Brunton Atlas MNS User manual

ATLASMNS™
Handheld Mapping GPS Receiver
Operation Instructions
Copyright © 2005 Brunton
All rights reserved.

No part of this manual may be copied, reproduced, republished,
transmitted or distributed for any purpose, without prior written consent of
Brunton. Any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual is
strictly prohibited.
Atlas™and Brunton®are registered trademarks of Brunton MapCreate™,
FreedomMaps™and IMS™are trademarks of LEI. Fishing Hot Spots®is a
registered trademark of Fishing Hot Spots Inc. Navionics®is a registered
trademark of Navionics, Inc. DURACELL®is a registered trademark of
Duracell, Inc. RAYOVAC®is a registered trademark of Rayovac
Corporation. Energizer®and e2®are registered trademarks of Energizer
Holdings, Inc.
Points of Interest Data in this unit are by infoUSA, copyright
©2001-2004, All Rights Reserved. infoUSA is a trademark
of infoUSA, Inc.
eXitSource Database, copyright ©2001-2003 Zenrin Co. Ltd.
Exit Authority™and eXitSource™are trademarks of Zenrin Co.
Ltd.
Brunton may find it necessary to change or end our policies, regulations
and special offers at any time. We reserve the right to do so without notice.
All features and specifications subject to change without notice. All screens
in this manual are simulated.
For free owner's manuals and the most current information on this
product, its operation and accessories,
visit our web site:
www.brunton.com
620 East Monroe
Riverton, WY 82501
307-856-6559

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Table of Contents
Section 1: Read Me First!............................................................. 1
Capabilities and Specifications: Atlas-MNS™................................. 2
How Atlas Works ............................................................................ 4
Introduction to GPS and WAAS...................................................... 5
How to use this manual: typographical conventions ...................... 7
Arrow Keys.................................................................................. 7
Keyboard..................................................................................... 7
Menu Commands ....................................................................... 7
Instructions = Menu Sequences................................................. 8
Section 2: Installation & Accessories......................................... 9
Power.............................................................................................. 9
Batteries.......................................................................................... 9
Battery Installation .................................................................... 10
Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter.................................................. 10
NMEA Cable Connections............................................................ 11
MMC or SD Memory Card Installation.......................................... 12
To remove an MMC.................................................................. 12
To add an MMC or SDC........................................................... 13
InfoCards™.................................................................................... 14
External Antenna.......................................................................... 14
R-A-M®Bracket Mounting System ............................................... 15
Other Accessories ........................................................................ 16
Section 3: Easy Mode Operation............................................... 17
Keypad.......................................................................................... 17
Power/lights on and off................................................................. 18
Main Menu.................................................................................... 18
Pages............................................................................................ 19
Satellite Status Page................................................................. 19
Navigation Page........................................................................ 20
Calibrate Compass ................................................................... 22
Compass Menu......................................................................... 24
Map Page.................................................................................. 24
Atlas-MNS™ Easy Mode Quick Reference .................................. 28
Find Your Current Position ........................................................... 29
Moving Around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys ................. 29
Selecting Any Map Item with the Cursor ...................................... 30
Searching...................................................................................... 30
Set Home Waypoint...................................................................... 32
Navigate to Cursor Position on Map............................................. 33
Navigate to a Point of Interest ...................................................... 34
Creating and Saving a Trail.......................................................... 34
Displaying a Saved Trail........................................................... 35

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Navigating or Backtracking a Trail................................................ 36
Visual Back Trailing .................................................................. 36
Navigate a Back Trail................................................................ 36
Clearing or Erasing a Trail........................................................ 38
Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files................................ 38
Custom Maps:........................................................................... 38
GPS Data Files:........................................................................ 39
Switch to Advanced Mode............................................................ 41
Switch Back to Easy Mode from Advanced Mode.................... 41
Section 4: Advanced Mode Operation...................................... 42
Keypad.......................................................................................... 42
Power/lights on and off................................................................. 43
Main Menu.................................................................................... 43
Pages............................................................................................ 43
Satellite Status Page................................................................. 43
Status Menu.............................................................................. 44
Position Page / SLEEP Mode................................................... 44
Position Menu........................................................................... 45
Naviagion Page......................................................................... 46
Compass Menu......................................................................... 48
Map Page.................................................................................. 48
Map Menu................................................................................. 49
Moving Around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys ................. 49
Find Distance From Current Position To Another Location.......... 50
Find Distance From Point to Point................................................ 50
Find Your Current Position ........................................................... 50
Icons ............................................................................................. 51
Create Icon on Map .............................................................. 51
Create Icon at Current Position ............................................ 51
Delete an Icon........................................................................... 52
Load GPS Data Files from an MMC............................................. 52
Navigate........................................................................................ 53
Navigate Back Home................................................................ 53
Navigate Back to Home Waypoint............................................ 53
Cancel Navigation..................................................................... 53
In Easy Mode:....................................................................... 53
In Advanced Mode................................................................ 53
Navigate a Route...................................................................... 53
Navigate to Cursor Position on Map......................................... 53
Navigate to an Icon................................................................... 54
Navigate to Point of Interest (POI)............................................ 54
Navigate to a Waypoint............................................................. 54
Navigate a Trail......................................................................... 54
Backtrack a Trail....................................................................... 55

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Routes........................................................................................... 55
Create and Save a Route......................................................... 55
PC-created Routes ............................................................... 56
Routes Created in Atlas........................................................ 56
Delete a Route.......................................................................... 57
Save GPS Data Files to an MMC................................................. 57
Searching...................................................................................... 58
Switch to Easy Mode.................................................................... 59
Switch Back to Advanced Mode from Easy Mode........................ 60
Trails............................................................................................. 60
Create and Save a Trail............................................................ 60
Clear a Trail .............................................................................. 60
Delete a Trail............................................................................. 60
Edit a Trail Name...................................................................... 61
Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files................................ 61
Custom Maps:........................................................................... 61
GPS Data files: ......................................................................... 61
Utilities .......................................................................................... 62
Alarm Clock............................................................................... 62
Sun/Moon Rise & Set Calculator.............................................. 62
Trip Calculator........................................................................... 62
Trip Down Timer ....................................................................... 62
Trip Up Timer............................................................................ 62
Waypoints..................................................................................... 62
Create a Waypoint.................................................................... 62
Create Waypoint on Map...................................................... 62
Create Waypoint at Current Position.................................... 63
Create a Home Waypoint ..................................................... 63
Create a Waypoint by Average Position............................... 63
Create a Waypoint by Projecting a Position ......................... 63
Select a Waypoint..................................................................... 64
Delete a Waypoint..................................................................... 64
Edit a Waypoint......................................................................... 64
Waypoint Name .................................................................... 64
Waypoint Symbol.................................................................. 64
Waypoint Position................................................................. 64
Waypoint Altitude.................................................................. 64
Section 5: System & GPS Setup Options................................. 65
Alarms........................................................................................... 65
Auto Satellite Search.................................................................... 66
Check MMC Files and Storage Space ......................................... 67
Com Port Configuration................................................................ 67
Configure NMEA........................................................................... 68
Coordinate System Selection ....................................................... 68

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Map Fix..................................................................................... 70
Customize Page Displays............................................................. 71
Customize Position Page.......................................................... 71
Customize Navigation Page ..................................................... 71
Customize Map Page ............................................................... 71
External Passive Antenna............................................................. 72
GPS Simulator.............................................................................. 72
Simulating Trail or Route Navigation........................................ 73
Map Auto Zoom ............................................................................ 74
Map Data ...................................................................................... 74
Show Map Data ........................................................................ 74
Popup Map Information ............................................................ 74
Draw Boundaries ...................................................................... 75
Fill Land With Gray ................................................................... 75
Map Overlays (Range Rings; Lat/Long Grid) ........................... 75
Map Datum Selection ................................................................... 75
Map Detail Category Selection..................................................... 76
Map Orientation............................................................................ 77
Navionics®Charts......................................................................... 78
To display a Navionics chart:.................................................... 78
Port Information ........................................................................ 79
To view Port Services information:........................................... 79
Tidal Current Information.......................................................... 80
To view Tidal Current information:............................................ 81
Tide Information........................................................................ 82
To view tide information:........................................................... 82
Pop-up Help.................................................................................. 83
Reset Options............................................................................... 84
In Advanced Mode................................................................ 84
In Easy Mode........................................................................ 84
Screen Contrast and Brightness................................................... 84
Once in the Screen menu:.................................................... 85
Set Language ............................................................................... 86
Set Local Time.............................................................................. 86
Once in the Time Settings menu: ......................................... 87
Software Version Information ....................................................... 87
Sounds and Alarm Sound Styles.................................................. 88
Once in the Sounds menu: ................................................... 89
Track Smoothing........................................................................... 89
Trail Options ................................................................................. 90
General Trail Options............................................................ 90
Flash Trails on Screen Option.................................................. 90
Update Trail Option................................................................... 91
Update Trail Criteria (Auto, Time, Distance)............................. 91

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Trail Update Rate (Time, Distance).......................................... 92
Specific Trail Options............................................................ 92
Delete Trail................................................................................ 92
New Trail................................................................................... 92
Trail Visible/Invisible and Other Trail Options........................... 93
Units of Measure........................................................................... 93
Section 6: Searching.................................................................. 95
Find Addresses............................................................................. 95
Find Any Item Selected by Map Cursor........................................ 97
Find Home Waypoint.................................................................... 98
Find Interstate Highway Exits....................................................... 99
Find Map Places or Points of Interest (POI)............................... 100
Find Streets or Intersections....................................................... 102
Find Waypoints (Advanced Mode only)...................................... 104
Section 7: Supplemental Material........................................... 107

vi
WARNING!
A CAREFUL NAVIGATOR NEVER RELIES ON ONLY ONE METHOD TO OB-
TAIN POSITION INFORMATION.
CAUTION
When showing navigation data to a position (waypoint), a GPS unit will show the
shortest, most direct path to the waypoint. It provides navigation data to the way-
point regardless of obstructions. Therefore, the prudent navigator will not only take
advantage of all available navigation tools when traveling to a waypoint, but will
also visually check to make sure a clear, safe path to the waypoint is always avail-
able.
WARNING!
When a GPS unit is used in a vehicle, the vehicle operator is solely responsible
for operating the vehicle in a safe manner. Vehicle operators must maintain full
surveillance of all pertinent driving, boating or flying conditions at all times. An
accident or collision resulting in damage to property, personal injury or death
could occur if the operator of a GPS-equipped vehicle fails to pay full attention
to travel conditions and vehicle operation while the vehicle is in motion.

1
Section 1: Read Me First!
How this GPS and manual can make you a better navigator.
We know; the last thing you want to do after buying your new AtlasMNS™
is to look inside the manual. But before you grab the batteries and head
outside, please give us a moment or two to explain how our manual and
GPS can make you a better navigator.
The manual is organized into eight sections. This first section is an intro-
duction to Brunton GPS. It tells you the basics you need to know before
you can make the unit look around and tell you where you are.
Section 2 will help you get the batteries and MultiMedia Card (MMC) cor-
rectly installed in your Atlas. We'll also tell you about some of the accesso-
ries available for your unit.
Section 3 is the heart of our book, Easy Mode Operation. It will introduce
you to the basic GPS functions. This section includes a one-page Easy
Mode Quick Reference. (If you've already figured out how to load the
batteries yourself, and you just can't wait any longer, turn to the
Quick Reference on page 28 and head outside with your Atlas!)
The rest of Section 3 contains short, easy-to-scan lessons that follow one
another in chronological order. They're all you'll need to know to find your
way in the wilderness quickly.
Easy Mode operation will meet the navigation needs of many users. But,
after you've learned the basics (or if you already have some GPS experi-
ence), you may want to try out some of Atlas's many advanced navigation
features. That brings us to Section 4, Advanced Mode Operation. After we
introduce the Advanced Mode menus and submenus, this section contains
the rest of Atlas's command functions, organized in alphabetical order.
When you come to a GPS menu command on the Atlas screen, you can look it
up in the manual by skimming over the table of contents or index, just flipping
through Section 3 or scanning through the command portion of Section 4.
Atlas is ready to use right out of the box, but you can fine tune and custom-
ize its operation with dozens of options. We describe how to use general
system options along with GPS options in Section 5, System Setup and
GPS Setup Options. This section covers all operation modes.
In Section 6, we go into more detail on one of Atlas's most remarkable ca-
pabilities — Searching. We'll introduce a couple of search examples in
both the Easy and Advanced Mode sections, but there are so many map
items you can search for, we had to give this function its own section in the
manual! For example, did you know Atlas can look up business phone
numbers, functioning as a virtual Yellow Pages? We’ll show you how in

2
Section 6.
Finally, in Section 7, we offer Supplemental Material, including a list of the
GPS datums used, warranties, and customer service information.
Now, if you're into the fine details, glance over the next segment on speci-
fications to see just how much GPS power you hold in your hand. It's im-
portant to us (and our power users), but if you don't care how many way-
points Atlas can store or how long the batteries last, skip ahead to impor-
tant information on how Atlas works, on page 4.
Capabilities and Specifications: Atlas-MNS™
General
Display:..............................3" (7.3 cm) diagonal high contrast Film Su-
perTwist.
Resolution:........................240 pixel x 180 pixel resolution; 43,200 total
pixels.
Backlighting:.....................White LED screen backlighting for night and
low-light viewing.
Input power: ........................3 volts DC (two 1.5v AA batteries); operates up
to 12 hours on batteries when using one-second
position updates (longer update rates further ex-
tend battery life, but will reduce GPS accuracy).
Case size:..........................5.6" H x 2.5" W x 0.9" D (142 x 65 x 25 mm);
water resistant to IPX-2 standards.
Weight:.................................. 8.48 ounces (242 grams) with alkaline batteries.
GPS
Receiver: ...........................Internal,12parallel channel GPS+WAAS; external
active or passive antennas optional.
Active Antenna
Voltage: .............................3 volts DC.
Recording: ........................Removable MMC or SD memory cards for re-
cording GPS trip details, displaying custom
maps, upgrading operating system software
and transferring trip data to personal computer
without a slow serial connection.
MMC slots: ........................One, inside battery compartment. Accepts non-
proprietary MMC or SD memory cards.

3
Background map:.............Built-in custom, detailed Brunton map. Con-
tains: low-detail maps of the whole world (con-
taining cities, major lakes, major rivers, political
boundaries); and medium-detail maps of the
United States (containing all incorporated cit-
ies; Interstate, U.S. and state highways; Inter-
state highway exits and exit services informa-
tion; large- and medium-sized lakes and
streams.)
Custom mapping:.............Accepts custom, higher-detail MapCreate™
mapping on memory cards, with searchable
Points-of Interest database of hotels, restau-
rants, shopping, services, topographic informa-
tion, hunting areas and more. Navionics®
charts on MMC cards optional.
Mapping memory: ............Up to 512 MB on one MMC (MultiMedia Card)
or SD (Secure Digital Card.)
Position updates:.............Every one second.
Position points:................2,000 waypoints; 1,000 event marker icons.
Graphic symbols for
waypoints or event
marker icons:....................42.
Routes:..............................100; up to 100 waypoints per route.
Plot Trails:.........................99 savable; up to 9,999 points per trail.
Scout Plots: ......................100 savable scout plots.
Home: ................................HOME feature precisely marks Home location
with special icon, then automatically displays
navigation data to that position.
Audible alarms: ................Arrival/off-course/destination passed/anchor.
Com Port:..........................One serial communications port, NMEA 0183
version 2.0 compatible. Allows exchange of
position data with another device, such as an
autopilot or personal computer. Optional com-
bination serial/power cable available.
Zoom range:......................40 ranges; 0.02 to 4,000 miles.
NOTE:
The above memory capacities refer only to Atlas's on-board memory.
The amount of GPS data you can record and save for recall later is
only limited by the number of MMC cards you have.

4
How Atlas Works
You'll navigate faster and easier if you understand how Atlas scans the sky
to tell you where you are on the earth — and, where you're going. (But if
you already have a working understanding of GPS receivers and the GPS
navigation system, skip on ahead to Section 2, Installation & Accessories
on page 9. If you're new to GPS, read on, and you can later impress your
friends with your new-found knowledge.)
First, think of your Atlas as a small but powerful computer. (But don't worry
— we made Atlas easy to use, so you don't need to be a computer expert
to find your way!) The Atlas includes a keypad and a screen with menus so
you can tell it what to do. The screen also lets Atlas show your location on
a moving map, as well as point the way to your destination.
This pocket-sized computer also contains an antenna and specialized
scanning receiver, something like your car radio. But instead of your favor-
ite dance tunes, this receiver tunes in to a couple of dozen GPS satellites
circling the earth. (It will also listen in to the WAAS satellites in orbit, but
more about that in the upcoming segment introducing you to GPS and
WAAS.)
Atlas listens to signals from as many satellites as it can "see" above the hori-
zon, eliminates the weakest signals, then computes its location in relation to
those satellites. Once Atlas figures its latitude and longitude, it plots that posi-
tion on the moving map shown on the screen. While the screen is updated
once a second, your Atlas is making these internal calculations and determin-
ing its position several times a second!
The performance doesn't stop there. Stored in the permanent memory of
each Atlas is a basic background map of the entire world. We lock it in here at
the factory — you can't change or erase this map.
Another portion of Atlas's onboard memory is devoted to recording GPS
navigation information, which includes waypoints, event marker icons,
trails and routes. This lets you look back the way you came. Think of this
data storage like the hard drive memory in a computer or a tape in a cas-
sette tape recorder. You can save several different GPS data files, erase
'em and record new ones, over and over and over again. Like any com-
puter file, these GPS Data Files (file format *.usr) can be shared between
Atlas units, other Brunton GPS or sonar/GPS units, even personal com-
puters.
Atlas has one more thing in common with a personal computer. Just as
computers have a floppy disk drive for storing and exchanging files, Atlas
has a slot for an MMC (MultiMedia Card) or SD (Secure Digital) Card flash
memory card. These solid-state memory devices are about the size of a
postage stamp, but can hold data ranging from 8 MB to 512 MB in size.
(Compare that to a floppy disk's 1.44 MB capacity!) Atlas uses all that

5
MMC space for two key purposes.
First, you can backup your onboard GPS Data Files by copying them to the
MMC. Since the MMC is removable (like a floppy disk or a cassette tape),
you can store these GPS Data Files on a personal computer equipped with
an MMC card reader. (Or store them on a pocketful of MMCs, if you don't
have a computer.) Our MapCreate mapping software can save, edit or cre-
ate its own GPS Data Files, which can be copied to the MMC and then
loaded from the MMC into Atlas's memory. (NOTE: No matter where they
come from, GPS Data Files must be loaded from the MMC into memory be-
fore Atlas can use them.)
The other key GPS use for MMCs is storage of special high-detail, custom
maps, which you can produce on your computer with our MapCreate soft-
ware. These MapCreate custom maps contain much greater detail than the
basic background map. These Custom Map Files (file format *.lcm) can
also be shared between Atlas’s, other Brunton GPS or sonar/GPS units
and personal computers.
You make your own Custom Map Files with our MapCreate software, but
you don't have to. We also sell ready-to-use InfoCards™. These custom
maps are pre-loaded on MMCs. (No computer work required!).
Atlas automatically reads Custom Map Files directly from the MMC or SD
Card. To use a custom map, all you need to do is slide an MMC containing a
map into the unit.
Introduction to GPS and WAAS
Well, now you know the basics of how Atlas does its work. You might be
ready to jump ahead to Section 2, Installation & Accessories, on page 9,
so you can install the batteries. Or you might want to see how our text for-
matting makes the manual tutorials easy to skim. If that's the case, move
on to "How to Use This Manual" on page 7. But, if you want to understand
the current state of satellite navigation, look over this segment describing
how GPS and its new companion WAAS work together to get you where
you're going.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) was launched July 17, 1995 by the
United States Department of Defense. It was designed as a 24-hour-a-day,
365-days-a-year, all weather global navigation system for the armed forces
of the U.S. and its allies. Civilian use was also available at first, but it was
less accurate because the military scrambled the signal somewhat, using a
process called Selective Availability (SA).
GPS proved so useful for civilian navigation that the federal government
discontinued SA on May 2, 2000, after the military developed other meth-
ods to deny GPS service to enemy forces. Reliable accuracy for civilian
users jumped from 100 meters (330 feet) under SA to the present level of
10 to 20 meters (about 30 to 60 feet.)

Twenty-four satellites orbit 10,900 nautical miles above the Earth, passing
overhead twice daily. A series of ground stations (with precisely surveyed
locations) controls the satellites and monitors their exact locations in the sky.
Each satellite broadcasts a low-power signal that identifies the satellite and
its position above the earth. Three of these satellites are spares, unused until
needed. The rest virtually guarantee that at least four satellites are in view
nearly anywhere on Earth at all times.
A minimum of three satellites are required to determine a 2D fix.
The system requires signal reception from three satellites in order to de-
termine a position. This is called a 2D fix. It takes four satellites to deter-
mine both position and elevation (your height above sea level — also
called altitude). This is called a 3D fix.
Remember, the unit must have a clear view of the satellites in order to re-
ceive their signals. Unlike radio or television signals, GPS works at very
high frequencies. These signals can be easily blocked by trees, buildings,
an autoHomeile roof, even your body.
Unlike most GPS receivers, the Atlas MNS has a digital compass built in-
side. This aids in navigation drastically as you will not need to be in motion
to determine direction of travel.
GPS alone is plenty accurate for route navigation, but the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration has special aircraft navigation needs that go be-
yond basic GPS. So, the FAA has developed a program to boost GPS per-
formance with its Wide Area Augmentation System, or WAAS. The FAA
commissioned the system on July 11, 2003.
WAAS is designed to increase GPS accuracy to within 7.6 meters vertically
and horizontally, but it consistently delivers accuracies within 1-2 meters hori-
zontal and 2-3 meters vertical, according to the FAA. It does this by broadcast-
ing correction signals on GPS frequencies. Your unit automatically receives
both GPS and WAAS signals.
6

7
However, there are some fringe areas of the U.S., including parts of Alaska,
that do not yet receive robust WAAS coverage. Continued WAAS develop-
ment is planned to extend WAAS coverage in the years to come.
WAAS boosts the accuracy of land GPS navigation, but the system is de-
signed for aircraft. The satellites are in a fixed orbit around the Equator, so
they appear very low in the sky to someone on the ground in North Amer-
ica. Aircraft and vessels on open water can get consistently good WAAS
reception, but terrain, foliage or even large man-made structures can some-
times block the WAAS signal from ground receivers.
You'll find that using your GPS receiver is both easy and amazingly accu-
rate. It’s easily the most accurate method of electronic navigation available
to the general public today. Remember, however, that this receiver is only
a tool. Always have another method of navigation available, such as a map
or chart and a compass.
Also remember that this unit will always show navigation information in the
shortest line from your present position to a waypoint, regardless of terrain!
It only calculates position, it can’t know what’s between you and your des-
tination, for example. It’s up to you to safely navigate around obstacles, no
matter how you’re using this product.
How to use this manual: typographical conventions
Many instructions are listed as numbered steps. The keypad and arrow
"keystrokes" appear as boldface type. So, if you're in a real hurry (or just
need a reminder), you can skim the instructions and pick out what menu
command to use by finding the boldface command text. The following
paragraphs explain how to interpret the text formatting for those com-
mands and other instructions:
Arrow Keys
The arrow keys control the movement of dotted cross-hair lines on your
mapping screen called the cursor. The arrow keys also help you move
around the Atlas menus so you can execute different commands. They are
represented by symbols like these, which denote the down arrow key, the
up arrow, the left arrow and the right arrow: ↓↑←→.
Keyboard
The other keys perform a variety of functions. When the text refers to a key
to press, the key is shown in bold, sans serif type. For example, the "En-
ter/Save" key is shown as ENT and the "Menu" key is shown as MENU.
Menu Commands
A menu command or a menu option will appear in small capital letters, in a
bold sans serif type like this: ADVANCED MODE. These indicate that you are to
select this command or option from a menu or take an action of some kind

8
with the menu item. Text that you may need to enter or file names you need
to select are shown in italic type, such as trail name.
Instructions = Menu Sequences
Most functions you perform with Atlas are described as a sequence of key
strokes and selecting menu commands. We've written them in a con-
densed manner for quick and easy reading.
For example, instructions for backtracking a trail in Easy Mode would look
like this:
1. Press MENU|↓to NAVIGATE TRAIL|ENT.
2. Now, begin moving and follow your Atlas.
Translated into complete English, step 1 means: "Press the Menu key. Next,
press the down arrow key to scroll down the menu and select (highlight) the
Navigate Trail menu command. Finally, press the Enter key."
Also note that throughout this text, we will refer to the Atlas MNS as Atlas,
or simply as the unit.

9
Section 2:
Installation & Accessories
Power
The Atlas operates from AA batteries or on 3 volts DC using an optional
external power cable with a cigarette lighter adapter. When the power ca-
ble is used, the Atlas automatically switches to it if the external power is
greater than the battery voltage. If the external power fails, the unit auto-
matically switches to the batteries.
Flash memory will keep your stored data safe and accessible for the life of
the product — after the unit is turned off, no battery or external power is
needed to store your data.
Batteries
The unit requires two, 1.5 volt AA batteries. We recommend that you use
alkaline batteries for the best trade-off between battery life and cost. We
recommend DURACELL®brand, but other brands will work. If you're look-
ing for an extended-life battery, the Duracell®ULTRA battery has per-
formed well in our tests.
You can also use rechargeable AA alkaline batteries, such as those made
by RAYOVAC®, or rechargeable AA nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.
We do not recommend nickel cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable batteries be-
cause we tend to get poor battery life from them.
Rechargeable alkaline batteries will not last as long as standard alkaline
batteries. However, rechargeable NiMH batteries should give you suitable
battery life.
Lithium batteries are lighter than alkaline, and with some brands of lithium
battery the Atlas MNS will float. We've tested the Atlas MNS using Ener-
gizer®e2®lithium batteries, and it remained afloat.
NOTE:
The battery gauge on the Satellite Status Page may not read accu-
rately with some battery brands because discharge rates can vary sig-
nificantly. This is especially true for rechargeables. This battery gauge
was calibrated for alkaline batteries.
Do not mix different battery types. Mixing battery types may cause leakage.
(For example, don’t use both alkaline and NiMH batteries at the same time,
and don't use standard alkalines with rechargeable alkalines.)

Battery Installation
Turn the unit over so that the back is facing you. With your thumb or nail,
pull back on the small clip to release the battery cover latch as shown in
the following images. Once the latch is released, pull the battery cover up
out of the grooves in the bottom of the case.
Remove Atlas battery cover.
Install the batteries according to the embossed signs in the battery compart-
ment, which shows the correct polarity. Point the positive pole of the upper
battery to the left; point the positive pole of the bottom battery to the right.
NOTE:
Inside the battery compartment is a rotating MMC card lock. The grip
on this lock must be turned parallel with the direction of the batteries
for them to fit properly.
Replace the battery compartment cover. First align the latch tabs at the bot-
tom of the cover with the slots at the case's base. Press the cover into place,
and then firmly push up on the clip at the top of the cover until it latches in
place. There is usually an audible click when the latch engages.
Replace battery compartment cover. Align tabs with slots
in the base, left. Press latch firmly until it clicks, as shown right
Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter
To use external DC power: Plug the power cable's cigarette lighter adapter
into a cigarette lighter receptacle. Next, pull aside the rubber cover on the
10

bottom of the unit and insert the other connector as shown in the following
image. A small clip on the connector should hold the connector in place.
Attach external power cable to Atlas.
WARNING:
Do not remove the cigarette lighter adapter and splice the ex-
posed wires directly to a 12-volt power system. The cigarette
lighter adapter contains in the plug a protective fuse and a
voltage regulator to convert 12 volts down to about 3 volts.
Without this regulator, connecting your unit to a 12-volt power
source will destroy the unit. This damage will not be covered
by your warranty.
The Atlas can use two other optional external cables to supply a
NMEA/serial data connection or a combination of power and data. These
cables are discussed in the following segment on NMEA connections.
NMEA Cable Connections
NMEA is a standard communications format for marine electronic equipment.
For example, an autopilot can connect to the NMEA interface on this unit and
receive positioning information. The unit can exchange information with any
device that transmits or receives NMEA 0183 data.
To exchange NMEA data, Brunton offers an optional data only cable and a
power/data combo cable:
The AMNS-DC is a NMEA/serial communications cable. It has a standard
female DB-9 connector on one end to attach your unit to a computer's se-
rial communications port.
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The AMNS-PCDC combines a cigarette lighter power adapter with a DB-9
plug for a NMEA/serial com port connection to a laptop computer or other
device. This is our favorite cable for connecting the Atlas MNS to a laptop
computer in an RV or other vehicle. By transmitting NMEA data to the
computer, you can get live position data for GPS-compatible mapping soft-

12
ware.
You can also run one of our free Brunton GPS emulators on your laptop,
and operate it with real-time position information.
To use it, plug the power adapter into a cigarette lighter socket, plug the
DB-9 connector into a serial port on the computer and attach the cable to
the Atlas. Then see "Com Port Configuration" in Sec. 5.
MMC or SD Memory Card Installation
Your Atlas uses a MultiMedia Card to store information, such as custom
maps, waypoints and other GPS data. The unit can also use Secure Digital
Cards (SD cards) to store information.
NOTE:
Throughout this manual, we will use the term MMC, but just remember
that your unit can use an MMC or SD card to store data.
Both of these solid-state flash memory devices are about the size of a
postage stamp. An SD card is slightly thicker than an MMC. As this manual
went to press, MMCs were available in storage capacities of 8 MB, 16 MB,
32 MB, 64 MB and 128 MB. SD cards were available in capacities of 8 MB,
16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB and up. We have successfully
tested SD cards up to 512 MB.
Additional MMC cards are available from Brunton; see ordering information
inside the back cover of this manual. MMCs and SD cards are also avail-
able at many consumer electronics stores.
The MMC slot is located in the battery compartment, beneath the batteries
on the right side of the unit. The contact pins are springy, to make it easier
to insert and remove the MMC card.
To remove an MMC
1. Remove battery compartment cover.
2. Remove batteries, if present.
3. Hold unit facedown in right hand. Use your thumb or index finger and
press down on the center of the MMC label.