Garmin GPSMAP 62s Quick Start Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 62s is a rugged, waterproof handheld GPS device featuring a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, a 2.6-inch color TFT display, a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, a barometric altimeter, wireless data sharing, and support for microSD cards. It is preloaded with worldwide basemap and supports custom maps. Below are key sections for safety, features, initial setup, basic operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Initial Setup 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Buttons 6. Connecting to a Computer 7. Using the Compass & Altimeter 8. Wireless Data Sharing 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-sensitivity GPS receiver, 2.6-inch color TFT display, 3-axis electronic compass, barometric altimeter, microSD card slot, USB port, and wireless ANT+ technology for data sharing.

Feature	Description
High-Sensitivity GPS	Accurate positioning under tree cover and in urban canyons
2.6-inch Color Display	Sunlight-readable, 160 x 240 pixels
3-Axis Electronic Compass	Shows heading while holding level or still
Barometric Altimeter	Tracks changes in pressure to plot elevation
Waterproof Rating	IPX7 standard (submersible in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes)
Wireless Data Sharing	Share waypoints, tracks, routes, and geocaches with compatible units
microSD Card Slot	For additional map storage
USB Port	For data transfer and charging
Preloaded Worldwide Basemap	Includes lakes, rivers, cities, and interstates
Battery Life	Up to 16 hours (2 AA batteries)

Initial Setup

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

Install batteries: Open battery compartment on back, insert two AA batteries (NiMH or lithium recommended).
Power on: Press and hold POWER button until device turns on.
Acquire satellites: Go outdoors with clear view of sky; device will automatically search for satellites.
Set initial preferences: Follow on-screen prompts to set language, units, time, and date.

WARNING! Do not use rechargeable batteries that are not NiMH. Ensure battery contacts are clean.

Basic Operation

Navigate menus using the ROCKER and ENTER buttons.

View map: Press PAGE button to cycle to Map page.
Mark a waypoint: From any page, press and hold ENTER to mark current location.
Navigate to a waypoint: Select Where To? > Waypoints > choose destination > Go.
View trip data: Press PAGE to cycle to Trip Computer page.
Adjust backlight: Press POWER quickly to adjust display brightness.

CAUTION! Allow device to acquire satellite signals before relying on navigation data.

Specifications

Display: 2.6-inch color TFT, 160 x 240 pixels.
GPS Receiver: High-sensitivity, WAAS enabled.
Compass: 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass.
Altimeter: Barometric altimeter with automatic calibration.
Memory: 1.7 GB internal, microSD card slot.
Wireless: ANT+ technology for data sharing.
Interface: USB 2.0.
Battery: 2 AA batteries (up to 16 hours).
Waterproof: IPX7.
Operating Temp: -15° to 70°C (5° to 158°F).

Controls and Buttons

Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, ROCKER (up/down/left/right), ENTER, MENU, QUIT. Side: Zoom In/Out buttons.

Button Functions: POWER (on/off, backlight), PAGE (cycle pages), ROCKER (navigate menus/map), ENTER (select/confirm), MENU (access options), QUIT (go back/cancel), Zoom (map zoom).

Settings: Access via MENU > Setup. Configure system (language, units), display (backlight, tones), navigation (routing preferences), sensors (compass/altimeter calibration).

Connecting to a Computer

Use USB cable to transfer data, update software, or load maps.

Turn on device.
Connect USB cable to device and computer.
Device appears as removable drive (Garmin drive).
Transfer files (GPX, maps) to appropriate folders.
Safely eject from computer before disconnecting.

Tip: Install Garmin BaseCamp software (free from Garmin website) for advanced map management.

Using the Compass & Altimeter

Calibrate sensors for accurate readings.

Calibrate compass: Go outdoors, hold level, MENU > Setup > Sensors > Compass > Calibrate. Follow on-screen instructions (rotate device twice).
Calibrate altimeter: MENU > Setup > Sensors > Altimeter > Calibrate. Enter known elevation or use GPS elevation.
View data: Press PAGE to cycle to Compass or Altimeter pages.

WARNING! Calibrate compass away from metal objects and magnetic sources. Recalibrate after changing batteries.

Wireless Data Sharing

Share waypoints, tracks, routes, and geocaches with other compatible Garmin units.

Enable wireless: MENU > Setup > System > Wireless > On.
Send data: Select item (waypoint, route, etc.) > MENU > Send.
Receive data: Ensure both units have wireless on; accept incoming transfer.

Note: Wireless range is approximately 3 meters (10 feet).

Care & Maintenance

Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals. Store in a cool, dry place.

CAUTION! Do not expose to extreme temperatures for extended periods. Use only Garmin-approved accessories.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: 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/support or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries	Install fresh AA batteries; ensure correct polarity.
Poor GPS accuracy	Weak signal	Move to open area with clear sky view; wait for satellite acquisition.
Compass inaccurate	Need calibration	Calibrate compass away from metal/electronics.
Device not connecting to PC	USB cable/driver	Try different USB port/cable; ensure device is on.
Screen is dim	Backlight setting	Press POWER to adjust backlight; check battery level.

Reset: If device freezes, remove and reinsert batteries.

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or visit www.garmin.com.