GETTING STARTED > GETTING SATELLITE SIGNALS
Getting Satellite Signals
After you turn on the GPSMAP 296, the unit automatically begins searching for satellites. The GPS Page appears while the unit is gathering satellite signals and acquiring a fix. This process should take only a few minutes. While the GPSMAP 296 is getting satellite signals, the GPS Page shows the status as “Acquiring Satellites.”
It can take a few minutes to acquire satellites and show your current location on the map. Be patient as the unit acquires satellite data. To get signals more quickly, be sure the antenna is raised to the up location shown in the image on page 1.
GPS Tab
NOTE: While acquiring satellites, the Map Page can show the wrong location, such as China. This does not mean your unit has the wrong data loaded. The GPS receiver needs a few more minutes to acquire satellites and find your current location.
Viewing GPS Status With the GPS Tab
The GPS tab provides a visual reference of satellite acquisition, receiver status, and accuracy. The sky view and signal strength bars give an indication of what satellites are visible to the receiver and whether they are being tracked.
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 numbers shown below each bar represent the particular satellite that is being received. Numbers above 33 indicate WAAS satellites.
The sky view shows a
A power source indicator shows the unit is operating off battery
power (
), that the unit is charging ( ), or that an
external power source is in use (
).
4 | GPSMAP 296 Pilot’s Guide |