Garmin GNC 300 User Manual

ACTV STBY

NAVWPTRTENRSTSQ

MSG

CLR ENT

CRSR

OWNER’S MANUAL

& REFERENCE

GNC 300

Pilot’s Guide

Software Version 2.04 or above

1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, KS 66062, USA

INTRODUCTION

Foreword

GARMIN (Europe) LTD, Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, U.K. SO51 9AQ

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the express written permission of GARMIN.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. GARMIN reserves the right to change or improve their products and to make changes in the content of this material without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements.

May 1996 190-00067-00 Rev. A Printed in USA

GARMIN™, GNC 300™, AutoLocate™, MultiTrac8™, Spell’N’Find™, GPSCOM™ and AutoStore™ are trademarks of GARMIN Corporation and may only be used with permission.

INTRODUCTION

Cautions

CAUTION

The Global Positioning 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 GNC 300 is a precision electronic NAVigation AID (NAVAID),

NOTE: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC limits for Class B digital devices. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by relocating the equipment or connecting the equipment to a different circuit than the affected equipment. Consult an authorized dealer or other qualified avionics technician for additional help if these remedies do not correct the problem.

Operation of this device is subject to the following conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

The GARMIN GNC 300 does not contain any userserviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by an authorized GARMIN service center. Unauthorized repairs or modifications could void your warranty and authority to operate this device under Part 15 regulations.

any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and therefore, become unsafe.

Use the GNC 300 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 using the simulator mode prior to actual use. When in actual use, carefully compare indications from the GNC 300 to all available navigation sources, including the information from other NAVAIDS, visual sightings, charts, etc. For safety, always resolve any discrepancies before continuing navigation.

The altitude calculated by the GNC 300 is geometric height above mean sea level and could vary significantly from altitude displayed by pressure altimeters in aircraft. Never use GPS altitude for vertical navigation.

The Jeppesen database incorporated in the GNC 300 must be updated regularly in order to ensure that its information is current. Updates are released every 28 days. A database information packet is included in your GNC 300 package.

Pilots using an out-of-date database do so entirely at their own risk.

Accessories & Packing List

Congratulations on choosing the finest, most full-featured panel mount IFR GPS COM available. The GNC 300 represents GARMIN’s commitment to provide an accurate, easy-to-use GPS for all of your aviation needs.

Before installing and getting started with your unit, please check to see that your package includes the following items. If any parts are missing or damaged, please see your GARMIN dealer immediately.

INTRODUCTION

Accessories and

Packing List

Standard Package:

• GNC 300 unit & NavData® Card

• GPS Antenna

• Aviation Installation Kit

• Pilot’s Guide & Quick Reference Guide

• Database Subscription Packet

• Warranty Registration Card

Optional Accessories

• AC Adapter

• Personal Computer Interface Kit

• User Data Card

• 28 to 14 volt DC converter

• MD-41 External Switch/Annunciator

To obtain accessories for your GNC 300, please contact your nearest GARMIN dealer.

iii

INTRODUCTION

Warranty

To obtain warranty service, see your local dealer or call the GARMIN Customer Service department for a returned merchandise tracking number. The unit should be securely packaged with the tracking number clearly marked on the outside of the package, and sent freight prepaid and insured to a GARMIN authorized warranty service facility.

Every GARMIN GPS is built to exacting standards to provide years of trouble-free service. GARMIN warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.

GARMIN International, Inc. will at its sole option, repair or replace any components which fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. The customer is, however, responsible for any transportation costs. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorized alteration or repairs. GARMIN International, Inc. assumes no responsibility for special, incidental, punitive or consequential damages, or loss of use.

THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE, AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i

Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii

Accessories/Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii

Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v-vi

Key and Knob Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii-viii

GNC 300 Takeoff Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8

PART TWO: REFERENCE

Section 1: Navigation with the GNC 300 ( Nkey) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Navigating and planning functions

Section 2: Communicating with the GNC 300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Using the GNC 300’s radio

Section 3: Waypoint and Database Information ( Wkey) . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Finding and using database and waypoint information

Section 4: Nearest Waypoints ( Tkey) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Finding nearest waypoints, SUAs and FSS frequencies

INTRODUCTION

Table of Contents

To quickly and easily locate information on specific tasks, please refer to the Index on page 125.

Section 5: Direct-to & Route Navigation ( Rkey) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Creating and using routes

Section 6: Approaches, SIDs & STARs ( Rkey) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Selecting and flying non-precision approaches

INTRODUCTION

Table of Contents

Section 7: Messages and Unit Settings ( Mkey) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Appendix A: NavData®and User Data Card Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Appendix B: Installation, Removal and Maintenance of the GNC 300 .106

Appendix C: Simulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Appendix D: GNC 300 Abbreviations and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Appendix E: Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Appendix F: Map Datums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Appendix G: Troubleshooting/Q & A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Appendix H: Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

GARMIN is fully committed to your satisfaction as a customer. If you have any

questions regarding the GNC 300, please contact our customer service department at:

GARMIN International, Inc. 1200 East 151st Street Olathe, KS 66062

(913) 397-8200 FAX (913) 397-0836

INTRODUCTION

Key and Knob Functions

The power/volume knob controls unit power and radio volume.

The squelch button activates automatic squelch control.

The direct-to key performs an instant direct-to, allows you to enter a waypoint, and sets a direct course to the destination.

The nearest key is used to obtain information on the 9 nearest airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, user waypoints and 2 nearest FSSs. The nearest key also accesses any active SUA information. See Section 4 for more information on the nearest waypoints.

The route key enables you to create, edit, activate and invert routes. Approach, search-and-rescue, parallel offset and closest point of approach are also performed using the route key. (Sections 5 and 6 for more information on routes).

The waypoint key is used to view information such as runways, frequencies, position and comments on airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections and user waypoints. (See Section 2 for more information on the database).

Key and Knob

Functions

The navigation key is used to view navigation and position information. Planning operations are also performed using the Nkey. (See Section 1 for more information on navigation and planning operations).

vii

INTRODUCTION

Key and Knob

Functions

The cursor key is used to activate or deactivate the cursor in the separate areas of the GNC 300. Pressing Conce will activate the cursor in the comm ‘window’ and enable the pilot to change frequencies. Pressing again will activate the cursor in the nav window (indicated by flashing characters in a nav window field). It is used to highlight fields for data entry, changing information, or cycling through available options.

viii

This manual will describe entering data using the

and Oknobs. Experiment with them and become efficient in entering data with the concentric knobs. This will greatly reduce the amount of time required to navigate with the GNC 300.

The GNC 300 is designed to minimize keystrokes when performing operations. There are typically several ways to perform the same operation. In general, using the knobs will decrease keystrokes and time spent using the GNC 300. Experiment to find the most effective way to use the GNC 300 to your advantage.

The arrow key flip-flops the active and standby frequencies.

The clear key is used to erase information or cancel an entry.

The status key is used to view receiver and satellite status, as well as system messages. The Mkey is also used to access the GNC 300’s settings.(See Appendix A for more information on receiver status).

The enter key is used to approve an operation or complete data entry. It is also used to confirm information, such as during power on.

The outer knob is used to advance through pages, advance the cursor, or move through data fields.

The inner knob us used to change data or scroll through information that cannot fit on the screen all at once.

The GARMIN GNC 300 is a powerful navigational tool that provides pilots with accurate navigational data and communication capability, along with non-precision approach certification in the IFR environment. The Takeoff Tour is designed to familiarize you with the operation of the GNC 300, including powering up the unit, changing frequencies, entering data and performing a simple direct-to, and a limited introduction to the ‘Nearest’ functions. In addition, this section also briefly covers the position, CDI and frequency pages available from the NAV key. These pages will be used for most of your in-flight navigation.

The Takeoff Tour assumes that the GPSCOM and antennas have been properly installed and you have not changed any of the GNC 300’s default settings. If you have changed any of the factory default settings (position format, units of measure, selectable fields, etc.), the pictures used may not match your configuration. Prior to using your GNC 300 for the first time, we recommend that you taxi to a location that is well away from buildings and other aircraft so the unit can collect satellite data without interruption.

Powering up the GNC 300

The GNC 300’s power and volume are controlled using the B(power/volume) knob at the bottom left of the unit. Rotating it clockwise will turn the unit on and increase the radio volume. This knob also locks the NavData® card (included with your unit) in place so that it may not be removed during operation. After turning the unit on, a welcome page will be displayed while the unit performs a self test.

The database page will appear, showing the current database information on the NavData card, with the valid operating dates, cycle number and database type indicated. Databases are updated every 28 days and are available for one-time or subscription purchase.

To acknowledge the database information:

E key

1. Press the

TAKEOFF TOUR

Power On

Welcome Page

Database Confirmation Page

TAKEOFF TOUR

Acquiring Satellites

Satellite Status Page

Once the database has been acknowledged, the satellite status page will appear,

and the GNC 300 will begin to collect satellite information. An ‘Acquiring’ status will be displayed on the Satellite Status page, and the signal values on the bottom line of the page will begin displaying numeric values. This is a good indication that you are receiving signals, and satellite lock will occur. Following the first-time use of your GNC 300, the time required for a position fix will vary- usually from 2 to 5 minutes.

If the unit can only obtain enough satellites for 2D navigation (no altitude), the unit will use the altitude provided by your altitude encoder (if one is connected and working). If not, you will be prompted to enter the altitude with a ‘Need alt- Press NAV’ message. If this message occurs, press the Nkey and use the Kand

knobs to enter the altitude shown on your altimeter. Press Ewhen finished.

If the GNC 300 has not been operated for a period of six months or has moved over 300 miles without actively tracking satellites, it may have to ‘Search the Sky’ to collect new data. This means the unit is acquiring satellite data to establish almanac and satellite orbit information, which can take 7 1/2 to 30 minutes. The Status page will display a ‘Searching the Sky’ status, and the message annunciator (

key, will also flash to alert you of a system message.

), next to the

Enter the altitude manually if necessary.

To view a system message

1. Press M.

The message page will appear and display the status or warning information applicable to the receiver’s current operating condition.

Searching the Sky

To return to the previous page after viewing a message

1. Press M.

While the GNC 300 is acquiring a position, let’s take a minute to dial in the active

and standby frequencies you’ll be using for the first phase of your flight. The GNC 300’s display can be broken down into two separate ‘windows’, the comm window (the top line of the display) and the GPS window (the bottom three lines of the display).

Comm Window

TAKEOFF TOUR

Selecting Comm Frequencies

{

The Ckey is used to activate the cursor in a particular window (see right) to

provide access to various comm and navigation features. To select the active frequency, you must first enter the frequency in the standby field, and use the @key to move it

to the active field.

To change the standby communication frequency:

1. Press Conce to activate the cursor in the comm window.

2. Rotate the outer knob ( the desired frequency.

To place the standby frequency in the active field, press

Once you’ve entered the active frequency, simply repeat steps 1 and 2 to enter the standby frequency. After both frequencies have been entered, you may elect to keep the comm window ‘hot’ by leaving the cursor on the standby frequency, or remove the cursor by pressing the Ckey twice.

) to select the MHz, and the inner knob (K) to select the kHz of

}

GPS Window

}

Status page with cursor active in comm window.

Switching the active and standby frequencies will not remove the cursor from the comm window.

TAKEOFF TOUR

Position Page

The CDI page with active destination.

NAVCOM Page

After the GNC 300 acquires satellites and computes a position, the position page will appear

automatically, and you’ll be informed with a ‘Ready for navigation’ message on the message page.

Altitude, MSA or ESA

Position (lat/lon)

Proximity Field

The position page displays your present latitude and longitude, altitude and a reference waypoint field; and is also used to enter the altimeter setting during approach operations. The altitude and reference waypoint fields are also selectable (see Section 1 for more information) to allow you to configure the unit to your own preferences. The default settings are:

• Altitude— Your present GPS altitude

• Present Position— Latitude and longitude displayed in degrees/minutes

• Reference Waypoint— The bearing and distance to the nearest airport

The position page is one of six pages available under the GNC 300’s NAV key:

• CDI page • NAVCOM page

• Position page • Satellite status page

• NAV menu 1 • NAV menu 2

During most flights, the position, CDI (course deviation indicator) and NAVCOM pages will be the primary pages used for navigation. The pages available under each key are accessible by press-

ing the desired key and rotating the outer knob, or by pressing theNkey repeatedly.

The GNC 300 uses direct point-to-point navigation to guide you from takeoff to touchdown in the IFR environment. Once a destination is selected, the unit will provide speed, course and distance data based upon a direct course from your present position to your destination. A destination can be selected from any page with the

direct-to (D) key.

To select a direct-to destination:

1. Press the

key. The CDI page will appear with the destination field flashing.

TAKEOFF TOUR

Direct-To Navigation

2. Rotate the nation waypoint may be an airport, VOR, NDB, intersection or user waypoint, as long as it is in the database or stored in memory as a user waypoint.

3. Rotate the

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to spell out the rest of the waypoint identifier.

5. Press

6. Press

knob to enter the first letter of the destination waypoint identifier. The desti-

knob to the right to move the cursor to the next character position.

to confirm the identifier. The direct-to confirmation page will appear (see right).

to confirm the destination.

Once the direct-to destination is confirmed, the CDI page will appear with the

destination indicated in the lower left hand corner of the screen. Your present speed and track over the ground, and the distance and estimated time enroute to your destination are also displayed. The graphical CDI, located at the top left of the screen, displays your position relative to the desired course and provides turn anticipation and waypoint messages during route navigation.

The CDI page without a direct-to destination.

Entering the direct-to waypoint identifier.

The direct-to confirmation page allows you to verify the destination’s latitude/longitude, facility name or city/region by highlighting the position field and rotating the INNER knob.

REFERENCE

TAKEOFF TOUR

Nearest Airport Info &

NAVCOM Page

Navigation Diagram

CDI page with ‘trn’ and ‘trk’ displayed.

In addition to the destination field and graphical CDI, the GNC 300 CDI page features four selectable fields for various navigation data so that the page may be configured to your own preferences (see Section 1 for more information). The default settings for the CDI page are:

• Ground Speed (gs)— Your present speed over the ground in knots

• Distance (dis)— The distance to your destination in nautical miles

• Track (trk)— Your present course over the ground

• Estimated Time Enroute (ete)— The time to your destination based

upon your present speed and course in hours and minutes

The next page available under the GNC 300’s NAV key is the navigation commu- nications (NAVCOM) page. It provides you with a complete list of airport frequencies at your departure and arrival airports, allowing convenient selection of every frequency you’ll need along your flight path. If you do not have an active direct-to destination, the navigation communications page will display the frequencies for the airport nearest your present position.

To view the NAVCOM page from the CDI page, rotate Oone stop to the right.

CDI page with ‘brg’ and ‘trk’ displayed.

NAVCOM Page

The NAVCOM page lists your departure and arrival airports on the left side of the page, with all the database frequencies listed in a column down the right side of the page. To scroll through the list of frequencies, simply rotate the inner knob (K) in the direction of the arrow prompts at the bottom left of the page.

To place a frequency from the list in the standby field:

1. Press the

2. Use the

key twice to activate the cursor in the GPS window.

knob to select the desired frequency. Press Eto place the frequency in the

standby field. The cursor will automatically advance to the next frequency on the list.

Once a direct-to is activated, the CDI page will provide navigation to the destina-

tion until the direct-to is cancelled or another direct-to destination is activated.

To cancel a direct-to from the CDI page:

TAKEOFF TOUR

Cancelling a Direct-To/

Nearest Waypoints

1. Press the

2. Press

3. Press

key twice to activate the cursor in the destination field.

The GNC 300’s NRST key provides the nine nearest airports, VORs, NDBs, inter-

sections and user waypoints, as well as the two closest FSSs (Flight Service Stations) and any SUA (special use airspace) alerts for your present position. The nearest waypoint feature is a handy safety feature that may be used to execute a quick direct-to in case of an in-flight emergency or to review the closest facilities to your present position. The nearest feature can also be used to quickly find the contact frequency of the nearest airport and enter it in the standby field.

To view the nine nearest airports

1. Press the Tkey. The nearest airport will be displayed, with elevation, frequency and runway data.

2. To review the rest of the nearest airport list, rotate the

To place a nearest airport frequency in the standby field

1. PressE. Press the @key to place the frequency in the active field.

To view the nine nearest list for other waypoint categories (VOR, NDB, etc.)

1. Rotate the Oknob to the right, or press the Tkey repeatedly.

knob to the right.

Nearest Airport Page

To place a nearest airport frequency in the standby field, press ENTER.

Nearest VOR Page

2. Rotate Kto scroll through the list.

REFERENCE

TAKEOFF TOUR

Nearest Airports

Satellite Acquisition

Shutting Down

Once the nearest airport (or any other nearest waypoint) page is displayed, the

selected waypoint can be quickly reviewed or selected as a direct-to destination.

To review the selected waypoint from the nearest waypoint list

1. Press Ctwice to activate the waypoint field.

2. Press Eto display the waypoint identification page.

3. Rotate Oto view any additional waypoint information available.

4. Press Tto return to the nearest waypoint page.

To select a nearest waypoint as a direct-to destination

1. Press the Dkey. The direct-to confirmation page for the selected waypoint will appear.

2. Press Eto confirm.

Third Nearest Airport Page

To review a nearest waypoint, highlight the identifier and press ENTER.

Congratulations! You’ve now gone through the basic operation of the GNC 300. We encourage you to experiment with your new GPSCOM to get to know all the advanced navigation features it has to offer. If you’d like a little more practice, try using the built-in simulator described in Appendix C. An optional AC adapter will even let you plan and simulate flights in the comfort of your home or office.

To turn the GNC 300 off:

1. Turn the

knob to the left until the unit shuts off.

Section 1

Navigation Key

The GNC 300 features six navigation pages to provide various position, course, speed, status and planning information. The pages may be viewed by pressing the NAV key and rotating the outer knob, or by pressing the Nkey repeatedly.

NAVCOM page

CDI page

NAV Menu 2

NAV Menu 1

The CDI, NAVCOM and position pages are the primary pages used during in- flight navigation, while the nav menu and status pages offer access to planning, calculation and status functions. Note that rotating the outer knob clockwise will continuously cycle through all the nav pages, whereas turning the knob counterclockwise will stop the page selection sequence at the CDI page.

Whenever the NAV key pages are in use, the indicator light (U) next to the NAV key will illuminate. If the GNC 300 requires you to enter data on a navigation page, the MSG indicator will flash and a message prompt with specific instructions will appear. If you leave the NAV page sequence for another set of pages, the last NAV page displayed will appear when you return to the nav sequence.

Position Page

Satellite Status Page

REFERENCE

NAV KEY

NAV key overview

Overview

SECTION

Remember! The NAV pages will only display information AFTER the position and navigational information has

been calculated from the satellites. If you are on the Position page before the unit has calculated a position, you will be able to enter an approximate position and altitude. This is helpful in speeding satellite acquisition if the unit has moved a great distance with the power off.

If you are not sure the GPS is actively calculating position, check the receiver status field for ‘2D NAV’ or ‘3D NAV’ by pressing the NAV key and rotating the outer knob until the Satellite Status page appears. The current receiver status is displayed at the top left of the page.

SECTION

REFERENCE

NAV KEY

Position Page

CDI Page

The GNC 300’s CDI page provides you with the important information needed to

navigate directly to your destination. The destination field, located at the bottom left of the page, displays the current destination waypoint or active route leg being navigated. If no direct-to destination, route or approach is being navigated, the destination field will remain blank.

Ground Speed

Messages or

CDI

Distance

field

Active Waypoint

The TO/FROM arrow will indicate whether you are ‘to’ or ‘from’ the destination waypoint.

The CDI page will display ‘No actv wpt’’ in the

CDI field if there is no active-to destination.

The graphical CDI at the top left of the page shows your position relative to the desired course (the moving D-bar) to the destination waypoint. The TO/FROM arrow in the center of the scale indicates whether you are heading to (an up arrow) the waypoint or if you have passed the waypoint (a down arrow). The default setting of the CDI scale is 5.0 nm. If you are not navigating to a destination, the CDI field will display a ‘no actv wpt’ message, and only speed and track data will be available. The CDI field is also used to display the GNC 300’s turn anticipation and waypoint alert data during route operations (see Section 5).

In addition to displaying your active destination and the course deviation scale, the CDI page features four selectable fields for various distance, direction and time options. This allows you to configure the CDI page to your preferences. The default settings displayed are ground speed, distance, track and estimated time enroute.

ETE, ETA, Track, or VNAV

Steer

field

WPT 1

NORTH

WPT 2

BRG

TRK

DIS

The following functions may be displayed in the ground speed field:

• gs— Your present speed over the ground.

• str— Steer direction and distance, or digital crosstrack error. An ‘L’ or ‘R’

indicates which direction to steer, while the distance value indicates how far you are off course.

The following functions may be displayed in the distance field:

• dis— Distance from present position to the ‘active to’ waypoint.

• str— Steer direction and distance, or digital crosstrack error. An ‘L’ or ‘R’

indicates which direction to steer, while the distance value indicates how far you are off course.

The following steering functions may be displayed in the track field:

• trk— Track, the direction of movement relative to the ground.

• brg— Bearing, the direction from your present position to the waypoint.

• cts— Course to steer to reduce cross track error and re-intercept the dtk.

• dtk— Desired track, the course between the active from and to waypoints.

• trn— Turn, the direction and degrees to turn to get back on course.

The following information can be displayed in the ete field:

• eta— Estimated Time of Arrival (at the active to waypoint).

• ete— Estimated Time Enroute (to the active to waypoint).

• trk— Track, or the direction of movement relative to the ground.

• vn— Vertical Navigation, or VNAV. If VNAV has been activated, this field

indicates either the elapsed time before the VNAV maneuver is to begin or the VNAV altitude (the suggested altitude you should be flying in order to complete the maneuver).

REFERENCE

NAV KEY

Proximity Field

Configuring the

CDI Page

SECTION

The NAVCOM page lists the frequencies for your departure (or nearest) and destination airports in the following order:

Departure Arrival

• ATIS • ATIS

• Clearance Delivery • Approach

• Clearance Pretaxi • Arrival

• Ground • Class B

• Tower • TMA

• Other • CTA

• Multicom • Class C

• Unicom • TRSA

• Departure • Tower

• Class B • Other

• TMA • Multicom

• CTA • Ground

• Class C • Unicom

• TRSA

REFERENCE

NAV KEY

Waypoint

CDI &

NAVCOM Pages

Communication

To change any of the selectable fields on the CDI page:

1. Press Ctwice to activate the cursor in the GPS window.

2. Rotate Oto highlight the field you would like to change.

3. Rotate Kto change the field to display the desired information.

4. Rotate Oto highlight another field, or Cto finish.

The next page available from the GNC 300’s NAV key is the navigation communications (NAVCOM) page. The NAVCOM page provides a list of the airport

frequencies at your departure and arrival airports, allowing convenient selection of every frequency you’ll need along your flight path. To scroll through the list of frequencies, rotate the inner knob (K) in the direction of the arrow prompts at the bottom left of the page.

The frequencies displayed for the departure and arrival airports are listed in the order you are most likely to use them (see left), with the available frequencies displayed to the right of the airport identifier. If you do not have an active direct-to or route, the NAVCOM page will display the frequencies for the airport nearest your present position.

If a frequency has sector or altitude restrictions, the frequency will be followed by

a ‘brg?’.

To view restrictions on a frequency:

1. Press Ctwice to activate the cursor in the GPS window.

2. Rotate Oto highlight the ‘brg?’ next to the frequency you wish to view.

3. Press

Once you begin viewing restrictions, you can view any additional frequencies with restrictions by rotating K. You can also view the waypoint information pages by rotating O. Information contained on these pages is covered in Section 3. To return to the NAVCOM page, press N.

Some frequencies in the NAVCOM page are followed by tags which designate their usage:

‘tx’ – transmit only ‘rx’ – receive only ‘pt’ – part time frequency

To make any of the frequencies on the NAVCOM page the standby frequency:

1. Press Ctwice to activate the cursor in the GPS window.

2. Rotate

3. Press automatically advance to the next frequency on the list.

to begin viewing restrictions.

until the desired frequency is highlighted.

to transfer the highlighted frequency to the standby frequency. The cursor will

REFERENCE

NAV KEY

Waypoint

NAVCOM Page

Communication

NAVCOM Page

NAVCOM page with receive only (rx) frequencies and frequencies with restrictions (brg).

SECTION

An arrow prompt is displayed on the bottom line of the display to indicate addi-

tional frequencies available on the list.

Frequency restrictions on 124.60.

SECTION

REFERENCE

NAV KEY

CDI Page

Position Page

The GNC 300 position page displays your present latitude and longitude,

altitude and a reference waypoint field; and is also used to enter the altimeter setting during approach operations. The altitude and reference waypoint fields are selectable to configure the page to your own preferences and current navigation needs.

Altimeter Setting

(during approach navigation)

Altitude, MSA or ESA

Position (lat/lon)

Position page displaying MSA.

The altitude field can display either the present altitude, minimum safe altitude (MSA) or enroute safe altitude (ESA). MSA is the recommended minimum altitude within a ten mile radius of your present position. ESA is the recommended minimum altitude within a ten mile radius of your course on an active route or direct-to. MSA and ESA altitudes are calculated from information contained in the database and gen-

The same position page displaying ESA. MSA and ESA are computed based on data stored in the NavData card. This information cannot be solely relied upon as an absolute measure of safe altitude in your area, particularly if the data card is out of date. Consult current charts and NOTAMS for more complete information.

erally include mountains, buildings and other permanent features (see left).

To change the altitude field:

1. Press Ctwice to obtain a flashing cursor in the GPS window.

2. Rotate Ountil the ‘alt/ESA/MSA’ field is highlighted.

3. Rotate Kto display the desired data. Press Cto return to normal navigation.

Proximity Field

The position page also features a reference waypoint field, located at the bottom

of the page, to indicate your bearing and distance from a selected waypoint. The reference waypoint field can display the following:

• Range, bearing and identifier from the nearest airport, VOR, NDB, intersection, or user waypoint

• Range, bearing, and identifier from a user specified waypoint

The default setting is to display the nearest airport.

To change the reference waypoint field to display the nearest airport, VOR, NDB, intersection, user waypoint or the range and bearing from a user selected waypoint:

1. Press Ctwice to activate the cursor in the GPS window.

2. Rotate Oto highlight the proximity field after the fr.

3. Use Kto choose which waypoint type you would like displayed. (Choose ‘wpt’ if you

would like a specific waypoint range and bearing to be displayed.)

4. Press Cto remove the cursor, or:

If you have selected ‘wpt’:

5. Rotate Oto advance the cursor to highlight the identifier field.

REFERENCE

NAV KEY

Changing Fields

Reference

on the CDI Page

Waypoint Field

Position page displaying the nearest airport (KIXD) as the reference waypoint.

SECTION

6. Use the

7. Press Cto finish.

This allows any waypoint’s distance and bearing to be listed continuously on the position page, and is especially useful when trying to locate your position on a sectional or when an approach reference is not the closest navaid.

and Oknobs to enter the identifier name. (This waypoint identifier can be

an airport, VOR, NDB, intersection, or user waypoint.) Press

Position page displaying the TOP VOR as the reference waypoint. This configuration can be used to help monitor your distance and radial to a waypoint or DME arc reference (see Section 6).

Note the waypoint category is listed as ‘wpt’ rather than ‘VOR’ because the GNC 300 is not using the nearest VOR for the reference waypoint.

SECTION

REFERENCE

NAV KEY

NAV Menu 1 & Trip

Satellite Status Page

Planning

The GNC 300’s satellite status page provides satellite information to monitor

GPS coverage and receiver performance. This is helpful when you may be experiencing low signal levels due to poor coverage or installation problems.

To view the satellite status page:

1. Press Nand rotate Ountil the satellite status page appears.

EPE/DOP

Receiver Status

Satellites in view

Status page with EPE displayed.

The top line of the status page displays the receiver status and the current DOP or EPE. Dilution of precision (DOP) is a measure of the satellite geometry quality and relative accuracy of your position, with 1 meaning good geometry and 10 meaning poor. Estimated position error (EPE) is an overall measure of your positional accuracy in feet or meters using signal and data quality, receiver tracking status and DOP.

To view information on DOP/EPE:

Status page with DOP displayed.

Signal strength of

satellite being tracked (1-9)

1. PressNand rotate Oto display the satellite status page.

2. If the desired field (EPE or DOP) is not displayed, press

3. Use

to change between ‘epe’ and ‘dop’. Press Cto finish.

Satellite in view

but not receiving signal

twice.

EPE/DOP

value

The receiver status field, located at the top left of the page, can display the fol-

lowing messages under various conditions:

Search sky - The GNC 300 is searching the sky for visible satellites. You

will be informed with the message ‘Searching the Sky’.

Acquiring - The GNC 300 is acquiring satellites for navigation.

2D Nav - The GNC 300 is in 2D navigation mode. If your installation

does not include an altitude serializer, you must enter the altitude manually (see page 2).

3D Nav - The GNC 300 is in 3D navigation mode and will compute

altitude.

Simulator - The GNC 300 is in simulator mode, which should only be

used for practice and trip planning. Never use simulator mode for actual navigation.

Poor cvrg - The GNC 300 can’t acquire sufficient satellites for navigation.

Need alt - The GNC 300 needs altitude in order to start/continue navi-

gation. Select the position page and enter the altitude.

Need pres - The GNC 300 needs the current altimeter (barometric pres-

sure) setting at the approach airport. Enter the altimeter setting on the position page.

REFERENCE

NAV KEY

Density Altitude/

Receiver Status Field

True Air Speed

Acquiring satellites for navigation.

SECTION

Not usable - The GNC 300 is unusable due to incorrect initialization or

abnormal satellite conditions. Turn the unit off and on again. If this does not help, return the unit to an authorized GARMIN dealer for service.

Searching the Sky.

SECTION

REFERENCE

NAV KEY

Fuel Planning

Satellite Data Page

The second and third lines of the satellite status page provide the satellite number and signal strength of each satellite in view. Additional information regarding each satellite’s azimuth, elevation and other data is also available.

To view individual satellite information:

1. Press Nand use Oto display the satellite status page.

2. Press Ctwice to activate the cursor in the GPS window.

3. Use Oto highlight the satellite number you wish to view and press E.

This will display the satellite data page, showing the selected satellite’s number, elevation angle, rise or fall indication, user range accuracy (URA, or the range measurement accuracy as determined by the satellite), azimuth and signal strength. To view other satellites:

Viewing individual satellite information.

4. Rotate Kto view information for the next satellite.

5. Rotate Oto return to the satellite status page and press Con the satellite status page when you are finished.

In addition to the other four pages, the GNC 300 features two menu pages to per-

form a host of planning and navigation functions. NAV Menu 1 provides access to the following functions:

• Trip Planning • Density altitude/true air speed calc.

• Fuel Planning • Winds aloft calculations

• VNAV Planning • Checklists

To display NAV Menu 1:

1. Press N.

2. Rotate Ountil NAV Menu 1 is displayed.

Trip Plan is the first function listed on NAV Menu 1 and allows the pilot to view

distance, ESA, bearing and estimated time enroute (ETE) between any two waypoints, and for programmed route legs. The ground speed can be varied manually to calculate several possible ETEs.

To use the trip planning function:

1. Press Nand rotate Ountil NAV Menu 1 is displayed.

2. Press Ctwice, then Eto access trip planning.

REFERENCE

NAV KEY

Winds Aloft &

NAV Menu 1

VNAV

Trip Planning

Calculations

NAV Menu 1

SECTION

3. Rotate Kto select waypoint mode or desired route number, and press E.

4. For direct-to navigation, use

to accept the waypoints. To use your present position as a waypoint, leave the way-

point field blank.

5. For route calculations, choose either ‘cum’ for cumulative data (from beginning to end) or the leg desired by rotating

6. Use

and Oto enter the ground speed. Press Eto calculate the values and

to finish.

and Oto enter the ‘to’ and ‘from’ waypoints. Press

Trip Planning Page

Trip planning with values calculated.

SECTION

REFERENCE

NAV KEY

VNAV & Checklists

Density Altitude &

True Airspeed

Nav Menu 1

The density altitude/true airspeed function is also accessed from NAV Menu 1.

Density altitude is the altitude at which your aircraft will perform depending on several environmental conditions, including air pressure and total air temperature (the temperature including the effect of speed, read on a standard outside temperature gauge on most aircraft). True airspeed considers the same factors.

To calculate the density altitude and true air speed:

1. Press Nand rotate Ountil NAV Menu 1 is displayed.

2. Press Ctwice and rotate Oto highlight ‘Dalt/tas?’.

3. Press Eto access the density altitude page.

4. Use Kand Oto enter the indicated altitude and press E.

5. Use Kand Oto enter the calibrated air speed (cas). Press E.

6. Use Kand Oto enter the air pressure (‘pres’) and press E.

7. Use Kand Oto enter the total air temperature.

8. Press Eand the density altitude and true air speed will be calculated and displayed.

Density Altitude/True Airspeed Page

required on the density altitude page, they will be used as the defaults.

tion and programmed routes. The fuel planning function requires the pilot to know

Fuel Planning Page

the initial amount of fuel on board and the flow rate. You may also enter different ground speeds to view various information based on different travel times. If your installation is interfaced to a fuel flow sensor, the flow rate and other information will be used from the fuel flow sensor.

9. Press Cto remove the cursor.

If your installation includes components to provide any of the information

The fuel planning page will display fuel requirements for both direct-to naviga-

+ 112 hidden pages