Lowrance AIRMAP 600C User Manual
AirMap 600c
Handheld Mapping GPS Receiver
Operation Instructions
Copyright © 2006 Lowrance Electronics, Inc.
All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be copied, reproduced, republished, transmitted or distributed for any purpose, without prior written consent of
Lowrance Electronics. Any unauthorized commercial distribution
of this manual is strictly prohibited.
AirMap
marks of Lowrance Electronics, Inc. Jeppesen
of Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc. Navionics
Navionics, Inc. DURACELL
RAYOVAC
, Lowrance Avionics and Lowrance are all registered trade-
is a registered trademark of Rayovac Corporation.
is a registered trademark of Duracell, Inc.
is a registered trademark
is a registered trademark of
eXitSource Database, copyright 2001-2006 Zenrin Co.
Ltd. Exit Authority and eXitSource are trademarks of
Zenrin Co. Ltd.
Lowrance Electronics may find it necessary to change or end our policies, regulations and special offers at any time. We reserve the right to
do so without notice. 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, its 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
Section 1: Read Me First! ......................................................... 1
Capabilities and Specifications .................................................... 3
How AirMap Works....................................................................... 5
Introduction to GPS and WAAS................................................... 7
How to use this manual: typographical conventions .................. 9
Section 2: Installation & Accessories.................................. 11
Power............................................................................................ 11
Batteries....................................................................................... 11
Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter........................................... 13
NMEA Cable Connections .......................................................... 13
MMC or SD Memory Card Installation ..................................... 14
FreedomMaps........................................................................... 15
External Active Antenna ............................................................ 16
Bracket Mounting System .......................................................... 17
Section 3: Aviation Operation .............................................. 19
Keypad ......................................................................................... 19
Power/lights on and off ............................................................... 20
Main Menu................................................................................... 20
Pages ............................................................................................ 21
Satellite Status Page............................................................... 23
Navigation Page ...................................................................... 24
Navigation Display Options ................................................... 25
Aviation Map display option............................................... 25
Navigation AirSpace display option................................... 25
HSI Map display option (Compass Rose With HSI).......... 26
Navigating with OBS Hold ..................................................... 29
Map Page ................................................................................. 31
Map Page Menu....................................................................... 32
Map Display Options............................................................... 32
Full Map page display option ............................................. 32
Map Panel page display option........................................... 35
Compass Overlay page display option ............................... 36
Position page display option ............................................... 37
Two Maps page display option ........................................... 38
Aviation GPS Quick Reference ............................................ 40
Find Your Current Position........................................................ 41
Moving Around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys............. 41
Selecting Any Map Item With the Cursor ................................. 42
Searching ..................................................................................... 43
Find Nearest Airport (shortcut) ................................................. 45
Navigating to Nearest Airport with the AirMap ...................... 45
Setting a Waypoint...................................................................... 46
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Navigate Back to a Waypoint ..................................................... 46
Navigate to Cursor Position on Map.......................................... 47
Navigate to a Point of Interest ................................................... 48
Go "Direct To" (Using the Direct To Button)......................... 48
Airspace Status ........................................................................... 49
Airport Information..................................................................... 49
Runways................................................................................... 50
Runway Approach Guidance feature ..................................... 51
Services .................................................................................... 52
Terrain Awareness Display ........................................................ 53
Color Code................................................................................ 53
Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files ............................. 54
Switch to Land Mode .................................................................. 55
Switch Back to Aviation Mode from Land Mode................... 56
Aviation Calculators ................................................................... 56
E6B Altitude/Airspeed Calculator ......................................... 56
E6B Wind Speed/Direction Calculator .................................. 57
Vertical Navigation Calculator .............................................. 58
Section 4: Land Operation..................................................... 59
Keypad ......................................................................................... 59
Power/lights on and off ............................................................... 60
Main Menu................................................................................... 60
Pages ............................................................................................ 60
Satellite Status Page............................................................... 61
Status Menu ............................................................................ 61
Navigation Page ...................................................................... 61
Navigation Menu..................................................................... 62
Map Page ................................................................................. 62
Map Menu ................................................................................ 63
Moving Around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys............. 63
Find Distance From Current Position To Another Location.... 63
Find Distance From Point to Point ........................................ 64
Find Your Current Position........................................................ 64
Icons ............................................................................................. 65
Delete an Icon .......................................................................... 66
Load GPS Data Files from an MMC .......................................... 66
Navigate....................................................................................... 67
Navigate Back to Man Overboard Waypoint......................... 67
Cancel Navigation ................................................................... 67
Navigate a Route ..................................................................... 67
Navigate to Cursor Position on Map...................................... 67
Navigate to an Icon ................................................................. 68
Navigate to Point of Interest (POI) ........................................ 68
ii
Navigate to a Waypoint .......................................................... 68
Navigate a Trail ...................................................................... 68
Backtrack a Trail..................................................................... 70
Routes .......................................................................................... 70
Create and Save a Route ........................................................ 70
Delete a Route ......................................................................... 73
Save GPS Data Files to an MMC ............................................... 73
Searching ..................................................................................... 74
Switch to Aviation Mode ......................................................... 76
Switch Back to Land Mode from Aviation Mode................... 76
Trails ............................................................................................ 76
Create and Save a Trail .......................................................... 76
Delete a Trail ........................................................................... 77
Edit a Trail Name ................................................................... 77
Transferring GPS Data Files...................................................... 77
Transferring and Loading Custom Maps .................................. 77
Utilities ........................................................................................ 77
Alarm Clock ............................................................................. 78
Sun/Moon Rise & Set Calculator............................................ 78
Trip Calculator ........................................................................ 78
Trip Down Timer ..................................................................... 78
Trip Up Timer.......................................................................... 78
Waypoints .................................................................................... 78
Create a Waypoint................................................................... 78
Create Waypoint on Map .................................................... 78
Create Waypoint at Current Position ................................ 78
Create a Man Overboard Waypoint ....................................... 79
Create a Waypoint by Average Position ............................ 79
Create a Waypoint by Projecting a Position ...................... 79
Selecting a Waypoint .............................................................. 80
Delete a Waypoint ................................................................... 80
Edit a Waypoint....................................................................... 80
Waypoint Name ................................................................... 80
Waypoint Symbol................................................................. 80
Waypoint Position ............................................................... 80
Waypoint Altitude ............................................................... 80
Section 5: System & GPS Setup Options ............................ 81
Alarms.......................................................................................... 81
Aviation Alarms .......................................................................... 82
Auto Satellite Search .................................................................. 83
Battery Indicator......................................................................... 84
Check MMC Files and Storage Space........................................ 84
Com Port Configuration.............................................................. 84
iii
Coordinate System Selection...................................................... 85
Map Fix .................................................................................... 87
Customize Page Displays............................................................ 88
GPS Simulator............................................................................. 89
Map Auto Zoom ........................................................................... 90
Map Data ..................................................................................... 90
Show Map Data ....................................................................... 91
Pop-up Map Information......................................................... 91
Fill Water with White ............................................................. 91
Map Overlays (Range Rings; Lat/Long Grid) ........................ 91
Draw Map Boundaries ............................................................ 92
Map Datum Selection.................................................................. 92
Map Detail Category Selection................................................... 92
Map Orientation.......................................................................... 93
Navionics
Port Information...................................................................... 95
Tidal Current Information...................................................... 96
Tide Information ..................................................................... 98
Pop-up Help ................................................................................. 99
Reset Options............................................................................. 100
Screen Contrast and Brightness .............................................. 100
Set Language ............................................................................. 102
Set Local Time ........................................................................... 103
Software Version Information .................................................. 104
Sounds and Alarm Sound Styles .............................................. 104
Track Smoothing ....................................................................... 105
Trail Options.............................................................................. 106
Update Active Trail Option .................................................. 106
Update Trail Criteria (Auto, Time, Distance) ..................... 106
Trail Update Rate (Time, Distance)..................................... 107
New Trail ............................................................................... 107
Units of Measure ....................................................................... 108
Section 6: Searching.............................................................. 111
Aviation Mode Searches ........................................................... 111
Find An Airspace (Using Cursor) ......................................... 111
Find Airports
Find VORs
Find NDBs
Find Intersections
Land Mode Searches ................................................................. 118
Find Addresses ...................................................................... 118
Find Any Item Selected by Map Cursor .............................. 120
Charts ....................................................................... 94
(Aviation Mode only) .................................. 112
(Aviation Mode only) ...................................... 113
(Aviation Mode only) ...................................... 115
(Aviation Mode only) .......................... 117
iv
Find Interstate Highway Exits ............................................ 121
Find Map Places .................................................................... 122
Find Streets or (Street) Intersections .................................. 125
Find Waypoints ..................................................................... 127
Section 7: Supplemental Material ..................................... 129
Index ......................................................................................... 135
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 GPSequipped vehicle fails to pay full attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING!
CAUTION
WARNING!
v
Notes
vi
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 grab the
batteries and 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
600. Whether you're a first time GPS user or a professional navigator,
you'll find that the AirMap 600 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 40 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 600 is a
true pocket-sized 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 slip your AirMap in to pocket or purse and take advantage of the
fully-functional 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.)
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Whether your AirMap 600 is the only GPS in the cockpit or backing up
an in-panel display, you're using the most versatile and most affordable
hand-held 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 batteries and MultiMedia
Card (MMC) correctly installed in your AirMap. (The card contains the
Jeppesen
Americas and Lowrance Obstructions aeronautical databases.) We'll also show you how to install the 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 40 pages long, and these lessons
will meet the navigation needs of many pilots. But, after you've learned
2
the basics (or if you already have some GPS experience), you may want
to try out some of AirMap's many advanced features. That brings us to
Section Four, Land Mode Operation, which also includes its own onepage quick reference. 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 you hold in your hand.
It's important to us (and our power users), but, if you don't care how
many waypoints AirMap can store or how long the batteries last, skip
ahead to important information on how AirMap works, on page 5.
Capabilities and Specifications
Display: ............................2.83" (7.2 cm) diagonal. TFT, Quarter VGA
(256 colors).
Resolution: ......................320V pixel x 240H pixel resolution; 76,800
total pixels.
Backlighting: ..................White LED screen backlighting for night and
low-light viewing.
Input power:......................3 volts DC (two 1.5v AA batteries); operates up
to 12 hours on batteries when using onesecond position updates (longer update rates
and optional power saving settings further extend battery life, but will reduce GPS accuracy). Cigarette lighter power adapter included.
Case size: .........................5.6" H x 2.5" W x 1.2" D (142 x 65 x 30 mm);
water resistant to IPX-7 standards.
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Weight: .............................8.7 ounces (246.6 grams) with batteries.
Receiver:..........................Internal, 16 parallel channel GPS+WAAS; ad-
vanced active remote external antenna included.
Recording: .......................Removable MMC or SD memory cards for
recording GPS trip details, displaying custom maps, upgrading operating system software 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. NauticPath USA, Fishing Hot Spots
LakeMaster
ProMaps, Navionics charts
Elite,
are optional.
Mapping memory: .........Up to 2 GB 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:..................63.
Routes: .............................100; up to 100 waypoints per route.
4
Plot Trails:.......................100 savable; up to 9,999 points in a single
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.)
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: .................... 39 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, Installa-
tion & 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 pocket-sized 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
5
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.)
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 1 GB 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
6
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!).
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 batteries. 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 nautical miles above the Earth,
7
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.
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
8
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.
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 will always show 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
9
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: ↓ ↑ ← →.
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 show 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 (ENT)
to 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 ellipses (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.
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Section 2:
Installation & Accessories
Power
The AirMap operates from AA batteries or on 3 volts DC using an optional external power cable with a cigarette lighter adapter. If the
power cable is used, the AirMap automatically switches to it if the external power is greater than the battery voltage. If the external power
fails, the unit automatically switches to the batteries.
NOTE:
Some pilots like to keep fresh batteries in their units, even when using the external power. If the power fails, the unit will automatically
switch to the batteries, thus keeping the unit on without interruption.
Warning!
With earlier Lowrance Aviation units, some pilots liked to
remove the cigarette lighter plug from the adapter cable
and splice the exposed wires directly to their dash consoles. However, the AirMap 600 cigarette lighter adapter
contains in the plug a voltage regulator to convert 12 volts
down to about 3. Without this regulator, connecting your
unit to a 12-volt power source will destroy the unit – and
this damage will not be covered by your warranty.
Flash memory and an internal lithium battery will keep your stored
data safe and accessible for the life of the product.
Batteries
The unit requires two, 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
battery 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.
Rechargeable alkaline batteries will not last as long as standard alkaline batteries. NiMH batteries are rechargeable and should also give
you suitable battery life.
, or rechargeable AA nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
brand, but other brands will work.
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ULTRA
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. With your thumb or
nail, pull back on the small clip to release the battery cover latch as
shown in the following images. Once the latch is released, pull the battery cover up out of the grooves in the bottom of the case.
Remove AirMap battery cover.
Install the batteries according to the embossed signs in the battery compartment, which shows the correct polarity. Point the positive pole of the
upper battery to the left; point the positive pole of the bottom battery to
the right.
NOTE:
Inside the battery compartment is a rotating MMC card lock. The
grip on this lock must be turned parallel with the direction of the
batteries for them to fit properly.
Replace the battery compartment cover. First align the latch tabs at the
bottom of the cover with the slots at the case's base. Press the cover into
place, and then firmly push up on the clip at the top of the cover until it
latches in place. There is usually an audible click when the latch engages.
Replace battery compartment cover. Align tabs with slots
in the base, left. Press latch firmly until it clicks, as shown 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, pull aside the rubber
cover on the bottom of the unit and insert the other connector as shown
in the following image. A small clip on the connector should hold the
connector in place.
Attach external power cable to iFINDER.
The iFINDER can use two other optional external cables to supply a
NMEA/serial data connection or a combination of power and data. These
cables are discussed in the following segment on NMEA connections.
NMEA Cable Connections
NMEA is a standard communications format for marine electronic
equipment. For example, an autopilot can connect to the NMEA interface
on this unit and receive positioning information. The unit can exchange
information with any device that transmits or receives NMEA 0183 data.
To exchange NMEA data, Lowrance offers an optional data only cable
and a power/data combo cable. The NMEA/serial communications cable
has a standard female DB-9 connector on one end to attach your unit to
a computer's serial communications port.
The other cable combines a cigarette lighter power adapter with a DB-9
plug for a NMEA/serial com port connection to a laptop computer or
other device. This is our favorite cable for connecting the AirMap to a
laptop computer. By transmitting NMEA data to the computer, you can
get live position data for GPS-compatible mapping software.
You can also run one of our free Lowrance GPS emulators on your laptop, and operate it with real-time position information.
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To use it, plug the power adapter into a cigarette lighter socket, plug
the DB-9 connector into a serial port on the computer and attach the
cable to the AirMap. Then see "Com Port Configuration" in Sec. 5.
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, 64 MB and 128 MB. SD cards were available in
capacities of 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB and up. We
have successfully tested SD cards up to 1 GB.
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, beneath the batteries on the right side of the unit. The contact pins are springy, to
make it easier to insert and remove the MMC card.
To remove an MMC
1. Remove battery compartment cover.
2. Remove batteries, if present.
3. Hold unit facedown in right hand. Use your thumb or index finger
and press down on the center of the MMC label.
Remove an MMC Card.
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4. Drag the MMC from the slot into the battery compartment.
5. Turn the AirMap face up and give it a shake to dump the MMC into
your hand or onto a work surface.
To add an MMC or SDC
1. Remove battery compartment cover.
2. Remove batteries, if present.
3. Hold unit facedown in right hand. Drop the MMC card into the slot,
label-up, with the notched edge toward the right.
4. Press down on the center of the label and slide the card to the right.
Add an MMC Card.
5. Turn the plastic rotating card lock until it holds the card firmly in
place, with the grip parallel to the direction of the batteries.
6. Replace the batteries and battery cover.
FreedomMaps
FreedomMaps are pre-made custom maps that cover multiple states,
provinces, countries or other geographic regions on a single memory card.
They give you all the features found in our MapCreate™ mapping software, but without the necessity of using a computer. FreedomMaps are
available for the United States, Canada and Europe.
Like custom maps built in MapCreate, the custom map on a FreedomMap
card contains all of these features: rivers/lakes/tributaries; more than
60,000 critical navigation aids; more than 10,000 wrecks/obstructions in
coastal and Great Lakes waters; interstate/federal/state highways; interstate exit services; searchable Points-of-Interest (POI) database including:
airports, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, emergency services; rural
roads and city streets; cities and towns; railways; key landmarks; searchable street intersections and street addresses; national parks and forests
with boundaries; wildlife preserves; and more!
15
FreedomMaps come to you preloaded on a single 128 or 256 MB memory card. Simply insert the memory card into your Lowrance GPS unit,
and you're ready to go.
FreedomMaps are available through LEI-Extras. To order a card (or for
a list of the areas available) see the ordering information in the back of
this manual.
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 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.
Attach AirMap antenna to windshield bracket with two screws.
You may achieve good results by simply placing the external 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.
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.
16
Press suction cup plate firmly against a window with unobstructed view.
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 600 will automatically switch to use the RAA-3 remote antenna when plugged in.
Bracket Mounting System
A 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
all the knobs to keep the bracket from shifting.
Find a good position for the mounting bracket. Then, slide the AirMap
into the bracket. (AirMap 500 model shown.)
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Notes
18
Section 3:
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 AirMap and find where you are, it's a good idea to
learn about the different keys, the five 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 40.
Keypad
7
2
3
4
6
5
1
8
AirMap 600 keypad.
1. PWR/LIGHT (Power & Light) – The PWR key turns the unit on and
off and activates the backlight.
2. PAGES – Pressing this key switches the unit between the three different page screens in Aviation Mode (Status, Navigation, and Map).
Each page represents one of the unit's major modes of operation, and
several pages have multiple display options.
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.
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9
6. EXIT – The Exit key lets you return to the previous screen, clear
data or erase a menu.
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 are 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.
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
the menu screen and return to the page display, press
MENU|MENU. To clear
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.
Transparency command: adjusts the level of transparency of onscreen menus, allowing you to see the map behind them.
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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.
Disable AirMap command: turns off Aviation Mode operation and
switches to Land Mode. See Sec. 4 for details on Land Mode Operation.
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.
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.
The Navigation Page has three display options: Aviation Map, HSI
Map and Navigation AirSpace. The Map Page has five display options:
Map Panel, Full Map, Compass Overlay, Position and Two Maps. You
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PAGES
access these display options by pressing the
↓ arrow or up ↑ arrow keys. To clear the Pages Menu, press
PAGES key, then the down
EXIT.
The following series of nine images shows the Pages Menu and display
options on their corresponding screens.
This series of figures shows the Pages Menu for all three main screens
and their various display options.
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