Turning On The Gpsmap 296; Initializing The Gpsmap 296 - Garmin GPSMAP 296 Pilot's Manual

Getting Started
Unit Overview
Warning Page
Signal Strength Bars
4

Turning On the GPSMAP 296

The fi rst time you power up your new GPSMAP 296, the receiver must collect satellite data and es-
tablish its present position. To ensure proper initialization, the GPSMAP 296 is shipped from the factory
in AutoLocate mode, which allows the receiver to " fi nd itself" anywhere in the world. Before you turn on
the unit to start initialization, be sure the antenna is rotated up as shown on page 1, and that it has a clear
and unobstructed view of the sky to receive satellite signals.
To turn On and Off the GPSMAP 296:
1. Press and hold the red
POWER
Information Page displays.
2. To acknowledge that you have read and understand the warning, press the
continue.
3. To turn off the GPSMAP 296, press and hold the red

Initializing the GPSMAP 296

As soon as you turn the GPSMAP 296 on, it begins searching for satellites in your area and should
acquire a fi x within a few minutes. At the top of the screen, the unit displays the status as "Acquiring
Satellites." While viewing the GPS Tab of the Main Menu, a signal strength bar for each satellite the unit
is trying to acquire appears at the top of the screen with the satellite numbers displayed below each bar.
The progress of satellite acquisition is shown in three stages:
• No signal strength bars: The receiver is looking for the satellites indicated.
• Hollow signal strength bars: The receiver has found the indicated satellites and is collecting data.
• Solid signal strength bars: The receiver has collected the necessary data and the satellites are
ready for use.
Once the receiver has collected information from and is fi xed on at least three satellites, the unit is
"Ready to Navigate" and the display automatically switches to the Map Page.
key. When the unit powers on, a tone sounds and a Warning/
key again.
POWER
key to
ENTER/MARK