1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Garmin Manuals
  4. GPS
  5. GPSCOM 170
  6. Owner's manual

Garmin GPSCOM 170 Owner's Manual

Garmin gps receiver owner's manual
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
G P S C O M
1 7 0
O w n e r ' s
M a n u a l &
R e f e r e n c e

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Garmin GPSCOM 170

Summary of Contents for Garmin GPSCOM 170

  • Page 1 G P S C O M 1 7 0 O w n e r ’ s M a n u a l & R e f e r e n c e...
  • Page 2 GARMIN, AutoLocate, AutoStore, AutoZoom, GPSCOM, PhaseTrac12, and TracBack are all trademarks of GARMIN Corporation and may not be used with- out its expressed permission. April 1997 Part #190-00093-00 Rev. D Printed in USA.
  • Page 3 At the present time, you do not need an individual license to operate the GPSCOM 170 aboard your private vessel in many circumstances. To find out the specific details on whether you are exempt from licens- ing, please see FCC Fact Sheet PR 5000 or contact the FCC at 1-800-322-1117.

  • Page 4: Packing List

    GPSCOM 170 OWNER’S MANUAL Before getting started, check to see that your GARMIN GPSCOM 170 package includes the following items. If you are missing any parts, please contact your dealer immediately. • GPSCOM 170 Unit • Flex Whip Com Antenna •...
  • Page 5 Although the GPSCOM 170 is a precision electronic NAVigation AID (NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and therefore, become unsafe. Use the GPSCOM 170 at your own risk. To reduce the risk of unsafe opera- tion, carefully review and understand all aspects of this Owner’ s Manual and thoroughly practice operation using the simulator mode prior to actual use.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    INTRODUCTION Table Of Contents SECTION ONE Introduction Unit Description/Keys and Controls ......2-3 Keys and Controls ........4-5 SECTION TWO Getting Started Acquiring Satellites .

  • Page 7: Introduction

    Volume Squelch Control Control Top View The GPSCOM 170 combines a 12 paral- lel channel GPS receiver with a 5 watt marine VHF communications transceiver in a convenient handheld package. A keypad located on the front of the unit provides control of the navigation and communica- tion functions.
  • Page 8 Backlight Button PTT Switch Transmit Power Button Charger/AC Adapter Connector Removable Battery Pack The backlight button, transmitting power/override button, charger/AC adapter connec- tor, and push-to-talk (PTT) switch are located on the left side of the unit. The connector for the external GPS antenna and power/data/ext speaker/ext mic cable are located on the right side.

  • Page 9: Keys And Controls

    introduction Keys and Controls Use the two-speed ARROW KEYPAD to enter data. Press on a particular arrow key once to scroll through data options slowly. Press and hold down an arrow key for faster scrolling. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to select alphanumerical characters and menu choices, and to move the field highlight from field to field.
  • Page 10 The SQUELCH control eliminates receiver background noise and allows only received transmissions to be heard. The PUSH-TO-TALK (PTT) switch activates the GPSCOM 170 transmitter on the active frequency. The BACKLIGHT button illuminates the arrow keypad and LCD Screen through four levels of backlighting (three levels of brightness and off).

  • Page 11: Getting Started

    Getting Started The GPSCOM 170 is a powerful navigation and com- munication tool that offers mariners a host of advanced features that help make boating safer and more efficient. The getting started tour is designed to quickly guide you through basic features and functions of the unit.

  • Page 12: Navigation

    Position Page Graphic Compass Tape Current Track Time of Day VHF Status Field The position page shows where you are, what direc- tion you’re heading and how fast you’re going. The graphic compass at the top of the page indicates the direction you’re moving.

  • Page 13: Marking A Position

    (the page displayed prior to pressing MARK. The ‘HOME’ waypoint is now stored in the GPSCOM 170’ s memory, and will remain there until you manually remove it or clear the receiver’ s memory. For more on waypoint management, see pages 22-28.

  • Page 14: Map Pages

    You will need to walk for at least the time stated in the below steps.to get a much better indication of how the GPSCOM 170’ s steering guidance and mapping features work. 1. Walk in a straight line for 3-4 minutes at a fast pace and watch the position page.

  • Page 15: Moving Map

    Going To a Waypoint Once you’ve stored a waypoint in memory, you can use the GPSCOM 170 to guide you to it by performing a simple GOTO. A GOTO is really nothing more than the receiver drawing a straight-line course from your present position to the destination you’ve selected.
  • Page 16 Highway Estimated Time Enroute The GPSCOM 170’ s highway page provides graphic steering guidance to a destination, with an emphasis on a straight–line course to the desired waypoint and the dis- tance and direction you are off course. The bearing and...

  • Page 17: Message Page

    Compass Page The GPSCOM 170 will also provide steering guidance with a graphic compass. If you do get off course by more than 1/5th of the selected CDI range, the exact distance you are off course will be displayed where the CDI scale normally appears.
  • Page 18 GPS Page Sequence Now that you’ve arrived ‘HOME’, let’ s take a minute to see how the GPSCOM 170’ s main GPS pages work together. The unit features five main pages, which are linked together in a chain. You can quickly scroll through the pages in either direction using the keys.

  • Page 19: Vhf Transceiver Basics

    No noise and no signals are received until a signal with sufficient strength is received that exceeds the squelch threshold. When the GPSCOM 170 is in receive mode, ‘RX’ is displayed in the VHF status bar.

  • Page 20: Tips On Transmitting

    The message ‘Stuck PTT’ will also be displayed on the message page. • The GPSCOM 170 gives you the option of trans- mitting using 1 watt or 5 watts of power. Transmitting at 1 watt power is a nice option so that short-range conversations won’t interfere with a...
  • Page 21 A ‘W’ is displayed next to every selected weather channel. Selecting Channel 16 and 9 The GPSCOM 170’ s channel 16/9 button provides quick access to channel 16 or 9. To select channel 16: 1. Press To select channel 9: 1.
  • Page 22 170 to go out and have some fun with it. We strongly recommend that you read on and explore the reference section, which contains a closer look at all of the exciting features of the GPSCOM 170. To turn the GPSCOM 170 off: 1. Turn the VOL control counterclockwise.

  • Page 23: Section Three Reference Satellite Status And Position

    The satellite status page displays the status of various receiver functions. The status information will help you understand what the GPSCOM 170 is doing at any given time, and tell you whether or not the receiver has calcu- lated a position fix.

  • Page 24: Receiver Status

    500 miles with the receiver off and you know it must be ini- tialized to your new position. The GPSCOM 170 will automatically offer the EZinit prompt after 10 minutes of unsuccessful satellite acquisition.
  • Page 25 The trickle charger/AC adapter supplied with the GPSCOM 170 converts line voltage to the DC voltage necessary to operate the unit. The AC adapter also slow- ly recharges the Ni-Cad battery pack at a rate of 14 hours for a full recharge.

  • Page 26: Altitude Display

    Position Page The GPSCOM 170’ s position page shows you where you are, what direction you’re heading and how fast you are going (up to 99.9 mph), and is most useful when you are travelling without an active destination waypoint. A graphic compass tape at the top of the page displays your cardinal heading (while you’re moving), with your cur-...

  • Page 27: Creating, Using, And Editing Waypoints

    The GPSCOM 170 allows you to mark, store and use up to 250 waypoints. A waypoint position can be entered by taking an instant electronic fix or by manually enter- ing a coordinate or range and bearing in reference to an existing waypoint.
  • Page 28 Waypoint Submenus The GPSCOM 170 has three waypoint submenu pages that let you manage a large number of waypoints quickly and efficiently. The nearest waypoints, waypoint list and waypoint definition pages are accessed through the menu page. To select a waypoint submenu page: 1.
  • Page 29 Reference Creating & Using Waypoints Waypoint List Page The total number of used and available waypoints is indicated at the top of the page. Deleting all user waypoints will also delete all routes stored in memory. Waypoint List Page The waypoint list page provides you with a complete list of all waypoints currently stored in the unit.

  • Page 30: Waypoint Definition Page

    Waypoint Definition Page Waypoint Name Reference Waypoint Bearing from Reference Waypoint The last of the three waypoint submenu pages is the waypoint definition page. This page lets you create new waypoints manually, or review and edit existing way- points. To create a new waypoint manually, you’ll need to know its position coordinates or its distance and bearing from an existing waypoint.

  • Page 31: Reference Waypoints

    The GPSCOM 170 will then calculate the posi- tion coordinates for you. To create a new waypoint by referencing a known waypoint: 1.
  • Page 32 2. Enter your new data. 3. Press to confirm your changes. Waypoint Comments Each waypoint stored in the GPSCOM 170 has a user-defined 16 character comment field. The default comment is the UTC date and time of the waypoint’ s creation.

  • Page 33: Scanning Waypoints

    Scanning Waypoints As you manually enter a waypoint’ s name, the GPSCOM 170’ s waypoint scanning feature will automati- cally display the first numerical or alphabetical match of the character you have entered to that point. This helps eliminate the need to enter a waypoint’...
  • Page 34 VHF Communication Pages To move back and forth between the GPS and VHF pages, press the key. There are three com VHF pages in a continuous loop: channel definition, com setup, and memory bank. Press pages and enter the com pages. Try scrolling through the com pages by pressing opposite direction or return to a previous page by pressing...
  • Page 35 • Weather Alert— Accesses the weather alert audio page. Muting the weather broadcast audio will cause the GPSCOM 170 to remain silent until the National Weather Service activates an alert tone. To select an operating mode 1.
  • Page 36 The GPSCOM 170 can be programmed to scan all channels for the band you have selected, or scan a bank of memory channels.

  • Page 37: Scan Timeout

    Reference Changing Call Channels The GPSCOM 170 is initial- ly set for U.S. operation. Changing the call channel on the com setup page. Scan Timeout After each transmission has ended, you may want to enter a 2-3 second delay, allowing you to hear both sides of a conversation.
  • Page 38 VHF Line-of-Sight Calculator Page The GPSCOM 170’ s line-of-sight calculator page can be used to estimate the transmitting and receiving dis- tance between the unit and another station. Regardless of transmitter power, VHF marine radio’ s transmitting and receiving range is generally limited by “line of sight.”...
  • Page 39 Reference Memory Bank Page Memory Bank Page Entering memory bank user comments. Memory Bank Page The memory bank page lets you store five groups of channels for custom scanning, complete with user com- ments. The memory channels are partitioned into “banks”, specifically 5 banks of 10 channels each.

  • Page 40: Memory List Editing

    To enter channels: 1. Highlight the first blank ‘CHANNEL’ field and press 2. Enter a channel of your choice using the arrow keypad and press The appropriate band for the channel you have selected will be displayed next to the channel number. Note: You cannot enter weather channels into memory, nor can you enter channels of different bands in the same bank.
  • Page 41 ‘CHANGE’ prompt and press Channel Definition Page The GPSCOM 170’ s channel definition page reviews lockout and usage information for the active channel. The top section of the page displays the current (active) channel number, mode of operation (simplex or duplex), band of operation (USA, Canada, or International)–(or ‘WX’...
  • Page 42 To return the definitions back to their default set- tings: 1. Highlight ‘DEFAULT?’ and press The ‘DONE?’ prompt located below the ‘DEFAULT?’ prompt confirms any changes that were made and returns you to the previously viewed page. To confirm changes made on the channel definition page and return to the previously viewed page: 1.

  • Page 43: Tri Watch

    When the unit is in tri watch mode, ‘TRI’ is dis- played in the VHF status bar. IMPORTANT! The GPSCOM 170 gives you the option of transmit- ting using 1 watt or 5 watts of power. Transmitting at 1 watt of power is useful for short-range conversa- tions and won’t interfere...

  • Page 44: Goto, Mob, And Tracback Navigation

    ‘MOB’ selected as the default destination. 2. Press to begin MOB navigation. The GPSCOM 170 will now guide you to the MOB waypoint until the MOB GOTO is cancelled (see “cancel GOTO” above). If you want to save the MOB waypoint, be sure to rename it, because it will be overwritten the next time a MOB is executed.

  • Page 45: Tracback Navigation

    TracBack calculation. TracBack Navigation The third method of navigating to a destination is by using the GPSCOM 170’ s TracBack feature. The TracBack function allows you to quickly and easily retrace your path using the track log automatically stored in the receiver’...
  • Page 46 Tips on Using TracBack To get the most out of the TracBack feature, remem- ber the following tips: • Always clear your track log at the exact point that you want to go back to (trail head, truck, dock, etc.). The ‘RECORD’ option on the track log setup page must be set to the ‘Yes’...

  • Page 47: Route Navigation

    Creating and Using Navigation Routes The last form of navigating to a destination with the GPSCOM 170 is by creating a user-defined route. The route navigation feature lets you plan and navigate a course from one place to another using a set of pre- defined waypoints.
  • Page 48 Routes Definition Page The GPSCOM 170 lets you create and store up to 20 routes of 30 waypoints each. Routes are created, copied and edited through the route definition page, which is accessed through the menu page. To select the route definition page: 1.

  • Page 49: Copying And Clearing Routes

    Reference Route Navigation Enter each waypoint in the order you would like to navigate them. If you enter a waypoint not stored in memory, you’ll need to define the position on the waypoint definition page. To copy a route, select an open storage route and press the ENTER key.
  • Page 50 Clearing Routes (con’t.) The clear route warning will appear, asking you to confirm that you want to remove all waypoints from the route. 1. Highlight the ‘Yes?’ field. 2. Press to confirm your action. 3. Press to return to the menu page. Activating And Inverting Routes After a route has been entered, it can be activated in its defined sequence or inverted from the route definition...
  • Page 51 Reference Route Navigation Active Route Page Whenever you have an active route, the active route page will appear in the main page sequence after the compass/highway page. To edit or review a route waypoint from the active route page, highlight the desired waypoint and press ENTER.
  • Page 52 On-Route GOTOs At the beginning of this section, we mentioned that the GPSCOM 170 will automatically select the route leg closest to your position as the active leg. This will give you steering guidance to the desired track of the active leg.

  • Page 53: Navigation Guidance

    ENTER twice. Selecting a User-Defined Navigation Page Once you’ve selected a GOTO destination or activat- ed a MOB or route, the GPSCOM 170 will provide graph- ic steering guidance to the destination with one of two navigation pages: Highway Page •The highway page (the default navigation page) pro-...

  • Page 54: Highway Page

    Using the Highway Page The highway page also provides graphic steering guidance to a destination, with a greater emphasis on the straight-line desired course and the distance and direc- tion you are off course. The bearing and distance to a waypoint, along with your current track and speed are displayed at the top of the screen, with your estimated time enroute (ETE) and velocity made good (VMG, or the...
  • Page 55 Reference Compass Page In this example, the com- pass page indicates that you are traveling in a easterly (100º) direction and the destination waypoint is northeast (25º) of your cur- rent direction of travel. In this example, the com- pass page indicates that you are traveling in a westerly (326º) direction and the destination waypoint is...
  • Page 56 Waypoint Track Over Ground The GPSCOM 170 features a powerful real-time mov- ing map that can do much more than just plot your course and route. The map page also provides you with a target cursor that will let you pan ahead to nearby way- points, determine the distance and bearing to any map position, and mark new waypoints while you navigate.
  • Page 57 Reference Moving Map Page Selecting Map Scales To change the map scale, press the zoom field UP and DOWN keys. Panning Function During panning mode, an on-screen crosshair will appear. Your present posi- tion will remain as a dia- mond icon, with the range and bearing to the crosshair displayed in the top corners of the map.
  • Page 58 Using the Cursor to Mark and GOTO Waypoints During panning, the crosshair represents a target position right on the moving map, with the range and bearing to the target displayed at the top corners of the screen. You can also use the target crosshair to mark a new waypoint position or as a GOTO destination right from the map field.

  • Page 59: Map Setup

    Reference Map Setup Page Accessing the map setup page from the moving map page. Selecting ‘Track Up’ map orientation. Accessing the Map Setup and Track Setup Windows You can access two additional pages—the map setup page and the track setup page—by pressing on the map page.

  • Page 60: Track Method

    Track Method The stored track method determines how often posi- tions are stored in the track log. The default setting is automatic, which will store a track based on resolution. This setting gives you the most efficient use of track memory and provides the most accurate TracBack route.

  • Page 61: Menu Page

    ENTER. Menu Page The GPSCOM 170 menu page provides access to sub- menu pages that are used to select and customize opera- tion and navigation setup. The 11 submenus are divided into categories by function. The waypoint and route man- agement submenus are discussed in their own respective sections.

  • Page 62: System Setup

    The first setup page is the system setup page, which is used to select the operating mode, time offset and screen preferences. The GPSCOM 170 has three operat- ing modes: • GPS Off? disables all of the unit’ s GPS functions which will conserve battery power.

  • Page 63: Time Format

    1. Highlight the ‘HOURS’ field and press 12- or 24-hour display, and press Screen Contrast The GPSCOM 170 features adjustable screen contrast and is controlled by using an on-screen bar scale. The screen contrast can also be adjusted from the satellite sta- tus page (see page 20).

  • Page 64: Navigation Setup

    CDI scale, as well as distance, speed and heading information. Position Formats The default position setting for the GPSCOM 170 is latitude and longitude in degrees and minutes (hdddºmm.mmm’). You may also select degrees, minutes seconds (hdddºmm’...

  • Page 65: Units Of Measure

    2. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the desired unit of measure. Press Magnetic Heading Reference The GPSCOM 170’ s heading information can be dis- played referencing magnetic north (auto or user-defined), true north or calculated grid headings. The default setting is automatic magnetic north, which is suitable for most applications.

  • Page 66: Interface Setup

    There are six options: • ‘GRMN/GRMN’ is the proprietary interface that allows you to exchange data such as waypoints, routes, and track logs between GARMIN units and a GARMIN PC software kit. • ‘NONE/NMEA?’ provides navigation information to a compatible NMEA device such as an autopilot or radar.

  • Page 67: Dgps Interface

    3. Highlight the ‘RATE’ field , and press 4. Select the desired transmission rate, and press When the GPSCOM 170 is receiving DGPS correc- tions from the GBR-21, the ‘beacon receiver’ section of the I/O setup page will display the beacon frequency and signal strength, as well as the distance from the transmit- ter to the beacon receiver.

  • Page 68: Navigation Simulator

    DGPS Interface (con’t.) • No DGPS Position—not enough data is available to compute a DGPS position. • No RTCM Input—the beacon receiver is not prop- erly connected or the baud rates do not match. • RTCM Input Failed—DGPS data was being received but has been lost.

  • Page 69: Appendix A-Initializing The Receiver

    3. Rotate the squelch control clockwise until receiver noise disappears. 4. Remain in the same location until the GPSCOM 170 has calculated a position. (You’ll know you have a fix when a 2D or 3D status appears in the status field or the receiv- er automatically transitions to the position page.
  • Page 70 5 minutes. If the EZinit prompt has not automatically appeared on the status page, press If you’ve already initialized the GPSCOM 170 and the EZinit prompt appears, highlight the ‘NO RE-INIT’ selec- tion with the arrow keypad and press prompt may appear if you’ve had the unit on in normal...
  • Page 71 Acquiring Satellites The GPSCOM 170 will now begin searching for the appropriate satellites for your position and should acquire a fix within three to five minutes. You can verify getting a position fix by watching the status page transi- tion to the position page (provided you haven’t pressed...

  • Page 72: Appendix B-Accessories And Installation

    Belt Clip The GPSCOM 170 includes a sturdy belt clip so you can carry the unit with you wherever you go. To attach the clip, you will need to remove the rubber bumper from the back of the unit.
  • Page 73 APPENDIX B Battery Pack Removal To remove the Ni-Cad battery pack: Accessories & 1. Press down on the battery pack latch, pull down on the Installation pack and remove. Battery Pack Latch Battery Pack Removal...
  • Page 74 To recharge the Ni-Cad battery pack: 1. Attach the connector end of the adapter to the GPSCOM 170 by sliding it into the slot on the left side of the unit (observe the keyway on the unit connector and the matching groove on the connector end).

  • Page 75: Appendix C-Vhf Channel List

    APPENDIX C The GPSCOM 170 operates on the following VHF channels. Channel List Important! • Channel 13: 1 W initial USA. • Channel 15: No trans- mit USA or INT; 1W Canada. • Channel 17: 1W all bands. • Channel 20: 1W Canada.
  • Page 76 Channel Number WX Channels - Receive Only WX1 162.550 WX6 162.500 WX2 162.400 WX7 162.525 WX3 162.475 WX8 161.650 WX4 162.425 WX9 161.850 WX5 162.450 WX10 162.000 Frequency (MHz) Transmit Receive 156.125 156.125 156.175 160.775 156.175 156.175 156.225 160.825 156.225 156.225 156.275 160.875...

  • Page 77: Appendix D-Specifications

    Specifications GPSCOM 170 has no user-serviceable parts. Never attempt any repairs yourself. To protect your GPSCOM 170, keep it in its carry- ing case when not in use, and never allow gasoline or other solvents to come into contact with the case. Clean the case and lens with a soft cloth and a household window cleaner.
  • Page 78 Transceiver Specifications (continued): Channel Spacing: Audio Power: Audio Distortion: Transmitter Output: Sidetone Audio Power: Frequency Stability: Duty Cycle: Microphone: Compliance: POWER Source: Battery Life:*** Current Consumption: ***Based on ratio of 5% transmit, 5% receive, and 90% standby 25 kHz 0.5 W into 16 ohm speaker <...

  • Page 79: Appendix E-Messages

    No RTCM Input—The beacon receiver is improperly connected or baud rates do not match. The GPSCOM 170 uses a flashing on-screen message indicator to alert you to important information. Whenever the message indicator appears, press page. There are two types of messages: temporary alerts and condition alerts.
  • Page 80 Route is not Empty—You have attempted to copy into a route already in use. RTCM Input has Failed—DGPS data being received has been lost. You are no longer receiving the beacon signal. Searching the Sky—The unit is searching the sky for almanac data or the unit is in AutoLocate mode.

  • Page 81: Appendix F-Map Datums

    The following list shows the map datums available for the GPSCOM 170. Menu page abbreviations are listed first, followed by the corresponding map datum name and area. The default map datum for the GPSCOM 170 is WGS 84. European 1950...
  • Page 82 NAD27 Alaska North American 1927- Alaska NAD27 Bahamas North American 1927- Bahamas (excluding San Salvador Island) NAD27 Canada North American 1927- Canada and Newfoundland NAD27 Canal Zone North Am. 1927- Canal Zone NAD27 Caribbn North American 1927- Caribbean (Barbados, Caicos Islands, Cuba, Dom.

  • Page 83: Appendix G-Time Offset Chart

    APPENDIX G TIme Offset Chart Time Offset Chart Reference the table below to find the UTC-to-local time offset for your longitudinal zone. If you are in a day- light savings time zone, add one hour to the offset. For example, if you are at longitude W081.0º00.00’ and UTC time is 16:00, local time is 11:00 standard time.

  • Page 84: Appendix H-Index

    Accessories ....67 Acquiring Satellites ... .6, 66 Activating a Route ....45 Active Route Page .
  • Page 85 APPENDIX H Index Memory List Editing ... . .35 Memory Page ....37 Menu Page ....59 Message Page .
  • Page 86 APPENDIX H VHF Communication Pages ..29 VHF Line-of-Sight ....33 Index VHF Status Field ....7 Warranty .

  • Page 87: Limited Warranty

    GARMIN Corporation warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. GARMIN will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components which fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor.
  • Page 88 ® © 1997 GARMIN CORPORATION 1200 E. 151st Street, Olathe, KS USA 66062 GARMIN (Europe) Ltd. Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9AQ U.K Part Number 190-00093-00 Rev. D...

Table of Contents