Garmin GPSMAP 86 User manual

GPSMAP®86
Owner’s Manual

© 2019 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Garmin. Garmin reserves the right to change or
improve its products and to make changes in the content of this manual without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Go to
www.garmin.com for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use of this product.
Garmin®, the Garmin logo, ANT+®, Auto Lap®, AutoLocate®, Fusion®, GPSMAP®, inReach®, TracBack®, VIRB®, and Xero® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in
the USA and other countries. chirp™, Connect IQ™, Garmin Connect™, Garmin Explore™, Garmin Express™, MapShare™, and tempe™ are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its
subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
Android™ is a trademark of Google Inc. Apple®, iPhone®, and Mac® are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The BLUETOOTH® word mark and logos
are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license. iOS® is a registered trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. used under license by Apple Inc.
Iridium® is a registered trademark of Iridium Satellite LLC. microSD® and the microSDHC logo are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC. NMEA® is a registered trademark of the National Marine
Electronics Association. Wi‑Fi® is a registered mark of Wi-Fi Alliance Corporation. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other
countries. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

Table of Contents
Introduction..................................... 1
GPSMAP 86s/sc Device Overview.........1
GPSMAP 86i/sci Device Overview......... 2
Buttons.................................................... 3
Turning On the Device........................ 3
Locking the Keys................................. 3
Turning On the Backlight.................... 3
Adjusting the Backlight.......................4
Charging the Device................................4
Saving Energy While Charging the
Device...................................................... 4
Activating the Device.............................. 5
Iridium Satellite Network........................ 5
inReach Features............................. 5
Messages................................................ 5
Sending a Preset Message.................5
Sending a Text Message.................... 6
Using Keyboard Shortcuts.................. 6
Replying to a Message....................... 6
Checking for Messages...................... 6
Viewing Message Details................... 6
Navigating to a Message Location.... 6
Including Location Coordinates in a
Message.............................................. 7
Deleting Messages............................. 7
Messages Settings............................. 7
Tracking...................................................7
Starting Tracking.................................7
Stopping Tracking............................... 7
Sharing Your MapShare Web
Page..................................................... 7
inReach Tracking Settings..................7
SOS.......................................................... 8
Initiating an SOS Rescue.................... 8
Sending a Custom SOS
Message.......................................... 8
Canceling an SOS Request................. 9
Testing the Device........................... 9
Syncing inReach Data.......................9
Contacts.......................................... 9
Adding a Contact.................................... 9
Editing a Contact.................................... 9
Deleting a Contact.............................. 9
Using the Main Pages...................... 9
Opening the Main Menu....................... 10
Map........................................................ 10
Changing the Map Orientation......... 10
Measuring Distance on the Map...... 10
Map Page Settings............................10
Map Settings................................. 10
Advanced Map Settings................11
Compass............................................... 11
Using the Compass.......................... 11
Course Pointer.................................. 11
Navigating with Sight 'N Go..............12
Compass Settings............................ 12
Calibrating the Compass.............. 12
Heading Settings........................... 12
Trip Computer....................................... 12
Trip Computer Settings.................... 13
Altimeter................................................ 13
Altimeter Plot Settings..................... 13
Altimeter Settings......................... 13
Calibrating the Barometric
Altimeter........................................ 14
Connected Features....................... 14
Connected Feature Requirements....... 15
Pairing a Smartphone with Your
Device.................................................... 15
Phone Notifications.............................. 15
Viewing Phone Notifications............15
Hiding Notifications.......................... 15
Managing Notifications.................... 15
Connecting to a Wireless Network...... 16
Connect IQ Features............................. 16
Downloading Connect IQ Features.. 16
Downloading Connect IQ Features
Using Your Computer....................... 16
Viewing Connect IQ Widgets............ 16
Controlling and Viewing Compatible
Marine Devices..................................16
Garmin Explore..................................... 17
Navigation......................................17
Navigating to a Destination..................17
Navigating with the Map.................. 17
Table of Contents i

Navigating with the Compass.......... 17
Stopping Navigation......................... 17
Waypoints............................................. 17
Saving Your Current Location as a
Waypoint............................................17
Saving a Location on the Map as a
Waypoint............................................18
Navigating to a Waypoint................. 18
Finding a Waypoint........................... 18
Editing a Waypoint............................ 18
Deleting a Waypoint.......................... 18
Increasing the Accuracy of a Waypoint
Location............................................. 18
Projecting a Waypoint from a Saved
Waypoint............................................19
Moving a Waypoint on the Map....... 19
Finding a Location Near a
Waypoint............................................19
Setting a Waypoint Proximity
Alarm................................................. 19
Adding a Waypoint to a Route..........19
Repositioning a Waypoint to Your
Current Location............................... 19
Routes................................................... 20
Creating a Route............................... 20
Navigating a Saved Route................ 20
Viewing the Active Route.............. 20
Editing a Route.................................. 20
Viewing a Route on the Map............ 20
Viewing the Elevation Plot of a
Route..................................................20
Editing the Name of a Route............ 21
Reversing a Route............................. 21
Deleting a Route................................ 21
Recordings............................................ 21
Recording Settings........................... 21
Advanced Recording Settings...... 21
Viewing the Current Activity............. 22
Navigating Using TracBack®........... 22
Stopping the Current Activity........... 22
Navigating a Saved Activity..............22
Deleting a Saved Activity.................. 22
Reversing an Activity........................ 22
Creating a Track from a Saved
Activity............................................... 22
Weather......................................... 23
Requesting an inReach Weather
Forecast................................................ 23
Updating an inReach Weather
Forecast.............................................23
Deleting an inReach Weather
Forecast.............................................23
Viewing an Active Weather Forecast...24
Viewing an Active Weather Map...... 24
Adding an Active Weather
Location............................................. 24
Switching the Active Weather
Location......................................... 24
Deleting an Active Weather
Location......................................... 24
Data Use and History...................... 25
Viewing Plan Details............................. 25
Viewing Data Use..................................25
Main Menu Tools........................... 26
BirdsEye Imagery.................................. 27
Downloading BirdsEye Imagery....... 27
Geocaches............................................ 27
Registering Your Device at
Geocaching.com............................... 27
Connecting to Geocaching.com...27
Downloading Geocaches Using a
Computer........................................... 28
Geocache Searches.......................... 28
Searching for a Geocache............ 28
Searching for a Geocache on the
Map................................................ 28
Filtering the Geocache List.............. 29
Saving a Custom Geocache
Filter............................................... 29
Editing a Custom Geocache
Filter............................................... 29
Viewing Geocache Details................29
Navigating to a Geocache................ 29
Using Hints and Clues to find a
Geocache....................................... 29
Logging the Attempt......................... 30
chirp................................................... 30
Enabling chirp Searching.............. 30
Finding a Geocache with a chirp.. 30
Removing Live Geocache Data from
the Device.......................................... 30
ii Table of Contents

Removing Your Device Registration
From Geocaching.com..................... 30
Setting a Proximity Alarm.................... 30
Editing or Deleting a Proximity
Alarm................................................. 31
Sending and Receiving Data
Wirelessly.............................................. 31
Selecting a Profile.................................31
Calculating the Size of an Area............31
Using the VIRB Remote........................ 31
Using the Flashlight.............................. 32
Satellite Page........................................ 32
GPS Satellite Settings....................... 32
Customizing the Device..................32
Customizing the Data Fields................ 32
Setup Menu........................................... 33
System Settings................................ 33
Satellite Settings........................... 34
Serial Interface Settings............... 34
Display Settings................................ 34
Changing the Color Mode............. 34
Bluetooth Settings............................ 35
Wi‑Fi Settings.................................... 35
Routing Settings................................35
Setting the Device Tones..................35
Geocaching Settings.........................36
Wireless Sensors.............................. 36
Pairing Your Wireless Sensors..... 36
Fitness Settings................................ 36
Marking Laps by Distance............ 36
Marine Settings................................. 37
Setting Up Marine Alarms.............37
Menu Settings................................... 37
Customizing the Main Menu........ 37
Changing the Page Sequence...... 38
Configuring the Page Ribbon
Display........................................... 38
Position Format Settings..................38
Changing the Units of Measure....... 39
Time Settings.................................... 39
Profiles.............................................. 39
Creating a Custom Profile............ 39
Editing a Profile Name.................. 39
Deleting a Profile........................... 39
Resetting Data and Settings.............40
Restoring Default Page Settings.. 40
Device Information......................... 40
Product Updates................................... 40
Setting Up Garmin Express.............. 40
Getting More Information.....................40
Battery Information...............................41
Maximizing Battery Life.................... 41
Turning On Battery Save Mode........ 41
Turning On Expedition Mode............41
Long-Term Storage........................... 41
Attaching the Carabiner Clip................ 42
Removing the Carabiner Clip............42
Attaching a Lanyard............................. 42
Device Care........................................... 42
Cleaning the Device.......................... 42
Data Management................................ 42
File Types.......................................... 43
Installing a Memory Card................. 43
Connecting the Device to Your
Computer........................................... 43
Transferring Files to Your Device.... 44
Deleting Files..................................... 44
Disconnecting the USB Cable.......... 44
Specifications....................................... 45
Viewing E-label Regulatory and
Compliance Information...................... 45
Appendix........................................46
Data Fields............................................ 46
Getting More Information.....................48
Optional Accessories........................... 48
tempe................................................. 49
Tips for Pairing ANT+ Accessories
with Your Garmin Device.................. 49
About Heart Rate Zones....................... 49
Fitness Goals.................................... 49
Heart Rate Zone Calculations.......... 49
Index..............................................50
Table of Contents iii

Introduction
WARNING
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other
important information.
GPSMAP 86s/sc Device Overview
Internal and GNSS antenna
Power button
Buttons
Micro-USB port (under weather cap)
Flashlight
microSD® card slot (under weather cap)
Mounting spine
Introduction 1

GPSMAP 86i/sci Device Overview
Internal Iridium® and GNSS antenna
Power button
SOS button
Keypad
Micro-USB port (under weather cap)
Flashlight
microSD card slot (under weather cap)
Mounting spine
2 Introduction

Buttons
FIND
Select to open the search menu.
Hold to mark your current location as a man overboard (MOB) location and activate naviga
tion.
MARK Select to save your current location as a waypoint.
QUIT Select to cancel or return to the previous menu or page.
Select to scroll through the main pages.
ENTER
Select to choose options and acknowledge messages.
Select to control the current activity recording (from the Map, Compass, Altimeter, and Trip
Computer pages).
MENU Select to open the options menu for the page that is currently open.
Select twice to open the main menu (from any page).
PAGE Select to scroll through the main pages.
Select , , , or to select menu options and move the map cursor.
Select to zoom in on the map.
Select to zoom out on the map.
Turning On the Device
Hold .
Locking the Keys
You can lock the keys to prevent inadvertent key presses.
Select > Lock Keys.
Turning On the Backlight
Select any key to turn on the backlight.
The backlight turns on automatically when alerts and messages are displayed.
Introduction 3

Adjusting the Backlight
1Select to open the status page.
2Use and to adjust the brightness.
TIP: You can select NV to reduce the backlight intensity for compatibility with night vision goggles.
Charging the Device
NOTICE
To prevent corrosion, thoroughly dry the USB port, the weather cap, and the surrounding area before charging or
connecting to a computer.
Do not charge the device using the USB port in wet conditions. For all-weather charging, use the optional spine
mount accessory (buy.garmin.com).
NOTE: The device does not charge when it is outside the approved temperature range (Specifications,
page 45).
1Lift the weather cap .
2Plug the small end of the power cable into the charging port on the device.
3Plug the other end of the power cable into a compatible AC power adapter.
4Plug the AC power adapter into a standard wall outlet.
5Charge the device completely.
Saving Energy While Charging the Device
1Connect your device to an external power source.
2Hold the power button until the screen turns off.
The device goes into a low power, battery charging mode, and the battery gauge appears.
3Charge the device completely.
4 Introduction

Activating the Device
To get the most out of your GPSMAP 86i/sci device, you should activate it. Activating the device allows you to
use inReach® features, including messaging, SOS, tracking, and inReach Weather.
1Create an account, and select a satellite subscription at explore.garmin.com.
2Turn on the device.
NOTE: You must enter the device IMEI number and AUTH code to complete the online portion of activation
before heading outdoors.
3Follow the on-screen instructions.
4From the main menu, select Activate, and go outdoors to an open area with a clear view of the sky.
5Wait while the device communicates with the Iridium satellite network.
NOTE: It may take up to 20 minutes to activate your device. The device must send and receive several
messages, which takes longer than sending a single message during regular use.
Iridium Satellite Network
Your device requires a clear view of the sky to transmit messages and track points over the Iridium satellite
network. Without a clear view of the sky, your device attempts to send the information until it acquires satellite
signals.
TIP: For the best connection with satellites, hold the device with the antenna pointed toward the sky.
inReach Features
WARNING
Messaging, tracking, and SOS functions require an active satellite subscription. Always test your device before
you use it outdoors.
Ensure you have a clear view of the sky when using the messaging, tracking, and SOS functions, because these
features require satellite access to operate properly.
inReach features are available only on the GPSMAP 86i/sci device. To get the most out of your GPSMAP
86i/sci device, you should activate it. Activating the device allows you to use inReach features, including
messaging, SOS, tracking, and inReach Weather.
Messages
Your GPSMAP 86i/sci device sends and receives text messages using the Iridium satellite network. You can
send messages to an SMS phone number, an email address, or another device that uses inReach technology.
Each message you send includes your location details where allowed.
Sending a Preset Message
Preset messages are messages that you created at explore.garmin.com. Preset messages have predefined
text and recipients.
1From the Messages page, select Send Preset.
2Choose a preset message, and press ENTER.
3Press ENTER to send the message.
inReach Features 5

Sending a Text Message
1From the Messages page, select New Message.
2Select an option:
• To start with a pre-written message, select Send Quick Text.
NOTE: You can add and edit quick text messages on the Garmin Explore™ website.
• To write a custom message, select Type Message.
3Choose recipients from your contacts list, or enter a recipient's contact information.
4After you have finished your message, select Send Message.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
• To select the first autocomplete option, select FIND.
• To cycle through keyboards, select MARK.
• To change character case, select PAGE once, and to turn on caps lock, select PAGE twice.
• To insert a backspace, select .
• To insert a space, select .
Replying to a Message
1From the Messages page, select a conversation.
2Select Reply.
3Select an option:
• To write a custom message, select Type Message.
• To start with a pre-written message, select Send Quick Text and select a message.
4When you have finished your message, select Send Message.
Checking for Messages
When you send a message, your device listens for replies for 10 minutes. The device also checks for new
messages every hour. When you are using the inReach tracking feature, your device automatically checks for
messages at your tracking interval.
NOTE: Your device must be in view of a satellite at the time of the listen to receive messages.
You can force a check for messages by manually checking for messages, sending a message, or sending a
track point. During a check, your device connects to satellites and receives messages waiting to be sent to your
device.
From the main menu, select inReach Utilities > Mail Check > Check Mailbox.
Viewing Message Details
1Select Messages.
2Select a conversation.
3Select a message.
4Select the information tab.
Navigating to a Message Location
When you receive a message from another device with inReach technology, the message may include location
information. For these messages, you can navigate to the location from which the message was sent.
1Select Messages.
2Select a conversation with location information.
3Select the map tab.
4Select Go.
6 inReach Features

Including Location Coordinates in a Message
If you are sending a message to a recipient who may not have internet access, you can include your location
coordinates in the message. For example, if your recipient has an older model cell phone that does not support
viewing maps or is outside of a mobile data coverage area and cannot view a web page.
1From the Messages page, select New Message > Send Location.
2Enter one or more recipients.
3If necessary, enter a message.
4Select Send Message.
Deleting Messages
1From the Messages page, select a conversation.
2Select MENU > Delete Thread.
Messages Settings
Select Setup > Messages.
Ring Until Read: Sets the device to ring until you read a new message. This feature is helpful if you are in a
noisy environment.
Notifications: Alerts you to incoming inReach messages.
Tracking
You can use the tracking feature on your GPSMAP 86i/sci device to record track points and transmit them over
the Iridium satellite network at the specified send interval. Track points appear on the Garmin Explore website
and the MapShare™ tracking page.
Starting Tracking
From the main menu, select Tracking > Start Tracking.
NOTE: Starting the Tracking feature also starts the recording controls.
Stopping Tracking
From the Tracking page, select Stop Tracking.
Sharing Your MapShare Web Page
You can share a link to your MapShare web page with other people. The system automatically adds text,
including link information, to the end of your message.
1From the Tracking page, select Send MapShare > Share.
2Choose recipients from your contacts list, or enter a recipient's contact information.
3Select Send Message.
inReach Tracking Settings
Select Setup > Tracking.
Auto Track: Sets the device to start tracking when you turn on the device.
Moving Interval: Sets the frequency at which the device records a track point and transmits it over the satellite
network when you are moving. If you are a professional customer, you can specify the interval when you are
stationary.
inReach Features 7

SOS
During an emergency, you can use your GPSMAP 86i/sci device to contact the Garmin® International Emergency
Response Coordination Center (IERCC) to request help. Pressing the SOS button sends a message to the
Garmin IERCC, and they notify the appropriate emergency responders of your situation. You can communicate
with the Garmin IERCC during your emergency while you wait for help to arrive. You should only use the SOS
function in a real emergency situation.
Initiating an SOS Rescue
NOTE: You can initiate an SOS rescue with the device turned on or off if the device has battery power.
1Lift the protective cap from the SOS button .
2Hold the SOS button.
3Wait for the SOS countdown.
The device sends a default message to the emergency response service with details about your location.
4Reply to the confirmation message from the emergency response service.
Your reply lets the emergency response service know that you are capable of interacting with them during
the rescue. If you do not reply, the emergency response service will still initiate a rescue.
For the first 10 minutes of your rescue, an updated location is sent to the emergency response service every
minute. To conserve battery power after the first 10 minutes, an updated location is sent every 10 minutes
when moving, and every 30 minutes when stationary.
NOTE: While in SOS mode, the device cannot be turned off.
Sending a Custom SOS Message
After pressing the SOS button to initiate an SOS rescue, you can reply with a custom message using the SOS
page.
1From the main menu, select SOS > Reply.
2Select Type Message to compose a custom SOS message.
3Select Send Message.
Your reply lets the emergency response service know that you are capable of interacting with them during the
rescue.
8 inReach Features

Canceling an SOS Request
If you no longer need assistance, you can cancel an SOS request after it is sent to the emergency response
service.
1Lift the protective cap, and hold the SOS button.
2Select Cancel SOS.
3When prompted to confirm your cancellation request, select Cancel SOS.
Your device transmits the cancellation request. When you receive a confirmation message from the
emergency response service, the device returns to normal operation.
Testing the Device
You should test the device outdoors before using it on a trip to ensure your satellite subscription is active.
From the main menu, select inReach Utilities > Communications Test > Test.
Wait while the device sends a test message. When you receive a confirmation message, your device is ready
to use.
Syncing inReach Data
You can sync data from your Garmin Explore account to your device using the Garmin Explore app. After you
make edits to your data, such as contacts, preset messages, or quick text messages, you must sync them to
your device using the mobile app.
Open the Garmin Explore app.
Changes made to data such as collections, waypoints, routes, and tracks update automatically.
You can now sync your data to your GPSMAP 86i/sci device.
Contacts
You can add, delete, and edit contacts on the GPSMAP 86i/sci device.
Adding a Contact
1Select Setup > Contacts > New Contact.
2Select an item to edit.
3Enter the new information.
Editing a Contact
1Select Setup > Contacts.
2Select a contact.
3Select an item to edit.
4Enter the new information.
Deleting a Contact
1Select Setup > Contacts.
2Select a contact.
3Select MENU > Delete Contact.
Using the Main Pages
The information needed to operate this device is found on the main menu, map, compass, trip computer, and
altimeter pages.
Select PAGE or QUIT to scroll through the main pages.
Testing the Device 9

Opening the Main Menu
The main menu gives you access to tools and setup screens for waypoints, activities, routes, and more (Main
Menu Tools, page 26, Setup Menu, page 33).
From any page, select MENU twice.
Map
represents your location on the map. As you travel, moves and displays your path. Depending on your
zoom level, waypoint names and symbols may appear on the map. You can zoom in on the map to see more
detail. When you are navigating to a destination, your route is marked with a colored line on the map.
Changing the Map Orientation
1From the map, select MENU.
2Select Map Setup > Orientation.
3Select an option:
• Select North Up to show north at the top of the page.
• Select Track Up to show your current direction of travel at the top of the page.
• Select Automotive Mode to show an automotive perspective with the direction of travel at the top.
Measuring Distance on the Map
You can measure the distance between multiple locations.
1From the map, move the cursor to a location.
2Select MENU > Measure Distance.
3Select additional locations on the map.
Map Page Settings
From the map, select MENU.
Stop Navigation: Stops navigating the current route.
Map Setup: Enables you to open additional map settings (Map Settings, page 10).
Marine Setup: Allows you to configure the marine settings (Marine Settings, page 37).
Measure Distance: Allows you to measure the distance between multiple locations (Measuring Distance on the
Map, page 10).
Restore Defaults: Restores the map to factory default settings.
Map Settings
From the map, select MENU, and select Map Setup.
Configure Maps: Enables or disables the maps currently loaded on the device.
Orientation: Adjusts how the map is shown on the page (Changing the Map Orientation, page 10).
Dashboard: Sets a dashboard to display on the map. Each dashboard shows different information about your
route or your location.
Guidance Text: Sets when the guidance text is shown on the map.
Advanced Setup: Enables you to open advanced map settings (Advanced Map Settings, page 11).
10 Using the Main Pages

Advanced Map Settings
From the map, select MENU, and select Map Setup > Advanced Setup.
Auto Zoom: Automatically selects the appropriate zoom level for optimal use on your map. When Off is
selected, you must zoom in or out manually.
Detail: Selects the amount of detail shown on the map. Showing more detail may cause the map to redraw
more slowly.
Shaded Relief: Shows detail relief on the map (if available) or turns off shading.
Vehicle: Sets the position icon, which represents your position on the map. The default icon is a small blue
triangle.
Zoom Levels: Adjusts the zoom level at which map items appear. The map items do not appear when the map
zoom level is higher than the selected level.
Text Size: Selects the text size for map items.
Compass
When navigating, points to your destination, regardless of the direction you are moving. When points
toward the top of the electronic compass, you are traveling directly toward your destination. If points any
other direction, turn until it points toward the top of the compass.
Using the Compass
You can use the compass to navigate an active route.
1Hold the device level.
2Follow to your destination.
Course Pointer
The course pointer is most useful when you are navigating on water or where there are no major obstacles in
your path. It can also help you avoid hazards near the course, such as shoals or submerged rocks.
To enable the course pointer, from the compass, select MENU > Heading Setup > Go To Line (Pointer) >
Course (CDI).
The course pointer indicates your relationship to the course line leading to the destination. The course
deviation indicator (CDI) provides the indication of drift (right or left) from the course. The scale refers to
the distance between dots on the course deviation indicator, which tell you how far off course you are.
Using the Main Pages 11

Navigating with Sight 'N Go
You can point the device at an object in the distance, lock in the direction, and navigate to the object.
1Select Sight 'N Go.
2Point the device at an object.
3Select Lock Direction > Set Course.
4Navigate using the compass.
Compass Settings
From the compass, select MENU.
Sight 'N Go: Allows you to point the device at an object in the distance, and navigate using the object as a
reference point (Navigating with Sight 'N Go, page 12).
Stop Navigation: Stops navigating the current route.
Change Dashboard: Changes the theme and information displayed on the dashboard.
Set Scale: Sets the scale for the distance between the dots on the course deviation indicator.
Calibrate Compass: Allows you to calibrate the compass if you experience irregular compass behavior, for
example, after moving long distances or after extreme temperature changes (Calibrating the Compass,
page 12).
Heading Setup: Allows you to customize the compass heading settings (Heading Settings, page 12).
Change Data Fields: Customizes the compass data fields.
Restore Defaults: Restores the compass to factory default settings.
Calibrating the Compass
Before you can calibrate the electronic compass, you must be outdoors, away from objects that influence
magnetic fields, such as cars, buildings, or overhead power lines.
The device has a 3-axis electronic compass. You should calibrate the compass after moving long distances or
experiencing temperature changes.
1From the compass, select MENU.
2Select Calibrate Compass > Start.
3Follow the on-screen instructions.
Heading Settings
From the compass, select MENU, and select Heading Setup.
Display: Sets the type of directional heading shown on the compass.
North Reference: Sets the north reference used on the compass.
Go To Line (Pointer): Sets the behavior of the pointer that appears on the map. Bearing points in the direction
of your destination. Course shows your relationship to the course line leading to the destination.
Compass: Automatically switches from an electronic compass to a GPS compass when you are traveling at a
higher rate of speed for a period of time.
Calibrate Compass: Allows you to calibrate the compass if you experience irregular compass behavior, for
example, after moving long distances or after extreme temperature changes (Calibrating the Compass,
page 12).
Trip Computer
The trip computer displays your current speed, average speed, trip odometer, and other helpful statistics. You
can customize the trip computer layout, dashboard, and data fields.
12 Using the Main Pages

Trip Computer Settings
From the trip computer, select MENU.
Reset: Resets all the trip computer values to zero. For accurate information, reset the trip information before
beginning a trip.
Change Data Fields: Customizes the trip computer data fields.
Change Dashboard: Changes the theme and information displayed on the dashboard.
NOTE: Your customized settings are remembered by the dashboard. Your settings are not lost when you
change profiles (Profiles, page 39).
Insert Page: Inserts an additional page of customizable data fields.
TIP: You can use the arrow keys to scroll through the pages.
Remove Page: Removes an additional page of customizable data fields.
More Data: Adds additional data fields to the trip computer.
Less Data: Removes data fields from the trip computer.
Restore Defaults: Restores the trip computer to factory default settings.
Altimeter
By default, the altimeter displays the elevation over the distance traveled. You can customize altimeter settings
(Altimeter Settings, page 13). You can select any point on the plot to view details about that point.
Altimeter Plot Settings
From the altimeter, select MENU.
Reset: Resets the altimeter data, including waypoint, track, and trip data.
Altimeter Setup: Access additional altimeter settings (Altimeter Settings, page 13).
Adjust Zoom Ranges: Adjusts the zoom ranges shown on the altimeter page.
Change Data Fields: Allows you to customize the altimeter data fields.
Restore Defaults: Restores the altimeter to factory default settings.
Altimeter Settings
From the altimeter, select MENU > Altimeter Setup.
Auto Calibration: Once allows the altimeter to automatically calibrate one time when you start an activity.
Continuous allows the altimeter to calibrate throughout the duration of your activity.
Barometer Mode: Variable Elevation allows the barometer to measure changes in elevation while you are
moving. Fixed Elevation assumes the device is stationary at a fixed elevation, so the barometric pressure
should only change due to weather.
Pressure Trending: Sets how the device records pressure data. Save Always records all pressure data, which
can be helpful when you are watching for pressure fronts.
Plot Type: Records elevation changes over a period of time or distance, records barometric pressure over a
period of time, or records ambient pressure changes over a period of time.
Calibrate Altimeter: Allows you to manually calibrate the barometric altimeter (Calibrating the Barometric
Altimeter, page 14).
Using the Main Pages 13

Calibrating the Barometric Altimeter
You can manually calibrate the barometric altimeter if you know the correct elevation or the correct barometric
pressure.
1Go to a location where the elevation or barometric pressure is known.
2From the altimeter, select MENU.
3Select Altimeter Setup > Calibrate Altimeter.
4Select Method to select the measurement to use in calibration.
5Enter the measurement.
6Select Calibrate.
Connected Features
Connected features are available for your GPSMAP 86 device when you connect the device to a wireless
network or a compatible smartphone using Bluetooth® technology. Some features require you to install the
Garmin Connect™ app or Garmin Explore app on your smartphone. Go to garmin.com/apps for more
information.
Bluetooth sensors: Allows you to connect Bluetooth compatible sensors, such as a heart rate monitor.
Connect IQ™: Allows you to extend your device features with widgets, data fields, and apps using the Connect IQ
app.
EPO Downloads: Allows you to download an extended prediction orbit file to quickly locate GPS satellites and
reduce the time it takes to get an initial GPS fix using the Garmin Connect app or when connected to a Wi‑Fi®
network.
BirdsEye imagery: Allows you to download BirdsEye Satellite Imagery directly to your device when connected to
a Wi‑Fi network.
Garmin Explore: The Garmin Explore app syncs and shares waypoints, tracks, and routes with your device. You
can also download maps to your smartphone for offline access.
Live Geocache Data: Provides paid or subscription-free services to view live geocache data from
www.geocaching.com using the Garmin Connect app or when connected to a Wi‑Fi network.
Tracking: Allows you to record track points and transmit them over the Iridium satellite network. You can invite
contacts by sending them an inReach message from the field. This feature allows your contacts to view your
live data on a MapShare tracking page using your Garmin Explore account.
Phone notifications: Displays phone notifications and messages on your GPSMAP 86 device using the Garmin
Connect app.
Software Updates: Allows you to receive updates for your device software using the Garmin Connect app or
when connected to a Wi‑Fi network.
Active Weather: Allows you to view current weather conditions and weather forecasts using the Garmin
Connect app or when connected to a Wi‑Fi network.
inReach Weather: Allows you to receive weather information through your inReach subscription. You can
request a basic, premium, or marine weather forecast.
14 Connected Features