Garmin GPSMAP 62s User Manual English

The Garmin GPSMAP 62s is a rugged, waterproof handheld GPS navigator featuring a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix® satellite prediction, a 2.6-inch sunlight-readable color TFT display, a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, a barometric altimeter, and supports paperless geocaching. It comes preloaded with worldwide basemap, supports microSD™ card expansion, and offers wireless sharing of waypoints, tracks, routes, and geocaches. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS receiver, 2.6" color TFT display, 3-axis electronic compass, barometric altimeter, microSD card slot, USB port, wireless ANT+® technology.

Installation & Initial Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Includes GPSMAP 62s unit, USB cable, wrist strap, documentation.

1. Charge the device: Connect the USB cable to the unit and a computer or approved AC adapter.
2. Install batteries: Open the battery compartment on the back, insert two AA batteries (NiMH or lithium recommended).
3. Power on: Press and hold the POWER key until the device starts.
4. Acquire satellites: Go outdoors with a clear view of the sky for initial satellite acquisition.

WARNING! Use only approved power sources. Do not expose to extreme temperatures during initial setup.

First-Time Use

Upon first power-on, follow the on-screen prompts.

1. Set language: Select ENGLISH from the list.
2. Calibrate compass: Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the electronic compass (rotate device slowly).
3. Set time: Choose automatic time zone or set manually.
4. Configure profiles: Select an activity profile (e.g., Recreational, Geocaching, Marine).
5. Acquire satellites: Allow several minutes outdoors for the device to locate satellites.

CAUTION! For accurate compass calibration, stay away from metal objects and magnetic fields.

Specifications

• Display: 2.6-inch diagonal, 160 x 240 pixels, sunlight-readable color TFT.
• Receiver: High-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS receiver with HotFix®.
• Compass: 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass.
• Altimeter: Barometric altimeter with automatic calibration.
• Memory: 1.7 GB internal user memory, microSD card slot.
• Wireless: ANT+ wireless technology for data sharing.
• Interface: USB 2.0 (mass storage device).
• Battery: 2 AA batteries (up to 20 hours typical use).
• Waterproof: IPX7 standard.
• Dimensions: 2.4" x 6.3" x 1.4" (6.1 x 16.0 x 3.6 cm).
• Weight: 9.1 oz (258 g) with batteries.

Controls and Settings

Access Main Menu via the MENU button. Front Panel: POWER, QUIT, PAGE, ROCKER (up/down/left/right/ENTER), MENU.

Side Buttons: ZOOM IN/OUT, MARK (waypoint), FIND (search).

Settings Menu: System (language, display, units), Navigation (routing, compass), Profiles (activity settings), Tracks (track log management), Geocaching (paperless settings), Altimeter (calibration, pressure trends), Wireless (data sharing on/off).

Connecting to Devices & Computer

USB: For data transfer and charging. Wireless: For sharing with compatible Garmin devices.

1. Connect to computer: Use USB cable to transfer maps, waypoints, tracks, and update software via Garmin Express.
2. Wireless sharing: Enable Wireless in settings, select "Transfer" to send/receive data with another unit.
3. Connect to sensors: Compatible with ANT+ heart rate monitors, temperature sensors, etc.

Tip: Ensure the device is not in sleep mode when connecting via USB.

Navigating with GPSMAP 62s

Supports waypoint navigation, track following, and route creation.

1. Mark a waypoint: Press and hold MARK button, edit details if needed, select OK.
2. Go to a waypoint: Press FIND, select Waypoints, choose a destination, select Go.
3. Follow a track: Press FIND, select Tracks, choose a saved track, select Navigate.
4. Create a route: Main Menu > Route Planner > Create New Route, add waypoints in sequence.
5. Use the compass page: The compass needle points to your active destination.
6. View trip data: Use the Trip Computer page to see speed, distance, elevation, etc.

WARNING! Always carry a paper map and compass as a backup. GPS signals can be obstructed.

Geocaching Features

Paperless geocaching: Download GPX files from geocaching websites and load via USB.

1. Load geocaches: Connect to computer, copy GPX files to the \Garmin\GPX folder on the device.
2. Find a geocache: Press FIND, select Geocaches, choose a cache, select Go.
3. Log your visit: After finding the cache, select Log Attempt, choose Found It/DNF/etc., add notes.
4. Field notes: Logs are saved as text files for later upload to geocaching websites.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals. Ensure battery compartment seal is clean and intact for waterproofing.

CAUTION! Do not charge non-rechargeable batteries. Remove batteries if storing for extended periods. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

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. © 2010-2025 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Garmin, GPSMAP, and HotFix are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. For support, visit www.garmin.com/support or contact your local Garmin dealer.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Hold POWER + QUIT + PAGE for 10 seconds to perform a soft reset (does not erase user data).

Service: For warranty and repair, contact Garmin Product Support or visit www.garmin.com.