Garmin GPS 72 Instruction Manual

The Garmin GPS 72 is a rugged, waterproof handheld GPS receiver designed for outdoor navigation. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, simple interface, waypoint and route storage, track log recording, and a large, easy-to-read display. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Power 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Display 6. Basic Navigation 7. Waypoints & Routes 8. Tracks & Trip Computer 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-sensitivity GPS antenna, waterproof case (IPX7), backlit display, external antenna port, and serial interface for data transfer.

Feature	Description
Waterproof Rating	IPX7 standard (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
GPS Receiver	High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled
Display	4-level grayscale LCD, 120 x 160 pixels, backlit
Waypoints	Stores up to 500 user-defined waypoints with name and symbol
Routes	Stores up to 20 reversible routes with 50 waypoints each
Track Log	Automatic track log with 10,000 points; 20 saved tracks
Interface	RS-232 serial interface (NMEA 0183, Garmin proprietary)
Power	2 AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH) or external DC input
Antenna	Built-in patch antenna; external MCX connector
Case Dimensions	6.1" H x 2.1" W x 1.3" D (15.5 x 5.3 x 3.3 cm)

Installation & Power

Unpack and inspect contents. Install batteries and acquire satellite signal.

Install Batteries: Open battery compartment on back, insert 2 AA batteries observing polarity.
External Power: Use optional DC power cable (10-40V DC) connected to power/data port.
External Antenna: Connect optional active antenna to MCX connector on top of unit.
Turn On: Press and hold POWER key until unit beeps and display activates.

WARNING! Use only recommended batteries. Do not short-circuit battery terminals.

First-Time Setup

Power on GPS; follow initialization procedure.

Acquire Satellites: Go outdoors with clear sky view. Unit will automatically search for satellites.
Set Language: Press MENU > Setup > System > Language. Select ENGLISH (default).
Set Units: Press MENU > Setup > Units. Select Statute (miles/feet) or Metric (kilometers/meters).
Set Time: Press MENU > Setup > Time. Select Time Format and Time Zone.
Calibrate Compass (if equipped): Follow on-screen prompts for electronic compass calibration.

CAUTION! Initial satellite acquisition may take several minutes. Ensure clear view of sky.

Specifications

GPS Receiver: 12 parallel channel, WAAS/EGNOS capable.
Acquisition Time: Hot start: ~15 seconds; Warm start: ~45 seconds; Cold start: ~1-2 minutes.
Accuracy: Position: < 10 meters RMS; Velocity: 0.1 knot RMS steady state.
Dynamics: Supports speeds up to 999 knots; Altitude limit: 18,000 meters (60,000 ft).
Waterproof: IPX7 standard (1 meter for 30 minutes).
Temperature Range: Operating: -15°C to 70°C (5°F to 158°F); Storage: -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F).
Battery Life: Up to 16 hours (typical use with alkaline AA batteries).
Weight: 7.5 ounces (213 grams) with batteries.
Data Storage: Internal memory; no removable memory card.

Controls and Display

Access functions via front panel keys and menu system. Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, ENTER/MARK, ROCKER key (UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT), QUIT.

Display Pages: Use PAGE key to cycle through: Satellite Status, Map, Navigation, Highway, Main Menu.

Menu Functions: Press MENU from any page to access context-sensitive options: Mark Waypoint, Route Planning, Track Options, Setup, System.

Backlight: Press and hold PAGE key to toggle backlight on/off; adjust timeout in Setup > Display.

Basic Navigation

Navigate to waypoints, follow routes, or use "Go To" function.

Go To Waypoint: Press ENTER/MARK > "Go To" > select waypoint from list > ENTER.
Follow Route: Press MENU > Routes > Select Route > Activate > ENTER.
Navigation Page: Displays bearing, distance, speed, estimated time of arrival (ETA).
Highway Page: Shows graphic steering guidance to destination.
Map Page: Shows your position and track on moving map.

Tip: For best accuracy, ensure GPS has acquired at least 4 satellites with good signal strength.

Waypoints & Routes

Create and manage waypoints and routes for navigation.

Mark Waypoint: Press and hold ENTER/MARK at current location. Edit name/symbol if desired.
Create Waypoint Manually: Press MENU > Waypoints > New > Enter coordinates > ENTER.
Create Route: Press MENU > Routes > New > Add waypoints in sequence > Save.
Edit/Delete: Access Waypoints or Routes from Main Menu to edit or delete entries.
Project Waypoint: Create waypoint at specified distance and bearing from current location.

WARNING! Waypoints and routes are stored in volatile memory. Back up important data.

Tracks & Trip Computer

Use track log to retrace your path; monitor trip statistics.

Track Log: Automatically records your path. Access via MENU > Tracks. Options: Clear Track, Save Track, Set Recording Interval.

Backtrack: Navigate back along your recorded track: MENU > Tracks > Backtrack > Follow.

Trip Computer: Displays odometer, moving average, max speed, total time, etc. Customize fields via MENU > Trip Computer > Reset or Change Data Fields.

Care & Maintenance

Clean unit with fresh water after saltwater or dirty environment use. Use mild soap and soft cloth if needed.

CAUTION! Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or high-pressure water spray. Ensure battery compartment seal is clean and intact before closing.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to condition that device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support at 1-800-800-1020.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries, improper installation	Replace batteries; ensure correct polarity; check for corrosion.
Cannot acquire satellites	Obstructed view, unit moved long distance while off	Move to open area; ensure clear sky view; wait for reacquisition.
Inaccurate position	Poor satellite geometry, multipath interference	Wait for better satellite alignment; move away from tall buildings/obstructions.
Display difficult to read	Low contrast, weak backlight	Adjust contrast in Setup > Display; turn on backlight; replace batteries if dim.
Buttons not responding	Unit locked, moisture under keys	Press and hold POWER to reset; allow unit to dry completely if wet.
Waypoints/routes lost	Batteries removed for extended period	Internal memory backup lasts approximately 30 days without batteries. Save data regularly.

Reset: Press and hold POWER + PAGE + ENTER for 10 seconds to perform master reset (erases all user data).

Service: 1-800-800-1020; www.garmin.com/support