Garmin ETREX H User manual

eTrex® H
Owner’s Manual
personal navigator

© 2007 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc.
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st
Street,
Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA
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Fax [phone]
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Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Jangshu 2
nd
Road,
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Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
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®
is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. myGarmin
™
, eTrex
®
,
AutoLocate
®
, TracBack
®
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®
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®
are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may
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August 2007 Part Number 190-00818-00 Rev. B Printed inTaiwan

eTrex H Owner’s Manual i
IntroductIon
IntroductIon
Thank you for choosing the Garmin
®
eTrex
®
H. Take
a moment to compare the contents of this package
with the packing list on the box. If any pieces are
missing, contact your Garmin dealer immediately.
Contact Garmin
Contact Garmin if you have any questions while using
your unit. Contact Garmin Product Support by phone:
[phone] or [phone], Monday–Friday,
8 AM–5 PM Central Time; or go to
www.garmin.com/support/.
In Europe, contact Garmin (Europe) Ltd. at
+44 (0) 870.8501242 (outside the UK) or
0808 2380000 (within the UK).
Product Registration
Help us better support you by completing our online
registration today! Connect to our Web site at
http://my.garmin.com. Keep the original sales receipt,
or a photocopy, in a safe place.
Optional Accessories
For a complete list of available accessories for use
with the eTrex, refer to http://buy.garmin.com.
WARNING: See the Important Safety and Product
Information sheet in the product box for product
warnings and other important information.

ii eTrex H Owner’s Manual
IntroductIon
Table of Contents
Introduction........................................................i
Contact Garmin ....................................................i
Product Registration............................................i
Optional Accessories...........................................i
Getting Started..................................................1
Unit Overview ......................................................1
Installing Batteries and Lanyard........................2
Operating the eTrex.............................................3
Key Functions......................................................4
Turning on the eTrex ...........................................5
Main Pages........................................................7
SkyView Page ......................................................7
Map Page..............................................................7
Pointer Page ........................................................9
Trip Computer Page ........................................ 10
Main Menu ......................................................11
Routes Page...................................................... 14
Tracks Page ...................................................... 16
Appendix .........................................................23
Specications ................................................... 23
Interface Formats ............................................. 24
Connecting Your eTrex to a Computer ........... 24
Software License Agreement .......................... 25
Declaration of Conformity ............................... 25
Index ................................................................26

eTrex H Owner’s Manual 1
GettInG Started
GettInG Started
Unit Overview
Carry lanyard
attachment slots
Battery compartment
cover
Battery compartment
locking ring
External power and data
connector
(under weather cap)
LCD display
GPS antenna
QUIT/PAGE
key
POWER key
UP/DOWN
keys
ENTER/
MARK key

2 eTrex H Owner’s Manual
GettInG Started
Installing Batteries and Lanyard
The eTrex operates on two AA batteries (not
included). You can use Alkaline or NiMH batteries.
Battery
compartment
Locking
pin slot
To install the batteries:
1. Remove the battery cover by turning the
Locking ring counter-clockwise and pulling out.
2. Insert the batteries, observing the proper
polarity.
Remove the batteries if the unit is not being used for
several months. Stored data is not lost when batteries
are removed.
To install the lanyard:
1. Remove the battery cover and place the loop of
the lanyard through the slot in the base of the
unit.
2. Route the strap through the loop, and pull tight.
Lanyard installation

eTrex H Owner’s Manual 3
GettInG Started
Operating the eTrex
Understanding Terms
Select—move the highlighted area on the screen up
or down, using the UP and DOWN keys to select
individual fields.
Key—when you are directed to press a key, press and
quickly release the key.
Field—the location on a page where data or an option
can be shown or entered.
Scroll bar—when viewing a list of items too long to
appear on the screen, a scroll bar appears next to the
list. To scroll through a list, press the UP or DOWN
keys.
Default—the factory setting saved in the unit’s
memory. You can change the settings, but you can
revert to the factory settings when you select Restore
Defaults.
Manual Conventions
In this manual, when you are instructed to select
an item, small arrows (>) appear in the text. They
indicate that you should select a series of items on
the screen using the UP or DOWN keys, and press
ENTER after each item. For example, if you see
“select TRACKS > SETUP >,” you should highlight
TRACKS, and press ENTER. Then highlight
SETUP, and press ENTER.

4 eTrex H Owner’s Manual
GettInG Started
HIGH SENSITIVITY
Key Functions
UP/DOWN keys
From the Map page, press to zoom
the map in or out.
From any other page, press to scroll
up or down a list or move a slider
bar.
ENTER/MARK key
Press and release to enter data or
menu selections.
Press with a main page open to view
its option menu.
Press and hold to MARK your
location as a waypoint.
QUIT/PAGE key
Press to cycle through the main pages.
Press to exit a page or quit a function.
POWER key
Press and hold to turn unit on or off.
Press and release to turn backlighting
on or off.

eTrex H Owner’s Manual 5
GettInG Started
Turning on the eTrex
When you turn on the eTrex, the SkyView page
appears, followed by a READY TO NAVIGATE
message after the unit has collected enough satellite
data to establish its current location (initialized).
To turn the eTrex on and off:
1. Press and hold POWER. When the unit turns
on, a Welcome page appears followed by the
SkyView page.
2. To turn off the eTrex, press and hold POWER.
Ready to navigate SkyView Page
Backlight and Contrast Adjustment
To turn on the backlight:
Press and quickly release POWER.
To set the timeout and adjust the contrast:
1. Press PAGE until the SkyView page appears,
then press ENTER twice to open the backlight/
contrast window.
2. Press ENTER to view the timeout options,
make a selection > ENTER.
3. Press DOWN to move to the contrast slider >
ENTER.
4. Press UP or DOWN to adjust the contrast >
QUIT to close.
Backlight time out options
and contrast adjustment
slider

6 eTrex H Owner’s Manual
GettInG Started
Selecting Options and Entering Data
Press UP/DOWN to highlight, select, or choose an
item in a list or a eld on the screen.
To select and activate an option:
1. From any page except the Menu page, press
ENTER to view the options menu.
2. Press UP or DOWN to move the highlight up
and down on the menu. To select an option,
press ENTER.
To exit a menu or return to the previous
setting:
Press QUIT/PAGE. The QUIT/PAGE key
moves backward through your steps. Press
QUIT/PAGE repeatedly to return to the starting
page. Once at the starting page, pressing the
key cycles you through the ve main pages.
On-Screen Messages
When a signicant event in the operation of the
unit occurs, an on-screen message appears to advise
you of the occurrence. In each case, the condition
is described and often a remedy is provided. Press
ENTER to acknowledge the message and close.

eTrex H Owner’s Manual 7
MaIn PaGeS
MaIn PaGeS
Information needed to operate the eTrex is found on
five main pages. Press PAGE to cycle through the
pages.
SkyView Page
Your
location
Status message
Satellites
The SkyView Page
Satellite
signal
strength bar
Satellite
signals
Location
accuracy
(estimated)
The SkyView page displays the GPS receiver status.
It also shows the strength of the satellite signals. A
READY TO NAVIGATE message is shown when the
receiver has gathered enough satellite information to
begin navigation.
SkyView Page Options
To view the options menu, press ENTER.
Setup Display—change the display contrast
and set the length of time that the backlight will
stay on.
Advanced SkyView—select the Advanced
SkyView feature to view a page containing
detailed information on the satellites.
Map Page
Your location
North pointer
Path to
destination
Destination
waypoint
Map
scale Trail
(Track Log)
The Map Page
The Map page shows where you are located, and as
you travel, the animated gure leaves a track log. The
map also shows waypoint names and symbols.
•
•

8 eTrex H Owner’s Manual
MaIn PaGeS
The eTrex is set to automatically rotate the map as
you move, so waypoints that are ahead of you are
always displayed in front of the animated figure. The
map orientation is shown in the upper left corner.
To increase the map scale, press UP. This shows more
area in less detail. To decrease the map scale, press
DOWN. This shows less area with more detail.
Map Page Options
Orient Map Ahead/Northwards—when
AHEAD is selected, the top of the map is
oriented in the direction you are currently
moving, and a figure icon indicates your current
position. When NORTHWARDS is selected,
the map is always oriented to the north, and
your current position is indicated by a direction
arrow.
Auto Zoom On/Off—when on, the map
automatically adjusts its scale to display your
entire route. When it is off, press UP or DOWN
to select a map scale.
•
•
Hide Waypoints—keeps waypoint symbols
and names from being shown on the map.
Show Course/Bearing Line—when using
the GOTO function, use this option to show a
course line or bearing line to your destination.
A course line is fixed from your starting
location, while a bearing line changes based on
your current location.
Stop Navigation—stops active navigation.
To select a Map Page option:
1. Press ENTER on the Map page.
2. Press UP or DOWN to highlight an option,
press ENTER.
NOTE: A blinking question mark means
you have lost satellite reception. Move to a
location that has a clear view of the sky.
•
•
•

eTrex H Owner’s Manual 9
MaIn PaGeS
Pointer Page
Compass ring
Time to
destination
Straight line
distance to the
destination
Waypoint
(Destination)
Destination
symbol
The Pointer Page
Selectable trip
data
Moving direction
line
Direction arrow
(follow this)
The Pointer page helps guide you to a destination.
When navigating towards a destination, the Pointer
page shows the name, the distance, time to go, and a
direction arrow in the compass ring.
The compass ring reflects your heading (direction
of movement). To navigate, walk in the direction the
arrow is pointing. When the arrow is pointing at the
moving direction line, your destination is ahead.
NOTE: The eTrex is not a magnetic
compass. You must be moving for the unit to
determine your heading.
Press UP or DOWN to cycle through the trip
information at the bottom of the page.
Pointer Page Options
Reset Max Speed—resets the Maximum Speed
achieved during a trip.
Reset Trip—resets the trip time, trip distance
(odometer), and average speed back to zero.
Stop Navigation—stops any active navigation.
If you do not have a GOTO or route activated,
this option is not available.
To select a Pointer Page option:
1. From the Pointer page, press ENTER.
2. Select an option > ENTER. The change is
made and the options menu disappears.
To change a data eld:
From the Pointer page, scroll through the
options, stopping on the data you want to view.
•
•
•

10 eTrex H Owner’s Manual
MaIn PaGeS
Trip Computer Page
The Trip Computer page contains five data fields to
show travel information.
The Trip Computer Page
Selectable
data elds
Customize these five fields to show information from
a list of data fields.
Trip Computer Page Options
Change Fields—use the CHANGE FIELDS
option to select the data to be displayed from a
list of data fields.
•
To change the elds:
1. From the Trip Computer page, press ENTER.
2. Select CHANGE FIELDS > ENTER.
3. Select the eld to change > ENTER.
4. Select an option > ENTER.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4, as necessary.
Reset Max Speed—resets your maximum
speed to zero.
Reset Trip—resets all the data in the Trip
Computer to zero.
Restore Defaults—restores the Trip Computer
to display the five default data fields.
•
•
•

eTrex H Owner’s Manual 11
MaIn Menu
MaIn Menu
The Main Menu
Backlight
indicator
Menu options Time and
date
Battery
capacity
indicator
Use the Menu page to access advanced features;
create and view waypoints, create a route, save and
view track logs, or access the system setup features.
To change the time zone:
1. Press PAGE to switch to the Menu page. Select
SETUP > ENTER.
2. Select TIME > ENTER.
3. Select TIME ZONE > ENTER.
4. Scroll through the selections. Press ENTER,
when you have found your correct time zone.
Use the Menu page to customize the display, transfer
information from a computer to the eTrex and back
again, manage, and organize your waypoints.
Mark Waypoint Page
Use the Mark Waypoint page to create a waypoint at
your current location or at a location you enter in the
position field.
To mark a waypoint:
Press PAGE to switch to the Menu page.
Press UP or DOWN to highlight MARK. Press
ENTER.
NOTE: The unit must state READY TO
NAVIGATE before you can mark a waypoint.
To change the symbol:
1. From the Mark Waypoint page, select the
waypoint symbol (above the waypoint name) >
ENTER.
2. Select a symbol > ENTER.

12 eTrex H Owner’s Manual
MaIn Menu
To change the name:
1. From the Mark Waypoint page, select the
numeric name > ENTER.
2. Select a letter > ENTER. A letter selection
window appears. Select a new letter, and press
ENTER.
3. Select OK > ENTER.
Waypoints Page
From the Waypoints page select a waypoint to edit,
locate the nearest waypoints, or delete all of the user
waypoints.
To select a waypoint:
1. Press PAGE to switch to the Menu page. Select
WAYPOINTS > ENTER.
2. Select the alphabetical tab containing the
waypoint > ENTER. Select the waypoint >
ENTER.
To view the NEAREST waypoints page:
1. On the Waypoints page, select NEAREST.
Press ENTER. The Nearest Waypoints
page appears, showing a list of the closest
waypoints, including their names and distances
from your location.
2. Select a waypoint from this list > ENTER.
To delete all waypoints:
From the Waypoint page, select DELETE ALL
> ENTER. A conrmation message box appears
asking if you really want to delete all waypoints.
If you do, select YES > ENTER.
A GOTO is straight line navigation to a destination.
To start a GOTO:
1. Press PAGE to switch to the Menu page.
2. Select WAYPOINTS > ENTER.
3. Select the tab containing the waypoint you want
to navigate to > ENTER.
4. Select the waypoint > ENTER.
5. Select GOTO > ENTER.

eTrex H Owner’s Manual 13
MaIn Menu
The Pointer page appears and you’re ready to begin
navigating.
To stop navigating
1. Press PAGE to switch to the Pointer or Map
page > ENTER.
2. Select STOP NAVIGATION > ENTER.
Hunt & Fish Page
The Hunt and Fish page lists best times for hunting
and shing for a chosen location (waypoint) and date.
To view the Hunt /Fish Page:
On the Review Waypoint page, select HUNT/
FISH > ENTER.
The data provided reflects best times for the current
date and at the location of the waypoint unless you
enter a new date in the Date field.
Sun/Moon Page
The Sun/Moon page shows both sun and moon set
and rise times for a chosen location and date. This
option is located at the bottom of the Hunt/Fish page.
To view the Sun/Moon Page:
1. On the Hunt/Fish page, select SUN/MOON >
ENTER to view the Sun/Moon page.
2. View the Sunrise and Sunset Times, Moonrise,
and Moonset Times, as well as the Moon
Phase, for the waypoint location and date.
3. You can set the date at which you want to
view the sun and moon position (if other than
current) by entering the date in the Date eld.
4. Return to the Hunt/Fish page by selecting the
HUNT/FISH option at the bottom of the page >
ENTER.
Project
Use the Project feature to create a new waypoint at
a specied distance and bearing, using an existing
waypoint as a reference. Change the name, symbol,
and elevation of the new waypoint on this page.

14 eTrex H Owner’s Manual
MaIn Menu
To project a waypoint:
1. Select a waypoint on the Waypoint page >
ENTER.
2. Select PROJECT > ENTER. A numeric name is
assigned to the new waypoint.
3. Distance is selected by default. Press ENTER.
4. With the Edit Number page open, press DOWN
to move the highlight to the next number in the
eld. With the preferred digit selected > ENTER
to activate the drop down number list.
5. Select the correct number > ENTER. When all
numbers are entered, highlight OK > ENTER.
6. With the Project Waypoint page open, press
DOWN to highlight the bearing eld > ENTER
to view the Edit Angle page.
7. Press DOWN to move the highlight to the next
number in the eld. With the preferred digit
selected, press ENTER to activate the drop
down number list.
8. Select the correct number > ENTER. When all
numbers are entered correctly, highlight OK >
ENTER.
9. The name, symbol, and elevation can be
changed on this page as well. When all
changes have been made, select OK >
ENTER to save the waypoint. Select GOTO to
save the waypoint and begin direct navigation
to the point.
Routes Page
Navigate using one of three methods: GOTO
TracBack, and Routes.
The Routes feature guides you from the rst waypoint
in the route to each successive waypoint to your nal
destination.
The Routes feature and the GOTO feature both guide
you to destination waypoints. However, the Routes
feature is more useful for navigating to multiple
points along a path. When you reach one waypoint,
you are directed to the next waypoint on the route.
To create a route, select waypoints from the waypoint
list and place them into a route in the sequence that
you want to navigate to them. You need at least two
waypoints (up to a maximum of 125) linked together

eTrex H Owner’s Manual 15
MaIn Menu
to form a route. Create and store up to 20 individual
routes. Saved routes are automatically named based
on the rst and last waypoints in the route. Saved
routes are listed on the Routes page, with an arrow
indicating which route is currently active.
Activate the Routes feature and the receiver begins
navigation toward the rst waypoint in the route. Use
the Pointer page to provide steering guidance.
To create a route:
1. Choose ROUTE on the Menu page, then
select NEW ROUTE > ENTER. An empty route
page appears with the rst eld of the route
highlighted.
2. Press ENTER.
3. Select the waypoint of your choice > ENTER.
The waypoint you selected is placed in the rst
eld of the route, and the second eld of the
route is highlighted.
4. Repeat Steps 2–3 until all of the waypoints are
entered into the route.
5. After you have entered all the waypoints into
your route, press PAGE. Your new route is
saved and displayed on the Routes page.
NOTE: You can also plan a route using
Garmin MapSource on a computer and
upload the route to the eTrex. See your
Garmin dealer for more information on
using MapSource (MapSource is an optional
accessory and is not included with the
eTrex H).
To activate a route:
1. From the Routes page, select the route that you
want to follow > ENTER.
2. Select FOLLOW > ENTER. You are prompted
to select the destination waypoint.
3. Select a destination waypoint > ENTER. The
eTrex assumes you are at the rst point in the
route, and the Pointer page appears giving you
guidance to the next waypoint in the route list.

16 eTrex H Owner’s Manual
MaIn Menu
Editing a Route
To insert a waypoint into a route:
1. Press PAGE and switch to the Menu page.
Select ROUTES > ENTER.
2 Select a route > ENTER.
3 Select the waypoint you want to insert a new
waypoint in front of > ENTER. The Insert/
Remove window appears. Select INSERT >
ENTER.
4. Select a waypoint > ENTER.
To remove a waypoint from a route:
1. Press PAGE and switch to the Menu page.
Select ROUTES > ENTER. Select a route >
ENTER.
2 Select the waypoint you want to remove. Select
REMOVE > ENTER.
To delete a route:
1. From the Menu page. Select ROUTES >
ENTER. Select the route > ENTER.
2. Select DELETE > ENTER. The conrmation
window appears asking you if you really want to
delete the route. Select YES > ENTER.
Tracks Page
The eTrex draws an electronic Track Log on the
Map page as you travel. The Track Log contains
information about each point it plots, including time
and position. Review the saved Track Log on the map,
turn recording on or off, and change the way tracks
are recorded.
The Track Log starts recording as soon as the unit
gets a location fix. Save the current Track Log and
clear it before you start traveling. The percentage of
memory used by the current Track Log is displayed
at the top of the Tracks page. When the display shows
99%, it starts overwriting the beginning track points,
you should save the Track Log before it reaches 99%
of memory usage.
After a Track Log is saved, the saved track will have a
BEGIN and END point. You can save 10 Track Logs.
To save the current Track Log:
1. From the Menu page, select TRACKS >
ENTER.