Garmin GPS 100 User manual

GARMIN
GPS 100
PERSONALNAVIGATORTM
OWNER'S MANUAL

GPS 100
Personal NavigatorTM
OWNER'S MANUAL

October, 1992 190-00001-00 Rev. A
© 1992 GARMIN, 9875 Widmer Road, Lenexa, KS 66215
Printed in Taiwan.
Allrightsreserved. Nopartofthismanualmaybereproducedortransmitted
inanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopy-
ingandrecording,foranypurposewithouttheexpresswrittenpermissionof
GARMIN.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. GARMIN
reservestherighttochangeorimprovetheirproductsandtomakechanges
inthecontentwithoutobligationtonotifyanyperson ororganizationofsuch
changes or improvements.

PREFACE
GARMIN thanks you for selecting the industry’s first high performance, full
featuredPersonalNavigatorTM.TheGPS100representsourcommitmentto
provide you with a portable navigation unit that is versatile, extremely
accurate, and easy to use. We are confident you will enjoy using your unit
for many years to come.
The GPS 100's rugged construction and quality components offer the
reliabilitydemandedbytheharshestoperatingenvironments.It maybeused
in marine, aviation, and land vehicles as well as by hunters, hikers, and
militaryforces. Theunitmaybeoperatedportablyusingitsownbatterypack,
or it may use a 12 or 24 volt external power source for fixed mounted
applications. Youcanevenusea115or230voltbatterychargerforplanning
trips at home.
This manual and accompanying quick reference card provide complete
informationonsafelyoperatingtheGPS100toitsfullpotential. Anexciting
practice voyage has been planned for you to practice your navigation skills
using the built-in simulator. Afterwards try a trip of your own to realize the
value of the GPS 100 as your Personal NavigatorTM. If you have any
questionsorcomments,ourCustomerSupportDepartmentiseagertoserve
you. GARMIN is fully committed to your satisfaction as a customer.
GARMIN International, Inc.
9875 Widmer Road
Lenexa, KS 66215
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ii
CAUTION
TheGPS system is operatedby the government ofthe United States which
issolelyresponsibleforitsaccuracyandmaintenance. Thesystemisunder
developmentandissubjecttochangeswhichcouldaffecttheaccuracyand
performance of all GPS equipment. Although the GPS 100 is a precision
electronic NAVigation AID (NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or
misinterpreted,andthereforebecomeunsafe. UsetheGPS100atyourown
risk. To reduce the risk, carefully review and understand all aspects of this
Owner'sManualandthoroughly practiceoperationusingthesimulatormode
prior to actual use. When in actual use, carefully compare indications from
the GPS 100 to all available navigation sources including the information
fromotherNAVAIDs,visualsightings,charts,etc. Forsafety,alwaysresolve
any discrepancies before continuing navigation.
ThealtitudecalculatedbytheGPS100isgeometricheightabovemeansea
levelandcouldvarysignificantlyfromaltitudedisplayedbypressurealtimeters
in aircraft. NEVER use GPS altitude for vertical navigation.
NOTE: Thisequipmenthasbeentestedandfoundtocomplywiththelimits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interferenceinaresidentialinstallation. Thisequipmentgenerates,usesand
canradiateradiofrequencyenergyand,ifnotinstalledandusedinaccordance
withtheinstructions,maycauseharmfulinterferencetoradiocommunications.
However,thereisnoguaranteethatinterferencewillnotoccurinaparticular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
· Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
· Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
· Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
· Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
1 INTRODUCING THE GARMIN GPS 100 1-1
1.1 GPS 100 Capabilities 1-1
1.2 Basic Package 1-2
1.3 Optional Accessories 1-3
1.4 Operational Modes 1-4
2 GETTING STARTED - GPS 100 FUNDAMENTALS 2-1
2.1 Keypad Operation 2-2
2.2 Entering Data 2-4
2.3 Viewing Messages 2-5
3 INITIALIZATION 3-1
4 WAYPOINTS 4-1
4.1 WaypointDefinition 4-2
4.2 Creating Waypoints 4-2
4.3 Using Waypoints 4-4
4.4 Using Waypoints By Scanning 4-5
4.5 Reviewing Waypoints 4-6
4.6 Modifying Waypoints 4-6
4.7 Nearest Waypoints 4-7
4.8 Proximity Alarm Waypoints 4-8
4.9 Waypoint Catalog 4-9
5 NAVIGATION INFORMATION 5-1
5.1 CDI and Navigation Summary 5-2
5.2 Present Position 5-5
6 GETTING THERE FAST — GOTO 6-1
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7 ROUTES 7-1
7.1 Navigating Using Routes 7-2
7.2 Route Catalog 7-3
7.3 Editing Routes 7-4
7.4 Activating Routes 7-5
7.5 Deleting Routes 7-7
7.6 Closest Point of Approach 7-7
8 AutoStoreTM 8-1
9 TRIP PLANNING AND GPS STATUS 9-1
9.1 Trip Planning 9-1
9.2 Fuel Planning 9-2
9.3 Density Altitude/TAS (Aviation Feature) 9-3
9.4 Wind Aloft (Aviation Feature) 9-4
9.5 Vertical Navigation (Aviation Feature) 9-5
10 DATE AND TIME FUNCTIONS 10-1
10.1 Date and Time 10-1
10.2 Alarm Clocks 10-2
10.3 Event Timers 10-3
10.4 Sunrise/Sunset 10-5
10.5 Battery Timer 10-5
11 CUSTOMIZING THE GPS 100 11-1
11.1 GPS Status 11-2
11.2 User Selectable Alarms 11-3
11.3 CDI Settings 11-5
11.4 Offset Navigation/Magnetic Variation 11-6
11.5 Audio/Display Characteristics 11-8
11.6 Navigation Display Units 11-9
11.7 MapDatum/Interface 11-11
11.8 Waypoint/Route Transfer 11-12
12 ADVANCED FEATURES 12-1
12.1 Building Routes Using AutoStoreTM 12-1
12.2 Parallel Offset Navigation 12-2
12.3 Course To Steer (CTS) 12-3
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12.4 Vertical Navigation (Aviation Feature) 12-4
12.5 Closest Point of Approach 12-5
13 MESSAGES 13-1
14 INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE 14-1
14.1 Specifications 14-1
14.2 Electrical Wiring 14-3
14.3 Gimbal Bracket Installation 14-4
14.4 Slide Mount Operation 14-6
14.5 Battery Pack Operation 14-9
14.6 Maintenance 14-10
14.7 Customer Support 14-10
15 SAMPLE SIMULATED TRIP 15-1
APPENDICES
A GPS — HOW DOES IT WORK A-1
A.1 GPS Overview A-1
A.2 Coverage and Accuracy A-1
A.3 GPS Receiver Designs A-2
B ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS B-1
C LOCAL TIME TO UTC TIME CONVERSION C-1
v
D INDEX D-1

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCING THE GARMIN GPS 100
1.1 GPS 100 CAPABILITIES
TheGPS100providesahostofpowerfulcapabilitieswhichwerepreviously
unavailable or found only in much larger and more expensive systems:
·Performance: State-of-the-art MultiTracTM receiver tracks up to
eight satellites while providing high receiver sensitivity, fast first fix,
and continuous navigation updates.
·Portability: Goeswhereyougo-onland,sea,orintheair. Thebuilt-
in simulator allows you to plan your next trip or hone your navigation
skills at home or in your office.
·Navigation: Illuminated keypad and display provide the navigation
information you need at a glance. Store up to 250 alphanumeric
waypoints and 10 reversible routes. The GOTO function sets an
instantaneouscoursetothewaypointofyourchoice. TheAutoStoreTM
function helps you build routes as you go. A flashing Message
Annunciator and an audible message tone keeps you fully informed
of your navigation status.
·Personalized: Configure your unit the way you like by selecting
nautical units, Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) sensitivity, keypad
and display features, map datums, and interface options.
· Low Power Consumption: Battery Saver operation, which draws
less than 250 milliamps of current, provides 14 hours of continuous
operation with six AA size alkaline batteries. The QuickFixTM mode
providesondemandpositionfixes in aslittleas15secondsandover
100 hours of battery life at four fixes per hour.
·Trip Planning: Analyze distance, time, and fuel requirements for
yourtrip. Computethetimeofsunriseandsunsetatyourdestination.
Calculatedensityaltitudebeforeyoutakeoff,andtrueairspeedasyou
fly. Verticalnavigationguidesyoutoyourcruisealtitudeandputsyou
in the traffic pattern before landing.
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·Multi-purposeAlarms: DualalarmclocksandtimersallowtheGPS
100towatchtheclockforyou. Arrival,anchordrag,CDI,andhazard
alerts help you safely navigate your craft.
·Offset navigation: The offset navigation feature allows you to
traverseyourrouteafixeddistanceleftorrightfromadefinedcourse.
·Interfaces:Interfacewithmarineoraviationautopilotsandgraphical
plotters. Down load waypoints and routes to your PC for permanent
record.
We encourage you to read this manual and experiment using the built-in
simulator. This will help you quickly master the features of the GPS 100.
1.2 BASIC PACKAGE
Your GARMIN GPS 100 basic package includes:
· GPS 100 Unit
· Rechargeable Battery Pack
· 115V/230V Battery Charger
· Gimbal Mount Assembly
· Power/Data Cable
· Wrist Strap
· Owner's Manual
· Quick Reference Card
· Warranty Card
The basic package allows you to use your GPS 100 for both portable and
fixed operations. The unit may be operated from external AC power using
the battery charger, external 12 or 24 volt DC power using the power/data
cable, or using a battery pack.
Handheld Operation:
Forhandheldoperation,theGPS100ispowered by the battery pack which
can be recharged using the supplied battery charger. (NOTE: This battery
pack is permanently sealed and should never be opened.) An optional AA
size battery pack is available if you wish to use disposable batteries.
1-2

In order to track GPS satellites, the unit must be situated with the antenna
pointed straight up and should not be blocked by objects or people (signal
receptionthroughthinfabricsuchascanvasmaybeadequatebutdegraded).
A wrist strap is provided to prevent accidental dropping of your GPS 100.
(Connect the wrist strap to the eyelet on the back of the unit.)
Gimbal Mount Operation:
Agimbalmountissuppliedforfixedinstallationinaboatorlandvehicle. The
unit may be operated using vehicle power through the power/data cable or
it may be operated using the battery pack.
Whileusingvehiclepower,youmaywishtoleavethebatterypackintheunit.
Vehicle power will automatically maintain the rechargeable battery pack at
full capacity. In the event of vehicle power failure, the GPS 100 will
automatically switch to battery power.
Inadditiontosupplyingpowertotheunit,thepower/datacableallowsyouto
interfaceyourGPS100withothermarineelectronicdevicessuchasplotters
or autopilots (see Section 14.2 on electrical wiring).
1.3 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
The following optional accessories are available for your specific needs:
· Magnetic Mount Antenna Kit
· Marine/RV Remote Antenna Kit
· Personal Computer Kit
· Carrying Case
· AA Size Battery Pack
· Data Transfer Cable (unit-to-unit)
Marine/RV Operation:
A Marine/RV Remote Antenna Kit is available for those installations that
require an external antenna for an unobstructed view of the sky. This kit
includes a remote weather-proof antenna and 30 feet of low-loss antenna
cable. Theremoteantennahasbeenconstructedtothreadontoastandard
1" antenna mount. Antenna mounts, commonly used to attach VHF radio
antennasandLoran-Ccouplers,arereadilyavailablefromyourlocalmarine
accessories dealer.
1-3

A Magnetic Mount Antenna KIt is available for temporary attachment of the
GPS 100 antenna to a metalic surface. This kit includes a remote weather-
proof antenna and 10 feet of low-loss antenna cable.
Personal Computer Kit:
APersonalComputerKitisavailableforreal-timetrackplotting/mapgeneration
and downloading of almanac, waypoints, and routes. Perform satellite
visibility computations and useful DXF format conversion for interfacing to
various CAD and GIS (Geographical Information System) programs.
Waypoints and routes may be uploaded from a PC back to your GPS 100
using this kit.
Data Transfer Cable:
A data transfer cable is available to transfer waypoints and routes from one
GPS100toanother. Thiscablecomescompletewith GPS 100 connectors
and can be used in conjunction with the battery charger.
Carrying Case:
Acarrying case is available forconvenient storage or transportation ofyour
GPS100. Thiscasecan be worn on your beltorover the shoulder. A utility
pocket is provided for storing spare battery packs as well as other small
items. Theunitmay beoperateddirectlyfromthecasebyunzippingthetop
and bottom zippers and raising the antenna.
AA Size Battery Pack:
AAAsizebatterypackisavailableifyouwishtousedisposablebatteriesfor
GPS100operation. TheAAbatterypackshouldbefilledwithsixhighquality
alkaline batteries commonly found at retail stores.
1.4 OPERATIONAL MODES
IfyourGPS100is powered byanexternalsource,itwillprovidecontinuous
navigation updates. Typical time to first fix is less than 2.5 minutes. (If you
have used your unit within the hour, it may take as little as 15 seconds.)
IfyourGPS100ispoweredbythebatterychargerorabatterypack,youmay
select one of four operational modes:
1-4

Normal mode offers continuous position updates as if you were using an
external power source. The GPS 100 will typically operate 8 hours on a
single pack of alkaline batteries, or 5 hours using the rechargeable battery
pack.
Battery Saver mode, suitable for most applications, offers navigation
updatesthatadapttoyourneedswhileextending batterylife. TheGPS100
will typically operate 14 hours on a single pack of alkaline batteries, or 8
hours using the rechargeable battery pack.
QuickFixTM mode offers the convenience of quick, on demand position
updatesandextendedbatterylifeforsurfacenavigationusers. Asinglepack
ofalkalinebatterieswilllastover100hoursatfourfixesperhour. Afteryour
positionhasbeencalculated,youmayturntheunitoff,oritwillautomatically
turn off two minutes after the last keypress. When you are ready for a new
position fix, simply turn the unit on. The GPS 100 will quickly re-acquire
satellites and calculate a new position. To manually cancel QuickFixTM
mode, turn the unit off prior to obtaining a position fix. If you have not
requested a new position fix for 30 minutes, the QuickFixTM mode will
automatically be cancelled.
Simulatormodeallowsyoutosimulate the operation of the GPS 100 while
athomeorin your office. Thesimulatormodecanbeusedwhile learningto
use your GPS 100 and is ideal for planning routes and entering waypoints.
KeepinmindthattheGPS100isnottrackingsatellitesinthesimulatormode.
You should never attempt to use the simulator mode for actual navigation.
1-5

CHAPTER 2
GETTING STARTED — GPS 100 FUNDAMENTALS
Thefrontpanelconsistsofa 3-line,22-characterLCDdisplayand 21keys.
Both the display and keypad are illuminated for your convenience while
operating in the darkness.
Flashing “M” character for new mes-
sages; steady “M” if messages remain
on the Message page after you view
them.
No “M” character if no messages.
Information displayed on the LCD is commonly referred to as a “page”.
Notice the “M” character in the upper right-hand corner of the display
illustratedabove. ThissymbolisknownastheMessageAnnunciatorandwill
flashiftheGPS 100 wishestotellyousomething. Theunitalso containsan
internaltonegeneratorthatwillsoundwiththeflashingMessageAnnunciator
(ifyourunitisconnectedtoanexternalalarmsystem,itwillalsobeactivated).
Cursor on Alphanumeric Field Numeric Field
2-1

2-2
Confirmation Field Cursor on Cyclic Field
Theareaofthepagewithlightcharactersanddarkbackgroundiscalledthe
cursor. The cursor may be moved to locations on the page called fields. A
fieldisagroupofcharacterstreatedasasingleunitofinformationwhichallow
you to enter data. You will encounter four types of fields.
Numeric fieldsaccept numbers. Forexample,youwillenter thetimein
an numeric field.
Alphanumeric fields accept numbers as well as letters. For example,
you will enter the date in an alphanumeric field.
Cyclic fields allow you to select from one of several available options.
For example, you may select between ETE (estimated time enroute) or
ETA (estimated time of arrival) using a cyclic field. Cyclic fields are
indicated on the display by a “>” character.
Confirmation fields allow you to indicate your acceptance or rejection.
For example, you will be asked to confirm the initial position, date, and
time before satellite acquisition begins. Confirmation fields always end
with a “?” character.
2.1 KEYPAD OPERATION
The ON/OFF key is a dual function rocker key that controls
system power and panel backlight intensity.
Whentheunitison,pressingtheON/BRTsideofthekeywill
increase the backlight intensity. Pressing the OFF/DIM side will decrease
the backlight intensity.
Toturntheunitoff,pressand holdtheOFF/DIMsideofthe ON/OFFkeyfor
three seconds until the display is blank.
PressingtheMSGkeyallowsyoutoviewmessages. (See Section2.3 and

Chapter 13 for more details.)
PressingtheGOTO keyallowsyoutoactivate theGOTOfunction,
which will set an instantaneous course to any waypoint. (See
Chapter 6 for more details.)
Pressing the AUTOSTO key allows you to capture your present
positiononaninstantaneousbasis. TheAutoStoreTM functionalso
allows you to place the waypoints in a route. (See Chapter 8 for
more details.)
Pressing the SET key selects the setup pages which allow you to
customize the unit as you like. (See Chapter 11 for more details.)
Pressing the RTE key selects the route pages which allow you to
edit, review, activate, and delete routes. (See Chapter 7 for more
details.)
PressingtheWPTkeyselectsthewaypointpageswhichallowyou
tocreate,editanddeletewaypoints. Inaddition,youmayviewyour
nearest waypoints and set waypoint proximity alarms. (See
Chapter 4 for more details.)
PressingtheNAVkeyselectsthenavigationpageswhichallowyou
to view navigation information and perform planning functions.
(See Chapters 5, 9, and 10 for more details.)
Pressing the right or left side of this rocker key allows you
tomovethecursor,scrollthroughinformationlists,andenter
letters of the alphabet.
Thealphanumerickeysallowyoutoenterlettersandnumbers
into the GPS 100.
Ifyouwanttoentera number, for instance“1”,simplypress
the1key. Ifyouwanttoenteraletter,forexample“A”, pressthe1key,then
presstherightarrowkeyoncetoselect“A”(youmayalsopresstheleftarrow
key three times to display the "A").
Pressing the CLR key erases information in the cursor field. If the cursor is
2-3

overacyclicfield,pressingtheCLRkeywilltogglethroughseveral
availableoptions. Ifthecursorisoveraconfirmationfield,pressing
the CLR key indicates rejection.
Pressing the ENT key completes the process of data entry. If the
cursor is over a confirmation field, pressing the ENT key indicates
your approval.
2.2 ENTERING DATA
The GPS 100 features a keypad feedback tone which will sound each time
you press a key. If you enter data which is not appropriate for the field, the
feedbacktonewillquicklysoundthreetimesindicatinganerror. Thekeypad
feedback tone can be turned off if you wish (see Section 11.5 for more
information).
Dataisenteredintotheunitusingthekeypadandfields. Inordertoenterdata
youmustfirstmovethecursoroverthedesiredfieldbypressingthe rightor
left arrow key.
To enter a number...
· Press the key that is labeled with the desired number. The numbers
willfillinfromtheleftsideofthefieldsimilartoatypewriter. Youmust
enterany leading zeros in thefield. For example, if you wishto enter
“51”ina3spacefield,youmustpressthe0,5,and1keysinthatorder.
· Press the CLR key if you enter an incorrect number.
· Press the ENT key when you have filled each space of the field with
numbers.
To enter a letter...
· Press the key that is labeled with the desired letter.
· Press the right or left arrow key until the desired letter is displayed.
· Press the CLR key if you enter an incorrect letter.
· Press the ENT key when all the characters are entered.
(Note: Some fields allow only letters and no numbers. For example, the
2-4

hemisphericdesignationforlatitudeiseitheran“N”forNorthor“S”forSouth.
If you wish to enter an “N” for North, press the 5 key, which is also labeled
with the letter N. The GPS 100 will automatically display “N” for you.)
To change a cyclic field...
· Press the CLR key.
To indicate approval on a confirmation field...
· Press the ENT key.
To indicate rejection on a confirmation field...
· Press the CLR key.
2.3 VIEWING MESSAGES
Message
Annunciator
MESSAGE PAGE
From time to time, the GPS 100 will use a message to tell you of conditions
that need your attention. When the GPS 100 has a new message for you,
the Message Annunciator will flash. When this occurs, press the MSG key
toviewnewmessage(s). Continuetopress theMSGkeyuntilthepageyou
were viewing prior to pressing the MSG key is displayed.
While the Message Annunciator is flashing, the GPS 100 will also generate
an audible tone to alert you of the message. Messages that demand
immediate attention such as an arrival alarm generate a quick tone that will
not stop until you view the message. All other messages generate a slow
tonethat will cease after 15 seconds. The messagetone may be turned off
if you wish (see Section 11.5 for more information).
Certain messages will remain on the Message Page after being viewed. If
this occurs, the Message Annunciator will be in view but will not flash.
If no messages exist on the Message Page, the Message Annunciator will
2-5

not be visible and the message page will appear as illustrated below.
Refer to Chapter 13 for a complete list of GPS 100 messages.
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CHAPTER 3
INITIALIZATION
By now you should have a basic understanding of the GPS 100. Turn your
unitonandwewillwalkyouthroughtheinitializationprocess. (Youmayneed
tousethebatterychargerwhenyouoperatetheunitforthefirsttime. Please
allow the unit to remain on the battery charger for at least 14 hours before
actual field use.)
SELF TEST PAGE
When you turn your GPS 100 on, the Self Test Page will be displayed for
approximately2seconds. Duringthistime,theGPS100willconductaseries
of self tests.
UTC Date UTC Time
Initial Initial
Latitude Longitude
Nearest Waypoint Bearing & Range from Waypoint
INITIALIZATION PAGE
Followingcompletionoftheselftests,theInitializationPagewillbedisplayed.
This page allows you to verify and change, if necessary, the UTC date/time
and initial position. (UTC, essentially the same as Greenwich Mean Time,
isthetimeofdayat0degreeslongitude. SeeAppendixCforUTC/localtime
conversion.)
NOTE: The UTC date and time has been set by the factory and will be
updatedbyinformationreceived from thesatellites. Unlessthedate/timeis
in error by more than 20 minutes, it need not be updated.
3-1