Garmin GPSMAP 62st Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 62st is a rugged, waterproof handheld GPS device featuring a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, a 2.6-inch color TFT display, preloaded topographic maps, a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, barometric altimeter, paperless geocaching support, and wireless data sharing. It supports microSD card expansion for additional maps. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Rugged, waterproof (IPX7) casing, 2.6" color TFT display, High-sensitivity GPS with HotFix® satellite prediction, 3-axis electronic compass, Barometric altimeter, microSD card slot, USB port, Wireless data sharing (ANT+).

FeatureDescription
Display2.6-inch, 160 x 240 pixels, color TFT, sunlight readable
GPS ReceiverHigh-sensitivity with HotFix®
Compass3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass
AltimeterBarometric altimeter with automatic calibration
MapsPreloaded 100K topographic maps of the U.S.
Memory1.7 GB internal, microSD card slot for expansion
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, ANT+ wireless technology for data sharing
Battery2 AA batteries (NiMH or Lithium recommended)
DurabilityIPX7 waterproof standard
GeocachingPaperless geocaching support (GPX files)

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all parts are present.

  1. Install batteries: Open battery compartment on back, insert two AA batteries observing polarity.
  2. Power on: Press and hold POWER button until device starts.
  3. Initial satellite acquisition: Go outdoors with clear view of sky for first fix (may take several minutes).
  4. Install optional maps: Insert microSD card with maps into slot under battery cover.

WARNING! Use only recommended battery types. Do not mix old and new batteries.

First-Time Use

Follow on-screen prompts after initial power-on.

  1. Set language: Select preferred language from list.
  2. Calibrate compass: Follow on-screen instructions to calibrate electronic compass (rotate device slowly).
  3. Set time: Choose automatic (GPS) or manual time setting.
  4. Acquire satellites: Wait for device to acquire satellite signals; green bar indicates signal strength.
  5. Navigate main menu: Use ROCKER and ENTER buttons to explore menus.

CAUTION! Calibrate compass away from metal objects and magnetic sources for accuracy.

Specifications

Controls and Navigation

Front Panel: POWER button, ROCKER pad (up/down/left/right), ENTER/MARK button, MENU button, BACK/QUIT button, PAGE button.

Menu Navigation: Use ROCKER to highlight, ENTER to select, BACK to return. Main pages: Map, Compass, Elevation Plot, Trip Computer, Main Menu.

Settings: Access via MENU button from any page. Adjust map detail, display brightness, sound, units, system settings. Tracks: Record and save track logs. Waypoints: Create and navigate to waypoints.

Connecting to a Computer

Use included USB cable to connect to computer for data transfer and software updates.

  1. Turn on device.
  2. Connect USB cable to device and computer USB port.
  3. Device appears as removable drive (GARMIN).
  4. Transfer GPX files (waypoints, tracks, geocaches) to /Garmin/GPX folder.
  5. Transfer custom maps to appropriate folders.
  6. Safely eject device from computer before disconnecting.

Tip: Install Garmin BaseCamp™ software (free download) for advanced map and data management.

Using Maps & Waypoints

Supports preloaded and custom maps, waypoint navigation, and track recording.

  1. View Map: Press PAGE to cycle to Map page. Zoom with IN/OUT buttons.
  2. Create Waypoint: Press and hold ENTER/MARK button at current location. Edit name/symbol and select OK.
  3. Navigate to Waypoint: From Main Menu, select Where To? > Waypoints. Select desired waypoint and Go.
  4. Follow Track: Load a track from memory and select Follow Track.
  5. Measure Distance: Use Measure Distance tool from Map page menu.
  6. Set Map Orientation: Choose between North Up or Track Up.

WARNING! GPS accuracy can be affected by terrain, weather, and satellite geometry. Always carry a paper map and compass as backup.

Advanced Features

Paperless Geocaching: Load GPX files via USB. View cache description, hints, and log finds directly on device. Wireless Sharing: Share waypoints, tracks, and geocaches with other compatible ANT+ devices. Area Calculation: Calculate area of a plotted track. Sun & Moon Information: View sunrise/sunset and moon phase data for current location.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents. Ensure battery compartment seal is clean and intact for waterproofing. Store in a cool, dry place.

CAUTION! Do not charge non-rechargeable batteries. Keep USB port cover closed when not in use to maintain waterproof seal.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to conditions that it does not cause harmful interference. IC Compliance: Complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For support, visit www.garmin.com/support or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerDead batteries, improper installationInstall fresh batteries; check polarity.
Poor GPS receptionObstructed view of skyMove to open area; ensure device is oriented correctly.
Compass inaccurateNeed calibration, magnetic interferenceRecalibrate compass away from metal/electronics.
Computer doesn't recognize deviceFaulty cable, driver issueTry different USB port/cable; ensure device is powered on.
Screen is dim or unreadableBrightness setting, battery lowAdjust brightness in settings; replace batteries.
Waypoints/tracks not appearingFile format/location incorrectEnsure GPX files are in /Garmin/GPX folder.

Reset: Press and hold POWER + BACK + PAGE simultaneously for a soft reset if device becomes unresponsive.

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

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