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Garmin eTrex Vista Owner's Manual And Reference Manual

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  • Page 1 eTrex Vista ® personal navigator owner’s manual reference guide...
  • Page 2 GARMIN products. AutoLocate, and TracBack are registered trademarks, and MapSource GARMIN, eTrex and Personal Navigator are trademarks of GARMIN Corporation and may not be used without the express permission of GARMIN Corporation. March 2001 Part Number 190-00219-00 Rev.

  • Page 3: About This Manual

    Manual Thank you for choosing the GARMIN eTrex Vista. To get the most from your new eTrex Vista, take time to read through this owner’ s manual in order to understand all of the operating features. This manual is organized into four sections.

  • Page 4: Fcc Compliance Statement

    Precautions system is subject to changes which could affect the accu- racy and performance of all GPS equipment. Although the eTrex Vista is a precision electronic NAVigation AID (NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and, therefore, become unsafe.
  • Page 5 Blocked WARNING: For use in vehicles, it is the sole responsibil- ity of the owner/operator of the eTrex Vista to secure the GPS unit so that it will not interfere with the vehicle’ s operating controls, obstruct the driver’ s view of driving...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Introduction Table of Contents Creating a Waypoint......35 Moving a Waypoint......35 Projecting a Waypoint......36 Section One - Introduction Editing Waypoints.........36 About This Manual..........i Saving as a Waypoint......36 FCC Compliance Statement.......ii The Find Menu........37-43 Warnings and Precautions......ii-iii Finding a Waypoint......38 Table of Contents..........iv Finding a Favorite......38-39 Section Two - Getting Started Finding a City.........39...

  • Page 7: Setup, Features, & Basic Navigation

    Getting Started SECTION 2 Setup, Before you begin to explore the eTrex Vista’ s operating features, you will want to follow these “Getting Started” Features, instructions to prepare it for operation by installing bat- teries, adjusting the screen contrast, loading optional...

  • Page 8: Features And Button Function

    • Press and hold when on the Satellite Page to adjust the screen contrast The FIND button: • Press and release to access the Find Menu Battery NOTE: The eTrex Vista is designed to be held Compartment Carry Cover and operated in the left hand, but it can be...

  • Page 9: Battery Installation

    12 hours. Starting Up Starting Up Your eTrex Vista To start up the eTrex Vista, take the unit outside and GPS Receiver Status Message Satellites Signal Strength fi nd an open area where the built-in antenna has a clear view of the sky.

  • Page 10: Backlighting And Contrast

    Recreation, and WorldMap mapping guides. navigation information. MapSource is also an exellent Map data transfer requires the use of a PC, a GARMIN medium for storage and safety MapSource CD-ROM, and the PC Interface Cable with backup of Personal Waypoints, RS232 serial port connector supplied with this unit.

  • Page 11: Page Basics: The Main

    Moving from main page to main page Page Basics: The Main Pages All of the information you need to operate the eTrex Vista can be found on six main pages (or display screens). You can simply press and release the PAGE button to cycle through the Satellite Page, Map Page, Navigation Page, Altimeter Page, Trip Computer, and Main Menu Page.

  • Page 12: Getting Started

    (i.e. residential streets, parks, etc.), because GARMIN MapSource data has been downloaded to the unit using a CD-ROM mapping program To allow you to view the map from different perspec- tives, the scale can be changed from 120 feet to 500 miles.
  • Page 13 Getting Started Navigation Page Basics Page Basics: Straight Line Distance The Main Pages Destination (Waypoint) Name to the Destination Time to Destination Bearing Pointer Compass Ring Selectable Data Fields The Navigation Page displays directional information to guide you to a destination. The Status Window at the top of the page shows you the name of your destina- tion, the distance and the time to go.
  • Page 14 2. When you manually turn the Compass Off, it will stay off until you manually turn it On again. However, when you turn the Compass On, the eTrex Vista will turn the Compass Off and automatically use the GPS reciever to track your heading.
  • Page 15 Getting Started Altimeter Page Basics Page Basics: The Main Pages Elevation Status Window Elevation Profi le Zoom Ranges allow the user to select the range of measure- ment over time or distance. Selectable Data Fields The Altimeter Page provides the user with the current elevation, rate of ascent/descent, a profi...
  • Page 16 Getting Started Page Basics: Trip Computer Page Basics The Main Pages Selectable Data Fields The Trip Computer page displays up to eight different types of navigation data. Each data fi eld is selectable and can contain one of many data information options. By selecting the information options that you prefer and arranging them in a desired order on the page, you can customize the Trip Computer Page to meet your...

  • Page 17: Setting The Correct Time

    Power Supply, Time/Date, and Backlighting Status Bar. The Main Menu provides you with a directory of the eTrex Vista’ s advanced features. From the Main Menu page you can mark and create new waypoints; fi nd map items such as cities, interstate exits, addresses, points of interest, etc.; create routes; save track logs;...

  • Page 18: Basic Navigation

    Getting Started Basic Navigation To learn how to use your eTrex Vista, begin by using some basic navigation techniques such as marking your current location as a waypoint, and travel a short distance and allow yourself to be guided back to where you started.
  • Page 19 Getting Started To change the waypoint symbol: Basic Navigation 1. Use the CLICK STICK to highlight the waypoint symbol fi eld on the Mark Waypoint Page and then press it in to display the list of symbols. 2. Use the CLICK STICK to move up and down the list to highlight the desired symbol and then press it in to place the symbol in the fi...

  • Page 20: Basic Navigation

    Getting Started Basic Navigation Navigating Back to Your Starting Point Now we will navigate back to the waypoint you marked at the beginning of this exercise using the Goto function. Going To (Goto) the Marked Waypoint: 1. Press and release the FIND key to display the Find Menu. 2.

  • Page 21: The Satellite Page

    Overview The Satellite Page Because the eTrex Vista relies on satellite signals to provide you with navigational guidance, the unit’ s view of the sky will determine how fast you achieve navigational status. GPS signals do not travel through rocks, build- ings, people, metal, or heavy tree cover...so keep the unit...

  • Page 22: The Satellite Page

    2. Highlight ‘New Location’ and press in on the CLICK ing your current location. STICK to display choices of ‘Auto’ or ‘Use Map’. 3. If you choose ‘Auto’ the eTrex Vista will determine your new location automatically. 4. If you choose ‘Use Map’ a map page will appear with instructions stating, “Point to your approximate location...

  • Page 23: Navigation Methods

    Methods of Navigating using the eTrex Vista There are four methods of navigating when using the eTrex Vista and each is graphically displayed on the Map Page. A Track Goto - A direct path to a map location, waypoint, city, address, etc.)

  • Page 24: The Map Page

    Press and hold to ZOOM the map scale rapidly. In many instances the map will display an ‘Accuracy Circle’ surrounding the ‘Position Icon’. The eTrex Vista The Map Page uses both map resolution and GPS accuracy in defi ning your location to a point within the circle.

  • Page 25: Map Page

    Map Page Options - Overview Map Page Options Menu Map Page options allow a variety of operating and customizing features for your eTrex Vista. On-screen Map Page Options Menu button Not all of the Map Page options are available at the same time.

  • Page 26: Map

    Reference Map Page Options Using the Panning Arrow - Overview The Map Page pan function allows you to display an arrow used to point at and identify items on the map, and to move the map in order to view areas beyond the current viewing area on the display.

  • Page 27: Stop Navigation

    Reference Stop Navigation Map Page Options The ‘Stop Navigation’ option allows you to quit naviga- tion of a Goto, Route or Track in progress. To stop navigation: 1. Select ‘Stop Navigation’ and then press in on the CLICK STICK. When there is no active navigation, the ‘Stop Naviga- ‘Stop Navigation’...

  • Page 28: Data Fields

    Reference Data Field - Overview Data Fields Two optional data fi elds support the Map Page and can be programmed to display the following options: Status Field, shows satellite tracking and accuracy. Bearing - The direction from your current location to (Non-programmable) a destination.

  • Page 29: Map

    Reference Map Page Setup Map - Overview Setup Options The ‘Setup Map’ option displays the Map Setup Pages. These pages determine how map features are displayed allowing you to tailor the map to your needs. The Map Page Setup Options The Map Setup Page consists of fi...

  • Page 30: The Map Page

    Reference Step-by-Step Instructions Map Page Setup Options To use Setup Map options: 1. Select ‘Setup Map’ from the Options Menu and then press in on the CLICK STICK to display the Map Setup Page. 2. Highlight the desired sub-page button to display the features list for that sub-page.

  • Page 31: The Navigation Page

    8) functions as a magnetic compass when you are not moving. It must be calibrated when you fi rst use the eTrex Vista and after new batteries have been installed. The electronic compass allows you to project a bearing using the two sighting marks on the front of the unit, and when using the ‘Sight ‘N Go’...

  • Page 32: Data Fields

    Reference The Navigation The Navigation Page also displays a ‘Waypoint’ fi eld above the compass or highway with the name of the next Page waypoint on your route or of your fi nal destination. The map coordinates for that item as shown just below the name An on-screen button at the top of the page displays the Options Menu for this page.

  • Page 33: Electronic Compass

    3. Observe the compass ring with pointer is in-line with the two sighting marks on the case. 4. Hold the eTrex Vista at eye level and then line up the two sighting marks on the case with the distant object. Then press in on the CLICK STICK to ‘Lock Direction’.
  • Page 34 Reference Altimeter Page - Overview The Altimeter Page The Altimeter Page provides you with a variety of altitude information: A Status Window that displays cur- rent elevation and current rate of ascent/descent, a profi le of elevation changes over distance or time, a profi le of pressure changes over time, and two user selectable data fi...

  • Page 35: View Elevation/Pressure Plots

    Reference The Altimeter View Elevation/View Pressure Plots - Overview Page When selecting the ‘View Elevation Plot’ option you can plot a profi le of elevation changes that occur as you navigate over a set distance or period of time. When you select ‘View Pressure Plot’...

  • Page 36: The Altimeter Page

    Altimeter Page ‘View Points’ Option Calibrate Altimeter - Overview Because the eTrex Vista relies on the Barometric pressure to determine the altitude and the pressure at any given elevation can fl uctuate, you can calibrate the altimeter to increase its accuracy. In order to do this you must know the altitude at your current location.

  • Page 37: Data Fields

    Reference Reset - Overview The Altimeter Page You can reset the elevation data and the maximum elevation data by selecting the ‘Reset’ option from the page Options Menu. Step-by-Step Instructions To reset the elevation data and max elevation fi elds: 1.

  • Page 38: The Trip Computer Page

    Reference Trip Computer Trip Computer Page - Overview Page The Trip Computer provides a variety of data fi elds with read-outs of current information as you travel. Eight fi elds display navigation information and are user programmable. The default settings for these fi elds are shown in the illustration to the right.

  • Page 39: The Main Menu

    Using the Main Menu The Main Menu The Main Menu provides access to additional eTrex Vista feature pages. The pages listed below provide enhancements to eTrex Vista operation. Press the PAGE button repeatedly to cycle to the Main Menu..Or select it from the page list at the top of each...

  • Page 40: Marking Your Location As A Waypoint

    Reference Marking Your The Mark Waypoint Page - Overview Location The Mark Waypoint Page allows you to mark and record your current location as a waypoint and appears with a graphic name block (man with a fl ag) that displays the assigned number for that waypoint and waypoint symbol.

  • Page 41: Creating A Waypoint

    Reference To create a waypoint using the panning Creating a arrow when a map item is not highlighted: Waypoint 1. With the Pan Map feature active, move the panning arrow (map pointer) on the map to the location you want to mark and then, press the CLICK STICK in and release.

  • Page 42: Projecting A Waypoint

    Reference Projecting a Waypoint Projecting Projecting a waypoint from any map item (another a Waypoint waypoint, etc.) allows you to establish a new waypoint on a bearing and distance projected from that map item. To project a waypoint: 1. Select a map item from the Find Menu. (See page 37) 2.

  • Page 43: The Find Menu

    Reference The Find Menu - Overview The Find Menu The Find Menu allows you to fi nd stored locations (waypoints) and map items (cities, exits, etc.). They can be found by name or by those nearest to your current location (Position Icon).

  • Page 44: Finding A Waypoint

    Finding a Waypoint - Overview Waypoints that you have created and stored in the eTrex Vista can be found by selecting the “Waypoint’ option from the Find Menu. You can fi nd a waypoint from the list of waypoints using the ‘By Name’ or ‘Nearest’...

  • Page 45: Finding A City

    Reference Step-by-Step Instructions The Find Menu To fi nd a ‘Favorite’: 1. Use the CLICK STICK to select the ‘Favorites’ option from the Find List and then press it in to display the list. Use the list option menu to select ‘By Name’...

  • Page 46: Finding An Exit

    Reference The Find Menu Finding an Exit - Overview You can use the Find Exit option to locate a nearby Exit exit on an interstate highway. Exits are listed only by Types List ‘Nearest’. Exit information pages provide a variety of information about services near each exit, including rest stops, lodging, restaurants, service stations, etc.

  • Page 47: Finding A Point Of Interest

    Reference The Find Menu Finding a Point of Interest - Overview You can use the Find Point of Interest option to locate a nearby restaurant, lodging, landmark, public building, park, etc. However, you must have transferred a Map- Source MetroGuide map to the unit map database, other- wise this option, plus Address and Intersection options will appear gray and will not be functional.

  • Page 48: Finding An Address Or Intersection

    Reference The Find Menu To fi nd a point of interest: (continued) 5. Use the option menu at the top of page to select from either ‘By Name’ or ‘Nearest’ options. Selecting ‘By Name’ displays a keyboard allowing you to enter the characters of the name you want.

  • Page 49: The Find Menu

    Reference The Find Menu To locate an intersection: 1. Display the Find Menu and use the CLICK STICK to highlight the ‘Intersection’ category and press it in to display the ‘Find Intersection’ page. 2. Highlight the fi rst ’Street’ fi eld and then press in on the CLICK STICK to display the ‘Street‘...

  • Page 50: Using A Goto

    Reference Using a Goto Using a Goto to Navigate to a Destination The Goto function allows you to create a direct route to a destination, (waypoint, city, or point of interest). Once you have accessed the Information Page for an item, use the Goto button at the bottom of the page to initiate travel to a map item using the Map and Navigation Pages for guidance.

  • Page 51: Routes

    Route navigation allows you to create a sequence of intermediate waypoints which lead you to your fi nal destination. The eTrex Vista will store 20 routes, each with up to 50 waypoints. A route can be created and modifi ed from the Route Page, waypoints can be added to a route from Find Menu.

  • Page 52: Editing A Route

    Reference Editing a Route Routes To remove all waypoints: 1. Select the on-screen page options button from the Route Page and press the CLICK STICK in to access the options menu. 2. Highlight the ‘Remove All’ option and then press in on the CLICK STICK to remove all waypoints from the list.

  • Page 53: Editing A Route

    Reference Routes Editing a Route (Continued) To review a waypoint: 1. Select the waypoint from the Route Waypoints List and press the CLICK STICK in to access the options menu for the waypoint. 2. Highlight ‘Review’ and then press in on the CLICK STICK to display the Information Page for the waypoint.

  • Page 54: Adding Or Editing From The Route Map Page

    Reference To move a route waypoint: Routes 1. Select the waypoint from the Route Waypoints List and press the CLICK STICK in to access the options menu for the waypoint. 2. Highlight the ‘Move’ option and press in on the CLICK STICK to display the waypoint on the map.

  • Page 55: Navigating A Route

    Reference Routes 3. Next drag the line to a map item or other location where you want to establish a new waypoint and then press in on the CLICK STICK to place the new waypoint. A waypoint information page will display. Press the on- screen ‘OK’...

  • Page 56: Data Fields

    Reference Routes Data Fields for the Route Page When navigating a Route, the data displayed in the data fi elds on Route Page may be customized to provide useful navigation information that is specifi cally related to route navigation. These data options appear only on the Route Page, Options for this type of navigation are: Distance to Point - The distance from your current loca-...

  • Page 57: Tracks

    The ‘TracBack’ feature allows you to return along a traveled path without marking any waypoints. When you are ready to return to where you started, the eTrex Vista will take you back by following the ‘Track Log’ that you left behind. You can save a total of ten tracks in the unit memory.

  • Page 58: Tracks

    Reference Tracks Page Step-by-Step Instructions To save and use a Track Log: 1. Access the ‘Tracks’ page from the Main Menu. The page has On/Off buttons, a list of tracks, and the number of unused tracks. 2. You can press in on the on-screen ‘Off’ button to pause track logging.

  • Page 59: The Setup

    Reference The Setup Pages - Overview Setup Pages The Setup Pages allow you to customize your eTrex Vista to your personal preferences. You can choose Time settings, Units of Measure, Display backlighting and con- trast settings, Heading measurement, Interface options and System operating mode.

  • Page 60: Units Page

    Reference Setup Pages Units Page - Overview The Units features are best used by individuals with a working knowledge of map grids and datums. To learn more about these subjects, visit the National Imagery and Mapping Agency at http://www.nima.mil or inquire at your library.

  • Page 61: Display Page

    Reference Display Page - Overview Setup Pages You can adjust the amount of time that the backlight- ing feature stays on before timing out and adjust the screen contrast for best viewing Backlighting Timeout - Allows you to choose from always On, to delays of 15 seconds, 30 seconds, one, or two minutes before timing out.

  • Page 62: Interface Page

    If ‘GARMIN DGPS’ or ‘RCTM in/NMEA Out’ format is selected, additional fi elds are provided to control a GARMIN differential beacon receiver (e.g. GBR 21 & GBR 23) directly from your unit. Tuning is automatic with ‘Scan’ or you can enter the beacon frequency and bit rate when you select ‘User’...

  • Page 63: System Page

    Normal Mode, You can use the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) WAAS Enabled, Compass capability of the eTrex Vista to produce a more accurate Off and Altimeter Calibration on Automatic. position fi x (3 meters nominal). When enabled, this feature...

  • Page 64: The Accessory

    Reference Accessory Pages Accessories Menu The are three accessory pages (features which enhance the unit operation, but are not essential), sun and moon position relative to a location, a calendar displayed by month, and a hunting and fi shing best times record. Highlight the appropriate icon and then press in on the CLICK STICK to display the desired page.

  • Page 65: Calendar Page

    Reference Calendar - Overview Accessory Pages This feature provides you with a monthly calendar with programmable reference notes dates. You can display one monthly calendar of days at a time and mark days on each with reference notes using the data entry keypad. You can create reference notes for multiple months and for months years in yet to come.

  • Page 66: Hunt And Fish Page

    Reference Accessory Pages Hunt and Fish - Overview This feature provides you with a listing of best times for hunting and fi shing for a chosen location and date. Step-by-Step Instructions To set the date: 1. Highlight the date fi eld and then press in on the CLICK STICK to begin data entry of individual characters.

  • Page 67: Appendix A: Specifi Cations

    Subject to proper user calibration The temperature rating for the eTrex Vista may exceed the usable range of some batteries. Alkaline batteries can rupture at high temperatures. External power can only be applied using the GARMIN Auto Power Adapter (P/N 010-10203-00) or PC Interface Cable with Auto Power Adapter (P/N 010-10268-00).

  • Page 68: Appendix B Time Offset Chart

    Appendices Appendix B Time Offset Chart 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 Offset Longitudinal Zone Offset E007.5° to E022.5° +01.00 W180.0°...

  • Page 69: Appendix C Accessories

    Provides convenient method for carrying the eTrex Vista. Attaches to a slot on the bottom of the unit. (Not shown) PC Interface Cable....Part No. 010-10206-00 Allows for transfer of data from a PC to an eTrex Vista. (RS232 serial port connector) (Not shown) Owner’s Manual......Part No. 190-00219-00 Quick Start Guide.....

  • Page 70: Appendix D Wiring Diagram

    PC’ s , differential beacon receivers, marine autopilots and /or a second GPS receiver. The NMEA 0183 version 2.3 interface format is supported by the eTrex Vista and enables the unit to drive up to three NMEA devices. NMEA 0183 Version 2.3 Approved Sentences:...

  • Page 71: Appendix E Troubleshooting

    CLICK STICK right corner. to exit. the left. The eTrex Vista is programmed to provide “pop-up” messages concerning operational characteristics and conditions. Press in on the CLICK STICK to acknowledge a message and return to the current feature.

  • Page 72: Appendix F Index

    Appendices Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)....22 Appendix F Exit Services..........40 Index Exits............40 Exits, Nearest ..........40 Accessories..........63 Activate a Route .......... 49 Altimeter Calibration........30 Features............1-2 Altitude ........... 8, 28 Fields, Data ..........22 Altitude Entry..........30 Find Address........37, 42-43 Antenna .............

  • Page 73: Appendix F: Index

    Appendices Appendix F Navigation Page......7, 13, 25-27 Index Nearest (Waypoints, Cities, Exits, etc.) ..37 NMEA ........... 56, 64 Sunrise/Sunset......... 22, 26, 58 Normal Mode..........57 Symbol (Map) ........18, 34 North Up ..........15, 23 System Setup..........57 North Reference .......... 55 Time Format ..........

  • Page 74: Appendix G: 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 75: Serial Number

    Product Registration Help us to better support you by completing our on-line registration today! Have the serial number of your eTrex Vista handy and connect to our website (www.garmin.com). Look for the Product Registration link on the Home Page. Why should you register your eTrex Vista unit? •...
  • Page 76 © 2001 GARMIN Corporation GARMIN International, Inc. 1200 E 151 Street, Olathe, KS 66062 U.S.A. GARMIN (Europe) Ltd. Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51, 9AQ U.K. GARMIN Corp. No. 68, Jangshu 2 Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan www.garmin.com...

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