Lowrance electronic AirMap 500 User Manual
Handheld Mapping GPS Receiver
AirMap 500
Operation Instructions
AirMap
Jeppesen
Navionics
DURACELL
RAYOVAC
eXitSource Database, copyright 2001-2003 Zenrin Co.
Ltd. Exit Authority and eXitSource are trademarks of
Zenrin Co. Ltd.
Copyright © 2003 Lowrance Electronics, Inc.
All rights reserved.
, Lowrance Avionics and Lowrance are all registered
trademarks of Lowrance Electronics, Inc.
is a registered trademark of Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc.
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 2001-2003, All Rights Reserved. infoUSA is a
trademark of infoUSA, Inc.
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 other information,
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
Introduction to GPS and WAAS................................................... 7
How to Use this Manual: Typographical Conventions................ 9
Sec. 2: Installation & Accessories ........................................ 11
Power........................................................................................... 11
MMC or Sd Memory Card Installation...................................... 13
Aquabag Waterproof Travel Pouch Installation ....................... 14
External Active Antenna............................................................ 15
R-A-M
Sec. 3: Aviation Operation..................................................... 17
Keypad......................................................................................... 17
Power/Lights (Turn Unit On and Off) ....................................... 18
Main Menu .................................................................................. 18
Pages ........................................................................................... 19
Aviation GPS Quick Reference ............................................ 31
Find your Current Position ........................................................ 32
Moving around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys.............. 32
Selecting any Map Item with the Cursor .................................. 33
Searching..................................................................................... 33
Find Nearest Airport (Shortcut) ................................................ 35
Navigating to Nearest Airport with the Airmap....................... 35
Navigate Back to a Waypoint..................................................... 36
Navigate to Cursor Position on Map.......................................... 36
Navigate to a Point of Interest................................................... 37
Go "Direct to" (Using the Direct to Button)............................... 38
Airspace Status ........................................................................... 38
Airport Information .................................................................... 39
Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files ............................. 40
Switch to Land Mode .................................................................. 42
Aviation Utilities ........................................................................ 42
Bracket Mounting System ............................................ 16
Satellite Status Page .............................................................. 19
Position Page........................................................................... 21
HSI Navigation Page .............................................................. 22
Navigating with OBS Hold................................................. 25
Map Page................................................................................. 26
Airport Orientation Page.................................................... 29
Runways .................................................................................. 39
Services.................................................................................... 40
Switch Back to Aviation Mode from Land Mode ................... 42
E6B Altitude/Airspeed Calculator.......................................... 42
E6B Wind Speed/Direction Calculator................................... 43
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Vertical Navigation Calculator .............................................. 44
Sec. 4: Land Operation ........................................................... 45
Keypad......................................................................................... 45
Power/Lights (Turn Unit On and Off) ....................................... 46
Main Menu .................................................................................. 46
Pages ........................................................................................... 46
Satellite Status Page .............................................................. 46
Position Page........................................................................... 47
Navigation Page...................................................................... 48
Map Page................................................................................. 49
Moving around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys.............. 50
Find Distance from Current Position to Another Location ...... 50
Find Distance from Point to Point ......................................... 50
Find your Current Position ........................................................ 51
Icons............................................................................................. 51
Create Icon on Map................................................................. 51
Create Icon at Current Position ............................................. 52
Delete an Icon ......................................................................... 52
Load GPS Data Files from an MMC .......................................... 52
Navigate ...................................................................................... 53
Navigate Back to Man Overboard Waypoint......................... 53
Cancel Navigation................................................................... 54
Navigate a Route..................................................................... 54
Navigate to Cursor Position on Map...................................... 54
Navigate to an Icon................................................................. 54
Navigate to Point of Interest (POI) ........................................ 54
Navigate to a Waypoint .......................................................... 54
Navigate a Trail ...................................................................... 55
Routes.......................................................................................... 56
Create and Save a Route ........................................................56
Delete a Route ......................................................................... 60
Save GPS Data Files to an MMC............................................... 60
Searching..................................................................................... 60
Switch to Aviation Mode............................................................. 62
Switch Back to Land Mode from Aviation Mode ................... 62
Trails ........................................................................................... 62
Create and Save a Trail.......................................................... 63
Delete a Trail .......................................................................... 63
Edit a Trail Name ................................................................... 63
Transferring GPS Data Files ..................................................... 63
Transferring and Loading Custom Maps .................................. 63
Utilities........................................................................................ 64
Alarm Clock............................................................................. 64
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Sun/Moon Rise & Set Calculator............................................ 64
Trip Calculator........................................................................ 64
Trip Down Timer..................................................................... 64
Trip Up Timer ......................................................................... 64
Waypoints.................................................................................... 64
Create a Waypoint .................................................................. 64
Create a Man Overboard Waypoint ....................................... 65
Selecting a Waypoint .............................................................. 65
Delete a Waypoint................................................................... 65
Edit a Waypoint (Name, Symbol, Position, Altitude)............ 65
Sec. 5: System & GPS Setup Options................................... 67
Alarms ......................................................................................... 67
Aviation Alarms .......................................................................... 68
Auto Satellite Search.................................................................. 69
Check MMC Files and Storage Space........................................ 69
Com Port Configuration ............................................................. 70
Coordinate System Selection...................................................... 70
Map Fix.................................................................................... 72
Customize Page Displays ........................................................... 73
GPS Simulator ............................................................................ 74
Map Auto Zoom........................................................................... 74
Map Data..................................................................................... 75
Show Map Data....................................................................... 75
Pop-Up Map Info ..................................................................... 75
Map Boundaries ...................................................................... 75
Fill Land Gray......................................................................... 76
Map Overlays (Range Rings; Lat/Long Grid) ........................ 76
Map Datum Selection ................................................................. 76
Map Detail Category Selection................................................... 77
Map Orientation ......................................................................... 77
Navionics
Charts....................................................................... 78
Pop-Up Help................................................................................ 83
Power Saving .............................................................................. 83
Reset Options .............................................................................. 85
Require DGPS ............................................................................. 86
Screen Contrast and Brightness ................................................ 86
Set Local Time ............................................................................ 87
Software Version Information.................................................... 88
Sounds and Alarm Sound Styles................................................ 89
Track Smoothing......................................................................... 90
Trail Options ............................................................................... 90
Flash Trails on Screen Option................................................ 91
Update Trail Option................................................................ 91
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Update Trail Criteria (Auto, Time, Distance) ....................... 91
Trail Update Rate (Time, Distance)....................................... 92
New Trail................................................................................. 92
Units of Measure......................................................................... 93
Set Language .............................................................................. 94
Sec. 6: Searching...................................................................... 95
Aviation Mode Searches ............................................................. 95
Find an Airspace (Using Cursor) ........................................... 95
Find Airports (Aviation Mode only) ....................................... 96
Find Vors (Aviation Mode only).............................................. 97
Find Ndbs (Aviation Mode only)............................................. 98
Find Intersections (Aviation Mode only).............................. 100
Land Mode Searches................................................................. 101
Find Addresses...................................................................... 101
Find any Item Selected by Map Cursor ............................... 103
Find Interstate Highway Exits ............................................ 104
Find Map Places.................................................................... 105
Find Streets or (Street) Intersections .................................. 107
Find Waypoints ..................................................................... 108
Sec. 7: Supplemental Material............................................ 111
Index......................................................................................... 117
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!
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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
500. Whether you're a first time GPS user or a professional navigator,
you'll find that the AirMap 500 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 31 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 500 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 into 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 500 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
bases.) We'll also show you how to install the RAM
Americas and Lowrance Obstructions aeronautical data-
mounting bracket
on a yoke and the RAA-3 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 28 pages long, and these lessons
will meet the navigation needs of many pilots. But, after you've learned
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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:............................ 3" (7.3 cm) diagonal high contrast Film Su-
perTwist.
Resolution:...................... 240 pixel x 180 pixel resolution; 43,200 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 one-second
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 0.9" D (142 x 65 x 25 mm);
water resistant to IPX-2 standards.
Weight:............................. 7.68 ounces (219 grams) with batteries.
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Receiver: ......................... Internal, 12 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. Navion-
ics
charts (XL charts or HotMaps) on
MMC cards optional.
Mapping memory: ......... Up to 256 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: ...................... 99 savable; up to 9,999 points per trail.
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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, 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 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
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.
5
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 256 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
6
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,
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
7
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
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 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
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 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 (
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 → in-
stead of
(
MAP DATA…) or an arrow (GPS SETUP ►). Our menus also "wrap
ENT. This is always true for commands with an ellipses
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)
10
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 500 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
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.
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.
11
ULTRA bat-
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. Place your thumb on
the large arrowhead on the battery compartment cover. Press in and
down, toward the bottom of the unit (in the direction indicated by the
arrow). The battery cover will snap off.
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 upper battery to the left; point the positive pole of the bottom battery to the right.
Replace the battery compartment cover. Align the cover latch tab with
the slot inside the case. With a finger, press the bottom of the cover in
and then up, toward the top of the unit
Replace battery compartment cover. Align
tab with slot, left. Press in cover bottom, right
12
Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter
To use external DC power: Plug the power cable's cigarette lighter
adapter into a cigarette lighter receptacle. Next, slide the other connector over the power contacts on the bottom of the AirMap 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, behind the batteries on the right side of the unit. The battery compartment decal
points out the slot, which is also marked by small white letters on the
circuit board.
To remove an MMC
1. Remove battery compartment cover.
2. Remove batteries, if present.
13
3. Hold unit upright in left hand. Use a thumbnail or fingernail to grab
the groove in the bottom of the MMC.
4. Drag the MMC from the slot into the battery compartment.
5. Hold 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 SD Card
1. Remove battery compartment cover.
2. Remove batteries, if present.
3. Hold unit upside down in left hand. Grasp the bottom corner of the
MMC with your other hand. The MMC label should be toward you.
4. Use the white lines and text on the circuit board as a guide and drop
the MMC into the slot.
5. Gently shake the unit or use your finger to nudge the MMC into vertical alignment. Then, gently push the card into the slot with your finger.
6. Replace the batteries and battery cover.
Aquabag Waterproof Travel Pouch Installation
The waterproof travel pouch keeps your GPS dry when the going gets
wet. An adjustable neck strap on the pouch keeps your unit within
reach. The pouch is made of a transparent material that is rugged, yet
easy to see through. The pouch is flexible enough for you to operate the
AirMap's keys with the unit inside. To use it, open the closure flap and
unroll the anti-moisture baffle to open the bag. Slip the unit inside. Roll
up the baffle and close the outer flap.
Insert AirMap into bag upside down, left. That makes it easier to read
when wearing the unit around your neck, right.
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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.
15
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 AM500 will automatically
switch to use the RAA-3 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
all the knobs to keep the bracket from shifting.
Find a good position for the R-A-M mounting bracket. Then, slide the
AirMap into the bracket, inserting the bottom of the unit first.
16
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 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 31.
Keypad
7
3
5
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 five different page screens in Aviation Mode. (Satellite, Position, HSI navigation, Map and Airport Orientation.) 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.
8
4
9
AirMap 500 keypad.
17
6
1
6. EXIT – The Exit key lets you return to the previous screen, clear
data or erase a menu.
7. FIND
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.
(Direct To) – The Find key launches the AirMap search
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
Main Menu, Aviation Mode.
The Main Menu commands and their functions are:
Screen command: changes the contrast or brightness of the display
screen.
MENU|MENU. To clear
EXIT.
Sounds command: enables or disables the sounds for key strokes and
alarms and sets the alarm style.
18
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.
Utilities command: controls several aeronautical calculators and other
time-related utilities. These include: E6B flight computer functions (true
air speed, wind speed, etc.); sun/moon rise calculator; trip status and statistics, alarm clock, up timer and down timer.
Browse MMC Files command: this allows you to view the installed
MMC card and the files it contains.
Pages
Aviation Mode has five Page displays that represent the five major operating modes. They are the Satellite Status Page, the Position Page,
the HSI Navigation Page, the Map Page and the Airport Orientation
Page. They are accessed by pressing the
repeatedly scrolls among the five screens in an endless circular loop.
Each Page has a submenu screen associated with it. You access a Page
Submenu by pressing the
played. (Pressing the
MENU key one time while the page is dis-
MENU key twice takes you to the Main Menu.)
Satellite Status Page
This Page, shown in the following image, provides detailed information
on the status of AirMap's satellite lock-on and position acquisition. To
get to the Satellite Status Page: press
you want appears.
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.
PAGES key. Pressing PAGES
PAGES repeatedly until the page
19
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 position. Center view shows satellites being
scanned. Right view shows satellite-lock on with a 3D position acquired
(latitude, longitude and altitude) and WAAS corrections. The bottom of the
screen shows a battery power indicator with "E" for empty and "F" for full.
The light bulb indicates the backlight is on.
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 bold type. The receiver hasn't locked onto a satellite if the number is grayed out, therefore it isn't being used to solve the position.
Beneath the circular graph are the bar graphs, one for each satellite in
view. Since the unit has twelve channels, it can dedicate one channel
per visible satellite. The taller the bar on the graph, the better the unit
is receiving the signals from the satellite.
The EPE, "Estimated Position Error" (horizontal position error) shown
in the upper right corner of the screen is the expected error from a
benchmark location. In other words, if the EPE shows 50 feet, then the
position shown by the unit is estimated to be within 50 feet of the actual location. This also gives you an indicator of the fix quality the unit
currently has. The smaller the position error number, the better (and
more accurate) the fix is. If the position error flashes dashes, then the
unit hasn't locked onto the satellites, and the number shown isn't valid.
20
The Satellite Status Page has its own menu, which is used for setting
various options. (Options and setup are discussed in Sec. 5.) To access
the Satellite Status Page Menu, from the Status Page, press
MENU.
Position Page
This page provides detailed textual information on your present position and
the status of your trip. For example, it can display information such as your
current latitude, longitude, travel time to destination and more. To get to the
Position Page: press
PAGE repeatedly until the page you want appears.
Position Page, left, Position Page Customize Menu, right.
The Position Page can be fully customized. The lower window can display
ten of 22 types of navigation information. For customization instructions
see the Customize Page Displays topic in Sec. 5, System and GPS Setup
Options. Some of the popular information displays include:
Altitude is height above sea level, not ground level. Speed (ground
speed) is the velocity you are making over the ground. Closing Speed
is also known as velocity made good. It's the speed that you're making
toward a destination.
Distance shows how far it is to the next waypoint you're navigating
toward. Total Distance tells how far to a final destination when navi-
gating a route or trail. If your route has multiple legs, this option will
total them for you.
Travel Time (ETE) is the time it will take to reach your destination at
your present closing speed. Arrival Time (ETA) is the local time that
it will be when you arrive at the destination, based upon your present
closing speed and track. Total Travel time tells how long it will take to
reach a final destination when navigating a route or trail.
Track is the heading, or the current direction you are actually traveling.
Bearing is the direction of a line-of-sight from your present position to a
destination. No matter what direction you are steering, the Bearing
21
shows the compass direction straight to the destination from your loca-
aircraft
tion at the moment. Off Course tells you how far you are to the left or
right of the intended direction or line of travel toward a destination.
Most of the unit's displays show Off Course as "Cross Track" or "XTK."
The Position Page has its own menu, which is used for setting various
options. (Options and setup are discussed in Sec. 5.) To access the Position Page Menu, from the Position Page, press
MENU.
HSI Navigation Page
The HSI (Horizontal Situation Indicator) Navigation Page has a compass
rose. It shows your direction of travel and the direction to a recalled waypoint or other destination, such as an airport or VOR. It can also show your
intended course and whether or not you are on course or off course. To get
to the HSI Page: press
PAGE repeatedly until the page you want appears.
The navigation screen looks like the one in the following image when
you're not navigating to a waypoint or other destination. No graphic course
information is displayed. Your position is shown by an airplane symbol in
the center of the screen. The arrow pointing down at the top of the compass
rose indicates the current track (direction of travel) over the ground.
Track or compass heading indicator, showing direction of travel
Compass rose
Present
position
HSI Navigation Page, traveling north. Page looks like this when AirMap is
not navigating to a waypoint, following a route, or backtracking a trail.
Navigation
information
displays
When navigating to a waypoint or following a route, the HSI screen
looks like the one shown in the next image. Navigation information
such as bearing, track and course can be shown in text displays.
22
Tip:
aircraft
arrow
Cross track error
Course arrow
You can fully customize the upper text displays, and there are 26
types of information to select from. For customization instructions
see the Customize Page Displays topic in Sec. 5, System and GPS
Setup Options.
The heart of this page is the Course Arrow with its Course Deviation
Indicator (CDI) needle. It gives you a quick, easy to read visual indicator of the relationship between your current direction (track) and desired direction (course). Pilots familiar with "fly to the needle" VOR instruments or large in-panel GPS screens will quickly feel comfortable
with this HSI feature.
Track or compass heading indicator, showing direction of travel
Bearing arrow
(pointing to
destination)
Distance to waypoint
Ground speed
Navigating
TO waypoint
Course Deviation
Indicator needle
(CDI)
Present
position
Destination name
HSI Navigation Page, flying TO K11 on a course of 62º. The pilot needs
to turn left to "center the needle" and get on course. The plane is cur-
rently 1.53 nautical miles to the right of the course. The cross track
error range is set at 2.00 nautical miles. The flight is 8.96 nautical miles
from the target waypoint.
Compass rose
Cross track
error scale
Cross track
error range
Course
The course line is an imaginary line drawn from your position when
you started navigating to the destination waypoint. It's shown on the
HSI screen as a segmented course arrow. The cross track error is the
distance you are off-course to the side of the desired course line. The
current cross track error is shown in a text box (XTK), and graphically
by the CDI needle, which is the middle segment of the course arrow.
Dots on either side of the course arrow show the current cross track
error scale, which is a graphic depiction of the cross track error range.
23
The default for the cross track error range is 2.0 nautical miles, which
arrow
needle
arrow
is shown in a floating text box under the scale. If you veer 2 nautical
miles to the left or right of the course, the off course alarm will appear.
If you are off course to the right, the range box floats to the right of the
course line. If you are off to the left, the range box appears to the left of
the course arrow. You can use the
ZIN or ZOUT keys to change the cross
track error range.
Course
Fig. 1
TO
CDI
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
Following a course by "chasing the needle." Fig. 1, plane has veered off
course to the right by 1.34 nautical miles, away from the needle. Fig. 2,
pilot turns on heading of 297º, steering left toward CDI needle to intersect intended course. Fig. 3, pilot has intercepted his route and is
virtually on course.
The most important graphic element, however, is the CDI needle. The
CDI and the cross track error scale instantly show you the distance to
the course line, as well as the direction to steer to get back on course. In
the example above, fig. 1 shows the pilot off course to the right, so the
CDI needle appears to the left of the plane symbol. Fig. 3 shows the pilot back on course, so the CDI needle appears to line up with the course
arrow. If you steer toward the CDI needle line, you'll always be heading
in the correct direction to get back on course.
NOTE:
The examples above all show navigation to a waypoint, the most common method of GPS navigation. To show navigation from a waypoint,
see the instructions on the OBS Hold feature later in this section.
The HSI Navigation Page has its own menu, which is used for some
advanced functions and for setting various options. (Options and setup
are discussed in Sec. 5.) To access the HSI Page Menu: from the HSI
Page, press
MENU.
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