Thales Navigation Meridian Series User Manual

User ManualUser Manual

User Manual

User ManualUser Manual

Meridian Series of GPSMeridian Series of GPS

Meridian Series of GPS

Meridian Series of GPSMeridian Series of GPS

ReceiversReceivers

Receivers

ReceiversReceivers

.

WARNINGS

FOR SAFETY REASONS, THE DRIVER SHOULD NOT USE THIS DEVICE IN A

VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION TO ASSIST THE DRIVER TO NAVIGATE.

Please do not try and change any settings on the Meridian while driving. Come
to a complete stop or have your passenger make any changes. Taking your eyes

off the road is dangerous and can result in an accident in which you or others

could be injured.

USE GOOD JUDGEMENT

This product is an excellent navigation aid, but does not replace the need for

careful orienteering and good judgement. Never rely solely on one device for

navigating.

USE CARE

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is operated by the U.S. Government, which

is solely responsible for the accuracy and maintenance of GPS.

The accuracy of position fixes can be affected by the periodic adjustments to GPS

satellites made by the U.S. Government and is subject to change in accordance

with the Department of Defense civil GPS user policy and the Federal

Radionavigation Plan. Accuracy can also be affected by poor satellite geometry.

USE PROPER ACCESSORIES

Use only Magellan cables and antennas; the use of non-Magellan cables and

antennas may severely degrade performance or damage the receiver, and will

void the warranty.

LICENSE AGREEMENT

Thales Navigation grants you, the purchaser, the right to use the software
supplied in and with Thales Navigation GPS products (the "SOFTWARE") in the
normal operation of the equipment. You may make copies only for your own
personal use and for use within your organization.

The SOFTWARE is the property of Thales Navigation and/or its suppliers and is
protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions;
therefore, you must treat this SOFTWARE like any other copyright material.

You may not use, copy, modify, reverse engineer or transfer this SOFTWARE
except as expressly provided in this license. All rights not expressly granted are
reserved by Thales Navigation and/or its suppliers.

* * *

No part of this guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any
purpose other than the purchaser's personal use without the prior written
permission of Thales Navigation.

© 2001 by Thales Navigation. All rights reserved.

Magellan™ and Meridian™ are trademarks of Thales Navigation.

THALES NAVIGATION

LIMITED WARRANTY

All Magellan GPS receivers are navigation
aids, and are not intended to replace other
methods of navigation. Purchaser is advised
to perform careful position charting and use
good judgment. READ THE USER GUIDE
CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT.

1. THALES NAVIGATION’S WARRANTY

Thales Navigation warrants their GPS
receivers and accessories to be free of defects
in material and workmanship for a period of
one year from the date of original purchase.
THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY TO THE
ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF THIS PRODUCT.

In the event of a defect, Thales Navigation
will, at its option, repair or replace the
product with no charge to the purchaser for
parts or labor. The repaired or replaced
product will be warranted for ninety (90)
days from the date of return shipment, or for
the balance of the original warranty,
whichever is longer.

2. PURCHASER’S REMEDY

PURCHASER’S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER
THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT, AT THALES
NAVIGATION’S OPTION, OF ANY DEFECTIVE
PART OF THE RECEIVER OR ACCESSORIES
WHICH ARE COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY.
REPAIRS UNDER THIS WARRANTY SHALL
ONLY BE MADE AT AN AUTHORIZED
MAGELLAN SERVICE CENTER. ANY REPAIRS
BY A SERVICE CENTER NOT AUTHORIZED BY
THALES NAVIGATION WILL VOID THIS
WARRANTY.

3. PURCHASER’S DUTIES

To obtain service, the purchaser must obtain
a Return Materials Authorization (RMA)
number from Thales Navigation
(800-707-7845 - [e-mail])
prior to shipping. If under warranty, the
purchaser must return the receiver or
accessories postpaid with a copy of the

original sales receipt, purchaser’s return
address and the RMA number clearly printed
on the outside of the package to:

MAGELLAN AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTERS

THALES NAVIGATION WILL NOT BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOSSES OR DAMAGE
TO THE PRODUCT INCURRED WHILE THE
PRODUCT IS IN TRANSIT OR IS BEING
SHIPPED FOR REPAIR. INSURANCE IS
RECOMMENDED. MAGELLAN SUGGESTS
USING A TRACKABLE SHIPPING METHOD
SUCH AS UPS OR FEDEX WHEN RETURNING
A PRODUCT FOR SERVICE.

4. LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRAN­TIES

Except as set forth in item 1 above, all other
expressed or implied warranties, including
those of fitness for any particular purpose or
merchantability, are hereby disclaimed.

Some states do not allow limitations on how
long an implied warranty lasts, so the above
limitation may not apply to you.

5. EXCLUSIONS

The following are excluded from the
warranty coverage.

•INSTALLATION

• BATTERIES

• FINISHES

• DEFECTS RESULTING FROM
INSTALLATION

• ANY DAMAGE DUE TO ACCIDENT,
RESULTING FROM INACCURATE
SATELLITE TRANSMISSIONS.
INACCURATE TRANSMISSIONS CAN
OCCUR DUE TO CHANGES IN THE
POSITION, HEALTH OR GEOMETRY
OF A SATELLITE.

• ANY DAMAGE DUE TO SHIPPING,
MISUSE, ABUSE, NEGLIGENCE,
TAMPERING, OR IMPROPER USE.

• SERVICING PERFORMED OR

ATTEMPTED BY ANYONE OTHER
THAN AN AUTHORIZED MAGELLAN
SERVICE CENTER.

• MODIFICATIONS TO THE RECEIVER
WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED DUE TO
ANY CHANGE IN THE GLOBAL
POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS). (Note:
All Magellan GPS receivers use GPS
to obtain position, velocity and time
information. GPS is operated by the
U.S. Government, which is solely
responsible for its accuracy and
maintenance. Certain conditions can
cause inaccuracies which could
require modifications to the receiver.
Examples of such conditions include
but are not limited to changes in the
GPS transmission. SUCH MODIFICA­TIONS ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS
WARRANTY.)

OPENING OF THIS PRODUCT BY ANYONE
OTHER THAN AN AUTHORIZED
MAGELLAN SERVICE CENTER WILL VOID
THIS WARRANTY.

6. EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES

THALES NAVIGATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
TO PURCHASER OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR
ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO LOST PROFITS, DAMAGES
RESULTING FROM DELAY OR LOSS OF USE,
LOSS OF OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF
BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY OR ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH
CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER FAULT.
THALES NAVIGATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
TO THE PURCHASER OR ANY OTHER PERSON
FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF
THE NEGLIGENT USAGE OF THE PRODUCT.
IN NO EVENT WILL THALES NAVIGATION BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCH DAMAGES, EVEN IF

THALES NAVIGATION HAS BEEN ADVISED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you.

7. COMPLETE AGREEMENT

This written warranty is the complete, final
and exclusive agreement between Thales
Navigation and the purchaser with respect to
the quality of performance of the goods and
any and all warranties and representations.
THIS WARRANTY SETS FORTH ALL OF
THALES NAVIGATION’S RESPONSIBILITIES
REGARDING THIS PRODUCT.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights
and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.

8. FOR PURCHASER’S OUTSIDE OF THE
UNITED STATES

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC
RIGHTS. YOU MAY HAVE OTHER RIGHTS
WHICH VARY FROM PROVINCE TO
PROVINCE AND CERTAIN LIMITATIONS
CONTAINED IN THIS WARRANTY MAY NOT
APPLY TO YOU.

If you purchased this product outside of the
United States, this limited warranty is
governed by the laws of the State of
California and shall benefit Thales Navigation,
its successors and assigns.

- - -

For further information concerning this
limited warranty, please call or write:

Thales Navigation, 960 Overland Court, San
Dimas, California, U.S.A. 91773

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Introduction

About This User Manual ......................................................................... 1

Setting Up the Meridian

Installing the Batteries ............................................................................. 3

Selecting Language .................................................................................. 4

Initialization for First Time Use .............................................................. 4

Turn the Meridian On ................................................................................... 4

Enter Your Approximate Position ................................................................... 5

Basic Operation

Meridian GPS Receiver ........................................................................... 7

Turning Power On/Off .................................................................................. 8

Turning the Backlight On/Off ....................................................................... 8

Adjusting the Contrast ................................................................................... 9

Getting a Position Fix .................................................................................... 9

Navigational Screens ............................................................................... 9

Map Screen .................................................................................................. 10

Compass Screen ........................................................................................... 10

Large Data Screen ........................................................................................ 10

Position Screens ........................................................................................... 11

Road Screen ................................................................................................. 11

Data Screen ................................................................................................. 11

Speedometer Screen ..................................................................................... 11

Satellite Status Screen................................................................................... 11

Accessing the Navigation Screens .......................................................... 12

Saving a Waypoint ................................................................................ 12

Using GOTO Routes ............................................................................ 14

Creating a GOTO Route ............................................................................. 14

Navigating on a GOTO Route .................................................................... 16

Summary .............................................................................................. 17

Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver i

Reference

Power/Backlight/Contrast ..................................................................... 18

Turn the Meridian On ................................................................................. 18

Turn the Meridian Off ................................................................................. 18

Using the Display Backlight ......................................................................... 18

Adjusting the Display Contrast .................................................................... 19

Selecting NAV Screens ................................................................................. 19

Returning to Last Viewed NAV Screen ........................................................ 19

Map Screen ........................................................................................... 19

Setting the Map Detail................................................................................. 22

Customizing the Map Display ..................................................................... 23

Turning On/Off Display Waypoints ...................................................... 23

Turning On/Off Track Lines .................................................................. 23

Turning On/Off Topographic Lines ....................................................... 23

Turning On/Off Displayed POI’s .......................................................... 24

Globally Turning Map Items On/Off ..................................................... 24

Setting Up Map Data Fields ......................................................................... 24

Turning Data Fields On/Off .................................................................. 25

Selecting the Data Fields ........................................................................ 25

Two Data Fields Description .............................................................. 25

Changing the Data Fields .............................................................. 25

Street Information Description .......................................................... 27

Horizontal Profile Description ........................................................... 27

Terrain Projection Description ........................................................... 27

Changing the Map Orientation ................................................................... 28

Selecting Primary Usage ............................................................................... 28

Selecting Track Mode ................................................................................... 29

Auto vs. Auto Detailed........................................................................... 29

Using Vertical Profile ................................................................................... 30

Selecting Vertical Profile......................................................................... 30

Track History Description ..................................................................... 30

Route Vertical Profile Description .......................................................... 31

Highlighted Road Vertical Profile Description ....................................... 31

Path Check Description ......................................................................... 31

ii Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Compass Screen .................................................................................... 32

Customizing the Data Fields ........................................................................ 33

Large Data Screen ................................................................................. 33

Customizing the Data Fields ........................................................................ 34

Position Screen ...................................................................................... 34

Selecting the Position Screen ........................................................................ 34

Resetting the Trip Odometer........................................................................ 34

Customizing the Data Fields ........................................................................ 35

GPS Status Messages.................................................................................... 36

Selecting Coordinate System, Map Datum and Elevation Mode .................. 36

Road Screen .......................................................................................... 37

Customizing the Data Fields ........................................................................ 38

Data Screen........................................................................................... 38

Customizing the Data Fields ........................................................................ 39

Speed Screen ......................................................................................... 39

Customizing the Data Fields ........................................................................ 40

Satellite Status Screen............................................................................ 40

Waypoints / Database ........................................................................... 41

Accessing Waypoints in the Database ........................................................... 41

Selecting Waypoints from the Nearest List ................................................... 41

Selecting Waypoints from the Alphabetical List ........................................... 41

Selecting Waypoints Nearest to the Cursor ................................................... 42

Saving Present Position as a Waypoint .......................................................... 42

Creating New Waypoint Manually ............................................................... 43

Creating New Waypoint with Map Cursor .................................................. 43

Deleting a User Waypoint ............................................................................ 43

Editing a User Waypoint .............................................................................. 44

Viewing a Map Object on the Map .............................................................. 44

Viewing a User Waypoint on the Map ......................................................... 44

Saving a Map Object as a User Waypoint ..................................................... 45

Searching for a Street Address ...................................................................... 45

Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver iii

Routes ................................................................................................... 46

Creating a GOTO Route ............................................................................. 46

Creating a Backtrack Route.......................................................................... 46

Creating a Multileg Route............................................................................ 47

Activating/Deactivating a Route .................................................................. 49

Viewing a Route .......................................................................................... 49

Editing a Route............................................................................................ 49

Inserting a Leg ......................................................................................... 50

Deleting a Leg ......................................................................................... 50

Replacing a Leg........................................................................................ 50

Appending a Leg ...................................................................................... 51

Appending a Newly Created Waypoint to a Route ....................................... 51

Reversing a Route ........................................................................................ 51

Deleting a Route .......................................................................................... 51

Viewing a Route on the Map Screen ............................................................ 52

Creating a Route using Track History .......................................................... 52

Setup .................................................................................................... 52

Initializing the Meridian .............................................................................. 52

Turning the NAV Screens On/Off ............................................................... 53

Selecting the Coordinate System .................................................................. 53

Selecting a Map Datum ............................................................................... 54

Selecting the Elevation Mode ....................................................................... 54

Selecting the Time Format ........................................................................... 54

Selecting NAV Units .................................................................................... 55

Selecting the North Reference ...................................................................... 55

Setting the Backlight Timer ......................................................................... 55

Turning the Beeper On/Off ......................................................................... 56

Selecting NMEA Message ............................................................................ 56

Selecting the Baud Rate ............................................................................... 56

Clearing Memory .................................................................................. 57

Clearing Track History ............................................................................. 57

Clearing Wpts/Routes.............................................................................. 57

Clearing All Routes .................................................................................. 57

Resetting Meridian to Factory Defaults .................................................... 57

Clearing All Memory in the Meridian ...................................................... 57

Changing Languages ............................................................................. 58

iv Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Sun/Moon Display................................................................................ 58

Accessing the Sun/Moon Screen ................................................................... 58

Changing the Sun/Moon Date..................................................................... 58

Changing the Sun/Moon Position................................................................ 59

Fish/Hunt Times Display ...................................................................... 59

Accessing the Fish/Hunt Screen ................................................................... 59

Changing the Fish/Hunt Date ..................................................................... 59

Changing the Fish/Hunt Position ................................................................ 59

Meridian Alarms ................................................................................... 60

Setting the Arrival Alarm ............................................................................. 60

Setting the Anchor Alarm ............................................................................ 60

Setting the XTE Alarm ................................................................................ 60

Setting the GPS Fix Alarm ........................................................................... 60

Using the Simulator .............................................................................. 61

Turning on the Simulator - Auto Mode ....................................................... 61

Turning on the Simulator - User Mode ........................................................ 61

Turning the Simulator Off ........................................................................... 61

About.................................................................................................... 62

Help...................................................................................................... 62

Frequently Asked Questions

General ................................................................................................. 63

Waypoints/Database ............................................................................. 64

Navigation Screens ................................................................................ 65

Routes ................................................................................................... 65

Alarms .................................................................................................. 66

Output Data ......................................................................................... 66

Appendix

Tr oubleshooting .................................................................................... 67

Waypoint Icons ..................................................................................... 68

Contacting Magellan............................................................................. 69

Specifications ........................................................................................ 70

Accessories ............................................................................................ 71

Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver v

MapSend™ Streets ............................................................................... 72

Installing Memory Card ........................................................................ 73

Connecting to External Devices ............................................................ 74

WAAS ................................................................................................... 76

Glossary ................................................................................................ 77

vi Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Welcome and congratulations on your purchase of the Magellan Meridian GPS
receiver. The Meridian has all the features that a sailor, fisherman, hiker, hunter,
or any person involved with outdoor recreational activities has come to expect
from a Magellan GPS receiver. In addition to these features, the Meridian offers
the ability to display your location on detailed city maps providing you with a
complete navigation tool that will last you for years to come.

Magellan has been a leader in the hand-held GPS market since introducing the
world’s first commercial, hand-held GPS receiver in 1989. Since that time
Magellan has continued to equip the outdoorsman and consumer markets with
navigational receivers, all the way from the first GPS receiver for under $100 to
automotive receivers with turn-by-turn routing capabilities.

Before you begin, make sure that your package includes all of the items listed on
the side panel of the box. If any of these items are missing or damaged, please
contact Magellan at [phone] for replacement items. Magellan is a
trademark name for Thales Navigation.

This User Manual is divided into six chapters; Introduction, Setting Up the

Meridian, Basic Operation, Reference Guide, Frequently Asked Questions, and
Appendix. Each of these chapters will be explained briefly so you can tell which

ones are right for you. A glossary and index are provided after the Appendix as
well.

Setting Up the Meridian: This chapter will show you how to prepare the

Meridian for use. Instructions will include how to install the
batteries, how to connect the wrist strap and how to initialize the
Meridian.

Basic Operation: This chapter provides you with step-by-step instructions for

using the basic functions of the Meridian. This chapter will explain
getting a position fix, viewing the Map screen, saving a waypoint and
using a GOTO. Knowing these four basic steps will enable you to
use the Meridian for most things you will want to do.

Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver 1

Reference Guide: Here you will find step-by-step instructions for all of the

features found in the Meridian. This chapter is set up in a way that
you can quickly and easily find the feature you are looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions: This chapter is aimed at answering some of the

more basic questions that you may have about your Meridian, the
global positioning system (GPS) and using the Meridian to its fullest.
Experienced GPS users will probably not find any new information in
this chapter but new GPS users may find many of their questions
answered here.

Appendix: Sections containing information about connecting your Meridian to

external devices, accessories, troubleshooting and specifications can be
found in the Appendix.

Glossary: A glossary is provided explaining some of the terms and abbreviations

found in the Meridian and this manual that may not be familiar to all
users.

It’s time to begin using your Meridian. Don’t be overwhelmed with the size of
the manual as we have tried to give enough information for the beginning user as
well as provide the experienced users with the specifications and features that they
are looking for.

The most important thing to us is to be sure that you are completely satisfied
with your Meridian and the accompanying documentation. If you have any
ideas, suggestions or even a complaint, please pass them along to us through our
web site (www.magellangps.com) or by mail.

2 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Setting up the Meridian is a simple three-step process: installing the
batteries, selecting the language to be used and initializing the Meridian.

The Magellan Meridian uses two AA batteries that are installed from the
back through the battery cover. You can
expect to get up to 14 hours of usage on two
AA batteries with the backlight turned off.

To remove the battery cover, push the two
buttons on the cover fully to the left and lift
the battery cover away from the receiver.
Insert the new batteries as shown, making
sure that the batteries are installed with the
correct polarity.

Replace the cover and push the two buttons
fully to the right. Verify that the cover is locked in place.

How much time do I have to replace the batteries? Any
waypoints or routes you have created are stored in permanent
memory with the batteries removed. Present position and time data
is not stored in permanent memory but will be held in memory for
at least 12 hours without batteries installed.

Always turn the Meridian off before removing the batteries
or turning off external power. Failure to do so can cause loss
or corruption of data.

3Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

The first time you use your Meridian (or if memory has been completely
erased) you will be asked to select the language that you want to use. Use the
UP/DOWN arrows on the keypad to highlight the language you desire.
With the language highlighted, press the ENTER button. You can select
English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Finnish, Dutch or
Swedish.

You can change the language at any time by accessing the Languages option
of the Setup Menu. (See Changing Languages in the Reference Section of the
User Manual.)

The final step in setting up the Meridian is to initialize the receiver for
first-time use. This will help your Meridian begin computing your position
in the fastest manner possible.

The reason for initialization is to speed up the process for computing the
first position fix when the Meridian has no last position computed in
memory (i.e., when the Meridian is brand new or memory has been
cleared). This gives the Meridian an approximate indication of where it is
located so it can use its satellite almanac (stored in permanent memory) to
estimate what satellites are overhead and which ones it should be looking
for.

Follow these instructions to initialize the Meridian.

Press [PWR]

The Meridian turns on and displays the start-up screen and a
warning screen.

4 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Press [ENTER] (You have 10 seconds to press ENTER or the
Meridian will shut off.)

The Meridian displays a
message box indicating that
the receiver needs to be
initialized.

Press [ENTER]

Use the Up/Down arrows on the keypad to
highlight your general region.

Press [ENTER]

Use the Up/Down arrows on the keypad to
highlight your area.

Press [ENTER]

The cursor appears in the time field, waiting
for you to input your local time. Set your
local time using the arrow keys. Be sure that
you set the AM/PM indicator.

Note: After the Meridian starts to pick up
signals from any satellite, it will
automatically update the time using the
satellite’s atomic clock.

5Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

To use the arrow keys to edit a field, follow the simple diagram below.

Editing

moves the cursor block left or right.

Pressing right arrow

results in:

increments the value up or down.

Pressing up arrow

results in:

When the time is correct, press [ENTER].

The last piece of information needed is
the date. Using the arrow keys, enter the
present date.

Press [ENTER].

All the information that the Meridian
needs to speed up the process of
computing its first fix has been entered
and the Done button is highlighted.

To complete the initialization process, press
[ENTER].

The Satellite Status screen is displayed and the
Meridian begins acquiring the data from the
satellites. You can begin using the Meridian
beginning with the Basic Operation described in
the next chapter or you can turn the Meridian
off. If you turn the Meridian off, all of the
information you just entered will be saved.

To turn the Meridian off, press [PWR].

6 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

For many of you this will be your first introduction into using a GPS
receiver as a navigational tool. With all of the features and functions
provided with the Meridian, it may seem a bit intimidating at first. Don’t
worry. There are only a few things you need to know to use the Meridian.
They will be discussed here in detail. Other features and functions can be
found in the Reference Section of the User Manual.

Quadrifilar Antenna

OUT - Zooms out

IN - Zooms in the

display of the Map
screen. (Press once
to zoom one level,
press and hold to
quickly move
through the zoom
levels.)

the display of the
Map screen.
(Press once to
zoom one level,
press and hold to
quickly move
through the zoom
levels.)

ESC- Cancels the
operation of the last
button pressed.
Also scrolls through
the NAV screens in
reverse order.

NAV - Accesses the
various navigation
screens.

GOTO (dual
function key) -

GOTO is used to
create a direct route
to any waypoint
stored in memory.
This key is also used
to MARK a position.

ENTER -

Confirms data
entries or menu
selections.

MENU -

Accesses menus
for displayed
screens. Also
provides access
to waypoint,
route and setup
functions.

PWR- Turns the
Meridian on/off. Also
used to turn the display
backlight on/off.

7Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Tuning the Meridian On

PWR

ENTER

You have 10
seconds to press
ENTER accepting
the warning or the
Meridian will shut
off.

The last navigation screen you were viewing will be displayed. If the
last navigation screen view was the Map screen, the last zoom scale
setting will be used.

Tu rning the Meridian Off

PWR

Pressing the POWER
button again will turn off
the Meridian immediately.

Pressing ESC will cancel
the power down
sequence.

The display backlight can be set to one of three levels (low, high or
off).

Press and

hold for 2

seconds

PWR

Display

backlight

illuminates

(low)

Press and

hold for 2

seconds

PWR

Display

backlight

illuminates

(high)

Press and

hold for 2

seconds

PWR

Display

backlight

turns off

The backlight causes severe drain on the batteries in the
Meridian. To prevent accidently turning the backlight on and

leaving it on, the Meridian will turn the backlight off when
there has been no button presses for 4 minutes. Pressing any

button will turn the backlight back on in this instance. You can
change the time delay for the backlight in Setup.

8 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

from any

screen

MENU

Use up/down

arrows to

highlight
Contrast

The menu display may

differ slightly

depending upon which

screen it was

accessed from.

Use left/right

arrows to

adjust the

contrast.

ENTER

Because the Meridian attains information it needs
from satellites orbiting the earth, the antenna needs to
have a relatively unobstructed view of the sky. This allows the
Meridian to choose from all satellites currently available.

If the view of the sky is poor due to large cliffs or buildings, heavy
foliage or other obstructions, the satellite signals can be blocked and
the receiver may take longer to compute a position fix.

You can observe the signal strength and the
satellites being used on the Satellite Status screen

(described in the next section).

Holding the Meridian. The receiver is designed

to fit comfortably in your hand. Hold the
Meridian in the palm of your hand with the

antenna pointing towards the sky.

The Meridian has eight navigation screens: Map screen, Compass screen,
Large Data screen, Position screen, Road screen, Data screen, Speedometer
screen and Sat Status screen. They will be described briefly here. More
detailed information on the different screens can be found in the Reference
chapter of the User Manual.

9Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Map Screen The Map screen has two modes,
position or cursor. In the position mode, your present
position is indicated by the large arrow icon in the
center of the display. If you are moving, the arrow will
point in the direction that you are heading. At the
bottom of the screen is the scale for the map displayed
and two data fields that can be customized, or turned
off, depending upon your needs.

In the Cursor Mode, you are provided with a cursor that
can be moved on the map. At the bottom of the display
is the information for the position of the cursor relative
to your present position. Also any points of interest that
the cursor is over will be shown.

To access the Cursor Mode, press any arrow on the
keypad. A crosshair appears that can be moved with the
arrow keys.

To return to the Position Mode, press [ESC]. The cursor will disappear and
the present position icon will appear centered on the map.

Compass Screen. This is a handy screen to have at
your fingertips while you are navigating. It is totally
customizable to display the information that is useful to
you. The lower portion of the Compass screen not only
displays your heading in a graphical manner, but also
displays the relationship of the sun, moon and your
destination (if navigating on a route) to your heading.

Large Data Screen. The Large Data screen is similar
to the Compass screen but here the compass has been
removed to allow for large display of the navigation
data. Ideal for when you have your Meridian mounted
on the dashboard of a boat using the optional swivel
mounting bracket. Even from a distance the
information can be read with ease.

10 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Position Screens. The Position screens 1 and 2 display
your present position using the coordinate systems that you
have selected in Setup. This screen shows all of the basic
position, time and satellite information. In addition,
current navigation information is shown in the bottom half
of the screen.

Road Screen. The Road screen presents your route as if
you were travelling on a road. When you need to make
a turn, the road will graphically display the turn and the
direction. Waypoint and destination icons will be
displayed relative to your position as they come into
view. Above the road is a compass that displays your
heading and above that are four customizable data fields.

Data Screen. When you need to see a lot of information
in one place then you’ll appreciate the Data screen. The
Data screen provides you with six data fields and an active
compass that is the same as the one used on the road
screen. You have the option of customizing this screen by
selecting what data is displayed in the upper six fields.

Speedometer Screen. The Speedometer screen displays
your speed in a familiar graphical format. There are
four additional data fields at the top of the display that
can be customized to display the data that you need.
The bottom of the screen contains a trip odometer that
will record the distance travelled since the last time the
odometer was reset.

Satellite Status Screen. The Sat Status screen provides
you with a graphical display of the satellites in view and
which ones are being used to compute the navigation
data. The bar graph shows you the relative signal strength
being received for each satellite. At the bottom of the
display is an indication of the battery life remaining.
When you are using external power, it will be indicated
here as well.

11Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

From any screen other than a navigation screen, pressing [NAV] returns you
to the last navigation screen viewed. Note that if you are inputting data,
pressing [NAV] will return you to the last navigation screen but your inputs

will not be saved.

A waypoint is a point on a map that you can name and save in the Meridian.
They are primarily used for creating routes. Whether the route is a simple
GOTO or a more complex multileg route, it needs stored waypoints to use
as its starting and destination point.

Saving a Waypoint with a Receiver-Generated Name

From any screen, press and hold [GOTO] for 2
seconds and the Mark screen is displayed.

The “Save” button is highlighted and you can
press [ENTER] to save the waypoint using the

default name and icon.

You can later go back and edit any of the
waypoint information through the Database
Menu or you can change the information now
following the guidelines below. (See Waypoints in

the Reference chapter of the User Manual.)

Saving a Waypoint with a User-Input Icon and Name

From any screen, press and hold [GOTO] for 2
seconds. Use the UP/DOWN arrows and notice
that the highlight moves from field to field and
then back to “Save.”

Highlight the Icon field using the UP/DOWN
arrows. Press [ENTER].

12 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

The Icon Select window is displayed. Use the
arrow keypad to move from one icon to another
with the name of the icon displayed at the top. As
a reference tool, all of the icons and their names
are listed in the Reference Chapter of the User
Manual. When you have highlighted the icon
you want to use, press [ENTER].

The cursor is now highlighting the Waypoint
Name field. With the Name field highlighted,
press [ENTER]. The input keyboard is

displayed. The very top of the keyboard
window shows you what field you are changing,
in this case the Name field.

You can now use the arrow keypad to select the
character you wish to enter. With the character
highlighted, press [ENTER] and the character is
appended to the name you are entering and displayed in the field above
the keys. (Note: waypoint names can be up to 8 characters in length.)

Highlighting and pressing [ENTER] erases the last character
you entered.

Highlighting and pressing [ENTER] clears the entire name.

Highlighting the space bar and pressing [ENTER] adds a space.

Highlighting and pressing [ENTER] displays the lower case

letters and some additional punctuation marks.

When you have the name the way you want it, highlight “OK” and
press [ENTER]. You are returned to the Mark screen with the new
name displayed.

Entering a Message

As many as 200 waypoints can have a message assigned to it. This
comes in handy in further identifying the waypoint. If this was a
waypoint for a friend’s house or business, you could add a phone
number or any other information that you find useful.

13Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Is there a limit to the number of waypoints I can store in the
Meridian? Yes, the Meridian will store up to 500 user waypoints

in memory. If you should ever get that many and need to input
more, you will have to delete ones that you no longer need to make
room.

A GOTO route is simply a route with a start point and a single destination
point: I am here and I want to go to there. All that is required to create a
GOTO route is having the destination waypoint saved in memory. This
waypoint can be one that you have saved earlier (which is stored in your
User Waypoint List) or any of the landmarks that come with the Meridian
in its built-in database.

Press GOTO. The first thing that has to be done is
to select the destination waypoint. This is done by
accessing the waypoint database. The first screen is
used to select the category of the database that the
waypoint is in and how it will be found,
alphabetically or nearest to your position, a city or the
cursor.

Selecting a Destination Waypoint from the Database using “Nearest”

Use the UP/DOWN arrows to highlight the
category that your destination waypoint is in. Use
the LEFT/RIGHT arrows to select how the
waypoints are displayed, Alphabetical, Near
Position, Near City or Near Cursor. In this case,
you will be using “Near Position”.

The example shown here is a sample of a City
Waypoint List. This is a sample of a Nearest City
Waypoint list for Magellan. Your screen will look
different.

Use the UP/DOWN arrows to highlight your choice of waypoint to be
your destination and press [ENTER].

The GOTO route is now active and you are returned to the last viewed
navigation screen.

14 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Selecting a Destination Waypoint from the Database using “Alphabetical”

Highlight any category other than User, and press the
LEFT/RIGHT arrows to select a Find By of
“Alphabetical”. Press [ENTER]. (In this example,
Cities was selected and this is how the screen
appears.)

Using the arrow keys to navigate the displayed
keyboard, begin typing in the name of the waypoint
(destination) you are looking for.

For example, suppose your destination was to be Los Angeles. Use the
keypad to highlight the letter “L” and press [ENTER]. Notice how the

name is changed to the first city stored in the Meridian’s memory that
begins with the letter “L” and that the cursor has moved to the next letter in
the city name. (You can move the cursor back if you made a mistake by

highlighting the “<-” button on the keyboard and press [ENTER].)

Since we are looking for Los Angeles, we need to highlight the “O” next
and press [ENTER]. Then the “S” and press [ENTER].

To add a space, highlight the “space bar” and press [ENTER]. (Also, you
can use the “->” button to move the cursor to the right if you want to skip

the letter the cursor is indicating.)

You don’t need to spell out the entire word. The attempt here is to get close
to the name so you won’t need to scroll very far during the next step. As a
guide, entering the first five letters should be sufficient. When you are
satisfied with what you have entered, highlight “OK” and press [ENTER].

The list of all the waypoints for the category you selected, in this case cities,
is displayed with the waypoint that was previously selected at the top of the
list. Now just use the Up/Down arrows to highlight the waypoint you are

looking for and press [ENTER].

For this example, you would highlight Los Angeles and press [ENTER].
The Map screen is displayed and the Meridian will begin computing all of
the necessary information needed to get you to your destination.

15Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

The Meridian has the ability to provide you with the tools you’ll need to
navigate to your destination. You have the choice of three customizable
screens that display the information that you need in the layout that you
desire. Hikers may find the compass screen perfect for them while boaters
may prefer the Large Data or Map screen. For you, the Map screen may
have all the information you’ll ever require.

Press [NAV] until the navigation screen you want is displayed.

If you selected the Map screen, you will see your position icon in the center
of the screen with a line drawn for you on the map, graphically displaying
the GOTO route.

Note that this route is line of sight (LOS) or “as the crow flies.”
The Meridian does not compute the route using streets and
highways providing a turn-by-turn routing. You’ll find very
quickly that you can easily use the roads and highways
displayed on the Map screen and compare them to the
displayed route and get to your destination simply.

GOTO routes are NOT saved in memory when the
Meridian is turned off. If you are navigating on a GOTO
route and you need to turn the Meridian off, you will
need to restart the GOTO. Routes, however, are stored in

memory. If you need to make a GOTO but expect to
turn the Meridian off before arriving, you might consider
making a 1-leg route using the route menu.

16 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

This concludes the basic operation of the Magellan Meridian, but there is
so much more. More detail on the mentioned functions, and information
on the functions not mentioned in this Quick Start Guide, can be found on
the User Manual CD-ROM that came with your Magellan Meridian.

If this is your first time using a GPS receiver, you should take some time
now to get comfortable with the NAV screens and begin saving some
waypoints at different locations. An ideal way to get used to using the
Magellan Meridian is to go outside your house and obtain a position fix.
(An easy way to see that you are computing a position fix is to view the Sat
Status screen. When you see “3D” in the upper right corner, you are
computing fixes.) Now view the Map screen. Chances are you will see
some familiar streets being displayed.

Now that the Meridian has told you where you are, save this location into
memory by pressing and holding the GOTO button for a couple of
seconds. Now would be a good time to practice using the keypad to enter a
new name for this waypoint. “Home” would be a good choice. When you
have finished inputting a name and you’ve highlighted DONE and pressed
ENTER, you will be back at the Map screen. Notice there is now an icon
displayed for the waypoint you just created.

Next, go to the store, a friend’s house or any location away from where you
are now. Repeat the process of “Marking” this position. (Be sure you are
computing fixes before saving the position.) Now you should have two
distinct waypoints saved in your Meridian.

Using the simple instructions provided here, press GOTO, highlight “User”
and press ENTER. Now use the up/down arrows to highlight the “Home”
waypoint (if you called it that) and press ENTER. The Magellan Meridian
will now begin computing all of the information you need to return to your
home. As you are travelling, notice the different NAV screens and witness
the data changing as you are moving. (Don’t view the Meridian screen if
you are driving, let the passenger do that.)

Everything else the Meridian can do for you is based on the simple exercise
you just performed and when you are comfortable doing this, everything
else will be a simple building block on what you already know.

17Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Tu rn the Meridian On — Applies power to the Meridian and displays last

NAV screen viewed. During power-up the first screen shows the
software and map database versions currently loaded in the Meridian.
The second screen gives a warning that must be read. After reading the
warning press ENTER to proceed. (If you do not press ENTER, the
Meridian will shut off after 10 seconds.)

PWR

ENTER

You have 10
seconds to press
ENTER accepting
the warning or the
Meridian will shut
off.

Tu rn the Meridian Off — Shuts down the Meridian.

Press ESC key to abort

PWR

before 5 seconds has
elapsed.

During the 5 second countdown, pressing the PWR key again will shut
the Meridian off immediately.

Using the Display Backlight — Illuminates the display for easier viewing

in dark surroundings. Use only as needed as the backlight causes a large
drain on the batteries. An automatic timer will turn the backlight off
when a button has not been pressed
for a selected duration. (See “Setup” to
change the settings for the automaic
timer).

PWR

Press and hold for

2 seconds

Button Sequence

1st Press Light On (low)

2nd Press Light On (high)

3rd Press Light Off

18 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Adjusting the Display Contrast — Sets the contrast of the display for easy

viewing in most lighting conditions.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Contrast

ENTER ENTER

Adjust

Contrast Level

Selecting NAV Screens — The NAV button provides a means of accessing

the navigation screens. (Note: the sequence displayed is when all eight
navigation screens are turned on. Screens turned off in Setup will not be
displayed.)

Navigation Screen

Sequence

NAV

Map Screen

Compass Screen

Large Data Screen

Position Screen

Road Screen

Data Screen

Speed Screen

Sat Status Screen

ESC

Returning to Last Viewed NAV Screen — Pressing the NAV button

returns the Meridian to the last NAV Screen viewed.

NAV

(Note: if the NAV screen is pressed from a screen where data is being
input, the data will not be saved.)

The Map screen is the very heart of the Meridian. The Map screen has two
modes: Position and Cursor.

In the Position Mode, the map is centered around your present position with an
arrow cursor indicating your position and points in the direction you are
heading. Two customizable data fields are presented at the bottom of the display.
If you require to see more of the map you can also turn off these data fields.
Information as to how to customize this screen follows this brief description of
the Map screen.

19Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Present Position IconPresent Position Icon

Present Position Icon

Present Position IconPresent Position Icon
The Present Position Icon
graphically displays your position
on the map. While you are
moving it will point in the
direction you are heading.

If the Meridian is not computing
positions, this icon is replaced
with an hourglass icon.

Map Scale IndicatorMap Scale Indicator

Map Scale Indicator

Map Scale IndicatorMap Scale Indicator
Provides the scale for the map.
The number displayed represents
approximately 1/4 of the screen’s
width. Scale can be changed with
the IN and OUT buttons.

Track HistoryTrack History

Track History

Track HistoryTrack History
Dotted line on the map displays
the history of where you have

Present
Position Icon

Map Scale
Indicator

Track History

Data
Fields

travelled since the last time you
cleared the Track History (see
Clear Memory in the Reference
Chapter.)

Data FieldsData Fields

Data Fields

Data FieldsData Fields
These fields display navigational
information for viewing on the
Map screen. They are both
customizable with 13 data types
possible.

Both of the data fields can be
turned on or off allowing more
viewable map area.

Both features (customize and
turning the data on/off) can be
accessed from the MENU button.

Position Mode

20 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

In the Cursor Mode, you are provided with a cursor that can be moved on the
map. At the bottom of the display is the information for the position of the
cursor relative to your present position. Also any points of interest that the
cursor is over will be shown.

To access the Cursor Mode, press any arrow on the keypad. A crosshair appears
that can be moved with the arrow keys.

To return to the Position Mode, press [ESC]. The cursor will disappear and the
present position icon will appear centered on the map.

Cursor
Icon

Map Scale
Indicator

Cursor
Information
Block

Cursor IconCursor Icon

Cursor Icon

Cursor IconCursor Icon

The Cursor Icon pinpoints the

location you have selected by

using the arrow keys.

Map Scale IndicatorMap Scale Indicator

Map Scale Indicator

Map Scale IndicatorMap Scale Indicator

Provides the scale for the map.

The number displayed represents

approximately 1/4 of the screen’s

width. Scale can be changed with

the IN and OUT buttons.

Cursor Mode

Waypoint
Name

Waypoint NameWaypoint Name

Waypoint Name

Waypoint NameWaypoint Name

Whenever the cursor is over a

map object, the name of the map

object is displayed, otherwise the

word “cursor” appears. The data

shown in the information block is

the heading and distance from

your present position to the

cursor.

21Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Setting the Map Detail — The detail of the map can be set to highest,

high, medium, low or lowest. This changes the zoom level that different
map objects (cities, highways, labels, etc.) are displayed. If you have set
a zoom level and the display is too cluttered, set the map detail to a
lower level; conversely set it to a higher level to view more detail. The
default is Medium.

From

the MAP

Screen

Use arrows to select

MENU

the desired Map

Highlight

Map Setup

Detail level

ENTER ENTER

Use arrows to

highlight the
“Detail” field

ENTER

NAV

Map Screen Legend

Present Position Cursor (Pointer )

Panning Cursor (Crosshair )

Not Computing Fixes (Hourglass)

Waypoint Displayed with the icon

selected for that waypoint.

Oceans - dark gray

State Lines - black line

Rivers - light gray

Lakes - dark gray

Swamps - light gray grid

Railroads - light gray

Interstate Roads - double black

line

U.S. Routes - black line

Roads - black line

National Parks - light gray grid

22 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

CUSTOMIZING THE MAP DISPLAY — The Map screen can be customized

for your individual needs and requirements. You can select what is being
displayed on the map as well as what additional data will be presented at
the bottom of the screen. Customization is broken into two parts; what
items are displayed on the map and what data fields (if any) are
displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Selecting Map Items

Tu rning On/Off Display Waypoints — Turns on or off the waypoints

on the Map screen. Default is On.

From

the MAP

Screen

MENU

ENTER

Highlight

Map Setup

ENTER

Use L/R

arrows to

select

“Display” tab

Use U/D

arrows to

select

“Waypoints”

Tu rning On/Off Track Lines — As you move, your track history is
normally displayed on the map screen represented by a dashed line. This
function allows you to turn off or on these lines. Default is On.

From

the MAP

Screen

MENU

ENTER

Highlight

Map Setup

ENTER

Use L/R

arrows to

select

“Display” tab

Use U/D

arrows to

select “Track

Lines”

Tu rning On/Off Topographic Lines — [Available only if a map has
been uploaded from a Magellan MapSend Topo for the United States
CD-ROM] This function will hide all topo lines and topographic

information. Default is On.

From

the MAP

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Map Setup

ENTER

Use L/R

arrows to

select

“Display” tab

Use U/D

arrows to

select “Topo

Lines”

ENTER

23Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Tu rning On/Off Displayed POI’s — [Available only if a map has been
uploaded from a Magellan MapSend Streets and Destinations or
MapSend Topo for the United States CD-ROM] Allows you to select

which, if any, POIs that have been uploaded from a MapSend product
to be displayed. Default is On.

From

the MAP

Screen

MENU

ENTER

Highlight

Map Setup

ENTER

Use L/R

arrows to

select

“Display” tab

Use U/D

arrows to

select POI

Globally Turn Map Items On/Off — If you have uploaded map data
from a MapSend product, you will notice that the list of POIs can be
extremely lengthy. To aide you in the customization of the display you
can turn everything on or off globally.

To turn off all map items, follow these instructions.

From

the MAP

Screen

MENU

ENTER

Highlight

Map Setup

ENTER

Use L/R

arrows to

select

“Display” tab

Use U/D

arrows to

select

Clear All

After you have turned off all of the map items, you can go back and just
select the POIs that you want to view. Please note that this function
will also turn off waypoints, track lines and, if applicable, topo lines. Be
sure to turn these back on if you want to see them.

Inversely, to globally turn on all of the map items, follow the above steps
but select “Mark All” instead of “Clear All”.

Setting Up Map Data Fields — The following options are available ONLY

if you are in the Position Mode of the Map screen. If you are in the
cursor mode, press the ESC key and the display will snap back to the
Position Mode with the arrow icon displaying your present postion. (If
you are not clear on which mode you are in, the simpliest way to
determine it is to see what cursor is displayed; an arrow indicates
Position and a crosshair indicates Cursor. If you press the ESC key and
the display changes to another Nav Screen you were in the Position
Mode and you can press NAV to return to the map.

24 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Tu rning Data Fields On/Off — This option allows you to turn on or
off the two information fields that are displayed on the Map screen.
Turning these off allows for more of the map to be displayed. Default is
SHOW.

From

the MAP

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Hide Map Info

or

Show Map Info

ENTER

When Map Info is hidden and the map is in the cursor mode, the
bearing (BRG) and distance (DIS) to the cursor is shown in the bottom
left corner of the map replacing the scale. (Note: if you have uploaded
topographic information from Magellan’s MapSend Topo for the United
States CD-ROM, the elevation at the cursor’s location is displayed, not
the bearing and distance.) If the cursor happens to be on a map object,

the name of the object is displayed.

Selecting the Data Fields — This function allows you to select which
data fields are to be displayed. You can choose from Customize Fields,
Street Information or, if topographic information is loaded, you can
select Horizontal Profile or Terrain Projection. If you select either
Horizontal Profile or Terrain Projection and you do not have
topographic information loaded a warning screen is displayed.

From

the MAP

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Select Map Info

ENTER

Use U/D

arrows to

select desired

information

ENTER

Two Data Fields Description — This option displays two boxes at the
bottom of the map that can display data that you choose. Displaying
these data fields is the default for the Meridian.

Changing the Data Fields — Allows you to change the data that is
being displayed to 1 of 13 different data options (bearing, distance,
speed, heading, VMG, CTS, ETA, ETE, XTE, turn, elevation, time,
or date). Note: If you have selected Hide Map Info, this option will
not be available in the menu. Also, you must have the Two Data
Fields displayed on the Map screen to be able to customize them.
Press [ESC] when you are done to leave the customize mode.

25Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

From

the MAP

Screen

MENU

Use L/R arrows to highlight

the title for the data field

Highlight

Select Map Info

to be changed

ENTER

ENTER

Use U/D arrows to

highlight

Customize Fields

Use arrows to

select new data

type

ENTER

Available Data Options

Bearing This is the direction to your destination from your present position, in

degrees, from North.

Distance This is distance (measured in the Nav Units selected in Setup) to your

destination.

Speed This is the rate that you are travelling. The unit of measure is selected in

Setup - Nav Units.

Heading This is the direction you are moving (measured in degrees). When the

heading and bearing are the same, you are travelling on a direct line to your
destination.

VMG (Velocity Made Good). This is the speed that you are getting closer to your

destination. If the heading and bearing are the same, then VMG will be the same
as Speed since all of the speed that you are travelling is being applied to arriving to
your destination. However, if you are off course, your VMG will be less than the
speed that you are travelling.

CTS (Course To Steer). This is the angle that you need to turn to put you back on

course.

ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival). This the local time that you will arrive at your

destination based on the rate of speed that you are moving to your destination.
(See VMG.)

ETE (Estimated Time Enroute). This is how long, in time, that it will take you to

arrive at your destination based upon your present speed to the destination.

XTE (Cross Track Error). XTE is the perpendicular distance from your present

position to the course line you should be on to go to your destination.

Tu r n This is the direction you need to turn to put you on the shortest distance to

your destination from your present position.

Elevation This is the distance above sea level that you are presently at.

Time Local time.

Date Current date.

26 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Street Information Description — This mode just displays the name of

the street close to your present position.

Horizontal Profile Description — This mode displays at the bottom of the

Map screen a graphical representation of the horizon at a fixed distance
from your present position. This fixed distance is equal to the map scale
you have selected for the Map screen, so as you zoom in or out, the
horizon displayed will change. In the Horizon
Profile mode, you will also notice a line
projected out from your present position icon to
a shorter perpendicular line. The intersection of
the two lines indicates the location on the map
where the horizon is being computed. (This
function requires that map data has been
uploaded from Magellan MapSend Topo for the
United States and that your present position as
well as the projected horizon falls within the
area uploaded.)

You should note that when you select Horizontal Profile, your Map
Orientation will change to “Track Up” so you may need to change that
when you are done viewing the horizontal profile. If you change
Orientation to something other then Track Up while viewing the
Horizontal Profile, the default Two Data Fields is displayed. Changing
the Orientation back to “Track Up” will revert back to the Horizontal
Profile.

Also, you must be zoomed in to a scale of 0.80 miles or closer for the
horizontal profile to be displayed. Zoom scales higher then 0.80 miles
will cause the data displayed to change to the Two Data Fields and will
change back to Horizontal Profile as you zoom in to 0.80 miles and
below.

Terrain Projection Description — This feature allows you to view the

terrain directly ahead of you graphically. It is computed from your
present position and extends in a straight line to the top of your display.
This provides you with instantaneous information on what terrain
elevations are directly in front of you. Your present position and
elevation are indicated at the left side of the display. The maximum
elevation for the terrain ahead of you is displayed above the graph, next
to the map scale indicator. (This function requires that map data has

27Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

been uploaded from Magellan MapSend Topo for the United States and
that your present position as well as the projected horizon falls within
the area uploaded.)

Like Horizontal Profile, you must be zoomed in to a scale of 0.80 miles
or closer for the projected terrain to be displayed. Zoom scales higher
then 0.80 miles will cause the data displayed to change to the Two Data
Fields and will change back to Terrain Projection as you zoom in to 0.80
miles and below.

You should note that when you select Terrain Projection your Map
Orientation will change to “Track Up” so you may need to change that
when you are done viewing the projected terrain. If you change
Orientation to something other then Track Up while viewing the
Terrain Projection, the default Two Data Fields is displayed. Changing
the Orientation back to “Track Up” will revert back to the projected
terrain.

Changing the Map Orientation — You can change how the map is

orientated on the screen to either North Up, Course Up or Track Up.
Default is North Up.

From

the MAP

Screen

Use arrows to select

MENU

the desired Map

Orientation

Highlight

Map Setup

ENTER ENTER

ENTER

Use arrows to

highlight the

“Orientation” field

NAV

North Up North is at the top of the screen.
Course Up The heading of the active leg of the active route is at

the top of the screen. If no route is active, North Up
orientation is used until a route is activated.

Track Up Your heading (i.e., the direction you are travelling) is at

the top of the screen.

Selecting Primary Usage — The Meridian can be set to either Land or
Marine Usage. When in Land (default), the map displays land areas in white
and water areas as dark gray. For marine applications it may be desirable to

28 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

reverse the display, showing water as white and land as dark gray. This will
make reading some of the data information on the water easier.

From

the MAP

Screen

Use arrows to select

MENU

Land or Marine

Highlight

Map Setup

ENTER ENTER

ENTER

“Primary Usage”

NAV

Use arrows to

highlight the

field

Selecting Track Mode — Allows you to set how often the Meridian stores

track points. Setting the mode to “OFF” stops the Meridian from
saving any new track points. In “Auto” or “Auto Detailed” mode, the
Meridian uses a method for track point storage that maximizes memory.
Using Auto, you will see more points on and near turns and less points
on straight stretches of the map. You also have the option of selecting
fixed intervals for track point storage.

From

the MAP

Screen

MENU

Map Setup

Use arrows to

select Mode

Highlight

ENTER ENTER

NAV

ENTER

Use arrows to

highlight the

“Track Mode” field

Setting the Track Mode to “OFF” will cause severe
limitations to the ability of your Meridian to create a
backtrack route. The same temporary waypoints used to
create the displayed track are used to compute a backtrack
route. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you use the
“Auto” Track Mode whenever possible.

Auto vs. Auto Detailed. You will notice two of the options for the
Track Mode are Auto (default) and Auto Detailed. Basically, both
options behave the same. While your are travelling in a straight line,
only a few track points are taken, but as you turn the Meridian increases
the rate of track points. This allows for a good representation of your
track with minimal track points stored. Auto Detailed performs exactly
the same as Auto, but has the base rate of track points saved increased.
This allows a more detailed track then Auto to be taken, while at the
same time saving memory over a fixed rate.

29Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

USING VERTICAL PROFILE — Only Track History is available for this

function if MapSend Topo for the United States map data is not
uploaded. (Path Check is shown as an available function but will not
display the vertical profile, however it can be used to graphically create a
route. See the information on Path Check for more details.) If a
topographic map has been uploaded, you have the additional options of
selecting Path Check, Route or Highlighted Road.

Ve rtical Profile displays the elevation as a graphical display for the option
you select.

Cursor
Position

Distance from
left side to right
side of profile

Minimum and
maximum
elevations of
displayed profile

While viewing the vertical profile screen, you can use the left and right
arrows to move the profile accordingly. The vertical dashed line in the
middle of the profile plot provides the elevation for that point on the
profile.

Selecting Vertical Profile — Note, not all options for Vertical Profile are
available at all times. For example, if you have a topographical map
loaded but the cursor or present position is not on a road, the option
“Highlighted road” will not be displayed.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Vert. Profile

ENTER ENTER

Select

option

Track History Description — This option displays the vertical profile
of the track that is stored in the Meridian. If you have cleared your
track, either with the Clear Track option or clearing memory, Track
History cannot be accessed.

30 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Highlighted Road Vertical Profile Description — (Available only with
map data uploaded from Magellan MapSend Topo for the United
States.) If the cursor or your present position is on a road and you have
topographic maps loaded, you can view the vertical profile for the road
you have selected.

Route Vertical Profile Description — (Available only with map data
uploaded from Magellan MapSend Topo for the United States.) If you
have at least one route stored in memory, you can view the vertical
profile for the route. After selecting Vertical Profile, you will be asked to
select the route you want to plot.

Path Check Description — Path check performs two functions. First,
it allows you to create a path on the Map screen graphically and then
view this path’s vertical profile (assuming that you have uploaded a topo
map). You can also save this path as a route, allowing an additional
method of creating a route.

After selecting Path Check from the Vert. Profile menu, you will be
returned to the Map screen where you can begin to lay out your path.
Using the arrow keypad, move the cursor to the desired location of the
path’s beginning and press [GOTO]. Now use the arrow keypad to
move to a new location and press [GOTO]. Notice a thick line has
been drawn between the two points. Continue moving the cursor and
pressing [GOTO] until your path is complete. When it is done, press
[ENTER] and the vertical profile for the path is displayed.

When you are done viewing the Vertical Profile of the path you created,
press ESC to return to the map screen. Now you can continue adding
legs to the path.

Tip: You can convert this path into a stored route by

simply pressing the MENU key and selecting the Save To

Route option.

31Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Destination
Name

Data Fields

Destination
Icon

Compass

Destination NameDestination Name

Destination Name

Destination NameDestination Name

When you are navigating on a

GOTO or multileg route, the name

of the destination is placed here.

For multileg routes, the name

displayed is the name of the

destination for the leg of the route

you are presently navigating on.

Data FieldsData Fields

Data Fields

Data FieldsData Fields

Customizable data fields. The data

displayed can be selected from 13

different options. Customizing is

accessed through the MENU

button. Some of the data displayed

requires you to be moving to be

computed, invalid data is indicated

by dashes.

Heading
Marker

Sun/Moon
Position
Markers

Compass/Heading MarkerCompass/Heading Marker

Compass/Heading Marker

Compass/Heading MarkerCompass/Heading Marker

Using the compass and the

heading marker, you can view

your heading information in a

familiar manner. Note that you

need to be moving for this data

to be valid.

Destination IconDestination Icon

Destination Icon

Destination IconDestination Icon

When you are travelling on a

route, an icon representing the

destination of the leg or GOTO is

displayed outside the compass.

This provides you with the

direction you need to head to

arrive at the destination. When

you are on course and heading

straight for the destination, the

destination icon will be lined up

with the heading marker.

32 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Customizing the Data Fields — Allows you to change the data that is

being displayed to 1 of 13 data options (bearing, distance, speed,
heading, VMG, CTS, ETA, ETE, XTE, turn, elevation, time, or date)
for any of the two fields. (See explanation of Data Types in the Map
Screen section.)

From the
Compass

Screen

Destination
Name

MENU

Use arrows to

select new

data type

Highlight

Customize

ENTER

Use arrows to

highlight the title

for the data field to

be changed

Data Fields

ENTERENTER

Destination NameDestination Name

Destination Name

Destination NameDestination Name

When you are navigating on a

GOTO or multileg route, the name

of the destination is placed here.

For multileg routes, the name

displayed is the name of the

destination for the leg of the route

you are presently navigating on.

Data FieldsData Fields

Data Fields

Data FieldsData Fields

Customizable data fields. The

data displayed can be selected

from 13 different options.

Customizing is accessed through

the MENU button. Some of the

data displayed requires you to be

moving to be computed, invalid

data is indicated by dashes.

33Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Customizing the Data Fields — Allows you to change the data that is

being displayed to 1 of 13 data options (bearing, distance, speed,
heading, VMG, CTS, ETA, ETE, XTE, turn, elevation, time, or date)
for any of the four fields. (See explanation of Data Types in the Map
Screen section.)

From the

Large Data

Screen

MENU

Use arrows to

select new

data type

Highlight

Customize

ENTER

Use arrows to

highlight the title

for the data field to

be changed

ENTERENTER

The Position screens 1 and 2 simply display your present position using the
coordinate systems that you have selected in Setup. The Position 1 screen shows
all of the basic position, time and satellite information, all on one screen. In
addition, current navigation information is shown on the bottom half of the
screen.

Selecting the Position Screen — Allows you to toggle between the two

Position screens. This allows the same position to be displayed in
different coordinate systems. This is useful when comparing navigation
data between devices and charts that use different coordinate systems.

The screen viewed can be changed by pressing the Left or Right arrows
while viewing the Position screen.

You can change the coordinate system displayed by following the
instructions in Setup - Selecting the Coordinate System.

Resetting the Trip Odometer — Resets the trip odometer to 0000.00.

From the

Position

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Reset Trip

Confirm?

Yes or No

34 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

ENTERENTER

Present
Position
Coordinates

and Elevation

GPS Status

Data Fields

Current Time
and Date

Trip
Odometer

Use the Left/Right Arrows to toggle between Position 1 and Position 2

Data FieldsData Fields

Data Fields

Present Position CoordinatesPresent Position Coordinates

Present Position Coordinates

Present Position CoordinatesPresent Position Coordinates

and Elevationand Elevation

and Elevation

and Elevationand Elevation

Displays your present position in the

coordinate system chosen in Setup.

Also displays the elevation of the

present position. If the Meridian is

not computing position fixes, the

last computed position is displayed.

GPS StatusGPS Status

GPS Status

GPS StatusGPS Status

Provides information on the current

status of the GPS receiver portion of

the Meridian.

Data FieldsData Fields

Customizable data fields. The

data displayed can be selected

from 13 different options.

Customizing is accessed through

the MENU button. Some of the

data displayed requires you to be

moving to be computed, invalid

data is indicated by dashes.

Trip OdometerTrip Odometer

Trip Odometer

Trip OdometerTrip Odometer

The odometer performs like the

odometer in your car. It can be

reset through the MENU button.

Reference

Customizing the Data Fields — Allows you to change the data that is

being displayed to 1 of 13 data options (bearing, distance, speed,
heading, VMG, CTS, ETA, ETE, XTE, turn, elevation, time, or date)
for any of the two fields. (See explanation of Data Types in the Map
Screen section.)

35Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

From the

Position

Screen

MENU

Use arrows to

select new

data type

Highlight

Customize

ENTER

ENTER ENTER

Use arrows to

highlight the title

for the data field to

be changed

GPS Status Messages — Messages indicating the status of the GPS receiver

section of the Meridian are displayed on the Position screen.

Message Description

Searching - 1st sat Searching for 1st satellite.

Searching - 2nd sat 1st satellite found; searching for 2nd satellite

Searching - 3rd sat Two satellites are being tracked and searching

for a third.

Searching - 4th sat Three satellites are being tracked and

searching for the fourth.

Collecting Data All satellites needed for position fix are being

tracked and position is being computed.

Averaging Meridian is computing fixes; speed is near 0.0

so position is being averaged.

EPE xxft Estimated Position Error in feet. Meridian is

computing fixes while moving.

DGPS Computed fixes are being differentially

corrected.

Since the Meridian is a 12-channel receiver, once the first satellite is
found, finding the remaining satellites and computing a fix may take
only a few seconds.

Selecting Coordinate System, Map Datum and Elevation Mode —

Allows you to change the coordinate system, map datum and elevation
mode for the primary and secondary Position Screens. These functions
perform identically to the same functions described in the Setup section
of this manual. Simply described, you press [MENU] from either
Position screen, select the option, press [ENTER] and follow the
prompts.

36 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

The Road Screen provides you with navigation information in a
graphical format. At the top of the display are four customizable data
fields. Immediately below them is a compass that will provide you with
your heading. Following the compass is a graphical representation of
your route as if it was a road. This familiar indication of where you are
in regards to your planned route will provide you with the knowledge
required for you to keep on track.

Destination
Name

Customizable

Compass

Data Fields

Reference

Road

Destination NameDestination Name

Destination Name

Destination NameDestination Name

When you are navigating on a

GOTO or multileg route, the

name of the destination is placed

here. For multileg routes, the

name displayed is the name of

the destination for the leg of the

route you are presently navigating

on.

Data FieldsData Fields

Data Fields

Data FieldsData Fields

Customizable data fields. The

data displayed can be selected

from 13 different options.

Customizing is accessed through

the MENU button. Some of the

data displayed requires you to be

moving to be computed, invalid

data is indicated by dashes.

Scale Indicator

CompassCompass

Compass

CompassCompass

Displays your heading in a familiar

compass format.

RoadRoad

Road

RoadRoad

This graphically displays the route

(GOTO or other routes) that is

active. As you move left or right of

your intended track, the road will

move on the display indicating

which way you need to steer to get

back on track. Ideally, the road

would be centered on the display.

Also, you will see upcoming turns in

advance allowing you to make

necessary preparations.

Scale IndicatorScale Indicator

Scale Indicator

Scale IndicatorScale Indicator

Use Zoom In/Out to change the

scale.

37Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Customizing the Data Fields — Allows you to change the data that is

being displayed to 1 of 13 data options (bearing, distance, speed,
heading, VMG, CTS, ETA, ETE, XTE, turn, elevation, time, or date)
for any of the four fields. (See explanation of Data Types in the Map
Screen section.)

From the

Road

Screen

MENU

Use arrows to

select new

data type

Highlight

Customize

ENTER

Destination
Name

Compass

Destination NameDestination Name

Destination Name

Destination NameDestination Name

When you are navigating on a

GOTO or multileg route, the

name of the destination is

placed here. For multileg

routes, the name displayed is

the name of the destination for

the leg of the route you are

presently navigating on.

Use arrows to

highlight the title

for the data field to

be changed

ENTERENTER

Customizable
Data Fields

Data FieldsData Fields

Data Fields

Data FieldsData Fields

Customizable data fields. The data

displayed can be selected from 13

different options. Customizing is

accessed through the MENU button.

Some of the data displayed requires

you to be moving to be computed,

invalid data is indicated by dashes.

CompassCompass

Compass

CompassCompass

Displays your heading in a familiar

compass format.

38 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Customizing the Data Fields — Allows you to change the data that is

being displayed to 1 of 13 data options (bearing, distance, speed,
heading, VMG, CTS, ETA, ETE, XTE, turn, elevation, time, or date)
for any of the six fields. (See explanation of Data Types in the Map
Screen section.)

From the

Data

Screen

MENU

Use arrows to

select new

data type

Highlight

Customize

ENTER

Destination
Name

Speedometer

Destination NameDestination Name

Destination Name

Destination NameDestination Name
When you are navigating on a
GOTO or multileg route, the
name of the destination is
placed here. For multileg
routes, the name displayed is
the name of the destination for
the leg of the route you are
presently navigating on.

Data FieldsData Fields

Data Fields

Data FieldsData Fields
The data displayed can be
selected from 13 different
options. Customizing is

Use arrows to

highlight the title

for the data field to

be changed

ENTERENTER

Customizable
Data Fields

accessed through the MENU button.
Some of the data displayed requires
you to be moving to be computed,

invalid data is indicated by dashes.

SpeedometerSpeedometer

Speedometer

SpeedometerSpeedometer
Displays your speed using a familiar
speedometer display. The scale of
the speedometer is not adjustable
but will change dynamically to best
display your speed.

Trip OdometerTrip Odometer

Trip Odometer

Trip OdometerTrip Odometer

It can be reset using the MENU

button.

39Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Customizing the Data Fields — Allows you to change the data that is

being displayed to 1 of 13 data options (bearing, distance, speed,
heading, VMG, CTS, ETA, ETE, XTE, turn, elevation, time, or date)
for any of the four fields. (See explanation of Data Types in the Map
Screen section.)

MENU

From the

Speed

Screen

Use arrows to

select new

data type

Highlight

Customize

ENTER

Satellite
Position Graph

Satellite Signal
Strength Chart

Power
Source

Satellite Position GraphSatellite Position Graph

Satellite Position Graph

Satellite Position GraphSatellite Position Graph
The two circles indicate satellite
elevation as seen from your current
position; the outer circle represents
the horizon and the inner circle
represents 45° from the horizon.
The center of the circle is 90° from
the horizon, or directly overhead.

Satellite Signal Strength ChartSatellite Signal Strength Chart

Satellite Signal Strength Chart

Satellite Signal Strength ChartSatellite Signal Strength Chart
Clear bar indicates that the Meridian
is starting to get information from
the satellite. Satellites that are being
used to compute your position are
shown with solid bars. The height of
the bar indicates the relative signal
strength.

ENTER ENTER

Use arrows to

highlight the title

for the data field to

be changed

Position
Mode

Satellite
Position

WAAS Satellites

Battery Life
Indicator

Power SourcePower Source

Power Source

Power SourcePower Source
Indicates the source of power being
used — POWER (Internal Battery) or
POWER EXTERNAL.

Position ModePosition Mode

Position Mode

Position ModePosition Mode
3D - position computed is
3-dimensional (elevation is being
computed).
2D - position computed is
2-dimensional (elevation is not
being computed).
Blank - Meridian is not computing a
position fix.

Satellite PositionSatellite Position

Satellite Position

Satellite PositionSatellite Position
Where the satellite is located
relative to your position.

40 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Accessing Waypoints in the Database — All stored waypoints, whether

user-input or preloaded, can be found in the Waypoint Database. You
will need to access waypoints in the database whenever you are editing
waypoints, activating a GOTO route or creating a multileg route.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Use left/right

arrows to select

Highlight

Database

“Find By”

ENTER

ENTER

Use up/down

arrows to select

category

Selecting Waypoints from the Nearest List.

If Near Position, Near City or Near Cursor is
selected as the “Find By” option for the database
or if User was selected as the category, you will
be presented with a list of waypoints that you
can choose from. The information at the bottom
of the screen indicates the bearing and distance
to the highlighted waypoint from your present
position.

Use up/down

arrows to highlight

waypoint

ENTER

Selecting Waypoints from the Alphabetical List.

If Alphabetical is selected as the “Find By” option
for the database a slightly different screen from the
Nearest list is displayed. A keyboard is graphically
displayed allowing you to enter the name of the
waypoint or map object you are looking for. You
need not enter the entire name, just enough letters
to narrow the search down. (A minimum of four
characters is recommended.) Selecting “OK” and pressing enter brings
up a listing of the waypoints, starting with the one you entered at the
top.

Note: When selecting the User category, the Meridian does not use the
keyboard display.

41Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Selecting Waypoints Nearest to the Cursor. As discussed in the Map

Screen section, the Map Screen has two modes of operation, position
and cursor. If you are in the cursor mode you may want to know what
waypoints are near your cursor rather than the ones nearest to your
present position. You can do this by selecting the “Find By” option of
Near Cursor. You are then presented with a list of waypoints that are
close to the cursor for the category you selected.

After the list is presented, you can use the Up/Down arrows to highlight
a waypoint, and press ENTER to view information on it. When
highlighting a waypoint, the bearing and distance from the cursor to the
waypoint is displayed at the bottom of the list.

Note: The “Find By” option Near Cursor is only available when the
Map screen is in the Cursor Mode.

Saving Present Position as a Waypoint — Creates and stores your present

position into the memory of the Meridian. Stored waypoints can be
used in GOTO and route creation. While saving the waypoint, you can
edit the icon, name and add a message or you can just save the waypoint
using the default name supplied by the Meridian.

From

Any

Screen

Hold down

for 2-3

seconds

Modify

(see

Note)

ENTERGOTO

(Note: To modify the icon, name or message use the Up/Down arrows
to highlight the field you wish to change and press ENTER. You are
then placed into the Edit Mode. Using the method described in
“Getting Started” you can personalize the waypoint, making it easy to
remember what it is.)

42 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Creating New Waypoint Manually — Allows the creation of a new

waypoint with coordinates other than your present position. The
coordinates for the new position need to be entered manually.

Reference

From

Any

Screen

GOTO

Hold down

for 2-3

seconds

Edit Line 2 of

the Location

Field

Highlight

“Save”
Button

Highlight

Location

Field

ENTER

ENTER

ENTER ENTER

Edit

Elevation

Field

Edit Line 1 of

the Location

Field

ENTER

Modify

(see

Note)

(Note: To modify the icon, name or message use the Up/Down arrows
to highlight the field you wish to change and press ENTER. You are
then placed into the Edit Mode.)

Creating New Waypoint with Map Cursor — Provides a method of

creating a new waypoint with coordinates other than your present
position. The new coordinates are computed automatically based on the
location of the map cursor.

From

Map

Screen

Use arrow keys to

move cursor to

desired position

Hold down

for 2-3

seconds

Modify

(see

Note)

ENTERGOTO

(Note: To modify the icon, name or message use the Up/Down arrows
to highlight the field you wish to change and press ENTER. You are
then placed into the Edit Mode.)

Deleting a User Waypoint — Deletes a waypoint that you have created.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

ENTER

Confirm?

Yes or No

Highlight

Database

Select

Waypoint to

be Deleted

ENTER

MENU

ENTER

Highlight

Highlight

Delete

User

ENTER

left/right

arrows select

“Find By”

43Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Editing a User Waypoint — Allows you to edit a waypoint that you have

already stored in the Meridian’s memory.

From

Any

Screen

changes are complete

MENU

Repeat selecting and
editing fields until all

Highlight

Database

Select

Waypoint to

be Edited

ENTER

Select Field

Highlight

“Save”

button

to be
Edited

Highlight

User

ENTER

ENTERENTERENTER

left/right

arrows select

“Find By”

Edit
the

Field

An alternative method to entering the edit mode is after highlighting
the waypoint you wish to modify press MENU. Highlight Edit WPT
and press ENTER.

Viewing a Map Object on the Map — Displays on the Map the Map

Object you have selected.

Note: This function is for viewing map objects (cities, airports, etc.)
only. See Viewing User Waypoints on the Map for instructions on how
to perform this feature using User waypoints.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Database

Select

Database

Category

ENTERENTER

Select

Waypoint

from the list

ENTER

Viewing a User Waypoint on the Map — Locates and displays on the Map

the selected User Waypoint.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Waypoint

from the list

Select

Highlight

Database

Use U/D arrows

to highlight

“View” button

Highlight

User

ENTERENTER

44 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

ENTERENTER

Reference

Note: If the waypoint is used in a route you will get a warning that it is
in a route after selecting it from the list. This is because the screen that
you access the view button can also be used to edit the waypoint and it
may be undesirable to edit a waypoint that is being used in a route.

Also note that any edits you make to the waypoint are not saved when
you use the View button. You need to highlight the Save button and

press ENTER to record your changes.

Saving a Map Object as a User Waypoint — Saves a Map Object as a

waypoint to be stored in your User Waypoint List. You would do this
should you want to modify the object or if you wanted to use the object
as a waypoint in the Sun/Moon or Fish/Hunt functions.

Follow the instructions above for Viewing a Map Object on a Map. Press
and hold GOTO for 2-3 seconds. Edit any field of the waypoint that
you want and when you are done, highlight “Save” and press ENTER.

Searching for a Street Address — This option allows you to search an

uploaded map database for a specific street address. After finding the
address, you can save it as a waypoint (“Mark”) or view it on the Map
Screen.

NOTE: The option is available ONLY if you have uploaded one or more
detailed maps from the Magellan MapSend Streets CD-ROM.

From

any

Screen

MENU

Database

Highlight

Address

Use U/D

arrows to

highlight street

name

Use arrows to
enter address

number

Highlight

ENTER

ENTER

Use arrows to

enter street name

Use L/R

arrows to view

available

address range

ENTER

Use U/D

arrows to

highlight “Mark”

or “View”

Use arrows to

highlight an

uploaded map

region

ENTER

ENTER

ENTER

ENTER

ENTER

45Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Mark. If you select “Mark” and press ENTER, the Edit Waypoint
screen is displayed. You can now change any of the attributes for this
waypoint. Highlight “Save” and press ENTER to record this waypoint
into the memory of the Meridian.

View. Selecting “View” and pressing ENTER returns you to the Map
Screen in the Cursor Mode with the cursor on the address you entered.
From this point, you can create a waypoint by pressing and holding the
GOTO button.

Note: The address search has some limitations and is based upon the
map that was uploaded from the MapSend Streets software. While you
are entering the address you will notice that the available range is
displayed on the screen. Addresses entered must fall within that range.

Creating a GOTO Route — Creates and sets as the active route a 1-leg

route with your present position as the starting point and a destination
waypoint that you choose from the waypoint database.

From

Any

Screen

If a GOTO route

already exists, you will

be asked to clear it.

Select
Waypoint
from List

ENTER

Select

Waypoint

Category

Use left/right

arrows to select

“Find By”

ENTERGOTO

GOTO routes are not saved in memory. When you turn your Meridian
off and then back on, the GOTO route is gone. You need to create a
new GOTO route if you intend on completing the route.

Also note that when you are selecting the Waypoint Category you are
being instructed to select the “Find By”. You can select only those
waypoints in your general vicinity (Nearest) or all of the waypoints in

the category in alphabetical order (Alphabetical).

Creating a Backtrack Route — Creates a route using track information

stored in the Meridian to “retrace” your steps. A good example of using
a backtrack would be if you were out hiking or jogging with your
Meridian turned on and computing position fixes. After 30 minutes

46 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

you choose to return to where you started, following the same route you
just took. All you need do is follow the instructions below and let the
Meridian take you there.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Routes

Highlight

ENTER ENTER

Select

“Backtrack”

from Route List

ENTER

Activate Backtrk

Creating a Multileg Route — Provides the means to create a multileg route

that can be stored in memory.

Multileg routes are easily the most complicated function in the
Meridian, but once you can visualize what a multileg route (route) is, it
becomes very easy to understand and create. If you understand that a
GOTO is a 1-leg route with a starting point and a destination point,
then imagine a bunch of GOTO’s strung together where the destination
of one GOTO is the starting point for the next GOTO. That means if
you had three GOTO’s, one from “A” to “B”, another from “B” to “C”
and a third from “C” to “D” you could then put them together to make
one multileg route. In this example you would have a 3-leg route that
went from “A” to “B” to “C” to “D”.

B

A

Leg 1

Leg 2

D

Leg 3

C

These routes have an advantage over GOTO’s in that A) the starting
point does not have to be your present position, B) they are always in
memory and if activated they remain activated, even when you turn the
Meridian off and then back on, and C) they can be saved and used over
and over again.

(Note: these routes have been termed “multileg” in an effort to make
the understanding of them a little clearer, however you could create a
1-leg route and save it in the Meridian’s memory.)

47Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Step 1:
Select
starting
waypoint

Step 2:
Select leg
destination
waypoint

Highlight

Routes

ENTER

Select

Waypoint

from List

Use up/down arrows to move

highlight to next available leg in

the route. Indicated by dashes.

Select
Waypoint
Category

Select

Waypoint

from List

ENTER ENTER

Select

Waypoint

Category

ENTER

Use left/right

arrows to select

“Find By”

ENTER

Repeat Step 2 for all additional legs in the route.

Step 3:
Save the
route

Use up/down
arrows to highlight
“Save Route” button

Select an

“Empty”

Route

Use L/R arrows

to select

“Find By”

ENTER

ENTER

ENTER

ENTER

Sample Route List

Sample Route Create

(Bold route indicates “Active” route)

48 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Activating/Deactivating a Route — Enables the activating or deactivating

of a stored route. When a route is being used to navigate, it is termed to
be “active”. When you want to use a route to navigate with, follow these
steps to activate it.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Activate

or

Deactivate

Highlight

Routes

ENTER

ENTER

Select
Route

MENU

(Note: If the route is active, the Meridian will automatically display
“Deactivate Route” in the menu and inversely if the route is not active,
“Activate Route” will be displayed.)

Viewing a Route — Allows you to view the legs of a route using the same

screen that was used to create the route. Viewing a route can be used if
you just wanted to see the components of the route or as a precursor to
editing the route.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Map View

Highlight

Routes

ENTER

ENTER

Select
Route

MENU

Editing a Route — Enables you to modify an existing route by inserting a

leg, deleting a leg or replacing a leg. Follow the instructions above for
Viewing a Route and then use the instructions for inserting, deleting,
replacing or appending a leg as appropriate.

When you are done with editing the route, use the Up/Down arrows to
highlight the “Save Route” button and press ENTER.

49Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Inserting a Leg — Inserts a waypoint in the middle of an existing leg
thereby making two legs where there used to be one.

Select route to be edited.

See Instructions for

Viewing a Route

Highlight

Insert

Select

Waypoint

Highlight destination

waypoint for leg that will

have a leg inserted.

ENTER

ENTER

Select

Database

MENU

ENTER

In the example of a route that goes from “A” to “B” to “C” to “D”, if
you wanted to insert the waypoint “E” between “B” and “C” you would
highlight the waypoint “C” and follow the steps to insert waypoint “E”.

Your route would then be “A” to “B” to “E” to “C” to “D”.

Deleting a Leg — Deletes a leg from the route.

Select route to be edited.

See Instructions for

Viewing a Route

Highlight

Delete

Highlight destination

waypoint for leg that will

be deleted.

ENTER

MENU

Replacing a Leg — Replaces the destination of an existing leg with a
new destination.

Select route to be edited.

See Instructions for

Viewing a Route

Highlight

Replace

Select

Waypoint

Highlight destination

waypoint for leg that will

be replaced.

ENTER

ENTER

Select

Database

MENU

ENTER

50 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Appending a Leg — Adds a leg to the end of a route.

Reference

Select route to be edited.

See Instructions for

Viewing a Route

Select

Database

Highlight next available

leg. (Indicated by

dashes)

Select

Waypoint

ENTERENTER

ENTER

Appending a Newly Created Waypoint to a Route — Allows a newly

created waypoint to be appended to any route in memory.

Create a Waypoint by pressing the GOTO button.

Can be present position, user-generated position

or by using Map Cursor to locate position.

Edit/Modify

Waypoint as

desired.

Highlight

“Route”

Button

Select
Route

ENTERENTER

Reversing a Route — Allows any

route in memory to be reversed.
In the example used earlier of “A”
to “B” to “C” to “D”, if this
route were reversed it would end

B

A

C

E

up as “D” to “C” to “B” to “A”.

D

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Highlight

Routes

ENTER

ENTER

Select
Route

MENU

Reverse

Deleting a Route — Enables the deletion of any route in memory. Useful

when you want to add a new route but no “EMPTY” routes are
available.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Delete

Highlight

Routes

ENTER

ENTER

Select

Route

MENU

51Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Viewing a Route on the Map Screen — Provides you with a graphical

representation of the route selected on the Map screen.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Map View

Highlight

Routes

ENTER

ENTER

Select

Route

MENU

Creating a Route Using Track History — This enables you to

automatically create a multileg route using your track history. This route
will be saved to your route list with a naming convention of “T01P01 to
T01Pxx” where Pxx indicates the number of points in the route.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Routes

Highlight

Save Trk to Rte

ENTER

ENTER

MENU

Initializing the Meridian — Enables you to initialize the Meridian should

it be needed to speed up satellite acquisition. Two such instances would
be travelling over 500 miles with your Meridian turned off or complete
loss of memory.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Region

Input
Time

Highlight

Setup

ENTER

ENTER

Highlight

Area

Input

Date

ENTERENTER

Highlight

Initialize

Input

Elevation

(optional)

ENTERENTER

ENTER

52 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Tu rning NAV Screens On/Off — Allows you to turn off or on any of the

navigation screens you choose.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Sat Status

On/Off

Position

On/Off

Speed

On/Off

Highlight

Setup

ENTER

ENTER ENTER

Compass

On/Off

Road

On/Off

Highlight

Nav Screens

Large Font

On/Off

On/Off

Data

ENTERENTERENTER

ENTERENTERENTER

(Note: you must go through the entire sequence of nav screens for your
selections to be saved. As an example, if you turn the Sat Status screen
off and press ESC before confirming all of the nav screens, your
selection will not be saved and the Sat Status screen will still be on.)

Default: All On

Selecting the Coordinate System — Allows you to set the coordinate

system that will be used to display the position for the primary or
secondary position screen. Available coordinate systems are: Lat/Lon,
UTM, OSGB, Irish, Swiss, Swedish, Finnish, German, French, USNG,
MGRS, or User Grid.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Select Primary or

The coordinate system you select

Highlight

Setup

Secondary

ENTER

may require additional

information.

Highlight

Coord System

Select Coordinate

System

Default: Primary - Lat/Lon DEG.MIN.MMM

Secondary - UTM

ENTERENTER

ENTER

53Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Selecting a Map Datum — Allows you to set the datum used to compute

the coordinates to match the datum used on a map or chart. If you are
using a map or chart with your Meridian and the datums do not match,
you may find irregularities when comparing the coordinates.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Setup

Select Primary or

Secondary

ENTER

ENTER

Select

Datum

Highlight

Map Datum

ENTER

ENTER

Default: Primary - WGS84 Secondary - WGS84

Selecting the Elevation Mode — Allows you to select the elevation mode

used by the Meridian. You may choose between 3D (uses satellite
information to compute elevation) or 2D (displays a fixed elevation
based upon the elevation entered).

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Select

3D or 2D

Highlight

Setup

ENTER

Highlight

Elev Mode

ENTERENTER

Default: 3D

Selecting the Time Format — Enables you to choose from three different

time formats: Local 24 Hr (military time), Local AM/PM or UTC.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Select

Format

Highlight

Setup

ENTER

If Local time is selected (24 hr. or

Highlight

Time Format

AM/PM) you will be prompted to enter

your local time.

ENTERENTER

Default: Local AM/PM

54 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Selecting NAV Units — Allows you to select the units of measure that will

be used when displaying navigational data. Options are: Miles/MPH,
NM/Knots or KM/KPH.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Select

Nav Units

Highlight

Setup

ENTER

ENTER

Highlight

Nav Units

ENTER

Default: Miles/MPH

Selecting the North Reference — Allows the selection of whether the

Meridian uses True North, Magnetic North, Military True or Military
Magnetic as its North reference.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Select

North

Reference

Highlight

Setup

ENTER

Highlight

North Reference

ENTERENTER

Default: Magnetic

Setting the Backlight Timer — Allows you to set the time interval that

will be used to turn off the display backlight when not in use. Times
available are: 30 seconds, 1 Minute, 2 Minutes, 4 Minutes, 10 Minutes
or Timer Off.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Select
Timer

Duration

Highlight

Default: 4 Minutes

Setup

ENTER

Highlight

Light Timer

ENTERENTER

55Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Tu rning the Beeper On/Off — Allows you to select which actions will

cause the beeper to sound. You can choose from Off, Keys Only
(pressing a key causes a beep), Alarms Only (when an alarm is activated)
or Keys & Alarms.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Select

Beeper

Options

Highlight

Setup

ENTER

Highlight

Beeper

ENTERENTER

Default: Keys & Alarms

Selecting NMEA Message — Allows the selection of the NMEA message

that will be output from the Meridian. Choices are Off, V1.5 APA,
V1.5 XTE or V2.1 GSA. Your choice will be dependent upon what
message the device you are connecting to needs to receive.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Select
NMEA

Message

Highlight

Setup

ENTER

Highlight

NMEA

ENTERENTER

Default: Off

Selecting the Baud Rate — Enables you to set the baud rate of the data

being sent out from the Meridian’s output port. The baud rate sent out
must match the baud rate that the receiving device is set for. You can
choose from 1200 baud, 4800 baud, 9600 baud, 19200 baud, 57600
baud or 115200 baud.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Select

Baud

Rate

Highlight

Setup

ENTER

ENTER

Highlight

Baud Rate

ENTER

Default: 4800 Baud

56 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

All of the Clear functions operate in the same way. The instructions shown
apply to all of the Clear options except Clearing All.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Menu Choice

Highlight

Highlight

Setup

Confirm?

Yes/No

Highlight

Clear Memory

ENTERENTER

ENTERENTER

Clearing Track History — This will clear the track history that is displayed

on the Map screen from memory.

Clearing Wpts/Routes — This will clear all waypoints and routes from the

Meridian’s memory.

Clearing all Routes — This clears all routes from the Meridian’s memory.

Resetting Meridian to Factory Defaults — Allows you to reset all of the

Setup choices to the factory defaults.

Clearing All Memory in the Meridian — This clears all memory from the

Meridian. After completing these instructions, the Meridian will shut
off. The next time it is turned on, it will prompt you that it needs to be
initialized.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Setup

Highlight

Clear Memory

ENTERENTER

Highlight

All

Confirm?

Yes/No

ENTERENTER

Meridian

will shut

off

57Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

You can select from one of nine languages (English, French, German,
Swedish, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese or Finnish) to be used by the
Meridian.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Select

desired

language

Highlight

Setup

Highlight

Languages

ENTER

ENTERENTER

TIP: If you change the language setting in the Meridian just to see
what it looks like and need to get back to the Language Select screen,
follow these instructions. Press NAV until the MAP screen is displayed
and press MENU. Select the seventh item in the list and press ENTER.
Press the Up Arrow once and press ENTER. You are back at the
Language Select screen.

Accessing the Sun/Moon Screen — The Sun/Moon screen displays the

sunrise time, sunset time and lunar phase for any waypoint you have
stored in the User category in the waypoint database. All times
displayed are local times to your present position.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Sun/Moon

ENTER

Changing the Sun/Moon Date — Allows you to change the date for the

sun/moon information for the position selected.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Use arrows to

change date

Highlight

Sun/Moon

ENTER

Highlight

Date Field

58 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

ENTERENTER

Reference

Changing the Sun/Moon Position — Allows you to change the position

that you want to view the sun/moon information for. The default is
“Position” which is your present position.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Sun/Moon

Use left/right

arrows to select

“Find By”

Highlight

Highlight
Waypoint

Highlight

At Field

ENTERENTER

ENTERENTER

Accessing the Fish/Hunt Screen — The Fish/Hunt screen displays the best

times for fishing or hunting for the position you choose from your User
waypoints.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Fish/Hunt

ENTER

Changing the Fish/Hunt Date — Allows you to change the date for the

fishing/hunting information for the position selected.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Fish/Hunt

Highlight

Date Field

ENTERENTER

Use arrows to

change date

ENTER

Changing the Fish/Hunt Position — Allows you to change the position

that you want to view the fishing/hunting times for. The default is
“Position” which is your present position.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Fish/Hunt

Use left/right

arrows to select

“Find By”

Highlight

ENTER ENTER

Highlight
Waypoint

Highlight

At Field

ENTERENTER

59Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

All of the Alarm options are set in the same way. The instructions below
apply to all of the Alarm settings. When the beeper is turned on for alarms
(see Setup - Turning the Beeper On/Off) an audible beep will be sounded
for the alarm. A visual alert is displayed for the alarm whether the beeper is
turned on or off.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Select
Alarm

Distance

Highlight

Alarms/Msg

ENTER

Highlight

Alarm

Field

ENTERENTER

Setting the Arrival Alarm — The arrival alarm alerts you that you have

arrived at the destination of your GOTO or to the destination of any
leg in a route you are navigating on. This option allows you to set the
distance from the destination that the alarm will begin to sound.

Setting the Anchor Alarm — The anchor alarm will sound when you have

drifted from your anchor point at a distance you set. An example of its
use would be as you set anchor you turn on the anchor alarm to beep at
a given distance. With the Meridian still operating and computing fixes
you can then go fishing or other activities knowing that if you drift more
than the distance you selected, the Meridian will alert you.

Note: DoD applied Selective Availability errors can considerably impact the
accuracy of the drift distance.

Setting the XTE Alarm — XTE or cross track errors happen when you are

off course for the route you are navigating on. The distance set in the
alarm is the distance left or right of the heading you are supposed to be
travelling on.

Setting the GPS Fix Alarm — This turns on or off the alarm that can

sound whenever the Meridian has lost its ability to compute position
fixes due to loss of signal from the satellites. This is handy in that it
alerts you that you may need to move to an area that has a clearer view
of the sky.

60 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

Tu rning on the Simulator - Auto Mode — This turns the simulator on
and uses a predefined heading and speed rate.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Auto

Highlight

Setup

ENTER ENTER

Confirm

Clearing of

Trac k

Highlight

Simulate

ENTERENTER

Tu rning on the Simulator - User Mode — This turns the simulator on and
uses a heading and speed rate that you define.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

User

Highlight

Setup

Enter Heading

and Speed

Data

Highlight

Simulate

Confirm

Clearing of

Trac k

ENTERENTER

ENTERENTERENTER

Tu rning the Simulator Off — Turns the simulator off and returns the
Meridian to normal operation.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

Setup

Highlight

Simulate

ENTERENTER

Highlight

Off

ENTER

61Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Reference

About... Screen

The About... screen displays the current status of your Meridian. Using the
About... screen you can tell what the version of the software is, the version and
memory size of the base map, the number of and total memory size of detailed
maps you may have installed using MapSend Streets™, and how much free
memory is available.

From

Any

Screen

MENU

Highlight

About

ENTER

Help Screen

You can view help tips for Nav Screens, Map, Routes, Setup, Database, User
Waypoints and Misc Topics. Each topic has a number of tips available that can
be viewed.

From

Screen

MENU

Any

Use the “Next” and “Prev” buttons to scroll the

Highlight

Help

Meridian Help Files.

ENTER

Select

Topic

62 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is the difference between degrees/minutes/seconds (DEG/MIN/SEC)
and degrees/minutes/minutes (DEG/MIN/MMM or DEG/MIN/MM)?

There are different ways in expressing the coordinates computed
using Lat/Lon coordinate system. With DEG/MIN/SEC the
final set of numbers (SEC) is expressed as 0-59 while DEG/
MIN/MM expresses the same value as 0-99 and DEG/MIN/
MMM is from 0-999. It would be the same as if you had one
clock that expressed time as hour/minutes/seconds and another
clock that expressed the same time as hours/minutes/decimals.
The accuracy for any of the three is the same. Which you
choose is dependent upon your preference or any chart you are
using at the same time. (You should always make sure that your
Meridian is setup to be the same as any map or chart you may be
using.)

What is 2D vs. 3D?

The difference is primarily how many satellites are used to
compute the position fix and how elevation is computed. In 2D
(two-dimensional) only three satellites are needed for a position
fix and elevation is not computed. Any elevation displayed by
the Meridian during 2D operation is the elevation you entered.
In 3D (three-dimensional), a minimum of four satellites are
needed to compute the position and at the same time, elevation
is computed by the Meridian.

When the time changes for daylight savings time will the time, in the
Meridian change automatically?

No. The time transmitted by the satellites atomic clock are UTC
(Universal Time Coordinated) and provides no correction for
daylight savings. When daylight savings time changes (or when
you move to a new time zone), you need to go into Setup —

Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver 63

Frequently Asked Questions

Time Format and re-select the time format you are using unless
you are using UTC. After selecting the format you will be given
the opportunity to change the time.

How long can I expect my Meridian to run on a fresh set of batteries?

Under normal operating conditions you should get up to 14
hours of use while the display backlight is turned off. This
duration will drop significantly if you use the display backlight.

How often do I need to initialize the Meridian?

Initializing the Meridian decreases the time it takes to get a
position fix during cold start. What is meant by a cold start is
that the Meridian has no reference to use as a guide to tell it
what satellites should be overhead. Without a reference to start
with, the Meridian will have to “search the sky” trying to find
any satellite that may be in “view.” This takes time and can
increase the time it takes to get its first position fix. (Can take
10 minutes in severe conditions.)

So where does this reference come from? Under normal
operating conditions, the last position fix computed before the
Meridian was turned off is stored into memory and will be used
as the reference the next time the Meridian is turned on.
However, if you cleared the memory (see Clearing Memory - All
in the Reference Chapter) this stored reference point is removed
from memory and you probably will want to initialize the
receiver again. Also, if you travel with your Meridian for more
than 500 miles with it turned off, it will still have the reference
point but it may be too inaccurate to be useful and again, you
may want to initialize the Meridian.

Waypoints/Database

What waypoints come preloaded on my Meridian’s database?

The Database contains cities, highways, airports, waterways and
national parks.

64 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Can I delete preloaded waypoints that I don’t use?

No. Waypoints that are preloaded into the Meridian will always
be available, even when all of the Meridian’s memory has been
cleared.

Navigation Screens

Why does my compass not point in the right direction?

The Meridian computes direction by comparing your present
position to the last position taken, it requires that you be moving
to compute your compass heading. Furthermore, to eliminate
error, you must be moving at a minimum of 2.0 mph. The
exception is the Meridian Platinum, which has an electronic
compass which will compute the compass heading below 2.0
mph. This includes computing your compass heading while you
are standing still.

Routes

What is a backtrack route?

A backtrack route allows you to “retrace” your steps. As you are
moving, the Meridian automatically creates and stores hidden
waypoints into memory. These waypoints are the ones that the
Meridian will use to retrace your steps. When you create a
backtrack route, the Meridian converts these hidden waypoints
into User Waypoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which route is active?

Access the route menu by pressing the MENU button and select
the option Routes. The route menu lists all of the routes in
memory with the active route displayed in bold characters.

Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver 65

Frequently Asked Questions

Alarms

Why does my Meridian not make an audible beep when I have an alarm
active?

Check your setup settings for the Beeper. If the selection is Off
or Keys Only, the beeper will not sound for alarms.

Output Data

What is NMEA?

NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) is the
standard used for interfacing marine electronic devices. This
standard has also been adapted for use in a variety of third-party
mapping software programs.

What are the NMEA message strings?

The Meridian supports version 1.5 and 2.1 of the NMEA 0183
standard.

Additional information on NMEA can be found at on the
internet at www.nmea.org, where you can purchase the NMEA
Interface Standards. Another excellent source for NMEA
standards is a FAQ sheet that is published on the internet by
Peter Bennett at vancouver-webpages.com/peter/nmeafaq.txt.

My GPS is not communicating with my computer. What can I do?

Check your baud rate and check the baud rate that your software
is using. If they don’t match, change either the software’s or the
Meridian’s baud rate (See Setup - Changing the Baud Rate.)

Can I interface my Meridian with a Macintosh computer?

Magellan does not supply cabling or software for the Macintosh
line of computers. For information on a cable or software that
may meet your requirements, visit GPSy at www.gpsy.com on
the internet.

66 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Receiver will not turn on:

1. Check to see if batteries are installed correctly.

2. Replace with two new AA alkaline batteries.

Takes more than 10 minutes to get a position fix:

1. If there are any obstacles nearby or overhead, move to a new location.

2. Make sure that the antenna is pointing up, has a clear view of the sky and
is a reasonable distance away from your body.

3. Check Satellite Status screen to see where the satellites are and if the
receiver is acquiring data.

4. If the receiver still does not get a position fix within 10 minutes, you may
wish to repeat the initialization procedure.

Receiver turns off unexpectedly

This is commonly is caused by excessive static electicity. Turn the receiver
back on and it should operate normally. Move the receiver to a new
location to avoid a similar occurrence.

Battery life seems shorter than it should be:

1. Make sure that you are using two AA alkaline batteries.

2. Shorter life span of the batteries can be due to excessive use of the
backlight. Tu rn the backlight off when not needed.

Position coordinates on your receiver do not match the location on your map.

1. Make sure that your receiver is set up to use the same datum as your map.
The map datum is generally shown in the map legend. See Setup -
Changing the Map Datum under Reference for instructions on selecting the
map datum in your receiver.

2. Check your LAT/LON format. Make sure that the format selected in
COORDINATE SYSTEM (DEG/MIN/SEC or DEG/MIN.MM) is in
the same format as the map you are using.

Position on map is not exactly on the road.

It could be caused by distance shifts to the map.

Use map data for reference and do not rely completely on it.

Data was not saved or was corrupted.

This can be caused because you removed the batteries or removed external
power with the Meridian turned on.

Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver 67

Appendix

These is a list of the icons and their designator that can be assigned to a waypoint
while marking a position or editing a waypoint.

Default

Box

House

Aerial

Airport

Amusement

ATM

Auto Repair

Boating

Camping

Exit Ramp

First Aid

Fixed Nav Aid

Floating Buoy

Fuel

Garden

Golf

Hotel

Hunt/Fish

Large City

Lighthouse

Major City

Marina

Medium City

Museum

Obstruction

Park

Resort

Restaurant

Rock

Scuba

RV Service

Shooting

Sight Seeing

Small City

Sounding

Sports Arena

Tourist Info

Tr uck Service

Winery

Wreck

Zoo

68 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Appendix

If after using the troubleshooting section, you are still unable to solve your

operation problems, please call Magellan’s Technical Service at [phone].

Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7 AM to
5 PM, PST. Faxes can be sent to Customer Service at [phone].

If necessary, you can also return your receiver to Magellan for repair. Before
returning the receiver you must get a Return Materials Authorization (RMA)
from Magellan. To get an RMA, contact a Magellan Technical Service Represen­tative at [phone] or you can send an email explaining your reasons to
[e-mail]. After receiving the RMA number, ship the receiver by
Parcel Post or UPS. Include a description of the problem, your name, address, a
copy of your sales receipt and print clearly on the outside of the package the
RMA number assigned. If your return ship address is different, please indicate.

With all correspondence, please state the model of your receiver and if calling,
please have your receiver with you.

Packages should be sent to:

Thales Navigation

Magellan GPS

960 Overland Court

San Dimas, CA 91773

ATTN: Warranty/Repair

Additional information regarding software updates to your Meridian can be
found in the Product Support section of the Magellan web site
(www.magellangps.com).

Customers outside of the United States should contact the
Magellan distributor for your country. A complete listing of
Magellan distributors has been supplied with your Meridian.

Magellan™ is a trademark of Thales Navigation.

Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver 69

Appendix

CHARACTERISTICS

Performance

Receiver 12 parallel-channel technology, tracks up to 12 satellites

Acquisition Times (under optimal conditions):

Accuracy

Position 7 meters, 95% 2D RMS

Velocity 0.1 knot RMS steady state

Limits:

Speed 951 mph

Altitude 17,500 meters

to compute and update information with quadrifilar
antenna

Warm approximately 15 seconds
Cold approximately 1 minute
Update Rate 1 second continuous

w/WAAS <3 meters, 95% 2D RMS

Physical:

Size 6.5” x 2.9” x 1.2” [h] x [w] x [d]

16.5 cm x 7.4 cm x 3.05 cm

Weight 8 ounces (227 grams) with 2 AA batteries installed

Display 2.2” x 1.75” [h] x [w]

5.59 cm x 4.44 cm
high contrast LCD with EL backlit display

Housing Weatherproof construction, wraparound rubber armor

Temp. Range

Operating 14˚F to 140˚F to (-10˚C to 60˚C)
Storage -4˚F to 158˚F (-20˚C to 70˚C)

Power:

Source 2 AA alkaline batteries or 9-35 VDC with power cable

Battery Life Up to 14 hours

70 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Appendix

Accessories for your receiver are available from your Magellan dealer or you can
order directly from Magellan at [phone] (press 3 to place an order).

Swivel Mounting Bracket: Mounts the receiver on a surface, allowing for hands­free operation.

Vehicle Mounting Bracket: Full swivel and tilt for easy viewing in any vehicle.

Bike Mounting Bracket: Mounts the receiver on the handlebars of a bicycle,

motorcycle or off-road vehicle.

Carrying Case: The carrying case provides a way of carrying the Meridian on
your belt while at the same time protecting it from the elements.

Power/Data Cable (Bare Wires): Allows you to connect your receiver to external
power and data.

PC Interface Cable with Cigarette Lighter Adapter: Connects your receiver to
your PC for data transfer and to a cigarette lighter for external power.

External Power Cable with Cigarette Lighter Adapter: Allows you to connect
the receiver to a cigarette lighter for external power.

PC Cable: Allows you to connect the Meridian to a PC.

MapSend™ Streets and Destinations: This CD-ROM allows you to upload

detailed street maps as well as extensive sets of POI’s to your Meridian receiver.

MapSend™ Topo for the United States: This CD-ROM allows you to upload
detailed street maps, topographic data as well as POI’s to your Meridian receiver.
(Available only with United States topographic information.)

Secure Digital (SD) Memory Cards: Available in 8, 16, 32 or 64 MB configu­rations. Increased the amount of additional map data that can be uploaded to
the Meridian receiver.

Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver 71

Appendix

The MapSend Streets CD allows you to load detailed street maps into your
Meridian. The maps supplied on the MapSend Streets CD contain full street
detail of US or European cities.

Features

•Enables you to load street maps
for any region in the United States
or Europe into the Merdian.

• Allows you to cut any rectangular
map region you choose to load
into the receiver. Maps are not
pre-cut to counties or other

•Creation, management and
upload/download of waypoints
and routes.

• Allows straight line distance
computation on the map.

•Search for map objects (such as
cities, lakes, etc.) by name.

boundaries.

Minimum Requirements

• IBM PC AT-486 or compatible

• 32 MB RAM

•VGA Video Card

• 60 MB Hard Drive Space

• 8x CD-ROM drive

• MS Windows 95/98/NT 4.0 (or
higher)

72 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Recommended Requirements

• IBM PC AT-Pentium/300 or
compatible

• 64 MB RAM

•True Color Video with 800x600
resolution

• 60 MB Hard Drive Space

• 32x CD-ROM drive

• MS Windows 95/98/NT 4.0 (or
higher)

Appendix

The Magellan Secure Digital (SD) Memory Cards can be added to any of the
Meridian line of GPS receivers through the battery compartment. Magellan
offers the memory cards in 8, 16, 32 and 64 MB configurations. The addition of
the memory card to your Meridian will increase the amount of data that can be
uploaded to the Meridian from any of the Magellan MapSend CD-ROM
products.

To Add or Remove the memory card:

1. Turn the Meridian off.

2. Remove the battery door.

3. Remove both of the AA batteries.

4. To remove the card, push the card slightly towards the top of the
Meridian. You will feel a slight click which is the locking mechanism
disconnecting and then you will feel the memory card pushing
against your finger. Allow the memory card to slide back towards the
battery compartment. Now carefully continue to slide the memory
card out of the channel it’s in and lift it out.

5. To install the card, hold it with two fingers with the label facing you.
Place the top of the memory card in the channel provided in the
battery compartment. Carefully push the memory card towards the
top of the Meridian receiver until you feel it lock into place. Do not
force the memory card. Forcing the memory card could cause
damage to the card and/or the Meridian receiver.

6. Reinstall the batteries into the battery compartment. Be sure to
observe the proper polarity.

7. Replace the battery compartment door.

8. Turn on the Meridian GPS receiver.

Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver 73

Appendix

Available as accessories for your GPS receiver are the following cables: External
Power Cable with Cigarette Lighter Adapter, Power/Data Cable, Data Cable and
PC Cable with Cigarette Lighter Adapter. The instructions given below apply to
all cables, unless otherwise stated.

The cable can be connected to the receiver two different ways:

Connecting with the Meridian

mounted to the Mounting
Cradle. Place Meridian in the

cradle, bottom end first. Snap
the Meridian down until the
release latch locks it in place.
Attach the cable through the
opening in the back of the
mounting cradle. It is not
necessary to tighten the captive
screw to the receiver, although
you may do so for added security.

Connecting directly to the Meridian.

Using the captive screw that is attached to
the plug, tighten into the back of the
receiver.

74 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Appendix

Connecting to an External Power Source

If using the cable that comes with the cigarette lighter adapter, simply connect it
to the cigarette lighter outlet. If you wish to make a permanent mount to a
power supply, cut the cable between the power supply box and the cigarette
lighter adapter. Attach the red (+) and black (-) wires to your external power
source. The input voltage range for external power is 9-16 VDC.

Caution: Do not bypass the power supply box or you will damage your unit
and void the warranty.

Power Plug

Cut Here

Power Supply Box

9-pin Connector

Cigarette Lighter Adapter

Connecting to a Data Source

Data Connection Pinout (PC and Data cables only)

This is the pinout looking into the 9-pin female connector

Pin 2: Data Out
Pin 3: Data In
Pin 5: Ground

5

9

1

6

Cable Wiring Color Code

Power Red: Power +

Black: GND

Data (Power/Data, PC cable & Data cable only)

Yellow: Data In
Orange: Data Out
Black: GND

Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver 75

Appendix

Your Magellan GPS receiver has been upgraded to include the latest WAAS
(Wide Area Augmentation System) technology. With WAAS your GPS receiver
can compute position locations with an accuracy never before possible in a
commercial receiver.

What is WAAS? WAAS is a means of improving the accuracy of GPS beyond the
standard civilian signal. WAAS was developed by the FAA to provide the
accuracy needed for aircraft to perform approaches for landings. WAAS improves
the accuracy of GPS by calculating the errors in the GPS signal at several
monitoring stations around the country and then transmitting the error correc­tions to special WAAS satellites. In turn, these satellites broadcast the error
corrections to WAAS-capable GPS receivers around the world.

WAAS is a free service and, with the small exception of two additional satellites
displayed on the Satellite Status screen, it will be transparent to you. There is
nothing you need do, it’s all ready to go.

How accurate will my GPS receiver be with WAAS? The FAA reports that
expected accuracy can be improved to around 7 meters vertically and horizon­tally. Our own testing suggests that Magellan GPS receivers will typically
experience accuracy improvements to around 3 meters. You can expect to see this
level of accuracy for 95% of the time that you are receiving WAAS signals.

What are some of the problems with WAAS? The signal coverage with WAAS
is not global like GPS satellites. In some locations, receiving WAAS signals can
be difficult and intermittent. There are two satellites transmitting WAAS for
corrections in the Americas and two more over Africa and India providing similar
coverage for Europe. These satellites are geostationary, i.e., they stay in the same
spot over the Earth equator. The two satellites for the Americas are over the
Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Chances are then, they will probably be near the
horizon from where you are using your GPS receiver. This increases the chance
that buildings, foliage, terrain and other obstacles could block the WAAS signal.

Also WAAS is a relatively new system and is still in its developmental stage. So
on occasion you may experience service outages. Even during these outages, your
GPS receiver will still be working, computing position fixes and helping you get
to where you want to go using the GPS signals. The only difference is you will
not be getting the precision that WAAS was providing. You can expect to see
these outages diminish as the system matures and stabilizes.

For more information on WAAS, you can visit the FAA website’s section on their
WAAS system: http://gps.faa.gov/programs/WAAS/waas.htm

76 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Appendix

Active Leg The segment of a route currently being traveled.

Altitude The current elevation above sea level.

BRG Bearing. The compass direction from your position

to a destination, measured to the nearest degree.

Buoy A navigation aid (usually found in marine charts) that

is floating in water. The position can vary due
to the magnitude and direction of the current.

COG Course Over Ground. The direction the receiver is

moving. COG can be reported in true or magnetic
north values.

Coordinates A unique numeric or alphanumeric description of the

position.

CTS Course to Steer. The direction you should be traveling

in order to return to the course while proceeding
towards the destination. It is a “compromise” course
bearing that projects from your current position to a
point on the courseline midway between a point
perpendicular to your position and the current leg
destination waypoint.

Datum Refers to the theoretical mathematical model of the

earth’s sea level surface. Map makers may use a
different model to chart their maps, so position
coordinates will differ from one datum to another. The
datum for the map you are using can be found in the
legend of the map. If you are unsure of which datum
to use, use WGS84.

Default The value or setting automatically chosen by the unit

unless otherwise directed. Can be changed in Setup.

DST Distance. Distance from position to destination.

ETA Estimated Time of Arrival. The estimated time of

day the leg’s destination waypoint will be reached.

Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver 77

Appendix

ETE Estimated Time Enroute. The estimated time

remaining to reach the next waypoint in a route.

HDG Heading. The direction you are facing, defined as an

angle from North.

Latitude The angular distance north or south of the equator

measured by lines encircling the earth parallel to the

equator from 0˚ to 90˚.

LAT/LON Coordinate system using latitude and longitude

coordinates to define a position on the earth.

Leg (Route) A segment of a route that has a starting (FROM)

waypoint and a destination (TO) waypoint. A route

may consist of 1 or more legs. A route that is from

waypoint A to waypoint B to waypoint C to waypoint

D has three legs with the first being from waypoint A

to waypoint B.

Longitude The angular distance east or west of the prime

meridian (Greenwich Meridian) as measured by lines

perpendicular to the parallels and converging at the

poles from 0˚ to 180˚.

Magnetic North The direction relative to a magnetic compass.

NMEA National Marine Electronics Association. A profes-

sional organization that defines and maintains the

standard serial format used by marine electronic

navigation equipment and computer interfaces.

OSGB A coordinate system describing only Great Britain,

similar to UTMs. Used with GRB36 datum.

Position fix Position coordinates as computed by the Meridian.

SOG Speed Over Ground. The speed at which the receiver

is moving.

TMP Temperature.

78 Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver

Appendix

True North The direction to North Pole from an observer’s

position. The north direction on any geographical

meridian.

UTC Universal Time Coordinated. Formerly referred to as

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

UTM Universal Transverse Mercator metric grid system

used on most large and intermediate scale land

topographic charts and maps.

VMG Velocity Made Good. The component of the velocity

that is in the direction of the destination.

WPT Waypoint. A location saved in the receiver’s memory

which is obtained by entering data, editing data,

calculating data or saving a current position. Used to

create routes.

XTE Cross Track Error. The perpendicular distance

between the present position and the courseline.

Given as a distance, right or left, of course when

facing the destination.

Magellan Meridian GPS Receiver 79