How to Configure a Handheld GPS

Even though handheld GPS devices are sophisticated pieces of machinery that use satellite signals to triangulate your position anywhere on Earth, they are not very hard to configure. These devices are generally designed to be user friendly. While there are many different brands and models of handheld GPS units available, you can configure most of them using the same basic principles.

Instructions

1. Follow the directions that came with your unit to initialize and set up your device for the first time. When you first use your handheld GPS device, be sure to be outside under clear skies so that your unit can easily connect with satellites.

2. Set up your handheld device to track your path passively. Most handheld GPS devices have a feature that allows you to create waypoints automatically that are separated by a specified distance or time. Tracking your path in this way allows you to leave virtual breadcrumbs in your wake so that you can easily navigate back the way you came.

3. Configure your handheld GPS to notify you when you get within a certain distance from a waypoint using the proximity indicator. Simply select a waypoint and indicate the distance at which you would like to be notified to create a circular zone around that waypoint. When you enter that zone, you will be alerted with an alarm from the device.

4. Create a route to follow and configure your handheld unit to display that route. You can use your handheld to create a route by adding waypoints to a map, or you can use the mapping software that comes with your unit to create a route. Routes created on mapping software must then be uploaded to the device.

5. Configure your personal preferences in your handheld device. Most of the better handheld GPS units allow you to customize the display of additional features like altimeters, electronic compasses and others. This allows you to have the features you use easily accessible.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have problems configuring any of the features on your handheld device, contact customer service for additional instruction or to help you troubleshoot instead of trying to figure things out on your own.

• When you make adjustments to your handheld GPS unit, make sure that you know what you are changing and why. You can inadvertently change options that you need to perform basic functions if you haphazardly alter settings. This could cause serious problems with your unit and may even void your warranty.