Acquiring Satellites / Viewing Messages - Garmin GPS 500 Pilot's Manual & Reference

If the GPS 500 has not been operated for a period of six months or more, it may have to 'Search the
Sky' to collect new data. This means the unit is acquiring satellite data to establish almanac and satellite
orbit information - this can take 5 to 10 minutes. The Satellite Status page displays a 'Searching Sky'
status, and the message annunciator (MSG), above the MSG key, also flashes to alert you of a system
message, 'Searching the Sky'.
'Searching Sky' indicates that satellite almanac data is not available or has expired (if the unit hasn't
been used for six months or more). The data is recollected from the first available satellite.
The 'INTEG' annunciator (bottom left corner of the screen) indicates that satellite coverage is
insufficient to pass built-in integrity monitoring tests. In the example above, not enough satellites are
being received to determine a position.
To view a system message, press MSG.
The Message page appears and displays the status or warning information applicable to the receiver's
current operating condition.
To return to the previous page after viewing a message, press MSG again.
SATELLITE STATUS PAGE
Takeoff Tour
Acquiring Satellites / Messages
The Satellite Status page shows the ID numbers for
the satellites and the relative signal strength of each
satellite received (as a "bar graph" reading).
Press MSG to view the alert message. Press MSG
again to return to the previous display.
MSG MSG MSG
MSG
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