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Main Menu
Using the GPS Tab
The GPS Tab provides a visual reference of satellite acquisition, receiver status, and accuracy. The sta-
tus information show what the receiver is doing at any given moment. The skyview and signal strength
bars give an indication of what satellites are visible to the receiver and whether they are being tracked.
The signal strength is shown on a bar graph for each satellite, with the satellite number below. As the
receiver locks onto satellites, a signal strength bar appears for each satellite in view, with the appropriate
satellite number underneath each bar.
The progress of satellite acquisition is shown in three stages:
• No signal strength bars: The receiver is looking for the satellites indicated.
• White signal strength bars: The receiver has found the satellite(s) and is collecting data.
• Green signal strength bars: The receiver has collected the necessary data and the satellite(s) are
ready for use.
As soon as the GPSMAP 276C has collected the necessary data from the best satellites in view to
calculate a fi x, the status fi eld indicates the status. The unit then updates the position, date and time.
You can use the skyview to help determine if any satellites are being blocked, and whether you have
a current position fi x (indicated by a ‘ 2D’, ‘2D Differential’, ‘ 3D’, or ‘3D Differential’ in the status fi eld).
The skyview shows a bird’s-eye view of the position of each satellite relative to the receiver’s last known
position. The outer circle represents the horizon (north up), the inner circle 45º above the horizon, and
the center point a position directly overhead. You can also set the skyview to a ‘Track Up’ confi guration,
causing the top of the skyview to align along your current track heading.
The GPS Tab also displays the current date and time near the bottom of the page. A power source
indicator shows the battery level ( ), shows that the unit is charging ( ), or shows that an
external power source is in use ( ).
GPS Tab
Main Menu: GPS Tab
Status FieldSkyview Signal Strength
Bars
Satellite
Numbers
Current Date Power Source
Indicator
Current Time
190-00335-00_0A.indd 61 4/7/2004, 1:50:53 PM
