Garmin West Marine 276C Plus Owner's Manual
Owner’s Manual
190-00501-00_0A.indd 1 1/13/2005 10:43:18 AM
© Copyright 2005 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc.
1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A.
Tel. 913/397.8200 or 800/800.1020
Fax 913/397.8282
Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9DL, U.K.
Tel. 44/0870.8501241
Fax 44/0870.8501251
Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel. 886/2.2642.9199
Fax 886/2.2642.9099
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Garmin®, AutoLocate®, TracBack®, BlueChart®, City Select®, and MapSource® are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries and may not be used
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January 2005 Part Number 190-00501-00 Rev. A Printed in Taiwan
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the 276C Plus, which utilizes the proven
performance of Garmin® GPS and full-featured mapping to create an
unsurpassed portable marine navigation chartplotter and automobile
navigation device. Take a moment to compare the contents of this
package with the packing list on the outside of the box; if any pieces
are missing, contact your Garmin dealer immediately.
About This Manual
To get the most out of your new navigation system, take time to read
this manual and learn the operating procedures for your unit. This
manual is organized into the following eleven sections:
The Introduction contains the Table of Contents. The Getting
Started section provides an overview of the unit, how to turn the
unit on, and how to simulate navigation.
The Basic Operation in the Sea Modes section provides you with
information about navigating with the 276C Plus in the sea modes:
Powerboat and Sailboat. The Pages and Features of the Sea Modes
section reviews the main pages and features in sea modes, such as
using DSC and Man OverBoard.
The Basic Operation in the Land Modes section provides you with
information about navigating with the 276C Plus in Automotive
mode and Off Road mode. The Pages and Features of the Land
Modes section reviews, in detail, the main pages and features in
Automotive mode and Off Road mode, such as the Trip Computer.
The Additional Page and Features section describes pages and
features found in the Main Menu.
To learn how to change the settings of the 276C Plus, read the
Customizing Your 276C Plus
section.
If you have a Garmin GSD 20 Sounder Module connected to your
276C Plus, refer to the Setting Up and Using Sonar section.
The Appendix contains specifications, optional accessories,
maintenance information, and other product information. Read the
Safety Information for information about installing and using
your 276C Plus safely and responsibly.
An Index is provided at the end of the manual for reference.
276C Plus Owner’s Manual i
INTRODUCTION > ABOUT THIS MANUAL
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Table of Contents
Introduction ...........................................................................i
About This Manual ................................................................... i
Getting Started .....................................................................1
Unit Overview .......................................................................... 1
Charging the 276C Plus .......................................................... 2
Information about Charge Mode ....................................................2
Turning On the 276C Plus ....................................................... 3
Adjusting the Backlight and Volume .............................................. 3
Getting Satellite Signals ......................................................... 4
Viewing GPS Status with the GPS page ......................................... 4
Receiver Status ...............................................................................5
GPS Options ................................................................................... 6
GPS Tips ......................................................................................... 6
Learning about the Keypad .................................................... 7
Using the 276C Plus ................................................................ 8
Understanding Features .................................................................. 8
Selecting Options and Entering Data .............................................. 9
Using the Databases ...................................................................... 10
Simulated Basic Navigation ................................................. 11
Activating Simulator Mode ..........................................................11
Entering a New Location .............................................................. 11
Simulating Navigation .................................................................. 12
What is the Difference Between the Modes? ...................... 14
Powerboat Mode ........................................................................... 14
Sailboat Mode ............................................................................... 14
Automotive Mode ......................................................................... 14
Off Road Mode ............................................................................. 14
Which Mode Should I Use? .......................................................... 14
How do I Switch Modes? .............................................................14
Basic Operation .................................................................15
Finding an Item ...................................................................... 15
Using the Find From Feature ........................................................ 16
Recently Found Items ................................................................... 16
Viewing the Information Page ......................................................16
Creating and Using Routes .................................................. 17
Creating a Route ........................................................................... 17
Navigating a Saved Route ............................................................18
Editing a Route ............................................................................. 19
Using the Route Tab Options ........................................................20
Manually Transitioning to the Next Waypoint ............................. 20
Creating and Using Waypoints ............................................ 21
Marking Your Present Position ..................................................... 21
Creating a Waypoint Using the Map ............................................. 22
Creating a Waypoint by Entering Coordinates ............................. 23
Going to a Waypoint ..................................................................... 23
Reviewing a Waypoint .................................................................. 24
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INTRODUCTION > TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Editing a Waypoint ....................................................................... 25
Adding a Waypoint to a Route ...................................................... 25
Projecting a Waypoint ................................................................... 26
Averaging the Waypoint’s Location ............................................. 27
Organizing Waypoints into Categories ......................................... 27
Deleting Waypoints ...................................................................... 29
Proximity Points ........................................................................... 30
Managing Your Tracks .......................................................... 32
Setting up and Saving your Tracks ............................................... 32
Saved Tracks ................................................................................. 34
Navigating a Saved Track ............................................................. 35
TracBack Tips ............................................................................... 35
Basic Operation In the Sea Modes ..................................36
Sea Modes Page Sequence .................................................. 36
Navigating in the Sea Modes ................................................ 37
Initiating Navigation ..................................................................... 37
Man OverBoard (MOB) ...............................................................39
Adding Points to Your Route ........................................................ 39
Following a Route in the Sea Modes ................................... 40
Follow Your Route on the Map Page ............................................ 40
View Your Heading with the Compass Page ................................ 40
View Your Path on the Highway Page .......................................... 40
See Your Progress on the Active Route Page .............................. 41
Watch Your Trip Data on the Position Data Page ......................... 41
Sea Modes Pages and Features .......................................42
Map Page ................................................................................ 42
Map Orientation ............................................................................42
Zooming In and Out of the Map ................................................... 43
Panning the Map ........................................................................... 44
Changing the Map Detail ..............................................................45
Measuring Distance ...................................................................... 45
Compass Page ....................................................................... 46
Compass Page Options ................................................................. 46
Using the Marine Timer ................................................................ 47
Highway Page ........................................................................ 48
Using the Highway Page ..............................................................48
Highway Page Options ................................................................. 49
Active Route Page ................................................................. 50
Active Route Page Options ........................................................... 50
Tide Page ............................................................................... 51
Position Data Page ................................................................ 53
Position Data Page Options .......................................................... 53
Entering Your Vessel’s Information ..................................... 54
Setting Your Home Port ................................................................ 55
Navigating to Your Home Port .....................................................55
Viewing Your Marine Log ...................................................... 56
276C Plus Owner’s Manual iii
INTRODUCTION > TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Using DSC .............................................................................. 57
Understanding Distress Calls ........................................................ 57
Understanding Position Reports ................................................... 57
Making a Distress Call ................................................................. 57
Receiving a Position Report or Distress Call ...............................58
Navigating to a DSC Location ................................................ 58
DSC Call List .......................................................................... 58
DSC Log .................................................................................59
DSC Directory ........................................................................ 59
Setting up DSC ............................................................................. 60
Basic Operation In the Land Modes ................................61
Automotive Mode Page Sequence ....................................... 61
Off Road Page Sequence ...................................................... 61
Navigating in Automotive Mode ........................................... 62
Initiating Navigation ..................................................................... 62
Following a Saved Route ..............................................................63
Editing Your Route .......................................................................63
Entering Custom Avoids ......................................................... 64
Creating a Detour .................................................................... 64
Adding and Editing Stops (Via Points) ...................................65
Following an Automotive Route ................................................... 66
Track your Progress with the Map Page ................................. 66
Watch your Trip Information .................................................. 66
See your Next Turn with the Current Route Page ................... 66
Navigating in Off Road Mode ............................................... 67
Initiating Navigation ..................................................................... 67
Following an Off Road Route ....................................................... 67
See Your Route on the Map Page ............................................67
View Your Heading with the Compass Page ..........................67
See Your Progress on the Active Route Page ......................... 67
Watch your Trip Information .................................................. 67
Pages and Features of the Land Modes ..........................68
Map Page ................................................................................ 68
Current Route Page ............................................................... 69
Saving the Current Route ............................................................. 69
Trip Computer Page .............................................................. 70
Resetting the Trip Computer ......................................................... 70
Dashboard Page .................................................................... 71
Additional Features ...........................................................72
Setting Alarms ....................................................................... 72
Navigation (Nav) Alarms ............................................................. 72
System Alarms ..............................................................................73
Sonar Alarms ................................................................................ 73
Using the Calendar ................................................................ 74
Day View ......................................................................................74
Week View .................................................................................... 74
Month View .................................................................................. 74
Calendar Options .......................................................................... 74
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Viewing Celestial Information .............................................. 75
Sun & Moon Tab .......................................................................... 75
Hunt & Fish Tab ...........................................................................76
Viewing Messages ................................................................. 77
Viewing the Temperature ...................................................... 78
Changing the Temperature Display ..............................................78
Reset the Temperature Graph ....................................................... 78
Customizing Your 276C Plus ............................................79
Setting up the System ........................................................... 79
Adding a Welcome Message ......................................................... 79
Enabling Map Data ....................................................................... 80
Changing the Page Layout and Data Fields .................................. 81
Setting up the Map Page ............................................................... 81
Changing the Page Sequence ........................................................82
Some Tips about the Page Sequence ....................................... 82
Changing the Display ...................................................................83
Changing the Sounds .................................................................... 84
Changing the System Settings ...................................................... 85
Setting the Timers .........................................................................86
Changing the Time ........................................................................ 86
Customizing the Units .................................................................. 87
Restoring Defaults ........................................................................ 87
Customizing the Routing and Guidance Settings .............. 88
Road Routing Settings .................................................................. 88
Guidance Settings ......................................................................... 89
Changing the Location Settings .......................................... 90
Changing the Location Format ..................................................... 90
Selecting a Different Map Datum .................................................90
Selecting a Different Heading Reference ..................................... 90
Changing the Data Format ................................................... 91
Advanced NMEA Output Setup ................................................... 93
Setting up and Using Sonar .............................................94
Using the Sonar Page ........................................................... 94
Adjusting the Sonar Page ............................................................. 95
Adjustment Options ................................................................96
Resizing the Split Screen .............................................................. 97
Using the Pointer on the Sonar Page ............................................98
Marking an Underwater Waypoint ............................................... 98
Showing Sonar on the Map Page ..................................................99
Setting Up the Sonar ........................................................... 100
Calibrating the Water Speed ....................................................... 101
Setting up the Sonar Display ......................................................102
Understanding Sonar .......................................................... 103
Understanding the Sonar Display ............................................... 103
Transducer Coverage .................................................................. 104
Whiteline .................................................................................... 105
Thermoclines ..............................................................................105
276C Plus Owner’s Manual v
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Appendix ..........................................................................106
Specifications ...................................................................... 106
Physical .......................................................................................106
Power .......................................................................................... 106
Performance ................................................................................ 106
Accuracy ...............................................................................106
Care Information ................................................................. 107
Cleaning the Unit ........................................................................ 107
Storing the 276C Plus ................................................................. 107
Immersing the Unit in Water ...................................................... 107
Optional Accessories .......................................................... 108
Installation Information ....................................................... 109
Connecting the Power/Data Cable ..............................................109
Connecting Your 276C Plus to a Computer ................................ 110
Information about USB Drivers ............................................ 110
Using xImage for Customized Waypoint Icons .......................... 111
Installing and Removing Data Cards .......................................... 111
Interfacing ................................................................................... 112
Removing the Antenna ............................................................... 112
Learning about GPS ............................................................ 113
Common GPS Terms .................................................................. 113
What is Differential GPS (DGPS)? ............................................113
Differential Field ........................................................................ 113
What is WAAS? .......................................................................... 114
LORAN TD Setup ................................................................. 115
LORAN TD Feature ................................................................... 115
Using the LORAN TD Format ................................................... 115
Map Datums and Location Formats .................................. 117
What are a Map Datum and which should I use? ....................... 117
What is a Location Format and which should I use? .................. 117
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) ........................................... 118
What is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number? . 118
How are MMSI assignments obtained? ...................................... 119
Non-Federal Users in the United States ............................... 119
Federal Users in the United States ....................................... 119
Users Outside the United States ............................................ 119
Users In Canada .................................................................... 119
How can Garmin help you with DSC? ....................................... 119
Data Field Options ............................................................... 120
Messages ............................................................................. 122
Safety and Product Information ......................................... 123
Software License Agreement ...................................................... 123
Product Registration ................................................................... 123
Contact Garmin ........................................................................... 123
Limited Warranty ........................................................................ 124
FCC Compliance ........................................................................125
Safety Information ...................................................................... 125
Index .................................................................................127
vi 276C Plus Owner’s Manual
INTRODUCTION > TABLE OF CONTENTS
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GETTING STARTED
Unit Overview
The 276C Plus is an all-in-one, versatile color chartplotter and automobile navigator—perfect for land or water. This portable GPS navigator
features a 256-color TFT display that is easy to read in bright sunlight, a built-in basemap, and auto routing to provide you with automatically
generated turn-by-turn directions.
External power
connector under
weather cap
USB connector
under weather cap
Slot for optional data card
Battery pack. Press tab down to
remove battery pack for replacement,
if necessary. See the
“Safety
Information” on page 125 for more
information about the lithium-ion
battery pack.
Backlit keypad for easy nighttime operation
Antenna
256-Color TFT display
with backlighting
Detachable antenna
collapses for storage.
Be sure the antenna is
up (as shown here)
to receive satellite
signals. Refer to
the Appendix,
page 112, for
instructions on
removing the
antenna.
Serial number
276C Plus Owner’s Manual 1
GETTING STARTED > UNIT OVERVIEW
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Charging the 276C Plus
Before using the unit, you may need to charge the battery in the
276C Plus. Simply plug the unit into an external power source to
charge. You can use the unit while it is charging.
To charge the unit’s battery:
1. Lift the rubber weather cap to expose the power connector
on the back of the unit. Refer to the image on page 1 for
connector location.
2. Align the notches and push the plug into the connector until
fully seated.
3. Plug the 12 Volt adapter into an available AC outlet, or
cigarette lighter receptacle if you have a Cigarette Lighter
Adapter. Use care when routing the cable; be certain that it
does not interfere with vehicle operation.
The unit begins charging as soon as external power is applied.
Placing the unit in Charge mode, as discussed below, charges the
unit more quickly than when the unit is turned on and reduces draw
on the vessel/vehicle battery.
Information about Charge Mode
Applying external power to the 276C Plus automatically turns on
the unit for full operation. If the battery is present and needs to be
charged, the external power source charges the battery while the unit
is in use.
If you do not want to use the unit, but you would like to charge the
battery, you can put the unit into Charge mode. Connect the unit
to an external power supply. Press and hold the red POWER key.
Instead of completely turning off, the unit now goes into Charge
mode, as shown below.
Charge Mode
NOTE: While in Charge mode, the unit draws a small amount of
current from the vessel/vehicle battery. To avoid discharging the
vehicle’s battery, disconnect the external power cable from the
276C Plus when not in use for several days.
After using the unit extensively, you may notice that the lithiumion battery is not holding a charge any more. This is common for
lithium-ion batteries. Contact Garmin or your Garmin Dealer to
order a Battery Pack replacement if you are experiencing charging
issues with your battery.
2 276C Plus Owner’s Manual
GETTING STARTED > CHARGING THE 276C PLUS
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Turning On the 276C Plus
The first time you turn on your new 276C Plus, the receiver
must collect satellite data and establish its present position. To
ensure proper initialization, the 276C Plus is shipped from the
factory in AutoLocate mode, which allows the receiver to “find
itself” anywhere in the world. Before you turn on the unit to start
initialization, be sure that the antenna is rotated up as shown on page
1, and that it has a clear and unobstructed view of the sky to receive
satellite signals.
To
turn on and off the 276C Plus:
1. Press and hold the red POWER key. When the unit powers
on, a tone sounds and the Warning page displays.
Warning Page
2. Read and be sure you understand the warning. If you have
external devices connected, they are listed here. Press
ENTER to continue.
To turn off the unit, press and hold the red POWER key again.
Adjusting the Backlight and Volume
You may want to adjust the backlight to see the display better. If
you are using the optional External Speaker with 12/24-Volt Adapter
Cable with the 276C Plus, you may want to adjust the volume level
of the speaker.
To adjust the backlight level or volume:
1. Press and quickly release the POWER key.
2. Press the Rocker key Up to increase the brightness or Down
to decrease. Press Right to raise the volume or Left to lower.
3. Press ENTER or QUIT to close the Backlight/Volume
adjustment window. Press MENU to view the options menu.
Backlight
Adjustment Slider
Volume
Adjustment Slider
Battery Time Remaining and Power Source Indicator
276C Plus Owner’s Manual 3
GETTING STARTED > TURNING ON THE 276C PLUS
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Getting Satellite Signals
After you turn on the 276C Plus, the unit automatically begins
searching for satellites. The GPS page is displayed while the unit
is gathering satellite signals and acquiring a fix, which should take
only a few minutes. While the 276C Plus is gathering satellite
signals, the GPS page displays the status as “Acquiring Satellites.”
It may take a few minutes to acquire satellites and display your
current location on the map. Be patient as the unit acquires satellite
data. To get signals more quickly, be sure the antenna is raised to the
up position shown in the image on page 1.
GPS Page
NOTE: While acquiring satellites, the Map page may display the
wrong location, such as China. This does not mean your unit has
the wrong data loaded; it simply means you need to wait a few
more minutes to acquire satellites and find your current location.
Viewing GPS Status with the GPS page
The GPS page provides a visual reference of satellite acquisition,
receiver status, accuracy, as well as other system information.
The sky view and signal strength bars give an indication of what
satellites are visible to the receiver and whether they are being
tracked.
As the receiver locks onto satellites, a signal strength bar appears
for each satellite in view, with the appropriate satellite number
underneath each bar. The numbers displayed below each bar
represent the particular satellite that is being received. Numbers
above 33 indicate WAAS satellites.
The sky view shows a birds-eye view of the position of each satellite
relative to the receiver’s last known position. The outer circle
represents the horizon (north up), the inner circle represents 45º
above the horizon, and the center point represents a position directly
overhead. You can also set the sky view to a Track Up configuration,
causing the top of the sky view to align along your current track
heading. Press MENU to change the configuration of the sky view.
A power source indicator shows the unit is operating off
battery
power ( ), that the unit is charging ( ), or that an
external power source is in use ( ).
4 276C Plus Owner’s Manual
GETTING STARTED > GETTING SATELLITE SIGNALS
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GPS Page
Receiver
Status
Field
Sky view
Signal
Strength
Bars
Power
Source
Indicator
The progress of satellite acquisition is shown in three stages:
• No signal strength bars—the receiver is looking for the
satellites indicated.
• White signal strength bars—the receiver has found the
satellite and is collecting data.
• Green signal strength bars—the receiver has collected the
necessary data from this satellite.
As soon as the 276C Plus has collected the necessary data from the
best satellites in view to calculate a fix, the status field indicates the
status of the receiver. The unit then updates the position, date and
time.
Receiver Status
The Receiver Status field displays one of the following conditions:
• Searching the Sky—the receiver is looking for satellites.
• AutoLocate—the receiver is looking for any satellite whose
almanac has been collected, which can take up to 5 minutes.
• Acquiring Satellites—the receiver is looking for and
collecting data from satellites visible at its last known or
initialized position, but has not acquired a fix.
• 2D GPS Location: At least three satellites have been
acquired, and a two-dimensional position fix has been
calculated. “2D Differential” appears when you are receiving
DGPS corrections in 2D mode, and a “D” appears on the
strength bar of satellites being corrected.
• 3D GPS Location: At least four satellites have been
acquired, and a three-dimensional fix has been calculated.
“3D Differential” appears when you are receiving DGPS
corrections in 3D mode, and a “D” appears on the strength bar
of satellites being corrected.
• Lost Satellite Reception—the receiver is no longer tracking
enough satellites for a 2D or 3D fix.
• Receiver Not Usable—the receiver is unusable, possibly due
to interference or abnormal satellite conditions. Turn the unit
off and back on to reset.
• Simulating GPS—the receiver is in simulator mode.
• GPS Off—the GPS receiver is turned off.
276C Plus Owner’s Manual 5
GETTING STARTED > GETTING SATELLITE SIGNALS
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GPS Options
Press MENU two times to open the Main Menu. Use the Rocker
key to highlight GPS. Press MENU to open the options menu.
GPS Page Options Menu
Start/Stop Simulator—activates and deactivates simulator mode,
which is particularly helpful when learning how to use your unit.
WAAS On—enables WAAS capability. Refer to page 11
4 of the
“Appendix” for more information about WAAS.
Track/
North Up—orients the sky view display on the GPS page to
north up or track up.
New Altitude
—allows you to manually enter your altitude.
New Location—allows you to enter a new location automatically or
using the map.
GPS Tips
While the receiver is gathering information, your location on
the map may display as different from where you actually are
located. Be patient. As soon as the receiver gathers enough satellite
information, your proper location is displayed on the map.
Any time you have traveled more than 600 miles with the GPS
receiver turned off, the receiver may take longer than normal to
initialize and find your location.
The GPS receiver can lose satellite signals due to interference from
such items as buildings, tunnels, and heavy tree cover. Monitoring
the GPS status is recommended.
To learn about GPS, refer to
“Learning about GPS” on page 113.
6 276C Plus Owner’s Manual
GETTING STARTED > GETTING SATELLITE SIGNALS
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Learning about the Keypad
Press the IN key to adjust the map scale to show a smaller
area with more detail (zoom in).
Press the OUT key to adjust the map scale to show a larger
area with less detail (zoom out).
Press the PAGE/MODE key to cycle through the main
pages in sequence and exit a submenu page. Press and hold
to switch between the usage modes.
Press QUIT to cycle the unit through the main pages in
reverse sequence, revert to the previous value in a data
entry fi eld, or cancel an unintended function.
Press ENTER to select a highlighted option. When
entering data, it allows you to initiate entry and to accept
the selected value. Press and hold for more than one
second to mark your current location as a waypoint.
Press MENU to display a menu of available options for
the current page. Press MENU twice to display the Main
Menu.
Press the NAV/ MOB ( Navigate/Man OverBoard) key
to display the Navigation Menu. While in the sea modes,
press and hold for more than one second to activate the
Man Overboard (MOB) function.
While navigating to a destination in a land mode, press
and hold to display the Next Turn page and announce the
next turn when using the external speaker. If you are not
navigating to a destination but are in a land mode, press
and hold NAV/MOB to announce the GPS status over the
external speaker.
Press the FIND key to quickly search for and access user
waypoints, cities, points of interest, services, and other
items used for navigation.
Press and hold the POWER key for more than one second
to turn the unit on and off. Briefl y press and release to
adjust the backlighting and external speaker volume.
Use the Rocker key to highlight options and to enter
data. Also use to pan the arrow on the Map page.
276C Plus Owner’s Manual 7
GETTING STARTED > LEARNING ABOUT THE KEYPAD
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Using the 276C Plus
This section explains how to enter and select information with the
276C Plus.
Understanding Features
The 276C Plus advanced keypad system is designed to allow quick,
convenient selection of navigation options and data entry. As you
progress through this Owner’s Manual, you will be directed to
press a specific key or highlight a field on the screen. When you
are directed to press a key, you should press and quickly release the
key. If the key needs to be held down for a period of time to activate
a secondary function, the instructions will tell you to do so. When
a field is selected on the screen, it is highlighted in yellow. The
position of the highlight is controlled by the Rocker key.
The following terms are used throughout this manual:
Highlight—move the highlighted area on the screen Up, Down,
Left, or Right with the Rocker key to select individual fields.
Moving the highlight to a given location allows you to make a
selection, begin data entry, or scroll through a list.
Field—the location on a page where data or an option may be
entered and displayed. Select (highlight) a field using the Rocker
key to begin entering data or selecting options.
On-Screen Button—similar to “field.” Use the Rocker
key to
highlight a button and press ENTER to select the button.
Scroll Bar
—when viewing a list of items too long to display on
the screen, a scroll bar appears along the right side of the list.
The position of the scroll bar indicates which portion of the list is
currently displayed. To scroll through a list, press Up or Down on
the Rocker key.
Default—the factory setting saved in the unit’s memory. You can
change the settings as you like, but you can also revert to the factory
(default) settings when you select Restore Defaults.
Highlighted Field
Field
On-screen buttons
8 276C Plus Owner’s Manual
GETTING STARTED > USING THE 276C PLUS
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Selecting Options and Entering Data
To enter data and select options, use the Rocker key to highlight,
select, or choose an item in a list or a field on the screen. Use the
ENTER key and the Rocker key to select options, enter names and
numbers in data fields, and activate your selections.
To select and activate an option:
1. With any page displayed, press MENU. An options menu
appears with a list of optional features for that page.
2. Use the Rocker key to move the highlight Up, Down, Right,
or Left on the menu to your desired selection.
3. Press ENTER to activate the feature. Another window may
then appear with more options. If so, select the desired
option and press ENTER again.
Selecting an option from an options menu
To exit a menu or return to the previous setting:
Press QUIT. The QUIT key moves backwards through your
steps. Press QUIT repeatedly to return to the starting page.
To select and activate an on-screen button:
1. On a page with on-screen buttons, use the Rocker key to
highlight the desired on-screen button.
2. Press ENTER.
On-Screen Button
To practice entering data, try marking a waypoint and customizing
one of the waypoint properties, such as the waypoint name.
To
mark your current location as a waypoint, press and hold
ENTER/MARK until the New Waypoint page appears.
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To enter data in a data field:
1. Use the Rocker key to highlight the desired data field and
press ENTER to activate the field.
2. Press Up or Down on the Rocker key to select characters.
Press Right to move to the next character or press Left to
move back to the previous character. If there are two lines of
data, keep pressing Right to drop to the next line.
3. After entering the desired data, press ENTER.
Entering data
TIP: To clear the entire data field, highlight the left-most
character field and press Left once more on the Rocker key.
Not all fields are programmable. When you are on a page with fields
that are not selectable, the highlight skips over them.
Using the Databases
Optional Garmin Data Cards and MapSource CD-ROMs enhance
the versatility of your 276C Plus. With optional MapSource City
Select data, you can view listings of nearby restaurants, lodging,
shopping centers, attractions and entertainment, and even retrieve
addresses and phone numbers for any listed location.
The included USB Interface Cable or an optional PC Interface Cable
(with a serial connector) is used to transfer MapSource CD-ROM
data to the optional Data Card.
Refer to the Garmin Web site at http://www.garmin.com/
cartography/ for compatible MapSource products.
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Simulated Basic Navigation
To help you get to know your 276C Plus, you can use the unit in
Simulator mode. Simulator mode is also helpful for practicing
with the unit indoors or when no satellite signals are available. All
waypoints and routes created in Simulator mode are retained in
memory for future use. The following section describes how to use
simulator mode and walks you through some basic navigation using
the simulator.
Activating Simulator Mode
You can activate Simulator mode from the GPS page.
To put activate Simulator mode using the GPS page:
1. Press PAGE or QUIT to display the GPS page.
2. Press MENU to open the GPS page options menu.
3. Highlight Start Simulator and press ENTER.
NOTE: Do not attempt to navigate using Simulator mode. When
the unit is set to Simulator mode, the GPS receiver is turned off.
Any Satellite Signal Strength Bars displayed are only simulations
and do not represent the strength of actual satellite signals.
Highlight Start Simulator and press ENTER.
Entering a New Location
From the GPS options menu you can also enter a New Location to
simulate from.
To enter a New Location using the map:
1. Press PAGE or QUIT to display the GPS page.
2. Press MENU to open the GPS page options menu.
3. Highlight New Location and press ENTER.
4. Highlight Use Map and press ENTER.
5. Use the Rocker key to move the panning arrow to the
desired location on the map and press ENTER.
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Simulating Navigation
The main purpose of using a GPS receiver is for navigating to a
known position. To get a feel for navigating with the 276C Plus, it
is a good idea to practice navigation in Simulator mode. For this
simulation we have set our location to the San Diego coast.
To find a marine destination:
1. Be sure the 276C Plus is set to Simulator mode (see
“Activating Simulator Mode” on the previous page).
2. Press the FIND key.
3. Highlight Tide Stations and press ENTER.
4. Use the Rocker key to select a nearby Tide Station and
press ENTER. For our example, we selected Point Loma.
5. With Go To highlighted on the Tide Station Information Page,
press ENTER.
To simulate navigation to the marine destination:
1. Follow the previous steps to find a destination. The 276C
Plus switches to the Map page. A magenta line shows the
direct route from your current location to your destination. If
desired, press IN or OUT to adjust the zoom level.
2. Press the PAGE key twice to display the Compass page.
3. Press Up on the
Rocker key to increase the speed to 40 kt.
(which is the desired speed setting). Press the Rocker key
Right or Left to simulate steering.
4. Press QUIT twice to return to the Map Page. Press IN to
adjust the zoom level. Observe the movement of the position
marker (triangle) as the unit simulates navigation.
5. If desired, press PAGE or QUIT to view the simulated
navigation on the other main pages.
Simulated navigation displayed on the Map Page
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Now we will simulate navigation in the Automotive mode. To switch
to Automotive mode, press and hold the PAGE key. Use the Rocker
key to select Automotive and press ENTER.
To find and go to a land
destination:
1. Be sure the 276C Plus is set to Simulator mode.
2. Press the FIND key. Highlight Cities and press ENTER.
3. Use the Rocker key to select a nearby city and press
ENTER. For our example, we selected National City, CA.
4. With Go To highlighted, press ENTER.
5. Highlight Faster Time or Shorter Distance and press ENTER.
6. At the “Do you want to simulate driving this route?” pop-up
window, select Yes and press ENTER.
The Map page opens showing a magenta turn-by-turn route
from your current location to your destination.
Simulated navigation displayed on the Map Page (Automotive mode)
7. Observe the movement of the position marker (triangle) as
the unit simulates navigation. If desired, press IN or OUT to
zoom.
8. If desired, press PAGE or QUIT to view the simulated
navigation on the other main pages.
Simulated Current Route Page (Automotive mode)
When you are ready to navigate on your own, turn the Simulator off.
TIP: You can activate and deactivate the Simulator through the
GPS page options menu or the Setup tab of the Main Menu.
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What is the Difference Between the
Modes?
The 276C Plus provides four usage modes. You can use the mode
that best suits your needs at the time. Data fields, the page sequence,
and other settings vary between each mode.
Powerboat Mode
Powerboat mode is mainly for use when you are operating a boat
with a motor. Powerboat mode focuses on Go To operation, meaning
you can find an item and go to it. Powerboat mode is very similar to
Sailboat mode.
Sailboat Mode
Sailboat mode is for use when you are operating a sailboat. It
focuses on route navigation: you can create a route and then navigate
it later. A sailing timer is available on the Compass page when you
are in Sailboat mode. This timer could be used to keep track of when
you need to tack next, or it can be used in a
sailboat race.
Automotive Mode
Automotive mode is for when you are driving an automobile on
streets or highways. The 276C Plus automatically generates turn-byturn routes to a specified location.
Off Road Mode
Off Road mode is for use when you are driving an off-road vehicle,
such as an ATV or snowmobile. The 276C Plus automatically
generates routes to your selected destination, but the route will
not follow roads. Off Road is also very similar to the operation in
Sailboat and Powerboat modes.
Which Mode Should I Use?
The mode you use is entirely dependent upon what you are doing.
If you are driving a car and need turn-by-turn directions to your
destination, use Automotive mode. If you are cruising in your
trawler, you may want to use Powerboat mode. The choice is yours!
You can even customize a mode to perfectly suit your needs.
How do I Switch Modes?
Press and hold the PAGE/MODE button. A window appears
displaying the four modes. Use the Rocker key to highlight the
mode you want to use and press ENTER.
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BASIC OPERATION
This section describes basic operation of the 276C Plus in any of the
usage modes. Once you learn how to use the unit for basic functions,
such as finding an item, you can then perform those functions in any
of the modes.
Finding an Item
The Find Menu allows you to easily search the stored waypoints and
points of interest. To open the Find Menu, press the FIND key.
The Find Menu is comprised of several default categories:
Waypoints, Cities, Exits, Transportation, and Tide Stations.
Additional categories are displayed depending on the optional
BlueChart® or MapSource® data card in the unit.
Find Menu
Shown without additional BlueChart or MapSource maps installed
To search for an item and route to it:
1. Press FIND to open the Find Menu.
2. Using the Rocker key, highlight the desired category, such
as Cities, and press ENTER.
3. Press ENTER and use the Rocker key to begin entering the
letters contained in the item name. The list begins to sort by
the items which contain the letters you are entering. Press
ENTER when finished.
Finding an item using the Containing field. The unit searches
for the nearest items containing the letter combination you
enter and displays them in the list.
4. Highlight the desired item from the list and press
ENTER.
5. Press ENTER when the Go To button is highlighted.
NOTE: The search result list may contain multiple instances of a
navigation aid. Select any instance of the navigation aid and the
GPS will use the most accurately located navigation aid.
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Using the Find From Feature
The Find option also supports a “find from” feature that allows you
to center your search around an item that you have just found. For
example, suppose you search for Anchorage, and the search shows
a “Recommended Anchorage” search result. If you press FIND
again, you will see “From Recommended Anchorage” as the new
search from point.
There are several ways to find an item from another item:
• Use the map to highlight a point and press the
FIND key.
• Locate an item using the Find Menu then press
FIND again.
• Open the Find Menu and press
MENU to select from one of
the Find Menu options.
Find From Options Menu
Recently Found Items
The Recently Found page displays a list of the items you have
searched for or gone to recently.
To view recently found items:
1. Press the FIND key. The Find Menu opens.
2. Use the Rocker key to highlight Recently Found. Press
ENTER. The Recently Found page opens.
Viewing the Information Page
Each item on the map and each item listed in the Find Menu results
list has an information page.
To view
details about an item:
1. Highlight the desired point on the map or in the search
results list and press ENTER.
An Information page appears with details about the item in
a tabbed format. Depending on the type of item, additional
options are available, such as viewing the item on the Map,
viewing a tide chart, viewing the list of maps on your data
card, and viewing the next item in the search results list.
2. Press PAGE or QUIT to exit the information page. You can
also highlight one of the on-screen buttons and press ENTER
to perform that operation.
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Creating and Using Routes
You can create and store up to 50 reversible routes, with up to 300
points each.
Creating a Route
Routes can be created a few different ways using the Route tab
of the Main Menu. One way is to select waypoints from the Find
Menu, allowing you to see a list of the route points as you create the
route. Another way is by selecting waypoints or map items from the
Map page, allowing you to see each route point graphically onscreen as you create the route.
Once you start navigating a route, it is saved to the 276C Plus unit’s
memory. You can view the saved routes at any time using the Route
tab of the Main Menu.
The Route tab displays all of the saved routes in the 276C Plus
memory. If a route has a small automobile icon in front of it, it
is a turn-by-turn route created in Automotive mode.
NOTE: You must manually save an Automotive mode route; it is
not saved automatically.
To create a route using the Find Menu:
1. Press MENU twice to display the Main Menu.
2. Use the Rocker key to highlight the Route tab.
3. Press MENU to display the Route options menu. Select New
Route and press ENTER. Or, highlight the first available
blank route slot and press ENTER.
4. The Route Review page automatically opens, displaying a
blank route. Press ENTER to find items to add to the route.
5. The Find Menu opens. Using the methods discussed in the
“Finding an Item” section beginning on page 15, select a
point to add to your route. When you find an item, highlight
OK and press ENTER to add the point to the route. Repeat
until you have added all of the points to the route.
Creating a new route on Route Review page
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To create a route graphically:
1. Press MENU twice to display the Main Menu. Use the
Rocker key to highlight the Route tab.
2. Press MENU to display the Route options menu. Select New
Route and press ENTER.
3. Highlight the first blank slot in the Route List page and press
MENU. Use the Rocker key to highlight Edit on Map and
press ENTER.
4. Use the Rocker key to highlight the location you want to add
and press ENTER.
5. If you have selected an area of the map that is not a feature
or waypoint, a new waypoint is created for that location.
Press ENTER on the New Waypoint page to save the
location as a waypoint and continue adding points to your
route. Repeat until you have added all points to the route.
Creating a new route on the map
6. When finished, press QUIT twice to return to the Route
Review page. Or, press MENU, highlight Edit as Text, and
press ENTER to view the Route Review page.
Navigating a Saved Route
The Navigate Route option allows you to easily select and activate a
saved route.
To navigate a saved route:
1. Press the NAV key.
2. Use the Rocker key to highlight Navigate Route and press
ENTER.
3. Highlight the desired route and press ENTER.
Select the route you want to take.
Select desired
route from list
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Editing a Route
Once you have created a route, the Route Review page allows you to
edit a route and review route points of a selected route.
To change the name of the route:
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu. Highlight the
Route tab.
2. Use the Rocker key to highlight the name of the desired
route and press ENTER.
3. With the Route Review page displayed, use the Rocker key
to highlight the route name field at the top of the page and
press ENTER.
Route Review Page
Enter a new
Route name
here
4. Use the Rocker key to enter the desired route name. Then
press ENTER.
To add points to the route:
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu. Use the Rocker
key to select the Route tab.
2. Use the Rocker key to select the desired route and press
ENTER.
3. Use the Rocker key to highlight the place in the route where
you want to add the new point. The new point will be added
before the highlighted route point. Press MENU.
4. Highlight Insert Waypoint and press ENTER. The Find
Menu automatically opens for you to search for and select
the point you want to add to the route.
5. In the Point Review page, highlight OK and press ENTER to
add the new point to the route.
To edit the route on the map:
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu. Use the Rocker
key to select the Route tab from the vertical menu of tabs.
2. Select the desired route and press ENTER. Press MENU to
open the Route Review page options menu.
3. Highlight Edit on Map and press ENTER.
4. Select the route and press ENTER.
5. Drag the route to the new location and press ENTER.
6. On the New Waypoint page, highlight OK, and press ENTER.
7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 until all desired points are added to
the route. Press Quit when finished.
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To plan your route:
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu. Use the Rocker
key to select the Route tab.
2. Highlight the desired route and press ENTER.
3. Press MENU.
4. Highlight Plan Route and press ENTER.
Enter your estimated Speed and Fuel Flow for trip planning.
5. Enter the desired data for Speed and Fuel Flow. You also
can enter the date and time of your departure. Press QUIT to
return to the Route Review page.
NOTE: Fuel flow rates are measured in “units per hour.”
System setting changes for units of measure (statute, nautical, or
metric) do not affect the fuel flow measure. You should enter fuel
flow rates based upon information for your vessel (such as the
operator’s manual or performance specifications) and make note
of the desired units of measure (gallons or liters).
Using the Route Tab Options
The Route tab in the Main Menu displays all the routes currently
stored in memory, along with a descriptive name for each route.
Highlight a route and press MENU to open the options menu. From
here you can activate the route, copy it, delete it, delete all routes,
and create a new route. You can also set up the routes to manually
transition to the next waypoint.
Manually Transitioning to the Next Waypoint
From the Route tab options menu, highlight Set Up Routes and
press ENTER to set the route leg transition (or waypoint transition).
Select Distance to enter a radius so that when you are within the
entered distance, the 276C Plus will direct you to the next point on
your route.
When you select Manual, you can choose when you want to
transition to the next waypoint while navigating a route. While you
are navigating the route, open the Active Route page. Press MENU.
Highlight Next Route Waypoint and press ENTER to have the
276C Plus start routing you to the next point in your route.
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Creating and Using Waypoints
Waypoints are locations or landmarks you record and store in your
276C Plus. They are locations you may later want to return to, such
as checkpoints on a route or other features. You can add waypoints
to routes and even create a Go To directly to the selected waypoint.
Save your current location as a waypoint by pressing and holding
ENTER/MARK. You can find waypoints using the map or the Find
Menu and then store them in the unit before ever leaving home.
The 276C Plus can store up to 3000 alphanumeric waypoints with a
user-defined icon, comment, altitude, depth, and temperature. You
can create a waypoint using three basic methods:
• ENTER/MARK—allows you to quickly mark your present
position.
• Graphically—allows you to define a new waypoint position
from the map display using the Rocker key.
• Text Entry—allows you to enter a new waypoint’s position
coordinates manually.
Marking Your Present Position
Use the ENTER/MARK key to quickly create a new waypoint at
your current location. You must have a valid position (2D or 3D) fix
to mark your present position. You can determine the satellite fix by
looking at the GPS page.
To mark your present position:
1. Press and hold the ENTER/MARK key until the New
Waypoint page appears, then release it. A default four-digit
name and symbol are assigned for the new waypoint.
New Waypoint Page
2. To accept the waypoint with the default information, use the
Rocker key to highlight OK and press ENTER.
3. To change any information on the New Waypoint page,
highlight the appropriate field and press ENTER. After
entering and confirming your changes, highlight OK and
press ENTER.
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Creating a Waypoint Using the Map
You can quickly create a waypoint using the Map page. When you
pan the map and move the arrow over a map item, you will see a
highlighted description of that item. The 276C Plus uses the map
item text shown on the map as the default name and symbol for the
new waypoint.
To create a new waypoint using the Map page:
1. Press PAGE or QUIT until the Map page is displayed.
2. Use the Rocker key to move the arrow to the desired map
position or map feature.
3. Press and quickly release ENTER/MARK to capture the
arrow position. Pressing and holding ENTER/MARK marks
your present position, not the arrow’s location.
4. If you have highlighted a map feature, an information page
appears after you press ENTER. Use the Rocker key to
highlight Save and press ENTER to save the item as a
waypoint.
Map Feature Information Page
Select Save to save feature as a waypoint.
5. The New Map Waypoint page appears. To accept the
waypoint with the default information, highlight OK and press
ENTER.
6. To change any information on the New Map Waypoint page,
highlight the appropriate field and press ENTER. After
entering your changes, highlight OK and press ENTER.
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