Garmin eTrex Vista User manual

owner’s
manual
and
reference
guide
eTrex® Vista
personal navigatorTM

© 2001 GARMIN Corporation
GARMIN International, Inc.
1200 E 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 0 2 U.S.A.
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
GARMIN (Europe) Ltd.
Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9AQ U.K.
Tel. [phone]
Fax.[phone]
GARMIN Corp.
No. 8, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
All rights reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may
be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any storage
medium, for any purpose without prior written consent of GARMIN Corporation.
GARMIN Corporation hereby grants permission to download a single copy of this
manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed for personal
use, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual contains the complete
text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial
distribution of this manual is strictly prohibited.
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. GARMIN Corporation
reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the
content without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes.
Visit the GARMIN website (www.garmin.com) for current updates and supplemental
information concerning the use and operation of this and other GARMIN products.
GARMIN, eTrex, AutoLocate, and TracBack are registered trademarks, and MapSource
and Personal Navigator are trademarks of GARMIN Corporation and may not be used
without the express permission of GARMIN Corporation.
March 2001 Part Number 190-00219-00 Rev. A Printed in Taiwan

Thank you for choosing the GARMIN eTrex Vista.
To get the most from your new eTrex Vista, take time to
read through this owner’s manual in order to understand
all of the operating features. This manual is organized into
four sections.
The Introduction section provides FCC and safety
information and the Table of Contents.
The Getting Started section introduces you to the
eTrex Vista features, main operating pages and basic navi-
gation methods.
The Reference section provides details about using
the features of the eTrex Vista according to topic. The
explanations for each feature in this section are divided
into: (1) An overview that discusses the feature and how it
functions and (2) A detailed Step-by-Step instruction for
using the feature.
Reading the overview may be all that you require to
operate features, however, the Step-by-Step instructions
are available, if needed.
The Appendices contain information on items such as
Accessories, Specifi cations, a Troubleshooting Guide, and
an Index by Subject.
Standard Package Contents:
1 eTrex Vista Unit
1 Carry Lanyard
1 Owner’s Manual
1 Quick Start Guide
1 PC Interface Cable
About This
Manual
Introduction
SECTION 1 Introduction
i

Introduction
FCC Compliance
Statement
Warnings
and
Precautions
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC limits
for Class B digital devices. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed or used in accordance with the instructions may
cause harmful interference to radio communications.
There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular instance. If this equipment does cause harm-
ful interference to other equipment, try to correct the
problem by relocating the equipment.
Consult an authorized GARMIN dealer or other qualifi ed
service technician if the problem cannot be corrected.
Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) This
device cannot cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
The eTrex Vista does not contain any user-serviceable
parts. Repairs should be made only by an authorized
GARMIN service center. Unauthorized repairs can void
the warranty.
CAUTION: The Global Positioning System (GPS) is oper-
ated by the government of the United States, which is
solely responsible for its accuracy and maintenance. The
system is subject to changes which could affect the accu-
racy and performance of all GPS equipment. Although
the eTrex Vista is a precision electronic NAVigation AID
(NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted
and, therefore, become unsafe.
CAUTION: IT IS THE USER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO
USE THIS PRODUCT PRUDENTLY. THIS PRODUCT
IS INTENDED TO BE USED ONLY AS A TRAVEL
AID AND MUST NOT BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE
REQUIRING PRECISE MEASUREMENT OF DIREC-
TION, DISTANCE, LOCATION, OR TOPOGRAPHY.
THIS PRODUCT SHOULD NOT BE USED AS AN AID
TO DETERMINE GROUND PROXIMITY FOR AIRCRAFT
NAVIGATION.
ii

Introduction
MAP DATA INFORMATION: One of the goals of
GARMIN is to provide customers with the most complete
and accurate cartography that is available to us at a rea-
sonable cost. We use a combination of governmental and
private data sources, which we identify as required in
product literature and copyright messages displayed to
the consumer. Virtually all data sources contain inaccurate
or incomplete data to some degree. This is particularly
true outside the United States, where complete and accu-
rate digital data is either not available or prohibitively
expensive.
WARNING: For use in vehicles, it is the sole responsibil-
ity of the owner/operator of the eTrex Vista to secure the
GPS unit so that it will not interfere with the vehicle’s
operating controls, obstruct the driver’s view of driving
conditions, or cause damage or personal injury in the
event of an accident. Do not mount the eTrex Vista over
air bag panels or in the fi eld of air bag deployment. Air
bag expand with a rapid force that can propel objects
in their path toward the driver or passengers causing pos-
sible injury. Refer to air bag safety precautions contained
in the vehicle owner’s manual. Do not mount the eTrex
Vista in a place where the driver or passengers are likely
to impact it in an accident or collision. The mounting
hardware provided by GARMIN is not warranted against
collision damage or the consequences thereof.
WARNING: When used in vehicles, it is the sole respon-
sibility of the driver of the vehicle to operate the vehicle
in a safe manner, maintain full surveillance of all driving
conditions at all times, and not become distracted by the
eTrex Vista to the exclusion of safe operating practices.
It is unsafe to operate the controls of the eTrex Vista
while you are driving. Failure by the driver of a vehicle
equipped with an eTrex to pay full attention to operation
of the vehicle and road conditions while the vehicle is
in motion could result in an accident or collision with
property damage and personal injury.
Do Not Place Unsecured
on the Vehicle Dash
Do Not Mount
Over Air bag Panels
Do Not Mount in Front of an Air
bag Field of
Deployment
Warnings
and
Precautions
Do Not Mount Where
Driver’s Field of Vision
is Blocked
iii

Section One - Introduction
About This Manual.............................................i
FCC Compliance Statement...............................ii
Warnings and Precautions.............................ii-iii
Table of Contents..............................................iv
Section Two - Getting Started
Setup, Features, & Basic Navigation.....................1
Features and Button Function.............................2
Battery Installation...............................................3
Starting-Up...................................................................3
Backlighting and Contrast...................................4
Map Data Setup...................................................4
Page Basics: The Main Pages...........................5-11
Setting The Correct Time..................................11
Basic Navigation...........................................12-14
Section Three - Reference
The Satellite Page..........................................15-1
Navigation Methods..........................................17
The Map Page..............................................18-24
Map Page Options..................................19-24
Panning the Ma p .................................20
Stop Navigation....................................21
Navigation Status..................................21
Data Fields.......................................21-22
Map Page Setup..............................23-24
The Navigation Page....................................25-27
Navigation Page Options.......................25-27
Bearing/Course Pointer.........................25
Data Fields...........................................2
Electronic Compass..............................27
The Altimeter Page....................................28-31
Altimeter Page Options.........................29-31
View Elevation/Pressure Plots................29
View Points...........................................30
Calibrate Altimeter................................30
Data Fields............................................31
The Trip Computer Page...................................32
The Main Menu................................................33
Marking Your Location as a Waypoint......34
Section Four - Appendices
Appendix A: Specifi cations............................... 1
Appendix B: Time Offset Chart........................ 2
Appendix C: Accessories.................................. 3
Appendix D: Wiring Diagram........................... 4
Appendix E: Troubleshooting........................... 5
Appendix F: Index....................................... - 7
Appendix G: Warranty....................................... 8
Introduction
iv
Creating a Waypoint.... ....... .. ....... .......35
Moving a Waypoint..............................35
Projecting a Waypoint............................3
Editing Waypoints..
.................. .............3
Saving as a Waypoint............................3
The Find Menu......................................37-43
Finding a Waypoint.............
........ ........38
Finding a Favorite..............................38-39
Finding a City.........................................39
Finding an Exit....
........... ......................40
Finding a Point of Interest................41-42
Finding an Address or Intersection...42-43
Using a Goto.........
....... ................................44
Routes....................................................45-50
Creating and Using A Route..................45
Editing a Route...............................4 -47
Ad
ding or Editing fr om the Route Map
Page............................................... ...48-49
Navigating a Route...................................49
Data Fields.............................................50
Tracks..........................
.......... .................51-52
The Setup Pages...........
............ ...............53-57
Time Page.............
............ ....................53
Units Page.............................................54
Display Page......
...................... ..............55
Heading Page........................................55
Interface Page.....
............ ......................5
System Page...........................................57
The Accessory Pages..............................58- 0
Sun and Moon Page.............................58
Calendar Page..............
.................... .....59
Hunt and Fish Page............................... 0
Table of Contents

1
Setup,
Features,
and
Basic Navigation
SECTION 2
Before you begin to explore the eTrex Vista’s operating
features, you will want to follow these “Getting Started”
instructions to prepare it for operation by installing bat-
teries, adjusting the screen contrast, loading optional
GARMIN MapSource® mapping data, and setting the cor-
rect time for your current location.
The operating features of the unit are structured to
be accessed and activated by pressing buttons on the unit
which is explained on the following page.
The six Main Pages are your primary access to operat-
ing the eTrex Vista. Each page provides either a basic
navigation function or access to features which enhance
navigation or customize the unit’s operation.
This “Getting Started” section will introduce you to
the Main Pages and how they are structured. You will also
be shown how to perform basic navigation techniques to
help you start using your eTrex Vista immediately.
Detailed instructions on using the eTrex Vista’s features
and their options are contained in the “Reference” section.
Features inc ude:
Storage for 500 Waypoints with name and graphic symbol.
An automatic Track Log with storage capability for 10
Tracks with 250 points each.
Route building capability, with storage for 20 Routes with
50 Waypoints each.
A Trip Computer for displaying a variety of navigation
data such as speed, ETA, ETE, heading, odometer, etc.
An Elevation Computer for displaying total ascent/descent,
average ascent/descent, maximum ascent/descent, 12 hour
pressure trend, and maximum/minimum elevation.
A Find Feature for locating Waypoints, Cities, Interstate
Exits, Points of Interest, Street Addresses and Intersections.*
24 MB of detailed map data storage, allowing transfer
from GARMIN MapSource CD-ROM’s.
Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) capability.**
Getting Started
* Points of Interest, Address,
and Intersection data must
be transferred to the unit
using a GARMIN MapSource
CD-R M. See pages 4 and 63
for more information.
** About WAAS
Because the Wide Area Aug-
mentation System (WAAS) is
currently under development
and is not fully supported by
geo-stationary satellites, effec-
tive use of the WAAS feature
may be limited by your geo-
graphic location in relation to
those satellites now in service.
There are two WAAS satellites
in service in geo-stationary
orbit above the Equator, one
over the Atlantic cean and
one over the Pacifi c cean.
Currently, WAAS satellite signal
reception requires an absolute
clear view of the sky and works
best when there are no nearby
obstructions such as buildings,
mountains, etc. In fact, you may
not be able to receive or easily
maintain a WAAS satellite signal
until full satellite support for this
program is complete.
Not enabling WAAS when you
cannot receive a signal will
speed unit map drawing and
conserve battery power.
See page 57 for enabling WAAS
and satellite reception
techniques.

2
Features and
Button
Function
The ZOOM IN/OUT buttons:
• Press and hold to Zoom in and out on the Map Page
• Press and hold when on the Satellite Page to adjust the
screen contrast
The FIND button:
• Press and release to access the Find Menu
The PAGE button:
• Press and release to cycle through main pages
• Press and hold to turn the electronic compass On/Off
The POWER button:
• Press and hold to turn the unit On/Off
• Press and release to toggle display backlighting On/Off
The CLICK STICK (Five Position Switch)
• Press In and release to enter highlighted
options and to confi rm messages
• Press In and hold to mark your current
location as a waypoint
• Move Up/Down or Right/Left to move
through lists, highlight fi elds, on-screen
buttons, icons, enter data or move the map
panning arrow
Battery
Compartment
Cover
Internal Antenna
Power/Data
Connector Cover
External Power
and
Data Connector
LCD
Display
Carry
Lanyard
Slot
Getting Started
N TE: The eTrex Vista is desi ned to be held
and operated in the left hand, but it can be
held and operated usin the ri ht hand as
well to suit your preference.
F
Pressure
Sensor
Vent
Compass Si htin
Marks

3
Starting Up
Installing the Batteries
The eTrex Vista operates on two “AA” batteries (not
included), which are located in the back of the unit.
Rechargeable Alkaline, NiCad or
Lithium batteries may also be used.
Stored data will not be lost when
the batteries are removed.
To install batteries:
1. Remove the battery cover on the
back of the unit. Turn the D-ring
1/4 turn counter-clockwise & pull away.
. Insert the batteries
observing proper
polarity as shown
at the right.
3. Reinstall the battery
cover by turning the
D-ring 1/4 turn
clockwise.
Battery Cover
D-ring
Battery Compartment
Important Note:
When replacing batteries, use
only new or fully recharged bat-
teries and do not mix Alkaline,
NiCad or Lithium batteries.
Remove the batteries from the
unit if you don’t plan to use it
for several months.
Follow the battery manufactur-
er’s instructions for proper care
and disposal of used batteries.
In typical use, battery life will
vary.
Extensive use of backlighting
and/or the electronic compass will
signifi cantly reduce battery life .
When using ‘Battery Saver’ or
‘Use With GPS ff’ mode when
not navigating, batteries can
last up to 12 hours.
Starting Up Your eTrex Vista
To start up the eTrex Vista, take the unit outside and
fi nd an open area where the built-in antenna has a clear
view of the sky. Hold the unit at a comfortable height
with the antenna pointing up. Press and hold the POWER
button to turn the unit on. You will see the Welcome Page.
Press the PAGE button to acknowledge the copyright and
warning messages and move to the Satellite Page.
F
N TE: When you use the unit for the fi rst
time. It may take up to fi ve minutes to fi nd
your location. After that, it will take about
15 to 45 seconds to locate your position.
Battery
Installation
Getting Started
When a suffi cient number of satellites have been
located the window at the top of the page will display a
“Ready to Navigate” message. If you experience diffi culty
in tracking satellites, refer to pages 15 and 1 for informa-
tion about satellite reception and remedies.
GPS Receiver Status Message
Satellites Signal Strength
Satellite Page

4
Backlighting
and
Contrast
Getting Started
Display Backlighting and Contrast Set Up
If lighting conditions make it hard for you to see
the display screen, you can adjust the contrast or turn on
the backlight.
To turn on the backlighting:
1. Press and release the P WER button to turn on
the backlight feature from any page on the unit. The
backlight will remain on until the set timeout period is
completed or the P WER button is pressed again.
The unit is factory set to timeout 15 seconds after
the last button press.
To adjust the screen contrast:
1. Use the Z M IN or UT buttons to adjust the
contrast with the Satellite Page displayed.
Map Data
Setup
Transferring MapSource Map Data
If you have purchased a GARMIN MapSourceTM
CD-ROM mapping program you may want transfer detailed
map data before beginning use, to provide your unit with
maximum Find features and mapping capability. The eTrex
Vista will accept up to 24 MB of transferred map data which
would include MetroGuides, Topographic maps, Roads and
Recreation, and WorldMap mapping guides.
Map data transfer requires the use of a PC, a GARMIN
MapSource CD-ROM, and the PC Interface Cable with
RS232 serial port connector supplied with this unit. Follow
detailed i nstructions for data transfer in the MapSource User’s
Manual.
Use Z M IN & UT Buttons
to Adjust Contrast
Press & Release P WER Button
to turn Backlighting n/ ff
GARMIN MapSource
CD-R M’s offer a variety of
detailed mapping data and
navigation information.
MapSource is also an exellent
medium for storage and safety
backup of Personal Waypoints,
Routes and Saved Tracks.
See your GARMIN Dealer or
visit the GARMIN website at:
www.garmin.com
for
MapSource Product Informa tion.

5
Moving from main page to main page
All of the information you need to operate the eTrex Vista
can be found on six main pages (or display screens). You can
simply press and release the PAGE button to cycle through the
Satellite Page, Map Page, Navigation Page, Altimeter Page, Trip
Computer, and Main Menu Page.
While these six pages provide you with different types
of navigation information, they all share common features like
Option Menus and a Main Page Menu, both of which are
accessed by on-screen buttons. To display these menus, simply
highlight the on-screen button and press in on the CLICK
STICK.
Getting Started
Page Basics:
The Main Pages
Main Page Menu Button
Satellite Page Map Page Navigation Page Trip omputer Main Menu
ption Menu Button
Main Page Menu
Use to go directly to a Main
Page and as an alternate to
cycling through the Main Pages.
Double click on the on-screen
button to toggle between two
pages.
An ption Menu
These menus allow you to
access options that provide
additional features or customize
the unit to your preferences. To
exit these and other pop-up type
menus, move the CLICK STICK
to the left or right.
Altimeter Page

6
Page Basics:
The Main Pages
Getting Started
Map Page Basics
The Map Page displays your present position and
direction of movement using a triangular ‘Position Icon’
that is centered on the map. As you travel the map display
leaves a “trail” (track log) of your movements.
The map also displays geographic details such as
rivers, lakes, highways, and towns. The map shown above
displays a higher level of detail than the basemap pro-
vided with the unit (i.e. residential streets, parks, etc.),
because GARMIN MapSource data has been downloaded
to the unit using a CD-ROM mapping program
To allow you to view the map from different perspec-
tives, the scale can be changed from 120 feet to 500 miles.
The ZOOM IN and OUT buttons on the side of the unit
allow you to zoom In or Out on the map. Pressing and
holding these buttons causes the scale to change rapidly
instead of changing in increments. The IN button will
show you a larger area with less map details while the
OUT button displays less area but more map details.
A Status Window at the top of the page provides
you with current satellite tracking and position accuracy
information.
Position Icon
Status Window
Map Scale
Map Features
n-Screen
Page and ption
Menu Buttons

7
Navigation Page Basics
The Navigation Page displays directional information
to guide you to a destination. The Status Window at
the top of the page shows you the name of your destina-
tion, the distance and the time to go. A Bearing Pointer
and Compass Ring are displayed to provide you with
navigational guidance. Two Data Fields are provided, and
can be programmed to display a variety of navigation
data.
To navigate, simply follow the Bearing Pointer. The
Bearing Pointer will always point directly to the destina-
tion, no matter what your current location might be.
When you are not on an active Goto, Track or Route
(in other words: not traveling to a recorded destination),
the window at the top of the page will display the status
of the GPS Receiver and the approximate accuracy of your
current position. The Compass Ring will be displayed,
indicating your heading while you are moving, but the
data fi elds at the bottom of the page will not display
any destination related data, such as Estimated Time of
Arrival, etc.
Page Basics:
The Main Pages
The Navigation Page
when not on an active Goto,
Track, or Route.
Time to Destination
Straight Line Distance
to the Destination
Selectable Data Fields
Bearing Pointer
Compass Ring
Destination (Waypoint) Name
Getting Started

8
Page Basics:
The Main Pages
Getting Started
The Navigation Page Electronic Compass
The eTrex Vista is equipped with an electronic com-
pass to provide you with direction information when you
are stationary. You can also use the compass to perform
a basic navigation feature called ‘Sight ‘N Go’. Before
initial use and after changing batteries the compass must
be calibrated (outdoors and away from metal objects to
prevent signifi cant inaccuracies in the compass readings).
To Calibrate the Electronic Compass:
1. Use the PAGE button to access the Navigation Page.
. Use the CLICK STICK to highlight the Options Menu on-
screen button and then press it in to display the menu.
3. Highlight the ‘Calibrate Compass’ option and press in on
the CLICK STICK to display the Calibration Page.
4. Press in on the CLICK STICK to activate the ‘Start’ button
and then follow on-screen directions for holding and turn-
ing the unit. A “Just Right”, “Too Fast” or “Too Slow”
message will appear. Adjust the turning speed as needed.
5. A “Calibration Successful” message will appear when
fi nished. If a “Calibration Failed” message appears,
repeat the process using more care in turning the unit.
The Electronic Compass can be turned Off when not
required to conserve battery power.
Turning the Electronic Compass n and ff:
1. Press and hold the PAGE button at any time to turn
the Electronic Compass On or Off. A Compass Icon will
be displayed at the top of the Navigation and Map Pages
when the Compass is On.
. When you manually turn the Compass Off, it will stay off
until you manually turn it On again. However, when you
turn the Compass On, the eTrex Vista will turn the Compass
Off and automatically use the GPS reciever to track your
heading. The criteria used to switch between the Compass
heading and the GPS heading can be customized by access-
ing the ‘Headings’ Setup Page. (Refer to page 55)
3. When the Electronic Compass is On, you must hold
the eTrex Vista level to get an accurate Compass reading.
A ‘Hold level’ reminder will be displayed if you are not
holding the Compass level, or it is not calibrated co rrectly.
Electronic Compass
n/ ff Message.
Message will turn off after
3 seconds.
A Compass Icon is dis played
on this page and the Map
Page to indicate that the
Compass is n.

9
Altimeter Page Basics
The Altimeter Page provides the user with the current
elevation, rate of ascent/descent, a profi le of elevation
changes over distance or time, or a profi le of pressure
changes over time. The page Options Menu allows you to
select from a variety of display options such as plotting
over time, plotting over distance, zooming ranges of mea-
surement, viewing elevation or pressure points, and reset-
ting data displays. Two user selectable data fi elds allow
you to display of a variety of current and recorded pres-
sure and elevation related data.
Page Basics:
The Main Pages
Getting Started
Selectable Data Fields
Elevation Profi le
Elevation Status Window
Zoom Ranges allow
the user to select the
range of measure-
ment over time
or distance.
F
N TE: The Altimeter should be calibrated
for the reatest accuracy. Refer to pa e 30
for information on calibratin the Altimeter.

10
Getting Started
Trip Computer Page Basics
The Trip Computer page displays up to eight different
types of navigation data. Each data fi eld is selectable and
can contain one of many data information options.
By selecting the information options that you prefer
and arranging them in a desired order on the page, you
can customize the Trip Computer Page to meet your
navigation needs.
The Page Options Menu allows you to reset the Trip
Computer data when you are ready to start a new trip.
Selectable Data Fields
Page Basics:
The Main Pages

11
Main Menu Page Basics
The Main Menu provides you with a directory of the eTrex Vista’s advanced features.
From the Main Menu page you can mark and create new waypoints; fi nd map items
such as cities, interstate exits, addresses, points of interest, etc.; create routes; save track
logs; setup system operating features; or access and use unit accessories.
To exit these pages, highlight the on-screen ‘X’
button and press in on the CLICK STICK.
The Main Menu Page with
Feature Icons
&
Power Supply, Time/Date, and
Backlighting Status Bar.
Getting Started
Page Basics:
The Main Pages
Main Menu Pages
Mark Waypoint Page - Allows you to mark and record your current location.
Find Menu - Allows you to fi nd and Goto a map location or waypoint.
Routes Page - Allows you to create a route to a destination, with waypoints along the way.
Tracks Page - Allows you to save a Track Log and navigate a previous path of travel.
Setup Pages - Allow you to set the time, select units of measure, set display backlight-
ing and contrast, select from heading options, select interfaces to compatible external
devices, and select system operating modes.
Accessories Page - Provides Sun & Moon position data, a Calendar with date and note
capability, and best times for Hunting and Fishing.
Setting the Correct Time
If the time displayed in the fi eld at the bottom of the Main Menu does not match
the time for your current location (time zone), you may need to set the time. Use the
Main Menu to access the Setup Pages, select the Time Icon and then follow instructions
for setting the time on page 53.

12
Getting Started
Basic Navigation
The Mark Waypoint Page dis-
playing your Marked Waypoint,
along with the latitude and lon-
gitude and approx. elevation.
n-screen buttons can create
a Direct path (Goto) to the
waypoint, show it on the map
(Map), and confi rm your selec-
tion as a waypoint ( K).
The Data Entry Keyboard
To learn how to use your eTrex Vista, begin by
using some basic navigation techniques such as marking
your current location as a waypoint, and travel a short
distance and allow yourself to be guided back to where
you started.
Marking your Current Location as a Waypoint
The fi rst step in most navigation exercises is to mark
your current location as a waypoint so you can return
to it later.
To Mark a Waypoint:
1. Press in and hold the CLICK STICK until the ‘Mark
Waypoint’ Page is displayed. Whenever you hold in on the
CLICK STICK, your current location will be marked as a
new waypoint with a three-digit number assigned.
Before saving it, you can personalize the newly marked
waypoint by changing the numeric designation to a more
meaningful name. You can Also give it a map symbol to make it
more recognizable when viewed on the map.
To change the waypoint name:
1. Use the CLICK STICK to highlight the waypoint
name fi eld (001) and then press it in to display
the data entry keyboard.
. Use the CLICK STICK to highlight the desired charac-
ters for your new name and then press it in to
place a character in the data fi eld. The fi eld will automati-
cally move to the next character position.
3. Repeat the process until you have completed the new
name or have reached the character limit for the fi eld.
Then highlight ‘OK’ on the keyboard and then press in on
the CLICK STICK to complete the name entry and close
the keyboard.
F
N TE: The eTrex Vista must be “READY TO
NAVIGATE” before you can Mark a waypoint.

13
Getting Started
The Map Page displaying your
Marked Waypoint and a Track
defi ning your path of travel.
The Accuracy Circle, surround-
ing the Position Icon indicates
the accuracy of your position to
within the circumference of the
circle.
To change the waypoint symbol:
1. Use the CLICK STICK to highlight the waypoint
symbol fi eld on the Mark Waypoint Page and then press it
in to display the list of symbols.
. Use the CLICK STICK to move up and down the list
to highlight the desired symbol and then press it in to
place the symbol in the fi eld on the page.
3. Use the CLICK STICK to highlight the on-screen
‘OK’ button at the bottom of the page and then press it
in to save your new waypoint. The waypoint can be
retrieved later using the Find Menu.
Now that you’ve marked your location, you can begin
to practice some basic navigation techniques.
There are two main pages that help you navigate; the
Map Page and the Navigation Page.
Press the PAGE button repeatedly until the Map Page
is displayed. You will see the new waypoint in the center
of the map. If you renamed it, it will display the new
name and a map symbol.
Adjust the map scale to 300 feet by pressing the
ZOOM IN or OUT button on the side of the unit until
the scale in the lower left corner of the map reads 300 ft.
To Use the Map Page:
1. Observe the new waypoint you just marked displayed in
the center of the map.
. Begin walking or driving around for a few minutes and
then stop. (If in a car, make certain the unit has a clear
view of the sky through the windshield in order to receive
satellite signals.)
3. Observe that your location and movement is shown by the
‘Pointer Icon’ and that your path of travel (a Track) is shown
by a dotted line.
4. You can follow the Track back to the waypoint, but instead we’ll
save time and take a direct route to it using another navigation
tool, called a Goto, as explained on the following page.
The Mark Waypoint Page with
the list of
Map Symbols displayed
Basic Navigation

14
Getting Started
Basic Navigation
The Map Page with a Goto line
connecting your location to your
original Marked Waypoint
The Navigation Page with the
Bearing Pointer showing you
the direction to go. The
Compass Ring provides you
with orientation information.
The ‘Stop Navigation’ ption.
Navigating Back to Your Starting Point
Now we will navigate back to the waypoint you
marked at the beginning of this exercise using the Goto
function.
Going To (Goto) the Marked Waypoint:
1. Press and release the FIND key to display the Find Menu.
. Use the CLICK STICK to highlight and select ‘Way-
points’, from the list of categories.
3. You will be prompted to select fi nd ‘Nearest’ or fi nd ‘By
Name’. Select ‘Nearest’ and press in on the CLICK STICK
to display the Nearest List.
4. The waypoint you had previously marked and saved
will be on the list. Use the CLICK STICK to highlight the
waypoint and then press in to display the Information Page
for the waypoint.
5. Use the CLICK STICK to highlight the ‘Goto’ on-
screen button and then press it in to activate a Goto.
Press the PAGE button until the Navigation Page is
displayed.
Walk in the direction of the bearing pointer until it
points to the top of the compass ring. If the it points
to the right, you need to move to the right, if it points
left, you need to move to the left. When it points straight
up, you are on course to your destination. The Goto will
provide you with a direct route back to the waypoint and
will not necessarily follow the track you created.
The destination name, distance to the destination, and
time to reach it are displayed in the window at the top
of the screen. Two additional data fi elds are provided at
the bottom of the page and can be programmed to display
a variety of navigation data such as speed, heading, etc.
When you begin to approach the waypoint, an “Arriving
At Destination” message will appear. You can view your
progress by toggling between the Map and Navigation
Page.
To stop navigation, select ‘Stop Navigation’ from either
the Map or Navigation page’s options menus.
You have now completed a basic exercise in GPS naviga-
tion. As you learn more about the unit’s operation, you will
be able to apply more features to your navigation skills.