Lowrance GlobalMap 1600 User manual

INSTALLATION AND
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
LMS-160
and
GlobalMap 1600
TM

Copyright © 1998 Lowrance Electronics, Inc.
All rights reserved.
GlobalMap 1600™and LMS-160 are trademarks of Lowrance Electron-
ics, Inc.
Lowrance®is a registered trademark of Lowrance Electronics, Inc.
WARNING!
USETHIS UNIT ONLY AS AN AIDTO NAVIGATION.A CAREFUL NAVI-
GATOR NEVER RELIES ON ONLY ONE METHODTO OBTAIN POSI-
TION INFORMATION.
Never use this product while operating a vehicle.
CAUTION
Whenshowing navigationdatatoaposition(waypoint),thisunitwillshow
the shortest, most direct path to the waypoint.It provides navigation data
tothewaypoint regardless of obstructions.Therefore,theprudent naviga-
torwillnot only takeadvantageofall availablenavigation tools when trav-
elling to a waypoint, but will also visually check to make certain a clear,
safe path to the waypoint is always available.
Theoperatingandstoragetemperaturefor yourunit is from -4 degreesto
+167degrees Fahrenheit (-20to+75degreesCelsius).Extendedstorage
temperatures higher or lower than specified will cause the liquid crystal
display to fail. Neither this type of failure nor its consequences are cov-
ered by the warranty.For more information, consult the factory customer
service department.
All features and specifications subject to change without notice.
Lowrance Electronics may find it necessary to change or end our poli-
cies, regulations,andspecialoffers at anytime.Wereserve the righttodo
so without notice.
All screens in this manual are simulated.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interfer-
enceinaresidentialinstallation.Thisequipmentgenerates,usesandcan
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accor-
dancewiththeinstructions,may causeharmfulinterference to radiocom-
munications.However, there is no guarantee that interference will not oc-
cur in a particular installation.If this equipment does cause harmful inter-
ference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turn-
ing the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the factory customer service department for help.

Editing aWaypoint ............................ 40
Edit Position .................................. 40
Edit Name ..................................... 41
Edit Icon........................................41
Delete aWaypoint.............................41
Delete All Waypoints ......................... 41
Move a Waypoint .............................. 41
WaypointOptions .............................42
WAYPOINT NAVIGATION ...........................42
Navigate to a cursor location .................. 43
Navigate to a Waypoint using the Map ...43
CANCEL NAVIGATION ............................... 43
ROUTES .....................................................44
Create a Route.......................................44
Add FromWaypoint List .................... 44
Add From Map ..................................45
Delete aWaypoint .................................. 45
Waypoint Statistics ................................. 45
Following a Route ..................................46
WaypointInformation ........................47
Delete a Route .......................................47
SYSTEM SETUP.........................................48
Sound ....................................................48
Contrast ................................................. 48
Backlight ................................................48
Set LocalTime .......................................48
Units of Measure .................................... 49
NMEA / DGPS ....................................... 49
Configure NMEA Output ........................ 50
DGPS.....................................................50
Serial Communication Setup.................. 51
Reset Groups ......................................... 51
Reset Options ........................................ 51
System Info ............................................52
GPS SETUP................................................ 52
PositionFormat ...................................... 52
DATUM................................................... 53
Map Fix ..................................................53
PCF (Position Correction Factor)............ 54
POSITION PINNING .............................. 55
GPS ALARMS .............................................56
DGPS MESSAGES .....................................57
SUN/MOON CALCULATOR ........................ 57
SIMULATOR ................................................58
INSTALLATION ................................................. 1
Mounting........................................................1
Power Connections........................................2
Cable Connections ........................................3
GlobalMap1600 .......................................3
LMS-160 ..................................................4
Antenna ........................................................5
Transducer ..................................................... 6
INTRODUCTIONTO GPS............................... 10
OPERATION ...................................................12
Satellite Status Screen ................................ 13
FindingYour Position ...................................14
Auto Search ........................................... 14
ManualInitialization................................14
Position Acquisition ................................ 15
Modes ...................................................... 15
Navigation Screens ................................16
Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) ...... 18
Map ...................................................... 18
Cursor...............................................19
Map Setup ........................................ 20
ChangeMaps ................................... 20
MapOptions...........................................21
MapOrientation ................................ 21
Range Rings/Grid Lines ................... 22
Autozoom .........................................22
Map Details ............................................23
Earth Map On/Off ............................. 23
Text Labels ....................................... 23
Map Detail ........................................ 23
Gray Fill ............................................24
MapBoundaries ...............................24
Map Symbols.................................... 24
Locations .......................................... 25
ContourLines ................................... 25
PlotTrail Options .................................... 25
ClearTrail .........................................25
FlashTrail ......................................... 25
ShowTrail ......................................... 25
Save Trail .......................................... 25
UpdateTrail....................................... 26
ICONS ...................................................26
MAP DOWNLOADING........................... 28
WINDOWS ............................................. 29
ReprogramWindowGroups ............. 34
ReprogramBoxes .............................35
RESET GROUPS .................................. 35
WAYPOINTS .......................................... 36
WaypointMenu .................................36
SavingYour Present Position as a
Waypoint (Quick Save Method) ........36
SavingThe Cursor Position as a
Waypoint........................................... 36
SavingYour Present Position as a
Waypoint (Select Number Method) ... 37
Saving a New Position ......................37
WaypointAveraging .......................... 38
Project a Waypoint ............................ 38
Selecting aWaypoint ........................ 39
From List ....................................... 40
By Name ....................................... 40
Table of Contents

SONAR OPERATION...................................... 59
Sonar Modes ............................................... 59
Full Chart ............................................... 59
Split Chart .............................................. 59
Digital/Chart ...........................................59
Automatic.....................................................60
Sonar Options.............................................. 60
Sensitivity...............................................60
Grayline.................................................. 61
Adjust Surface Clarity (SCC).................. 61
ASP (Advanced Signal Processing) .......62
Range - Automatic ................................. 62
Manual.............................................. 63
ChartOptions.........................................63
Chart Speed ..................................... 63
Chart Stop ........................................63
Upper and Lower Limits ......................... 64
Zoom...................................................... 64
Fish ID ...................................................65
FISHTRACK™ ....................................... 65
Chart Display .........................................66
Zoom Bar.......................................... 66
Zone Bar........................................... 67
Chart Cursor .......................................... 67
Digital Sonar .......................................... 67
Alarms....................................................68
Depth Alarms.................................... 68
Zone Alarm ....................................... 69
Fish Alarm ........................................ 69
Keel Offset ............................................. 69
CalibrateSpeed ..................................... 70
SONARTROUBLESHOOTING .......................71
UPS Return Service ........................................74
Warranty ...................................................... 76
Datum List ...................................................... 77
Table of Contents

Notes:

1
Thank you for purchasing a Lowrance product! You won't find another
combination GPS and sonar unit with these features and power for the
money! Each of our products is designed and manufactured to precision
tolerances for long life under extreme conditions.We hope that you'll en-
joy this product for years.
This manual covers both the Lowrance LMS-160 and GlobalMap 1600.
Both have 12-channel GPS receivers, however, the LMS-160 also has a
sonarbuilt into the unit. The installation of thesetwo products vary due to
this difference, otherwise the operation of the two units (except for sonar)
is virtually identical.
No matter which unit you own, please read the installation section care-
fully, especially the transducer section.Many times future trouble can be
avoided by carefully locating and wiring the equipment.
If you do have problems, please read the troubleshooting section in the
back of this manual.You may find the solution to your problem there.The
Lowrance customer service department also has representatives avail-
able to answer your questions on our toll-free telephone lines. See the
back page of this manual for more information.
We want your experience with our equipment to be a happy one. Good
luck, and good fishing.
INSTALLATION
Mounting - All Units
Install the unit in any convenient location, provided there is clearance
behind it when it is tilted for the best viewing angle. Holes in the bracket
base allow wood screw or through-bolt mounting.You may need to place
a piece of plywood on the back of thin fiberglass panels to secure the
mountinghardware.Makecertainthereisenoughroombehindtheunitto
attach the power and transducer cables.
The gimbal bracket will also accept the GBSA-1 swivel bracket adapter
that lets you rotate the unit a full 360°.
The smallest hole that allows one power connector to pass through is 3/
4". After the hole is drilled, push other connectors up through the hole
first, then drop the power cable down through it.

2
Power Connections - All Units
This unit works from a twelve-volt battery system. For the best results,
attach the power cable directly to the battery.You can attach the power
cable to an accessory or power buss, however you may have problems
with electrical interference. Therefore, it’s safer to go ahead and attach
the power cable directly to the battery. If the cable is not long enough,
splice #18 gauge wire onto it. The power cable has two wires, red and
black.Red is the positive lead, black is negative or ground.Make certain
to attach the in-line fuse holder to the red lead as close to the power
source as possible.For example, if you have to extend the power cable to
thebatteryorpowerbuss,attachoneendofthefuseholderdirectlytothe
battery or power buss.This will protect both the unit and the power cable
in the event of a short.Use a 3-amp fuse.
IMPORTANT!
Do not use this product without a 3-amp fuse wired into the power cable!
Failure to use a 3-amp fuse will void your warranty.
3-AMP
FUSE
12-VOLT
BATTERY
3-AMP
FUSE
12-VOLT
BATTERY
TO
TRANSDUCER
RED
BLACK
RED
BLACK
LMS-160
POWER CONNCECTIONS
GLOBALMAP-1600
POWER CONNCECTIONS

3
If possible, route the unit’s power cable and transducer cable away from
other wiring.VHF radio antenna cables radiate noise when transmitting,
so be certain to keep the sonar’s wires away from it. You may need to
route the sonar unit’s power cable directly to the battery to isolate it from
other wiring on the boat.
CABLE CONNECTIONS - GlobalMap 1600 Only
RED
(+12
VDC)
BLACK
(GROUND)
GREEN
(NMEA
RECEIVE)
ANTENNA
WHITE
(NMEA
TRANSMIT)
LOWRANCE

4
CABLE CONNECTIONS - LMS-160 Only
RED
BLACK
GREEN
(NMEA
RECEIVE)
ANTENNA
TO
TRANSDUCER
TO
SPEED/TEMP
SENSOR
(OPTIONAL)
WHITE
(NMEA
TRANSMIT)
LOWRANCE
BLACK
(GROUND)
TO
+12VDC
See Note 1
Notes
1. If the NMEA wires are not used, then the NMEA adapter cable is not required. The
speed/temperature sensor's cable can be attached directly to the LMS-160.
NMEA
ADAPTER
CABLE
POWER/
TRANSDUCER
CABLE

5
GPS Antenna Installation - All Units
The antenna can be mounted on any flat surface, provided you have ac-
cess behind the surface for the mounting screws. A magnet is also sup-
plied that can be epoxied to the bottom of the antenna. A pole mount
adapter lets you mount the antenna on a pole or swivel mount that uses
standard 1" - 14 threads.The antenna has 25 feet of cable.Do not cut or
splice this cable.
Surface Mount
The antenna can be easily installed on any flat surface that is at least 90
mm (3 1/2") wide.Make certain that a clear view of the sky is available at
the selected location.Since the GPS signals travel “line-of-sight”, nearly
anything blocking the antenna can potentially obstruct the unit from find-
ingasatellite.Donotmountitinfrontofradarantennas.Theyradiatehigh
energy that can interfere with the GPS signal.
Onceyou’vedeterminedthemountinglocation,usethetemplateonpage
51 in this manual to drill the holes for the screws.The screws, supplied
with this antenna, are 4mm x 30mm.(about 1 1/8" long).Drill 4.75 mm (3/
16") holes for the mounting screws. If you route the cable through the
mounting surface, you’ll need to drill a 25 mm (1") hole for the cable.
There is a notch in the antenna housing that allows the cable to pass
through to the outside, instead of routing it through the mounting surface.
After drilling the holes, pass the o-ring over the antenna cable and press
it into the groove on the bottom of the antenna housing. Now attach the
antenna to the mounting surface, using 4mm screws and the supplied
lock washers. Route the cable to the GPS receiver and the antenna in-
stallation is finished.

6
Magnet Mount
A magnet lets you temporarily mount the an-
tennaon anyferrousmetalsurface.(suchasa
car) To use the magnet, simply epoxy it to the
bottom of the antenna, using the epoxy sup-
pliedwithyourantenna.Carefullyfollow the in-
structions on the epoxy package and apply it
to the magnet.Then carefully press the mag-
nettothebottomoftheantennahousing.After
the epoxy cures (in about 30 minutes), the an-
tenna is ready for use.
Pole Mount
The antenna attaches to the pole mount adapter
with the supplied 4 mm screws. You can route
the antenna cable through the slot in the side of
the antenna, or pass it down through the pole
mount adapter. A slot next to the threads in the
pole mount adapter places the cable next to the
pole where it can be easily routed down the pole
to the GPS receiver. The threads on the pole
mountadapteracceptastandardmarineantenna
mount.
MAGNET
SPEED/TEMPERATURE SENSOR - LMS-160 ONLY
If you’re installing a temperature or speed/temperature sensor, read the
sensor’s mounting instructions before making the installation. Route the
sensor’s cable directly to the LMS-160 and plug it into the connector on
the NMEA/DGPS cable.The speed/temp sensor plugs into the optional
SAM sonar module on the GlobalMap 1600.
TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION - LMS-160 ONLY
(Note: A transducer is not included with all units.You may need to pur-
chase the transducer separately.)
The HS-WSBK supplied with this unit is a transom mount transducer. It
can be installed on any outboard or stern-drive (inboard\outboard) pow-
ered boat.It can also be permanently installed inside the boat to “shoot-
through” the hull on some fiberglass boats.
The “kick-up” mounting bracket helps prevent damage if the transducer
strikes an object while the boat is moving. If the transducer does “kick-
up”, the bracket can easily be pushed back in place without tools.
POLE MOUNT

7
Read this section carefully before attempting the installation. Determine
which of the mounting positions is right for your boat. Remember, the
transducer location is the most critical part of a sonar installation.
Location - General
1. The transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow of
water at all times. If the transducer is not placed in a smooth flow of
water, interference will show on the sonar’s display in the form of ran-
dom lines or dots whenever the boat is moving.
2. Thetransducer should be installed with it’s face pointing straight down,
if possible.
3. Make certain the transducer’s location doesn’t interfere with the trailer
or hauling of the boat. Also, don’t mount it closer than approximately
one foot from the engine’s lower unit. This will prevent cavitation inter-
ference with the propeller.Typically, the transducer should be mounted
as deep in the water as possible.This increases the chance that it will
be in the water in high speed and reduces the possiblity of air bubble
interference.
POOR ANGLEPOOR ANGLE
POOR ANGLEPOOR ANGLE
POOR ANGLE GOOD LOCATIONGOOD LOCATION
GOOD LOCATIONGOOD LOCATION
GOOD LOCATION
POOR LOCATIONPOOR LOCATION
POOR LOCATIONPOOR LOCATION
POOR LOCATION
4. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the
boat. ElectricalinterferencefromVHFradio,enginewiring,bilgepumps,
andareatorscanbedisplayedonthesonar’s screen.Use cautionwhen
routing the transducer cable around these wires.
CAUTION!CAUTION!
CAUTION!CAUTION!
CAUTION!
CLAMP THE TRANSDUCER CABLE TOCLAMP THE TRANSDUCER CABLE TO
CLAMP THE TRANSDUCER CABLE TOCLAMP THE TRANSDUCER CABLE TO
CLAMP THE TRANSDUCER CABLE TO
TRANSOM NEAR THE TRANSDUCER. THISTRANSOM NEAR THE TRANSDUCER. THIS
TRANSOM NEAR THE TRANSDUCER. THISTRANSOM NEAR THE TRANSDUCER. THIS
TRANSOM NEAR THE TRANSDUCER. THIS
WILL HELP PREVENT THE TRANSDUCERWILL HELP PREVENT THE TRANSDUCER
WILL HELP PREVENT THE TRANSDUCERWILL HELP PREVENT THE TRANSDUCER
WILL HELP PREVENT THE TRANSDUCER
FROM ENTERING THE BOAT IF IT ISFROM ENTERING THE BOAT IF IT IS
FROM ENTERING THE BOAT IF IT ISFROM ENTERING THE BOAT IF IT IS
FROM ENTERING THE BOAT IF IT IS
KNOCKED OFF AT HIGH SPEED.KNOCKED OFF AT HIGH SPEED.
KNOCKED OFF AT HIGH SPEED.KNOCKED OFF AT HIGH SPEED.
KNOCKED OFF AT HIGH SPEED.
GOOD LOCATIONGOOD LOCATION
GOOD LOCATIONGOOD LOCATION
GOOD LOCATION

8
Transducer Assembly and Mounting
The best way to install this transducer is to loosely assemble all of the
parts first, then place the transducer’s bracket against the transom and
see if you can move the transducer so that it’s parallel with the ground.
1. Press the two small plastic ratchets into the sides of the metal bracket
asshownbelow.Noticethereareletters moldedintoeachratchet.Place
each ratchet into the bracket with the letter “A” aligned with the dot
stamped into the metal bracket. This position sets the transducer’s
coarseangle adjustment for a fourteen (14) degree transom.Most out-
board and stern-drive transoms have a fourteen degree angle.
DOT
2. Slidethetransducerbetweenthetworatchets.Temporallyslidethebolt
thoughthetransducerassemblyandholditagainstthetransom.Look-
ing at the transducer from the side, check to see if it will adjust so that
its face is parallel to the ground.If it does, then the “A” position is cor-
rect for your hull. If the transducer’s face isn’t parallel with the ground,
remove the transducer and ratchets from the bracket.Place the ratch-
ets into the holes in the bracket with the letter “B” aligned with the dot
stamped in the bracket. Reassemble the transducer and bracket and
place them against the transom.Again, check to see if you can move
the transducer so it’s parallel with the ground.If it does, then go to step
3. If it doesn’t, repeat step 2, but use a different letter until you can
place the transducer on the transom correctly.
RATCHETS

9
3. Onceyou determinethecorrect position fortheratchets,assemblethe
transducer as shown below.Don’t tighten the lock nut at this time.
4. Hold the transducer and bracket assembly against the transom. The
transducer should be roughly parallel to the ground.The bottom of the
transducerbracket shouldbeinlinewiththebottomofthehull.Don’tlet
the bracket extend below the hull! Mark the center of the slots for the
mounting holes. Drill two 5/32" holes in the marked locations for the
#10 screws supplied with the transducer.
NUT METAL
WASHER
RUBBER
WASHERS METAL
WASHER
BOLT
TRANSOM
SIDE VIEW
5. Attach the transducer to the transom.Slide the transducer up or down
until it’s aligned properly on the transom as shown above.Tighten the
bracket’s mounting screws.Adjust the transducer so that it’s parallel to
the ground and tighten the lock nut until it touches the flat washer, then
add 1/4 turn.Don’t over tighten the lock nut! If you do, the transducer
won’t“kick-up” if it strikes an object in the water.

10
6. Routethetransducercable to thesonarunit.If possible, routethetrans-
ducer cable away from other wiring on the boat. Electrical noise from
theengine’swiring, bilgepumps,VHF radiowiresandcables,and aera-
torscanbepickedupbythe sonar.Usecautionwhenroutingthetrans-
ducer cable around these wires.
IMPORTANT!
Clamp the transducer cable to the transom close to the transducer.This
can prevent the transducer from entering the boat if it is knocked off at
high speed.
7. Make a test run to determine the results. If the bottom is lost at high
speed, or if noise appears on the display, try sliding the transducer
bracketdown.Thisputsthetransducerdeeperintothewater,hopefully
below the turbulence causing the noise. Don’t allow the transducer
bracket to go below the bottom of the hull!
Periodically wash the transducer’s face with soap and water to remove
any oil film that may collect. Oil and dirt on the face will reduce the sensi-
tivity or may even prevent operation.
INTRODUCTIONTO GPS
TheGlobalPositioning System(GPS)wasdevelopedbytheUnited States
Department of Defense as a 24-hour a day, 365 days a year global navi-
gationsystemfor the military.Civilianavailabilitywas added (butwithless
accuracy) using the same satellites.Twenty-foursatellites orbit the Earth.
Three of these satellites are spares, unused until needed.The rest virtu-
ally guarantee that at least four satellites are in view nearly anywhere on
Earth at all times.
The system requires three satellites in order to determine a position.This
is called a 2D fix. It takes four satellites to determine both position and
elevation, (your height above sea level - also called altitude.) called a 3D
fix.
Remember, the unit must have a clear view of the satellites in order to
receive their signals. Unlike radio or television, GPS works at very high
frequencies.The signals can be blocked easily by trees, buildings, even
your body.
Never use this GPS receiver while operating a vehicle!
Like most GPS receivers, this unit doesn’t have a compass or any other
navigation aid built inside.It relies solely on the signals from the satellites

11
to calculate a position. Speed, direction of travel, and distance are all
calculatedfrompositioninformation.Therefore,inorderforittodetermine
direction of travel, you must be moving and the faster, the better.This is
not to say that it won’t work at trolling speeds - it will.There will simply be
more “wandering” of the data shown on the display.
Another factor that greatly influences the receiver’s ability to determine
position is SA.The United States government intentionally degrades the
satellite’s signal for civilian users. They introduce small errors into the
signalsthatmakes theGPSreceiverlessaccurate.Theseerrorsare called
selective availability, or SA.How bad is it?They guarantee that the posi-
tion reported by a GPS receiver that meets their specifications is within
100 meters horizontally and 150 meters vertically 95% of the time.(The
position can be worse than that the other 5% of the time.) In other words,
the position shown on your receiver is within 100 meters of your actual
position, 95% of the time.That’s over 300 feet! Not exactly pinpoint accu-
racy, but then few people need positioning accuracy greater than this.
However, if you do want better performance, (and who doesn’t?) many
manufacturers (including Lowrance) sell a DGPS receiver that attaches
toyourGPS receiver.TheDGPS system transmitscorrectionsignalsthat
nullify the effects of SA. The DGPS receiver takes signals from these
land-based transmitters and gives them to the GPS receiver which then
usesthem to showamoreaccurateposition.Theironicpartis the federal
government implemented SA and is also operatingmany DGPS transmit-
ters.(You can use the signals from all of the Coast Guard DGPS stations
for free, by the way.) The downside to this is it requires another piece of
electronic gear (the DGPS receiver).And you have to be close enough to
a station to receive the DGPS signals.
Generally, you find that using your GPS receiver without DGPS is both
easy and amazingly accurate. It’s easily the most accurate method of
electronic navigation available to the general public today. Remember,
however, that this receiver is only a tool.Always have another method of
navigation available, such as a chart or map and a compass.
Also remember that this unit will always show navigation information in
the shortest line from your present position to a waypoint, regardless of
terrain! It only calculates position, it can’t know what’s between you and
your camp, forexample.It’s up to youtosafely navigatearoundobstacles,
no matter how you’re using this product.

12
GPS OPERATION
There are 12 keys on the keyboard.You can navigate through the menus,
adjust the chart’s cursor, and enter data using the arrow keys.The five
major modes of operation are accessed using the PAGES key.Press the
MENU key to select or adjust a feature from a list.The Z-IN and Z-OUT
keys zoom-in or zoom-out the view on the plotter screen.The ENT and
EXIT keys are used to enter or clear data or screens. Save and edit
waypoints using the WPT key. The PWR key turns the unit on and off.
Pressing it once while the unit is operating turns on the screen’s back-
light. To prevent an accidental shutdown, you must hold the PWR key
down for a few seconds to turn the unit off.
PWRENT
MENU EXIT
PAGES WPT
ZOUT ZIN
LOWRANCE
Most of the unit’s features are found on“menus’.You can view the menus
by pressing the MENU key. This product has “Intelligent Menus”.There
are many menus that pertain to only the sonar, for example. When you
press the MENU key and the sonar is showing, menu items for the sonar
show in addition to the normal menus.For example, if the sonar is show-
ing, and you press the MENU key, GPS map items won’t show on the list.
This helps you find the needed item without scrolling through unneces-
sary menus.

13
To turn the unit on, simply press the PWR key.A
GPS logo screen appears, then the screen simi-
lar to the one at right appears. Read the mes-
sage on the screen, then press the EXIT key to
erase it or wait a few seconds and it automati-
cally clears. The screen shown below appears
next.
This screen appears each time you turn the unit
on.It showsagraphical viewofthesatellitesthat
are in view.Each satellite is shown on the circu-
larchartrelative to your position.Thepointin the
centerofthechart is directlyoverhead.Thesmall
inner ring represents 45° above the horizon and
the large ring represents the horizon.North is at
the top of the screen. You can use this to see
which satellites are obstructed by obstacles in
your immediate area if you hold the unit facing
north.
The GPS receiver is tracking satellites that are surrounded by a black
box. The receiver hasn't locked onto a satellite if it's number isn't sur-
rounded by a box, therefore it isn’t being used to solve the position.
Beneath the circular graph are the bar graphs, one for each satellite in
view.Since the unit has twelve channels, it can dedicate one channel per
visible satellite. Therefore, if only six satellites are visible, only six bar
charts show at the bottom of the screen.The wider the bar on the graph,
the better the unit is receiving the signals from the satellite.
The number in the upper left corner is the “expected horizontal position
error”or expected error from a benchmark location.In other words, if the
expected error shows 50 feet, then the position shown by the unit is esti-
mated to be within 50 feet of the actual location.However, this number is
only valid if you’re using DGPS or if S/A is turned off. Due to S/A, the
accuracy can only be less than 100 meters, 95% of the time, per U.S.
government specifications. Although the expected error is not accurate
unless you have a DGPS receiver, it does give you an indicator of the fix
quality the unit currently has.The smaller the expected error number, the
better (and more accurate) the fix is. If the expected error flashes, then
theunithasn'tlocked onto the satellites,andthenumber shownisn'tvalid.
A light bulb indicator at the top right corner of the screen appears when
the backlights are on.

14
FINDINGYOUR POSITION
Auto Search
To lock onto the satellites, the GPS receiver needs to know it’s current
position,UTCtime,anddate.(Elevation(altitude)isalso used in theequa-
tion, but it’s rarely required to determine a position.) It needs this data so
thatitcancalculatewhich satellites should be in view.Itthensearchesfor
only those satellites. When your GPS receiver is turned on for the first
time, it doesn’t know what your position or elevation (altitude) is. It does
know the current UTC time and date since these wereprogrammedintoit
at the factory and an internal clock keeps the time while the unit is turned
off. It begins searching for the satellites using the above data that it ac-
quired the last time it was turned on. This probably was at the factory.
Sinceit’s almost certainthatyou’re not at our factory, it’sprobably looking
for the wrong satellites.If it doesn’t find the satellites it’s looking for after
five minutes, it switches to Auto Search.The receiver looks for any satel-
lite in the sky. Due to advanced technology, the auto search time has
shrunk to about five minutes, so the longest time you should ever have to
wait is ten minutes from the time you turn the unit on until it locks onto the
satellites and shows a position.Once the unit locks onto the satellites, it
shouldtakelessthanaminute tofindyour position thenexttimeit’s turned
on, provided you haven’t moved more than approximately 100 miles from
the last location it was used.
Manual Initialization
If you don’t want to wait for the Auto Search, then you may be able to
speed up the initialization process by using the manual initialization fea-
ture.Using thisfeaturetellstheunit it’sapproximateposition.Onceitknows
it’s location, it determines exactly which satellites should be in view and
starts looking only for those satellites.
To manually initialize the unit, press the MENU
key.Nowpress thedownarrow keyuntilthe“GPS
SETUP” label is highlighted. Press the right ar-
row key. The “INITIALIZE GPS” label is high-
lighted.Presstherightarrow keyagain.Ascreen
similartotheoneatright appears.Use the arrow
keystomovethecrosshairstoyour approximate
location on the map. You can use the ZIN and
ZOUT keys to enlarge the map which makes it
easier and faster to find your location.The box at the top of the screen
shows the latitude and longitude of the cursor position, along with the
distance and bearing from the last known position. Once you have the
crosshairs on your location, press the ENT key. The unit returns to the
satellite status screen.