Garmin eTrex User Manual

eTrex

personal navigator

owner’s manual

©2000 GARMIN Corporation

GARMIN International, Inc.

1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062 U.S.A.

Tel. [phone]

Fax [phone]

GARMIN (Europe) Ltd.

Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9AQ, U.K.

Tel. [phone]

Fax [phone]

GARMIN (Asia) Corporation

No. 68, Jangshu 2nd 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 prior written consent of GARMIN Corporation. GARMIN Corporation hereby grants permission to download a single copy of this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed for personal use, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this

manual contains the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual is strictly prohibited.

Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. GARMIN Corporation reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes. Visit the GARMIN website for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use and operation of this and other GARMIN products.

Website address: www.garmin.com

GARMIN is a registered trademark and eTrex is a trademark of GARMIN Corporation and may not be used without the express permission of GARMIN Corporation.

September 2000

Part Number 190-00205-00 Rev. B

Printed in Taiwan

Let the Fun Begin

fun (noun):

1.A source of enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure.

2.Enjoyment; amusement: have fun at the party.

3.Playful, often noisy, activity.

We don’t know about the noise, but fun and simplicity is what the eTrex is all about. To get the most out of your new eTrex, take the time to read through this Owner’s Manual to understand the operating features of the unit. This manual has been designed to provide all that you need to know to operate your eTrex.

eTrex Registration

Help us better support you by completing your on-line registration today!

Why should you register your eTrex?

•Notification of Product Updates

•Notification of New Products

•Lost or Stolen unit tracking

Connect to our website (www.garmin.com) and look for the Product Registration link on the home page.

Thanks for choosing the GARMIN eTrex. If you have any questions or comments regarding the use of the eTrex you can visit our website or contact our Customer Service Department M-F, 8:00-5:00 CST (except holidays) at 1-800-800-1020.

Introduction

On Your Mark. . .

If you have previously registered your GARMIN product purchase using a mail-in registration card, we invite you to reregister using our NEW on-line system. Many services provided by our new product registration system are now being automated and reregistering your purchase ensures you the best possible support from GARMIN.

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Introduction
Table of	Introduction..............................................................	1-8
Contents	Registration ....................................................................	1
	Warnings and Cautions ..................................................	3
	FCC Compliance Statement ...........................................	4
	Features..........................................................................	5
	Buttons...........................................................................	6
	Description.....................................................................	7
	Accessories.....................................................................	8
	Installing the Batteries ....................................................	8
	Getting Started .......................................................	9-17
	Satellite Page Basics ......................................................	10
	Map Page Basics ...........................................................	11
	Pointer Page Basics .......................................................	12
	Menu Page Basics .........................................................	13
	Creating a Waypoint................................................	14-15
	Heading in the Right Direction.....................................	16
	Cancelling a GOTO......................................................	17
	Reference ...............................................................	18-39
	Map Page Options ........................................................	18
	Pointer Page Options....................................................	19
	Menu Page Selections ...................................................	20
	Mark Waypoint Page ...............................................	20-21
	Waypoints Page............................................................	22
	Review Waypoint Page ............................................	23-24
	Routes .....................................................................	25-27
	Tracks......................................................................	28-31
	Setup Page...............................................................	31-39
	Appendices............................................................	40-51
	Appendix A: Specifications...........................................	40
	Appendix B: What is GPS? ...........................................	41
	Appendix C: Satellite Reception Tips.......................	42-43
	Appendix D: Time Offset Chart ....................................	44
	Appendix E: Wiring Diagram .......................................	45
	Appendix F: Troubleshooting .......................................	46
	Appendix G: FAQs ..................................................	47-48
	Appendix H: Index..................................................	49-51
	Warranty ....................................................................	52

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WARNING: If you choose to use the eTrex in a vehicle, it is the sole responsibility of the owner/operator of the eTrex to secure the GPS unit so that it will not cause damage or personal injury in the event of an accident. Do not mount the eTrex over airbag panels or in a place where the driver or passengers are likely to have an impact with it in an accident or collision.

WARNING: If you choose to use the eTrex in a vehicle, it is the sole responsibility of the operator of the vehicle to operate the vehicle in a safe manner, maintain full surveillance of all driving conditions at all times, and never become distracted by the eTrex to the exclusion of safe operating practices. It is unsafe to operate the eTrex while you are driving. Failure by the operator of a vehicle equipped with an eTrex to pay full attention

to operating the vehicle and road conditions while the vehicle is in motion could result in an accident or collision with property damage and personal injury.

CAUTION: IT IS THE USER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT PRUDENTLY. THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED TO BE USED ONLY AS A TRAVEL AID AND MUST NOT BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE REQUIRING PRECISE MEASUREMENT OF DIRECTION, DISTANCE, LOCATION, OR TOPOGRAPHY.

CAUTION: The Global Positioning System (GPS) is operated by the government of the United States, which is solely responsible for its accuracy and maintenance.

The system is subject to changes which could affect the accuracy and performance of all GPS equipment. Although the eTrex is a precision electronic NAVigation AID (NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and, therefore, become unsafe.

CAUTION: Electronics are protected if immersed, but battery compartment may get wet. Make sure batteries and compartment are dry before using.

Introduction

Warnings and

Cautions

Remove the batteries from your eTrex if you don’t expect to use it for several months. Be sure to observe the proper polarity when inserting the batteries. Follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions on the proper care and handling of the batteries.

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Introduction

FCC Compliance

Statement

The eTrex complies with Part 15 of the FCC limits for Class B digital devices. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed or used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular instance. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to other equipment, try to correct the problem by relocating the equipment.

Consult an authorized GARMIN dealer or other qualified service technician if the problem cannot be corrected. Operation is subject to the following

conditions: (1) This device cannot cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

The eTrex does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should be made only by an authorized GARMIN service center. Unauthorized repairs can void the warranty.

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The eTrex is a six ounce, 12 channel, hand held GPS receiver. It has a built-in GPS antenna and only five user-buttons. All buttons are located on either side of the unit, allowing for simple, one-handed operation that won’t obstruct your view of the display. It runs for 22 hours on two AA alkaline batteries in battery save mode.

In addition to determining your location, the eTrex will create, name and save a location (as an electronic waypoint) in its memory, allowing you to navigate back to this point any time you want. And once you start moving, your GPS provides other data, like speed, direction of movement, time and distance to destination, and more.

From these basic features, your GARMIN GPS can provide one more critical benefit; peace of mind, because, with GPS you’ll know where you are, where you’ve been and where you’re going. And since you’ll always know the way back home, you can concentrate on what you set out to do and enjoy the great outdoors.

Other features include:

Waypoints: 500 with name and graphic symbol.

Tracks: Automatic track log; 10 saved tracks let you retrace your path in both directions.

Route: Route lets you navigate up to 50 waypoints in sequence.

Trip Computer: Current speed, average speed, maximum speed, direction of movement, bearing, elevation, time of sunrise/sunset, trip timer and trip odometer.

Introduction

eTrex Features

NOTE: You should always be prepared and capable of navigating without the eTrex. It

is designed to augment other forms of basic navigation, not entirely replace them.

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Introduction

eTrex Buttons

Operating the eTrex is as simple as pressing a button!

The UP/DOWN Buttons:

•Select options on pages and menus

•Adjust display contrast on Satellite Page

•Zoom in and out on Map Page

•Cycle through trip data on Pointer Page

The ENTER Button:

•Confirms data entry or menu selections

•Displays options on main pages

•Pressing and holding the ENTER button activates the Mark Waypoint Page

The PAGE Button:

•Switches between pages and backs you out of pages. If you start to do something and you don’t want to continue, you can stop by pressing the PAGE Button.

The POWER Button:

•Turns the unit on and off

•Turns the display backlight on and off

The eTrex is ergonomically designed to be held in the left hand.

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Internal

GPS Antenna

UP Button

DOWN Button

ENTER

Button

External Power

and

Data Connector

Introduction

eTrex Description

PAGE

Button

POWER

Button

LCD Display (with backlight)

Waterproof Case

Battery

Compartment

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Introduction

Accessories

Auto Power Adapter - Converts 12VDC output from the lighter to 3VDC input to the eTrex. Not interchangeable with power adapters for GARMIN VHF 720, 725, and 725e, or GPS 170, 175, 190, and 195.

Bicycle Mounting Kit

PC Interface Cable with Auto Power Adapter

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Standard Accessories
Lanyard........................................	Part No. 013-00052-00

Attaches to a slot on the bottom of the unit for convenient carrying.

Owner’s Manual............................	Part No. 190-00205-00
Quick Start Guide ........................	Part No. 190-00205-01
Optional Accessories
Carrying Case...............................	Part No. 010-10266-00

Protects the eTrex when not in use.

Auto Power Adapter .....................

Part No. 010-10203-00

Provides eTrex operation from a automobile cigarette lighter.

PC Data Cable ..............................

Part No. 010-10206-00

Allows for transfer of data from a PC to an eTrex.

Data Cable....................................	Part No. 010-10205-00
Wiring harness. Connections for data input/output.
Bicycle Mounting Kit....................	Part No. 010-10267-00

Allows the eTrex to be mounted on bicycle handle bars.

PC Cable/Auto Power Adapter......

Part No. 190-10268-00

Allows transfer of waypoints and routes from a PC to the eTrex and provides unit operation from an automobile cigarette lighter.

MapSource® Map Data CD-ROMs

An excellent tool for creating waypoints and routes on your PC using a background map and downloading them to your eTrex. See your GARMIN dealer for MapSource details.

Installing the Batteries

The eTrex operates on two AA batteries (not included), which are installed at the back of the unit. To install the batteries, remove the battery cover by turning the D-ring at the back of the unit 1/4 turn counter-clockwise. Insert the batteries observing proper polarity. Attach the battery cover by turning the D-ring

1/4 turn clockwise. Two AA alkaline batteries should last about 22 hours in battery save mode.

The Getting Started Section introduces you to the basic operation of the eTrex. The Reference Section shows you how to use all of eTrex’s remaining features.

The First Step

The eTrex operates on information gathered from satellites. To gather this information, take your eTrex outside and find a large, open area that has a clear view of the sky (a nearby park would work fine). Press and hold the POWER Button to turn the unit on. You’ll see the Welcome Page for a few seconds while the eTrex performs a self-test, followed by the Satellite Page.

The eTrex needs to receive at least three strong satellite signals to find your location. The Satellite Page shows you graphically eTrex tracking satellites, the strength of the satellite signals, and the satellite tracking status.

NOTE: When you use the eTrex for the first

Ftime, it will take up to five minutes to find your location. After the first use, eTrex only needs about 15 to 45 seconds to find your location.

When you see the “READY TO NAVIGATE” message on the Satellite Page, eTrex has found your location and you are ready to go!

Backlighting and Contrast

If the lighting conditions make it hard for you to see the screen, you can adjust the contrast or turn on the backlight. Press and release the POWER Button from any screen to turn on the backlight. The backlight is timed to stay on for 30 seconds to save battery power. To adjust the screen contrast, press the PAGE Button until you see the Satellite Page. Press the UP Button to make the screen darker, press the DOWN Button to make the screen lighter.

Getting Started

Here We Go. . .

The Welcome Page

The Satellite Page

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Getting Started

Page Basics

The “READY TO NAVIGATE” message must appear before you can begin using your eTrex to navigate.

Pressing ENTER on the Advanced Skyview Page also offers the options of Orienting the Sky Ahead or Northward, Setup Display (backlighting/ contrast), and returning to Normal Skyview.

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Selecting a Page

All of the information needed to operate the eTrex is found on four main “pages” (or display screens). These pages are the Satellite, Map, Pointer, and Menu.

Simply press the PAGE Button to switch between pages.

PAGE		PAGE		PAGE		PAGE

Satellite Map Pointer Menu

Satellite Page Basics

The Satellite Page shows the eTrex gathering all the necessary satellite information in order to work. There are two display options on the Satellite Page, Normal Skyview and Advanced Skyview. Normal Skyview shows you (in animation), the satellites, satellite signal strength, and the eTrex’s estimated location accuracy.

To activate the Advanced Skyview page, simply press ENTER on the Satellite Page, select ‘Advanced Skyview’ and press ENTER again. This page displays the numbered satellites the eTrex is using, their proximity to your current position, and their individual signal strengths. To determine the location of the satellites being used around you, the outer circle of the display represents the horizon and the center represents the sky directly overhead.

Status Message

Location Accuracy

(estimated)

Satellites

Satellite Signal

Strength Bars

Normal Skyview

Advanced Skyview

Map Page Basics

North Pointer

Destination

Waypoint

“You”; Your

Location

Path to Destination

“Trail” (track log)

Map

Scale

The Map Page

The Map Page shows where you are (the animated figure) and provides a real picture of where you are going. As you travel (the animated figure “walks”) and leaves a “trail” (track log). Waypoint names and symbols are also shown on the map. We will show you how to record your location by marking a waypoint in the “discovering the fun” section.

To help you better visualize the “real world”, eTrex automatically rotates the map as you move, so that waypoints that are ahead of you are always displayed in front of the animated figure. The North Pointer always shows you where north is.

To make sure you can see your entire trip, you can change the map scale (from 200 feet to 800 miles!) by pressing and holding the UP Button to view a larger area, and the DOWN Button for viewing a smaller area.

Getting Started

Page Basics

On the Map Page, the UP and DOWN Buttons are used to adjust the map scale from 200 feet to 800 miles.

The Map Page showing different symbols and waypoints.

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Getting Started

Page Basics

On the Pointer Page, the UP and DOWN Buttons are used to cycle through different trip data.

The eTrex is not a compass. You must be moving in order for it to track your movement.

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Pointer Page Basics

Waypoint (Location) Name

Time to reach		Straight Line
the Destination
		Distance to the
		Destination
Moving Direction
Line
Direction Arrow		Compass Ring
(follow this)
Speed		Destination Symbol

The Pointer Page

The Pointer Page helps guide you to a destination. When you’re moving with no particular destination in mind, the Pointer Page shows you your moving direction and speed. When you’re moving towards a specific destination, the Pointer Page shows you the name of the location, the distance and time to go, and displays a direction arrow in the compass ring. To navigate, simply follow the arrow.

By pressing the UP or DOWN Buttons, you can cycle through other trip computer information such as average speed, maximum speed, moving direction (heading), bearing, latitude/longitude, elevation, time of sunrise/sunset, trip timer and trip odometer.

FNOTE: The direction arrow, destination symbol and bearing information only appear on the Pointer Page when you have started a GOTO, a route or a TracBack.

Menu Page Basics

Menu Options

		Time and Date
Battery		Backlight
Strength		Indicator

The Menu Page

The Menu Page gives you access to eTrex’s more advanced features. With the Menu Page you can create and view waypoints, create a route, save and view track logs or access the system setup features. Information on all these advanced features is included in the reference section of this manual.

Changing the Time Zone

Let’s practice using the Menu Page and change the time zone.

To change the time zone:

1.Press the PAGE Button and switch to the ‘MENU’ Page. Press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight ‘SETUP’. Press ENTER. The ‘SETUP’ Page appears.

2.Press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight ‘TIME’ and press ENTER.

3.Press the UP or DOWN Button and select the ‘TIME ZONE’ field and press ENTER.

4.Press the UP or DOWN Button, scroll through the selections, and press ENTER when you have found the correct zone. Press PAGE to get back to the page of your choice.

Getting Started

Page Basics

On the Menu Page, the UP and DOWN Buttons are used to cycle through menu options and access advanced features.

You can choose from 30 time zones, plus ‘other’.

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Getting Started

Let the Fun

Begin!

You’ll find the MARK option on the ‘MENU’ Page.

The Elevation, Latitude and Longitude are displayed at the bottom of the ‘MARK WAYPOINT’ Page and the ‘REVIEW WAYPOINT’ Page.

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This completes a basic explanation of the page features of the eTrex. Now let’s have some fun.

Discovering the Fun of GPS Navigation

Discovering the fun of using your eTrex is as easy as taking a quick walk around an open outdoor area. In

this brief exercise, you’ll mark your current location (your home for example), travel a short distance away, and then have the eTrex guide you back to where you started (to get the most out of this exercise, make sure to walk for at least the time noted for each step).

Creating a Waypoint

The first step in the exercise is to mark your location as a waypoint so you can return to it later.

FNOTE: The eTrex must be “READY TO NAVIGATE” before you mark a waypoint.

To Mark a Waypoint:

1.Press the PAGE Button and switch to the ‘MENU’ Page.

2.Press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight the ‘MARK’ field.

3.Press ENTER. The ‘MARK WAYPOINT’ Page appears with ‘OK?’ highlighted.

Before we actually mark the waypoint, let’s change the symbol to a house and the name ‘001’ to something a little more meaningful such as HOME.

To change the waypoint symbol:

1.On the ‘MARK WAYPOINT’ Page, press the UP or DOWN Button to highlight the small flag symbol and press ENTER. Using the UP or DOWN Button, scroll through the symbols and highlight the house symbol. Press ENTER.

To change the waypoint name:

1.On the ‘MARK WAYPOINT’ Page, press the UP or DOWN Button to highlight the Waypoint Name ‘001’.

2.Press ENTER. The ‘EDIT WAYPOINT NAME’ Page appears.

3.Press ENTER. Using the UP or DOWN Button, scroll through the letter selections. Select ‘H’ and press ENTER. Repeat this process and finish the word ‘HOME’.

4.Press the UP or DOWN Button to highlight the ‘OK’ field and press ENTER. The ‘MARK WAYPOINT’ Page appears.

5.Press the UP or DOWN Button to highlight the ‘OK’ field and press ENTER. Your location, named ‘HOME’, is now marked and stored in memory.

FNOTE: As a shortcut tip, press and hold ENTER to mark a waypoint.

Now that you’ve marked your location, it’s time to go for a brisk walk. Press the PAGE Button and switch to the Map Page.

Walk in a straight line for 3-4 minutes at a fast pace and watch the Map Page.

Your location is shown by the figure in the middle of the screen. As you move, watch the animated figure walk, and a line—called a “track”—appear along the path you have just covered.

Now take a sharp right turn and walk at a brisk pace for another 3-4 minutes.

Getting Started

Edit Waypoints

You can create or edit a waypoint on the ‘EDIT LOCATION’ Page. From the ‘MARK WAYPOINT’ Page, highlight the Lat/ Lon field and press ENTER. Then follow the on-screen instructions.

The ‘EDIT WAYPOINT

NAME’ Page.

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