Garmin Etrex GPS Introduction Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys With thanks to

Introduction to Etrex Demonstrate Pages Hands-on During this section of the training we will introduce you to the Garmin receivers you will be using out in the field. First I will walk you through the steps involved in collecting a point and give you an overview of some of the features of the receiver. After lunch we will then practice outside.

Garmin Etrex GPS (Hold Up Garmin and Point to Buttons as explaining) This is the Garmin GPS unit you will be using. This section (point to the antenna area) is the antenna. These are the control buttons that you will use to move through the screens. This is the display screen. (Point to the display screen). There are several different “pages” that the Garmin uses. You can cycle through to the page you need by using the “Page” button.

Garmin Etrex GPS Here are the buttons on the left side. (Read Description from slide)

Garmin Etrex GPS Here are the buttons on the right side. (Read Description of buttons from slide)

Garmin Etrex GPS This is the back of the unit. This is where the batteries are stored and where the data connection is.

Screen Shot as Etrex Searches for Satellites Garmin Etrex GPS Step 1: Turn on Unit After a couple of seconds, the GPS unit will start looking for satellites. Off/On Button I am going to walk through the steps you will take when you collect a GPS point. For right now follow along on the projector screen, you’ll get a chance to do this for yourself later. The first step is to turn on the unit. The power button is located on the right side. After a couple of seconds, the unit will start searching for satellites, and will automatically switch to the next page Screen Shot as Etrex Searches for Satellites

Search for Satellites Step 2: Wait for Satellites This page is the Satellite Acquisition Page. There are two possible displays on this page. The first is a basic display that just shows a figure on a hill and four satellites. As satellites are located and their signals received, the satellites depicted on the screen are filled in. A status bar at the bottom also displays the signal strength. There is another display possible -- the Advanced Sky View. You can get to this by pressing the ENTER button while in the Satellite Acquisition Page. This provides more information about the position of the satellites in the sky and their signal strength. This display can be helpful when the receiver has difficulty finding satellites, because it will help you identify possible obstacles that might block the signal (such as buildings, mountains, etc.) Knowing where the satellites are is also helpful in determining potential problems. If the satellites are clustered in one part of the sky then this means a greater error in the coordinate. On this display the dot in the middle represents you, the inner circle is 45 degrees above the horizon and the outer circle represents the horizon. There is a north indicator to help you orient yourself. Normal Satellite Acquisition Page For more detail, switch to Advanced Skyview by pressing the ENTER Button Advanced SkyView Page

Satellite Acquisition Page Acquire Position Step 3: Once enough satellites have been located, the GPS unit will say “Ready to Navigate” After enough satellites have been located, the Garmin will say “Ready to Navigate” and provide an estimate of accuracy. Its important to note that this Accuracy statement is just an estimate and could be incorrect. So don’t worry too much about this number, but make sure it isn’t excessively large, such as 100 meters (300 ft). Satellite Acquisition Page

Collect a Point Step 4: Press the Page button until you reach the Menu Page and select MARK So you’re out in the field, and you’ve turned on the Garmin. You have found enough satellites, and you’re ready to collect a point. The first step is to press the page button to cycle through the screens to reach the Menu Page. Once you’ve reached the Menu page, highlight the word Mark and press the Enter button.

Record Point Step 5: Assign cluster number to waypoint, record coordinate on sheet and enter OK Waypoint ID Selecting Mark from the Menu page brings up this screen. This screen contains the ID and the coordinate. First change the ID displayed in the Flag to match the ID which has been assigned to the cluster by highlighting the number in the flag and pressing the Enter button and then change the ID to the cluster number. Once the ID has been changed, record the coordinate displayed at the bottom of this screen on your point log and your survey. The last step is to highlight the word OK and press Enter. Coordinate

Other Pages Pointer Page Map Page Setup Page These are other pages that are available in the Garmin. They can be ignored as they won’t be used during the survey. Setup Page

Changing Batteries Uses 2 “AA” Batteries which fit in the back of the unit The Garmin runs on 2 AA batteries. They fit in the back of the unit and under normal conditions they should last about 2 hours (with continuous use). There are diagrams in the battery compartment that indicate which direction the battery should face. Be sure to insert the batteries in the correct direction, otherwise the receiver could be damaged.