Apollo GX 55 User manual

Apollo GX 50/55
SAR Functions
Bob Wolin, Lt. Col. CAP
Sugar Land Composite
Squadron
This presentation is based
on materials from
Nighthawk Composite
Squadron - TX-413
Denton, Texas

Introduction
• Introduce the basics of the GX50/55 GPS
in CAP SAR operations
• This presentation is not designed to
replace hands on instruction and practice
or the owners manual
• Always use the Quick Reference Guide for
assistance until you are proficient using
the SAR functions on the GPS

Introduction
• Simulator is available for download from
the Garmin website
http://www8.garmin.com/include/gxsimulat
or/SimulatorPopupGX.html
• Be sure that you have the SAR function
checked under the options menu before
you turn the simulator on

The GX 50
Soft smart keys
On / Off
Large
outer
knob Small inner knob
Hard keys
Data card
Moving map

The GX 50
Terminology
“Chapters” selected by the buttons
“Pages” viewed by scrolling with the large and small
knobs

Activating SAR Functionality
• Press the MAP hard key to reach the map
functions
• Turn the large outer knob counter-
clockwise to go to Map Setup page
• Turn the large outer and small inner knobs
to set the following parameters:
– Set route = Yes
– Set orientation = Track
– Set Reference = Plane

Activating SAR Functionality
• Turn the smaller inner knob counter-clockwise to go to
Map Setup page
• Press SEL hardkey to activate the flashing cursor
• Turn the large outer and small inner knobs to set the
following parameters:
– SAR Map = On
– Grid Type
•US for 7.5 min grid
•Basic for 15 min grid
– Position –
• Generally HOU (in this area) for 7.5 min grid;
•NW for entire US with 15 min grid
• Press Enter

For 15 Minute Grids
• Turn smaller inner knob one click clockwise to
get SAR Position set up page (for 15 min Basic
grid only)
• Press SEL (for 15 min Basic grid only)
• Use larger outer knob and smaller inner knob to
set following parameters (for 15 min Basic grid
only):
– Latitude: ”20” Covers most all of Tx; 20 deg to 29
deg Latitude
– Longitude: “80” Covers most all of Tx; 80 deg to 89
deg Longitude
• Press ENTER (for 15 min Basic grid only)

SAR Setup
• For Parallel Searches using the Cell or
LAT/LONG grid system –
– set GRID TYPE to BASIC
– set POSITION to NW which covers all of the US

SAR Setup
• For Parallel Searches using the CAP Grid
System set GRID TYPE to US and
POSITION to:
– GSW for the DFW area
– SAT for San Antonio area
– ELP for El Paso area
–HOU for Houston area

SAR Setup – Grid Options
The above grid is seen on the moving map in
Grid 1 format while in the US (CAP) system

SAR Setup – Grid Options
The above grid is seen on the moving map in
Grid 2 format while in the US (CAP) system

SAR Setup – Grid Options
The above grid is seen on the moving map in
Grid 3 format while in the US (CAP) system

SAR Setup – Grid Options
The above grid is seen on the moving map in
Grid 4 format while in the US (CAP) system

SAR Setup
Set Route Line to YES Set Map Orientation to TRACK
(Track Up)

SAR MAP
GRD controls grid line display
MRK is used to mark a SAR position
PAT is used to select a search pattern

Marking a SAR Find or
Waypoint
While in the SAR screen press the MRK soft key

Marking a Find or SAR Waypoint
• A screen showing your current position will appear and it
will ask you to name this SAR Waypoint
• Follow the same procedures as you would to name any
other waypoint - Inner Knob to change, Outer Knob to
move cursor, Enter to accept
• Write down the SAR # and Lat / Lon on your log before
you leave this screen. You want to be sure that you have
an accurate record of all possible finds!

Marking a SAR Find or
Waypoint
SAR Waypoints do not show up on the
SAR Map Screen when grids are
displayed.
To see the SAR waypoint on the map, you
must either turn off the grid display or turn
the Outer Knob to one of the other Map
Screens.
Also note that the USR Soft
Key has to be on to see user
waypoints.
The USR Soft Key is found on
page #2 of the Wide Screen or
Split Screen Maps

SAR Functions
• The GX 50 SAR module helps automate
the flying of four search patterns
– Route Search with offset
– Creeping Line Search
– Expanding Square Search
– Parallel or Grid Search