Garmin GPS II Plus Manual

The Garmin GPS II Plus is a rugged, portable GPS receiver designed for outdoor navigation. It features a 12-channel parallel receiver, built-in worldwide basemap, waterproof construction (IPX7), track log storage, route planning capabilities, and multiple navigation screens. 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 Devices 7. Navigation Basics 8. Advanced Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 12-channel GPS receiver, LCD display, Waterproof case, External antenna port, Data port, Power connector.

Feature	Description
12-channel receiver	Fast satellite acquisition and tracking
Built-in worldwide basemap	Includes cities, highways, and waterways
Waterproof (IPX7)	Can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes
Track log	Stores up to 10 saved tracks with 750 points each
Route planning	Supports 20 reversible routes with 50 waypoints each
Waypoint storage	500 user-definable waypoints with graphic symbols
Navigation screens	Map, Highway, Position, Pointer, and Satellite status
External antenna port	For optional external GPS antenna
Data port	For PC connection and data transfer
Power connector	For external DC power input

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Install batteries or connect to external power.

Install batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 4 AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH).
Mounting: Use optional mounting bracket for vehicle or marine installation.
External antenna: Connect optional external antenna to antenna port for improved reception.
Power connection: Connect to 12V DC power source using optional power cable.

WARNING! Do not install where it obstructs vehicle operator's view. Ensure secure mounting.

First-Time Setup

Power on GPS; follow initial setup prompts.

Acquire satellites: Place unit outdoors with clear view of sky, wait for satellite acquisition.
Set language: In SETUP menu, select preferred language (default ENGLISH).
Set units: Choose metric or statute units for distance, speed, elevation.
Set time format: Select 12-hour or 24-hour time display.
Initialize position: If prompted, enter approximate location to speed up satellite acquisition.

CAUTION! Ensure batteries are properly installed with correct polarity.

Specifications

Receiver: 12-channel parallel, 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.
Datum: WGS-84 (user selectable).
Interface: NMEA 0183, RTCM 104 DGPS.
Display: 5.2 x 3.8 cm LCD, 100 x 160 pixels.
Power: 4 AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH), 12-40V DC external.
Battery Life: Up to 24 hours (alkaline, typical use).
Waterproof: IPX7 standard.
Operating Temp: -15°C to 70°C.
Storage Temp: -40°C to 85°C.

Controls and Settings

Access menus via PAGE and ENTER buttons. Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, ENTER, QUIT, GOTO, MARK, OUT, IN.

Key Functions: POWER: Turns unit on/off. PAGE: Cycles through display pages. ENTER: Selects menu items. QUIT: Exits menus. GOTO: Begins navigation to waypoint. MARK: Creates waypoint at current location. OUT/IN: Zoom controls on map page.

Setup Menu: System (contrast, backlight, battery save), Units (distance, speed, elevation), Time (format, time zone), Alarms (anchor, arrival, off-course), Interface (NMEA, RTCM). Navigation Menu: Routes (create, activate, reverse), Tracks (save, clear, plot back), Waypoints (create, edit, delete).

Connecting Devices

External Antenna: Connect to antenna port. PC Connection: Use data cable to serial port. External Power: Connect to 12V DC source.

Turn off GPS before connecting cables.
Match connector orientation (data port is keyed).
Secure all connections, especially in marine environments.

Tip: Use dielectric grease on external connections in marine applications to prevent corrosion.

Navigation Basics

Basic navigation to waypoints and along routes.

Create waypoint: Press MARK at desired location, edit name/symbol if needed, press ENTER.
Navigate to waypoint: Press GOTO, select waypoint from list, press ENTER.
Follow route: Create route in ROUTE menu, activate route, follow on-screen guidance.
Track navigation: Enable track plot, follow previous path.
Display screens: Use PAGE to cycle through Map, Highway, Position, Pointer, and Satellite screens.
Zoom: Use OUT/IN buttons on map page to change scale.

WARNING! GPS is an aid to navigation. Always use with appropriate charts and local knowledge.

Advanced Features

Route Planning: Create complex routes with up to 50 waypoints. Track Log: Save tracks for later navigation. Proximity Waypoints: Set alarms for approach to specific points. NMEA Output: Interface with autopilots, chartplotters, or other devices.

Care & Cleaning

Use mild soap and water on exterior. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater use. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives.

CAUTION! Ensure battery compartment seal is clean and intact before exposure to water.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. 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. For support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Batteries/connections	Check battery installation; test with known good batteries; check external power connection.
Poor satellite reception	Obstruction/location	Move to open area with clear view of sky; ensure not near tall buildings or dense foliage.
Inaccurate position	Satellite geometry	Wait for better satellite geometry; ensure WAAS enabled if available.
Display difficult to read	Contrast/backlight	Adjust contrast in setup menu; enable backlight in low light.
Waypoint not saved	Memory full	Delete unused waypoints to free memory; waypoint capacity is 500.
No NMEA output	Settings/cable	Enable NMEA output in interface settings; check data cable connections.

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

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or authorized service center.