personal navigator

owners manual

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2/19/2003, 1:09:46 PM
2000 -2003 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries Garmin International, Inc. 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062 U.S.A. Tel. 913/397.8200 Fax 913/397.8282 Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9DL, U.K. Tel. 44/1794.519944 Fax 44/1794.519222 Garmin (Asia) Corporation No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road., Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan Tel. 886/2.2642.9199 Fax 886/2.2642.9099 All rights reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any storage medium, for any purpose without prior written consent of Garmin Ltd. Garmin Ltd. hereby grants permission to download a single copy of this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed for personal use, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual contains the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual is strictly prohibited. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. Garmin Ltd. 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. Visit the Garmin web site for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use and operation of this and other Garmin products. Web site address: www.garmin.com Garmin and eTrex are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. and may not be used without the express permission of Garmin Ltd.

February 2003

Part Number 190-00205-00 Rev. C

Printed in Taiwan

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Introduction On Your Mark.

Welcome

To get the most out of your new eTrex, take the time to read through this Owners Manual to understand the operating features of the unit. This manual has been designed to provide all that you need to know to operate your eTrex.

eTrex Registration

Help us to better support you by completing your on-line registration today! Why should you register your eTrex purchase? Notication of Product Updates Notication of New Products Connect to our web site (www.garmin.com) and look for the Product Registration link on the home page. If your eTrex contains an 8-digit serial number, it can be found inside the battery compartment.
Thanks for choosing the Garmin eTrex. If you have any questions or comments regarding the use of the eTrex you can visit our web site (www.garmin.com) or contact our Customer Service Department: M-F, 8:00-5:00 CST (except holidays) at 1-800-800-1020.
Introduction Table of Contents
Introduction.. 1-8 Welcome.. 1 Warnings and Cautions.. 3 FCC Compliance Statement.. 4 Features... 5 Buttons... 6 Description... 7 Accessories... 8 Installing the Batteries.. 8 Getting Started.. 9-17 Satellite Page Basics.. 10 Map Page Basics... 11 Navigation Page Basics.. 12 Main Menu Page Basics.. 13 Creating a Waypoint... 14 Heading in the Right Direction.. 16 Cancelling a GOTO.. 17 Reference... 18-39 Map Page Options... 18 Navigation Page Options... 19 Main Menu... 20 Mark Waypoint Page.. 20 Waypoints Page.. 22 Review Waypoint Page.. 23 Routes... 25 Tracks... 28 Setup Menu... 31 Appendices.. 40-51 Appendix A: Specications.. 40 Appendix B: What is GPS?.. 41 Appendix C: Satellite Reception Tips.. 42 Appendix D: Time Offset Chart. 44 Appendix E: Wiring Diagram.. 45 Appendix F: Troubleshooting.. 46 Appendix G: FAQs.. 47 Appendix H: Index.. 49 Warranty... 52 2

Introduction

WARNING: If you choose to use the eTrex in a vehicle, it is the sole responsibility of the owner/operator of the eTrex 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 eTrex 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. WARNING: If you choose to use the eTrex in a vehicle, it is the sole responsibility of the operator of the vehicle to operate the vehicle in a safe manner, maintain full surveillance of all driving conditions at all times, and never become distracted by the eTrex to the exclusion of safe operating practices. It is unsafe to operate the eTrex while you are driving. Failure by the operator of a vehicle equipped with an eTrex to pay full attention to operating the vehicle and road conditions while the vehicle is in motion could result in an accident or collision with property damage and personal injury. CAUTION: IT IS THE USERS RESPONSIBILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT PRUDENTLY. THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED TO BE USED ONLY AS A TRAVEL AID AND MUST NOT BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE REQUIRING PRECISE MEASUREMENT OF DIRECTION, DISTANCE, LOCATION, OR TOPOGRAPHY. CAUTION: 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 eTrex is a precision electronic NAVigation AID (NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and, therefore, become unsafe. CAUTION: Electronics are protected if immersed, but the battery compartment may get wet. Make sure the batteries and compartment are dry before using. 3

eTrex Features

NOTE: You should always be prepared for and capable of navigating without the eTrex. It is designed to augment other forms of basic navigation, not entirely replace them.

Route: Trip Computer:

Introduction eTrex Buttons
Operating the eTrex is as simple as pressing a button! The UP/DOWN Buttons: Select options on pages and menus Adjust display contrast on Satellite Page Zoom in and out on Map Page Cycle through trip data on NavigationPage The ENTER Button: Conrms data entry or menu selections Displays options on main pages Pressing and holding the ENTER button activates the Mark Waypoint Page
The PAGE Button: Switches between pages and moves you out of pages. If you start to do something and you dont want to continue, you can stop by pressing the PAGE Button. The POWER Button: Turns the unit on and off Turns the display backlight on and off

Internal GPS Antenna

eTrex Description

PAGE Button

UP Button DOWN Button
POWER Button ENTER Button
LCD Display (with backlight)
External Power and Data Connector Waterproof Case

Battery Compartment

Introduction Accessories

Standard Accessories

Lanyard
Attaches to a slot on the bottom of the unit for convenient carrying.

Owners Manual

Auto Power Adapter - Converts 12VDC output from the lighter to 3VDC input to the eTrex. Not interchangeable with power adapters for Garmin VHF 720, 725, and 725e, or GPS 170, 175, 190, and 195.

Quick Start Guide

Optional Accessories

Carrying Case

Protects the eTrex when not in use.

Belt Clip

Allow easy access to the eTrex when clipped to a belt.

Auto Power Adapter

Provides eTrex operation from an automobile cigarette lighter.

PC Data Cable

Allows for transfer of data from a PC to an eTrex.

Data Cable

Bicycle Mounting Kit
Wiring harness. Connections for data input/output.
Allows the eTrex to be mounted on a bicycle handle bar.
PC Interface Cable with Auto Power Adapter
PC Cable/Auto Power Adapter
Allows transfer of waypoints and routes from a PC to the eTrex and provides unit operation from an automobile cigarette lighter.
MapSource Map Data CD-ROMs
An excellent tool for creating waypoints and routes on your PC using a background map and downloading them to your eTrex. See your Garmin dealer for MapSource details.

Installing the Batteries

The eTrex operates on two AA batteries (not included), which are installed at the back of the unit. To install the batteries, remove the battery cover by turning the D-ring on the back of the unit 1/4 turn counter-clockwise. Insert the batteries observing proper polarity. Attach the battery cover by turning the D-ring 1/4 turn clockwise. Two AA alkaline batteries should last about 22 hours in Battery Save mode. 8

Getting Started

The Getting Started Section introduces you to the basic operation of the eTrex. The Reference Section shows you how to use all of the eTrexs remaining features.

The First Step

Here We Go.
The eTrex operates on information gathered from satellites. To gather this information, take your eTrex outside and nd a large, open area that has a clear view of the sky (a nearby park would work ne). Press and hold the POWER Button to turn the unit on. Youll see the Welcome Page for a few seconds while the eTrex performs a self-test, followed by the Satellite Page. The eTrex needs to receive at least three strong satellite signals to nd your location. The Satellite Page displays graphic tracking of satellites, the strength of the satellite signals, and the satellite tracking status.

The Welcome Page

NOTE: When you use the eTrex for the rst time, it will take up to ve minutes to nd your location. After the rst use, the eTrex needs only about 15 to 45 seconds to nd your location.
When you see the READY TO NAVIGATE message on the Satellite Page, the eTrex has found your location and you are ready to go!
Backlighting and Contrast
If the lighting conditions make it hard for you to see the screen, you can adjust the contrast or turn on the backlight. Press and release the POWER Button from any screen to turn on the backlight. The backlight is timed to stay on for 30 seconds to save battery power. To adjust the screen contrast, press the PAGE Button until you see the Satellite Page. Press the UP Button to make the screen darker, press the DOWN Button to make the screen lighter.

1. On the WAYPOINTS Page, press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight NEAREST. Press the ENTER Button. The NEAREST WAYPOINTS Page appears. The nine closest waypoints within 250 miles appear in a list showing their name and the distance from your location. You can select a waypoint from this list by pressing the UP or DOWN Button and selecting the desired waypoint. Once selected, press ENTER. The REVIEW WAYPOINT appears allowing you to edit the waypoint if you desire.

To delete all waypoints:

1. On the WAYPOINT Page, press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight DELETE ALL. Press the ENTER Button. A conrmation message box appears asking if you really want to delete all waypoints. If you do, press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight YES. Press ENTER. If you change your mind and do not want to delete the waypoint, press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight NO. Press ENTER (or press the PAGE Button). The conrmation message box disappears and all of the waypoints remain in memory.
MAKE SURE you want to delete all of the waypoints before you press ENTER!
Reference Review Waypoint Page

Review Waypoint Page

The Review Waypoint Page allows you to change the waypoint symbol, name, elevation and location (just like on the Mark Waypoint Page). You can also delete the waypoint, display the waypoint on the Map Page, and start a GOTO.

To delete a waypoint:

1. On the REVIEW WAYPOINT Page, press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight DELETE. Press the ENTER Button. A conrmation message box appears asking if you really want to delete the waypoint. If you do, press the UP or DOWN Button, highlight YES and press ENTER. If you change your mind and do not want to delete the waypoint, press the UP or DOWN Button, highlight NO and press ENTER. The conrmation message box disappears and the waypoint remains in memory (you can also press the PAGE Button to exit).
The REVIEW WAYPOINT Page allows you to delete a waypoint.

To start a GOTO:

1. On the REVIEW WAYPOINT Page, press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight GOTO. Press the ENTER Button. The GOTO is activated with the selected waypoint as the destination.

To view the selected waypoint on the Map Page:
1. On the REVIEW WAYPOINT Page, press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight MAP. Press the ENTER Button. The selected waypoint is displayed on a map with bearing and distance. You can use the UP or DOWN Buttons to zoom in and out on the map. Press the PAGE Button and switch back to the WAYPOINTS Page.
You can start a GOTO from the REVIEW WAYPOINT Page.
Using the Project feature can create a waypoint at a specied distance and bearing using a new or existing waypoint as a reference. This works best when using a map and compass to determine distance and bearing. You can also change the name, symbol and elevation on this page.

Projecting a waypoint:

1. To project a waypoint from a waypoint on the waypoint list (in order to insert a new waypoint in a route, for example), select the route waypoint from the list on the WAYPOINTS Page and press ENTER. The REVIEW WAYPOINT Page displays. To project a waypoint from your current location (i.e., in order to travel to a location sighted in the distance), press and hold the OK Button to mark your location and save it as a waypoint. Then, select it from the waypoints list, and press ENTER to display the REVIEW WAYPOINT Page. 2. Using the UP or DOWN Button, highlight the PROJECT eld and press ENTER. The PROJECT WAYPOINT Page displays and a numeric name is assigned to the new waypoint. 3. The distance eld is highlighted by default. Press ENTER to display the EDIT NUMBER Page. 4. On the EDIT NUMBER Page, pressing the DOWN Button moves the highlight to the next number in the eld. With the desired digit selected, press ENTER to activate the drop-down number list. 5. Using the UP or DOWN Button, select the correct number and press ENTER. When all numbers are entered correctly, highlight OK and press ENTER. 6. Using the DOWN Button, highlight the bearing eld and press ENTER to display the EDIT ANGLE Page. 7. On the EDIT ANGLE Page, pressing the DOWN Button moves the highlight to the next number in the eld. With the desired digit selected, press ENTER to activate the drop-down number list. 8. Using the UP or DOWN Button, select the correct number and press ENTER. When all numbers are entered correctly, highlight OK and press ENTER. 9. Highlight GOTO and press ENTER to save the waypoint and begin direct navigation to the point.

UTC Offset

UTC stands for Coordinated Universal Time and replaced Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) as the World standard for time in 1986. It is based on atomic measurements rather than the earth's rotation.
When you select OTHER for the time zone, you can access the UTC Offset eld and make a change to match the time zone you selected. Other than that, you cant change it. (Refer to the UTC Offset Chart on page 44.)

Daylight Savings Time

Daylight savings time can be set to Automatic (using the built-in almanac to automatically change the clock settings when daylight savings goes into or out of effect). You can choose Yes to manually add daylight savings or No to remain on standard time.
To change the Daylight Savings Field:
1. Press the PAGE Button and switch to the MENU Page. Press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight SETUP. Press ENTER. The SETUP Page appears. 2. Press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight TIME and press ENTER. 3. Press the UP or DOWN Button and select the DAYLIGHT SAVINGS eld and press ENTER. 4. Press the UP or DOWN Button, select AUTO, YES, or NO and press ENTER. Press PAGE to get back to the page of your choice.
The Daylight Savings time options.
NOTE: Daylight Savings time settings will not affect the UTC offset number.

Display Page

The Display Page allows you to set the display backlight timeout (On all the time, 15 or 30 seconds, and 1 or 2 minutes) and the display contrast.
To change the Light Timeout:
1. Press the PAGE Button and switch to the MENU Page. Press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight SETUP. Press ENTER. The SETUP Page appears. 2. Press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight DISPLAY and press ENTER. Press ENTER on the LIGHT TIMEOUT eld. 3. Press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight your selection and press ENTER. Press PAGE to get back to the SETUP page.

Display and Units Pages

To adjust the display contrast:
1. Press the PAGE Button and switch to the MENU Page. Press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight SETUP. Press ENTER. The SETUP Page appears. 2. Press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight DISPLAY and press ENTER. Press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight the CONTRAST slider bar and press ENTER. 3. Press the UP or DOWN Button to move the slider to adjust the contrast, then press ENTER. Press PAGE to get back to the SETUP page.
You can set the backlight to stay On all the time, but watch your battery power!

Units Page

Using your eTrex with a paper map increases the navigation power of both. If you are going to use a map in conjunction with the eTrex, you must select the position format (grid), map datum, map units, and north reference to match the maps units. This is the purpose of the Units Page. Regarding position format, the eTrex allows you to choose from eighteen different grids. The eTrex supports the UTM/UPS and latitude/longitude grids because together they cover the world.

The UNITS Page allows you match the units of the eTrex to the units of a unique paper map you may be using.

Reference Map Datums

Position Format
The default position coordinates format (and the one most commonly used) for the eTrex is latitude and longitude in degrees and minutes (hddd mm.mmm). You may also choose from 17 other position formats. There is also a User position format which allows you to approximate custom-designed grids. For more information on grids and datums we recommend you visit the National Imagery and Mapping Agency at http://www.nima.mil.
To change the Position Format (grid):
1. Press the PAGE Button and switch to the MENU Page. Press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight SETUP. Press ENTER. Use the UP or DOWN Button to select UNITS. Press ENTER. The UNITS Page appears. 2. Press the UP or DOWN Button and select the POSITION FRMT eld. Press ENTER. 3. Press the UP or DOWN Button and select the desired format. Press ENTER. Press PAGE to get back to the page of your choice.
Eighteen position formats are available in the eTrex.

Map Datums

Data Entry Pages exist for the User Grid Format and the User Datum Setup. These pages allow you to congure the eTrex for compatibility with custom designed grids. We recommend surng the net for links to Garmin user-grid and user datum information. There are also excellent navigation and GPS articles available on-line which will enhance your overall knowledge of GPS.
A map datum is a reference model of the earths shape. Every map uses a map datum. The map datum is usually listed in the title block of the map. If you are comparing GPS coordinates to a paper map or other reference, the map datum in the eTrex should match the horizontal map datum used to generate the chart or other reference. The default datum in the eTrex is WGS 84 (World Geodetic Survey, 1984). You should only change the datum if you are using maps or charts that specify a different datum than WGS 84. If no datum is specied, you can select each datum applicable to your region until you nd the datum that provides the best positioning at a known point. You may also choose the User datum for use with custom-designed grids.

To change the Map Datum:

1. Press the PAGE Button and switch to the MENU Page. Press the UP or DOWN Button and highlight SETUP. Press ENTER. Use the UP or DOWN Buttons to select UNITS. Press ENTER. The UNITS Page appears. 2. Press the UP or DOWN Button and select the MAP DATUMS eld. Press ENTER. 3. Press the UP or DOWN Button to select the desired datum. Press ENTER. Press PAGE to select the page of your choice.

Units of Measure

The eTrex lets you select statute (the default setting), nautical, or metric units of measure for all speed and distance readouts.
To change the Units of Measure:
1. Press the PAGE Button and switch to the MENU Page. Use the UP and DOWN Button and highlight the SETUP eld. Press ENTER. The SETUP Page appears. 2. Press the UP or DOWN Button to select UNITS. Press ENTER. The UNITS Page appears. 3. Press the UP or DOWN Button and select the UNITS eld. Press ENTER. 4. Press the UP or DOWN Button to select the desired unit. Press ENTER. Press PAGE to select the page of your choice.
You can select statute, nautical, or metric units of measurement from the UNITS page.
The DEFAULTS setting will reset the eTrex units to all of its factory settings.
Reference Units of Measure

North Reference

MAGNETIC north is the default north reference setting.
Reference refers to the orientation of a maps grid. Map makers try to align the vertical lines on a map with True North. True North is the direction from any location on the earths surface to the north pole. Maps are typically referenced to true north. Because a compass points to magnetic north, not true north, maps indicate the difference between true and magnetic north with something called declination. The amount of declination changes as you move around the earth. Magnetic North is the direction in which a compass needle points. The eTrex bearings will correspond to a compass if the eTrex is set to magnetic north. Due to errors introduced when map makers atten the earths sphere onto paper, not all of the grid lines drawn on the map point exactly to the north pole, so the north indicated by the grid lines is called Grid North. But, the difference is usually small enough that Grid north can be considered the same as True North for travelling on land. If necessary, you can correct for the difference between Grid North and True North manually.
To change the North Reference:
1. Press the PAGE Button and switch to the MENU Page. Use the UP and DOWN Button and highlight the SETUP eld. Press ENTER. The SETUP Page appears. 2. Press the UP or DOWN Button to select UNITS. Press ENTER. The UNITS Page appears. 3. Press the UP or DOWN Button and select the NORTH REF eld. Press ENTER. 4. Press the UP or DOWN Button to select the desired reference. Press ENTER. Press PAGE to return to the page of your choice.

The DEMO mode is designed for Garmin dealers.
Appendices Appendix A Specications

Physical

Case: Size: Weight: Temperature Range: Fully-gasketed, high-impact plastic alloy, waterproof to IPX7 standards (waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes) 4.4H x 2W x 1.2D Approx. 5.3 ounces (150g) w/batteries 5 to 158F (-15 to 70C)3 (operating)

Performance

Receiver: Acquisition time: Differential-ready, 12 parallel channel Approx. 15 seconds (warm start) Approx. 45 seconds (cold start) Approx. 5 minutes (First Time/AutoLocate) 1/second, continuous 1-5 meters (3-15 ft) with DGPS correctionsmeters (49 ft) RMS2 Velocity Accuracy: Dynamics: Interfaces: Antenna: 0.1 knot RMS steady state Performs to specications to 6 gs NMEA 0183 (versions 2.00-2.30), RTCM 104 (for DGPS corrections) and RS-232 for PC interface Built-In
Update Rate: Position Accuracy:
Input: Battery Life: Two 1.5-volt AA batteries3 Up to 22 hours in Battery Save mode (with alkaline batteries)4
Specications subject to change without notice.
With optional Garmin Differential Beacon Receiver Input (such as Garmin GBR 21).
Subject to accuracy degradation to 100m 2DRMS under the U.S. DOD-imposed Selective Availability program. The temperature rating for the eTrex may exceed the usable range of some batteries. Alkaline bat teries can rupture at high temperatures. External power can only be applied using the Garmin Auto Power Adapter or PC Interface Cable with Auto Power Adapter (This cable contains a voltage regula tor). Modications or other applications will void the product warranty. Alkaline batteries lose a signicant amount of their capacity as temperature decreases. Use lithium batteries when operating the eTrex in below-freezing conditions. Extensive use of screen backlighting will signicantly reduce battery life.

Appendices

GPS - the Global Positioning System - is a navigation revolution. Its a technology that pinpoints a users location anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, regardless of the weather. Designed by the United States Department of Defense for use by the military, the GPS System was made available to civilians for use in aviation, marine surveying and general outdoor/recreation markets. Today, millions of people utilize the accuracy and convenience of this amazing technology to hunt, sh, hike, y, cruise and sail. GPS consists of a constellation of 24 satellites orbiting some 12,000 miles above the earth. These satellites transmit signals containing time and orbital data to calculate satellite position and almanac data. Meanwhile, receivers used on the ground, sea and air search the sky for the satellites. The GPS unit needs to acquire good signals from at least three satellites to determine a position on the surface of the earth. A fourth signal is required to get three-dimensional positioning which determines elevation or altitude.

Appendix B What is GPS?

Satellite Reception Tips
Appendix C Reception Tips
The basic steps in getting the eTrex ready to navigate was covered on page 9. If the eTrex has problems with receiving satellite signals, you will be prompted to answer some questions. Please follow the steps that best describes your situation:
A. You are trying to use the eTrex indoors:
Clouds and weather do not affect the operation of the eTrex!
1. The message TROUBLE TRACKING SATELLITES. ARE YOU INDOORS NOW? will appear. Press the UP or DOWN Button to highlight YES. Press ENTER. The message will disappear. OR: 2. Go outside. The eTrex will keep tracking.
B. You are not indoors and you have not moved hundreds of miles/km since you last used your eTrex:
1. The message TROUBLE TRACKING SATELLITES. ARE YOU INDOORS NOW? will appear. Press the UP or DOWN Button to highlight NO. Press ENTER. 2. eTrex then asks: HAVE YOU MOVED HUNDREDS OF MILES/KM SINCE LAST USE? Press the UP or DOWN Button to highlight NO. Press ENTER. 3. eTrex asks: IS TODAY dd-mmm-yy? If you answer YES (the date matches the current date) the eTrex will continue tracking satellites and switch to the Satellite Page. 4. If you answer NO (the date is incorrect), the eTrex will do an AUTOLOCATE and switch to the satellite page. An AUTOLOCATE forces the eTrex to search for any available satellite(s) to determine its (your) location.
C. You are not indoors, but you have moved hundreds of miles/km since you last used your eTrex:
1. The message TROUBLE TRACKING SATELLITES. ARE YOU INDOORS NOW? will appear. Press the UP or DOWN Button to highlight NO. Press ENTER. 2. eTrex then asks: HAVE YOU MOVED HUNDREDS OF MILES/KM SINCE LAST USE? Press the UP or DOWN Button to highlight YES. Press ENTER. 3. eTrex will do an AUTOLOCATE and switch to the Satellite Page. This option is useful if youve relocated a distance greater than 500 miles from the last location the eTrex was used.
The eTrex has a 12 parallel channel receiver for fast, accurate position xes, even under heavy foliage and tree canopy.

Appendix D Time Offset

The table below gives approximate UTC time offset for various longitudinal zones. If you are in daylight savings time, add one hour to the offset.
Longitudinal Zone W180.0 to W172.5 W172.5 to W157.5 W157.5 to W142.5 W142.5 to W127.5 W127.5 to W112.5 W112.5 to W097.5 W097.5 to W082.5 W082.5 to W067.5 W067.5 to W052.5 W052.5 to W037.5 W037.5 to W022.5 W022.5 to W007.5 W007.5 to E007.5
Offs e t - 12 - 11 - 10 -9 -8 -7 -6
Longitudinal Zone E007.5 to E022.5 E022.5 to E037.5 E037.5 to E052.5 E052.5 to E067.5 E067.5 to E082.5 E082.5 to E097.5 E097.5 to E112.5
Offs e t +1 +2 +3 +4 +5 +6 +7 +8 +9 +10 +11 +12

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 -0 E112.5 to E127.5 E127.5 to E142.5 E142.5 to E157.5 E157.5 to E172.5 E172.5 to E180.0
A simple way to determine your local time offset is how many hours you are behind or ahead of UTC (also called Greenwich or zulu time) Example: EST (Eastern Standard Time) is 5 hours behind UTC, so your offset would be -5. Adding one hour for daylight savings would make EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) -4. Subtract an hour for each time zone as you travel west. Offsets for Continental U.S. would be: EST: -5 EDT: -4 CST: -6 CDT: -5 MST: -7 MDT: -6 PST: -8 PDT: -7
Interface formats are selected from the SETUP Page. The input/output lines on your eTrex are RS-232 compatible, allowing easy interface to a wide range of external devices, including PCs, differential beacon receivers, marine autopilots and/or a second GPS receiver. The NMEA 0183 version 2.0 interface format is supported by the eTrex and enables the unit to drive up to three NMEA devices.
NMEA 0183 Version 3.0 Approved Sentences:
Appendix E Wiring Diagram
GPGGA, GPGLL, GPGSA, GPGSV, GPRMB, GPRMC, GPRTE, GPVTG, GPWPL, GPBOD
Garmin Proprietary Sentences:
PGRME (estimated error), PGRMM (datum string), PGRMZ (altitude), PSLIB (beacon receiver control) DGPS (Differential GPS) corrections are accepted in RTCM SC-104 version 2.0 format through the Data In line. The Garmin GBR 21 and GBR 23 is the recommended beacon receiver for use with the eTrex. Other beacon receivers with the correct RTCM format may be used, but may not correctly display status or allow tuning control from the GPS unit. The eTrex may be hard-wired to a serial connector using the Data Cable (see the Garmin web site www.garmin.com for ordering information). Refer to the wiring diagram and the eTrex unit data connection illustrated below. The optional PC Interface Cable allows you to connect your eTrex to a PC-compatible computers serial port.
Ground (-) Power (+) Data Out Data In Data In Data Out Ground

Green White Black

eTrex Connector Data Cable

The eTrex does not turn on:
1. Check to see if the batteries are installed correctly and that the battery terminals are clean.
Appendix F Troubleshooting
It takes more than 10 minutes to get a location x:
1. There may be large obstacles overhead; move to a new location with a clear view of the sky. 2. See Satellite Reception Tips on page 42.
The arrow on the Navigation Page does not point to the destination:
1. Navigation information is based on your movement. If you are standing still, the information is not updating. Since the eTrex is not a magnetic compass it cannot show you which way you are facing while you are standing still.
The eTrex coordinates do not match the location on your map:
1. Check to make sure the eTrex is congured to use the same position format and datum as your map. See page 34.
NOTE: The Auto Power Adapter converts 12 VDC to 3 VDC output for the eTrex. This adapter is not interchangeable with auto power adapters designed for the Garmin VHF 720 and 725, GPS 170, 175, 190 and 195.
Can I use the eTrex indoors? No. The DEMO mode is available, but we suggest that only dealers use it. Do I need to subscribe to a service to use the eTrex? No. The GPS satellites are owned by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and have been funded by U.S. taxpayers dollars. Reception of GPS satellite signals is free to everyone. Does the eTrex work anywhere in the world and in any weather? Yes. How accurate is a Garmin GPS? The eTrex is accurate to within 15 meters without the DoD-imposed Selective Availability (S/A). Using differential techniques, the eTrex can be as accurate as 1-5 meters. The eTrex is accurate to within 100 meters under S/A. Another factor that will effect the accuracy of the GPS receiver is the geometry of the satellites in view of the GPS receiver. A poor geometry situation can provide less accurate position readings, and this especially applies to GPS altitude measurements. The altitude reading on the GPS unit can vary by +/- 450 ft. depending on the level of degradation being imposed under S/A. It is not uncommon to see the altitude continuously drift up and down when S/A is being imposed. Why cant I see the display in the daylight? Adjust the contrast (see page 9). Why cant I interface my computer with the eTrex? Make sure that you have the correct INPUT/OUTPUT format selected on your eTrex.

Units of Measure 35 Units Page 33-36 User Grid Format 34 UTC 32
Warnings and Cautions 3 Warranty 52 Waypoints Page 22 Waypoint Symbol 14 Web Site 1 Welcome Page 9 Wiring Diagram 45
Warranty Limited Warranty
This Garmin product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Within this period, Garmin will at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorized alteration or repairs. THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. IN NO EVENT SHALL GARMIN BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you. Garmin retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit or software or offer a full refund of the purchase price at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY. To obtain warranty service, contact your local Garmin authorized dealer. Or call Garmin Customer Service at one of the numbers shown below, for shipping instructions and an RMA tracking number. The unit should be securely packed with the tracking number clearly written on the outside of the package. The unit should then be sent, freight charges prepaid, to any Garmin warranty service station. A copy of the original sales receipt is required as the proof of purchase for warranty repairs. Products sold through online auctions are not eligible for rebates or other special offers from Garmin. Online auction confirmations are not accepted for warranty verification. To obtain warranty service, an original or copy of the sales receipt from the original retailer is required. Garmin will not replace missing components from any package purchased through an online auction. Garmin International, Inc. 1200 East 151st Street Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A. Phone: 913/397.8200 Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Unit 4, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate Romsey, SO51 9DL, U.K. Phone: 44/0870.8501241