Garmin GPS 72 Personal Navigator Manual

The Garmin GPS 72 is a rugged, waterproof personal navigator designed for outdoor use. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, simple interface with dedicated buttons, large display for easy reading, waypoint and route management, track log recording, and an internal quad helix antenna. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to a Computer 7. Basic Navigation 8. Advanced Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-sensitivity GPS receiver, waterproof housing (IPX7), large backlit display, dedicated navigation buttons, internal quad helix antenna, and NMEA 0183 compatibility.

Feature	Description
GPS Receiver	High-sensitivity WAAS-enabled receiver for accurate positioning
Display	Large 4-level grayscale LCD with backlight for low-light conditions
Waterproof Rating	IPX7 standard (submersible in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes)
Waypoints	Storage for up to 500 waypoints with name and symbol
Routes	Create and store up to 20 reversible routes with 50 points each
Track Log	Automatic track recording with 10,000 point capacity
Interface	Serial interface for connection to PC (cable sold separately)
Battery Life	Approximately 16 hours on 2 AA batteries (typical use)
Navigation Screens	Satellite status, map, compass, highway, and active route pages
Tide Data	Built-in tide station information for coastal areas (select models)

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Install batteries and prepare for outdoor use.

Install batteries: Open battery compartment on back, insert 2 AA batteries observing polarity.
Power on: Press and hold POWER button until unit beeps and display activates.
Acquire satellites: Move to open area with clear view of sky for initial satellite acquisition.
Mounting options: Use optional mounting bracket for marine or vehicle installation.

WARNING! Use only recommended batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries. Ensure battery compartment is sealed for waterproof integrity.

First-Time Setup

Power on GPS unit; follow on-screen prompts for initial configuration.

Acquire satellite signals: Allow several minutes for initial satellite acquisition in open area.
Set language: Use MENU > Setup > System > Language to select preferred language.
Configure units: Set distance, speed, elevation, depth, and temperature units in Setup menu.
Set time: Configure time format (12/24 hour) and time zone in Time settings.
Calibrate compass: Follow on-screen instructions to calibrate electronic compass (if equipped).

CAUTION! Initial satellite acquisition requires clear view of sky. Avoid tall buildings and dense foliage during first fix.

Specifications

GPS Receiver: High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channels.
Update Rate: 1 second continuous.
Accuracy: Position: <15 meters RMS, Velocity: 0.1 knot RMS steady state.
Dynamics: Supports speeds up to 515 meters per second (999 knots).
Interfaces: NMEA 0183, RTCM 104 differential input, Garmin proprietary.
Waterproof: IPX7 standard (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes).
Operating Temperature: -15°C to 70°C (5°F to 158°F).
Storage Temperature: -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F).
Battery: 2 AA batteries (not included), 16 hours typical use.
Display: 2.1" x 1.1" (5.3 x 2.7 cm) 4-level grayscale LCD, 120 x 160 pixels.
Dimensions: 6.3" x 2.2" x 1.3" (15.9 x 5.5 x 3.3 cm).
Weight: 7.5 ounces (213 grams) with batteries.

Controls and Settings

Access functions via dedicated buttons and menu system. Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, ENTER/MARK, ROCKER key (UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT), QUIT, IN/OUT.

Button Functions: POWER: Turns unit on/off and controls backlight. PAGE: Cycles through display pages. ENTER/MARK: Marks waypoints and selects menu items. ROCKER: Navigates menus and moves cursor. QUIT: Returns to previous screen. IN/OUT: Zooms map display in and out.

Setup Menu: System (language, units, time), Display (contrast, backlight), Interface (serial data format), Tracks (track log settings), Routing (navigation preferences). Navigation Pages: Satellite status, map, compass, highway, active route, main menu.

Connecting to a Computer

Use optional PC interface cable (sold separately) for data transfer.

Turn off GPS unit before connecting cables.
Connect interface cable to GPS serial port and computer COM port.
Use Garmin MapSource or compatible software to transfer waypoints, routes, and tracks.
Configure interface settings: MENU > Setup > Interface > Serial Data Format (GARMIN or NMEA).

Tip: Ensure proper COM port selection in software. Update firmware through Garmin website when connected.

Basic Navigation

Basic waypoint navigation and route following.

Mark waypoint: Press and hold ENTER/MARK at current location, edit name/symbol if desired.
Go to waypoint: From main menu, select "Go To", choose waypoint from list.
Follow bearing: Compass page shows direction to destination and steering guidance.
Create route: Main menu > Routes > New Route, add waypoints in sequence.
Follow route: Select route from list, choose "Navigate" to follow defined path.
Track navigation: Use "TracBack" feature to navigate back along recorded track.
View position: Current coordinates displayed on satellite status and map pages.

WARNING! GPS accuracy affected by atmospheric conditions, satellite geometry, and obstructions. Always use with appropriate maps and situational awareness.

Advanced Features

Track log management, proximity waypoints, and navigation alarms.

Track Log: Automatically records path traveled. Configure recording method (Auto, Distance, Time) in Setup menu. Clear track log when needed. Proximity Waypoints: Set alert radius around waypoints. Navigation Alarms: Anchor drag, arrival, off-course, and proximity alarms. Tide Information: View tide predictions for nearby stations (coastal models). Sun/Moon Information: Sunrise/sunset and moon phase data for planning.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with fresh water after saltwater use. Use mild soap and soft cloth for cleaning.

CAUTION! Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasives. Ensure battery compartment seal is clean and intact before closing. Store in cool, dry place when not in use.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation subject to conditions: (1) device must not cause harmful interference, (2) device must accept any interference received. Industry Canada: Complies with RSS-210. Contains transmitter module FCC ID: IPH-00217. For support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries	Replace with fresh AA batteries; check polarity.
Poor satellite reception	Obstructions	Move to open area with clear view of sky; ensure not near tall structures.
Inaccurate position	WAAS not enabled	Enable WAAS in Setup > System > WAAS (North America only).
Display difficult to read	Contrast settings	Adjust contrast in Setup > Display; use backlight in low light.
Waypoints not saving	Memory full	Delete unused waypoints to free memory (max 500 waypoints).
No communication with PC	Cable/port issues	Check cable connections; verify COM port settings; ensure proper interface format.
Unit freezes or locks up	Software issue	Remove batteries for 30 seconds, then reinstall to reset unit.

Reset: Remove batteries for complete reset. For system reset: Hold PAGE + POWER while powering on (erases all user data).

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or visit www.garmin.com for firmware updates and technical assistance.