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Contents: Character Set for Comments Comment Field and Date/Time Compass Computer to GPS Receiver Computer Thinks GPSR is a Mouse Creating a Waypoint Data Fields Dead Reckoning Entering Strings (Names) Efficiently Garmin Receiver Models Garmin's Save Function Gray Background Hides Lines The Little Circle on Outer Circle Map Display Options on Map76 Map Display Too Crowded MapSource MapSource Map Sets Marking a Location Memory Bar Indicator Message Field and Date/Time My Own Maps My Own Points of Interest Nearest to Pointer on 76 Series Pre-entering Waypoints Screen Contrast Screen Resolution Screen Scale Simulator Mode Track Logging Track Log Hard to See Unit to Unit Data Transfer Waypoints, Routes, Tracks, and Maps
I didn't need the marine information that came with the GPS76 and found that the eTrex Venture had more small town information than the GPS76 so I downloaded the city database for the Venture into the GPS76. In 2005 a new hardware version of the basic yellow eTrex was released. It's faster, has WAAS, and more memory than the original eTrex. In 2006 Garmin introduced the "x" models. Their advertising refers to "x-treme" but "xtended memory" might be a more realistic way to view it. The models are: Legend Cx, Vista Cx, 60Cx, 60CSx, 76Cx, and 76CSx. The 60 and 76 series (with the "x") also have SiRF III chipset, the eTrexes do NOT have that chipset. Older receivers have on the order of two to three correlators per channel (approximately 30 give or take some). The SiRF III has effectively about 200,000 correlators to search the code - frequency space for correlation peaks. This makes the receiver much faster at getting a location and at finding very weak signals. All the "x" models take a microSD memory card.
Simulator Mode
On many Garmin models when a receiver is in "Simulating GPS" mode you can change the "Speed" to a non-zero value and adjust direction to simulate movement. On the GPS 76 series try going to the compass page and set one of the data fields to display speed. Pushing the rocker switch up or down increases or decreases the speed by 10 mph when the receiver is configured to "statute" distance and speed. Pushing the rocker switch left or right will rotate the compass display so you can set the direction of simulated travel. This can be a fun experiment to try, find the coordinates of some San Francisco hotels, or possibly one of the hotels Miami has to offer, and toy around with their locations. It's one way to get a handle of what the device does.
For the 12 series receivers push the "Mark" button to bring up the waypoint screen that will have the current location coordinates. For the eTrex models that have a "Click Stick", such as the Venture, Legend, and Vista, the "Click Stick" is pushed and held in for about two seconds to get the "Mark Waypoint" screen. You don't want to be on the map screen in "Pan" mode to do this. For the 76 series and the non-click stick eTrex receivers push in and hold the "Enter" button for about two seconds and the "Mark Waypoint" screen should appear.
To enter your own waypoint with some coordinates you have, do the above to get the waypoint screen (it will display your current location coordinates), move to (select) the location field using the rocker key, "Click Stick", or the "UP" and "Down" buttons (depending on which model you have), and change the coordinates to whatever you want. To mark a location based on the map screen:
For the 12 series receivers put it into pan mode and pan to the desired location. Push the "Mark" key to get the waypoint screen. For the eTrex models that have a "Click Stick", such as the Venture, Legend, and Vista, go to the map screen and enter "Pan" mode (the menu). Using the "Click Stick" pan to the location desired and then push and release the "Click Stick" (no hold) to get the "Mark Waypoint" screen. For the 76 series receivers pan to the location desired and then push and release the "Enter" button (no delay) to get the "New Waypoint" screen. The location field label is: "Location (map pointer)". If the pointer is on a feature on the map page (for mapping receivers) you will get the information screen for the feature. On the menu for this screen is the command "Save As Waypoint".
Pre-entering Waypoints
Since it usually takes awhile to enter waypoint names, you can enter the waypoints ahead of time with the appropriate name and the coordinates at your current location. Then when you reach the location, use the "Project Location" or "Reposition" function with a distance of zero to mark the current location. The "Project Location" function is in the menu for the "Waypoint" screen on the GPS 76 series and the basic eTrex. The GPS 76 series will project from the current location, "the map", or another point. The "Reposition" function is a menu item on the "Click Stick" eTrex series.
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If you have a situation where the GPS receiver must be connected to a Windows based computer, the Plug-n-Play feature may decide that the receiver is a serial mouse. You might be able to get around this problem by letting the operating system install a serial mouse driver for it but then disable that device. If you do have a serial mouse make sure you don't disable your mouse. What you need to do depends on the version of Windows you're using. Try attaching the GPS receiver to the computer and start up the computer with the GPSR on. When the computer detects the GPSR as a mouse, turn off or disconnect the GPSR so that you can still use your mouse with the computer. Go to the device manager and look for a new mouse, something like "Microsoft Serial Ball Point Mouse". Right click on it and look for a "Disable" function or "Properties" and then "Do Not Use This Device" or "Stop It" and set "Startup" to "Disabled". Do Not uninstall. To find the "Device Manager" try "Settings"->"Control Panel", then "Device Manager" or "System". Another way to get to "System" can be "Right Click" on "My Computer" (desktop) and select "Properties". On "System Properties" select "Hardware" and find "Device Manager". See also the Microsoft Knowledge Base Article # 283063, "Serial Device May Be Detected as a Serial Mouse in Windows 2000".
models). Note that the loss of date/time stamps means the software on a computer won't be able to compute your speed for the various segments. The new color models, Legend C, Vista C, 60C(S), 76C(S), have 20 "saved" track areas of a maximum 500 points. The Legend, Vista, map76, 76S have 10 "saved" track areas of a maximum 750 points. The Venture and GPS 76, have 10 "saved" track areas of 250 points. You do not need to "save" the track to transfer it to your computer. The active log and the saved logs are all transferred to the computer when a "get track log" command is executed. Transfering a track log that is longer than will fit from a computer to one of the "save track log storage areas" will result in it being truncated. In this case the track log is not processed to reduce the number of points.
setting will probably give you the best representation of your route while using the fewest number of track points. Older Garmin receivers, such as the 12XL, named track logs like "Track 001". Newer Garmin receivers, such as the eTrex and 76 series, name track logs like "Active Log" or "Active Log nnn" where "nnn" is 001, 002, 003, 004, etc. If you want to transfer a track log from the computer to the receiver's active log space (large area - often 2047 to 10,000 points) make sure the log is named "Active Log" or "Active Log nnn" . For old receivers such as the 12XL, the track log will need to be named "Track nnn", where "nnn" is a sequence number: 001, 002, 003, etc. If you want the log to go into one of the 10 storage areas, give it some other name. The log will be truncated to fit the storage area (often 250 points). The basic eTrex stores about 1535 track points and recent firmware releases for the GPSmap 76, 76S, Legend, and Vista store about 10,000 track points in the active log area and 750 points in the "Saved Track" area. The storage area of the GPS 76 and eTrex Venture remains at 2047 points. The new color models, Legend C, Vista C, 60C(S), 76C(S), have 20 "saved" track areas of a maximum 500 points. The Legend, Vista, map76, 76S have 10 "saved" track areas of a maximum 750 points. The Venture and GPS 76, have 10 "saved" track areas of 250 points. Old receivers generally only record horizontal coordinates and not the elevation (altitude). Newer receivers record three coordinates (x, y, and z) in both the waypoint mark and the track log. So don't expect to get a graph of the altitude if track logging is off or if you use an older receiver such as the 12XL. So far Garmin receivers with a barometric altimeter have an altitude graph. The other Garmin receivers usually do not have an altitude graph. By using the "Save" function on the newer receivers, you can create a detailed route from the saved log (simplified track log) called a "TracBack".
of waypoint storage space. I also only know when I'll run out of track log space within 1% but that's not so bad.
Garmin's MapSource
MapSource is a program for sending maps, tracks, waypoints, and routes to a Garmin GPS receiver. It also gets waypoints, tracks, and routes from the receiver. MapSource can display a background map on the computer screen. MapSource is sold with some sort of map data and is given names such as TOPO (not to be confused with National Geographic's TOPO!!), Roads and Recreation, Metroguide, City Select, and City Navigator. The names reflect the type of map data that is sold with the utility program. You can have two instances of MapSource running at the same time and copy waypoints and tracks (or portions thereof) from one window to the other. This allows you to merge portions of data from one file to another. Maps loaded into the receiver are deleted by downloading a new set of maps. All existing maps in the receiver are deleted except the base map which is stored in ROM. That means you can't change the base map at all. The receiver does not have a delete map function. Try downloading an empty map set to the receiver. But why do you want to do that? MapSource version 5 may no longer allow the download of an empty map set. You can turn off the display of specific map sets by going to the "Main Menu" on the GPSmap 76 and selecting "MapSource Info". Note that you can load both the topographic and a Metroguide map for the same area. Only one will be shown on the map screen. You can see the underlying one by turning off the display of the top one. The hierarchy of which maps are displayed may be: City Navigator/City Select, MetroGuide, Roads & Recreation, TOPO, WorldMap, and then the basemap. You can't create a "track log" with this program for download to a receiver. Many third party programs allow you to create a "track log" and download it to the receiver. This allows you to create a "trail map" (track log trails or trail track logs) for display on the receiver or outline coastlines, property boundaries, etc. The version of MapSource that you received on the CD-ROM may be so out of date that it won't work with your new GPS receiver. You can download a newer version from Garmin's Internet site.
lowest is something like the following: City Navigator/City Select, MetroGuide, Roads & Recreation, TOPO, WorldMap, and then the basemap. To view a map set of lower priority, you have to disable (turn off) the sets with higher priority. This is done with the function "Main Menu->MapSource Info" on the GPSmap 76. On the eTrex Legend and eTrex Vista look under the Map Setup screen for the i button and select it. Check the menu for the screen (button next to the X at the top) for quick ways to change groups of maps.
Stick". Once the contrast slider is selected, move the "Click Stick" up or down to move the slider then push the "Click Stick" in to finalize the contrast setting. For the 76 series, push and release quickly (holding the button down will turn the unit off) the power button to bring up the contrast setting. Then the rocker pad will move the contrastsetting bar. For the 12XL, push the rocker pad left or right when the satellite screen is displayed. This action will bring up the contrast slider.
The GPSmap 76's (not 76S) "Map Setup" has the following tabs and settings: General Detail: Least, Less, Normal, More, Most Orientation: North up, Track up, Course up Colors: Land, Water Auto Zoom: Set On/Off Map Basemap: Set On/Off MapSource: Set On/Off Lat Lon Grid: Set Zoom Level including Off Grid Labels: Set Zoom Level including Off
Waypoint Waypoints: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Active Route Waypoint: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Point Points of Interest: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Geo: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Exit: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Marine Spot Soundings: Set Text Size or Off Navaids: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Tide Stations: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Services: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Line Track Log: Set Zoom Level including Off Saved Tracks: Set Zoom Level including Off Course Lines: Set Zoom Level including Off Bearing Line: Set Zoom Level including Off Area River/Lake: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Park: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Other: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Metro: Set Zoom Level including Off Topo Major Contour: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Inter Contour: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Minor Contour: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Land Cover: Set Zoom Level including Off City Large City: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Medium City: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Small City: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Small Town: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Road Freeway: Set Zoom Level including Off Highway: Set Zoom Level including Off Local Road: Set Zoom Level including Off Local Road Name: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Other Railroad: Set Text Size or Off and Zoom Level including Off Accuracy Circle: Set On/Off Heading Line: Set On/Off Lock to Roads: Set On/Off
Text sizes are "Small", "Med", and "Large"; zoom levels are "Off", "Auto", and all the map scale levels.
If all satellites are not lost you may have the situation where only three satellites are being tracked (or four in some configurations) resulting in a 2D location fix. The last valid elevation will be assumed - not so bad if you are traveling on a flat road or trail. If your elevation has changed and you know the correct value you can enter that elevation for a more accurate location reading. Look for "New Elevation" in the menu for the "Satellite Screen" on newer Garmin receivers. It will probably be grayed out (unavailable) for a 3D fix but a darker color (available) when you have a 2D fix or worse. However on GPS 76 series I have found they don't always "accept" the elevation I enter. If the last elevation is say 8800 ft. and I enter the correct value of 8600 ft., the value displayed may stay at 8800 or change to something in between such as 8700 ft.
Screen Size in Pixels GPS 76C: Venture: GPS 76: 12XL: 160 x 240 pixels (color) 160 x 288 pixels 180 x 240 pixels 64 x 100 pixels
Physical Screen Size 1.44 x 2.19 inches 1.1 x 2.1 inches 1.6 x 2.2 inches 1.5 x 2.2 inches
These are approximate values based on the scale's center of vertical to center of vertical..... (Length of scale minus 1 pixel) GPS 76C's Scale 20 feet 30 feet 50 feet 80 feet 120 feet 200 feet Feet per Pixel .63 .94 1.56 2.5 3.75 6.25 GPS 76C's Scale 300 feet 500 feet 800 feet 0.2 mi 0.3 mi 0.5 mi Feet per Pixel 9.38 15.63 25.0 33.0 49.5 82.5
GPS 76's Scale 20 feet 30 feet 50 feet 80 feet 120 feet 200 feet
3.8 6.3
.3 mi .5 mi
The current location arrow on the GPS 76C is 11 pixels wide by 16 pixels high. At a zoom level of 120 ft. the arrow is about 41.25 ft. by 60 ft. The current location arrow on the GPS 76 is 11 pixels wide by 17 pixels high. At a zoom level of 120 ft. the arrow is about 29 ft. by 45 ft.
ETA at Destination Speed Overall Avg. Speed (Total) ETA at Next Time of Day Trip Time - Total Maximum Speed Time to Destination Turn Moving Avg. Speed Time to Next Velocity Made Good Trip Time - Moving To Course Water Speed Off Course Track Water Temp Pointer Trip Odometer
Venture Version 2.31 (and probably other "Click Stick" eTrexes except for additional fields for those with additional functions such as the Vista.):
Bearing Course Off Course To Course Current Destination Current Distance Current ETA Current ETE
Elevation Final Destination Final Distance Final ETA Final ETE Heading Pointer Speed
Maximum Speed Moving Avg. Speed Overall Avg. Speed Odometer Sunrise Sunset Trip Odometer Trip Time - Moving
Trip Time - Stopped Trip Time - Total Time of Day Turn Velocity Made Good Vertical Speed
The Compass
The compass takes a fair amount of power on the sensor (S) models. It can be toggled ON/OFF by holding down the "Page" key. Leave it off when you don't need it to save batteries.
For the compass to work, the 76S, 76CS, and 60CS need to be held horizontally (a bubble level could help). For the GPS receiver to work well, these receivers need to be held vertically. Note that the accuracy specification is typically 2 degrees with proper calibration and 5 degrees at extreme northern and southern latitudes. Many non-electronic compasses are better than this and don't need batteries to work. Apparently the new "X" series (60CSx and 76CSx) have newer magnetic sensors that are more efficient so that leaving the compass ON won't have a large impact on battery life.
Return to Tips, Hints, Explanations, or Whatnot Return to the Index (Home) Page Copyright 2003 - 2006 Dan Anderson. All rights reserved. Product and company names mentioned on this site may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Nothing contained on this site should be construed as granting, by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any license or right to use any trademarks on products or for any other purpose without the written permission of the owners of the trademarks. The following is not a complete list: GARMIN, eTrex, Vista, Legend, AutoLocate, and TracBack are registered trademarks, and MapSource and Personal Navigator are trademarks of GARMIN Corporation or GARMIN Ltd. Windows, Windows95, Windows98, are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
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