GPSrChive Garmin GPS 12 FAQ

A. If you have a cigarette lighter adapter cable or a power data cable, plug the unit into a power source for three days (car, boat, etc.) to recharge the internal memory battery. If you do not have one of these cables, place a fresh set of AA batteries in the unit and leave the unit powered off for approximately five days. Once the internal memory battery is recharged, the "Low Memory Battery" message should no longer be displayed.

If the message persists, you will need to return the GPS unit to Garmin so the internal memory battery can be replaced. If this is the case, please send us a Technical Support e-mail . A Return Material Authorization (RMA) will be set up and returned to you via e-mail, along with shipping instructions. The RMA number will ensure accurate tracking and prompt return of the unit to you.

If you own an 8-channel GPS receiver unit, a marine GPS unit or chartplotter, or an aviation handheld, your unit has a non-rechargeable memory battery. You will also need to send your unit to Garmin for replacement under our flat-rate repair program. In this case, please e-mail Garmin using the above link or call Garmin Product Support at 1-800-800-1020 to arrange for an RMA number to be issued for the return of your unit.

As memory technology has advanced, many Garmin GPS units (starting in 2000) no longer require a memory battery to support user data.

Q. Can I real-time track on a PC using a GPS 12 series unit?

A. The GPS 12 series units are capable of providing a data output to allow real-time tracking on a PC. You can use Garmin's family of MapSource products (with the exception of locked mapping products like MapSource BlueChart, City Navigator, City Select and Fishing Hot Spots) and/or some other 3rd-party applications. When using a Garmin MapSource product for your real-time tracking, set your GPS 12 series unit to GARMIN under the interface setup and NMEA for use with non-Garmin software.

Q. Can I interface my GPS unit with both a VHF radio and an autopilot at the same time?

A. You may interface your GPS unit with up to three external devices at the same time provided the versions of NMEA streamed by the GPS are compatible with the external device. To determine the versions of NMEA output by your GPS unit, refer to the product's owner's manual. This information is usually found near the back of the manual, just before the index.

Q. How are adjustments made to darken/lighten the display of the GPS 12 series units?

A. After you turn the GPS unit on, wait until the Satellite page appears, then press and hold the rocker pad to the left or right to adjust the contrast. You may also adjust the contrast by pressing the Page button until you reach the Main Menu. Use the rocker pad to highlight Setup Menu and press Enter. Hightlight "System", and press Enter. Scroll down, highlighting the Contrast bar, press Enter, and then press the rocker pad either left or right to adjust the contrast. Press Enter when you are finished, and then press the Page button to exit the System menu.

Q. How can I enter the coordinates for a known location into a GPS 12 series unit and save the location as a waypoint?

A. You can mark a waypoint at any location by pressing the Mark button. Use the rocker pad to name the waypoint. Highlight Save at the bottom of the screen, and press Enter. Next, press the Page button until you get to the Main Menu. Highlight "Waypoint List", and press Enter. Next, highlight the name of the waypoint you just marked. Press Enter, and then highlight the coordinates of the waypoint. Now, by pressing Enter again, you may alter the coordinates to match whatever you choose. Once you're finished entering the new position, press Enter, highlight Save at the bottom of the page, and press Enter once more.

Q. Why are there waypoints in my waypoint list beginning with the letter "T"?

A. The GPS unit will create a series of waypoints that begin with the letter "T" when activating a TracBack. These waypoints then become the points to follow when performing a TracBack.

See also: How To... TracBack

Q. Will my GPS unit float?

A. Currently, Garmin produces only four GPS models that have the ability to float in water. Those units are the GPS 72, GPS 76, GPSMAP 76, and GPSMAP 76S. Garmin recommends the use of lanyards to help ensure that handheld units are not lost overboard in a marine environment.

Q. What NMEA version does my GPS unit output?

A. All Garmin GPS manuals will list the NMEA version (some units output more than one version) for that particular unit. Generally, this information is found in the back of the manual, just before the index.

Q. Can I use Loran TD coordinates on my Garmin GPS?

A. Garmin has added the Loran TD format to most new GPS units. This will allow consumers who have used Loran in the past to enter their old Loran TD numbers into their new Garmin GPS receivers. The GPS does not receive a Loran signal. It will simply convert the Loran TD that you enter and convert it to Lat/Lon for display or navigation. You will need to know the Loran chain number and the two secondary towers used to record the position you wish to convert to Lat/Lon or navigate to. If you would like more information on Loran TDs and your Garmin GPS unit, please see our Loran TD Position Handbook

Once you have set up your GPS for Loran TDs, you will be able to enter your Loran TD positions. You can then switch the GPS back to Lat/Lon, and the coordinates will be converted. Since the GPS unit makes the conversion based on a static model, there may be error introduced. You can also get error if an incorrect primary/secondary station is used or the order of if the two secondary stations is incorrect. Because of this error, we recommended you mark these waypoints upon arrival, this time using the GPS signals received for the most accurate position.

See also: Loran TD Position Format Handbook

Q. What is a map datum? Which map datum do I use?

A. A datum is a mathematical model of the Earth which approximates the shape of the Earth, and enables calculations such as position and area to be carried out in a consistent and accurate manner. The datum is physically represented by a framework of ground monuments (i.e., trig stations) whose positions have been accurately measured and calculated on this reference surface. Lines of latitude and longitude on a map or chart are referenced to a specific map datum. Every chart has a map datum reference. The map datum is usually listed in the title block of the chart.

If you are comparing the GPS coordinates to a chart or other reference, the map datum in the GPS unit should be selected to the same map datum that is listed as the datum used to generate the chart or other reference.

Q. What is a Waypoint?

A. Waypoints are locations or landmarks worth recording and storing in your GPS. These are locations you may later want to return to. They may be check points on a route or significant ground features. (e.g., camp, the truck, a fork in a trail, or a favorite fishing spot).

Waypoints may be defined and stored in the unit manually, by taking coordinates for the waypoint from a map or other reference. This can be done before ever leaving home. Or more usually, waypoints may be entered directly by taking a reading with the unit at the location itself, giving it a name, and then saving the point.

Waypoints may also be put into the unit by referencing another waypoint already stored, giving the reference waypoint, and entering the distance and compass bearing to the new waypoint.

See also: How To... Waypoints

Q. What is a Route?

A. A route is a series of waypoints entered in the order that you want to navigate them.

See also: How To... Routes

Q. What is a Track Log?

A. The track log in a Garmin unit are points automatically stored when you are moving. It is the electronic equivalent of laying down a "breadcrumb trail" to mark your path. These points will be shown strung together on the map page of your unit so you can see where you have been.

See also: How To... Tracks

Q. What is TracBack?

A. TracBack is a feature which allows you to return along a traveled path or route without marking any waypoints. The GPS unit will store a tracklog or "electronic breadcrumb trail" as you travel. When you are ready to return to where you started, the GPS unit will look at the hundreds or thousands of tracklog points and take the 30 most significant and turn them into a route to lead you back to your starting point.

See also: How To... TracBack

Q. What are the differences between the GPS 12 and GPS 12XL?

A. The primary differences between the GPS 12 and the GPS 12XL is that the GPS 12XL has a port for hooking up an external antenna. It also features an audible alert that sounds when you approach waypoints (this can be deactivated) and a wider voltage range (10-40 Vdc) than the GPS 12 (5-8Vdc). They both feature PhaseTrac12 receivers and similar operating software.

Q. What are the differences between the GPS 12XL and GPS 12CX?

A. The primary differences between the GPS 12XL and the GPS 12CX are that the 12CX upgrades the monochrome screen of the 12XL to a 3-color (red, green, blue) LCD display and expands waypoint storage capacity to 1,000 waypoints instead of 500. Both utilize a 12-parallel-channel receiver for continuous satellite tracking. Both include an internal city point database, external antenna connection, and 12-volt external power capability.

Q. What are the differences between the GPS 12XL and GPS 12MAP?

A. The primary differences between the GPS 12XL and the GPS 12MAP are mapping capability and internal memory. The GPS 12XL is a non-mapping receiver with a basic plot screen for tracking your path, whereas the GPS 12MAP features a built-in basemap with cartography and 1.44MB of internal memory for downloading detailed MapSource CD-ROM data.