How to Use the Garmin eTrex Legend C handheld GPS Receiver

The Garmin eTrex Legend C is a global positioning system that uses satellite signals to navigate to a chosen location. Chosen locations in your Garmin eTrex Legend C are called waypoints. Your home can be a waypoint as can your favorite store. Waypoints are identified by the coordinates which are based on latitude and longitude lines of reference. The Garmin eTrex Legend C can be used when driving on the road and it is an excellent guide for off road hiking and geocaching.

Things You'll Need

• Garmin eTrex Legend C Unit
• Two AA batteries
• Computer
• Garmin MapSource disc

Instructions

1. Purchase and install two AA batteries in the back of the unit by turning the D-ring 1/4 turn and pulling the cover off. Replace the cover and turn the D-ring to lock. When not using the unit for an extended period, remove the batteries to keep them from leaking and damaging the unit.

2. Press and hold the power key to turn unit on. The Garmin eTrex Legend C will begin to search for satellite signals. Satellite signals will not be able to pass through solid materials, so this must be done outside. The first initialization will take from 5 to 15 minutes. After the first time it will only take seconds to locate existing satellites. The unit will display a message saying 'Acquiring Satellites.' The Garmin eTrex Legend C must have signals from three satellites to give an accurate location and coordinates. When you do not locate at least three satellite signals, you must move to a location where you can acquire them and only then will your Garmin eTrex Legend C work properly.

3. Press the 'Quit' key and then release it. Do this until the 'Map Page' is displayed.
   The Garmin eTrex Legend C is now set up and ready to start GPS aided navigation.

4. Connect the Garmin eTrex Legend C to a computer with the supplied USB cable connector. Use the CD that came with your unit. This will download the detailed maps provided by Garmin MapSource map data on the CD. You may also purchase the CD on the Garmin site if you need one. This will allow you to plan and organize your trips and routes. You can also transfer detailed mapping data to your GPS to get maximum mapping capabilities. This unit will hold up to 24 MB of map data.

5. Create Waypoints. Waypoints can be downloaded from the GPS and modified in mapsource on your computer or they can be created directly in MapSource. The best way to create them is to mark them graphically on the map in MapSource itself by clicking on the spot. To create a waypoint in the GPS you press and hold the enter key to display the Mark Waypoint Page then select the OK and press enter. when the waypoint is created in MapSource or your GPS unit, a form will appear for you to enter the identifying information for the new waypoint.

6. Select a destination using the find menu on the GPS. It can be a waypoint, city, or point of interest such as a restaurant or store. Use MapSource with your GPS connected to your computer to get a detailed map and download this into your GPS by using the download tab in the program. Select the 'Go To' button on the GPS and begin navigation to your destination.

7. Use three main screens on the Garmin eTrex Legend C to navigate to a destination. The Map Page will show your current location, mark the route to your destination and leave a track log of where you have been. The compass page will indicate the direction you are going and give you travel data. The Trip Computer Page will record and display all the travel data. Follow the route given on the Map Page to your chosen location.

References

• "Garmin eTrex Legend C-Owner's Manual; Part Number 190-00365-00 Rev. B,", August 2004
• University of Virginia Library: Garmin eTrex Legend C Tutorial-Easy Steps for Using Your Garmin eTrex Legend C

Resources

• Garmin.com: Purchase and Update Garmin GPS Maps
• Garmin.com: What is GPS?-Learn About Global Positioning Systems
• Garmin.com: Buy Maps and Learn About Maps