Magellan GPS 300 User manual

GPS 300
GPS 300
User Manual

WARNINGS
A measure of knowledge by the user is required for proper and
safe use of the Magellan GPS 300™. READ THE USER GUIDE &
WARRANTY COMPLETELY.
Use Good Judgment
This product is an excellent navigation aid, but it does not replace
the need for careful orientation and good judgment. Never rely
solely on one device for navigating.
Use Care to Avoid Inaccuracies
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is operated by the U.S.
Government, which is solely responsible for the accuracy and the
maintenance of GPS. Certain conditions can make the system less
accurate.
No part of this User Guide may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying and recording, for any purpose other than the
purchaser’s personal use, without the written permission of
Magellan Corporation.
© Copyright 1999 by Magellan Corporation. All rights reserved.
Magellan™ and GPS 300™ are the trademarks of Magellan
Corporation.
PN: 630283 B

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction....................................................1
Welcome to the Magellan GPS 300 ..................................... 1
GPS 300 Description........................................................... 1
Magellan GPS 300............................................................... 2
Getting Started ................................................3
Installing the Batteries ......................................................... 3
Getting Signals from Satellites ............................................. 3
Initializing the Receiver - EZStart ........................................ 4
Computing a Position.......................................................... 5
Basic Operation...............................................7
Saving a Position Fix ............................................................ 7
Creating a Landmark ........................................................... 8
Viewing the POSITION Screen ........................................... 9
Viewing the NAVIGATION Screens .................................. 10
Creating a GOTO Route ................................................... 13
Summary ........................................................................... 14
Working with Landmarks..............................15
Viewing a Landmark.......................................................... 15
Editing the Landmark Name ............................................. 16
Deleting a Landmark ......................................................... 16

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Working with Routes.....................................17
Creating a Route................................................................ 17
Viewing a Route ................................................................ 19
Activating/Deactivating a Route ........................................ 20
Deleting a Route................................................................ 21
Appending a Leg to a Route............................................... 21
Activating a Leg in a Route ................................................ 22
Editing a Leg in a Route .................................................... 23
Deleting a Leg From a Route ............................................. 24
Additional Features .......................................25
Viewing theTime and Date ............................................... 25
Viewing Elevation.............................................................. 25
Viewing Battery Life .......................................................... 25
Changing Coordinate Systems ........................................... 26
Changing Map Datums ..................................................... 27
Changing Distance Units................................................... 27
ChangingTime Display andTime ..................................... 28
Changing North Reference ................................................ 28
Initializing the Receiver (EZSTART) ................................. 29
Activating the Demo Mode................................................ 30
Setting Display Contrast .................................................... 30
Troubleshooting ............................................31
Commonly Asked Questions ............................................. 32
Icons.................................................................................. 34
Accessories.....................................................36
Glossary.........................................................38
Index .............................................................41

1
Introduction
Welcome to the Magellan GPS 300
Congratulations on your purchase of the Magellan GPS 300
satellite navigator. The GPS 300 is an easy-to-use GPS
receiver designed to get you out in the “Great Outdoors”
rather than spending hours reading a User’s Manual. There
are, however, a few items that you need to be familiar with so
it is suggested that you follow along at least through the
chapter on Basic Operation.
Before you begin, make sure that your package includes the
items listed on the GPS 300 box. If any items are missing or
damaged, contact your Magellan dealer or retailer.
GPS 300 Description
The GPS 300 is a self-contained hand-held GPS receiver
designed for general purpose position locating and navigation.
It has a built-in antenna located at the top of the receiver, a
backlit display, and keypad. Using two AA batteries, inserted
from the battery door found at the back of the receiver, the
GPS 300 will operate continuously for up to 24 hours.

2
The ENTER key
confirms data
entries or menu
selections.
The NAV key
accesses the
Position and
Navigation
screens.
The MARK key is
used to create
landmarks and store
the current position.
The LIGHT key turns
the light on and off.
The ARROW pad is used to
enter landmark names, and
scroll through the series of
screens and menu selections.
The MENU key is
used to access the
route, landmark and
setup functions.
The PWR key
turns the receiver
on and off.
The GOTO key is
used to create a
direct route to any
landmark stored in
memory.
GPS Antenna
Magellan GPS 300

3
Getting Started
Installing the Batteries
The GPS 300 uses two AA alkaline batteries that are installed
at the back of the receiver. To remove the battery cover, turn
the ring of the battery door screw counterclockwise until the
battery cover can be removed.
Insert the new batteries as
shown, being sure to respect the
polarities, and replace the
battery cover.
Replace the screw and turn the
ring clockwise until the battery
door is held in place securely.
You should avoid overtightening
the battery door screw.
+
-+-
Getting Signals from Satellites
Since the GPS 300 receives information from satellites
orbiting the earth, the antenna needs to have a relatively
unobstructed view of the sky. Large obstructions such as
buildings, cliffs, and overhangs may interfere with signal
reception causing your GPS 300 to take additional time to
compute your location.

4
The GPS 300 is designed to fit
comfortably in your hand. Hold
the receiver with the antenna
towards the sky.
Initializing the Receiver - EZStart
Before using your GPS 300 for the first time, the receiver
needs to know its approximate location. Using Magellan’s
EZStart procedure, the GPS 300 will prompt you for the
information it requires when you turn it on for the first time.
You do not need to initialize your receiver each time you use
it. Follow these steps to initialize the GPS 300 if this is the
first time you are using it.
1Press
PWR
to turn the GPS 300 on.
2SELECT REGION. Use the ARROW pad to change the
flashing text to select the appropriate region for your
present location. Press
ENTER
.
3SELECT COUNTRY or STATE. Use the ARROW pad
to change the flashing text to select the country or state for
your present location.
Press
ENTER
.

5
4ENTER ELEVATION. Use the ARROW pad to enter
the approximate elevation for your position. If unknown,
leave the elevation at 0. Press
ENTER
.
5ENTER TIME. Use the ARROW pad to enter your
present time. Press
ENTER
.
6ENTER DATE. Use the ARROW pad to enter the date.
Press
ENTER
.
The GPS 300 then displays the POSITION screen and
automatically begins searching for satellites that it knows are
in this area for the date and time you entered.
The display shown here may differ
from yours depending upon the
information you selected in steps 2
and 3. As the GPS 300 scans the sky,
the arrow in the circle will swing
around pointing to a satellite and
displays, in the center of the circle,
that satellite’s elevation above the
horizon.
Computing a Position
The GPS 300 will begin to acquire information from the
satellites and use this information to compute your current
position (called a position fix). Whether you have just

6
completed the initialization process or have just turned your
GPS 300 on, the GPS 300 will display the following screens
in the order shown.
As the GPS 300 searches for satellites,
some of the small circles around the
large circle will become black indicating
that the GPS 300 is tracking that
satellite and receiving information. The
number at the bottom right of the
screen displays how many satellites are
being tracked.
After the GPS receiver has received
positioning data from at least three
satellites (approximately 2-3 minutes), it
will begin computing a position fix
based upon the information it is
receiving. As soon as a position fix is
computed, the receiver switches to the
navigation screen displaying the moving
compass. The word “TRACKING” is
displayed in the lower right corner indicating that the receiver
is computing position fixes.
Note: If the receiver has not acquired a position fix in
approximately 10 minutes, refer to the troubleshooting
section of this manual.
More information on these screens and the information they
display can be found in the next chapter.

7
Basic Operation
Saving a Position Fix
Position fixes can be saved in memory for use later when you
want to return to that position. Saved position fixes are
referred to as landmarks or LMK.
To save (mark) your current position press
MARK
.
Receiver-Generated Name: The GPS 300
prompts you to enter a name or accept the
receiver-generated name for this landmark.
To accept the receiver-generated name
(LM01 - LM99), press
ENTER
.
User-Created Name: To create a name (up to four charac-
ters), use the UP/DOWN arrows to change the character and
the LEFT/RIGHT arrows to move the cursor to the left or
right respectively. After you have input the desired landmark
name press
ENTER
.
Press
ENTER
to accept the current latitude and press
ENTER
again to accept the current longitude.
Shortcut: Press
MARK
at anytime while viewing this screen
to quickly save the position.

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Creating a Landmark
To create a landmark at a location which is not your current
position, use the same procedure as saving a position with the
additional step of inputting different latitude/longitude
coordinates.
To create a landmark press
MARK
.
The GPS 300 prompts you to enter
a name or accept the receiver-
generated name for this landmark.
When the desired name is displayed
at the top of the screen press
ENTER
.
Use the ARROW pad to change the
latitude and press
ENTER
to accept.
Use the ARROW pad to change the longitude and press
ENTER
to accept.
The newly created landmark is stored in memory and you
are returned to the screen that was displayed when you
pressed the MARK key.
Shortcut: Press
MARK
at anytime while viewing this screen
to quickly save the position.

9
Viewing the POSITION Screen
The POSITION screen displays the coordinates for your last
computed position and information about any satellites that
are visible. It can be accessed by pressing the NAV key.
Latitude and
Longitude
Satellite Elevation
Degrees above the
horizon of the satellite
indicated by the satellite
pointer.
Number of
satellites being
used.
Tracking Indicator
Satellite Icons
Appears when the receiver
has acquired enough
information from the
satellites to compute a
position fix.
North Indicator
Satellite
Pointer
Visible but not tracked.
Satellite is being tracked.
You may sometimes notice that the number of satellites being
tracked differs from the number of satellites being displayed
graphically. This is due to more than one satellite being
tracked in the same general area.

10
Viewing the Navigation Screens
Without an Active Route. Without an active route the
navigation screen displays your heading and the speed at
which you are traveling. The lower portion of the screen
displays a moving compass. The triangle at the top of the
compass points in the direction you are traveling and the
arrow points to north.
Navigation Screen without an Active Route
(Moving Compass)
Tracking Indicator
Appears when enough
satellites have provided
information to compute
position fixes.
Current
Heading
Current
Speed
Direction of
Travel
North
Indicator
The navigation screens display your speed of travel. For the
speed to be displayed, you must be moving at a speed greater
than 2 miles per hour.

11
With an Active Route. When you have an active route the
navigation screen still displays your heading and speed but
also includes the bearing and distance to your destination.
The moving compass is then replaced with steering informa-
tion. You can use the graphical representation or the steering
indicator to assist in directing you towards your final destina-
tion.
Navigation Screen with an Active Route
(Steering)
In the screen above you are traveling with a heading of 56°
while your destination bearing is 34°. This would indicate
that you need to turn left 22°to be on a straight line to your
destination. The circle and arrow display the same informa-
tion but in a visual manner. The triangle points in the
direction you are traveling and the arrow points towards your
destination.
Destination
Landmark
Bearing to
Destination
Current
Heading North
Indicator
Distance to
Destination
Current
Speed
Destination
Icon Steering Indicator
Indicates the number of
degrees to turn, right or left,
to destination landmark.
Tracking Indicator
Appears when enough
satellites have provided
information to compute
position fixes.
Destination
Pointer

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A second navigational screen is also provided while you have
an active route. This screen is very similar to the first screen
except that the distance to the destination has been replaced
with XTE (cross track error, the distance left or right that
you are off course) and heading has been replaced with TTG
(time to go). This screen provides you additional informa-
tion to aid you in navigating to your destination.
Second Navigation Screen with an Active Route
(Steering)
The navigation screens and the position screen are connected
to one another in a circular loop. Pressing the NAV key or
using the ARROW pad while viewing one of the position or
navigation screens moves you to the next screen in the loop.
North
Indicator
Current
Speed
Steering Indicator
Indicates the number
of degrees to turn,
right or left, to
destination landmark.
Destination
Landmark
Bearing to
Destination
Destination
Icon
Time to Go
Time remaining to
arrive at the
destination at your
present speed and
heading.
Cross Track
Error
Distance left or right
of the desired
course.
Tracking Indicator
Appears when enough
satellites have provided
information to compute
position fixes.
Destination
Pointer

13
Creating a GOTO Route
The simplest form of a route is a one-leg route called a
GOTO route (you are GOingTO a destination). This is
routing you from your current position to a landmark stored
in memory All that is required to create a GOTO route is
that you have saved a landmark indicating the location of your
destination.
To create (activate) a GOTO Route:
From any screen, press
GOTO
. The
GOTO screen appears.
To select a different landmark, use the
LEFT/RIGHT ARROWS until the
desired destination landmark is displayed.
Press
ENTER
or
GOTO
. The display
returns to the Navigation screen showing
the name of the GOTO destination at
the top of the screen.

14
If the receiver is not tracking sufficient satellites to
compute a position fix, the start of the newly created
GOTO route will be the last position computed,
which may not be the current position.
This GOTO route will remain the active route until a new
GOTO route is created, a multileg route is activated, or the
receiver is turned off. Turning off the receiver deactivates
any GOTO route.
Summary
This completes the basic operation of the GPS 300. At this
time it would be a good idea to put what you know to
practice. Pick a location that you would want to come back
to, your home for example. Take a position fix of the location
and save it to memory, giving it a name that you will later
associate with this location. Then travel a few miles away with
your receiver, stop and take another position fix. Now use the
GOTO key to set a GOTO route and highlight the landmark
you created before and press ENTER.
Your GPS 300 is ready to navigate you back to where you
started. The navigation screens are now showing you the
distance and bearing back to the original landmark. As you
begin moving, the GPS 300 will begin using your speed and
direction to compute the shortest distance back to your
original starting point as well as how long it will take you to
get there.
The following chapters provide you with more information on
using your GPS 300 that build upon what you’ve learned.

15
Working with Landmarks
Viewing a Landmark
To view a stored landmark press
MENU
until LMKS appears at the top of the
screen.
Press
ENTER
. The BEARING/DIS-
TANCE screen for the first landmark in
the receiver’s memory is displayed with
the bearing and distance from the last
computed position fix to that landmark.
To select a different landmark, use the
LEFT/RIGHT arrows until the name of
the landmark you wish to view is at the
top of the screen.
To view the POSITION screen of the
selected landmark, press the UP ARROW.

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Editing the Landmark Name
Following the instructions under Viewing a Landmark, use the
LEFT/RIGHT arrows to select the landmark whose name you
wish to edit.
Press the UP ARROW until the screen
displays ENTTO EDIT NAME, then press
ENTER
. The GPS 300 then allows you to
change the name of the landmark using the
ARROW pad. When you have entered the
name you desire (up to four characters),
press
ENTER
.
Deleting a Landmark
Following the instructions under Viewing a Landmark, use the
LEFT/RIGHT arrows to select the landmark you wish to
delete.
Press the UP ARROW until the screen displays PRESS ENT
TO DELETE, then press
ENTER
. Use the LEFT/RIGHT
ARROWs to confirm (YES or NO) and press
ENTER
.
If the landmark is used in a route or is the destination
landmark in a GOTO route, the GPS 300 alerts you
that the landmark cannot be deleted. Remove the
landmark from the route and repeat.