Lowrance AIRMAP 2000C User Manual
AirMap 2000c
Aviation Mapping GPS Receiver
Operation Instructions
Copyright © 2004 Lowrance Electronics, Inc.
All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be copied, reproduced, republished, transmitted, distributed, downloaded or stored in any storage medium, for
any purpose, without prior written consent of Lowrance Electronics.
Any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual is
strictly prohibited.
AirMap
, Lowrance Avionics and Lowrance are all registered trade-
marks of Lowrance Electronics, Inc. MapCreate is a trademark of LEI.
Jeppesen
RAYOVAC
is a registered trademark of Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc.
Navionics
DURACELL
is a registered trademark of Navionics, Inc.
is a registered trademark of Duracell, Inc.
is a registered trademark of Rayovac Corporation.
Points of Interest Data in this unit are by infoUSA,
copyright 2001-2004, All Rights Reserved. infoUSA is a
trademark of infoUSA, Inc.
eXitSource Database, copyright 2001-2003 Zenrin Co.
Ltd. Exit Authority and eXitSource are trademarks of
Zenrin Co. Ltd.
All features and specifications subject to change without notice. All
screens in this manual are simulated.
For free owner's manuals and the most current information on
this product, it's operation and accessories, visit our web site:
www.lowrance.com
Lowrance Electronics Inc.
12000 E. Skelly Dr.
Tulsa, OK USA 74128-2486
Printed in USA.
Table of Contents
Sec. 1: Read Me First! ...............................................................1
Capabilities and Specifications .................................................... 3
How AirMap
Introduction to GPS and WAAS................................................... 7
How to Use this Manual: Typographical Conventions................ 9
Sec. 2: Installation & Accessories ........................................ 11
Power........................................................................................... 11
Emergency Backup Batteries..................................................... 11
Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter .............................................. 13
MMC or SD Memory Card Installation ..................................... 13
External Active Antenna............................................................ 14
R-A-M
Protective Bag ............................................................................. 17
Protective Cover.......................................................................... 18
Sec. 3: Aviation Operation..................................................... 19
Keypad......................................................................................... 19
Power/Lights (Turn Unit On and Off) ....................................... 20
Main Menu .................................................................................. 20
Pages ........................................................................................... 22
Satellite Status Page .............................................................. 23
Navigation Page...................................................................... 25
Compass Rose with HSI and OBS Hold............................. 26
Map Page................................................................................. 31
Aviation GPS Quick Reference ............................................ 39
Find your Current Position ........................................................ 40
Moving around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys.............. 40
Selecting any Map Item with the Cursor .................................. 41
Searching..................................................................................... 42
Find Nearest Airport (Shortcut) ................................................ 44
Navigating to Nearest Airport with the AirMap....................... 44
Setting a Waypoint ..................................................................... 45
Navigate Back to a Waypoint..................................................... 45
Navigate to Cursor Position on Map.......................................... 46
Navigate to a Point of Interest................................................... 47
Go "Direct to" (Using the Direct to Button)............................... 47
Airspace Status ........................................................................... 48
Airport Information .................................................................... 48
Runways .................................................................................. 49
Runway Approach Guidance Feature .................................... 50
Services.................................................................................... 51
Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files ............................. 52
Switch to Land Mode .................................................................. 54
Works .................................................................... 5
Bracket Mounting System ............................................ 16
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Switch Back to Aviation Mode from Land Mode ................... 54
Aviation Calculators ................................................................... 54
E6B Altitude/Airspeed Calculator.......................................... 54
E6B Wind Speed/Direction Calculator................................... 55
Vertical Navigation Calculator .............................................. 56
Sec. 4: Land Operation ........................................................... 57
Keypad......................................................................................... 57
Power/Lights (Turn Unit On and Off) ....................................... 58
Main Menu .................................................................................. 58
Pages ........................................................................................... 58
Satellite Status Page .............................................................. 59
Navigation Page...................................................................... 59
Map Page................................................................................. 60
Moving around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys.............. 61
Find Distance from Current Position to Another Location ...... 61
Find Distance from Point to Point ......................................... 62
Find your Current Position ........................................................ 62
Icons............................................................................................. 63
Create Icon on Map................................................................. 63
Create Icon at Current Position ............................................. 63
Delete an Icon ......................................................................... 64
Load GPS Data Files from an MMC .......................................... 64
Navigate ...................................................................................... 65
Navigate Back to Man Overboard Waypoint......................... 65
Cancel Navigation................................................................... 65
Navigate a Route..................................................................... 65
Navigate to Cursor Position on Map...................................... 65
Navigate to an Icon................................................................. 66
Navigate to Point of Interest (POI) ........................................ 66
Navigate to a Waypoint .......................................................... 66
Navigate a Trail ...................................................................... 66
Backtrack a Trail .................................................................... 68
Routes.......................................................................................... 68
Create and Save a Route ........................................................68
Delete a Route ......................................................................... 71
Save GPS Data Files to an MMC............................................... 71
Searching..................................................................................... 72
Switch to Aviation Mode............................................................. 74
Switch Back to Land Mode from Aviation Mode ................... 74
Trails ........................................................................................... 74
Create and Save a Trail.......................................................... 74
Delete a Trail .......................................................................... 75
Edit a Trail Name ................................................................... 75
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Transferring GPS Data .............................................................. 75
Transferring and Loading Custom Maps .................................. 75
Utilities........................................................................................ 75
Alarm Clock............................................................................. 76
Sun/Moon Rise & Set Calculator............................................ 76
Trip Calculator........................................................................ 76
Trip Down Timer..................................................................... 76
Trip Up Timer ......................................................................... 76
Waypoints.................................................................................... 76
Create a Waypoint .................................................................. 76
Create a Man Overboard Waypoint ....................................... 77
Selecting a Waypoint .............................................................. 78
Delete a Waypoint................................................................... 78
Edit a Waypoint (Name, Symbol, Position or Altitude) ........ 78
Sec. 5: System & GPS Setup Options................................... 79
Alarms ......................................................................................... 79
Aviation Alarms .......................................................................... 80
Auto Satellite Search.................................................................. 81
Battery Indicator ........................................................................ 82
Check MMC Files and Storage Space........................................ 82
Com Port Configuration ............................................................. 82
Coordinate System Selection...................................................... 83
Map Fix.................................................................................... 85
Customize Page Displays ........................................................... 86
GPS Simulator ............................................................................ 87
Map Auto Zoom........................................................................... 88
Map Data..................................................................................... 88
Show Map Data....................................................................... 89
Pop-Up Map Info ..................................................................... 89
Map Boundaries ...................................................................... 89
Fill Water with White............................................................. 89
Map Overlays (Range Rings; Lat/Long Grid) ........................ 89
Map Datum Selection ................................................................. 90
Map Detail Category Selection................................................... 90
Map Orientation ......................................................................... 91
Navionics
Charts....................................................................... 92
Port Information .....................................................................93
Tidal Current Information ..................................................... 94
Tide Information ..................................................................... 96
Pop-Up Help................................................................................ 97
Reset Options .............................................................................. 98
Screen Contrast and Brightness ................................................ 98
Set Language ............................................................................ 100
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Set Local Time .......................................................................... 101
Software Version Information.................................................. 102
Sounds and Alarm Sound Styles.............................................. 102
Track Smoothing....................................................................... 103
Trail Options ............................................................................. 104
Update Active Trail Option .................................................. 104
Update Trail Criteria (Auto, Time, Distance) ..................... 104
Trail Update Rate (Time, Distance)..................................... 105
New Trail............................................................................... 105
Units of Measure....................................................................... 106
Sec. 6: Searching.................................................................... 109
Aviation Mode Searches ......................................................109
Find an Airspace (Using Cursor) ............................................. 109
Find Airports (Aviation Mode only) ......................................... 110
Find VORs (Aviation Mode only).............................................. 111
Find NDBs (Aviation Mode only) ............................................. 113
Find Intersections (Aviation Mode only).................................. 115
Land Mode Searches............................................................. 116
Find Addresses.......................................................................... 116
Find any Item Selected by Map Cursor ................................... 118
Find Interstate Highway Exits ................................................ 119
Find Map Places........................................................................ 120
Find Streets or (Street) Intersections ...................................... 122
Find Waypoints......................................................................... 124
Sec. 7: Supplemental Material............................................ 127
Index......................................................................................... 133
A CAREFUL NAVIGATOR NEVER RELIES ON ONLY ONE METHOD
TO OBTAIN POSITION INFORMATION.
When showing navigation data to a position (waypoint), a GPS unit will show
the shortest, most direct path to the waypoint. It provides navigation data to the
waypoint regardless of obstructions. Therefore, the prudent navigator will not
only take advantage of all available navigation tools when traveling to a waypoint, but will also visually check to make sure a clear, safe path to the waypoint
is always available.
When a GPS unit is used in a vehicle, the vehicle operator is solely responsible for operating the vehicle in a safe manner. Vehicle operators
must maintain full surveillance of all pertinent driving, boating or flying conditions at all times. An accident or collision resulting in damage
to property, personal injury or death could occur if the operator of a
GPS-equipped vehicle fails to pay full attention to travel conditions and
vehicle operation while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING!
CAUTION
WARNING!
iv
Section 1: Read Me First!
How this manual can get you flying, fast!
Welcome to the exciting world of GPS! We know you're anxious to take
off and begin navigating, but we have a favor to ask. Before you head for
the plane, please give us a moment or two to show you how to skip
around our manual for the information you need. (Tips start on page 2.)
We want to help you get the best performance from this versatile little
GPS unit — in the air, on the ground and on the sea!
Before we go any further, we want to thank you for buying an AirMap
2000C. Whether you're a first time GPS user or a professional navigator, you'll find that the AirMap 2000C includes a complete set of powerful aeronautical mapping and navigation features, yet is easy to use.
How easy? Well, if you've already figured out how to load the
card and batteries yourself, and you just can't wait any longer,
turn to the Quick Reference on page 39 and head outside with
your AirMap! You can be practicing touch-and-goes at a nearby
airport in only 12 steps.
Not in that big of a hurry? Good, because we really recommend you
practice a bit before taking your AirMap aloft. The AirMap 2000C is a
powerful GPS+WAAS receiver, but its slim silhouette is crammed with
lots of extra features and value. You don't need to learn them all right
away, but a little practice on the ground will help you become familiar
with AirMap's capabilities — and make you a safer pilot. Flying, of
course, is why you bought an AirMap, but it's like having three different GPS receivers in one. Here are the other two reasons why.
Need business or pleasure travel directions or phone numbers after
landing? You don't need another GPS — when you leave the cockpit,
just move your AirMap into your car and take advantage of the fullyfunctional Land Navigation Mode. With your own custom-built MapCreate 6 map, your AirMap can use a massive searchable Point of
Interest database of businesses and attractions to lead you to your final
destination. (Land Mode Operation is described in Section 4; Searching
is covered in Section 6.)
And AirMap performance doesn't stop at the water's edge. If your destination is a boating or fishing adventure, your AirMap will help you
safely navigate the Great Lakes and coastal U.S. waters with our
70,000-item database of marine navigation aids, wrecks and obstructions. (This also requires a MapCreate map; functions are discussed in
Section 4. The MapCreate manual has an Easy Mode Quick Reference
of its own; it'll help you make a map in just 6 steps.)
1
Whether your AirMap 2000 is the only GPS in the cockpit or backing up
an in-panel display, you're using the most versatile and most affordable
color-screen GPS receiver in the aviation market today.
Our goal for this book is to get you in the air (or out on the road) fast,
with a minimum of fuss. Like you, we'd rather spend more time flying,
and less time reading the manual!
So, we designed our book so that you don't have to read the whole thing
from front to back for the information you want. At the start (or end) of
each segment, we'll tell you what content is coming up next. If it's a
concept you're already familiar with, we'll show you how and where to
skip ahead for the next important topic.
You may be the button-pushing type who just likes to play with the
GPS first, before peeking inside the manual. That’s fine, because AirMap menus have a pop-up Help feature that will answer many of your
questions. If this is your learning style, turn to the installation instructions in Section 2, then step outdoors with your unit. When you come to
a menu command you want to learn more about, jut turn to the Table of
Contents or the Index and look it up.
The manual is organized into six sections. If you’re new to GPS, prefer
a tutorial approach to learning or just want to explore more of the awesome features in your AirMap, we suggest you skim some of these sections more closely.
This first section is an introduction to AirMap, GPS and WAAS. It tells
you the basics you need to know before you can make AirMap look
around and tell you where you are.
Section 2, Installation, will help you get the power and MultiMedia
Card (MMC) correctly installed in your AirMap. (The card contains the
Jeppesen
bases.) We'll also tell you how to install the RAM
Americas and Lowrance Obstructions aeronautical data-
mounting bracket on
a yoke and the remote active antenna in an aircraft window or on top of
the instrument panel.
Section 3 is really the heart of our book, Aviation Mode Operation. It
will introduce you to the basic airborne GPS functions. This section includes the one-page Aviation Mode Quick Reference we mentioned earlier. The rest of Section 3 contains short, easy-to-scan lessons that follow one another in chronological order. They're all you'll need to know
to get in the air quickly.
Aviation Mode instructions are only 38 pages long, and these lessons
will meet the navigation needs of many pilots. But, after you've learned
the basics (or if you already have some GPS experience), you may want
2
to try out some of AirMap's many advanced features. That brings us to
Section Four, Land Mode Operation. After we introduce the Land Mode
menus and submenus, the rest of the section contains AirMap's more
advanced command functions.
Your AirMap is ready to use right out of the box, but you can fine tune
and customize its operation with dozens of options. We describe how to
use them in Section 5, System Setup and GPS Setup Options. This section covers both Aviation Mode and Land Mode options.
Finally, in Section 6, we go into more detail on one of AirMap's most
remarkable capabilities — Searching. We'll introduce a couple of search
examples in both the Aviation and Land mode sections, but there are so
many map and aeronautical items you can search for, we had to give
this function its own section in the manual! For example, we mentioned
telephone numbers earlier. Your AirMap can function as a virtual Yellow Pages, and we’ll show you how in Section 6.
Now, if you're into the fine details, glance over the next segment on specifications to see just how much GPS power this little unit holds. It's important to us (and our power users), but, if you don't care how many waypoints
AirMap can store or just how many pixels we've crammed onto the screen,
skip ahead to important information on how AirMap works, on page 5.
Capabilities and Specifications
Display:............................ 1/4 VGA color, transflective TFT display; 5.0"
(12.7 cm) diagonal viewing area.
Resolution:...................... 320 pixels (vert.) x 240 pixel (horiz.) resolu-
tion; 153,600 total pixels
Backlighting:................... Color backlit screen and keypad for night use.
Input power:......................6 volts DC (uses four 1.5v AA batteries as
emergency backup power). Cigarette lighter
power adapter included. Optional rechargeable
battery pack available.
Case size:......................... 6.25" H x 4.9" W x 2.5" D (16 x 12.5 x 6.4 cm);
water resistant to IPX-2 standards.
Weight:............................. 1.45 pounds (657 grams) with batteries.
Receiver: ......................... Internal, 12 parallel channel GPS+WAAS;
advanced active remote external antenna included.
Recording: ...................... Removable MMC or SD memory cards for
recording GPS trip details, displaying custom maps, upgrading operating system soft-
3
ware and transferring trip data to personal
computer without a slow serial connection.
USB card reader included with unit.
MMC slots: ...................... One, inside battery compartment. Accepts
non-proprietary MMC or SD memory cards.
Aeronautical map: ........ Jeppesen
Americas database with airports,
VORs, NDBs, intersections and airspaces
(including Class D). Lowrance Obstructions
database displays ground obstructions in
AGL or MSL heights.
Background map:.......... Built-in custom, detailed Lowrance map.
Contains: low-detail maps of the whole world
(containing cities, major lakes, major rivers,
political boundaries); and medium-detail
maps of the United States (containing all incorporated cities; Interstate, U.S. and state
highways; Interstate highway exits and exit
services information; large- and mediumsized lakes and streams.)
Custom mapping: .......... Accepts custom, higher-detail MapCreate 6
mapping on memory cards, with searchable
Points-of Interest database of hotels, restaurants, shopping, services and more. Navion-
ics
charts on MMC cards optional.
Mapping memory: ......... Up to 512 MB on one MMC (MultiMedia
Card) or SD (Secure Digital) card.
Position updates: .......... Every one second.
Position points: ............. 1,000 waypoints; 1,000 event marker icons.
Graphic symbols for
waypoints or event
marker icons: ................. 42.
Routes:............................. 100; up to 100 waypoints per route.
Plot Trails: ...................... 100 savable; up to 10,000 points per trail.
Nearest Airport: ............ Quickly locates an airfield closest to your
current position. (Aviation Mode only.)
Man Overboard:............. MOB feature precisely marks man overboard
location with special icon, then automatically
displays navigation data to that position.
(Land Mode only.)
4
Com Port: ........................ One serial communications port, NMEA 0183
version 2.0 compatible. Allows exchange of
position data with another device, such as an
autopilot or personal computer. Optional
combination serial/power cable available.
Zoom range:.................... 40 ranges; 0.02 to 4,000 miles.
NOTE:
The above memory capacities refer only to AirMap's on-board memory. The amount of GPS data you can record and save for recall later
is only limited by the number of MMC cards you carry with you.
How AirMap Works
You'll navigate faster and easier if you understand how AirMap scans
the sky to tell you where you are on the earth — and, where you're going. (But if you already have a working understanding of GPS receivers
and the GPS navigation system, skip on ahead to Section 2, Installation
& Accessories on page 11. If you're new to GPS, read on, and you can
later impress your friends with your new-found knowledge.)
First, think of your AirMap as a small but powerful computer. (But
don't worry — we made AirMap so easy to use, you don't need to be a
computer expert to find your way!) The unit includes a keypad and a
screen with menus so you can tell AirMap what to do. The screen also
lets AirMap show your location on a moving map, as well as point the
way to your destination.
This "computer" also contains an antenna and specialized scanning receiver, something like your car radio. But instead of your favorite dance
tunes or VOR signals, this receiver tunes in to a couple of dozen GPS satellites circling the earth. (WAAS satellites, too, but more about them later.)
AirMap listens to signals from as many satellites as it can "see" above
the horizon, eliminates the weakest signals, then computes its location
in relation to those satellites. Once the AirMap figures its latitude and
longitude, it plots that position on the map shown on the screen. While
the screen is updated once a second the internal calculations are done
several times a second.
The performance doesn't stop there. Stored in the permanent memory
of each AirMap is a basic background map of the entire world. (For just
what's in the map, see the preceding segment on specifications.) We
lock it in here at the factory — you can't change or erase this map.
The background map, along with the Jeppesen and Lowrance aeronautical
databases, are all you need for aerial navigation. (Your unit reads these
databases automatically from the MMC card included in the package.)
5
The background map is also suitable for many land and marine navigation chores, but for maximum surface accuracy and much more detail,
you need a custom map from MapCreate 6. Some AirMap features —
such as searching for businesses and addresses — won't work without a
custom MapCreate map. There is so much detail in our background
map (and even more in MapCreate) that we'll compare their contents
and differences in Section 3, Aviation Mode Operation.
Another portion of AirMap's onboard memory is devoted to recording GPS
navigation information, which includes waypoints, event marker icons,
trails and routes. This lets you plan a route for a flight or look back the
way you came. Think of this data storage like the hard drive memory in a
computer. You can save several different GPS data files, erase 'em and
record new ones, over and over and over again. Like any computer file,
these GPS Data Files (file format *.usr) can be shared between AirMaps,
other Lowrance GPS or sonar/GPS units, even personal computers.
AirMap has one more thing in common with a personal computer. Just
as computers have a floppy disk drive for storing and exchanging files,
AirMap has a slot for an MMC (MultiMedia Card) or SD card (Secure
Digital Card) flash memory card. These solid-state memory devices are
about the size of a postage stamp, but can hold data ranging from 8 MB
to 512 MB in size. (Compare that to a floppy disk's 1.44 MB capacity!)
AirMap uses all that MMC space for two key purposes.
First, you can backup your onboard GPS Data Files by copying them to
the MMC. Since the MMC is removable (like a floppy disk or a video
tape), you can store these GPS Data Files on a personal computer
equipped with an MMC card reader. (Or store them on a pocketful of
MMCs, if you don't have a computer handy.) Our MapCreate mapping
software can save, edit or create its own GPS Data Files, which can be
copied to the MMC and then loaded from the MMC into AirMap's memory. (NOTE: No matter where they come from, GPS Data Files must be
loaded from the MMC into memory before AirMap can use them.)
As we mentioned earlier, the other key use for MMCs is storage of the
aeronautical databases and high-detail maps from MapCreate. These
Custom Map Files (file format *.lcm) can also be shared between AirMaps, other Lowrance GPS or sonar/GPS units and personal computers.
You make your own Custom Map Files with our MapCreate software,
but you don't have to. We also sell ready-to-use FreedomMaps. These
custom maps are pre-loaded on MMCs. (No computer work required!).
6
Introduction to GPS and WAAS
Well, now you know the basics of how AirMap does its work. You might
be ready to jump ahead to Section 2, Installation & Accessories, on page
11, so you can install the power. Or you might want to see how our text
formatting makes the manual tutorials easy to skim. If that's the case,
move on to "How to Use This Manual" on page 9. But, if you want to
understand the current state of satellite navigation, look over this segment describing how GPS and its new companion WAAS work together
to get you where you're going.
First of all, why are pilots so excited about GPS navigation? GPS is
more accurate than other navaids, such as VOR and NDB. GPS is free
of environmental limitations that affect other navigation systems and
it's available worldwide. GPS receivers like your AirMap are highly affordable, easy to use and not confined to your cockpit! GPS frees a pilot
to accurately navigate to or from virtually any map place on earth —
navigation is no longer limited to the aeronautical navaid network.
With a mapping GPS, a pilot always knows exactly where he is. A GPS
receiver makes it easier for a pilot to apply wind correction angles and
fly true headings, as well as determine true ground speed.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) was launched July 17, 1995 by
the United States Department of Defense. It was designed as a 24hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year, all weather global navigation system for
the armed forces of the U.S. and its allies. Civilian use was also available at first, but it was less accurate because the military scrambled
the signal somewhat, using a process called Selective Availability (SA).
GPS proved so useful for civilian navigation that the federal government discontinued SA on May 2, 2000, after the military developed
other methods to deny GPS service to enemy forces. Reliable accuracy
for civilian users jumped from 100 meters (330 feet) under SA to the
present level of 10 to 20 meters (about 30 to 60 feet).
Twenty-four satellites orbit 10,900 miles above the Earth, passing overhead twice daily. A series of ground stations (with precisely surveyed
locations) controls the satellites and monitors their exact locations in the
sky. Each satellite broadcasts a low-power signal that identifies the satellite and its position above the earth. Three of these satellites are
spares, unused until needed. The rest virtually guarantee that at least
four satellites are in view nearly anywhere on Earth at all times.
7
A minimum of three satellites are required to determine a 2D fix.
The system requires signal reception from three satellites in order to
determine a position. This is called a 2D fix. It takes four satellites to
determine both position and elevation (your height above sea level —
also called altitude). This is called a 3D fix.
Remember, the unit must have a clear view of the satellites in order to
receive their signals. Unlike radio or television signals, GPS works at
very high frequencies. These signals can be easily blocked by trees,
buildings, an automobile roof, a wing, even your body.
Like most GPS receivers, AirMap doesn’t have a compass or any other
navigation aid built inside. It relies solely on the signals from the satellites to calculate a position. Speed, direction of travel, and distance
are all calculated from position information. Therefore, in order for
AirMap to determine direction of travel, you must be moving and the
faster, the better. This is not to say that it won’t work at walking or
boat trolling speeds — it will. There will simply be more "wandering" of
the data shown on the display.
GPS is plenty accurate for route navigation, but the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has special needs for aircraft traffic control that go
beyond basic GPS. The FAA has a plan under way to boost GPS performance even further with its Wide Area Augmentation System, or
WAAS. This GPS add-on will include a time control element that will
help airliners fly closer together while avoiding collisions. In addition to
carefully spacing airplanes along travel corridors, WAAS will eventually make instrument landings and takeoffs more accurate as it replaces existing aviation navigation systems.
8
WAAS signals make your GPS navigation even more accurate. Your
AirMap automatically receives both GPS and WAAS signals. However,
WAAS has some limits you should know about.
First, the U.S. government has not completed construction of the WAAS
system, so it is not yet fully operational. The ground stations are in
place, but only a few of the needed WAAS satellites have been launched.
WAAS can boost the accuracy of land and marine GPS navigation, but the
system is designed for aircraft. The satellites are in a fixed orbit above the
Equator, so they appear very low in the sky to someone on the ground in
North America. Aircraft and vessels on open water can get consistently
good WAAS reception, but terrain, foliage or even large man-made structures frequently block the WAAS signal from ground receivers.
You'll find that using your GPS+WAAS receiver is both easy and
amazingly accurate. It’s easily the most accurate method of electronic
navigation available to the general public today. Remember, however,
that this receiver is only a tool. As this manual goes to press, the FAA
has not yet certified any hand-held GPS+WAAS receivers for use as the
sole navigation aid for VFR pilots. Always have another method of
navigation available, such as a sectional chart and your aircraft's magnetic and gyro compasses, or a conventional nav/com radio.
Also remember that this unit shows navigation information in the
shortest line from your present position to an airport, VOR or other
waypoint, regardless of obstacles and terrain! It only calculates position, it can’t know what’s between you and your destination, for example. It’s up to you to safely navigate around obstacles and rising terrain,
no matter how you’re using this product.
How to use this manual: typographical conventions
Many instructions are listed as numbered steps. The keypad and arrow
"keystrokes" appear as boldface type. So, if you're in a real hurry (or
just need a reminder), you can skim the instructions and pick out what
menu command to use by finding the boldface command text. The paragraphs below explain how to interpret the text formatting for those
commands and other instructions:
Arrow Keys
The arrow keys control the movement of dotted cross-hair lines on your
mapping screen called the cursor. The arrow keys also help you move
around the AirMap menus so you can execute different commands.
They are represented by symbols like these, which denote the down arrow key, the up arrow, the left arrow and the right arrow: ↓ ↑ ← →.
9
Keyboard
The other keys perform a variety of functions. When the text refers to a
key to press, the key is shown in bold, sans serif type. For example, the
"Enter/Save" key is shown as
ENT and the "Menu" key is shown as MENU.
Menu Commands
A menu command or a menu option will appear in small capital letters,
in a bold sans serif type like this:
SYSTEM SETUP. These indicate that you
are to select this command or option from a menu or take an action of
some kind with the menu item. Text that you may need to enter or file
names you need to select are shown in italic type, such as trail name.
Instructions = Menu Sequences
Most functions you perform with AirMap are described as a sequence of
keystrokes and selecting menu commands. We've written them in a
condensed manner for quick and easy reading.
For example, instructions for deleting all icons from memory would look
like this:
1. Press
2. Press ← to
3. Press
MENU|↓ to DELETE MY ICONS|ENT|ENT.
YES|ENT.
EXIT.
Translated into complete English, step 1 means: "Press the Menu key.
Next, press the down arrow key to scroll down the menu and select
(highlight) the Delete My Icons menu command. Finally, press the Enter key twice."
Step 2 means: "Press the left arrow key to select Yes, then press Enter."
Step 3 means: "Press the Exit key to clear the menu and return to the
Map Page."
Important Keyboard Shortcut Tip:
There are often three ways to move around an AirMap menu. For
simplicity, we've written our instructions using the Enter key (
complete a move from one menu to the next. However, many commands have shortcuts that will help your fingers fly across the keys.
Almost every page menu command lets you press ← or → instead of
ENT. This is always true for commands with an ellipsis (MAP DATA…) or
an arrow (
GPS SETUP ►). Our menus also "wrap around;" that is, they
form a circular loop. This means when you open a menu and need to
reach the bottom command, you can get there by pressing ↑ one time
instead of holding or repeatedly pressing ↓. A cockpit can be a busy
place; practice with these shortcuts and you can run AirMap commands faster, with less finger movement from key to key.
ENT) to
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Section 2:
Installation & Accessories
Power
For your safety, we have designed the AirMap to work with several
power sources, so you can ensure continuous operation by providing
multiple emergency backups. The AirMap operates on 6 volts DC using
an external power cable with a cigarette lighter adapter.
In case your plane has no cigarette lighter, we also sell an optional rechargeable gel cell battery with connectors. If you do have a cigarette
lighter, this rechargeable battery can function as a backup in case your
plane's power fails. If you're interested in a rechargeable battery (or
other accessories for this product), see the ordering information inside
the back cover of this manual.
Whether your AirMap is connected to the plane's power or the optional
rechargeable battery, if either of these external power sources fails, the
unit will automatically switch to the emergency backup batteries. For
the emergency backup, the unit uses AA batteries.
WARNING!
Due to the powerful backlight and the vivid color screen, sustained
use of the AirMap 2000 requires more power than AA batteries alone
can supply. Although the unit won't operate long on battery power, we
strongly recommend that you keep fresh batteries in the unit as an
emergency backup power source. If the primary power source fails,
the unit will automatically switch to the batteries, thus keeping the
unit on without interruption.
Flash memory and an internal lithium battery will keep your stored
data safe and accessible for the life of the product.
Emergency Backup Batteries
The unit requires four 1.5-volt AA batteries. We recommend that you
use alkaline batteries for the best trade-off between battery life and
cost. We recommend DURACELL
If you're looking for an extended-life battery, the Duracell
tery has performed well in our tests.
You can also use rechargeable AA alkaline batteries, such as those
made by RAYOVAC
batteries. We do not recommend nickel cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable
batteries because you will get poor battery life.
, or rechargeable AA nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
brand, but other brands will work.
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ULTRA bat-
Rechargeable alkaline batteries will not last as long as standard alkaline batteries. NiMH batteries are rechargeable and should also give
you suitable battery life.
Do not mix different battery types. Mixing battery types may cause leakage. (For example, don’t use both alkaline and NiMH batteries at the
same time, and don't use standard alkalines with rechargeable alkalines.)
Battery Installation
Turn the unit over so that the back is facing you and loosen the thumbscrew at the bottom of the battery case. Place your fingers in the ridged
grips on the outside edge of the battery compartment cover. Press in on
the grips and lift the cover away from the unit case. The battery cover
will pull free.
Loosen thumbscrew and remove AirMap battery cover.
Install the batteries according to the decal in the battery compartment,
which shows the correct polarity. Point the positive pole of the leftmost
battery down, and alternate them as you move right.
Replace the battery compartment cover. Align the cover latch tabs with
the slots inside the case. Slide the cover into place, and then push down
on the bottom edge until the cover snaps into place.
Replace battery compartment cover:
Slide cover into place, left. Press in cover's bottom edge, right
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Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter
To use external DC power: Plug the power cable's cigarette lighter
adapter into a cigarette lighter receptacle. Next, firmly press the cable's
connector into the socket on the back of the AirMap's case.
Attach external power cable to AirMap.
MMC or SD Memory Card Installation
Your AirMap uses a MultiMedia Card to store information, such as custom maps, waypoints and other GPS data. The unit can also use Secure
Digital Cards (SD cards) to store information.
NOTE:
Throughout this manual, we will use the term MMC, but just remember that your unit can use an MMC or SD card to store data.
Both of these solid-state flash memory devices are about the size of a
postage stamp. An SD card is slightly thicker than an MMC. As this
manual went to press, MMCs were available in storage capacities of 8
MB, 16 MB, 32 MB and 64 MB. SD cards were available in capacities of
8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB and up. We have tested
SD cards up to 256 MB.
Additional MMC cards are available from LEI Extras; see ordering information inside the back cover of this manual. MMCs and SD cards
are also available at many consumer electronics stores.
The MMC slot is located in the battery compartment, next to the batteries on the right side of the unit.
To remove an MMC
1. Remove battery compartment cover.
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Drag the MMC from its slot by pressing against its label.
2. Hold unit facedown in left hand. With your right hand, press a finger
against the label of the MMC and drag it from the slot.
To add an MMC or SD Card
1. Remove battery compartment cover.
2. Hold the unit in one hand. Grasp the bottom edge of the MMC with
your other hand. The MMC label should be toward you.
3. Fit the top (notched) edge of the MMC into the MMC slot.
4. With your finger on the card's label, gently push the card into the slot.
Fit the MMC into its slot and then press it into position.
5. Replace the battery cover. (Remember to tighten the thumb screw.)
External Active Antenna
A GPS antenna requires a clear view of the sky for optimum operation.
Inside the cockpit, your AirMap can sometimes maintain satellite lock
while sitting on the yoke or seat beside you, but we don't recommend
this for optimum performance.
Since the "view" is restricted to what can be seen through the window,
this operating mode will reduce position accuracy and will increase the
chance of losing satellite lock. Inside a plane, the unit operates best
with an external antenna mounted on the windshield or dash.
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You may achieve good results by simply placing the external RAA-4
antenna on the top of the dash, at the base of the windshield. Many pilots like to attach the antenna to the top of their instrument panel glare
shields. Depending on the surface, a strip of adhesive Velcro
or a piece
of the rubber non-skid shelf liner material available in recreational vehicle supply stores will help hold the antenna in place.
Attach AirMap antenna to windshield bracket with two screws.
We recommend attaching the antenna to your windshield or other window. For this reason, the remote active antenna packaged with your
AirMap includes a suction-cup mount. Be sure to mount the antenna in
a location where it will not obstruct your view.
Press suction cup plate firmly against a window with unobstructed view.
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Wherever you mount the antenna, make sure it is in a location with an
unobstructed view of the sky. If you're sticking it to a window, moisten
the suction cups on the mounting plate and press firmly against the
window. Route the cable so that it won't interfere with flying. Then,
simply plug the connector into the unit's antenna socket, located on the
back, in the upper left corner of the case. The AirMap will automatically switch to use the RAA-4 remote antenna when plugged in.
R-A-M Bracket Mounting System
A R-A-M mounting bracket is shipped with your AirMap. The mounting
arm and cradle can swivel on a ball for easy viewing in any type of vehicle.
Attach the mounting bracket to the stem of the yoke. Then, tighten the
knob at the bracket's base to keep the bracket from sliding around on
the yoke stem. Next, angle the arm so that the unit will be held in front
of the yoke. When you are satisfied with the bracket position, tighten
the base knob to keep the bracket from shifting.
First, attach the R-A-M mounting bracket to the yoke (shown left).
Then, attach the ball mount plate to the back of the AirMap case
(shown right).
Now attach the ball mount plate to the back of AirMap case, as shown
in the preceding image. Tighten the thumbscrews, and then fit the ball
mount into the mounting bracket's arm.
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Fit the ball mount into the mounting bracket's arm, and tighten the
arm knob to hold the unit in place (shown left). At right, you can see
an AirMap 2000 securely mounted above a yoke.
Protective Bag
Your AirMap comes with a cloth bag designed to protect the unit from
minor scratches and dings when it's tucked into your flight bag or luggage. It's shown in the following image.
The bag is large enough to accommodate the unit with the ball mount
plate attached. Just dismount the AirMap, drop it into the bag and pull
the drawstring snug.
A protective cloth bag is included with your unit.
Tip:
The bag will guard against scratches on the display, but in a
crowded flight bag, the Power key could be bumped and cause a
battery drain. To avoid this, use the plastic protective cover included with your unit (see following).
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Protective Cover
This hard cover simply snaps on and off the front of the unit. If you
store your unit in an aircraft or other vehicle, the cover protects the
screen from damage that can result from long-term exposure to the
sun's ultraviolet rays.
If you carry the unit with you in a flight bag or luggage, the cover protects
against screen scratches. It also stops battery drain by preventing the
Power button from being bumped and accidentally turning on the unit.
To remove
cover, grab
either corner
with an index
finger and pull.
Raised area protects
keypad and stops
accidental power on.
CVR-4 protective hard cover for AirMap 2000.
WARNING:
When the unit is mounted in an unprotected area, such as
an open aircraft or boat cockpit, the protective face cover
must be removed when the vehicle is moving at high
speed. This includes towing a boat on a trailer at highway
speeds. Otherwise, wind blast can pop off the cover.
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Section 3:
2
Aviation Operation
This section addresses AirMap's main aviation GPS functions. The
principles are the same in both operating modes, so this discussion also
serves as a good introduction to Land Mode work.
Before you turn on the AirMap and find where you are, it's a good idea
to learn about the different keys, the three Page screens and how they
all work together. BUT, if you just can't wait to get outside, grab the
batteries and turn to the one-page Quick Reference on page 39.
Keypad
3
4
8
1. PWR/LIGHT (Power & Light) – The PWR key turns the unit on and
off and activates the backlight.
2. PAGES – Pressing this key and the arrow keys will switch the unit
between the three different page screens in Aviation Mode. (Satellite,
Navigation and Map.) Each page represents one of the unit's major
modes of operation.
3. MENU – Press this key to show the menus, which allow you to select
or adjust a feature from a list.
4. ARROW KEYS – These keys are used to navigate through the
menus, make menu selections, move the chart cursor and enter data.
5. ENT/SAVE (Enter & Save) – This key allows you to save data, to
accept values or to execute menu commands. Also use it to quickly create waypoints or icons.
6. EXIT – The Exit key lets you return to the previous screen, clear
data or erase (clear) a menu.
9
AirMap 2000 keypad.
6
5
7
1
19
7. FIND
(Direct To) – The Find key launches the AirMap search
menus. It also allows you to go Direct To items shown in search lists.
8. ZOUT – (Zoom Out) – This key lets you zoom the screen out to see a
larger geographic area on the map. Less detail is seen as you zoom out.
9. ZIN – (Zoom In) – This key lets you zoom the screen in to see greater
detail in a smaller geographic area on the map.
Power/lights on and off
To turn on the unit, press PWR. To turn on the backlight, press PWR
again. Pressing PWR once again will turn off the backlight. (Press EXIT
to clear any message or alarm displays.)
Turn off the unit by pressing and holding the
PWR key for 3 seconds.
Each time your AirMap powers up, two messages appear. The first is a
reminder to use your AirMap in conjunction with other navigation aids.
The second is a copyright statement. Press
EXIT to clear each message.
Press Exit key to clear these opening screen messages.
Main Menu
Aviation Mode has a single Main Menu, which contains some function
commands and some setup option commands. The tutorials in this section will deal only with primary functions, the basic commands that
make AirMap do something. These lessons are designed for use with
the unit's options set at their factory defaults. But, if you want to learn
more about the various option settings, see Sec. 5, System Setup and
GPS Setup Options.
To access the Main Menu from any Page: press
MENU|MENU. To clear
the menu screen and return to the page display, press
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EXIT.
Main Menu, Aviation Mode.
The Main Menu commands and their functions are:
Screen command: changes the contrast or brightness of the display
screen.
Sounds command: enables or disables the sounds for key strokes and
alarms and sets the alarm style.
Alarms command: turns arrival, off course and anchor GPS alarms on
or off and changes alarm thresholds.
Aviation Alarms command: turns distance, time, near and inside airspace alarms on or off and changes alarm thresholds.
Route Planning command: used to plan, view or navigate a route.
My Trails command: shows, hides, creates and deletes plot trails. Also
used to navigate or backtrack a trail.
Cancel Navigation command: turns off the various navigation commands. Used to stop navigating after you have reached your destination navaid, waypoint, Point of Interest or map cursor location; or after
you reach the end of a route or trail.
GPS Setup command: sets various GPS receiver options and runs the
GPS Simulator.
System Setup command: sets general configuration options.
Aviation Calculators command: controls several aeronautical calcula-
tors. These include: E6B flight computer functions (altitude and air
speed calculator, wind speed and direction calculator.) and a vertical
navigation calculator. alarm clock, up timer and down timer.
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Sun/Moon Calculations command: finds the rising and setting times of
the sun and moon for any location on any day from the year 2000 to
2064. This also shows the moon phase.
Trip Calculator command: shows trip status and statistics, such as trip
time, distance and average speed.
Timers command: controls settings and alarms for an up timer, a down
timer and an alarm clock.
Browse MMC Files command: this allows you to view the installed
MMC card and the files it contains.
Pages
Aviation Mode has three main Page displays that represent the three
major operating modes. They are the Satellite Status Page, the Navigation Page and the Map Page. They are accessed by pressing the
key, which calls up the Pages Menu. You then press the left ← arrow
key or the right → arrow key to scroll among the three pages in an
endless circular loop.
The Map Page has five display options: Map Panel, Full Map, Compass
Overlay, Two Maps and Aviation Map. You access these display options
by pressing the
To clear the Pages Menu, press
PAGES key, then the down ↓ arrow or up ↑ arrow keys.
EXIT.
PAGES
The following series of seven images shows the Pages Menu and display
options on their corresponding screens.
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This series of figures shows the Pages Menu for all three main screens
and their various display options.
Each of the three main Pages also has a submenu screen associated
with it. You access a Page Submenu by pressing the
while the page is displayed. (Pressing the
MENU key twice takes you to
MENU key one time
the Main Menu.)
Several pages share similar display features. For example, the Navigation Page and the Map Page's Map Panel option both have a VSI or
Vertical Speed Indicator. To reduce redundancy in our text, we will describe some of these duplicate features when discussing the page on
which they are most prominent.
Satellite Status Page
This Page, shown in the following images, provides detailed information on the status of AirMap's satellite lock-on and position acquisition.
To get to the Satellite Status Page: press
until the page appears, then press
EXIT.
PAGES then either → or ←
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No matter what page you are on, a flashing current position indicator/question mark symbol and flashing GPS data displays indicate that
satellite lock has been lost and there is no position confirmed. This page
shows you the quality and accuracy of the current satellite lock-on and
position calculation.
WARNING:
Do not begin navigating with this unit until the numbers
have stopped flashing!
Satellite Page. Left view indicates unit has not locked on to any satellites
and does not have a fix on its positionRight view shows satellite-lock on
with a 3D position acquired (latitude, longitude and altitude) and WAAS
corrections. The bottom data box shows either a battery power indicator or
a voltage indicator, depending on what power source is being used.
This screen shows a graphical view of the satellites that are in view.
Each satellite is shown on the circular chart relative to your position.
The point in the center of the chart is directly overhead. The small inner ring represents 45° above the horizon and the large ring represents
the horizon. North is at the top of the screen. You can use this to see
which satellites are obstructed by obstacles in your immediate area if
you hold the unit facing north.
The GPS receiver is tracking satellites that are in blue type. The receiver hasn't locked onto a satellite if the number is in dark blue, therefore it isn't being used to solve the position.
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