I learn to use my gps units by using them on a walk or trying different functions while setting and watching TV. Lots of healthy walks, and well spent time in the easy chair. Recently I had to give up hiking because of an old knee injury. My Garmin gps goes with me bike riding and I record the track, maximum speed, and time stopped. On the way home I was doing 32 MPH down a hill in full control. It did not seem like I was doing 32 MPH. The problem is that hill is posted 25 MPH. I assure you that my trip up that hill was much slower. You can setup the computer page to record all kinds of information.
One of my earliest investments was 4-AA, nAh rechargeable batteries, and a charger. (Nickel Metal Hydride) My learning process takes a lot of battery time. When I am out hunting in cold weather I prefer alkaline batteries.
The first thing(s) you need to do after putting the batteries in is power it up and take it out side and leave it 30 or minutes so it can find itself. New in the box it thinks it is in Kansas. This gives it a chance to find itself, and update its almanac from the satellites. If you fly from point A to Point B and it is off and in your luggage you will have to repeat the process.
Geocaching is a popular activity and members gather across the world. You will find a list of caches and gatherings at this link. Unfortunately people have listed caches that have been placed at a site without the site owners, or administrator’s permission. I have come close to giving up the sport because of improperly posted caches. I could go into a rant, but I will advise caution. I think virtual caches are great because they are normally a place or historical marker.
http://www.geocaching.com/Here are a few learning steps.
1. The IN/OUT Zoom keys are on the upper left side when the screen is facing you.
2. The Menu/Find key is the third key down on the left side.
3. The Quit/Page key is on the upper right side.
4. The Enter/Rocker key is on the face.
After reading the manual and realizing that the original format had been written in Chinese, and then translated to one or more Baltic languages, the native speaker of the Baltic languages then set down with an English dictionary and wrote the manual for English users.
First time around I just walked around my lot and up and down the street seeing how each page reacted to my movements. Next I created a Waypoint and used the default number. Then I created a few more Waypoints. A neighbor’s flag pole became a Waypoint, a Stop Sign, and the boat ramp. Page 7 of your manual. I went out and found a few geocaches.
At this point I did not worry about Proximity Waypoints. I skipped over them for a couple of months. I use them now, but I had to learn to walk before I ran.
I am making the assumption that the software on the DVD is Garmin Map Source TOPO US 2008??
When loaded and a mapset is loaded for your area it is a very nice addition and more than doubles the value of your unit when navigating.
When I started out with my eTrex Legend with the base map I was still functional. I took a trip East out of California to Ashland, MT. I went to the Find button > the Find Menu, I selected the Cites Icon, and then pressed the Menu/Find button. A page popped up and I selected the Find by Name option. (Enter) After Ashland came up on my map I scrolled over with the pointer and put it on Ashland and hit Enter. I then created a waypoint called Ashland. As the bird flies it is about 880 miles from here. To get there by road practical application is needed. Meaning a good road map, because Topo 2008 does not offer auto routing.
I was in a hurry to get to Ashland, fuel and food where critical needs on the way and the Exits Icon provided me with that information.
When you are working with the Base Map the ability to create a Track is high on the list. When your unit creates and displays a Track of where you have been you are making your own map. Learn to use the Track feature and the Trac Back feature.
Go to Menu>Track Icon>if the Track Log is not select to “On” use your rocker to go to the selection then push in on the rocker to select on. Next go to the Setup box and select it. I have the Wrap When Full box checked on my units. In the Record Method I have selected Auto, and Normal in the Interval box.
The Color box is critical; I think the default is Transparent. Meaning you do not see your track on the screen. Currently I am using Green, but I have used Red a lot. A friend was having a problem with this and I set him up to use a color rather than Transparent.
If you have not downloaded the FREE(FREE) version of Google Earth I suggest that it is a nice item that works in conjunction with you Garmin gps, and Map Source software.
http://earth.google.com/download-earth.htmlWhen you have Topo 2008 loaded on your computer, you can create a Waypoint on it or download your Tracks, Routes, and Waypoints from your gps to your computer. On the Map Source screen go to View in the toolbar. At the bottom of the drop down select the View in Google Earth option select it. A lot of time I wonder what is beyond the point I had to turn around. Google Earth and a map have answered a lot of those questions.
Housekeeping: I recommended deleting waypoints, tracks, and routes you do not plan on using in the future. This frees memory for future needs. You new unit does not have expandable memory and you should manage it.
Some Community Colleges give a beginning gps class at night. I have also seen gps night classes listed at other education facilities for adults.
