Garmin GPS II+ User manual

Owner’s
Manual &
Reference
®
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Software Version 2.0 or above
© 1997 GARMIN Corporation, 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]
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 includ-
ing photocopying and recording, for any purpose without 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 without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes.
GARMIN, GPS II+, Personal Navigator, AutoLocate, TracBack, and PhaseTrac12 are all trademarks of GARMIN
Corporation and may not be used without the expressed permission of GARMIN.
March 1997 Part # 190-00130-00 Rev. A Printed in Taiwan.
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Thank You!
Thank you for choosing the GARMIN GPS II+—the smallest, easiest-to-use GPS navigator for outdoor use! The GPS
II+represents GARMIN’s continuing commitment to provide quality navigation information 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 II+. This manual is organized into three sec-
tions for your convenience:
Section One takes you through step-by-step instructions to initialize the receiver for first-time use.
Section Two (Getting Started Tour) introduces you to the basic features of the unit and provides a quick-start
orientation to the GPS II+.
Section Three (Reference) provides details about the advanced features and operations of the GPS II+by topic.
Before getting started with your GPS, check to see that your GARMIN GPS II+package includes the following items.
If you are missing any parts, please contact your dealer immediately.
Standard Package:
• GPS II+Unit
• Wrist Strap
• GPS II+Owner’s Manual
• Velcro Mount
i
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Cautions
The Global Positioning System (GPS) 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 II+is a precision electronic
NAVigation AID (NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and, therefore, become unsafe.
For vehicular applications, it’s the sole responsibility of the owner/operator of the GPS II+to secure the
GPS unit so that it will not cause damage or personal injury in the event of an accident. Do not mount the
GPS II+over airbag panels or in a place where the driver or passengers are likely to have an impact with it
in an accident or collision. The mounting hardware provided by GARMIN is not warranted against collision
damage or the consequences thereof.
For vehicular operations, it is the sole responsibility of the operator of the vehicle to operate his or her
vehicle in a safe manner, maintain full surveillance of all driving conditions at all times, and never become
distracted by the GPS II+to the exclusion of safe operating practices. It is unsafe to operate the GPS II+while
you are driving. Failure by the operator of a vehicle equipped with a GPS II+to pay full attention to operat-
ing the vehicle and road conditions while the vehicle is in motion could result in an accident or collision with
property damage and personal injury.
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iii
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 and 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 installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to other equipment, which can be determined by turning the affected 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 cor-
rect 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 II+does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by an authorized GARMIN
service center. Unauthorized repairs or modifications could void your warranty and your authority to operate this
device under Part 15 regulations.
FCC Compliance
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SECTION ONE
What is GPS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Satellite Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Battery Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Unit Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Keypad Usage/Operating Terms . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Screen Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Initializing the Receiver/Power On . . . . . . . .7-8
Initializing the Receiver/Troubleshooting . . . . .9
Page Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Getting Started Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-19
SECTION TWO Reference
Satellite Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-25
Position Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-28
Marking a Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29-30
Creating and Using Waypoints . . . . . . . . .31-39
GOTO and MOB Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40-41
TracBack Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42-45
Creating and Using Routes . . . . . . . . . . . .46-53
Compass and Highway Page . . . . . . . . . . .54-59
Map Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60-70
Menu Page and Auxiliary Functions . . . . .71-82
Simulator Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Appendix A—Dashboard Mounting . . . . . . . .84
Appendix B—Specifications and Wiring . .85-88
Appendix C—External Antenna . . . . . . . . . . .89
Appendix D—Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90-91
Appendix E—Map Datums . . . . . . . . . . . .92-95
Appendix F—Time Offset Chart . . . . . . . . . . .96
Appendix G—Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97-99
Appendix H—Navigation Diagram . . . . . . . .100
Appendix I—Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Table of Contents
iv
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What is GPS?
1
What is GPS?
GPS is a system of 24 satellites which circle the earth twice a day in a very pre-
cise orbit and transmit information to earth. The GPS II+must continuously “see” at
least three of these satellites to calculate your position and track your movement.
By using an almanac (a timetable of satellite numbers and their orbits) stored in
the receiver’s memory, the GPS II+can determine the distance and position of any
GPS satellite and use this information to compute your position.
Your GPS receiver can only see satellites above the horizon, so it needs to know
what satellites to look for at any given time. To use this almanac data, your GPS
needs to either be told its general location or given the opportunity to find itself, or
“initialize.” Once you initialize the unit to a position, it will usually compute a fix
within a few minutes. We’ll show you how to initialize your new GPS on p. 7.
Initialization is only necessary under the following conditions:
• The first time you use your receiver (from the factory).
• After the receiver has been moved over 500 miles from the last time you
used it (with the power off).
• If the receiver’s memory has been cleared and all stored data has been lost.
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2
Satellite Acquisition
Satellite Acquisition
Because the GPS II+relies on satellite signals to provide you with navigation
guidance, the receiver needs to have an unobstructed, clear view of the sky for best
performance. In a nutshell, the GPS receiver’s view of the sky will generally deter-
mine how fast you get a position fix—or if you get a fix at all. GPS signals are rela-
tively weak and do not travel through rocks, buildings, people, metal, or heavy tree
cover, so remember to keep a clear view of the sky at all times for best performance.
Once the GPS II+has calculated a position fix, you’ll usually have anywhere from
four to twelve satellites in view. The receiver will then continuously select the best
satellites in view to update your position. If some of the satellites in view get blocked
or “shaded,” the receiver can simply use an alternate satellite to maintain the position
fix. Although a GPS receiver needs four satellites to provide a three-dimensional (3D)
fix, it can maintain a two-dimensional (2D) fix with only three satellites. A three-
dimensional fix means the unit knows its latitude, longitude, and altitude, while a
two-dimensional fix means the unit knows only its latitude and longitude.
To prevent accidental battery
power loss, the GPS II
+
will
automatically shut off 10 min-
utes after the last keystroke if
the unit is not tracking at least
one satellite and has not
acquired a position fix.
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3
Battery Installation
Battery Installation
The GPS II+operates on 4 AA batteries (not included), which are installed at the
base of the unit. These batteries provide up to 24 hours of use.
To install the batteries:
1. Flip up the metal ring at the base of the unit, and turn the ring 90˚ counter clockwise.
2. Install the batteries (Fig. 3), and close the battery compartment door.
3. Lock the door in the closed position by rotating the metal ring 90˚ clockwise.
Battery life varies due to a variety of factors, including temperature and
backlighting. You may find that the battery life varies in different conditions and
that lithium batteries provide longer life in colder conditions.
When replacing the GPS II+’s batteries, observe the polarity markings
engraved in the plastic case. An internal 10-year lithium battery will retain your
data while you’re changing batteries.
Polarity
Markings
Fig. 3
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4
Unit Features
Antenna
Function Keys
LCD Display
Battery Door
Rocker Keypad
Power Key (red)
To change the screen
orientation, press and
hold the page key.
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(POWER)— Red key turns the unit on and off, and
controls three levels of screen backlighting intensity.
(PAGE)— Scrolls main pages in sequence and returns
display from a submenu page to a main page. Press and
hold this key to change screen orientation.
(MARK)— Captures your present position and dis-
plays the mark position window.
(GOTO)— Displays the GOTO waypoint window,
allowing you to select the destination waypoint.
(ENTER)— Activates highlighted fields and confirms
menu options and data entry.
(QUIT)— Returns the display to a previous page or
restores a data field’s previous value.
(IN and OUT)— Provides 12 adjustable fields by
selecting either the in or out keys from the Map Page.
(KEYPAD)— Controls the movement of the cursor
and is used to select options and positions, and to
enter data.
CURSOR— A solid black bar which can be moved
up, down, left, and right with the keypad to select indi-
vidual fields.
DEFAULT— A system-selected format, built into a
software program or the unit’s memory, that will be fol-
lowed unless the user chooses a different setting.
FIELD— The location on a page where a group of
characters or option is entered and displayed (Fig. 5).
HIGHLIGHT— The act of using the cursor to select a
field for the purpose of entering data.
SCROLL— The act of moving through characters or
options from a selected field.
‘Mode’
Field
Fig. 5
5
Keypad Usage/Operating Terms
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Screen Orientation
The GPS II+has a unique screen orientation feature for switching from a hori-
zontal mounting position in a vehicle or on a bike to a vertical orientation for hand-
held outdoor use, such as hunting or hiking. The GPS
II+’s rocker keypad and single-use keys are designed
to function identically, no matter if you’re using the
unit vertically (Fig. 6a) or horizontally (Fig. 6b).
To change the screen orientation:
1. Press and hold PAGE.
Data Entry
The arrow keypad is used for all data entry. Use
the UP and DOWN keys to select letters, numbers,
and menu options; use the LEFT and RIGHT keys to
move the cursor forward or backward along the line
(Fig. 6c). Press ENTER to confirm your entry.
6
Screen Orientation
Fig. 6a
Fig. 6b Fig. 6c
up
down
left right
HORIZONTAL
up
down
left right
VERTICAL
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Initializing Your GPS II+
To initialize the GPS II+, take the receiver outside and find an open area where
the antenna has a clear view of the sky. You may either hold the receiver at a com-
fortable height with the external antenna pointing up (Fig. 7a), or mount the receiv-
er on the dash of a vehicle (Appendix A) or on a bike. (Likewise, when you use your
GPS II+in a vehicle, make sure the antenna is pointing up.)
To turn the GPS II+on, press and hold the red power key.
The Welcome Page will be displayed while the unit conducts a self test. Once
testing is complete, the Welcome Page will be replaced by the Satellite Page. You’ll
see the EZinit prompt, which asks you to choose an initialization method. Note: If
the EZinit prompt has not automatically appeared, press ENTER.
To initialize your unit:
1. Press ENTER (Fig. 7b). (The word ‘COUNTRY’ in the first prompt will already be high-
lighted.)
2. Use the rocker keypad to scroll up or down through the list of countries to select your
country/state/region. If the country you’re in isn’t listed, select the closest country to
your present position, and press ENTER.
7
Initializing the Receiver/Power On
Fig. 7b
Fig. 7a
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This usually provides a position fix in 1 minute. You’ll know you have a fix
when the unit automatically transitions from the Satellite Page to the Position Page
(Figs. 8a-8b). Your receiver is now ready to use!
To turn the unit off:
1. Press and hold the red power key for three seconds (Fig. 8c).
8
Initializing the Receiver/Power On
Fig. 8c
Check the Satellite Page for
‘2D nav’ or ‘3D nav’ to verify a
position fix.
Fig. 8a Fig. 8b
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If you have trouble initializing or getting a position fix, check the following:
• Does the receiver have a clear view of the sky?
If there are large buildings or mountains, or if there is heavy tree cover, the receiver may not be
receiving enough satellite signals to calculate a fix. Also, if you’re using the GPS II+on a car
dash, make sure the unit is placed so that it has the clearest possible view of the sky. Your GPS
will only be able to detect satellites that it can “see” through your vehicle’s windshield.
Depending on the slope of your dash or the overall surface area of the window, it may be nec-
essary to mount an external antenna on your vehicle’s roof or trunk in order to give the unit a
better view of the sky. (Contact your local GARMIN dealer and inquire about the GA 26 low-
profile remote antenna, part number 010-10052-02.)
• Have you selected the right country/state/region from the EZinit list?
Check for the correct approximate lat/lon on the Position Page, or reselect the appropriate
country from the list to restart the initialization.
• Have you moved more than 500 miles from the last calculated position with the
receiver off?
Reinitialize the receiver by selecting the country/state/region of your new location from the
EZinit list.
9
Initializing the Receiver/Troubleshooting
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Scrolling Through the Main Pages
To turn the GPS II+back on, press and hold the power key.
The GPS II+features five main pages which are linked together in a chain (Fig. 10).
You can quickly scroll through the pages in either direction using the PAGE or QUIT
keys. Let’s briefly tour each of these pages in order to give you some insight into how
they help you navigate. We’ll go over all of them in more detail in the reference section.
This tour assumes that you have only initialized the receiver and have not changed
any of the factory settings (units of measure, user-selectable fields, etc.). If you have
changed any of the default settings, the pictures and descriptions in the tour may not
match your unit. Also, make sure your unit’s screen is orientated horizontally by press-
ing and holding down the PAGE key.
10
Page Sequence
Fig. 10
Position Page
Satellite Page Map Page Navigation Page Menu Page
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Satellite Page
Let’s start with the Satellite Page, which is the page you’ll view while your unit is
getting a position fix. If you’re not already on this page, press PAGE or QUIT until it
appears. The Satellite Page shows you status information that helps you understand
what the receiver is doing at any given time, and it’s a page that you’ll want to occa-
sionally refer back to as you use your unit. It features a sky view of available satel-
lites, corresponding signal strength bars, the status of your current position fix
(acquiring, 2D, 3D, etc.), and your estimated position error (EPE). You can also tell
how much battery power is remaining (Fig. 11), and you can adjust the screen con-
trast by pressing the rocker keypad.
11
Getting Started Tour
The signal strength bars give
you an indication of what
satellites are visible to the
receiver, whether or not they’re
being used to calculate a posi-
tion fix, and the signal quality.
Fig. 11
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Position Page
The Position Page (Fig. 12a) shows you where you are, what direction you’re
heading, and how fast you’re going—and it’s the page you’ll want to use when you
don’t have an active destination selected.
A graphic compass display at the top of the page shows your direction of travel
while you’re moving, while five data fields below display your track and speed, a trip
odometer, and your position and altitude. The ‘trip’ and ‘altitude’ fields are user-
selectable, which means you can change them to display other navigation informa-
tion. We’ll cover those fields more in the reference section.
Marking a Position
GPS is really about marking and going to places called waypoints. Before we can
use our GPS II+to guide us somewhere, we have to mark a position as a waypoint.
(Your GPS II+ can hold up to 500 waypoints.)
To mark your present position:
1. Press the MARK 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 (Fig. 12b).
12
Getting Started Tour
Fig. 12a
Fig. 12b
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To rename the waypoint:
1. Use the keypad to highlight the name field, and press ENTER.
2. Enter the waypoint name ‘HOME’ (Fig. 13a), and press ENTER. (See p. 6 for data entry.)
The ‘waypoint symbol’ field will become highlighted.
Each waypoint may also be assigned a custom waypoint symbol for easy way-
point recognition on the map page.
To change the waypoint symbol:
1. Highlight the waypoint symbol field (Fig. 13b), and press ENTER.
2. Select the house symbol, and press ENTER.
3. Move the cursor to the ‘DONE?’ prompt, and press ENTER.
4. Press ENTER to confirm the ‘SAVE?’ prompt.
The mark Position Page will be replaced by the Position Page (the page displayed
before pressing MARK). The ‘HOME’ waypoint is now stored in the GPS II+’s memo-
ry (which is maintained by an internal lithium battery).
13
Getting Started Tour
Fig. 13a
Fig. 13b
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Using the Position Page
Now that you’ve marked a position, it’s time to take a brisk walk using the
Position and Map Pages to watch your every move. You should still be on the
Position Page.
To get the most from this tutorial, walk in a straight line for 3-4 minutes at a fast
pace and watch the Position Page. (Because the GPS system typically has a margin of
error of approximately 15 meters, you’ll need to walk this long to ensure that you
travel far enough to register useful information. You’ll also get a better indication of
how the GPS II+’s steering guidance and mapping features work to guide you.)
You’ll see that the direction you are moving (track), your speed, and how far
you’ve gone displayed in the middle of the screen, just below the graphic compass
display. The latitude, longitude and approximate altitude of your position are dis-
played at the bottom of the page, with the time of day displayed below.
To continue the tour, let’s move on to the next page:
1. Press PAGE.
You can even time yourself
with the GPS II+’s on-screen
clock.
14
Getting Started Tour
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