Garmin GPS 12XL - Hiking Receiver User manual

Owner’s
Manual
&Reference
GPS
12XL
Personal
Navigator
®
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 1

Software Version 4.0 or above
© 1998 GARMINCorporation, 1200 E. 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062 USA
Tel: [phone] or 800-800-1020 Fax: [phone]
GARMIN (Europe) Ltd., Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 9AQ UK
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
GARMIN (Asia) Corp., 4th Fl., No. 1, Lane 45, Pao-Hsing Road, Hsin Tien, Taiwan R.O.C.
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Web Site Address: www.garmin.com
All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means including photocopying and recording, for any purpose with-
out the express written permission of GARMIN.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. GARMIN reserves
the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content with-
out obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes.
GARMIN, Personal Navigator, AutoLocate, TracBack, and PhaseTrac12 are all trade-
marks of GARMIN Corporation and may not be used without the expressed permis-
sion of GARMIN.
February 1998 - Part Number 190-00134-10 Rev. A - Printed in Taiwan.
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 2

GPS 12XL
Operator’s
Manual
Thank you for choosing the GARMIN GPS 12XL —the smallest, easi-
est-to-use GPS navigator for outdoor use! The GPS 12XL represents
GARMIN’s continuing commitment to provide quality navigation informa-
tion in a versatile and user-friendly flexible design you’ll enjoy for years.
To get the most from your new GPS, take the time to read through the
owner’s manual in order to understand the operating features of the GPS
12XL. This manual is organized into four sections for your convenience:
Introduction gives a quick overview of the manual and contains the
table of contents and the glossary of navigational terms.
Getting Started introduces you to the basic features of the unit and
provides a quick-start orientation to the GPS 12XL.
Reference provides details about the advanced features and opera-
tions of the GPS 12XL by topic.
The Appendix section contains initialization instructions and items
with multiple listings, such as map datums, time offsets, and the
index.
Before getting started with your GPS, check to see that your GARMIN
GPS 12XL package includes the following items. If you are missing any
parts, please contact your dealer immediately.
Standard Package:
• GPS 12XL Unit • Owner’s Manual
• Wrist Strap • Quick Reference Guide
• Carrying Case • 4 AA Batteries
See your GARMIN dealer for accessories including our PC kit, swivel
mounts, external antennas, and power/data cables.
We at GARMIN hope the GPS 12XL will help you meet all of your
navigation needs and know it will become a valuable piece of your
outdoor gear.
i
INTRODUCTION
Packing List
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 3

Caution
INTRODUCTION
ii
The GPS system is operated 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 accuracy and performance of all
GPS equipment. Although the GPS 12XL is a precision electronic NAVigation
AID (NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and, therefore,
become unsafe.
Use the GPS 12XL at your own risk. To reduce the risk of unsafe oper-
ation, carefully review and understand all aspects of this Operator’s Manual
and thoroughly practice operation using the simulator mode prior to actual
use. When in actual use, carefully compare indications from the GPS 12XL to
all available navigation sources including the information from other
NAVAIDs, visual sightings, maps, etc. For safety, always resolve any discrep-
ancies before continuing navigation.
NOTE: This device meets requirements for Part 15 of the FCC limits for
Class B digital devices for home or office use. It has been tested for compli-
ance with all necessary FCC standards. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accor-
dance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio commu-
nications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
other equipment, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by relocating the
equipment or connecting the equipment to a different circuit than the affected
equipment. Consult an authorized dealer or other qualified service technician
for additional help if these remedies do not correct the problem. 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 GPS 12XL
does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by
an authorizedservice center. Unauthorized repairs or modifications could
void your warranty and your authority to operate this device under Part 15
regulations.
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 4

1
INTRODUCTION
Table of
Contents
SECTION ONE Introduction
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Battery & Remote Antenna Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Keypad Usage & Data Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Primary Page Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
SECTION TWO Getting Started
Power On & Marking a Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Position Page, Map Page, & Going To A Waypoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Compass Page & Cancelling A GOTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Clearing the Map, Screen Contrast, & Power Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
SECTION THREE Reference
Satellite Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13
Battery Level Indicator, Backlighting, and Emergency Erase . . . . . . .14
Position Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-16
Marking a Position & Position Averaging Function . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Waypoint Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-22
GOTO & Man Overboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
TracBack Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-25
Creating and Using Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-30
Compass & Highway Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31-34
Map Page, Zooming, & Panning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35-37
Map Options & Map Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Track Log Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Find City Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
City Setup, Main Menu Page & Distance/Sun Calculations . . . . . . .41
Setup Menu & System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42-43
Navigation Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-45
Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Interface Setup & DGPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47-48
Navigation Simulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
SECTION FOUR Appendices
Appendix A––Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50-51
Appendix B—Specifications & Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52-53
Appendix C—Messages and Time Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54-55
Appendix D—Map Datums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56-57
Appendix E––Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58-60
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 1

Glossary
INTRODUCTION
2
The GPS 12XL is a powerful navigation tool that can guide you anywhere
in the world. To better understand its operation and capabilities, it may be
helpful to review the basic terms and concepts briefly explained below.
Other navigation and GPS definitions used in the manual are defined in the
appropriate reference sections of the manual.
Almanac Data
Satellite constellation information (including location and health of satel-
lites) that is transmitted to your receiver from every GPS satellite. Almanac data
must be acquired before GPS navigation can begin.
Bearing (BRG)
The compass direction from your position to a destination.
Course Made Good (CMG)
The bearing from the “active from” position (your starting point) to your
present position.
Crosstrack Error (XTK)
The distance you are off a desired course in either direction.
Desired Track (DTK)
The compass course between the “from” and “to” waypoints.
Differential GPS (DGPS)
An extension of the GPS system that uses land-based radio beacons to
transmit position corrections to GPS receivers.
Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
The time of day of your arrival at a destination.
Estimated Time Enroute (ETE)
The time left to your destination at your present speed.
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 2

3
INTRODUCTION
Glossary
Grid
Coordinate system that projects the earth on a flat surface, using square
zones for position measurements. UTM/UPS and Maidenhead formats are grid
systems.
Ground Speed (SPD)
The velocity you are traveling relative to a ground position.
Latitude
The north/south measurement of position perpendicular to the earth’s
polar axis.
Longitude
An east/west measurement of position in relation to the Prime Meridian,
an imaginary circle that passes through the north and south poles.
Navigation
The process of traveling from one place to another and knowing where
you are in relation to your desired course.
Position
An exact, unique location based on a geographic coordinate system.
Track (TRK)
The direction of movement relative to a ground position.
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
A grid coordinate system that projects global sections onto a flat surface to
measure position in specific zones.
Velocity Made Good (VMG)
The speed you are traveling in the direction of the destination.
Waypoint
A specific location saved in the receiver’s memory.
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 3

Battery Installation
The GPS 12XL operates on 4 AA batteries (includ-
ed), which are installed at the base of the unit. These
batteries provide up to 12 hours of use.
To install the batteries:
1. Remove the battery cover by turning the thumb
loop at the bottom of the unit 1/4 turn counter-
clockwise.
2. Insert the batteries into position. The battery pole
you can still see should match the symbol (+ or –)
marked on the case.
3. Replace and secure the battery cover by turning
the thumb loop 1/4 turn clockwise.
Battery life varies due to a variety of factors,
including temperature and backlighting. You may
find that lithium batteries provide longer life in colder
conditions.
Battery
Installation
INTRODUCTION
4
Remote Antenna
Installation
An optional remote
antenna may be used
with the GPS 12XL.
The remote antenna
will improve the
receiving capabilities
of the unit by magni-
fying weaker signals
which the built-in
antenna may not be
able to use.
The remote
antenna is attached
by plugging it into
the connector on the
back of the unit (see
above).
Contact your
GARMIN dealer for
remote antennas and
accessories.
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 4

5
DATA ENTRY
The arrow keypad is
used for all data entry.
Use the and
keys to select letters,
numbers, and menu
options; use the and
keys to move the cur-
sor forward or back-
ward along the line.
Press to confirm
your entry.
INTRODUCTION
Keypad Usage &
Data Entry
Turns the unit on and off and
activates screen backlighting.
Scrolls through the main data
pages in sequence and returns
display from a submenu page
to a primary page.
Captures a position and dis-
plays the mark position page.
Displays GOTO page with
the waypoint highlighted for
GOTO operation. Pressing
GOTO twice activates MOB.
Confirms data entry and
activates highlighted fields
to allow data entry.
Returns display to a previous
page, or restores a data field’s
previous value.
Selects alphanumerical
characters and menu choices
and moves the field highlight
from field to field.
Moves the selected character
field and moves the field
highlight from field to field.
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 5

Primary Pages
Before we start the tour, let’s briefly look at the five
primary information pages used for the GPS 12XL.
Switch between pages by pressing either the or
keys.
Satellite Page
The Satellite Page shows satellite positions and
signal strength. Satellite positions are displayed using
two circles and a center point. The outer circle shows
satellites on level with the horizon; the inner circle is
45º above the horizon; and the center point represents
satellites directly overhead. Knowing satellite positions
will show you the direction of any blocked signals.
The bottom of the page contains a row of signal
strength bars corresponding to each satellite being used.
Position Page
The Position Page shows you where you are, what
direction you’re heading and how fast you’re going.
The top of the page contains a compass tape which
is a graphic representation of your heading (or ‘track’).
Your track and speed are indicated immediately below.
The graphic compass tape reflects your actual
heading (track) only while you are moving.
The rest of the page shows your current position in
three dimensions: latitude, longitude, and altitude. A
trip odometer and 12/24-hour clock are also provided.
Primary Pages
INTRODUCTION
6
Satellite Page
The Satellite Page will
allow you to monitor
satellite signal reception
and strength.
!
Position Page
Satellite Position Map Compass Main Menu
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 6

Map Page
The Map Page acts as a window. It allows you to
view your position, the “path” you have traveled over,
and nearby waypoints.
A diamond icon in the center of the screen repre-
sents your current position. As you move, you will see
a thin line—called a track log—appear along the path
you have just covered. Names of stored waypoints and
nearby cities can also be shown on the map.
The bottom corners of the map will always display
your current track and speed. When going to a way-
point, highlighting an on-screen waypoint, or using the
panning target crosshair, the corresponding distance
and bearing are shown at the top corners of the map.
The top of the screen contains the zoom, pan, and con-
figuration fields.
Navigation Page
Anavigation page gives you steering guidance
when going to a waypoint. The GPS 12XL has two nav-
igation page choices: the Compass Page and the
Highway Page. The Compass Page is the default and
will be briefly explained here. The Highway Page is
covered on page 34.
The Compass Page shows the destination way-
point at the top of the page with the bearing (BRG) and
distance (DST) to the waypoint shown below. The cen-
ter of the page contains a compass ring and arrow to
show you the direction of the waypoint from the direc-
tion you are moving. The bottom of the page gives
your track (TRK), speed (SPD), and a selectable field
for estimated time to arrival (ETA), estimated time
enroute (ETE), course to steer (CTS), crosstrack error,
(XTK), velocity made good (VMG), or turn bearing
(TRN).
Main Menu Page
The last primary page is the Main Menu Page.
The Main Menu Page gives you access to the GPS
12XL’s waypoint management, route, track log, and
setup features through a list of submenus.
7
Map Page
The Map Page shows
your progress on a mov-
ing map plotter and gives
a bird’s-eye-view of sur-
rounding waypoints and
cities.
INTRODUCTION
Primary Pages
Compass Page
The Compass Page is the
default navigation page
and will show you the
way to the waypoint from
the direction you are
moving.
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 7

Getting Started Tour
Now that you’ve seen the primary pages, let’s get
started by taking a simple tour to show you the basics
about using your GPS 12XL. The tour assumes that
your unit has been turned on and that none of the fac-
tory settings ( units of measure, selectable fields, etc.)
have been changed. If these settings have been
changed, the pictures and descriptions you see in this
manual may not match what you see on your screen.
Turning the GPS 12XL On
1. Press until the receiver turns on.
The welcome page will appear while the unit con-
ducts a self test. Once testing is complete, the Database
Page will appear, followed by the Satellite Page. When
sufficient satellite signals have been acquired, the
Satellite Page will be replaced by the Position Page.
Marking a Position
GPS is really about marking and going to places
called waypoints. Before we can use our GPS 12XL to
guide us somewhere, we have to mark a position as a
waypoint. (Your GPS 12XL can hold up to 500 way-
points.)
To mark your present position:
1. Press the key. The mark position page will
appear, with a default three-digit name for the new
waypoint in the upper-left portion of the page.
To rename the waypoint:
1. Highlight the name field, and press .
2. Enter the waypoint name ‘HOME’, and press .
(See pg. 5 for data entry.) The waypoint symbol field
will become highlighted.
Each waypoint may also be assigned a custom way-
point symbol for easy waypoint recognition on the map.
To change the waypoint symbol:
1. Highlight the waypoint symbol field, and press .
2. Select the house symbol, and press .
3. Move the cursor to the ‘DONE?’ prompt, and press
.
Power On &
Marking a
Position
GETTING
STARTED
8
The welcome page will be
shown while the unit con-
ducts a self test. When
the Database Page
appears, press PAGE to
quickly move on to the
Satellite Page.
Press the UP arrow to
move forward through the
alphabet or numbers and
the DOWN arrow to
move backward.
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 8

Using the Position Page
Walk for 3-4 minutes and watch the Position Page.
The direction you are moving (track), your speed, trip
distance, and altitude are shown on the upper half of
the screen. The latitude and longitude of your position
are displayed in the middle of the page, with the time
of day shown below.
Let’s continue by moving to the next page:
1. Press .
Map Page
The next page is the Map Page. To ensure we can
see our entire trip on the map, lets change the map
scale from 0.2nm (default) to 1.0 nm.
1. Use the arrow keys to highlight the ‘ZM’ field at the
top left of the Map Page and press .
2. Press the arrow until ‘1nm’ is shown and press
.
The Map Page shows your present position as a
diamond icon in the center of the map. The house
symbol labeled ‘HOME’ is the waypoint you created
and the line connecting the two is your track log.
1. Now turn approximately 90º to your right and continue
walking for another 2-3 minutes. Notice how the dis-
play changes, always keeping the direction you are
moving at the top of the map (see right).
Going to a Waypoint
Once you’ve stored a waypoint in memory, you
may return to it by performing a GOTO. A GOTO is a
straight-line course from your present position to the
destination you’ve selected. Let’s navigate back to our
starting position, the HOME waypoint.
To select a GOTO destination:
1. Press .
2.Highlight the ‘HOME’ waypoint, and press .
You’ll notice that you’ll automatically return to the
Map Page, and a straight line will connect your current
position to the position of the destination waypoint.
Let’s continue by moving to the next page:
1. Press . 9
The Map Page displays
your present position as a
diamond icon and pro-
vides a real-time graphic
“breadcrumb” display of
your track right on the
screen.
GETTING
STARTED
Position/Map
Pages & Going
To a Waypoint
The GOTO waypoint
page allows you to select
a destination from a
list of all available way-
points in the GPS 12XL’s
memory.
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 9

Compass Page
Whenever you select a destination waypoint, the
GPS 12XL provides graphic steering guidance with the
Compass Page (the default navigation page). The “com-
pass ring” in the middle of the page shows your course
over ground while you’re moving, with a pointer arrow
to the destination displayed in the center. The arrow
shows the direction of your destination relative to the
direction you are moving. For instance, if the arrow
points up, you are going directly to the waypoint. If the
arrow points any other direction (left, right, down, etc.),
turn toward the arrow until it points up. Then continue
in that direction.
The bearing and distance to a waypoint are dis-
played at the top of the screen, and your current track
and speed are shown below. The default ‘ETE’ field, at
the bottom of the screen, is a user-selectable field that
can provide a variety of navigation information. We’ll
cover more about that field in the reference section (see
page 32).
As you get close to ‘HOME’, you’ll be alerted to
press PAGE. The GPS 12XL will give you the message
“Arrival at HOME”. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll notice
the distance field will read 0.00.
Cancelling a GOTO
If you decide to stop navigating to the active way-
point, all you have to do is cancel the GOTO.
To cancel an active GOTO:
1. Press the key.
2. Use the arrow keypad to move the field highlight to the
‘CANCELGOTO’ prompt at the bottom of the page and
press .
Compass Page
and Cancelling
a GOTO
GETTING
STARTED
10
The GPS 12XL will also
provide steering guidance
with a Highway Page.
To change the display
from the Compass Page,
press ENTER twice.
Once a GOTO is activat-
ed, the GPS 12XL pro-
vides steering guidance
until the GOTO is can-
celed. To cancel a GOTO,
highlight the cancel
prompt at the bottom of
the page and press
ENTER.
Bearing to
Waypoint
Pointer to
Waypoint
Selectable Field
Distance to
Waypoint
Speed Over
Ground
Destination
Waypoint
Track Over
Ground
Graphic
Compass
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:17 PM Page 10

Clearing a Cluttered Map Display
After you’ve used the GPS12XL for a few trips, you
may find that your map display has become a bit messy
from keeping track of your every move. For practice,
let’s clean up the screen by clearing the track log (the
plot points left on the Map Page) we’ve just created
during the Getting Started tour.
1. Press or until the Map Page appears.
2. Highlight the ‘OPT’ field and press .
3. Highlight ‘Track Setup’ and press .
4. Highlight the ‘CLEARLOG?’ option and press .
The clear log confirmation page will appear.
5. Use the key to highlight the ‘Yes’ prompt.
6. Press to finish.
Adjusting Screen Contrast
You can access the GPS 12XL’s contrast feature from
the Satellite Page.
To adjust the screen contrast:
1. Press or until the Satellite Page
appears.
2. Press or to adjust the level of contrast, and press
.
Screen Backlighting
Screen backlighting is available for nighttime use.
Activate backlighting by pressing the key briefly.
Backlighting will remain on for the time specified on
the system setup page (See page 43).
Turning the Receiver Off
You’ve now gone through the basic operation of
your new GPS receiver and probably know a little more
than you think about how it works. We encourage you
to experiment with the GPS12XL until it becomes an
extension of your own navigation skills. If you
encounter any problems using the unit or want to take
advantage of the GPS 12XL’s more advanced features,
turn to the reference section.
To turn the GPS 12XL off:
1. Press and hold the key for 3 seconds. 11
Highlight the ‘CLEAR
LOG?’ prompt and press
ENTER to clear the track
log.
Note: With the ‘Wrap’
record option, once all
1024 points are used dur-
ing normal operation, the
oldest point will be contin-
uously deleted to make
room for the latest track
log point to be stored.
GETTING
STARTED
Clearing the
Map, Adjusting
Contrast, &
Power Off
Pressing the LEFT or
RIGHT arrows from the
Satellite Page will auto-
matically activate the
screen contrast bar.
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:18 PM Page 11

Satellite Page
The GPS 12XL’s Satellite Page displays the status of
various receiver functions. The status information will
help you understand what the GPS 12XL is doing at
any given time, and will tell you whether or not the
receiver has calculated a position fix.
Sky View and Signal Strength Bars
The sky view and signal strength bars give you an
indication of what satellites are visible to the receiver,
whether or not they are being used to calculate a posi-
tion fix, and the signal quality. The satellite sky view
shows a bird’s-eye-view of the position of each available
satellite relative to the unit’s last known position. The
outer circle represents the horizon (north up); the inner
circle is 45º above the horizon; and the center point is
directly overhead. You can use the sky view to help
determine if any satellites are being blocked, and
whether you have a current position fix (indicated by
‘2D NAV’ or ‘3D NAV’ in the status field). You can also
set the sky view to a track up configuration by changing
the ‘orientation’ option on the Map Page. (See pg. 38 for
setup instructions.)
When the receiver is looking for a particular satel-
lite, the corresponding signal strength bar will be blank
and the sky view indicator will be highlighted. Once the
receiver has found the satellite, a hollow signal strength
bar will appear, indicating that the satellite has been
found and the receiver is collecting data from it. The
satellite number in the sky view will no longer appear
highlighted. As soon as the GPS 12XL has collected the
necessary data to calculate a fix, the status field will
indicate a 2D or 3D status.
Satellite Page
REFERENCE
12
The GPS 12XL Satellite
Page will help you deter-
mine which satellites are
in view, and whether or
not any satellites are
being “shaded” or blocked
from receiving satellite
signals (see satellites 07
and 19 above).
By periodically monitor-
ing the signal strength
bars at the bottom of the
page and the north up
sky view, you will be able
to see how moving to
another area with a
clearer view of the sky
will improve satellite
reception and speed up
signal acquisition.
Battery
Indicator
Horizontal
Accuracy
Signal Strength
Indicators
Skyview
Display
Status
Field
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:18 PM Page 12

Receiver Status
Receiver status is indicated at the top left of the
page, with the current horizontal accuracy (estimated
position error, in feet or meters) at the top right. The
status will be shown as one of the following conditions:
Searching— the GPS 12XL is looking for any
available satellites in view.
AutoLocate— the GPS 12XLis initializing and
collecting new almanac data. This process can take
5 minutes, depending on the satellites currently in
view.
Acquiring— the receiver is collecting data from
available satellites, but has not collected enough
data to calculate a 2D fix.
2D Nav (2D Navigation)— at least three satel-
lites with good geometry have been locked onto and
a 2-dimensional position fix (latitude and longitude)
is being calculated. ‘2D Diff’ will appear when you
are receiving DGPS corrections in 2D mode.
3D Nav (3D Navigation)— at least four satellites
with good geometry have been locked onto, and
your position is now being calculated in latitude,
longitude and altitude. ‘3D Diff’ will appear when you
are receiving DGPS corrections in 3D mode.
Poor Cvg (Poor GPS Coverage)— the receiver
isn’t tracking enough satellites for a 2D or 3D fix
due to bad satellite geometry.
Not Usable— the receiver is unusable, possibly
due to incorrect initialization or abnormal satellite
conditions. Turn the unit off and back on to reset,
and reinitialize the receiver if necessary.
Simulator— the receiver is in simulator mode.
EZinit Option Prompt
The Satellite Page also provides access to the EZinit
prompt whenever a position fix has not been calculated.
(The unit must be in searching, AutoLocate, acquiring,
simulator, or poor coverage mode.) This allows you to
reinitialize the unit (see Appendix A), and is useful if
you have traveled over 500 miles with the receiver off
and must initialize your new position. (The EZinit
prompt will automatically appear if the receiver needs
to be initialized. The prompt may also appear during
normal use if the antenna is shaded or the unit is oper-
ated indoors.) 13
Thesignalstrengthbarsat
the bottom of the page will
not appear until the GPS
12XL has found the satel-
lites indicated at the bot-
tom of the screen.
REFERENCE
Receiver Status
& EZinit
If you travel more than
500 miles with the receiv-
er off, reinitialize the unit
to your new position by
using the EZinit feature.
To access EZinit, press
ENTER from the Satellite
Page before any satellites
are acquired.
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:18 PM Page 13

Battery Level Indicator
The Satellite Page also features a battery level indi-
cator, located to the left of the sky view, which displays
the strength of the unit’s batteries. The battery indicator
will not appear if the receiver is using external power.
The battery level indicator is calibrated for alka -
line batteries. Voltage differences will display
Ni-Cad and lithium batteries differently . No
other receiver functions are affected.
The GPS 12XL features an internal lithium battery
that will maintain the unit’s memory when the receiver
is not running off batteries or external power.
Backlighting Bulb Icon
The GPS 12XL features full-screen backlighting.
Activate the backlight by pressing the key briefly.
Note: A bulb icon will appear on the Satellite Page
when backlighting is turned on.
Emergency Erase Function
You may erase the GPS 12XL’s memory in four quick
steps. This will cause all stored data to be deleted,
including: routes, waypoints, and the track log.
To erase all stored data:
1. Ensure that the GPS 12XL is turned off.
2. While holding down the key, hold down the
key to turn the unit on. A warning message will appear
with “Yes?” highlighted, and ask you to confirm your
selection.
3. If you do not wish to erase all stored data, press
and to cancel the emergency erase.
4. If you do wish to complete the emergency erase, press
to confirm.
Battery Level,
Backlighting &
Emergency Erase
REFERENCE
14
When backlighting is on, a
bulb icon will appear on
the Satellite Page.
Use the icon to determine
if backlighting is turned
on during daylight hours.
Upon activating the
Emergency Erase
Function, you will be
asked to confirm your
decision.
!
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:18 PM Page 14

Position Page
The second page in the GPS 12XL’s primary page
sequence is the Position Page. This page shows you
where you are, what direction you’re heading, and how
fast you’re going, and it’s most useful when you are trav-
eling without an active destination waypoint. The graph-
ic heading display at the top of the page indicates the
direction you’re heading (track) while you’re moving.
Directly below this display are the track, speed, and
trip odometer (default) fields. Track is the compass
direction representing your course over the ground, or
the direction you’re moving. The lower left-hand cor-
ner of the page shows your current latitude and longi-
tude in degrees and minutes. The GPS 12XL uses this
basic information to mark exact positions as waypoints,
which help guide you from one place to another. The
lower right-hand corner of the page contains the alti-
tude field (default). Below that field is a 12- or 24-hour
clock.
Both the trip odometer and the altitude fields are
user selectable, and both offer a trip odometer, trip
timer, and elapsed time. This way, you can always be
sure of viewing this information regardless of the
option you’ve selected for the other user-selectable
field.
The following user-selectable options are available
on the Position Page:
Trip Odometer (TRIP)— total distance
traveled since last reset.
Trip Timer (TTIME)— total (cumulative)
time in which a ground speed has been
maintained since last reset.
Elapsed Time (ELPSD)— total time in
hours and minutes since last reset.
Average Speed (AVSPD)— average speed
traveled since last reset.
Maximum Speed (MXSPD)— maximum
speed traveled since last reset.
Altitude (ALT)— vertical distance above
mean sea level.
15
The speed and track dis-
played on the Position
Page may fluctuate at
slow speeds (or when
you’re standing still)
because of position errors
caused by DOD-imposed
Selective Availability.
REFERENCE
Position Page
The user selectable fields
on the Position Page give
you a variety of informa-
tion to choose from.
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:18 PM Page 15

To reset timer, speed measurement, or odometer:
1. Highlight the user-selectable field, and press .
‘Reset’ will appear as a selectable option (see left).
2. Press to confirm or to exit.
The trip odometer, trip timer, and average speed
fields are linked. Resetting one of these options in a
user-selectable field will automatically reset the corre-
sponding data in the other. This ensures that informa-
tion shown in these fields reflects your current trip.
Maximum Speed Field
To obtain the most accurate reading of average
speed, keep in mind that due to the sensitivity of the
GPS 12XL’s antenna, your maximum speed value may
include the effects of rapid movement, such as swinging
your arm while holding the unit.
To reset the maximum speed field:
1. Highlight the ‘MXSPD’ field, and press .
2. Press to confirm the ‘RESET?’ prompt.
Altitude Field
When the GPS 12XL is acquiring satellites or navi-
gating in the 2D mode, the last known altitude is used
to compute your position. You may also manually enter
your altitude for greater accuracy. In cases where the
GPS 12XL has 2D coverage, entering your approximate
altitude will enable the receiver to determine a more
accurate position fix.
To enter an altitude:
1. Highlight the ‘ALT’ field, and press .
2. Enter a value, and press .
Maximum Speed
& Altitude
Fields
REFERENCE
16
Resetting the trip odome-
ter will erase the previous
mileage and set the
odometer to zero. Average
speed, maximum speed
and timer readouts will
also be reset to zero.
You may enter a known
altitude to assist the GPS
12XL in establishing a
moreaccurate 2Dposition
fix.
GPS 12XL NEW Manual Rev A 2/6/98 3:18 PM Page 16