Garmin GPSMAP 76 Owner's Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 76 is a rugged, waterproof handheld GPS receiver featuring a high-contrast 4-level grayscale display, 24 MB of internal memory, detailed basemap, WAAS-enabled 12 parallel channel GPS receiver, and a built-in quad helix antenna. It supports marine point symbols, tide data, and provides navigation, routing, and trip computer functions. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Power 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Display 6. Basic Navigation 7. Using Maps & Waypoints 8. Routes & Tracks 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-contrast LCD display, Rocker keypad, ENTER/MARK button, PAGE button, POWER button, external antenna connector, PC interface port.

Feature	Description
Display	160 x 240 pixels, 4-level grayscale, sunlight readable
GPS Receiver	12 parallel channel, WAAS enabled
Memory	24 MB internal (user memory approx. 19 MB)
Basemap	Americas, Atlantic/Pacific, or Europe/Africa
Antenna	Built-in quad helix; external antenna connector
Interface	RS-232 serial for PC and NMEA 0183
Case	Waterproof (IEC 60529 IPX7)
Battery	2 AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH)
Tide Data	Built-in tide station information
Marine Symbols	Over 500 marine point symbols

Installation & Power

Unpack and inspect contents. Install batteries in battery compartment.

Install batteries: Open battery cover, insert two AA batteries observing polarity.
External power: Use optional external power cable for marine/vehicle use.
External antenna: Connect optional external antenna to MCX connector for improved reception.
PC connection: Use PC interface cable to connect to serial port for data transfer.

WARNING! Use only recommended batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries. Ensure battery cover is securely closed for waterproof integrity.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup prompts.

Acquire satellite signals: Go outdoors with clear view of sky; unit will automatically begin searching.
Set language: Use MAIN MENU > SETUP > SYSTEM to select language (default ENGLISH).
Set units: In SETUP > UNITS, select measurement format (Statute, Nautical, Metric).
Set time: Configure time format, time zone, and daylight saving in SETUP > TIME.
Initialize basemap: Basemap is preloaded; optional MapSource detail maps can be uploaded via PC.

CAUTION! Initial satellite acquisition may take several minutes. Ensure you are in an open area.

Specifications

Display: 160 x 240 pixels, 4-level grayscale LCD.
GPS Receiver: 12 parallel channel, WAAS enabled.
Accuracy: Position: <15 meters RMS, Velocity: 0.1 knot RMS steady state.
Memory: 24 MB internal (19 MB user available).
Interface: RS-232 serial (NMEA 0183 and proprietary Garmin).
Power: 2 AA batteries (alkaline: approx. 16 hours; NiMH: approx. 14 hours).
Waterproof: IEC 60529 IPX7 standard (submersible 1 meter for 30 minutes).
Dimensions: 6.3" H x 2.7" W x 1.4" D (15.9 x 6.9 x 3.5 cm).
Weight: 7.5 oz (213 g) with batteries.
Operating Temp: 5°F to 158°F (-15°C to 70°C).

Controls and Display

Access functions via front panel buttons. Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, ROCKER (up/down/left/right), ENTER/MARK, IN/OUT (Zoom).

Display Pages: Use PAGE button to cycle through: Satellite Status, Map, Navigation, Highway, Active Route, Trip Computer, Main Menu.

Setup: Use MAIN MENU > SETUP to configure System, Units, Time, Display, Interface, Tides, Alarms. Navigation: Use ENTER/MARK to save current location as waypoint. Use ROCKER to move cursor and select menu items.

Basic Navigation

To navigate to a destination (waypoint, city, or map point).

From Map page, press ENTER to access cursor.
Use ROCKER to move cursor to desired point on map.
Press ENTER, select "Goto" from pop-up menu.
Navigation page will appear showing bearing, distance, and estimated time of arrival.
For off-road navigation, follow bearing pointer. For road navigation (with detailed maps), follow highlighted route.

Tip: Press PAGE to view different data screens (Highway, Active Route) while navigating.

Using Maps & Waypoints

Supports basemap and optional MapSource detail maps.

View map: Press PAGE to reach Map page. Use IN/OUT to zoom.
Create waypoint: Press and hold ENTER/MARK to save current location. Edit name/symbol and press ENTER to save.
Find waypoint: Press FIND button (if assigned) or go to MAIN MENU > WAYPOINTS. Select waypoint and choose "Goto" or "Map".
Upload maps: Connect to PC with interface cable. Use MapSource software to select and send map regions to unit.
Tide data: Access tide predictions for nearby stations via MAIN MENU > TIDES.

WARNING! Do not rely solely on GPS for navigation. Always have traditional navigation methods available.

Routes & Tracks

Create and follow routes (series of waypoints). Record track log (breadcrumb trail).

Routes: MAIN MENU > ROUTES > New. Select waypoints in order. Activate route for navigation.

Tracks: Track log automatically records path. Clear track log via MAIN MENU > TRACKS. Save current track as a route for backtracking.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with fresh water and mild soap if exposed to salt water. Use soft, dry cloth for display.

CAUTION! Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasives. Ensure battery compartment seal is clean and undamaged to maintain waterproof rating.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that it does not cause harmful interference. Contains FCC ID: IPH-00264. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Garmin and GPSMAP are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. For support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support at 1-800-800-1020.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries	Install fresh AA batteries; check polarity.
Poor satellite reception	Obstructed view	Move to open area; ensure external antenna is connected securely if used.
Inaccurate position	WAAS not enabled/ poor satellite geometry	Enable WAAS (SETUP > SYSTEM); allow several minutes for WAAS correction.
Unit does not communicate with PC	Wrong cable/port/ settings	Ensure correct serial interface cable; check PC COM port settings in SETUP > INTERFACE.
Display is dim or blank	Contrast setting/ backlight	Adjust contrast (POWER + IN/OUT); enable backlight (POWER button).
Waypoint or route data lost	Memory cleared/ battery failure	Data is retained when changing batteries if done promptly. For extended storage without batteries, upload data to PC for backup.

Reset: Press and hold PAGE + ENTER while powering on to perform master reset (erases all user data).

Service: 1-800-800-1020; www.garmin.com/support