To record tracks at a specied
distance, select Distance.
14 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 15
Saving the Current Track
The track being recorded is called the
current track.
1. Select Track Manager > Current Track.
2. Select what you want to save:
• Select Save Track.
• Select Save Portion, and select
a portion.
Viewing Track Information
1. Select Track Manager.
2. Select a track.
3. Select View Map.
The beginning and the end of the
track are marked by ags.
4. Select menu > Review Track.
Information about the track is
listed.
Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks
Viewing the Elevation Plot of a
Track
1. Select Track Manager.
2. Select a track.
3. Select Elevation Plot.
Archiving a Saved Track
You can archive saved tracks to save
memory space.
1. Select Track Manager.
2. Select a saved track.
3. Select Archive.
Clearing the Current Track
Select Setup > Reset > Clear
Current Track > Yes.
Deleting a Track
1. Select Track Manager.
2. Select a track.
3. Select Delete > Yes.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 15
Page 16
Navigation
Navigation
You can navigate a route, a track,
to a waypoint, to a geocache, or to
any saved location in the device.
You can use the map (page 16) or
compass (page 17) to navigate to your
destination.
Navigating to a
Destination
You can navigate to a destination using
the map or compass.
1. Select Where To?.
2. Select a category.
3. Select a destination.
4. Select Go.
The map page opens with your
route marked with a magenta line.
5. Navigate using the map (page 16)
or compass (page 17).
Stopping Navigation
Map
As you travel, moves. When you are
navigating to a destination, your route
is marked with a magenta line on the
map.
To customize the map settings, see
page 31. To customize the map
dashboard and data elds, see page 28.
Browsing the Map
1. Select Map.
2. Select one or more options:
Select Where To? > Stop Navigation.
represents your location on the map.
• Use the Thumb Stick to pan the
map to view different areas.
• Select ▲ and ▼ to zoom in and
out of the map.
16 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 17
• Select a location on the map,
and the bar at the top of the
screen shows information about
the selected location.
Navigating a Driving Route
Driving route navigation is only
available on the eTrex 20x and eTrex
30x.
Before you can use the map, you must
purchase and load City Navigator
maps. If you plan to use an auto mount
accessory with the device, you must
Compass
The eTrex 30x has a 3-axis, electronic
compass.
You can use a bearing pointer or a
course pointer to navigate to your
destination.
TIP: When the device is using the
automotive prole, the compass
displays GPS heading, not magnetic
heading.
Calibrating the Compass
also purchase and install the mount in
your vehicle.
1. Select Prole Change >
Automotive.
2. Use the map to navigate to the
destination.
Calibrate the electronic compass
outdoors. To improve heading
accuracy, do not stand near objects that
inuence magnetic elds, such as cars,
buildings, or overhead power lines.
3. Follow the turns in the text bar
along the top of the map.
Navigation
notice
eTrex Owner’s Manual 17
Page 18
Navigation
You should calibrate the compass after
moving long distances, experiencing
temperature changes, or changing the
batteries.
1. Select Compass > menu >
Calibrate Compass > Start.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Navigating with the Bearing
Pointer
When navigating to a destination,
points to your destination, regardless of
the direction you are moving.
1. Begin navigation to a destination
(page 16).
2. Select Compass.
3. Turn until points toward the
top of the compass, and continue
moving in that direction to the
destination.
About the Course Pointer
The course pointer is most useful if you
are navigating on water or where there
are no major obstacles in your path.
The course pointer ➊ indicates your
relationship to a course line ➋ leading
to the destination. The course line
to your destination is based on your
original starting point.
As you drift from the intended course
to the destination, the course deviation
indicator ➌ (CDI) provides the
indication of drift (right or left) from
the course.
The scale ➍ refers to the distance
➋
➌
➍
➊
18 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 19
between dots on the course deviation
indicator.
Navigating with the Course Pointer
Before you can navigate with the
course pointer, you must change the
pointer setting to Course (CDI)
(page 34).
1. Begin navigation to a destination
(page 16).
2. Select Compass.
3. Use the course pointer to navigate
to the destination (page 18).
Elevation Plot
Elevation plotting is available on the
eTrex 30x.
By default, the elevation plot displays
the elevation for an elapsed time. To
customize the elevation plot, see
page 34.
Select Elevation Plot.
Navigation
Changing the Plot Type
You can change the elevation plot to
display pressure and elevation over
time or distance.
1. Select Elevation Plot > menu >
Change Plot Type.
2. Select an option.
Viewing Details about a Point
on the Plot
Select an individual point on the
plot.
Details about the point appear at the
top of the plot.
Resetting the Elevation Plot
Select Elevation Plot > menu >
Reset > Clear Current Track >
Yes.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 19
Page 20
Navigation
Calibrating the Barometric
Altimeter
You can manually calibrate the
barometric altimeter if you know
the correct elevation or the correct
barometric pressure.
1. Go to a location where the elevation
or barometric pressure is known.
2. Select Elevation Plot > menu >
Calibrate Altimeter.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Trip Computer
The trip computer displays your current
speed, average speed, maximum
speed, trip odometer, and other helpful
statistics.
To customize the trip computer, see
page 28.
Resetting the Trip Data
For accurate information, reset the trip
information before beginning a trip.
Select Trip Computer > menu > Reset > Reset Trip Data > Yes.
All of the trip computer values are
set to zero.
20 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 21
Geocaches
Geocaches
A geocache is like a hidden treasure.
Geocaching is when you hunt for
hidden treasures using GPS coordinates
posted online by those hiding the
geocache.
Downloading Geocaches
1. Connect your device to a computer
(page 44).
2. Go to www.garmin.com
/geocaching.
3. If necessary, create an account.
4. Sign in.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions
to nd and download geocaches to
your device.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 21
Filtering the Geocache
List
You can lter your geocache list based
on certain factors, such as the level of
difculty.
• To apply the lter to the
geocache list, select Search.
• To save the lter, select back.
Creating and Saving a
Geocache Filter
You can create and save custom lters
for geocaches based on specic factors
you select. After you set up the lter,
you can apply it in the geocaches list.
• To apply the lter to the
geocache list, select Search.
• To save the lter, select back.
After it is saved, the lter is
automatically named. You can
access the custom lter from the
geocaches list.
Editing a Custom Geocache
Filter
1. Select Setup > Geocaches > Filter
Setup.
2. Select a lter.
3. Select an item to edit.
Navigating to a Geocache
1. Select Geocaches.
2. Select a geocache.
3. Select Go.
4. Navigate using the map (page 16)
or compass (page 17).
Logging the Attempt
After you have attempted to nd a
geocache, you can log your results.
1. Select Geocaches > menu > Log Attempt.
2. Select Found, Did Not Find, or
Needs Repair.
3. Select an option:
• To begin navigation to a
geocache nearest you, select
Find Next Closest.
• To end the logging, select Done.
22 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 23
• To enter a comment about
looking for the cache or
the cache itself, select Add Comment, enter a comment,
and select Done.
Enable chirp Searching
1. Select Setup > Geocaches.
2. Select chirp™ Searching > On.
Finding a Geocache with a
chirp
chirp™
1. Select Geocaches > menu > Show
chirp programming and searching is
available on the eTrex 30x.
2. Begin navigating to a geocache
A chirp is a small Garmin accessory
that you can program and leave in a
geocache. Only the owner of the chirp
can program a chirp, but anyone can
nd a chirp in a geocache. For more
information about programming a
3. If available, select Go to navigate
chirp, see the chirp Owner’s Manual at
http://www.garmin.com.
Geocaches
chirp™ Details.
(page 22).
When you are within 33 feet (10 m)
of the geocache that contains
a chirp, details about the chirp
appear.
to the next stage of the geocache.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 23
Page 24
Applications
Applications
Sharing Data
The eTrex 30x can share information
wirelessly.
Your device can send or receive data
when connected to another compatible
device. You can share waypoints,
geocaches, routes, and tracks.
Sending and Receiving Data
Wirelessly
Before you can share data wirelessly,
you must be within 10 feet (3 m) of a
compatible Garmin device.
1. Select Share Wirelessly.
2. Select Send or Receive.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
24 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Setting a Proximity Alarm
Proximity alarms alert you when
you are within a specied range of a
particular location.
1. Select Proximity Alarms.
2. Select Create Alarm.
3. Select a category.
4. Select a location.
5. Select Use.
6. Enter a radius.
7. Select Done.
When you enter a proximity alarm
area, the device sounds a tone
(eTrex 20x/30x).
Page 25
Applications
Calculating the Size of an
Area
1. Select Area Calculation > Start.
2. Walk around the perimeter of the
area you want to calculate.
3. Select Calculate when nished.
Using the Calculator
The device has a standard calculator
and a degree calculator.
1. Select Calculator.
2. Complete an action:
• Use the standard calculator.
• Select menu > Scientic to
use the scientic calculator
functions.
• Select menu > Degrees to
calculate degrees.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 25
Viewing the Calendar and
Almanacs
You can view device activity, such as
when a waypoint was saved, almanac
information for the sun and moon, and
the best times for hunting and shing.
1. Select an option:
• To view device activity for
specic days, select Calendar.
• To view the sunrise, sunset,
moonrise, and moonset
information, select Sun and Moon.
• To view the predicted best times
for hunting and shing, select,
Hunt and Fish.
2. If necessary, select ▲ or ▼ to view
a different month.
3. Select a day.
Page 26
Applications
Setting an Alarm
If you are not currently using the
device, you can set the device to turn
on at a specic time.
1. Select Alarm Clock.
2. Select the clock numbers to set the
time, and select Done.
3. Select Turn Alarm On.
4. Select an option.
The alarm sounds at the selected time.
If the device is off at the alarm time,
the device turns on and sounds the
alarm.
Opening the Stopwatch
Select Stopwatch.
26 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Satellite Page
The satellite page shows your current
location, GPS accuracy, satellite
locations, and signal strength.
Changing the Satellite View
1. Select Satellite > menu.
2. If necessary, select Track Up to
change the view of the satellites to
be oriented with your current track
toward the top of the screen.
3. If necessary, select Multicolor
to assign a specic color to the
satellite in the view and to the
signal strength bar of that satellite
(eTrex 20x/30x).
Turning Off GPS
Select Satellite > menu > Use
With GPS Off.
Page 27
Simulating a Location
Before you can simulate a location,
you must turn off GPS (page 26).
1. Select Satellite > menu > Use With GPS Off.
2. Select menu > Set Location On Map.
3. Select a location.
4. Select Use.
Applications
eTrex Owner’s Manual 27
Page 28
Customizing Your Device
Customizing Your
Device
Customizing the Main
Enabling the Map Data Fields
1. Select Map > menu > Setup Map
2. Select a number and style of data
Menu
Select menu > Change Item
Order to change the item order on
the main menu.
Changing the Data Fields
Before you can change the map data
elds, you must enable them (page 28).
1. Select Map > menu > Change
Customizing Specic
Pages
Data elds display information about
your location or other specied data.
Dashboards are a custom grouping of
data that can be helpful to a specic or
general task, such as geocaching.
You can customize the data elds and
dashboards of the map, compass, and
trip computer.
2. Select a data eld to customize.
3. Select a data eld type.
4. Select back to save the changes.
> Data Fields.
elds.
Data Fields.
For data eld descriptions, see
page 47.
28 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 29
Customizing Dashboards
1. Open the page for which you want
to customize the dashboard.
2. Select an option:
• From the map, select menu >
Setup Map > Data Fields >
Dashboard.
• From the compass or trip
computer, select menu >
Change Dashboard.
3. Select a dashboard.
Proles
Proles are collections of settings that
optimize your device based on how
you are using it. For example, your
settings and views can be different
when you are using the device for
geocaching and for navigating on
water.
When you are using a prole and you
change settings such as data elds or
Customizing Your Device
units of measurement, the changes
are saved automatically as part of the
prole.
Selecting a Prole
1. Select Prole Change.
2. Select a prole.
Creating a Custom Prole
You can customize your settings and
data elds for a particular activity or
trip.
1. Customize the settings as necessary
(page 28).
2. Customize the data elds as
necessary (page 28).
3. Select Setup > Proles.
4. Select Create Prole > OK.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 29
Page 30
Customizing Your Device
Editing a Prole Name
1. Select Setup > Proles.
2. Select a prole.
3. Select Edit Name.
4. Enter the new name.
5. Select Done.
Deleting a Prole
1. Select Setup > Proles.
2. Select a prole.
3. Select Delete > Yes.
System Settings
Select Setup > System.
• GPS—sets the GPS to Normal,WAAS/EGNOS (Wide Area
Augmentation System/European
Geostationary Navigation Overlay
Service), or Demo Mode (GPS
off). For information about WAAS,
go to http://www.garmin.com/
aboutGPS/waas.html.
• Language—sets the text language
on the device.
NOTE: Changing the text language
does not change the language of
user-entered data or map data, such
as street names.
• Battery Type—allows you to
select the type of AA battery you
are using.
Display Settings
Select Setup > Display.
• Backlight Timeout—adjusts the
length of time before the backlight
turns off.
NOTE: To adjust the backlight
brightness, see page 40.
• Colors (eTrex 20x/30x)—sets the
colors that display in Night and
Day mode.
◦Mode—sets a light background
(Day), a dark background
30 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 31
(Night), or automatically
switches between the two based
on the sunrise time and the
sunset time for your current
location (Auto).
◦Day Background Color—sets
the background image used in
day mode.
◦Day Highlight Color—sets
the color for selections in day
mode.
◦Night Background Color—
sets the background image used
in night mode.
◦Night Highlight Color—sets
the color for selections in night
mode.
• Screen Capture—allows you to
take screen captures on the device.
Customizing Your Device
Setting the Device Tones
You can customize tones for messages,
keys, turn warnings, and alarms.
1. Select Setup > Tones.
2. Select a tone for each audible type.
Map Settings
Select Setup > Map.
• Orientation—adjusts how the map
is shown on the page.
◦North Up—shows north at the
top of the page.
◦Track Up—shows your current
direction of travel toward the
top of the page.
◦Automotive Mode—shows an
automotive perspective with the
direction of travel at the top.
• Guidance Text—allows you to
select when to show guidance text
on the map.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 31
Page 32
Customizing Your Device
• Data Fields—selects the number
and size of the data elds to display
on the map.
• Advanced Map Setup—sets the
zoom levels, the text size, and the
detail level of the map.
◦Auto Zoom—automatically
selects the appropriate zoom
level for optimal use on your
map. When Off is selected, you
must zoom in or out manually.
◦Zoom Levels—selects the zoom
level for map items.
◦Text Size—selects the text size
for map items.
◦Detail—selects the amount
of detail shown on the map.
Showing more detail may cause
the map to redraw more slowly.
◦Shaded Relief—shows detail
relief on the map (if available)
or turns off shading.
• Map Information—allows you to
enable or disable the maps currently
loaded on the device. To purchase
additional maps, see page 11.
Tracks Settings
Select Setup > Tracks.
• Track Log—turns track recording
on or off.
• Record Method—selects a track
recording method. Auto records the
tracks at a variable rate to create
an optimum representation of your
tracks.
• RecordingInterval—selects a
track log recording rate. Recording
points more frequently creates a
more-detailed track, but lls the
track log faster.
32 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 33
• Auto Archive—selects an
automatic archive method to
organize your tracks. Tracks are
saved and cleared automatically
based on the user setting.
• Color (eTrex 20x/30x)—changes
the color of the track line on the
map.
Changing the Units of
Measure
You can customize units of measure
for distance and speed, elevation, and
pressure.
1. Select Setup > Units.
2. Select a measurement type.
3. Select a unit of measure for the
setting.
Customizing Your Device
Time Settings
Select Setup > Time.
• Time Format—allows you to
select a 12-hour or a 24-hour
display time.
• Time Zone—allows you to select
the time zone for the device. You
can select Automatic to set the
time zone automatically based on
your GPS position.
Position Format Settings
NOTE: Do not change the position
format or the map datum coordinate
system unless you are using a map or
chart that species a different position
format.
Select Setup > Position Format.
• Position Format—sets the position
format in which a given location
reading appears.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 33
Page 34
Customizing Your Device
• Map Datum—sets the coordinate
system on which the map is
structured.
• Map Spheroid—shows the
coordinate system the device is
using. The default coordinate
system is WGS 84.
Heading Settings
This function is available on the
eTrex 30x.
Select Setup > Heading.
• Display—sets the type of
directional heading on the compass.
• North Reference—sets the north
reference of the compass.
• Go To Line (Pointer)—allows you
to select how the course appears.
◦Bearing (Small or Large)—
sets the direction to your
destination.
◦Course (CDI)—the course
deviation indicator displays
your relationship to a course
line leading to a destination.
• Compass—switches from an
electronic compass to a GPS
compass when you are traveling
at a higher rate of speed for a set
period of time (Auto), or turns the
compass off.
• Calibrate Compass—page 17.
Altimeter Settings
This function is available on the
eTrex 30x.
Select Setup > Altimeter.
• Auto Calibration—allows the
altimeter to self-calibrate each time
you turn the device on.
34 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 35
• Barometer Mode
◦Variable Elevation—allows the
barometer to measure changes
in elevation while you are
moving.
◦Fixed Elevation—assumes
the device is stationary at a
xed elevation. Therefore, the
barometric pressure should
change only due to weather.
• Pressure Trending
◦Save When Power On—
records pressure data only when
the device is turned on. This
can be useful when you are
watching for pressure fronts.
◦Save Always—records pressure
data every 15 minutes, even
when the device is turned off.
Customizing Your Device
• Plot Type
◦Elevation/Time—records
elevation changes over a period
of time.
◦Elevation/Distance—records
elevation changes over a
distance.
◦Barometric Pressure—records
barometric pressure over a
period of time.
◦Ambient Pressure—records
ambient pressure changes over a
period of time.
• Calibrate Altimeter—page 20.
Geocaching Settings
Select Setup > Geocaches.
• Geocache List—allows you to
display the geocache list by names
or codes.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 35
Page 36
Customizing Your Device
• Found Geocaches—allows you
to edit the number of geocaches
found. This number automatically
• Guidance Method—allows you
increases as you log a nd
(page 22).
• Filter Setup— page 21.
• chirp™ Searching—page 23.
• Program chirp™—programs the
chirp accessory. See the chirp Owner’s Manual at
http://www.garmin.com.
Routing Settings
The device calculates routes optimized
for the type of activity you are doing.
The routing settings available vary
based on the activity selected.
• Calculate Routes for—allows you
Select Setup > Routing.
to select a guidance method for
calculating your route.
◦Off Road—calculates point-to-
point routes.
◦On Road For Time (requires
routable maps)—calculates onroad routes that require minimal
time to drive.
◦On Road For Distance
(requires routable maps)—
calculates on-road routes that
are shorter in distance.
to select a transportation method in
order to optimize your route.
36 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 37
• Lock On Road—locks the
position icon, which represents
your position on the map, onto the
nearest road.
• Off Road Transitions—available
only for some activities.
◦Auto—automatically routes you
to the next point.
◦Manual—allows you to select
the next point on the route.
◦Distance—routes you to the
next point on the route when
you are within a specied
distance of your current point.
• Avoidance Setup—(available only
for some guidance methods) allows
you to select the road type you want
to avoid.
Customizing Your Device
Marine Map Settings
This function is available on the
eTrex 20x and eTrex 30x.
Select Setup > Marine.
• Marine Chart Mode—allows you
to select a nautical chart or a shing
chart:
◦Nautical—displays various map
features in different colors so
that the marine POIs are more
readable. The nautical chart
reects the drawing scheme of
paper charts.
◦Fishing—(requires marine
maps) displays a detailed view
of bottom contours and depth
soundings. Simplies map
presentation for optimal use
while shing.
• Appearance—allows you to set the
appearance of marine navigation
aids on the map.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 37
Page 38
Customizing Your Device
• Marine Alarm Setup
◦Anchor Drag Alarm—alarm
sounds when you exceed a
specied drift distance while
anchored.
◦Off Course Alarm—alarm
sounds when you are off course
by a specied distance.
◦Deep Water/Shallow Water—
alarm sounds when you enter
water of a specic depth.
Setting up Marine Alarms
1. Select Setup > Marine > Marine
Alarm Setup.
2. Select an alarm type.
3. Select On.
If necessary, enter a distance, then
select Done.
Fitness
For more information on optional
tness accessories, see page 46.
Resetting Data
You can reset trip data, delete all
waypoints, clear the current track, or
restore default values.
1. Select Setup > Reset.
2. Select an item to reset.
Restoring Specic Settings to
Defaults
1. Select Setup.
2. Select an item to reset.
3. Select menu > Restore Defaults.
38 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 39
Restoring Specic Page
Settings
You can restore the settings for the
map, compass, and trip computer.
1. Open the page for which you will
restore the settings.
2. Select menu > Restore Defaults.
Restoring All Default Settings
You can reset all the setup values to the
original settings.
Select Setup > Reset > Reset All Settings > Yes.
Changing the Page
Sequence
Before you can change the order of the
page sequence, you must add pages to
the sequence (page 39).
1. Select Setup > Page Sequence.
2. Select a page.
3. Select Move.
4. Select the new page location.
Adding a Page
1. Select Setup > Page Sequence.
2. Select Add Page.
3. Select a page to add.
Removing a Page
1. Select Setup > Page Sequence.
2. Select a page.
3. Select Remove.
Customizing Your Device
eTrex Owner’s Manual 39
Page 40
Device Information
Device Information
Adjusting the Screen
NOTE: The backlight brightness may
be limited when the remaining capacity
in the batteries is low.
Extensive use of screen backlighting
can signicantly reduce battery life.
1. While the device is on, press .
2. Move the Thumb Stick left and
right to adjust the brightness level.
3. Move the Thumb Stick up and
down to adjust the contrast level
(eTrex 10 only).
Adjusting the Backlight
Timeout
You can decrease the backlight timeout
to maximize battery power.
Select Setup > Display >
Backlight Timeout.
40 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Updating the Software
Before you can update the software,
you must connect the device to your
computer (page 44).
1. Go to http://www.garmin.com
/products/webupdater.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
NOTE: Updating the software does not
erase any of your data or settings.
Viewing Device
Information
You can view the unit ID, software
version, and license agreement.
Select Setup > About.
Page 41
Specications
Water
resistance
Battery type 2 AA batteries, (alkaline,
Battery LifeUp to 25 hours
Operating
temperature
range
Rugged plastic,
waterproof to IEC 60529
IPX7
NiMH, lithium, or
precharged NiMH)
From -4°F to 158°F
(-20°C to 70°C)
Device Information
CAUTION
Contact your local waste disposal
department to properly recycle the
batteries.
notice
Alkaline batteries lose a signicant
amount of their capacity as temperature
decreases. Therefore, use lithium
batteries when operating the device in
below-freezing conditions.
About the Batteries
WARNING
The temperature rating for the device
(page 41) may exceed the usable range
of some batteries. Alkaline batteries
can rupture at high temperatures.
Do not use a sharp object to remove
batteries.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 41
Maximizing Battery Life
You can do various things to increase
the battery life.
• Leave the backlight off when not
needed.
• Lower the backlight brightness
(page 40).
• Decrease the backlight timeout
(page 40).
Page 42
Device Information
Long-Term Storage
When you do not plan to use the
device for several months, remove the
3. Thoroughly dry the screen.
Water Immersion
batteries. Stored data is not lost when
batteries are removed.
The device is waterproof to IEC
Standard 60529 IPX7. It can withstand
Caring for the Device
immersion in 1 meter of water for
30 minutes. However, prolonged
notice
Avoid chemical cleaners and solvents
which can damage plastic components.
submersion can cause damage to the
device. After submersion, be certain to
wipe dry and air dry the device before
using or charging.
Cleaning the Device
1. Dampen a clean cloth with a mild
Extreme Temperatures
detergent solution.
2. Wipe the device with the damp
cloth.
3. Thoroughly dry the device.
Cleaning the Screen
Do not store the device where
prolonged exposure to extreme
temperatures can occur because it can
cause permanent damage.
1. Dampen a soft, clean, lint-free cloth
with water, isopropyl alcohol, or
eyeglass lens cleaner.
2. Wipe the screen with the cloth.
notice
notice
42 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 43
Data Management
NOTE: The device is not compatible
with Windows® 95, 98, Me, or NT. It is
also not compatible with Mac® OS 10.3
and earlier.
File Types
The device supports these le types.
• Files from BaseCamp™ or
HomePort
Go to http://www.garmin.com.
• GPI custom POI les from the
Garmin POI Loader
• GPX geocache les
™
Device Information
Installing a microSD Card
The eTrex 20x and eTrex 30x can
use microSD cards for additional
storage. Also, some maps are available
preloaded on memory cards. Go
to http://buy.garmin.com for more
information.
1. Turn the D-ring counter-clockwise,
and pull up to remove the cover.
2. Remove the batteries or battery.
3. Slide the card holder ➊ toward
the bottom of the device and lift
up, as instructed in the battery
compartment.
➊
eTrex Owner’s Manual 43
➋
Page 44
Device Information
4. Place the microSD card ➋ in the
device with the gold contacts facing
down.
5. Close the card holder.
6. Slide the card holder toward the top
of the device to lock it.
7. Replace the batteries (page 7).
8. Replace the battery cover, and turn
the D-ring clockwise.
Connecting the Device to a
Computer
notice
To prevent corrosion, thoroughly
dry the mini-USB port, the weather
cap, and the surrounding area before
charging or connecting to a computer.
1. Connect the USB cable to a USB
port on your computer.
2. Pull up the weather cap ➊ from the
mini-USB port ➋.
44 eTrex Owner’s Manual
3. Plug the small end of the USB
Your device and memory card
(optional) appear as removable
drives in My Computer on Windows
computers and as mounted volumes on
Mac computers.
Transferring Files to Your
Computer
Before you can transfer les, you must
connect the device to your computer
(page 44).
1. Browse your computer for the le.
2. Select the le.
3. Select Edit > Copy.
➊
➋
cable into the mini-USB port.
Page 45
4. Open the “Garmin” or memory card
drive/volume.
3. Select the les.
4. Press the Delete key on your
5. Select Edit > Paste.
TIP: You must put geocache les in
the Garmin\GPX folder.
Disconnecting the USB Cable
1. Complete an action:
Deleting Files
notice
If you do not know the purpose of
a le, do not delete it. Your device
memory contains important system
les that should not be deleted. Be
2. Disconnect the device from your
especially cautious of folders entitled
“Garmin.”
Before you can delete les, you must
connect the device to your computer
(page 44).
1. Open the “Garmin” drive or
volume.
2. If necessary, open a folder or
volume.
Device Information
keyboard.
• For Windows computers, click
the eject icon in your system
tray.
• For Mac computers, drag the
volume icon to the Trash .
computer.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 45
Page 46
Appendix
Appendix
Optional Accessories
Optional accessories, such as mounts,
You can use optional tness accessories
including a heart rate monitor or a
cadence sensor with your device.
These accessories use ANT+
technology to send data to the device.
maps, tness accessories, and
replacement parts, are available at
http://buy.garmin.com or from your
Garmin dealer.
Optional Maps
You can purchase additional maps,
such as BirdsEye satellite imagery,
Using Optional Fitness
Accessories
1. Bring the device within range (10
2. Select Setup > Fitness.
3. Select Heart Rate Monitor or
Garmin custom maps, Inland Lakes,
TOPO, BlueChart g2, and City
Navigator maps.
4. Select Search for New.
5. Customize your data elds to view
Optional Fitness Accessories
Fitness accessories are available for
the eTrex 30x. Before you can use the
tness accessory with your device, you
must install the accessory according
to the instructions included with the
accessory.
™
wireless
ft. or 3 m) of the ANT+ accessory.
Bike Cadence Sensor.
the heart rate or cadence data
(page 28).
46 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 47
Tips for Pairing ANT+ Accessories
with Your Garmin Device
• Verify that the ANT+ accessory
is compatible with your Garmin
device.
• Before you pair the ANT+
accessory with your Garmin device,
move (33 ft. or 10 m) away from
other ANT+ accessories.
• Bring the Garmin device within
range (10 ft. or 3 m) of the ANT+
accessory.
• After you pair the rst time, your
Garmin device automatically
recognizes the ANT+ accessory
each time it is activated. This
process occurs automatically when
you turn on the Garmin device and
only takes a few seconds when
the accessories are activated and
functioning correctly.
• When paired, your Garmin device
receives data from only your
Appendix
accessory, and you can go near
other accessories.
Data Field Options
Not all data elds are available for all
models.
Data FieldDescription
Accuracy of
GPS
Ambient
Pressure
Ascent Average
Ascent Maximum
Ascent - TotalThe total elevation
The margin of
error for your exact
location. For example,
your GPS location
is accurate to within
+/- 12 ft.
The uncalibrated
environmental
pressure.
The average vertical
distance of ascent.
The maximum ascent
rate in feet or meters
per minute.
distance ascended.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 47
Page 48
Appendix
Data FieldDescription
BarometerThe calibrated current
pressure.
Battery LevelThe remaining battery
power.
BearingThe direction from
your current location
to a destination.
Cadence
(cadence
accessory
Revolutions of the
crank arm or strides
per minute.
required)
CourseThe direction from
your starting location
to a destination.
Descent Average
Descent Maximum
The average vertical
distance of descent.
The maximum
descent rate in feet or
meters per minute.
Descent - Total The total elevation
distance descended.
Distance to
Destination
48 eTrex Owner’s Manual
The distance to your
nal destination.
Data FieldDescription
Distance to
Next
The remaining
distance to the next
waypoint on the route.
ElevationThe altitude of your
current location above
or below sea level.
Elevation Maximum
Elevation Minimum
ETA at
Destination
The highest elevation
reached.
The lowest elevation
reached.
The estimated time
of day you will reach
your nal destination.
ETA at NextThe estimated time of
day you will reach the
next waypoint on the
route.
Glide RatioThe ratio of horizontal
distance traveled to
the change in vertical
distance.
Page 49
Appendix
Data FieldDescription
Glide Ratio to
Dest.
The glide ratio
required to descend
from your current
position and elevation
to the destination
elevation.
GPS Signal
Strength
The strength of the
GPS signal.
HeadingThe direction you are
moving.
Heart Rate
(heart rate
monitor
Your heart rate in
beats per minute
(bpm).
required)
Location
(lat/lon)
Displays the current
position in the default
position format
regardless of the
selected settings.
Location
(selected)
Displays the current
position in the
selected position
format.
eTrex Owner’s Manual 49
Data FieldDescription
OdometerA running tally of
distance traveled for
all trips.
Off CourseThe distance to
the left or the right
by which you have
strayed from the
original path of travel.
PointerThe data eld arrow
points in the direction
of the next waypoint
or turn.
SpeedThe current rate of
speed at which you
are moving since last
reset.
Speed Maximum
The maximum speed
reached since last
reset.
Speed Moving Avg.
The average speed
of the device while
moving since last
reset.
Page 50
Appendix
Data FieldDescription
Speed Overall Avg.
Your average speed
since last reset.
SunriseThe time of sunrise
based on your GPS
position.
SunsetThe time of sunset
based on your GPS
position.
Time of DayThe current time of
day based on your
time settings (format,
time zone, and
daylight saving time).
Time to
Destination
The estimated time
needed to reach your
nal destination.
Time to NextThe estimated time
needed to reach the
next waypoint on the
route.
To CourseThe direction in which
you must move to
return to the route.
50 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Data FieldDescription
Trip Odometer A running tally of the
distance traveled
since the last reset.
Trip Time Moving
Trip Time Stopped
A running tally of time
since the last reset.
The time spent not
moving since the last
reset.
Trip Time Total
A running tally of
distance traveled
since the last reset.
TurnThe angle of
difference (in
degrees) between
the bearing to your
destination and your
current course. L
means turn left. R
means turn right.
Velocity Made
Good
The speed at which
you are closing on a
destination along a
route.
Page 51
Data FieldDescription
Vert. Speed to
Dest.
The measurement
of your rate of
ascent or descent
to a predetermined
altitude.
Vertical Speed Your rate of altitude
gain or loss over time.
Waypoint at
Dest.
The last point on
a route to your
destination.
Waypoint at
Next
The next point on
your route.
Appendix
eTrex Owner’s Manual 51
Page 52
Appendix
Troubleshooting
ProblemSolution
The device does not
respond. How do I
reset the device?
I want to reset all the
customized settings
back to the factory
defaults.
My device does not
acquire satellite
signals.
The batteries do not
last long.
How do I know my
device is in USB mass
storage mode?
1. Remove the batteries.
2. Reinstall the batteries.
NOTE: This does not erase any of your data or settings.
Select Setup > Reset > Reset All Settings.
1. Take your device out of buildings and parking
garages, and away from tall buildings and trees.
2. Turn on the device.
3. Remain stationary for several minutes.
To learn how to maximize the battery life, see page 41.
On the device, an image of the device connected to a
computer appears.
On your computer, you should see a new removable
disk drive in My Computer on Windows computers and a
mounted volume on Mac computers.
52 eTrex Owner’s Manual
Page 53
ProblemSolution
My device is
connected to the
computer, but it will not
go into mass storage
mode.
You may have loaded a corrupted le.
1. Disconnect the device from your computer.
2. Turn off the device.
3. Hold
computer.
4. Continue holding
goes into mass storage mode.
I cannot see any new
removable drives in
my list of drives.
If you have several network drives mapped on your
computer, Windows may have trouble assigning drive
letters to your Garmin drives. See the Help le for your
operating system to learn how to assign drive letters.
I need replacement
parts or accessories.
I want to buy an
external GPS antenna.
Go to http://buy.garmin.com, or contact your Garmin
dealer.
Go to http://buy.garmin.com, or contact your Garmin
dealer.