Garmin GPS 12XL Manual

The Garmin GPS 12XL is a rugged, waterproof 12-channel GPS receiver designed for marine, automotive, and outdoor navigation. It features a high-contrast LCD display, intuitive interface, waypoint and route storage, track log recording, and NMEA 0183 output. Powered by AA batteries or external DC source. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 12-parallel channel GPS receiver, Waterproof case (IPX7), Backlit LCD display, External antenna port, NMEA 0183 output, Data interface port.

Feature	Description
12-channel GPS receiver	Fast acquisition and tracking of satellites
Waterproof case (IPX7)	Submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes
Backlit LCD display	High-contrast, 4-level grayscale for low light
External antenna port	For optional external GPS antenna
NMEA 0183 output	Compatible with chart plotters and autopilots
Data interface port	For PC connection and software updates
Waypoint storage	Up to 500 user-defined waypoints
Route storage	Up to 20 reversible routes with 50 waypoints each
Track log	10,000 point automatic track log
Power source	6 AA batteries or 10-40V DC external

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose mounting location with clear sky view.

1. Install batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing polarity.
2. Mount unit: Use included bracket for permanent mounting on boat dash or vehicle.
3. Connect external power: For marine/auto use, connect red wire to +12V, black to ground.
4. Connect external antenna: Screw optional antenna into external antenna port if needed.
5. Connect to other devices: Use NMEA output wires to connect to chart plotter or autopilot.

WARNING! Ensure mounting surface is stable. Keep antenna clear of obstructions for best reception.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initialization procedure.

1. Acquire satellites: Place unit outdoors with clear sky view, wait for satellite acquisition (5-15 minutes).
2. Set language: Press MENU > Setup > System > Language, select ENGLISH (default).
3. Set units: Press MENU > Setup > Units, select statute, nautical, or metric.
4. Set time: Press MENU > Setup > Time, choose time format and time zone.
5. Set datum: Press MENU > Setup > Position Format, select map datum (WGS84 default).

CAUTION! First satellite acquisition requires clear view of sky. Do not move unit during initialization.

Specifications

• Receiver: 12 parallel channels, WAAS capable.
• Update Rate: 1 second continuous.
• Accuracy: Position: <15 meters RMS, Velocity: 0.1 knot RMS.
• Acquisition Time: Warm: ~15 seconds, Cold: ~45 seconds, AutoLocate®: ~5 minutes.
• Dynamics: Up to 999 knots, altitude limit 18,000 meters.
• Interfaces: NMEA 0183 version 2.0, GARMIN proprietary.
• Power: 6 AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH) or 10-40V DC external.
• Battery Life: ~20 hours (alkaline, backlight off).
• Waterproof: IPX7 standard (1 meter for 30 minutes).
• Operating Temp: -15°C to 70°C (5°F to 158°F).
• Storage Temp: -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F).
• Dimensions: 15.2 x 5.8 x 3.3 cm (6.0" x 2.3" x 1.3").
• Weight: 255 grams (9.0 oz) with batteries.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, ENTER, GOTO, MARK, QUIT, ROCKER key (up/down/left/right).

Display Pages: Satellite, Position, Map, Navigation, Highway, Menu.

Satellite Page: Shows satellite signal strength and position fix status. Position Page: Displays coordinates, altitude, speed, heading, time. Map Page: Shows current position and track on moving map. Navigation Page: Provides steering guidance to destination. Highway Page: Graphical steering display. Menu Page: Access to all setup and feature menus.

Setup Options: Units, Time, Alarms, System, Interface, Tracks, Routes, Waypoints.

Connecting Devices

External Power: Red wire to positive, black to ground. NMEA Output: Connect to compatible devices. Data Cable: Connect to PC for waypoint transfer.

1. Turn off GPS and device before connecting.
2. Use proper cable for connection (NMEA or data cable).
3. Configure interface settings (MENU > Setup > Interface) to match connected device.

Tip: For NMEA connections, ensure baud rate matches receiving device (4800 baud default).

Navigation Functions

Basic navigation operations.

1. Create waypoint: Press MARK to save current position, edit name/symbol if desired.
2. Go to waypoint: Press GOTO, select waypoint from list or enter coordinates.
3. Create route: Press MENU > Routes > New, add waypoints in sequence.
4. Follow route: Press MENU > Routes, select route, choose Navigate.
5. Track back: Press MENU > Tracks > Setup, enable TrackLog, use TrackBack to reverse path.
6. Measure distance: Use Measure function on Map page.
7. Set proximity waypoint: Define alarm radius around waypoint.

WARNING! GPS accuracy affected by satellite geometry, atmospheric conditions, and obstructions.

Advanced Features

Alarms: Anchor drag, arrival, proximity, off-course. Simulator Mode: Practice navigation indoors. Data Fields: Customize displayed information on each page. Sun/Moon Information: Display sunrise/sunset and moon phase data.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with fresh water after saltwater use. Use mild soap and soft cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals.

CAUTION! Do not open case. No user-serviceable parts inside. Battery compartment O-ring must be clean and undamaged for waterproof integrity.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. Complies with Canadian ICES-003. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Garmin and the Garmin logo are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries, poor connection	Replace batteries; check battery contacts; verify external power connection.
Poor satellite reception	Obstructions, antenna issue	Move to open area; ensure clear view of sky; check antenna connection.
Inaccurate position	Poor satellite geometry, multipath	Wait for better satellite alignment; move away from reflective surfaces.
Display difficult to read	Contrast setting, backlight off	Adjust contrast (POWER + ROCKER); turn on backlight (POWER).
Waypoints not saving	Memory full, waypoint limit	Delete unused waypoints; maximum 500 waypoints.
NMEA not outputting	Wrong interface setting, cable issue	Set Interface to NMEA Out; check cable connections; verify baud rate.
Unit won't turn off	Sticky power button	Press and hold POWER for 3 seconds; if persists, remove batteries.

Reset: Remove batteries for 30 seconds to perform soft reset.

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or authorized service center.