Garmin GPS III Owner's Manual

Owner’s Manual & Reference

GARMIN (Europe) Ltd., Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 9AQ UK Tel: 011-44-1794-519944 Fax: 011-44-1794-519222

GARMIN (Asia) Corp., 4th Fl., No.1, Lane 45, Pao-Hsing Road, Hsin Tien, Taiwan R.O.C. Tel: 011-886-02-917-3773 Fax: 011-886-02-917-1758

Web Site Address: www.garmin.com

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means 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 its products and to make changes in the content without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes.

GARMIN, GPS III, Personal Navigator, AutoLocate, TracBack, and PhaseTrac12 are all trademarks of GARMIN Corporation and may not be used without the expressed permission of GARMIN.

August 1997 Part # 190-00128-00 Rev. A Printed in Taiwan.

INTRODUCTION

Thank You!

Thank you for choosing the GARMIN GPS III —the smallest, easiest-to-use GPS navigator for marine, automotive and outdoor use! The GPS III represents GARMIN’s continuing commitment to provide quality navigation information in a versatile and user-friendly flexible design you’ll enjoy for years. To get the most from your new GPS, take the time to read through the owner’s manual in order to understand the operating features of the GPS III. This manual is organized into three sections for your convenience:

Section One (Getting Started) introduces you to the basic features of the unit and provides a quick-start

orientation to the GPS III.

Section Two (Simulator Tour) provides a step-by-step lesson in how your new GPS III would operate in

the real world by utilizing the built-in simulator mode.

Section Three (Reference) provides details about the advanced features and operations of the GPS III by

topic.

Before getting started with your GPS, check to see that your GARMIN GPS III package includes the following items. If you are missing any parts, please contact your dealer immediately.

Standard Package:

• GPS III Unit with Detachable Antenna

• Wrist Strap

• GPS III Owner’s Manual

• Quick Reference Card

• Velcro Mount

About This Manual

INTRODUCTION

Cautions

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 GPS III is a precision electronic NAVigation AID (NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and, therefore, become unsafe.

WARNING: For vehicular applications, it’s the sole responsibility of the owner/operator of the GPS III to secure the GPS unit so that it will not cause damage or personal injury in the event of an accident. Do not mount the GPS III 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. The mounting hardware provided by GARMIN is not warranted against collision damage or the consequences thereof.

WARNING: For vehicular operations, it is the sole responsibility of the operator of the vehicle to operate his or her vehicle in a safe manner, maintain full surveillance of all driving conditions at all times, and never become distracted by the GPS III to the exclusion of safe operating practices. It is unsafe to operate the GPS III while you are driving. Failure by the operator of a vehicle equipped with a GPS III 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.

INTRODUCTION

FCC Compliance

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.

There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to other equipment, which can be determined by turning the affected equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and 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 service technician for additional help if these remedies do not correct the problem. 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 GPS III does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by an authorized GARMIN service center. Unauthorized repairs or modifications could void your warranty and your authority to operate this device under Part 15 regulations.

iii

INTRODUCTION

Limited Warranty

GARMIN Corporation warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. GARMIN 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 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.

To obtain warranty service, call the GARMIN Customer Service department (913-397-8200) 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 warranty service station. A copy of the original sales receipt is required as the proof of purchase for warranty repairs. GARMIN retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit or software at its sole discretion.

INTRODUCTION

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i

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

FCC Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv

GETTING STARTED

Unit Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Keypad Usage / Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Battery Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

What is GPS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Main Page Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Satellite Status Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Position Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Map Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Compass Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Highway Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Marking Waypoint Positions . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Going to a Waypoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Active Route Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

SIMULATOR TOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

REFERENCE

Satellite Status Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Satellite Status Page Options . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Position Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Position Page Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Map Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Map Page Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Compass Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Compass Page Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Highway Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Highway Page Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Waypoint Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Nearest Waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

INTRODUCTION

Table of Contents

GOTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

GOTO Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

MOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

TracBack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Route Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Active Route Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Active Route Page Options . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

APPENDIX A: Dashboard Mounting . . . . . . . . .76

APPENDIX B: Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

APPENDIX C: Wiring/Interfacing . . . . . . . . . . .78

APPENDIX D: Antenna/Remote Mounting . . . . .79

APPENDIX E: Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

APPENDIX F: Map Datums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

APPENDIX G: Navigation Terms . . . . . . . . . . . .85

APPENDIX H: Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

To change the screen orientation, press and hold the PAGE key.

GETTING STARTED

Unit Features

Antenna

(detachable)

Function Keys

Power/Backlight

Key (red)

Rocker Keypad

LCD Display

Battery Door

GETTING STARTED

Keypad Usage / Display

(POWER)— Red key turns the unit on and off, and controls three levels of screen backlighting intensity.

(PAGE)— Scrolls main pages in sequence and returns display from a menu/options page to a main page. Press and hold this key to change screen orientation.

(MENU)— Displays a menu of available options for the current page. Press twice to display the Main Menu.

(GOTO)— Displays the GOTO waypoint window, allowing you to select the destination waypoint. Press and hold this key to activate MOB feature.

(ENTER/

MARK

confirms menu options and data entry. Press and hold this key to mark present position as a waypoint.

(QUIT)— Returns the display to a previous page or restores a data field’s previous value.

(IN and OUT)— Allows you to zoom in/out through 24 scales on the Map Page. Also adjusts scale on the Highway Page.

(ROCKER KEYPAD)— Controls the movement of the cursor, is used to select options and positions, and to enter data.

)— Activates highlighted fields and

CURSOR— A solid black bar which can be moved

up, down, left, and right with the keypad to select individual fields on the display (see above).

DEFAULT— A system-selected format, built into the operating software or the unit’s memory, that will be followed unless the user chooses a different setting.

FIELD— The location on a page (see above) where a group of characters or option is entered and displayed.

HIGHLIGHT— The act of using the cursor to select a field for the purpose of entering data.

SCROLL— The act of moving through characters or options from a selected field.

DATA ENTRY— Entering data, such as waypoint names, typically begins and ends with the ENTER/ MARK key. Use the rocker keypad to enter the actual data: UP/DOWN to change the highlighted character, RIGHT to move on to the next character..

Example of Cursor on the ‘Mode’ Field

The GPS III operates on 4 AA batteries (not included), which are installed at the base of the unit. These batteries provide up to 8 hours of continuous use. Rechargeable NiCad or lithium batteries may also be used.

NOTE: The on-screen battery level indicator is calibrated for alkaline batteries,

and will not be accurate when using NiCad or lithium batteries (see page 69).

To install the batteries:

1. Flip up the metal ring at the base of the unit, and turn the ring 90˚ counterclockwise.

2. Install the batteries and close the battery compartment door. When replacing the GPS III’s batteries, observe the polarity markings engraved in the plastic case.

3. Lock the door in the closed position by rotating the metal ring 90˚ clockwise.

Battery life varies due to a variety of factors, including temperature and backlighting. You may find that the battery life varies in different conditions and that lithium batteries provide longer life in colder conditions. An internal 10year lithium battery will retain your data while you’re changing batteries.

GETTING STARTED

Battery Installation

Polarity Markings

GETTING STARTED

What is GPS?

Hold the receiver at a comfortable height with the antenna pointing up.

When new (or if a position cannot be determined after 10 minutes), the GPS III will prompt you to initialize the receiver. The unit needs a

starting position to determine

which satellites are in view.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a system of 24 satellites which circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit information to earth. The GPS III must continuously “see” at least three of these satellites to calculate your position and track your movement. At times, additional satellites may be needed to determine a position.

By using an almanac (a timetable of satellite numbers and their orbits) stored in the receiver’s memory, the GPS III can determine the distance and position of any GPS satellite and use this information to compute your position.

Your GPS receiver can only see satellites above the horizon, so it needs to know what satellites to look for at any given time. To use this almanac data, your GPS needs to either be told its general location (“initialized”) or given the opportunity to find itself. Once you initialize the unit to a position, it will typically compute a fix within a few minutes. We’ll show you how to initialize your new GPS III on page 5.

Initialization is only necessary under the following conditions:

• The first time you use your receiver (new from the factory).

• After the receiver has been moved over 500 miles (with the power off) from the last time you used it.

• If the receiver’s memory has been cleared and all internally stored data has been lost.

Because the GPS III relies on satellite signals to provide you with navigation guidance, the receiver needs to have an unobstructed, clear view of the sky for best performance. In a nutshell, the GPS receiver’s view of the sky will generally determine how fast you get a position fix—or if you get a fix at all. GPS signals are relatively weak and do not travel through rocks, buildings, people, metal, or heavy tree cover, so remember to keep a clear view of the sky at all times for best performance.

GETTING STARTED

Once the GPS III has calculated a position fix, you’ll usually have anywhere from five to twelve satellites in view. The receiver will then continuously select the best satellites in view to update your position. If some of the satellites in view get blocked or “shaded,” the receiver can simply use an alternate satellite to maintain the position fix. Although a GPS receiver needs four satellites to provide a three-dimensional (3D) fix, it can maintain a two-dimensional (2D) fix with only three satellites. A three-dimensional fix means the unit knows its latitude, longitude, and altitude, while a two-dimensional fix means the unit knows only its latitude and longitude.

Initializing Your GPS III

To initialize the GPS III, take the receiver outside and find an open area where the antenna has a clear view of the sky. You may either hold the receiver at a comfortable height with the antenna pointing up (see page 4), or mount the receiver on the dash of a vehicle (Appendix A) or on a bike. (Likewise, when you use your GPS III in a vehicle, make sure the antenna is pointing up.)

To turn the GPS III on, press and hold the red power key.

The Welcome Page will be displayed while the unit conducts a self test. Once testing is complete, the Welcome Page will be replaced by a warning page, then by the Satellite Status Page. A message will inform you to “select initialization method”. (If the initialization prompt has not automatically appeared, press MENU and highlight ‘Initialize Position’.)

To initialize your unit:

1. Press ENTER to acknowledge the message and see a list of initialization options.

2. Use the rocker keypad to highlight ‘Use Map’, and press ENTER.

3. Use the rocker keypad to point the map cursor to your approximate location (within 250 miles). You may also wish to use the IN and OUT zoom keys to make it easier to identify your approximate position.

4. Press ENTER to select the position and begin searching for satellites.

Initialization

Check the Satellite Status Page for ‘2D Navigation’ or ‘3D Navigation’ to verify a position fix.

The Welcome Page is displayed when the GPS III is first turned on. During this time the receiver is conducting a self test.

GETTING STARTED

Initialization

To initialize the GPS III, designate your approximate location directly on the map display. Use the rocker keypad and IN/OUT zoom keys to position the cursor on the map.

Once the GPS III has a position fix, it will automatically transition from the Satellite Status Page to the Map Page.

This usually provides a position fix in 1 minute. You’ll know you have a fix when the unit automatically transitions from the Satellite Page to the Map Page (shown left). Your receiver is now ready to use!

To turn the unit off:

1. Press and hold the red power key for 1 second.

Troubleshooting

If you have trouble initializing or getting a position fix, check the following:

• Does the receiver have a clear view of the sky?

If there are large buildings or mountains, or if there is heavy tree cover, the

receiver may not be receiving enough satellite signals to calculate a fix. Also, if

you’re using the GPS III on a car dash, make sure the unit is placed so that it has

the clearest possible view of the sky. Your GPS will only be able to detect satel-

lites that it can “see” through your vehicle’s windshield. Depending on the slope

of your dash or the overall surface area of the window, it may be necessary to

mount an external antenna on your vehicle’s roof or trunk in order to give the

unit a better view of the sky. (Contact your local GARMIN dealer and inquire

about the GA 26 low-profile remote antenna, part number 010-10052-02.)

• Have you selected the right area when initializing?

Check for the correct approximate position on the Map Page (press PAGE until

the Map Page appears; see pages 7 and 10), or reselect your approximate

location to restart the initialization.

• Have you moved more than 500 miles from the last calculated position with the receiver off?

Reinitialize the receiver by selecting your approximate position on the map, or select ‘AutoLocate’ from the Satellite Status Page options (see page 29).

GETTING STARTED

Main Page Sequence

Position PageSatellite Status Page

Press the PAGE key to move through each of the main pages in normal fashion.

Map PageActive Route Page

Highway Page

To turn the GPS III back on, press and hold the red power key.

The GPS III features six main pages which are linked together in a chain. You can

Compass Page

Press the QUIT key to sequence through the main pages in reverse order.

quickly scroll through the pages in either direction using the PAGE or QUIT keys. Let’s briefly tour each of these pages in order to give you some insight into how they help you navigate. We’ll go over all of them in more detail in the reference section.

GETTING STARTED

Satellite Status Page

The signal strength bars give you an indication of what satellites are visible to the receiver, whether or not they’re being used to calculate a position fix, and the signal quality.

Let’s start with the Satellite Status Page, which is the page you’ll view while your unit is getting a position fix. If you’re not already on this page, press PAGE or QUIT until it appears. The Satellite Status Page shows you status information that helps you understand what the receiver is doing at any given time, and it’s a page that you’ll want to occasionally refer back to as you use your unit. It features a sky view of available satellites, corresponding signal strength bars, the status of your current position fix (acquiring, 2D, 3D, etc.), and your estimated position error (EPE). You can also tell how much battery power is remaining, and you can adjust the screen contrast by pressing the rocker keypad.

Satellites are indicated on the sky view and the signal strength bars by their corresponding number, from 01 through 32. The sky view shows where it is looking in the sky for each satellite, by indicating the direction and elevation (angle above the horizon). The signal strength bars depict the relative strength of the signal from each satellite being received. The taller the bar, the stronger the signal.

If satellite reception is lost, or an insufficient number of satellites are available, you will be alerted with a ‘Poor Coverage’ receiver status and message.

Receiver Status

Battery Level

Indicator

Signal Strength Bar

Sky View

Satellite Status Page

GETTING STARTED

The Position Page shows you where you are, what direction you’re heading, and how fast you’re going—and it’s the page you’ll want to use when you don’t have a destination selected.

A graphic compass display at the top of the page shows your direction of travel (track) while you’re moving, while six user-selectable data fields below display your current speed, average speed, trip odometer, trip timer, and sunrise/sunset times at your current position. “User-selectable” means you can change them to display other information. We’ll cover these fields more in the reference section.

Below the user-selectable data fields are additional data fields to display your current position, along with current time and date. The current position readout can be in latitude/longitude, UTM/UPS, Maidenhead or one of several regional grids. Current time and date can be in local time or UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).

Position Page showing UTM coordinates for use with USGS topographic maps, etc.

Position Page

Track Compass

Current Position

Coordinates

Position Page

Trip Odometer

Current Time

and Date

The trip odometer, trip timer and average speed readings can all be reset from the ‘Trip Computer’ option on the Main Menu. See page 66.

GETTING STARTED

Map Page

With the map oriented to ‘track up’, the pointer always points up and the map rotates to your current direction of travel (track). Note the north indicator on the map.

The Map Page shows your movement using a real-time track log (an electronic breadcrumb trail that appears directly on the map as you’re traveling), and your present position as a pointer icon in the center of the map. The Map Page also shows any nearby lakes, rivers, highways and towns. Use the zoom keys (IN and OUT) to adjust the map to the desired scale.

To change the map scale:

1. Press the IN zoom key to select a smaller scale and more detail for a smaller area.

2. Press the OUT zoom key to select a larger scale and display a larger area.

The map can be oriented with the top of the page always pointing north, oriented along your desired course, or it can automatically rotate to keep your current direction of travel (track) at the top of the screen. The default setting is ‘North Up’, which keeps the top of the page always pointing north.

Nearby waypoints are depicted on the map with any one of over 40 different symbols, with the waypoint name shown directly above the symbol. We’ll cover more about the GPS III’s waypoint features and the Map Page in the reference section of this manual.

You can also select a fullscreen map from the Map Page Options. See page 35.

Present Position

Data Fields

Nearby Waypoint

Map Page

GETTING STARTED

The GPS III features two different navigation pages: Compass and Highway. The Compass Page is first. This page provides graphic steering guidance to a destination waypoint, with an emphasis on the bearing to your destination and current direction of travel. (The Highway Page places greater emphasis on the straight-line desired course and the distance and direction you are off course.) The middle of the page features a rotating ‘compass ring’ that shows your course over ground (track) while you’re moving, and a bearing pointer that indicates the direction of the destination (bearing) relative to the course over ground. The compass ring and pointer arrow work independently to show—at a glance—the direction of your movement and the direction to your destination. For instance, if the arrow points up, you are going directly to the waypoint. If the arrow points any direction other than up, turn toward the arrow until it points up—then continue in that direction.

The current speed and distance to the destination waypoint are displayed at the top of the screen. The bottom of the page displays the time to the destination waypoint and the current time. This page provides better steering guidance than the Highway Page when travelling at slower speeds and/or when making frequent directional changes.

Compass Page

If the bearing pointer points up, your are going directly to your destination. If not, turn toward the arrow until it points up, then continue in that direction.

Pointer

(Bearing to

Destination)

Compass Ring

Compass Page

Current Speed

and Distance to

Waypoint

Time to Waypoint

and Current Time

The ‘Big Numbers’ option (available from the Compass Page Options) shows a much smaller compass display and larger data field characters. See page 39.

GETTING STARTED

Highway Page

If you move off course the highway display will move, indicating the direction you are off course. To stay on course, simply move toward the center of the highway.

The GPS III’s Highway Page also provides graphic steering guidance to a destination waypoint. As you head toward your destination, the middle of the screen provides visual guidance to your waypoint on a moving graphic “highway.” Your present position is at the bottom center of the highway display. The line down the middle of the highway represents your desired course. As you navigate toward a waypoint, the highway will actually move—indicating the direction you’re off course. To stay on course, simply move toward the center of the highway.

The top of the page indicates speed and distance to your destination (or the next waypoint in a route), along with a track compass showing current direction of travel. Directly below the distance reading is the time required to reach your destination (or the next waypoint in a route), in hours/minutes or minutes/seconds. The pointer at the bottom of the page also shows the bearing to your destination, relative to your current track. If the pointer points straight ahead, you’re heading directly to your destination!

Use the Highway Page as your primary navigation page (in lieu of the Compass Page) when your main concern is following a defined course.

As you approach your destination, the graphic highway will stop at the destination waypoint. You have arrived when the waypoint is at the bottom center of the display.

Track Compass

Highway Display

Highway Page

Distance to

Destination (or Next

Route Waypoint)

Pointer

(Bearing to

Destination)

GETTING STARTED

The GPS III’s Main Menu provides access to additional pages (submenus) that are used to create or edit waypoints, create routes, list nearby waypoints, review trip information and timers or make changes to system settings. These six pages are divided into categories by function. The waypoint and route management features of the Main Menu are described in more detail in the Reference section of this manual. Let’s take a look at the Main Menu and one of its submenu items.

To view the Main Menu:

1. Press the MENU key twice.

To select a submenu item from the Main Menu:

1. Highlight the desired item using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER.

2. To return to the Main Menu, press QUIT.

The ‘Setup’ option provides a list of choices (presented as a series of ‘file tabs’) to perform various configuration settings including system settings, selection of position format and units of measure, time display, setting various alarms, enabling the built-in simulator feature and interface options with other equipment:

To change units of measure for distance and speed:

1. Select the ‘Setup’ option from the Main Menu (as described above), and press ENTER.

2. Highlight the ‘Units’ tab with the rocker keypad. The units settings are automatically displayed.

3. Highlight the ‘Distance & Speed’ field using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER. A pop-up menu appears showing the available options.

4. Select the desired option using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER.

Main Menu

The Main Menu provides access to six additional (submenu) pages.

The ‘Setup’ option provides a list of menu choices to perform various configuration settings, such as changing units of measure for distance and speed.

GETTING STARTED

Marking Waypoint Positions

Each waypoint stored in memory is identified by a unique name, up to six characters long (letters and/or numbers).

Each waypoint may also be assigned a custom waypoint symbol, making it easy to identify the waypoint on the Map Page.

GPS is really about marking and going to places called ‘waypoints’. Before we can use the GPS III to guide us somewhere, we have to mark a position as a waypoint. Your GPS III can hold up to 500 waypoints.

To mark your present position:

1. Press and hold the ENTER/MARK key. The Mark Waypoint Page will appear, with a default three-digit name for the new waypoint in the upper-left portion of the page.

To rename the waypoint:

1. Use the keypad to highlight the name field, and press ENTER.

2. Enter the new waypoint name using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER.

Each waypoint may also be assigned a custom waypoint symbol for easy way-

point recognition on the Map Page.

To change the waypoint symbol:

1. Highlight the waypoint symbol field (immediately to the right of the waypoint name field) and press ENTER.

2. Select the desired symbol, and press ENTER.

3. Move the cursor to the ‘DONE?’ prompt, and press ENTER.

The Mark Position Page will be replaced with the page displayed before you pressed ENTER/MARK to mark your position. The new waypoint is now stored in the GPS III’s memory.

GETTING STARTED

Once you’ve stored a waypoint in memory, you can use the GPS III to guide you to it by using the GOTO feature. A GOTO is really nothing more than a straight-line course from your present position to the destination you’ve selected. A GOTO can be performed several ways: by specifying the destination from the GOTO Page, graphically from the map display or by highlighting the waypoint name on any page (such as the Nearest Waypoints List).

To select a GOTO destination from the GOTO Page:

1. Press GOTO. This captures your current position as the starting point for your trip.

2. Highlight the ‘All’ tab, using the rocker keypad, to list all waypoints currently stored in memory.

3. Highlight the desired waypoint, using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER.

To select a GOTO destination from the Map Page:

1. With the Map Page displayed, use the rocker keypad to place the cursor over the desired destination waypoint. (If no waypoint exists at the destination location, the GPS III Pilot will automatically create one, named ‘MAP’ in the step below.)

2. Press GOTO, and then ENTER to navigate to the selected location.

To GOTO a listed waypoint on the Nearest Waypoints List:

1. With the Nearest Waypoints List displayed (see page 48), use the rocker keypad to highlight the desired waypoint.

2. Press GOTO, and then ENTER to navigate to the selected location.

Once the GOTO destination is selected, use the Map Page, Compass Page and/or

Highway Page to keep track of your progress as you head toward your destination.

Going to a Waypoint

To select a destination from all waypoints stored in memory, highlight the ‘All’ tab, then select the desired waypoint and press ENTER.

To GOTO one of the listed ‘Nearest’ waypoints, highlight the desired waypoint, press GOTO and then ENTER.

GETTING STARTED

Cancel GOTO/Active Route

To cancel the current GOTO destination, select ‘Cancel GOTO’ from the GOTO Options Page.

Use the LEFT/RIGHT keys on the rocker keypad to select the desired data item. Available items include course, distance, fuel, and sunrise/sunset times.

To cancel the current GOTO destination, simply select another destination. If no destination is currently desired, or you want to resume a previously selected route, the GOTO operation may be cancelled from the GOTO Options Page.

To cancel the current GOTO destination:

1. Press GOTO.

2. Press MENU.

3. Highlight ‘Cancel GOTO’ and press ENTER.

Active Route Page

The last of the six main pages is the Active Route Page. This page shows the GOTO waypoint or each waypoint of a route, with waypoint name and the course along each leg (segment) of the route. When using a route, the current destination is marked with an arrow on the left-hand side of the screen. If no destination has been specified using the GOTO key or a route, no waypoints will be listed on the page. (For more information on using routes, see page 54 in the Reference section.)

Route Name

Field

Waypoint Name

Active Route Page

Selectable Field,

showing Course to this Waypoint from Previous Waypoint (or start of GOTO)

SIMULATOR TOUR

The GPS III is a powerful navigation system providing detailed mapping information in a convenient, compact package. This simulator tour is designed to show you the basic features of your new GPS III during a simulated trip. The simulator tour assumes that the receiver has been properly initialized as outlined in the Getting Started section of this manual, and that you have not changed any of the factory default settings. If you have changed any settings (position formats, units of measure, etc.), the descriptions and pictures in the tour may not match your configuration.

Once you’re familiar with the primary functions of the GPS III, you’ll be ready to use your new receiver on a real trip to a destination of your choice. The Reference section of this manual may be consulted for any additional questions you may have, or to learn about the more advanced features of the GPS III. For now, let’s get started on the Simulator Tour!

If the GPS III is currently off, we’ll need to start by turning it on.

To turn the GPS III on, press and hold the red power key.

The Welcome Page will be displayed while the unit conducts a self test. Once testing is complete, the Welcome Page is replaced by a warning page, then by the Satellite Status Page. Since we’ll be using the simulator mode, we don’t need to wait for the receiver to acquire satellites.

Selecting Simulator Mode

The Welcome Page is displayed when the GPS III is first turned on. After a brief self-test, it is replaced by a warning page for about 10 seconds. To skip the warning page, press ENTER.

WARNING: Keep in mind that the GPS III does not track satellites in simulator

mode and should never be used for actual navigation. The GPS III cannot be turned on in simulator mode. If you forget to change back to normal operation before shutting the receiver off, it will automatically return to normal mode the next time you use the receiver.

The Satellite Status Page appears next. For simulator mode operations, there’s no need to wait for the GPS III to acquire satellites.

SIMULATOR TOUR

Selecting Simulator Mode

Select ‘Start Simulator’ from the Satellite Status Page Options to enable the built-in simulator.

The simulator imitates satellite reception and shows that information on the Satellite Status Page. Remember, in this mode the GPS III is not actually tracking satellites.

To select the simulator mode:

1. Press MENU to list the options for the Satellite Status Page.

2. Highlight ‘Start Simulator’ with the rocker keypad, and press ENTER.

3. Press ENTER again to acknowledge the simulator warning message.

Let’s look at the sequence of pages again. The PAGE and QUIT keys are used to

find your way around on the GPS III.

To cycle through the main pages:

1. Press PAGE to move through each of the main pages in normal fashion.

2. Press QUIT to sequence through the main pages in reverse order.

In normal mode operation, the GPS III would automatically sequence from Satellite Status Page to Map Page once enough satellites where received to determine your position. At that point the receiver is ready to use for navigation. Since we’re in simulator we won’t see that automatic sequence of steps, but as you cycle through the main pages, notice that the simulator imitates satellite reception and shows that information on the Satellite Status Page.

The Position Page will show the last known position as a starting location. If you’ve already initialized the receiver, as outlined in the Getting Started section, the starting location should be very close to your current position! We’ll use this starting location from which to begin our simulated trip. Let’s move on to the Map Page to see where we are, create a destination and explore the navigation features of the GPS III.

To select the Map Page, press PAGE repeatedly until it appears.

SIMULATOR TOUR

The GPS III’s Map Page combines digital charting with a number of user-selectable features. Before we select our destination and begin navigating toward it, let’s take a look at some of those features.

Nearby Waypoints

Background Roads

and Railways

Present Position

The map display shows your present position using a pointer icon in the center of the screen. The Map Page also shows any nearby lakes, rivers, highways and towns. Use the zoom keys (IN and OUT) to adjust the map to the desired scale. The current scale is indicated in the lower-left corner.

To change the map scale:

1. Press the IN zoom key to select a smaller scale and display a smaller geographic area.

2. Press the OUT zoom key to select a larger scale and display a larger geographic area.

The map can be oriented with the top of the page always pointing north (‘North Up’), oriented along your desired course (‘Course Up’), or it can automatically rotate to keep your current direction of travel at the top of the screen (‘Track Up’).

Nearby waypoints are depicted on the map with any one of over 40 different symbols, with the waypoint name displayed directly above the symbol. Let’s create a waypoint directly on the map display to see how that process works, then we’ll navigate to this new waypoint.

Using the Map Page

In the ‘Track Up’ orientation, the map is automatically rotated to keep your current direction of travel at the top of the screen. Note the north indicator in upper-left corner.

Use the IN/OUT zoom keys to change the map scale. The current scale appears in the lower-left corner of the map display.

SIMULATOR TOUR

Creating a Waypoint

Use the rocker keypad to pan to other areas on the map display. When panning an on-screen arrow appears for reference, along with a data field above the map.

Place the panning arrow over an on-screen item to display a descriptive name.

Select a five mile scale by pressing zoom IN or OUT repeatedly.

Working from the Map Page is a simple process that centers around the use of a reference “arrow”. Controlled by the rocker keypad, the reference arrow is an important tool allowing you to pan to other areas on the map display, create waypoints, view waypoint information and create routes. To get a feel for using the Map Page and the arrow, try the following exercise:

1. Using the rocker keypad to move the arrow, try following a highway (or other feature) near your position. Simply press and hold one side of the rocker keypad to move more quickly. Notice how a data field appears above the map, showing the bearing and distance from present position to the cursor, along with the latitude/ longitude of the arrow’s position.

2. Using the rocker keypad, move the arrow in any direction approximately five miles from your present position (the pointer icon) and press ENTER. This procedure creates a waypoint at the arrow location and displays the Waypoint Edit Page.

Waypoint

Name Field

3. A three-digit number is pre-assigned to your new waypoint as its name, but we’re going to change the name. Let’s call this location ‘SIMUL8’. To change the name, highlight the waypoint name field and press ENTER. Use the rocker keypad to enter the new name – UP/DOWN to change the first character (‘S’), RIGHT to move to the next character (‘I’), and repeat. Press and hold UP or DOWN (on the rocker keypad) to cycle through the characters more quickly. Once the new name is spelled out, press ENTER to accept it.

Symbol Field

Waypoint Position

4. Now let’s use a special symbol to identify this location. Highlight the waypoint symbol field, using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER. Use UP/DOWN on the rocker keypad to select the ‘Information’ icon (‘?’) and press ENTER.

5. To save the new waypoint, highlight ‘Done’ with the rocker keypad and press ENTER.

Now that we’ve created our new waypoint, let’s see how the GPS III is used to navigate to it. The reference arrow can also be used to GOTO any point on the map—even without a waypoint already at that location—by simply pressing GOTO. (We won’t try that here. A waypoint named ‘MAP’ is automatically created, so all the previous steps for creating and naming a waypoint wouldn’t be needed. You might want to experiment with this procedure at the end of the Simulator Tour.) For the Simulator Tour, we’ll stick with the ‘SIMUL8’ waypoint we just created.

To select the GOTO destination:

1. Press GOTO.

2. If the ‘All’ file tab is not selected, use the rocker keypad to highlight this tab. (‘All’ will display a list of all waypoints currently stored in memory.)

3. Highlight the ‘SIMUL8’ waypoint using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER.

Notice that a course line appears on the map display showing the way to our destination. Imagine you’re about to depart. Maybe you’re heading out from the marina or you’re about to venture into the wilderness. What if you want to return to your present position when you’re done for the day? You have two options available:

• You can mark your present position now and save it as a waypoint, or

• You can use the TracBack feature at the end of the day to retrace your steps – following the same path you travelled, but in reverse.

For now, we’ll mark our present position and save it as a waypoint. (You might

want to experiment with the TracBack feature later. It’s described on page 52.)

Going to the Waypoint

You can select a special symbol to identify the waypoint on the Map Page.

To select a GOTO destination, press GOTO and highlight the desired waypoint on the list. (You may also need to select the ‘All’ file tab on the GOTO Page, to see all waypoints currently in memory.)

SIMULATOR TOUR

Marking Present Position

To mark your present position and save it as a waypoint, press and hold ENTER. A three-digit name is automatically assigned to the waypoint.

From the Compass Page you can increase/decrease the simulated speed using the UP/DOWN keys on the rocker keypad.

To mark your present position:

1. Press and hold the ENTER/MARK key. The Mark Waypoint Page will appear, with a default three-digit name for the new waypoint in the upper-left portion of the page.

Let’s call our present position ‘HOME’. (If you were at home when you initial-

ized your GPS III, you might want to keep this waypoint in memory for future use!)

To rename the waypoint and change its symbol:

1. Use the keypad to highlight the name field, and press ENTER.

2. Enter the new waypoint name (‘HOME’) using the rocker keypad, and press ENTER. (Remember to use UP/DOWN to change the character and RIGHT to move to the next character field.)

3. Highlight the waypoint symbol field and press ENTER.

4. Select the ‘Residence’ symbol, and press ENTER.

5. Move the cursor to the ‘DONE?’ prompt, and press ENTER.

Now we have two waypoints in memory and on the map: ‘SIMUL8’ and ‘HOME’. It’s about time we get started, so let’s plug a speed into this simulator to animate the displays!

To enter a simulated speed and animate the displays:

1. Press PAGE repeatedly until the Compass Page appears.

2. Enter a simulated speed of ‘10’ (mph or knots) using the rocker keypad. (Press UP on the rocker keypad once to select ‘10’. The speed readout is on the upper right corner of the Compass Page.)

3. Press PAGE (or QUIT) repeatedly to return to the Map Page.

+ 70 hidden pages