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Garmin GPSMAP 278C Manual

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Owner’s Manual
chartplotter receiver
GPSMAP
®
278
© 2009 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc.
1200 East 151st Street,
Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA
Tel. (913) 397.8200 or (800) 800.1020
Fax (913) 397.8282
Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
Liberty House
Hounsdown Business Park,
Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9RB UK
Tel. +44 (0) 870.8501241 (outside the UK)
0808 2380000 (within the UK)
Fax +44 (0) 870.8501251
Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road,
Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel. 886/2.2642.9199
Fax 886/2.2642.9099
All rights reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded, or stored in any storage
medium, for any purpose without the express prior written consent of Garmin. Garmin hereby grants permission to download a single copy of this manual onto a hard drive
or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of this manual or of any revision hereto, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual
must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly
prohibited.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Garmin reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content without
obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Visit the Garmin Web site (
www.garmin.com
) for current updates and supplemental
information concerning the use and operation of this and other Garmin products.
Garmin
®
, the Garmin logo, GPSMAP
®
, AutoLocate
®
, TracBack
®
, BlueChart
®
, City Navigator
®
, MapSource
®
, and See-Thru
®
are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its
subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
January 2009 Part Number 190-00691-00 Rev. B Printed in Taiwan
IntroductIon
Thank you for choosing the Garmin
®
GPSMAP
®
278, which uses
the proven performance of Garmin GPS and full-featured mapping
to create an unsurpassed portable marine navigation chartplotter
and automobile navigation device. Take a moment to compare
the contents of this package with the packing list on the outside
of the box; if any pieces are missing, contact your Garmin dealer
immediately.
About This Manual
To get the most out of your new navigation system, read this manual
and learn the operating procedures for your unit. This manual is
organized into the following sections:
The Introduction contains the Table of Contents, Care Information,
Warnings and Cautions.
The Getting Started section provides an overview of the unit, how
to turn the unit on, and how to simulate navigation.
The Marine Mode section provides you with information about
navigating with the GPSMAP 278 in Marine Mode.
The Marine Mode Pages section reviews the main pages in Marine
Mode.
The Automotive Mode section provides you with information about
navigating with the GPSMAP 278 in Automotive Mode.
The Automotive Mode Pages section reviews, in detail, the main
pages and features in Automotive Mode, such as the Trip Data Page
and creating waypoints.
The Main Menu section describes features found on the Main
Menu, and information on how to change settings.
The Using Sonar section provides instructions on using a Garmin
GSD 20 or GSD 21 sounder with your GPSMAP 278.
The Appendix contains specications, optional accessories,
maintenance information, and other product information.
An Index is provided at the end of the manual for reference.
Manual Conventions
This manual uses the term Warning to indicate a
potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
This manual uses the term Caution to indicate a potentially
hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result
in minor injury or property damage. It may also be used
without the symbol to alert you to avoid unsafe practices.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual i
IntroductIon > About thIs MAnuAl
table of contents
Introduction ...........................................................................i
About This Manual ................................................................... i
Caring for the GPSMAP 278 .................................................. iv
Warning .................................................................................... v
Battery Warnings .................................................................... vi
Important Information ............................................................ vi
Getting Started .....................................................................1
Unit Overview .......................................................................... 1
Charging the GPSMAP 278 ..................................................... 2
Turning Your GPSMAP 278 On or Off .................................... 3
Adjusting the Backlight and Volume ..................................... 3
Getting Satellite Signals ......................................................... 4
Using the GPSMAP 278 Keypad............................................. 7
Using The GPSMAP 278.......................................................... 8
Using Simulator Mode .......................................................... 12
Marine Mode .......................................................................13
Marine Mode Pages ............................................................... 13
Navigating to a Destination .................................................. 14
Finding an Item ...................................................................... 17
Creating and Using Routes .................................................. 22
Creating and Using Waypoints ............................................ 28
Managing Your Tracks .......................................................... 38
Marine Mode Pages ...........................................................42
Map Page ................................................................................ 42
Compass Page ....................................................................... 49
Highway Page ........................................................................ 52
Active Route Page ................................................................. 54
Position Data Page ................................................................ 55
Automotive Mode ..............................................................56
Automotive Mode Pages ....................................................... 56
Navigating to a Destination .................................................. 57
Automotive Mode Pages ...................................................63
Map Page ................................................................................ 63
Current Route Page ............................................................... 64
Trip Computer Page .............................................................. 65
Main Menu ..........................................................................66
Main Menu Tabs ..................................................................... 66
GPS Tab .................................................................................. 67
Route Tab ............................................................................... 67
Points Tab .............................................................................. 68
Track Tab ................................................................................ 68
DSC Tab .................................................................................. 69
Sonar Tab ............................................................................... 71
Alarms Tab ............................................................................. 71
Calendar Tab .......................................................................... 73
Celestial Tab........................................................................... 74
Message Tab .......................................................................... 78
ii GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
IntroductIon > tAble of contents
Display Tab............................................................................. 79
Sound Tab .............................................................................. 80
Setup Tab ............................................................................... 81
Setting Up and Using Sonar .............................................90
Showing Sonar on the Map Page ......................................... 90
Using the Sonar Page ........................................................... 91
Setting Up Sonar ................................................................... 95
Understanding Sonar ............................................................ 99
Appendix ..........................................................................102
Specications ...................................................................... 102
Optional Accessories .......................................................... 103
Installation Information ....................................................... 104
What is EGNOS/WAAS/MSAS? .......................................... 109
LORAN TD Setup ................................................................. 109
Map Datums and Location Formats ...................................111
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) ........................................... 112
Declaration of Conformity (DoC) ....................................... 117
Messages ............................................................................. 118
Data Field Options ............................................................... 120
Software License Agreement ............................................. 122
Product Registration ........................................................... 122
Limited Warranty ................................................................. 123
FCC Compliance .................................................................. 124
Index .................................................................................125
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual iii
IntroductIon > tAble of contents
Caring for the GPSMAP 278
The GPSMAP 278 case is constructed of high quality materials and
does not require user maintenance except cleaning.
Cleaning the Case
Clean the unit’s outer casing (except for the screen) using a cloth
dampened with a mild detergent solution and then wipe dry. Avoid
chemical cleaners and solvents that may damage plastic components.
Cleaning the Screen
The GPSMAP 278 screen should be cleaned using a soft, clean, lint-
free cloth. Water, isopropyl alcohol, or eyeglass cleaner can be used
if needed. If these are used, apply the liquid to the cloth and then
gently wipe the screen with the moistened cloth.
Storage
Do not store the GPSMAP 278 where prolonged exposure to
temperature extremes may occur (such as in the trunk of a car) as
permanent damage may result. User information, such as waypoints
and routes are retained in the unit’s memory without the need for
external power. It is always a good practice to back up important
user data by manually recording it or downloading it to a PC
(transferring it to MapSource).
Water Immersion
The GPSMAP 278 is waterproof to IEC Standard
60529 IPX7. It can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30
minutes. Prolonged submersion can cause damage to the unit. After
submersion, be certain to wipe and air dry the unit before reuse or
charging.
iv GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
IntroductIon > cArIng for the gPsMAP 278
Failure to avoid the following potentially hazardous situations could
result in an accident or collision resulting in death or serious injury.
When installing the unit in a vehicle, place the unit securely so that it does
not obstruct the driver’s view of the road or interfere with vehicle operating
controls, such as the steering wheel, foot pedals, or transmission levers. Do
not place in front of or above any airbag. (See diagram.)
Do not mount
where driver’s
eld of vision is
blocked.
Do not place
unsecured on
the vehicle
dash.
Do not mount in front of an airbag
eld of deployment.
When navigating, carefully compare information displayed on the unit to
all available navigation sources, including information from street signs,
visual sightings, and maps. For safety, always resolve any discrepancies or
questions before continuing navigation and defer to posted road signs.
Always operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Do not become distracted
by the unit while driving, and always be fully aware of all driving
conditions. Minimize the amount of time spent viewing the unit’s
screen while driving and use voice prompts when possible. Do not input
destinations, change settings, or access any functions requiring prolonged
use of the unit’s controls while driving. Pull over in a safe and legal manner
before attempting such operations.
This unit is designed to provide route suggestions. It is not designed to
replace the need for driver attentiveness regarding road closures or road
conditions, trafc congestion, weather conditions, or other factors that may
affect safety while driving.
Use the electronic chart in the unit only to facilitate, not to replace, the use
of authorized government charts. Ofcial government charts and notices to
mariners contain all information needed to navigate safely.
Use this unit only as a navigational aid. Do not attempt to use the unit for
any purpose requiring precise measurement of direction, distance, location,
or topography.
Warning
WARNING: This product, its packaging, and its components contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive
harm. This Notice is being provided in accordance with California’s Proposition 65. See www.garmin.com/prop65 for more information.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual v
IntroductIon > WArnIng
Battery Warnings
If these guidelines are not followed, the internal lithium-ion battery may
experience a shortened life span or may present a risk of damage to the GPS
unit, re, chemical burn, electrolyte leak, and/or injury.
• Do not leave the unit exposed to a heat source or in a high temperature
location, such as in the sun in an unattended vehicle. To prevent
damage, remove the unit from the vehicle or store it out of direct
sunlight, such as in the glove box.
• Do not puncture or incinerate.
• When storing the unit for an extended time, store within the following
temperature range: 32° to 77°F (0° to 25°C).
• Do not operate the unit outside of the following temperature range: -4°
to 131°F (-20° to 55°C).
• Contact your local waste disposal department to properly recycle/
dispose of the unit/battery.
Additional User-Replaceable Battery Warnings:
• Do not use a sharp object to remove the battery.
• Keep the battery away from children.
• Do not disassemble, puncture, or damage the battery.
• If using an external battery charger, only use the Garmin accessory
approved for your product.
• Only replace the battery with the correct replacement battery. Using
another battery presents a risk of re or explosion. To purchase a
replacement battery, see your Garmin dealer or the Garmin Web site.
Important Information
MAP DATA INFORMATION: One of the goals of Garmin is to provide
customers with the most complete and accurate cartography that is available
to us at a reasonable cost. We use a combination of governmental and private
data sources, which we identify in product literature and copyright messages
displayed to the consumer. Virtually all data sources contain some inaccurate or
incomplete data. In some countries, complete and accurate map information is
either not available or is prohibitively expensive.
NOTICE REGARDING WINDSHIELD MOUNTING; SPECIAL
NOTICE TO DRIVERS IN CALIFORNIA AND MINNESOTA: State
law prohibits drivers in California and Minnesota from using suction mounts
on their windshields while operating motor vehicles. Check your state and
local laws and ordinances for similar restrictions. Other Garmin dashboard
or friction mounting options should be used. Garmin does not take any
responsibility for any nes, penalties, or damages that may be incurred as a
result of disregarding this notice or as a result of any other state or local law
or ordinance relating to use of the unit. (See California Vehicle Code Section
26708(a); Minnesota Statutes 2005, Section 169.71.)
The California Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 requires the
recycling of certain electronics. For more information on the applicability to
this product, see www.erecycle.org.
vi GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
IntroductIon > WArnIng
GettInG started
Unit Overview
The GPSMAP 278 is an all-in-one, versatile color chartplotter and automobile navigator—perfect for land or water. This portable
GPS navigator features a 256-color TFT display that is easy to read in bright sun and includes a built-in worldwide basemap. The
GPSMAP 278 comes preloaded with City Navigator
®
NT Europe, which contains street maps and a points of interest (POIs) database,
including motels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. In addition, GPSMAP 278 accepts customized points of interest such as school zones
and safety cameras and includes proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs.
External power
connector under
weather cap
USB connector
under weather cap
Slot for optional data card
Battery pack. Press tab down
to remove battery pack for
replacement, if necessary.
Backlit keypad for easy nighttime operation
GPS antenna
256-Color TFT display
with backlighting
Detachable GPS antenna
collapses for storage.
Be sure the antenna
is up (as shown
here) to receive
satellite signals. See
the “Appendix”,
page 108, for
instructions on
removing the
antenna.
Serial number
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 1
gettIng stArted > unIt overvIeW
Charging the GPSMAP 278
Before using the GPSMAP 278, you might need to charge the
battery. Plug the power cable into an external power source to
charge. You can use the unit while it is charging.
To charge the battery:
1. Lift the rubber weather cap to expose the power connector
on the back of the unit. See the image on page 1 for
connector location.
2. Align the notches and push the plug into the connector until
fully seated.
3. Plug the 12-Volt adapter into an available AC outlet, or
cigarette lighter receptacle if you have a cigarette lighter
adapter. Use care when routing the cable; make sure it does
not interfere with vehicle operation. The unit begins charging
as soon as external power is applied.
TIP: Placing the unit in Charge Mode charges the unit more
quickly than when the unit is turned on and reduces draw on the
vehicle/vessel battery.
When you turn on the GPSMAP 278 power source indicator on the
GPS tab shows the unit is operating off battery power ( ), that
the unit is charging ( ), or that an external power source is in
use ( ).
Using Charge Mode
If you want to charge the battery when you are not using the unit,
you can put the unit into Charge Mode.
To put the GPSMAP 278 in charge mode:
1. Connect the GPSMAP 278 to an external power supply.
2. Press and hold the
POWER key. Instead of completely
turning off, the GPSMAP 278 goes into Charge Mode.
NOTE: While in Charge Mode, the GPSMAP 278 draws a small
amount of current from the vehicle/vessel battery. To avoid
discharging the vehicle’s battery, disconnect the external power
cable from the unit when not in use for several days.
Over time, you might notice that the lithium-ion battery in the unit
is not holding a charge any more. This is common for lithium-ion
batteries. Contact Garmin or your Garmin dealer to order a battery
pack replacement if you are experiencing battery charging issues.
2 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
gettIng stArted > chArgIng the gPsMAP 278
Turning Your GPSMAP 278 On or Off
Before you turn on the GPSMAP 278, be sure the antenna is rotated
up as shown on page 1, and it has a clear and unobstructed view of
the sky to receive satellite signals.
The rst time you turn on your GPSMAP 278, the GPS receiver
must collect satellite data and establish its current location. To
ensure proper initialization, the GPSMAP 278 is shipped from the
factory in AutoLocate mode, which allows the receiver to “nd
itself” anywhere in the world.
To turn the GPSMAP 278 on and off:
1. Press and hold the POWER key. When the unit turns on,
a tone sounds and the Warning Page appears.
Warning Page
2. Read the warning, and then press ENTER to continue.
3. To turn off the GPSMAP 278, press and hold the
POWER key again.
Adjusting the Backlight and Volume
You can adjust the backlight to see the display better. If you are
using the External Speaker with 12/24-Volt Adapter Cable with the
GPSMAP 278, you can adjust the volume level of the audio output.
To adjust the backlight level or volume:
1. Press and quickly release the POWER key.
2. Press up on the ROCKER to increase the brightness or
press down to decrease. Press right to raise the volume or
left to lower.
3. Press ENTER or QUIT to close the Backlight/Volume
adjustment window.
Backlight
adjustment slider
Volume
adjustment slider
Battery time remaining and power source indicator
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 3
gettIng stArted > turnIng Your gPsMAP 278 on or off And AdjustIng the bAcklIght And voluMe
Getting Satellite Signals
After you turn on the GPSMAP 278, the unit automatically begins
searching for satellites. The GPS page appears while the unit is
gathering satellite signals and acquiring a x, which should take
only a few minutes. While the GPSMAP 278 is getting satellite
signals, the GPS page shows the status as “Acquiring Satellites.”
NOTE: While acquiring satellites, the Map Page might show
the wrong location, such as China. You need to wait a few more
minutes to acquire satellites and nd your current location.
Viewing GPS Status
The GPS tab provides a visual reference of satellite acquisition,
receiver status, and accuracy. The sky view and signal strength bars
show of what satellites are visible to the receiver and whether they
are being tracked.
As the receiver locks onto satellites, a signal strength bar appears
for each satellite in view, with the appropriate satellite number
underneath each bar. The numbers below each bar represent the
particular satellite that is being received. Numbers above 33 indicate
EGNOS satellites.
The sky view shows a birds-eye-view of the position of each
satellite relative to the receiver’s last known position. The outer
circle represents the horizon (north up), the inner circle represents
45º above the horizon, and the center point represents a position
directly overhead. You can also set the sky view to a Track Up
conguration, causing the top of the sky view to align along your
current track heading. Press MENU to change the conguration of
the sky view.
Receiver
status
Sky view
Signal
strength bars
Power
source
indicator
4 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
gettIng stArted > gettIng sAtellIte sIgnAls
The progress of satellite acquisition is shown in three stages:
•
No signal strength bars—the receiver is looking for the
satellites indicated.
•
White signal strength bars—the receiver has found the
satellite and is collecting data.
•
Green signal strength bars—the receiver has collected the
necessary data from this satellite.
When the GPSMAP 278 collects the necessary data from the best
satellites in view to calculate a x, the status eld indicates the
status of the receiver. The unit updates the location, date, and time.
Receiver Status
The Receiver Status eld shows one of the following conditions:
•
Searching the Sky—the receiver is looking for satellites.
•
AutoLocate—the receiver is looking for any satellite whose
almanac was collected, which can take up to ve minutes.
•
Acquiring Satellites—the receiver is looking for and
collecting data from satellites visible at its last known or
initialized location but has not acquired a x.
•
2D GPS Location—At least three satellites were acquired
and a two-dimensional position x was calculated. “2D
Differential” appears when you are receiving EGNOS
corrections in 2D mode, and a “D” appears on the strength bar
of satellites being corrected.
•
3D GPS Location—At least four satellites were acquired
and a three-dimensional x was calculated. “3D Differential”
appears when you are receiving EGNOS corrections in 3D
mode, and a “D” appears on the strength bar of satellites being
corrected.
•
Lost Satellite Reception—the receiver is no longer tracking
enough satellites for a 2D or 3D x.
•
Receiver Not Usable—the receiver is unusable, possibly due
to interference or abnormal satellite conditions. Turn the unit
off and back on to reset it.
• Simulating GPS—the receiver is in Simulator Mode.
•
GPS Off—the GPS receiver is turned off.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 5
gettIng stArted > gettIng sAtellIte sIgnAls
GPS Options
Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu. Use the ROCKER to
highlight the GPS tab. Press MENU to open the options menu.
Start/Stop Simulator—start and stop Simulator Mode, which is
helpful when learning how to use your unit.
Enable/Disable EGNOS—enable or disable EGNOS capability.
See page 109 of the “Appendix” for more information about
EGNOS.
Track Up Skyview/North Up Skyview—orient the sky view
display on the GPS page to North up or Track up.
New Altitude—manually enter your altitude.
New Location—enter a new location automatically or using the
map.
GPS Tips
While the receiver is gathering information, your location on the
map might appear different from where you are actually located.
As soon as the receiver gathers enough satellite information, your
proper location appears on the map.
When you travel more than 600 miles with the GPS receiver turned
off, the receiver may take longer than normal to initialize and nd
your location.
The GPS receiver can lose satellite signals due to interference from
such items as buildings, tunnels, and heavy tree cover. Monitoring
the GPS status is recommended.
To learn about GPS, visit www.garmin.com/aboutGPS/.
6 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
gettIng stArted > gettIng sAtellIte sIgnAls
Using the GPSMAP 278 Keypad
IN Key/OUT Key
• Press to adjust map scale to show a larger area
with less detail (zoom out) or a smaller area with
more detail (zoom in).
PAGE/MODE Key
• Press to cycle through main pages in sequence and
exit a submenu page.
• Press and hold to switch between Marine and
Automotive modes.
QUIT Key
• Press to cycle through main pages in reverse
sequence, revert to the previous value in a data
entry eld, or cancel an unintended function.
ENTER/MARK Key
• Press to select a highlighted option.
• Press and hold to mark your current location as a
waypoint.
NAV/MOB Key
• Press to show the navigation menu.
• In Marine Mode, press and hold to activate the
MOB function.
In Automotive Mode, press and hold to show the
Next Turn page and announce the next turn when
using the external speaker.
MENU Key
• Press to open the options menu for the current page.
• Press twice to open the Main Menu.
POWER Key
• Press and hold to turn the unit on or off.
• Press and release to adjust the backlighting and
external speaker volume.
ROCKER
• Press up, down, left, or right to highlight options
and to enter data, or use to pan the arrow on the
Map Page.
FIND Key
• Press to quickly search for and access user
waypoints, cities, and other items used for
navigation.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 7
gettIng stArted > usIng the gPsMAP 278 keYPAd
Using The GPSMAP 278
The advanced keypad system on the GPSMAP 278 is designed to
allow you to select options and enter data quickly and conveniently.
As you progress through this owner’s manual, you are directed to
press a specic key or highlight a eld on the screen. When you
are directed to press a key, you should press and quickly release the
key. If the key needs to be held down for a period of time to start a
secondary function, the instructions tell you to do so. When a eld is
selected on the screen, it is highlighted in yellow.
The following terms are used throughout this manual:
• Highlight
—move the highlighted area on the screen up,
down, left, or right with the ROCKER to select individual
elds. Moving the highlight to a given location allows you to
make a selection, begin data entry, or scroll through a list.
•
Field—the location on a page where data or an option can
be shown and entered. Select (highlight) a eld using the
ROCKER to begin entering data or selecting options.
•
On-screen button—use the ROCKER to highlight a button,
and press ENTER to select the button.
•
Scroll bar—when viewing a list of items too long to show on
the screen, a scroll bar appears along the right side of the list.
To scroll through a list, press up or down on the ROCKER.
•
Default—the factory setting saved in the unit’s memory. You
can change the settings, and you can also revert to the factory
(default) settings when you select Restore Defaults.
Highlighted eld
Field
On-screen buttons
Cartography
The GPSMAP 278 comes preloaded with City Navigator NT
Europe v 9.0
Optional preloaded Garmin data cards and MapSource CD-ROMs
enhance the versatility of your GPSMAP 278. With optional
MapSource BlueChart g2, you can view information that is not
already pre-loaded.
See the Garmin Web site at www.garmin.com/cartography/ for
compatible MapSource products.
8 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
gettIng stArted > usIng the gPsMAP 278
Selecting Options and Entering Data
To enter data and select options, use the ROCKER to highlight,
select, or choose an item in a list or a eld on the screen. Use the
ENTER key and the ROCKER to select options, enter names and
numbers in data elds, and activate your selections.
To select an optional feature:
1. From any page, press MENU. The options menu shows a list
of optional features specic to that page.
2. Use the ROCKER to move the highlight up, down, right, or
left on the menu to the option you want to select.
3. Press ENTER to select the feature. Another window with
more options might appear. If so, select an option and press
ENTER again.
To exit a menu or return to the previous setting:
Press QUIT. The QUIT key moves backward through your
steps. Press QUIT repeatedly to return to the starting page.
To select an on-screen button:
On a page with on-screen buttons, use the ROCKER to
highlight an on-screen button, and press ENTER.
On-screen
button
To mark your current location as a waypoint, press and hold
ENTER/MARK until the New Waypoint Page appears.
To enter data in a data eld:
1. Use the ROCKER to highlight the data eld and press
ENTER to edit it.
2. Press up or down on the ROCKER to select characters.
Press right to move to the next character or press left to
move back to the previous character. If there are two lines of
data, keep pressing right on the ROCKER to go to the next
line.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 9
gettIng stArted > usIng the gPsMAP 278
Entering
data
TIP: To clear the entire data eld, highlight the left-most
character eld and press left on the ROCKER again.
3. Press ENTER.
Not all elds are programmable. When you are on a page with elds
that are not selectable, the highlight skips over them.
Restoring Default Settings
You can restore factory defaults for the following Main Menu tabs:
Track, Alarms, Display, Sound, and Setup. For more information
about the Main Menu, see the “Main Menu” section beginning on
page 66.
To restore default settings:
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu.
2. Use the ROCKER to highlight a tab, and then press MENU to
open the options menu.
Setup Tab Options Menu
3. Highlight Restore Default, and press ENTER.
10 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
gettIng stArted > usIng the gPsMAP 278
Using the Main Menu
Use the Main Menu on your GPSMAP 278 to access various
waypoint, system, navigation and interface management, and setup
menus. Press the MENU key twice from any page to open the Main
Menu. For more information, see the “Main Menu” section on
page 66.
Main Menu
To select a tab from the Main Menu:
1. From any page, press MENU twice to open the Main Menu.
2. Press up or down on the ROCKER to highlight a tab. The
information for the highlighted tab automatically appears
on the right. To highlight a sub tab, press left or right on the
ROCKER, and then press up or down to select individual
elds.
By default, the Main Menu tabs are shown as icons along the left
side of the screen. You can change the Main Menu to show tabs in a
text-only format.
To view the Main Menu icons in text only format:
1. Highlight the Display tab, and press ENTER.
2. Select the Main Menu eld. Press ENTER.
3. Highlight Text Only, and Press ENTER.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 11
gettIng stArted > usIng the gPsMAP 278
Using Simulator Mode
Simulator Mode is great for practicing with the unit if you are
indoors or when satellite signals are not available. All waypoints and
routes created in Simulator Mode are retained in memory for future
use.
NOTE: Do not try to navigate using Simulator Mode because
the GPS receiver is turned off. Any satellite signal strength bars
shown are only simulations and do not represent the strength of
actual satellite signals.
To turn on Simulator Mode:
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu.
2. Highlight the GPS tab.
3. Press MENU to open the GPS tab options menu.
4. Highlight Start Simulator, and press ENTER.
GPS tab
Starting Simulator Mode from the GPS tab
Entering a New Location
Use the GPS options menu to enter a new location to simulate from.
To enter a new location using the map:
1. Highlight the GPS tab on the Main Menu.
2. Press MENU
to open the options menu.
3. Highlight New Location, and press ENTER.
4. Highlight Use Map, and press ENTER.
5. Use the ROCKER to move the panning arrow to the location
you want on the map, and press ENTER.
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MarIne Mode
Your GPSMAP 278 comes preloaded with an enhanced worldwide basemap that depicts shorelines and surface features. The GPSMAP 278 is
compatible with BlueChart g2 marine cartography.
Marine Mode Pages
Marine Mode has ve main pages: Map, Compass, Highway, Active Route, and Position Data. An optional Sonar Page is available when a
GSD 21 or GSD 20 is connected. See the “Setting Up and Using Sonar” section beginning on page 90 for more information.
Position Data Page Active Route Page
Map Page Compass Page Highway Page
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 13
MArIne Mode > MArIne Mode PAges
Navigating to a Destination
You can navigate to your destination using the Map Page. As you
travel, you see a magenta line that always runs from your current
location to the destination or to the next turn on the Map Page. You
can use the Map Page, Compass Page, or Highway Page to help
navigate.
You can navigate to a destination using one of the following
methods:
• Select a point on the map and press the NAV
key (page 15).
• Press the NAV
key to navigate a new route using the Find
Menu, or to navigate a saved route or track (page 24).
• Press the FIND
key to search for a particular item and create
a route to it (see page 17).
Marine Mode and Automotive Mode are similar. Most of the
features discussed here also apply to Automotive Mode.
Navigate Options Menu
Press NAV to open the Navigate options menu.
Navigate Options Menu
Go To Point—select a waypoint or point of interest from the
Find menu to which to navigate (page 15).
Navigate Route—select a route to navigate (page 24).
Navigate Track (TracBack)—select a saved track to navigate
(page 38).
MOB (Man OverBoard)—create a MOB waypoint and navigate
to that location (page 16).
Stop (Resume) Navigation—stop or resume navigation
(page 15).
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To navigate (Go To) a point on the map:
Highlight a point to navigate
to, and press NAV.
Highlight Go To <point
name>, and press ENTER.
Follow the magenta line
created on the Map Page.
To stop navigation:
While navigating to a point,
press NAV.
Highlight Stop Navigation,
and press ENTER.
Highlight Resume Navigation, and
press ENTER to resume navigation.
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MArIne Mode > nAvIgAtIng to A destInAtIon
Man OverBoard (MOB)
Use the MOB function to simultaneously mark your current location
and create a direct route back to that location for quick response to
emergency situations.
To activate the MOB function:
1. Press and hold the NAV/MOB key, or press the NAV/MOB
key twice.
2. Press ENTER to conrm and begin navigating to the MOB
location.
When a MOB is activated, a MOB waypoint with an international
MOB symbol is created, and the unit begins actively navigating to
that point. Use any of the navigation pages to guide you back to the
MOB point. The MOB waypoint is stored in the waypoint list and
can be deleted like any other waypoint.
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Finding an Item
Use the Find menu to search for addresses, food & drink, fuel services, lodging, banks/ATMs, cities, shopping, stored waypoints, and
points of interest (POIs). To open the Find menu, press the FIND key. The Find menu is comprised of several default categories, including
Waypoints, Cities, Exits, Transportation, and Data, just to name a few. Additional categories appear depending on the optional BlueChart g2
or MapSource data card in the unit.
To nd an item and go to it:
Press FIND to open the
Find menu.
Highlight a category, and
press ENTER.
Press ENTER, and then
spell the name of the item.
Highlight the Go To button,
and press ENTER.
Follow the magenta line
created on the Map Page.
Select an item from the list,
and press ENTER.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 17
MArIne Mode > fIndIng An IteM
Finding an Item From Another Location
You can use the Find menu to center your search around an item you
just found. For example, you search for Restricted Areas and the
search shows an “Anchoring Prohibited” search result. If you press
FIND again, you will see “From Anchoring Prohibited” as the new
search from point. You can also use the Find feature to center your
search from any waypoint, route list entry, map item, or POI.
To nd an item near another item:
1. Follow the steps on page 17 to nd an item.
2. Press FIND to open the Find menu.
3. Select a category, and press ENTER. Items near the
previously-selected item are shown in the search results list.
To nd an item from another location on the map:
1. Move the arrow (pointer) to the location you want on the
map, and press FIND.
2. Highlight a category, and press ENTER.
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3. Highlight an item from the search results list, and press
ENTER.
4. Press ENTER to go to the item.
To nd an item near another location:
1. Press FIND.
2. Press MENU to open the options menu.
3. Highlight Near Other, and press ENTER.
4. Select a reference location on the map, and press ENTER.
The list shows items nearest to the new map location.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 19
MArIne Mode > fIndIng An IteM
Viewing Recently Found Items
The Recently Found Page shows a list of the items you have
searched for or gone to recently.
To view a list of recently found items:
1. Press FIND to open the Find menu.
2. Highlight Recently Found, and press ENTER to open the list
of recently found items.
3. Press MENU to open the options menu.
4. Select Show Find History to view the list of items you have
searched for recently.
OR
Select Show Goto History to view the list of items you have
recently created a Go To for (Go To History).
5. Highlight Remove Point, and press ENTER to delete the
selected recently found point.
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Viewing the Information Page
Each item on the map and each item listed in the results list has an
Information Page.
To view details about an item:
1. Highlight a point on the map or in the search results list, and
press ENTER.
An Information Page appears with details about the item
in a tabbed format. Depending on the item selected, and if
you are using optional BlueChart g2 data cards, additional
information is available for viewing the item on the Map,
viewing a tide chart, viewing the list of maps on your data
card, and viewing the next item in the search results list.
Map Feature Information Page
2. Press PAGE or QUIT to exit the Information Page. You
can also highlight one of the on-screen buttons, and press
ENTER.
Find Menu Options
To view additional Find menu options, press FIND, and then press
MENU
.
Enable Auto Arrange—automatically arranges the Find menu.
When selected, Disable Auto Arrange and Restore Default
options are available.
Near Other—select a new location from which to compile the
Find items lists. Using the ROCKER, move the map arrow to
the location you want, and press ENTER.
Map Information—shows information about the detailed map
data stored on the data card and allows you to select which
maps appear on the Map Page.
Additional selections are available on the options menu when you
are navigating:
Near Next—compiles the Find items lists based on the next
turn in the route.
Near Destination—compiles the Find items lists based on the
route destination.
Near Current Route—compiles the Find items lists based on
the active route.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 21
MArIne Mode > fIndIng An IteM
Creating and Using Routes
You can create and store up to 50 reversible routes, with up to 300 points each.
Creating a New Route
Use the Route tab to create a route by selecting waypoints from the Find menu, or by selecting waypoints or map items from the Map Page.
To create a route using the Find menu:
Highlight the Route tab on
the Main Menu.
Press MENU once to open
the Route options menu.
Highlight New Route, and
press ENTER.
Press ENTER to nd items
to add to the route.
Highlight OK, and press
ENTER to add a route point.
Repeat step 5 to dene
additional route points.
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To create a route using the map:
Highlight the Route tab on
the Main Menu.
Press MENU once to open
the Route options menu.
Highlight New Route, and
press ENTER.
Highlight Edit on Map, and
press ENTER.
Highlight a location on the
map, and press ENTER.
Repeat step 5 to dene
additional route points.
NOTE: If you select an area of the map that is not a feature or waypoint, a new waypoint is created for that location. Press ENTER on the New
Waypoint Page to save the location as a waypoint and continue adding points to your route. You can edit the properties of this waypoint as you
can with any waypoint.
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Navigating a Saved Route
Use the Navigate Route option to select and navigate a saved route.
To navigate a saved route:
1. Press the NAV key.
2. Highlight Navigate Route, and press ENTER.
3. Highlight a route, and press ENTER.
Select a route
from list
To navigate a new route using the Find menu:
1. Press the NAV key.
2. Highlight Go To Point, and press ENTER to open the Find
menu.
3. Highlight Waypoints, and press ENTER.
4. Select a waypoint from the list, and press ENTER to open the
Waypoint Review Page.
Waypoint Review Page
5. With the Go To button highlighted, press ENTER to begin
navigation.
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Editing a Route
After you create a route, use the Route Review Page to edit, change
the name, and review route points of a selected route.
To change the name of the route:
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu. Highlight the
Route tab.
2. Use the ROCKER to highlight the name of the route, and
press ENTER.
3. With the Route Review Page open, highlight the route name
eld at the top of the page, and press ENTER.
Route Review Page
Enter a new
Route name
here
4. Enter the route name, and press ENTER.
To review individual route points:
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu. Highlight the
Route tab.
2. From the Route List Page, use the ROCKER to highlight the
name of the route, and press ENTER.
3. From the Route Review Page, highlight a point, and press
ENTER.
4. On the Point Review Page, choose Next (highlight the next
point on the route list), Show Map (show the point on a map
window), or Save (save the point as a waypoint) and press
ENTER. If the route point is a user waypoint, you can edit
any of the waypoint properties on the Waypoint Page (see
the “Creating and Using Waypoints” section beginning on
page 28).
When you return to the Route Review Page, the next point in the
route is automatically highlighted. You can review each point on the
route by pressing ENTER repeatedly.
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MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng routes
To add points to a route:
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu. Highlight the
Route tab.
2. Select a route, and press ENTER.
3. Highlight the spot in the route that you want to add the new
point. (The new point is added before the highlighted route
point.)
4. Press MENU.
5. Highlight Insert Waypoint, and press ENTER. The Find
Menu opens for you to search for and select the point you
want to add to the route.
6. In the Point Review Page, highlight OK, and press ENTER to
add the new point to the route.
To edit the route on the map:
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu. Highlight the
Route tab.
2. Select a route and press ENTER. Press MENU to open the
Route Review Page options menu.
3. Highlight Edit on Map, and press ENTER.
4. Use the ROCKER to select a location on the route (the route
turns white when the arrow is over the route), and press
ENTER.
5. Use the ROCKER to drag the route to the new point location,
and press ENTER.
Editing the route on the map
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all points are added to the route.
Press QUIT when nished.
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You can enter information about your trip so the GPSMAP 278 can
estimate information about your trip.
To plan your route:
1. Open the Route Review Page options menu.
2. Highlight Plan Route, and press ENTER.
Entering Speed and Fuel Flow for Trip Planning
3. Enter the data for speed and fuel ow. You also can enter the
date and time of your departure. Press QUIT to return to the
Route Review Page.
NOTE: Fuel ow rates are measured in “units per hour.” System
setting changes for units of measure (statute, nautical or metric)
do not affect the fuel ow measure. You should enter fuel
ow rates based on information for your vehicle (such as the
operator’s manual or performance specications) and make note
of the units of measure (gallons or liters).
Manually Transitioning to the Next Waypoint
From the Route tab option menu, highlight Set Up Routes and
press ENTER to set the route leg transition (or waypoint transition).
Select Distance to enter a radius so that when you are within the
entered distance, the GPSMAP 278 leads you to the next point on
your route.
When you select Manual, you can transition to the next waypoint
anytime while navigating a route. While you are navigating the
route, open the Active Route Page. Press MENU. Highlight Next
Route Waypoint and press ENTER to have the GPSMAP 278 start
routing you to the next point in your route.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 27
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng routes
Creating and Using Waypoints
The GPSMAP 278 stores up to 3,000 alphanumeric waypoints with
a user-dened icon, comment, elevation, depth, and temperature
available for each waypoint. You can create waypoints using three
basic methods:
• ENTER/MARK
—use the ENTER/MARK key to mark your
present location.
•
Graphically—use the map display to dene a new waypoint
location.
•
Manually—enter waypoint location coordinates manually.
Marking Your Present Location
Use the ENTER/MARK key to capture your present location to
create a new waypoint. You must have a valid position (2D or 3D)
x to mark your present location.
To mark your present location:
1. Press and hold the ENTER/MARK key until the New
Waypoint Page appears, then release it. A default four-digit
name and symbol are assigned for the new waypoint.
New Waypoint Page
2. To accept the waypoint with the default information, highlight
OK, and press ENTER.
To change any information on the New Waypoint Page,
highlight the appropriate eld and press ENTER. After
entering and conrming your changes, highlight OK, and
press ENTER.
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Creating Waypoints Using the Map
You can quickly create a waypoint using the Map Page. When
you pan the map and move the arrow over a map item, you see a
highlighted description of that item. The GPSMAP 278 uses the map
item text shown on the map as the default name and symbol for the
new waypoint.
To create a new waypoint using the Map Page:
1. Use the ROCKER to move the arrow to the map location or
map feature you want.
2. Press and quickly release ENTER/MARK to capture the
arrow location. Pressing and holding ENTER/MARK marks
your current location, not the arrow’s location.
If you have highlighted a map feature, an information page
appears after you press ENTER. Use the ROCKER to
highlight Save, and press ENTER to save the item as a
waypoint. The New Map Waypoint Page appears.
Map Feature Information Page
3. To accept the waypoint with the default information, highlight
OK, and press ENTER.
To change the any information on the New Map Waypoint
Page, highlight the appropriate eld and press ENTER. After
entering your changes, highlight OK, and press ENTER.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 29
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Creating a Waypoint by Entering Coordinates
You can manually enter location coordinates to create a waypoint.
This method is useful for creating a waypoint at a specic latitude/
longitude position from a chart.
To create a new waypoint by entering location
coordinates:
1. Press ENTER/MARK to create a waypoint. The new
waypoint is created with the next available waypoint number
and the receiver’s last know location as the default location.
2. On the New Map Waypoint Page, highlight the Location
eld, and press ENTER.
3. Use the ROCKER to enter location coordinates and press
ENTER when nished.
To change any of the other information on the New Waypoint
Page, highlight the appropriate eld and press ENTER. After
entering your changes, highlight OK, and press ENTER.
Reviewing a Waypoint
After you create and store a waypoint, you can modify, review,
rename, move, or delete it at any time using either the Waypoint
Review Page or Waypoint Edit Page.
To access the Waypoint Review Page:
Highlight a waypoint on the Map Page, and then press
ENTER to open the Waypoint Review Page. If the waypoint
is located on a map feature or MapSource or BlueChart g2
feature, the Waypoint Review Page might include additional
tabs containing information about other features at that
location.
Waypoint Review Page
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To access the Waypoint Edit Page:
1. Highlight the Points tab on the Main Menu, and then select a
waypoint from the list.
Points Tab
2. Press ENTER to open the Waypoint Edit Page.
NOTE: If the waypoint is located on a map feature or
MapSource or BlueChart g2 feature, the Waypoint Edit Page
does not show the details of the other map features.
Adding a Waypoint to a Route
Use the Append to Route option to add the selected waypoint
to the end of a route. This option is available only when you are
not navigating. When you are navigating to a destination, Add to
Current Route appears. The selected waypoint is added to the
current route before the route destination.
To add a waypoint to the end of the route:
1. Open the Waypoint Edit Page, and press MENU.
Waypoint Options Menu
2. Select Append To Route. The Select Route window
appears.
3. Highlight a route or select New Route, and press ENTER.
4. Highlight OK, and press ENTER to save the waypoint.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 31
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng WAYPoInts
Averaging the Waypoint’s Location
Average Location makes the unit take several sample location
measurements for the waypoint and recalculate for a more accurate
location reading.
NOTE: You must have a GPS satellite x before you can
average a waypoint’s location.
To calculate the average location:
1. Open the Waypoint Page, and press MENU.
2. Select Average Location, and press ENTER. The Average
Location window appears. The elds change as the unit
calculates the average location of the waypoint.
3. Press ENTER to save the location.
Projecting a Waypoint
You can create a new waypoint by projecting the distance and
bearing from a specic location to a new location.
To create a new waypoint by projecting its location:
1. Create a waypoint. The new waypoint uses the next available
waypoint number and the receiver’s last known location as
the default location.
2. Highlight the Points tab on the Main Menu, and then select a
waypoint. Press ENTER.
3. Press MENU to open the New Waypoint Page options menu.
4. Highlight Project Location, and press ENTER.
Project Location Menu
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5. To change the location from which you are projecting the new
waypoint, highlight the From eld, and press ENTER.
6. Select the point that you will project your new waypoint from.
For more information see the “Finding an Item” section on
page 17.
7. To adjust the distance that the new waypoint will be projected
beyond the original waypoint, highlight the Distance eld,
and press ENTER. Enter the projection distance, and press
ENTER.
To adjust the bearing that the new waypoint will be projected
from the original waypoint, highlight the Bearing eld, and
press ENTER. Enter the bearing, and press ENTER.
8. When you have adjusted all elements of the projected
location, highlight Save, and press ENTER.
9. Make any other changes to the new waypoint data (such as
the name or symbol); highlight OK, and press ENTER.
Editing a Waypoint
The User sub tab shows a master list of all waypoints stored in
memory. From the User list, you can review, edit, rename, or delete
individual waypoints or delete all user waypoints.
The number of stored and available waypoints is shown at
the bottom of the User sub tab. Stored waypoints arranged in
alphanumeric order.
User Points Tab
To navigate (Go To) a waypoint from the Points tab:
1. Select the Points tab on the Main Menu, and then highlight
the User sub tab.
2. Highlight the waypoint you want in the list.
3. Press NAV to open the Navigate Menu. Highlight Go To
<Point Name>, and press ENTER.
To edit a waypoint:
1. Open the Waypoint Review or Waypoint Edit Page.
2. Highlight the waypoint name, symbol, or eld you want to
change, and press ENTER.
3. Use the ROCKER to select a symbol or enter data, and
Press ENTER when nished.
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MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng WAYPoInts
Waypoint Page
Name eldSymbol eld
To edit the next waypoint in the list:
1. Highlight Next and press ENTER. The Waypoint list appears
with the next waypoint highlighted.
2. Press ENTER to edit that waypoint.
Organizing Waypoints into Categories
You can organize your waypoints into categories, to help manage
your waypoints. For example, you can create a Vacation category
that stores all of the waypoints you will use for your vacation.
When the vacation is over, you can delete all the waypoints in that
category. You can create up to 15 categories.
To create a category:
1. From any of the waypoint pages or the Points tab, press
MENU to open the options menu.
2. Select Edit Categories, and press ENTER.
3. Highlight Add, and press ENTER.
Entering a new category
4. Use the ROCKER to enter a name for the category.
5. Highlight Save, and press ENTER.
To assign a category to a waypoint:
1. Open the Waypoint Edit Page. (You can also change the
category on the New Waypoint Page.)
2. Select the Category eld, and press ENTER.
3. Select the category to which you want to assign the
waypoint, and press ENTER.
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Waypoint Page
Select the
category to
which you want
to assign the
waypoint.
To delete a category:
1. With the Waypoint Categories window open, highlight the
category you want to delete, and press MENU.
2. Select Delete Category, and press ENTER.
3. Press ENTER again to delete the category.
Deleting Waypoints
You can delete waypoints from the waypoint list in the Points tab or
from the Waypoint pages. To delete a waypoint from the Waypoint
Page, use the ROCKER to highlight the on-screen Delete button
and press ENTER.
NOTE: When you delete a waypoint from the list, it cannot
be recovered from the unit. Back up important waypoints to a
computer using the PC cable and interface software, such as
MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager, or write them down.
To delete a waypoint from the User Points tab:
1. From the Points tab, use the ROCKER to highlight the
waypoint you want to delete.
2. Press MENU, highlight Delete Waypoint, and press ENTER.
A conrmation message appears.
3. Press ENTER to conrm.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 35
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To delete waypoints by symbol or category:
1. On the User sub tab, highlight a waypoint to delete, and
press MENU.
2. Highlight Delete by Symbol or Delete by Category, and
press ENTER.
3. When deleting by symbol, highlight the symbol of the
waypoint you want to delete, and press ENTER. When
deleting by category, select the category you want to delete
from the list, and press ENTER.
4. Highlight OK, and press ENTER to conrm. Choose Cancel
or press QUIT to exit without deleting the waypoint.
To delete waypoints by distance:
1. On the User sub tab, highlight a waypoint to delete, and
press MENU.
2. Highlight Delete By Distance, and press ENTER.
3. Select Less Than or More Than and enter the distance
using the ROCKER.
4. You can select a waypoint or point of interest as the From
location. Highlight the From eld and press ENTER. From
the Find menu, select a location and press ENTER. When
OK is highlighted, press ENTER.
5. Highlight Delete and press ENTER to delete all waypoints
within the set location. Choose Cancel or press QUIT to exit
without deleting the waypoints.
Proximity Points
Use the Proximity Points tab to dene an alarm circle around a
stored waypoint location. The alarm circle can help you avoid reefs,
rocks, or restricted waters. Up to 100 waypoints can be listed with
a maximum alarm radius of 99.99 nautical miles, statute miles, or
kilometers.
If a proximity alarm circle overlaps an existing alarm circle, a
“Proximity Overlaps Another Proximity Waypoint” message
appears. Because the unit only alerts for one of the overlap points,
use caution when navigating in these areas. If you enter an alarm
circle overlap, you are only alerted to the closest proximity
waypoint.
To turn proximity alarms on or off:
1. Highlight the Points tab on the Main Menu, and then select
the Proximity sub tab.
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2. Use the ROCKER to highlight the eld below Proximity
Alarm, and press ENTER.
3. Select the On or Off setting and press ENTER.
To add a proximity waypoint:
1. From the Proximity Points tab, use the ROCKER to highlight
an empty line on the Proximity List, and press ENTER. The
Find Menu appears.
2. Select a waypoint or point of interest from the Find menu.
3. With OK highlighted, press ENTER to select the point. The
distance eld is now highlighted. Press ENTER to begin
entering the proximity radius.
4. Use the ROCKER to enter a distance value (up to 99.99
units) and press ENTER.
To clear one or all proximity waypoints from the list:
1. Highlight the Points tab on the Main Menu, and then select
the Proximity sub tab.
2. Use the ROCKER to highlight the proximity waypoint to clear,
and press MENU.
Proximity Points Tab Options Menu
3. To clear a single alarm, highlight Remove Point, and press
ENTER. To clear all proximity waypoints, select Remove All,
and press ENTER.
4. Use the ROCKER to highlight OK, and press ENTER to
conrm.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 37
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng WAYPoInts
Managing Your Tracks
The GPSMAP 278 draws an electronic breadcrumb trail or track log
on the Map Page as you travel. The track log contains points along
its path, including time, and location for each point.
The track log starts recording as soon as the GPSMAP 278 gets
a location x. For the best results, clear the track log before you
start traveling because when the track log is full, new track points
overwrite the oldest track points.
The percentage of memory used by the current track log appears at
the top of the Active tab. After the track log is cleared, it shows zero
percent. When the track log reaches 100%, the most recent track
points start to overwrite the least recent track points (if Wrap is
selected for Record Mode). To avoid losing track points, save the
track log when it approaches the 99% mark.
Setting Up and Saving Your Tracks
You must save the track log before you can use the Navigate Track
feature. The Save feature allows you to store up to 15 track logs
from certain times and dates.
To access the Track tab:
1. Press Menu twice to open the Main Menu.
2. Use the ROCKER to highlight the Track tab.
Active Track Tab
Record Mode—Wrap records over the oldest tracks when the
track log reaches 100%. Fill records a track log until the track
log is full (100%). When Off is selected, the unit does not record
tracks.
Interval—Distance records track points after a specied
distance is traveled. Time creates track points after a specied
time has elapsed. Resolution records track points based on the
resolution. The higher the resolution entered, the more points
the unit creates to make the track.
Color—select a color for the track when it appears on the map.
Value—records a track according to the Interval and Value.
Enter a specic distance, time, or resolution.
38 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
MArIne Mode > MAnAgIng Your trAcks
To clear the track log:
1. Highlight the Track tab, on the Main Menu, and then highlight
the Active sub tab.
2. Highlight the Clear button, and press ENTER. A conrmation
message appears.
Clearing the Track Log
3. Highlight OK, and press ENTER.
4. Press QUIT to exit.
To save the entire track log:
1. Highlight the Track tab, on the Main Menu, and then highlight
the Active sub tab.
2. Select Save, and press ENTER. A message appears asking
if you want to save the entire track.
3. To save the entire track, highlight Yes, and press ENTER.
To save a portion of the track log:
1. On the Active sub tab, select Save, and press ENTER.
2. To save only a portion of the track, highlight No and press
ENTER when a message appears.
3. Select a beginning point, and press ENTER.
4. Select an ending point, and press ENTER.
5. Highlight OK and press ENTER to save the track.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 39
MArIne Mode > MAnAgIng Your trAcks
Saved Tracks
The Saved sub tab lists all of the saved tracks in your unit. Press
MENU
to open the Saved tab options menu.
Review on Map—shows the highlighted track on the Map Page.
TracBack—navigates the track. You can either navigate the
track as it is saved, or you can navigate the track in reverse.
Delete Track—erases the highlighted track from the unit’s
memory.
Delete All—erases all tracks from the unit’s memory.
To edit a track:
1. Highlight the Track tab on the Main Menu, and then select
the Saved sub tab.
2. Select a track to edit, and press ENTER.
3. Highlight the Name eld, and press ENTER. Use the
ROCKER to change the name, and press ENTER.
4. Select a different display color to show the track on the map.
5. Highlight the box next to Show on Map, and press ENTER to
show the track on the map.
6. To begin a TracBack, highlight TracBack, and press ENTER.
7. To view the track on the map, highlight Map, and press
ENTER. Press QUIT to return to the Track tab.
8. Highlight OK, and press ENTER to save your changes.
40 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
MArIne Mode > MAnAgIng Your trAcks
Navigating a Saved Track
You can save your track log to use later as a TracBack, which
reduces your track log into a route with up to 300 turns. When
initiated, a TracBack route leads you back to the oldest stored track
log point. It is a good idea to clear the existing track log before you
start your current trip. Also, you must save an active track log before
you can navigate it as a TracBack.
To activate a TracBack using the NAV key:
1. Press NAV, highlight Navigate Track, and press ENTER.
2. Highlight the track you want to navigate, and press ENTER.
Selecting a Saved Track
3. Use the ROCKER to select the point you want to navigate to
(TracBack to), and press ENTER.
TracBack Tips
When a TracBack is initiated, the GPSMAP 278 divides the track
into segments called legs. Up to 300 temporary turns are created to
mark the most signicant features of the track in order to duplicate
your exact path as closely as possible. To get the most out of the
TracBack feature, remember these tips:
• Always clear the
track log at the point that you want to go
back to (such as a dock or campsite).
• The
Record Mode option on the Active Track tab must be set
to Fill or Wrap.
• If the track log
Interval option on the Active tab is set to the
Time option, the route might not navigate your exact path
(keep the interval set to Resolution for best performance).
• If the receiver is turned off or satellite coverage is lost during
your trip, TracBack draws a straight line between any point
where coverage was lost and where it resumed.
• If the changes in distance and direction of your track are too
complex, 300 waypoints might not mark your path accurately.
The receiver then uses the most signicant points of your
track so there are fewer changes in direction.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 41
MArIne Mode > MAnAgIng Your trAcks
MarIne Mode PaGes
Five pages are available in Marine Mode—Map, Compass,
Highway, Active Route, and Position Data. An optional Sonar
Page is available when a GSD 20 or GSD 21 sounder module is
connected.
Map Page
When you turn on the GPSMAP 278, the Map Page appears after the
unit acquires a satellite signal. The position arrow ( ) shows your
current location on the map.
The Map Page shows map information (digital cartography) that
includes navaids, lakes, rivers, coastlines, cities, and highways. Use
the zoom keys (IN and OUT) to adjust the Map Page scale.
Map Page
Data elds
Map scale
Current
location
Map Page Options Menu
Press MENU to open the options menu.
Declutter On (Off)—hide unwanted map items such as
highways to declutter the display (page 47).
Measure Distance—measure distance between two map items
(page 48).
Show (Hide) Heading Line—turn the heading line on or off.
Set Up Map—set up how the Map Page appears (page 44).
Set Up Page Layout—select the page layout (page 43).
Change Data Fields—change onscreen data elds (page 43).
Map Information—review maps loaded on your GPSMAP 278
(page 44).
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Changing the Page Layout andPage Layout and Data Fields
By default, ve data elds appear on the right side of the Map Page.
You can select how the elds are shown and what information each
eld contains.
To change the map page layout:
1.Press MENU to open the options menu.
2. Highlight Set Up Page Layout, and press ENTER.
3. Select a page layout option, and press ENTER.
To change a data eld display:
1. Press MENU to open the options menu.
2. Highlight Change Data Fields, and press ENTER.
3. Highlight the data eld to change, and press ENTER.
4. Press up or down on the ROCKER to highlight the type of
data you want to show, and press ENTER.
5. Press QUIT to exit.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 43
MArIne Mode PAges > MAP PAge
Setting Up the Map Page
Use the Set Up Map option to set how items appear on the Map
Page.
To change a map setup option:
1. On the Map Page, press MENU to open the options menu.
2. Highlight Set Up Map, and press ENTER.
Setting up the Map Page
3. Press left or right on the ROCKER to highlight a tab; press
up or down on the ROCKER to highlight to the eld you want
to change, and press ENTER.
4. Press up or down on the ROCKER to highlight a setting, and
press ENTER.
5. Press PAGE or QUIT to exit.
Viewing Additional Map Data
Use the Map Information page to view the data loaded on your
GPSMAP 278 unit and data card.
To review/change map information:
1. On the Map Page, press MENU.
2. Highlight Map Information, and press ENTER. The rst
page shows the Map Families stored on the data card and
unit and whether they are shown on the Map Page.
Map Information Page
Map Family
highlighted.
Press ENTER
to view the
individual maps
in the family.
3. To change the setting for a map family, highlight the box next
to the map family name and press ENTER to select (check
mark) or deselect (no check mark) the Show setting.
4. To view the list of maps within a map family, highlight the
name of the map family, and press ENTER.
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5. When using map loaded to a data card, you can view
detailed information about an individual map, highlight the
Map Name, and press ENTER. Highlight OK, and press
ENTER to exit the Map Information page.
6. To select/deselect individual maps (data card maps only) for
display on the Map Page, highlight the box next to the map
you want, and press ENTER to check/uncheck the Show
box.
OR
Press MENU, select one of the options (Show All, Hide All,
or Show Defaults), and press ENTER.
7. Press QUIT to exit the Map Information Page.
Map Orientation
There are three map orientation options: North Up orients the map
like a paper map. Track Up orients the map in the direction of travel.
Course Up orients the map so the direction of navigation is always
up. When using Track Up or Course Up, the North arrow indicates
the orientation. To change the map orientation, press MENU to open
the Map Page. Press MENU again. Select Set Up Map and press
ENTER. See page 43 for information.
Zooming In and Out of the Map
The map display has 28 available zoom scales ranging from 5 m to
800 nm (5 m to 1200 km). The map scale is controlled by the IN and
OUT keys, with the current scale shown at the bottom right of the
data window.
NOTE: The scale value represents the distance from one end of
the scale bar ( ) to the other.
To select a map scale (zoom in and out):
Press the OUT key to zoom out; press the IN key to zoom in.
The GPSMAP 278 has a built-in worldwide land database. The unit
shows cartography as long as chart information is available for the
zoom scale you selected.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 45
MArIne Mode PAges > MAP PAge
Map coverage conforms to the following conditions:
• Cartography is shown when the selected zoom scale is
covered by either the internal basemap or other MapSource
data loaded onto a data card.
• When the selected zoom scale is covered by both the internal
database and data card map information, the cartography with
the best resolution appears.
• When the selected zoom scale exceeds the resolution of the
data in use, “overzoom” appears below the map scale.
No Additional Data is Available
• When internal data (such as MapSource data) is used,
“detailed map” appears below the map scale.
Using Internal Detailed Maps
Panning the Map
Use the panning arrow to pan the map to view other map areas.
As you pan past the edge of the current map display, the screen
moves to provide continuous map coverage. The position icon
stays in your present location and might not be visible on the screen
when you pan the map.
To pan the map:
Press up, down, right, or left on the ROCKER. The panning
arrow moves the map so you can view different parts of the
map.
Map feature
highlighted
As you move the arrow, the distance and bearing from your present
location to the arrow appears in the data window, along with the
arrow’s position coordinates. When you zoom in pan mode, the
arrow stays centered on the screen. When the arrow is stationary,
xed coordinates appear in the position eld, and the distance and
bearing from your present location update as you move.
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To re-center your position on the screen:
Press QUIT. The map automatically moves to show your
present location, and the unit returns to position mode.
You can also use the arrow to select on-screen map items, which
allows you to review a selected item directly from the map display.
To view details about an on-screen point:
1. Use the ROCKER to move the arrow to a waypoint or map
item. If several items are grouped closely together, zoom in
closer for a better view.
When a waypoint or map item is selected, it is highlighted on-
screen with the name and location shown at the top of the
screen, along with the distance and bearing from your current
location.
2. Press ENTER to view more information about the point. The
information and on-screen buttons shown vary depending
on the type of item selected. In some cases, additional
information tabs appear at the top of the Information Page or
Waypoint Page.
3. Use the
ROCKER to highlight the extra tabs and view the
information.
4. Select an on-screen button and press ENTER. Press QUIT to
exit the Information Page.
(Optional BlueChart g2 data shown)
Map Feature Information Page
Clearing Unwanted Details from the Map
You can remove items from the Map Page display (declutter the
display) to remove unwanted items, such as highways.
To declutter the Map Page:
1. On the Map Page, press MENU to open the options menu.
2. Highlight Declutter, and press ENTER.
3. Press ENTER again to restore the detail to the map display.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 47
MArIne Mode PAges > MAP PAge
Measuring Distance
You can measure the distance and bearing between two map items.
To measure the bearing/distance between two points:
1. On the Map Page, press MENU to open the options menu.
2. Highlight Measure Distance, and press ENTER. An
on-screen arrow appears on the map at your present location
with ENT REF below it.
3. Move the arrow to the reference point (the starting point that
you want to measure from), and press ENTER. A push pin
icon marks the starting point.
4. Move the arrow to the point want to measure to. The bearing
and distance from the reference point and arrow coordinates
appear in the data window at the top of the display.
Measure Distance
End point of
measurement,
labeled
ENT REF
Push pin
indicating the
beginning
point of the
measurement
5. Press QUIT to nish.
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Compass Page
During active navigation, the Compass Page guides you to your
destination with a graphic compass display and a bearing pointer.
When the pointer is pointing straight up, you are heading directly to
your destination.
Compass Page in Marine Mode
Rotating
compass ring
Course to steer
indicator
Compass arrow
Data elds
The middle of the page features a rotating compass ring that shows
your course over ground (track) while you are moving. Your present
course over ground is indicated at the top of the compass ring. The
direction of the destination (bearing) relative to the course over
ground is indicated by an arrow in the middle of the compass ring
and a course to steer “bug” on the outside of the compass ring. The
course to steer represents the direction to steer to get back to the
course line.
If the arrow points up, you are going directly to the waypoint. If the
arrow points any direction other than up, turn toward the arrow until
it points up, and then continue in that direction.
NOTE: You must be moving for the compass to accurately
update and show your heading.
Turning On the Compass Page
The Compass Page is on by default in Marine Mode but off by
default in Automotive Mode.
To show the Compass Page in Automotive Mode:
1. Highlight the Display tab on the Main Menu
2. Highlight the Compass Page eld, and press ENTER.
3. Select On, and press ENTER.
Turning on the Compass Page
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 49
MArIne Mode PAges > coMPAss PAge
Compass Page Options Menu
Use the options menu on the Compass Page to customize the
Compass Page. For denitions of data eld options, see page 120.
Press MENU to open the Compass Page options menu.
Set Up Page Layout—select the page layout.
Show Course Pointer/Show Compass—toggle between
showing the Course Pointer, which shows how far off you are
from your course and how to get back on course, or show the
compass arrow. The Course Pointer is also referred to as a CDI
or Course Deviation Indictor.
Show (Hide) Bug Indicator—shows the course to steer bug
indicator (the purple tick mark on the compass ring).
Change Data Fields—change onscreen data elds.
Using the Marine Timer
The Marine Timer, specically designed for sail boat racing, allows
you to easily count up or down by specied time increments. As
is common in sail boat racing, there is often a 5-minute warning
countdown, followed by a 4-minute preparation countdown, and
nally a one-minute nal countdown. Then during the race, mariners
might want to count up to keep track of their time.
You can use your GPSMAP 278 to perform each of these different
countdowns.
To open the Marine Timer:
1. Press MENU on the Compass Page.
2. Use the ROCKER to highlight Set Up Page Layout, and
press ENTER.
3. Highlight 2 Columns With Timer, and press ENTER. The
Marine Timer appears in the lower-right corner.
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To use the Marine Timer:
1. Press the ROCKER up or down to select the time you want
to count. Five (5) minutes is the default.
2. Press ENTER to start the timer. Use the ROCKER during the
timing to quickly select a different length of time.
3. Press ENTER to stop timing.
Marine Timer on the Compass Page
As discussed previously, the timer is set to count down ve minutes.
If you want to change the length of time and the behavior or the
timer, open the Timers Setup tab on the Main Menu.
NOTE: You can set the timer countdown for up to 60 minutes.
To set the Marine Timer:
1. Highlight the Setup tab on the Main Menu, and then select
the Timers sub tab.
2. Highlight Stop next to Marine to change the timer’s behavior.
3. Highlight the time eld, press ENTER, and then enter a new
time.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 51
MArIne Mode PAges > coMPAss PAge
Highway Page
The Highway Page is available in both Marine Mode and
Automotive Mode
Highway Page
When you are navigating, the Highway Page provides digital and
graphic steering guidance to the destination. The right side of the
page features user-selectable data elds showing useful navigation
information. The compass ribbon at the top of the page shows your
current heading, represented by the violet bar. The red vertical
bar represents the bearing to your course. To stay on course, steer
toward the red vertical indicator (or arrows) until it lines up with the
violet bar in the middle. The bottom of the screen provides visual
guidance to the waypoint on a graphic highway display. The line
down the center of the highway represents your desired track line.
To hide/show the Highway Page:
1. Highlight the Display tab on the Main Menu.
2. Highlight the Highway Page eld, and press ENTER.
3. Select Off to hide or On to show, and press ENTER.
Using the Highway Page
To stay on course, steer toward the violet bar (or arrows) until
it lines up with the red bar in the middle. The bottom section of
the screen provides visual guidance to the waypoint on a graphic
highway display. The line down the center of the highway represents
your desired track line.
As you head toward your destination, the highway perspective
moves to indicate your progress to the waypoint and which direction
you should steer to stay on course. If you are navigating a route, the
Highway Page shows each route waypoint in sequence connected
by a black “road” with a white line down the middle, which is your
desired track line. Nearby waypoints not in the active route can also
be shown. You can zoom in or out to show a larger or smaller view
of the highway.
To change the highway perspective scale:
Press IN to zoom in; press OUT to zoom out.
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Highway Page Options Menu
Use the Highway Page options menu to dene the data elds and
select which waypoints and tracks appear on the screen. The data
elds, located along the right side of the page, provide various types
of useful data.
Press MENU to open the Highway Page options menu.
Set Up Page Layout—select the page layout.
Change Data Fields—change onscreen data elds.
Set Up Highway—shows an options menu with two sub tabs:
Line and Waypoint. Each tab has on/off settings for options
including enabling the line for the Active Leg and Track Log.
Set Up Highway
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 53
MArIne Mode PAges > hIghWAY PAge
Active Route Page
When you are navigating a route using your GPSMAP 278, the
Active Route Page shows each point (waypoint or map item) of
the active route, with the point name, course, distance, and several
other elds of information. The current destination point, the active
point, is marked with an arrow icon. As you navigate a route, the list
automatically updates to indicate the next active point. The Active
Route and Route Review Pages share many of the same features and
options.
Active Route Page
Active Route Page Options
Press MENU to open the Active Route Page options menu.
Deactivate—stop route navigation.
Edit on Map—edit the route on the map. See page 23.
Add Waypoint—insert a point before the highlighted waypoint or
add a point to the end of the route.
Remove Waypoint—delete a selected waypoint from a route.
Invert—reverse the order of the route.
Plan Route—enter information about your route to more
accurately provide you with arrival times.
Change Data Fields—customize the data elds shown on the
Active Route Page.
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Position Data Page
The Position Data Page shows important navigation data while
navigating a route in Marine Mode. By default, the Position Data
Page shows a compass ribbon, your current latitude and longitude,
date and time, your location in relation to a prominent nearby
landmark such as a waypoint or city, and eight user-selectable data
elds. The compass ribbon appears at the top of the page to show
your current heading with a red, vertical bar. To stay on course, steer
toward the violet bar (or arrows) until it is aligned with the red bar.
Position Data Page Options
Press MENU to open the Position Data Page options menu.
Change Nearest Type—specify the type of item use as the
nearest item (shown in the lower-left data eld). The choices
vary based on the current usage mode.
Reset Trip—clear trip information, except the maximum speed
and the odometer.
Reset Max Speed—clear the maximum speed.
Reset Odometer—clear the running total of the distance
traveled since the odometer was last reset.
Reset All—clear all trip information including the maximum
speed and odometer.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 55
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autoMotIve Mode
Your GPSMAP 278 comes preloaded with City Navigator Europe NT v 9.0, which contains detailed maps of major metropolitan areas in
Europe, including motorways, national and regional thoroughfares, local roads, and points of interest such as food and drink, lodging, border
crossings, petrol stations, hospitals and more.
Automotive Mode Pages
Automotive Mode has two main pages (Map and Trip Computer) that are always available. Optional Highway and Compass pages can be
turned on in Automotive Mode. When you are actively navigating, the Current Route Page is available if you are navigating a turn-by-turn
route. The Active Route Page is available if you are navigating off-road.
Map Page Trip Computer Page
Compass Page Highway Page Active Route PageCurrent Route Page
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Navigating to a Destination
You can navigate to your destination in Automotive Mode using the
Map Page. As you travel, your GPSMAP 278 guides you to your
destination with voice prompts, arrows, and directions along the top
of the screen. When you are actively navigating, you see a magenta
line that always runs from your current location to the destination
or to the next turn on the Map Page. You can use the Map Page,
Compass Page or Highway Page, to help navigate.
You can navigate to a destination using one of the following
methods:
• Select a point on the map and press the NAV
key.
• Press the NAV
key to navigate a new route using the Find
Menu, or activate a saved route or track.
• Press the FIND
key to search for a particular item and create
a route to it.
Navigate Options Menu
Press NAV to open the Navigate options menu.
Go To Point—select a waypoint other point from the Find menu
to which to navigate.
New Route—create a new route (page 59).
Custom Avoids—set up roads to avoid when navigating
(page 61).
Detour—create a detour route while navigating (page 62).
Edit Vias—add points through which you want to travel when
navigating (page 62).
Navigate Route—select a route to navigate. (Page 60)
Navigate Track (TracBack)—select a saved track to navigate
(page 41).
Stop (Resume) Navigation—start or stop navigating (page 58).
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 57
AutoMotIve Mode > nAvIgAtIng to A destInAtIon
To navigate (Go To) a point on the map:
Highlight a point to navigate
to, and press NAV.
Highlight Go To <point
name> and press ENTER.
Follow the magenta line
created on the Map Page.
Stopping and Resuming Navigation
When navigating to a point, you can stop navigation. For example, if you are on a long car trip, but you want to stop for dinner, you can stop
navigation and resume after dinner.
To stop navigation:
While navigating to a point,
press NAV.
Highlight Stop Navigation,
and press ENTER.
Highlight Resume Navigation,
and press ENTER.
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To create a new route:
1. Press NAV to open the Navigate menu.
2. Highlight New Route, and press ENTER.
3. From the Find menu, highlight Waypoints, and press
ENTER. (You can also choose to go to other points, such as
Cities or Exits from this list. The steps vary only slightly from
those listed for waypoints.)
4. Select a waypoint from the list, and press ENTER to open the
Waypoint Review Page.
Waypoint Review Page
Activating a Go To using the Find menu
5. Highlight the Go To button, and press ENTER to begin
navigation.
To go to a destination using the Find menu:
1. Press FIND to open the Find menu.
2. Using the ROCKER, highlight a category, such as Food &
Drink, and press ENTER.
3. Press ENTER and use the ROCKER to begin entering the
letters contained in the item name. The list begins to sort by
the items which contain the letters you are entering. Press
ENTER when nished.
4. Highlight the item you want from the list, and press ENTER.
5. Highlight the Go To button, and press ENTER.
For complete information about nding an item, see the “Finding an
Item” section on page 17.
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AutoMotIve Mode > nAvIgAtIng to A destInAtIon
Following a Saved Route
Use the Navigate menu to follow a saved track or route. If you
want to follow roads on your route, press MENU and select Follow
Roads on the Active Route Page.
To follow a saved route in Automotive Mode:
1. Press NAV to open the Navigate menu.
2. Highlight Navigate Route, and press ENTER.
3. Highlight the route you want to navigate, and press ENTER.
4. Press MENU to open the options menu.
5. Highlight
Follow Roads, and press ENTER to create a
turn-by-turn route (auto-route), which appears in the Current
Route Page.
You can also navigate a saved route from the Route tab on the Main
Menu.
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Editing Your Route
When you are navigating a route, you can edit that route. You can
add areas and roads to avoid as well as temporary detours to your
current route. You can also add stops along your trip, called Via
Points.
While navigating, press NAV to open the Navigate menu.
Navigate Menu in Automotive Mode
While navigating a route
Entering Custom Avoids
The Custom Avoids feature allows you to enter specic areas and
roads to avoid when navigating. Custom avoids apply to all routes,
but detours apply to only the active route. You can add custom
avoids while you are navigating a route or before you navigate.
To enter a custom avoid:
1. Press NAV while navigating to a destination.
OR
Open the Map Page, and press MENU.
2. Select Custom Avoids, and press ENTER.
3. Press ENTER when the Add Avoid button is highlighted.
4. Select Avoid Road or Avoid Area, and press ENTER.
5. Use the ROCKER to move the arrow to the rst point in the
avoidance area. Press ENTER to select the rst point.
6. Move the arrow to the end point, and press ENTER. During
route calculation and navigation, the GPSMAP 278 avoids
the area within the box or the selected area of the road.
7. When nished, highlight the OK button, and press ENTER.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 61
AutoMotIve Mode > edItIng Your route
Creating a Detour
If there is road construction or some other form of a detour while
navigating a route, you can have your GPSMAP 278 create a detour
route for you.
To create a detour:
1. While navigating a course, press NAV.
2. Select Detour from the Navigate menu.
3. Select a distance, and press ENTER. The GPSMAP 278
recalculates your course based on your detour distance.
4. To end the detour manually, press NAV again, and select
Cancel Detour.
Adding and Editing Stops (Via Points)
You can add Via Points—points through which you would like to
travel—to your route using the Edit Vias option.
To add Via Points to your route:
1. While navigating your route, press NAV to open the Navigate
menu.
2. Use the ROCKER to select Edit Vias, and press ENTER.
The Add/Edit Vias window opens.
3. Highlight Add Via Point, and press ENTER.
Add/Edit Vias Page
Showing the original route without Via Points
4. From the pop-up window, highlight either Use Map or Use
Find Menu, and press ENTER.
5. If you selected Use Map, use the ROCKER to select an item
on the map, and press ENTER.
If you selected Use Find Menu, select an item from the Find
menu as discussed in the “Finding an Item” beginning on
page 17. Remember you can press MENU while the Find
menu is open to nd an item near another location, such
as the destination. The new point is added to the route as
shown on the Add/Edit Vias Page.
6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 until you have added all of the Via
Points that you want. Highlight Done, and press ENTER to
apply the new Via Points to the route.
62 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
AutoMotIve Mode > edItIng Your route
autoMotIve Mode PaGes
Automotive Mode has two main pages (Map and Trip Computer)
that are always available. Optional Highway and Compass pages
can be turned on in Automotive Mode. When you are actively
navigating, the Current Route Page is available if you are navigating
a turn-by-turn route. The Active Route Page is available if you are
navigating off-road. For information about pages and features not
discussed here, see the “Marine Mode Pages” section.
Map Page
In Automotive Mode, by default, four user-selectable data elds
appear on the right side of the screen that can be congured to
display any one of the possible data options. The top of the screen
shows the GPS status or the route leg. You can also add data elds to
the page or select a full-screen map without data elds.
Map Page
Data elds
Map scale
Current
location
Press the zoom keys (IN and OUT) to change the map scale. Some
items on the map appear only if the map is zoomed in to a certain
level.
• Press ENTER
to quickly declutter (remove unwanted items)
from the Map Page.
• Press MENU
to open the options menu for the Map Page.
• Show and hide the heading line from the options menu.
• Use the
ROCKER to measure the distance between two
objects on the map.
• Change the page layout and data elds to customize the Map
Page.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 63
AutoMotIve Mode PAges > MAP PAge
Current Route Page
When navigating a route using your GPSMAP 278 in Automotive
Mode, the Active Route Page shows each turn of the active route,
with the distance to the turn, the street name, and estimated time
to arrival and time of arrival. As you navigate a route, the turn list
automatically updates to indicate the next turn at the top of the list.
Current Route Page
You can scroll through the entire list by moving the scroll bar up or
down. Highlight any of the turns on the list and press ENTER to
view the Next Turn Page for that turn. The Current Route and Next
Turn Page display similar information using a different layout. The
Next Turn Page shows your next turn on a map.
Next Turn Page
Saving the Current Route
You can save the current route from the Current Route Page. Press
MENU to save the route. Press ENTER when Save Route is
highlighted. Your route is automatically saved, using the starting
point and destination as the route name. Press ENTER when OK is
highlighted to nish saving the route.
64 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
AutoMotIve Mode PAges > current route PAge
Trip Computer Page
The Trip Computer Page shows important data while navigating a
route in Automotive Mode. It indicates your current speed and other
data about your trip, such as average speed and moving time.
Trip Computer Page
Reset the Trip Computer before beginning a trip. If you make
frequent stops, leave the GPSMAP 278 turned on in order to receive
satellites. This allows the unit to accurately measure elapsed time
during the trip.
Like the Map Page, the Compass Page features user-selectable data
elds. For denitions of data eld options, see to page 120.
Trip Computer Page Options Menu
Press MENU to open the options menu. Highlight an option, and
press ENTER.
Set Up Page Layout—choose the page layout and number of
data elds.
Change Nearest Type—allows you to specify the type of item
to be used as the nearest item [shown in the lower-left data eld
of the Position Data (2 Columns) layout]. The choices change
based on the current Usage Mode.
Reset (Trip, Max Speed, Odometer, All)—reset the maximum
speed, the odometer, everything but the maximum speed and
odometer, or reset everything in the trip computer.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 65
AutoMotIve Mode PAges > trIP coMPuter PAge
MaIn Menu
The Main Menu provides access to various waypoint, system,
navigation and interface management, and setup menus.
Main Menu
To select a tab from the Main Menu:
1. From any page, press MENU twice to open the Main Menu.
2. Press up or down on the ROCKER to highlight the tab you
want. The information for the highlighted tab automatically
appears on the right. To highlight a sub tab, press left or
right on the ROCKER, and then press up or down to select
individual elds.
Main Menu Tabs
GPS—view satellite information (page 67).
Route—create and store routes (page 67).
Points—view stored waypoints (page 68).
Track—record and save tracks (page 68).
DSC—set up digital select calling features (page 69).
Sonar—congure sonar options (page 71).
Alarms—dene alarm settings (page 71).
Calendar—view sun/moon and hunting/shing information
for a specic day (page 73).
Celestial—view tide, hunting & shing, and sun & moon
information (page 74).
Message—view system-generated messages (page 78).
Display—adjust backlighting and page display (page 79).
Sound—customize GPSMAP 278 sounds (page 80).
Setup—adjust system settings (page 81).
66 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
MAIn Menu > MAIn Menu tAbs
GPS Tab
The GPS tab provides a visual reference of satellite acquisition,
receiver status, and accuracy. The sky view and signal strength bars
give an indication of what satellites are visible to the receiver and
whether they are being tracked. For more information about GPS,
see pages 4-6.
Main Menu—GPS Tab
Route Tab
The Route tab shows all the routes currently stored in memory,
along with a descriptive name for each route.
Use the Route tab create and store up to 50 reversible routes, with
up to 300 points each. See the “Creating and Using Routes” section
beginning on page 22 for more information about routes.
Main Menu—Route Tab
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 67
MAIn Menu > gPs tAb And route tAb
Points Tab
The Points tab contains two sub tabs, User and Proximity, which
allow you to manage a large number of waypoints quickly and
efciently. For more information about waypoints, see the “Creating
and Using Waypoints” section beginning on page 28.
Main Menu—Points Tab
User Sub Tab
The User sub tab shows a master list of all waypoints currently
stored in memory. The total number of stored and available
waypoints appears at the bottom of the User sub tab.
Proximity Sub Tab
Use the Proximity sub tab to dene an alarm circle around a stored
waypoint location. See page 36 for more information.
Track Tab
Use the Track tab to specify whether or not to record a track log,
dene how it is recorded, or save the track log data for future use.
The Track tab is divided into two sub tabs: Active and Saved. For
more information about tracks, see the “Managing Your Tracks”
section beginning on page 38.
Main Menu—Track Tab
Active Sub Tab
The Active sub tab is for the active log (the log currently being
recorded.) It shows the amount of track memory used and current
settings.
Saved Sub Tab
The Saved sub tab shows a list of all saved tracks in your
GPSMAP 278.
68 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
MAIn Menu > PoInts tAb And trAck tAb
DSC Tab
Use the DSC tab (Marine Mode only) to control and set up the
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) features. DSC uses marine VHF
radio and GPS to transmit and receive location information. DSC is
used by mariners for distress calls and position reporting.
For more information about DSC and Maritime Mobile Service
Identity (MMSI) numbers, see pages 116-117 in the “Appendix”.
DSC Page
DSC Call List
The Call List sub tab shows the 50 most recent calls, even if the unit
is left unattended. The Call List only shows the most recent call from
a vessel. If a second call is received, it replaces the rst call in the Call
List. Press MENU to sort the list and delete entries.
DSC Call List
DSC Log
When DSC calls are received, they are automatically stored in the
Log, with the most recent call at the top. The unit can store up to
100 calls; after 100 calls are received, the oldest log le is removed
when a new call is received.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 69
MAIn Menu > dsc tAb
DSC Log
DSC Directory
The DSC Directory is like phone book and can hold up to 50 entries.
DSC Directory list
DSC Directory
entries. Press
ENTER to
open the entry
review page.
Blank entry.
Press ENTER to
add a Directory
entry.
To add a new directory entry:
1. Open the DSC Directory on the Main Menu.
2. Highlight the rst blank space in the directory list and press
ENTER
.
OR
Press MENU, highlight New Item, and press ENTER.
3. Enter the MMSI number, the name, and any comments.
4. When nished, highlight OK, and press ENTER.
New Directory Item Page
Enter the
MMSI number,
name, and a
comment (if
needed) in the
elds.
Highlight OK
and press
ENTER to save
the Directory
Entry.
After creating a New Directory Item, the name created is attached to
that particular MMSI number. If you return to the log, the new name
appears under the corresponding MMSI number.
Another way to input a name is from the Entry Review Page or the
DSC Distress Call or DSC Position Report pages. The Name and
MMSI are sent to other Garmin GPS units: Only the MMSI numbers
are sent to other non-Garmin DSC users.
70 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
MAIn Menu > dsc tAb
Sonar Tab
Use the Sonar tab to set up and congure sonar. See the “Setting
Up and Using Sonar” section beginning on page 90 for more
information about Sonar setup options.
NOTE: You must have a GSD 20 or 21 sounder module
connected to your GPSMAP 278 to use sonar.
Main Menu—Sonar Tab
Alarms Tab
Use the Alarms tab to dene alarm settings. When an alarm goes off,
the alarm message appears on the GPSMAP 278 and the unit emits
ve (5) beeps.
Main Menu—Alarms tab
To set an alarm:
1. Highlight the Alarms tab on the Main Menu.
2. Select an alarm to set, and press ENTER.
3. Change the setting to On, and press ENTER. If necessary,
highlight the next eld to the right and press ENTER, enter
the settings you want,
4. Press ENTER to nish.
When you set a persistent alarm, the alarm message appears on
the screen and the GPSMAP 278 beeps until you press ENTER to
acknowledge the alarm.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 71
MAIn Menu > sonAr tAb And AlArMs tAb
To set a persistent alarm:
1. Highlight the Alarms tab on the Main Menu.
2. Highlight the box next to the alarm you want to make
persistent (for example, Next Turn).
3. Press ENTER to place a check mark in the Persist box.
Navigation (Nav) Alarms
Next Turn—set an alarm to indicate the next turn in a route.
Select Dist to specify a distance before you reach the next turn
to sound the alarm. Select Time to specify a time before the turn
for the alarm to go off. Select Auto for the unit to provide a Next
Turn alarm at its discretion.
Arrival—set an alarm to sound when you are a specied
distance or time away from a destination waypoint. Select Auto
for the unit to provide an arrival alarm at its discretion.
Off Course—set an alarm to sound when off course. Select On,
and then enter a distance.
Anchor Drag—set an alarm to sound when you exceed a
specied drift distance. Select On, and then enter a distance.
Custom POI—set an alarm to sound when approaching a
custom POI.
System Alarms
Clock—set an alarm based on the unit’s clock. Select On, and
then enter a specic time that you want the alarm to sound. The
GPSMAP 278 must be on for the clock alarm to work.
Ext. (External) Voltage—set an alarm to sound when the
external voltage drops below a specied amount. Select On, and
then enter a specic voltage.
DGPS—set an alarm to sound when the GPSMAP 278 loses a
differential x.
Anchor Drag—sets an alarm to sound when you exceed a
specied drift distance. Select On, and then enter a distance.
Accuracy—set an alarm to sound when GPS accuracy falls
outside of the user-set value. Select On, and then specify a
distance.
72 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
MAIn Menu > AlArMs tAb
Sonar Alarms
Shallow Water/Deep Water—set an alarm to sound when you
enter an area of water that is too shallow or deep. Select On and
then specify a distance. You must be receiving sonar NMEA data
for this function to work.
Water Temp—set an alarm to indicate if the water temperature
has exceeded or dropped below a specic temperature, or fallen
outside/inside a specic temperature range. Select Above or
Below and then enter a specic temperature, or select Inside
or Outside and enter a range of temperatures. You must be
receiving sonar NMEA data for this function to work.
Drift—set an alarm to sound when you exceeded a specied
drift distance. Select On and then enter a specic distance.
Fish—set an alarm to sound when sh are detected with sonar.
Calendar Tab
Use the Calendar tab to plan trips, view sun and moon, and hunting
and shing information for the day.
Calendar Tab in Day View
Highlight an arrow and press ENTER to change the date in the view.
Sunrise and set
times for the
current location
and date.
List of points
and routes
added to this
date.
Calendar Options
The options menu is available in all three calendar views. Press
MENU to open the options menu. To view the Sun & Moon
Information or Hunt & Fish sub tab, highlight View Sun and Moon
or View Hunt and Fish and press ENTER.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 73
MAIn Menu > cAlendAr tAb
To add a route (or point) to the calendar:
1. Highlight the Calendar tab on the Main Menu. The current
day appears on the Day View sub tab.
2. Press MENU to open the options menu. Highlight Add Route
(or Add Point) and press ENTER.
3. From the pop-up route list (or the Find menu if Add Point
was selected), select the route you want to add to the
calendar, and press ENTER.
Day View Sub Tab
The Day View sub tab shows sunrise and sunset times for your
current date and location. A list of points and routes for the day
appear in a list.
Week View Sub Tab
The Week View sub tab provides the same elements as Day view,
but the entire week is visible. Days with added points or routes are
shown highlighted in green. Icons for the points and routes assigned
to the date are shown along the bottom of the screen.
Month View Sub Tab
The Month View sub tab provides the same elements as Day view,
but the entire month is visible. Days with points or routes added to
them are shown highlighted in green. Icons for points and routes
assigned to the date are shown along the bottom of the screen.
Celestial Tab
The Celestial tab shows tide information, sun and moon information,
and hunting and shing information. You can view data for your
current location, a location from the map, or a waypoint location.
Also, you can select a different date and time, or use the current
data.
Main Menu—Celestial Tab
Optional BlueChart g2 data shown.
74 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
MAIn Menu > celestIAl tAb
Tide Sub Tab
The Tide sub tab contains a graphical chart that shows tide station
information in a 24-hour span starting at midnight station time. You
can choose from different dates and more than 3,000 tide stations.
Height of tide
Smallest and
largest tides
for the AM
hours
Select the tide station for which you
want to view the information.
Enter the date for which you want to
view the tide information.
Tide Sub Tab
Time
Smallest and
largest tides
for the PM
hours
The top of the page shows the tide station and date being referenced.
The chart shows a 24-hour block of time, with the time progressing
from left to right. The solid vertical lines represent 4-hour
increments; the dotted vertical lines represent 1-hour increments.
The tide curve appears as a shaded area; higher tides are taller and
lower tides are shorter. The bottom of the page indicates the times
with the highest and lowest tides.
To view a tide chart for a different tide station:
1. From the Tide sub tab, highlight the At eld, and press
ENTER. The Find menu opens showing the tide stations.
2. Press MENU, and select Near Current Location, Near
Current Route, Near Other (select another location using
the map), or Near Destination. The list is updated with your
search requirements.
3. Select a tide station from the list, and press ENTER. The
Tide Station Information Page appears.
4. Highlight OK and press ENTER. The Tide tab appears again
showing the tide chart for the selected tide station.
To view the tide chart for another date:
1. From the Tide sub tab with a chart open, highlight the On
eld, and press ENTER.
2. ENTER the date with the ROCKER, and press ENTER. You
can also use the zoom IN and OUT keys to view information
for another date. Press and hold IN or OUT to scroll quickly
through dates.
3. Press ENTER when nished. The unit shows the chart for the
date you entered or selected.
To use the current date again, highlight the Date eld. Press MENU,
highlight Use Current Date, and press ENTER.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 75
MAIn Menu > celestIAl tAb
To view a chart’s details for another time during the
day (other than current time):
1. From the Tide sub tab with the chart you want to view, press
MENU, and then select Move Cursor.
2. Press the ROCKER right or left to view the chart at another
time.
3. To return to the current time, press MENU, and select Stop
Moving Cursor.
To automatically start pointer mode to scroll the chart:
1. Use the ROCKER to highlight the Date eld. Then press
down to start the pointer (pan) mode.
2. Scroll the chart right to view the next day or left to view the
previous day.
Sun & Moon Sub Tab
The Sun & Moon sub tab provides you with sunrise/sunset and
moon rise/set times. A graphic of the moon phase also appears.
You can view Sun & Moon information for any date or location.
You can also use the play, fast forward, and stop buttons to view an
animation of the Sun & Moon sub tab.
To view sun and moon information for a different date:
1. Highlight the Date eld, and press ENTER.
2. Use the ROCKER to change the digits of the date to the date
you want. You can also use the Zoom IN and OUT keys to
view information for another date. Press and hold IN or OUT
to scroll quickly through dates.
3. Press ENTER when nished. The unit shows the sun and
moon information for the selected date.
4. To use the current date again, highlight the Date eld. Press
MENU, highlight Use Current Date, and press ENTER.
Sun & Moon Sub Tab
Moon phase
Animation
controls for the
sky view
Select the
date and
location
Location of the
sun and moon
in the sky view
76 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
MAIn Menu > celestIAl tAb
To view sun and moon information for a different
location:
1. Use the ROCKER to highlight the From eld, and press
ENTER.
2. Highlight Use Find Menu, and press ENTER. The Find menu
automatically opens.
3. Select a waypoint or point of interest, and press ENTER.
4. On the waypoint information page, press ENTER. The unit
shows the sun and moon information for the location you
selected.
To use the current location, highlight the From eld. Press ENTER,
highlight Current Location, and press ENTER again.
Hunt & Fish Sub Tab
The Hunt & Fish sub tab provides you with predictions of the best
times to hunt and sh in a selected location on a specic date.
To display the Hunt & Fish information:
1. Highlight the Celestial tab on the Main Menu.
2. Use the ROCKER to select the Hunt & Fish sub tab.
Hunt & Fish Sub Tab
To view hunt and sh information for a different date:
1. Highlight the Date eld, and press ENTER.
2. Use the ROCKER to change the digits of the date to the date
you want. You can also use the zoom IN and OUT keys to
view information for another date. Press and hold IN or OUT
to scroll quickly through dates.
3. Press ENTER when nished. The unit shows the information
for the date you entered.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 77
MAIn Menu > celestIAl tAb
To use the current date again, highlight the Date eld. Press MENU,
highlight Use Current Date, and press ENTER.
To view hunt and sh information for a different
location:
1. Highlight the From eld, and press ENTER.
2. Highlight Use Find Menu, and press ENTER. The Find menu
opens.
3. Select a point, and press ENTER.
4. On the information page, press ENTER. The unit shows
Hunt & Fish information for the selected location.
To use the current location:
1. Highlight the From eld, and press ENTER.
2. Highlight Current Location, and press ENTER.
Message Tab
The Message tab shows a list of messages generated by the
GPSMAP 278. Use the ROCKER to scroll through the list of
messages on the Log sub tab. Use the Log Filter sub tab to show
only the message types that you want to view.
Main Menu—Message Tab
To view messages:
1. Highlight the Message tab on the Main Menu.
2. Use the ROCKER to highlight a message.
3. Press ENTER to view detailed information about the
message.
78 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
MAIn Menu > MessAge tAb
To show or hide messages using the log lter:
1. Highlight the Message tab on the Main Menu.
2. Highlight the Log Filter sub tab. All messages appear by
default.
Message Log Filter Tab
3. Highlight the message type you want to hide, and press
ENTER. The message name appears in the Hide window.
4. Highlight the message, and press ENTER to show it again.
Display Tab
Use the Display tab to set display features, such as pages to show in
the main page sequence and how long the backlight stays on.
Main Menu—Display Tab
Main Menu—indicates whether the Main Menu tabs to contain text
and icons (default) or text tabs only.
Color Mode—sets the display to Day, Night, or Auto color mode.
Select Auto to automatically switch from day to night at sunset and
change back at sunrise.
Backlight Timeout—sets the backlight to stay on when it is turned
on, or to time out after a selected period of time has elapsed when
using the battery. The backlight stays on regardless of this setting
when external power is used.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 79
MAIn Menu > dIsPlAY tAb
Twilight Adjustment—allows the unit to adjust the backlight for
optimum viewing during twilight times.
Highway Page—indicates whether the Highway Page appears in the
main page sequence.
Compass Page—indicates whether the Compass Page appears in the
main page sequence.
Backlight Intensity—turns the backlight up or down. Press right on
the ROCKER to increase the intensity or left to decrease.
Sound Tab
Use the Sound tab to customize the sounds made by your
GPSMAP 278.
Main Menu—Sound Tab
Beeper—set the beeper to chime during key presses and
alarms (Key and Alarm) or on Alarms Only.
Attention Tone—turn the attention tone on or off that sounds
before the vocal prompts.
Voice Prompt—set the vocal prompt to operate for Guidance
and Status, Route Guidance Only, or No Voice Prompts.
Voice Language—set the language for vocal prompts.
Speaker Volume—set the external speaker volume.
80 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
MAIn Menu > sound tAb
Setup Tab
To customize how your GPSMAP 278 looks, use the System tab to
adjust certain system settings.
System Sub Tab
Use the System sub tab to control settings for system mode, speed
lter, language, and external power.
Main Menu—System Setup Tab
System Mode—sets the unit to operate in Normal mode, Battery
Saver mode, or Simulator mode (for practice ONLY).
Usage Mode—sets the unit to operate in Marine (default) or
Automotive Mode.
Speed Filter—allows the unit to average speed readings. Choose
from Off, Auto (automatically controls ltering), or On (allows you
to enter a value in seconds).
Text Language—sets the unit’s on-screen language.
EGNOS—allows you to enable or disable EGNOS.
External Power Off—indicates whether the GPSMAP 278 remains
on (Stay On) or the unit turns off (Turn Off) when external power
is removed from the unit.
External Power On—indicates whether to turn on the
GPSMAP 278 (Turn On) or charge the battery (Charge Battery)
when external power is applied to the unit.
Road Routing Sub Tab
Use the Road Routing sub tab to select road routing settings.
Road Routing Sub Tab
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 81
MAIn Menu > setuP tAb
Route Preference—allows the unit to calculates routes based on:
• Faster Time—routes calculated are faster to drive but might
be longer in distance.
•
Shorter Distance—routes calculated are shorter in distance
but might take more time to drive.
•
Off Road—creates a direct line from your current location to
your destination. This is useful when traveling outside of the
detailed map coverage area or where no roads exist.
Ask My Preference—determines whether you are asked to select a
Route Preference before route calculations.
Calculation Method—sets how the unit searches for the route.
•
Quickest Calculation—calculates the route the quickest, but
it might not produce the best route.
•
Quick Calculation—takes a bit more time to calculate but
generates a better quality route.
•
Better Route—generates an even better quality route but uses
a longer calculation time.
•
Best Route—generates the most optimal route but takes the
longest time to calculate.
Calculate Routes for—sets route calculation for the particular
vehicle you are operating to optimize the route for your vehicle type,
because some roads have vehicle-based restrictions.
Avoid—allows you to avoid certain road types and maneuvers on
your route. The unit uses these road types only if alternative routes
take you too far out of your way or if no other road is available.
Custom Avoids—allows you to enter specic areas and roads
that you would like to avoid in your navigation. See page 61 for
information on creating custom avoids.
Custom Road Prefs—allows you to avoid or use Major, Medium,
and Minor roads using a slider scale. This is useful if you want
to avoid major highways, for example. Select Reset to use preset
values.
Guidance Sub Tab
Use the Guidance sub tab to set guidance information.
Guidance Sub Tab
82 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
MAIn Menu > setuP tAb
Off-Route Recalculation—allows you to set whether the unit
prompts you when it is recalculating your route (Prompted), or
recalculates automatically. Set whether the unit announces the
recalculation (Automatic - Announced) or recalculates silently
(Automatic - Silent). You can turn the off-route recalculation Off.
Next Turn Pop-up—turns the Next Turn pop-up window Off, or
opens the window when you press NAV (Held NAV Key Only),
opens automatically (Automatically Only), or Both.
Timers Sub Tab
Use the Timers sub tab to set timers and view information about how
long the unit has been on.
Timers Sub Tab
User—allows you to set the timer to Count Up or Count Down.
You can also Reset the timer and turn it Off. Enter a time to use
when counting up or down.
Marine—appears on the Compass Page in Marine Mode.
Since Midnight—shows the time the unit was turned on since
midnight. To reset, select All Unit Defaults on the System sub tab.
Time Sub Tab
Use the Time sub tab to set the time format and zone, and set the
unit to conform to Daylight Saving Time. The current time and date
appear in the Current Time and Date eld.
Time Sub Tab
Time Zone—choose the time zone for your location so the
GPSMAP 278 shows the correct local time. Select Other to enter a
UTC Offset.
If the wrong date appears, press MENU, highlight Set Date, and
press ENTER. You are prompted to enter the current year. The
GPSMAP 278 uses this information when gathering satellite data to
show the correct date.
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Units Sub Tab
Use the Units sub tab to customize measurement units.
Units Sub Tab
Distance and Speed—select the unit of measure to show your speed
and distance traveled.
Direction Display—select the unit of measure to show your
direction. Mils is a unit of angle measurement used in military
settings, in which 17.78 mils equal one degree.
Temperature—select the unit of measure to show the temperature.
Elevation—select the unit of measure to show your altitude.
Depth—select the unit of measure to show the depth.
Location Sub Tab
Use the Location sub tab to change location setting information.
See the “Appendix” for more information about location formats
and map datums. Also visit the National Imagery and Mapping
Agency at www.nima.mil for more information on grids and datums.
Changing the Location Format
When you change the Location Format, you change the coordinate
system in which a given location reading appears. The default
format is latitude and longitude in degrees, minutes, and thousandths
of a minute (hddd°mm.mmm). Only change the location format if
you are using a map or chart that species a different location format
or want to use a format you are familiar with.
Selecting a Different Map Datum
Datums are used to describe geographic positions for surveying,
mapping, and navigation and are not actual maps built in the unit.
Only change the datum if you are using a map or chart that species
a different datum.
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The default setting is WGS 84. The unit automatically selects the
best datum depending on your chosen location format.
WARNING: Selecting the wrong map datum can result in
substantial position errors. When in doubt, use the default WGS
84 datum for best overall performance.
Selecting a Different Heading Reference
You can select from Auto Mag Var, True, Grid, and User Mag
Var. Auto Mag Var provides magnetic north heading references
that are automatically determined from your current location.
True provides headings based on a true north reference. Grid
provides headings based on a grid north reference (and is used in
conjunction with the grid position formats). User Mag Var allows
you to specify the magnetic variation at your current location and
provides magnetic north heading references based on the variation
you enter. Enter the magnetic variation of your current location in
the Magnetic Variation eld if you selected User Mag Var for the
heading.
WARNING: If User Mag Var is selected, the unit does not
automatically calculate and update the magnetic variation at
your present location. You must update the magnetic variation as
your location changes. Failure to update this setting can result in
substantial differences between the information shown on your
unit and external references, such as a magnetic compass.
Welcome Sub Tab
Use the Welcome sub tab to enter information, such as your name
and address, or a welcome message that appears when you turn on
your GPSMAP 278.
Welcome Sub Tab
To add a welcome message:
1. Press up or down on the ROCKER to highlight one of the
Welcome Message elds, and press ENTER.
2. Use the ROCKER to enter information in the elds. You do
not need to enter information in every eld. When nished,
press ENTER again.
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3. To display the welcome message when you turn on your
GPSMAP 278, highlight the Show at Power-up check
box, and press ENTER to select it. To hide the welcome
information at start-up, clear the check mark.
COM 1 and COM 2 Sub Tabs
Use the COM 1 and COM 2 sub tab to change the data format and
control the input/output format used when connecting your unit to
external devices.
COM 1 Sub Tab
Serial Data Format—sets the data format to one of the following:
•
Garmin Data Transfer—provides the proprietary format
used to exchange data with a computer or another Garmin
unit. Garmin Data Transfer is disabled when the USB is
connected, and the unit automatically switches to USB format.
When the USB is disconnected, the USB eld changes to
Transfer Mode.
•
GARMIN DGPS—connects the GPSMAP 278 with a
Garmin DGPS beacon receiver.
•
Garmin Remote Sonar—connects the GPSMAP 278 with a
GSD 21 or GSD 20 Sounder Module and transducer.
•
NMEA In/NMEA Out—supports the input/output of
standard NMEA 0183 version 3.01 data and sonar NMEA
input support for the DBT, DSE, DPT, MTW, and VHW
sentences.
•
RTCM In—allows DGPS input using a standard RTCM
format.
•
RTCM In/NMEA Out—allows DGPS input using a standard
RTCM format and also provides NMEA 0183 version 3.01
output.
•
RTCM In/Text Out—allows Differential GPS (DGPS) input
using a standard RTCM format and also outputs simple text
data that includes data, time, location, and velocity.
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• Text Out—allows the unit to output simple text data that
includes data, time, location, and velocity. The Baud can be
set to 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600.
•
None—provides no interfacing capabilities.
If you select GARMIN DGPS or RTCM In/NMEA Out format,
you can control a differential beacon receiver directly from your
GPSMAP 278 using the COM 1 or COM 2 sub tab. You can have
the unit automatically scan for the DGPS beacon signal, or you
can enter the beacon frequency and bit rate on the unit, and the
information will be used to tune the beacon receiver. If you use a
DGPS receiver, WAAS capability is automatically turned off.
To have the unit automatically scan for a frequency:
1. Set the unit to GARMIN DGPS or RTCM In/NMEA Out.
2. Highlight the Beacon eld, and press ENTER.
3. Highlight Scan, and press ENTER. The numbers in the
Frequency eld change as the unit scans from 284 kHz to
325 kHz, 200 bit rate, then 100, at 6-second intervals.
COM 1 Sub Tab with Garmin DGPS Selected
Highlight Scan
and press
ENTER.
Shows the
status of the
scan
The Status eld shows one of the following:
•
Tuning—the unit is attempting to tune to the specied
frequency and bit rate.
•
Scanning—the unit is automatically scanning through the
frequencies and bit rates.
•
Receiving—the unit is receiving DGPS signal and ready for
operation.
•
Check Wiring—the unit is not making connection with
DGPS receiver.
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To restart the scan:
1. Press MENU.
2. Highlight Restart Scan, and press ENTER.
To manually enter a frequency and bit rate:
1. With the unit set to Garmin DGPS or RTCM In/NMEA Out,
highlight the Beacon eld, and press ENTER.
2. Highlight User, and press ENTER.
3. Highlight the Frequency or Bit Rate eld, and press ENTER
4. Enter a frequency or bit rate. Press ENTER when nished
When the unit is receiving a DGPS signal, the Signal to Noise Ratio)
(SNR) and Distance elds show data. The SNR range is 0 dB to 30
dB, with 30 being the best. The Distance eld may or may not show
data, depending on the signal being broadcast from the DGPS site.
The DGPS beacon transmitters are operated by the United States
Coast Guard (or similar government agency in other countries),
which is responsible for their accuracy and maintenance. For DGPS
transmitter problems or to nd the most updated list of frequencies
and coverage areas, contact your local USCG or see their Web site at
www.navcen.uscg.mil/.
Advanced NMEA Output Setup
If you are going to interface the GPSMAP 278 with another piece
of equipment (such as a radar or autopilot), you must set the
unit to output NMEA data. The NMEA data transmission can be
customized to keep the output rate at two seconds. If too many
NMEA sentences are activated, the unit may take longer than two
seconds to update.
You can also set the Output Rate to Fast to output a minimum
number of NMEA sentences at one-second intervals.
To access the Advanced NMEA Output Setup:
1. Highlight the Setup tab on the Main Menu.
2. Select the COM 1 or COM 2 sub tab.
3. Highlight the Serial Data Format eld, and press ENTER.
4. Select NMEA In/NMEA Out, and press ENTER.
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5. Press MENU to open the options menu.
6. Select Advanced NMEA Setup, and press ENTER.
Advanced NMEA Output Setup
Use the Advanced NMEA Output Setup Page to set the output rate,
change the precision of the Lat/Lon minutes, set Waypoint IDs to
names or numbers, and turn on and off the GPS status, the Garmin
Proprietary sentences, and Waypoint/Route (WPL, RTE).
GPSMAP 278 NMEA Sentence Output (NMEA version 3.01
compliant):
• Always transmitted: GPRMC, GPGGA, GPGLL, GPBWC,
GPVTG, GPXTE, GPRMB
• Switchable sentences: GPGSA, GPGSV, GPWPL, GPRTE
• Garmin proprietary: PGRME, PGRMZ, PGRMM
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settInG uP and usInG sonar
This section covers the additional sonar options for the
GPSMAP 278 when used in conjunction with a GSD 21 or
GSD 20 Sounder Module. Read the GSD 21 or GSD 20 Sounder
Module Installation Instructions to properly install the sounder
module. When you turn on your GPSMAP 278, the Sounder Module
automatically turns on.
NOTE: You MUST have a GSD 21 or GSD 20 installed and
connected to your GPSMAP 278 to use the sonar features.
The Sonar Page is added to the end of the page sequence when you
are in Marine Mode. To view the Sonar Page, press PAGE or QUIT
repeatedly until it appears.
Showing Sonar on the Map Page
You can change the layout of the Map Page to show a split screen
to show the sonar on the Map Page. You must be in Marine Mode to
use sonar.
To show the Sonar Page on the Map Page:
1. On the Map Page, press MENU.
2. Highlight Set Up Page Layout, and press ENTER.
3. Highlight Map with Sonar, and press ENTER.
Map Page with Split Screen
To resize the Map Page sonar split screen:
1. After showing the Sonar and Map pages together in the split
screen as described in the previous steps, press MENU.
2. Highlight Size Split, and press ENTER.
3. Use the ROCKER to move the vertical double-arrow right or
left.
4. Press ENTER.
5. To stop resizing the screen, press QUIT. You can also press
MENU, highlight Stop Resizing, and press ENTER to stop
resizing the screen and retain the previous split setting.
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Using the Sonar Page
When combined with a GSD 21 or GSD 20 Sounder Module, your
GPSMAP 278 becomes a powerful shnder/asher with the Sonar
Page. If a GSD 21 or GSD 20 is attached, but the unit does not
detect a transducer, a “Sonar Turned Off” message appears across
the Sonar Page. The Sonar Page appears only if a GSD 21 or
GSD 20 has ever been attached or when the unit is in Simulator
Mode.
The middle of the page contains a right-to-left moving sonar image
of the water beneath your boat. Items appear as they pass under your
transducer. Those items on the right side of the screen are closer to
you than those on the left. Along the right side of the screen is an
adjustable scale that reects the depth of the area being shown. The
top-left corner shows the adjustment option, the depth, and the water
temperature.
Sonar Page
The sonar returns show as red (strongest), then orange (strong),
yellow (medium), green (weaker), and blue (weakest). The Fish
Symbols option allows you to view the actual sonar data, a sh
symbol or a combination of both. When the unit is set to Dual, the
appearance of the sh symbols changes. Fish symbols from the
center of the beam (200 kHz) are solid (or narrow arches), but the
returns from the edges of the beam (50 kHz) are hollow (or wide
arches).
The sonar display can also be set to show a split screen view of a
zoomed portion of the sonar, bottom lock (display scaled from the
bottom up), or a combination of these options. For example, you
can choose to show dual frequency at a 2X zoom (Dual 2X) on one
half and normal range dual frequency (Dual) on the other half. The
current display mode appears at the bottom of each sonar display.
Read the “Understanding Sonar” section beginning on page 99 for
more on information about sonar.
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Adjusting the Sonar Page
Use the Adjustment menu to access the settings and features most
commonly used on the Sonar Page. Ten main adjustment options
are available: Range, Zoom, View, Gain, Target Level, Whiteline,
Frequency, Depth Line, Noise Reject, and Scroll. The currently
selected option appears in the upper-left corner.
To select an adjustment option:
Use one of the following methods to select an adjustment option:
• Press the ROCKER right or left to scroll through the
adjustment options. When the adjustment option you want
appears, press ENTER.
• Press MENU, highlight Adjustments, and press ENTER.
Use the ROCKER to highlight the adjustment and press
ENTER.
After you select an adjustment option, press the ROCKER up or
down to change the setting.
You can also press MENU and highlight a shortcut setting to
quickly change to commonly used settings and values.
Press ENTER to accept the new setting (or press QUIT to cancel)
and return to the Sonar Page.
Sonar Adjustment Options
Range—sets the display depth range used for viewing. The unit can
be set to automatically track the bottom or set to a user-specied
depth range.
Zoom—allows you to select a display zoom scale or to split
the display. When a scale other than No Zoom is selected, the
Adjustment menu shows a new selection labeled View or Span. The
Zoom function is divided into six display levels:
•
2X Split—shows two reduced-size sonar pictures at the same
time. The right half shows the complete sonar picture at its
original scale. The left half shows a portion of the original
picture at 1/2 depth scale.
•
2X Zoom—shows the 2X zoomed picture on the full screen.
•
4X Split—shows two reduced pictures, the right at the
original depth scale and the left at 1/4 the original depth scale.
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• 4X Zoom—shows the 4X zoomed picture on the full screen.
•
Btm (Bottom) Split—shows two reduced pictures, the right
at the original depth scale and the left showing sonar returns
from the bottom up. All target depths read as a distance from
the bottom.
•
Btm (Bottom) Lock—shows returns from the bottom up on
the full screen.
TIP: Press the In and Out keys to quickly zoom in and out of
the Sonar display.
View/Span—changes the viewing range of a zoomed display. If the
display is 2X or 4X split, only the zoomed portion on the left side of
the display is affected by the change. If the display is Bottom Split
or Bottom Lock, Span adjusts how far off the bottom the unit shows
data. This option is available when a Zoom scale other than No
Zoom is selected.
Gain—allows you to control the sensitivity of the unit’s receiver.
To see more detail, increase the receiver sensitivity by selecting a
higher gain. If there is too much detail or if the screen is cluttered,
select a lower gain.
Target Level—adjusts colors used to display sonar information. A
Color Bar appears on the right side of the screen as you adjust this
setting. A higher percentage results in more strong-signaled colors
shown on the sonar display. A lower percentage results in more
weaker-signaled colors shown on the sonar display. This setting does
not increase or decrease the unit Gain.
Whiteline—controls how the unit shows information about the
bottom type (hard or soft). With Whiteline Off, the bottom return
shows as red. Set Whiteline at Normal or 1–100% to determine
bottom hardness. See page 101 for more information.
Frequency—allows you to choose a transducer frequency.
Frequency refers to the “pitch” of the sound that the transducer
sends and receives.
Depth Line—adds a horizontal depth line across the display that is
used to measure the depth of underwater objects. The depth of the
line appears in a box on the right side of the line. Press up or down
on the ROCKER to move the line on the sonar display.
Noise Reject—helps lter unwanted noise from the sonar display.
The Noise Reject can be turned Off, set to Normal (automatically
adjusts for optimum viewing) or to a xed 1–100% setting. When
setting the Noise Reject, remember that a higher noise rejection
setting is less likely to show sh or structures.
Scroll—adjusts the rate that the sonar display scrolls from right to
left. If you are sitting still or the sonar display is moving too fast,
slow the scroll rate or pause the scrolling.
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Resizing the Split Screen
You can adjust the way the split screen appears. This option is only
available when a zoom scale other than No Zoom is selected.
To resize the Sonar Page split screen:
1. From the Sonar Page split screen, press MENU.
2. Using the ROCKER, highlight Size Split, and press ENTER.
3. Move the horizontal double-arrow left or right using the
ROCKER until the vertical width line shows, then press
ENTER.
4. If you want to cancel this operation, press QUIT or press
MENU, highlight Stop Resizing, and press ENTER.
Using the Pointer on the Sonar Page
You can show the pointer (arrow) to reference sonar items and
mark underwater waypoints. This makes it easier to nd and use
an object such as a stump for a future shing location. When using
this feature, the Sonar Page pauses. The depth continues to update
while the display is paused, but the unit does not show any new
sonar data until the Sonar Page resumes scrolling. You might see a
discontinuity from where the sonar information stops and where it
starts again.
To mark an underwater waypoint:
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU, highlight Show Pointer,
and press ENTER.
2. Use the ROCKER to move the pointer to the location you
want to mark. Press ENTER. The New Map Waypoint Page
appears.
3. To change the name, symbol or depth, highlight the
appropriate eld, and press ENTER. Make your changes and
press ENTER.
4. When you are done making changes, highlight OK, and
press ENTER.
5. To return to the standard Sonar Page, press QUIT; or press
MENU, highlight Hide Pointer, and press ENTER.
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Setting Up Sonar
Use the Sonar tab on the Main Menu to set up the Sonar Page.
Main Menu—Sonar Tab
Fish Symbols—select how the Sonar Page shows underwater targets
and background information. Select Off to show all of the available
information about the underwater environment. Select a sh symbol,
to show only the information related to that symbol.
Water Type—select the proper water type you are boating in.
Because sound waves travel through fresh and salt water at different
rates, it is necessary to select the water type to ensure accurate
readings on the unit.
Depth Number—select how efcient the digital depth update rate
is. Fast Update updates quicker and is recommended for low-noise
water deeper than 50 feet. Auto is best for shallow water or high-
noise areas, has a slower screen update, and is best used if you travel
a wide variety of depths.
If the unit is unable to track the bottom for any reason, the digits in
the depth window ash on and off to alert you that the unit is not
tracking the bottom.
Map Split Sonar Detail—select how much detail appears on the
Map Page with the sonar shown. Full Range shows data using the
Range setting of the Sonar Page, regardless of Zoom or Bottom
Lock. Maximum Detail shows any Zoom or Bottom Lock data
from the Sonar Page.
Keel Offset—enter the surface reading for the depth of a keel. This
makes it possible to measure depth from the bottom of your keel
instead of from the transducer’s location. Enter a positive number
to offset for a keel. It is also possible to enter a negative number to
compensate for a large vessel that can draw several feet of water.
The Keel Offset is reected in the depth reading.
Transducer—select the type of transducer that you are using. If you
are using a speed-capable transducer/sensor, select Temp, Spd.
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Calibrating the Water Speed
If you select Temp, Spd for the Transducer option on the Setup sub
tab, you must calibrate the water speed to ensure the Water Speed
shown on your unit is accurate. The calibration should take place in
water having little or no current.
The unit automatically uses the GPS ground speed, if it is available,
for comparison on the calibration. If a GPS ground speed is not
available, use either your boat’s speedometer reading (not always
accurate) or a stopwatch to determine your speed over a certain
distance. To nd out your speed, divide the distance by the time.
To calibrate the water speed:
1. On the Setup sub tab, highlight the Calibrate Water Speed
button and press ENTER.
2. Bring the boat to a cruising speed. Both the top ground and
uncalibrated water speeds are shown at the bottom of the
calibration window. Note your top speed, then stop the boat,
and press ENTER.
Calibrating the Water Speed
3. By default, the top ground speed is automatically shown. If
a ground speed is not available, the top uncalibrated water
speed is used instead. If the new speed is correct, highlight
OK, and press ENTER.
If you want to manually enter a calibration, press ENTER
while the speed is highlighted, enter a new speed, and press
ENTER again.
If the boat is not moving fast enough or the speed sensor is not
outputting a speed, “Boat Is Not Moving Fast Enough To Calibrate”
appears at the bottom of the screen. Check that the speed sensor
wheel is moving or safely increase boat speed. If there is a problem
with the speed sensor or if a speed senor is not installed, “Water
Speed Sensor Is Not Working” appears at the bottom of the screen.
Check connections of speed sensor cables.
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Setting Up the Sonar Display
You can set up how the sonar information appears on-screen using
the Display sub tab.
Display Sub Tab
Scale—select how and where you want the depth scale to appear.
Color Bar—select On to show a gradient scale of the current Target
Level setting on the Sonar Setup tab.
Flasher—select On to show a graphic Flasher representation on
the far right side of the sonar display. This graphic Flasher shows
structure and bottom returns much the same as a true Flasher. You
might nd this feature useful when using Fish Symbols.
Temperature Graph—select On to show a temperature graph along
the bottom of the Sonar Page.
Background Color—select the color for the Sonar Page and the
sonar on the Map Split Page.
Sonar Page with the Sonar Display Settings Changed
Color Bar
Graphic Flasher
Depth Scale
in corners
Temperature
Graph
White
Background
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Viewing the Temperature
Use the Temperature sub tab to view a graph of water temperature
changes over a period of time. The graph reads from right to left
so that the most recent temperature measured appears on the far
right side of the graph. The dotted lines within the graph indicate
intervals in the temperature scale and the duration of time. To view
temperature information, you must select Temp as the Transducer
type on the Setup sub tab.
NOTE: You must be receiving proper sonar data from another
device, such as a Garmin GSD 20 or GSD 21 Sounder Module,
to view temperature information.
Temperature Sub Tab
Changing the Temperature Display
The graph will adjust and show the temperatures changes according
to the Temperature Scale and Time Duration settings.
Temperature Scale—select a degree span from the list. Select Auto
to have the unit automatically determine the best range, or select a
span of 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 degrees.
Time Duration—set how fast or slow the temperature log scrolls; a
shorter time duration means a faster temperature log scroll. Select a
duration from 1 minute to 2.5 hours.
Resetting the Temperature Graph
To reset the scale range for the temperature graph, press MENU,
highlight Reset Auto Scale, and press ENTER. This is useful
when the scale spans a large range due to extreme temperature
changes. You can reset the scale only when you select Auto for the
Temperature Scale.
To restore the temperature graph to defaults, press MENU, highlight
Restore Default, and press ENTER.
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Understanding Sonar
The transducer mounted on your vessel transmits sound waves
toward the bottom of the water in a cone-shaped pattern. When
a transmitted sound wave strikes an underwater object—such as
the bottom, a structure, or a sh—sound is reected back to the
transducer. The transducer collects the reected sound waves and
sends the data to the GSD 21 or GSD 20 Sounder Modules and then
to the GPSMAP 278 to be processed and shown. The underwater
data is shown on the Sonar display in the order that it is returned;
rst returned is the rst on the display.
Sonar Page
Generally speaking, if the only thing between the transducer and
the bottom is water, the rst strong return comes from the bottom
directly below the transducer and sets the bottom level. Weaker
secondary returns provide the detailed data. Stronger returns appear
in darker colors, with red being the strongest return.
Understanding the Sonar Display
One of the rst things to understand about sonar is that the
transducer sends a beam down to the bottom of the water, much like
the beam of a ashlight. The beam starts small near your vessel and
expands as it gets to the bottom. See “Transducer Coverage” for
more detailed information.
The Sonar Page does not show a three-dimensional representation of
the underwater environment; the display is in two-dimensions, much
like if you took a picture of an aquarium. Only the depth of the item
in the water appears. The Sonar display does not show you where an
item is located horizontally in the water, as shown in the drawings
below. The sh is not directly above the tree in reality, but it might
look like it is on the Sonar Page.
20'
10'
1'
Aerial View of the Water Sonar Display
Fish
Tree
Tree
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Transducer Coverage
The area covered by the transmitted sound waves is determined
by the cone angle of the transducer and the water depth. The wide
cone angles (40°) associated with low frequencies (50 kHz) provide
a large coverage area for nding sh within a coverage width that
is approximately 2/3 of the water depth. However, this also means
that wide cone angles produce less bottom detail and resolution. As
shown in the drawing on the near right, the 40° cone angle produces
a coverage area of approximately a 20-foot diameter circle at a
30-foot depth.
The narrow cone angles (10°) associated with high frequencies
(200 kHz) provide better bottom resolution and crisper detail, but
cannot show a large coverage area for nding sh. The 10° cone
angle provides a coverage width that is approximately 2/10 of the
water depth. As shown in the drawing on the far right, the 10° cone
angle produces a coverage area of approximately a 6-foot diameter
circle at a 30-foot depth.
Dual frequency mode combines both frequencies to get the best
coverage area and contour/depth readings.
40° Cone Angle (50 kHz)
Coverage
Diameter
Depth
10° Cone Angle (200 kHz)
Coverage
Diameter
Depth
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Whiteline
The GSD 20 or GSD 21 can help you determine whether the bottom
is hard or soft. When the sonar sound waves are reected back
by the bottom, a hard bottom returns a stronger signal than a soft
bottom. A thin whiteline indicates a softer bottom, while a thick
whiteline indicates a harder bottom. Normally, a red line is used
to show the point where water meets the bottom. This line follows
the bottom contour, along with any signicant objects lying on the
bottom. The unit uses the whiteline function to make the bottom
layer information easier to distinguish.
Whiteline OffWhiteline On
Thick
Whiteline: Hard
bottom
Thermoclines
A rough denition of a thermocline is a break in water where
the water temperature changes faster than the water above it.
Thermoclines are shown as the weakest colors.
One of the unique features offered by Garmin is See-Thru
®
technology, which allows the GPSMAP 278 to hear both weak and
strong signals simultaneously so it can identify sh returns under
the toughest conditions, such as suspended in thermoclines or even
hiding near structures. See-Thru technology allows the GSD 21 or
GSD 20 Sounder Modules to “see” through thermoclines and helps
locate sh where they live.
Thermocline
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 101
settIng uP And usIng sonAr > understAndIng sonAr
aPPendIx
Specications
Physical Specications
Size: 5.7" W x 3.2" H x 1.9" D
(14.5 x 8.1 x 4.8 cm)
Weight: 14.0 oz (0.40 kg)
Display: 3.75" diagonal (9.5 cm) Transective, 256-color
display with backlighting (480 x 320 pixels)
Case: Fully gasketed, high-impact plastic alloy,
waterproof to IEC 60529 IPX7
Temp. Range: 5°F to 140°F (-15°C to 60°C)
Power
Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery Life: 7-15 hours
Source: 11–35 VDC
Fuse: 3AG - 1.5 Amp
Performance
Receiver: Differential-ready 12 parallel channel receiver
Acquisition Times: Approximately 15 seconds (warm start)
Approximately 45 seconds (cold start)
Approximately 5 minutes (First Time/
AutoLocate™)
Update Rate: 1/second, continuous
Accuracy
GPS: 15 meters (49 feet) RMS 95% typical
DGPS (USCG): 3–5 meters (10–16 ft), 95% typical
DGPS (WAAS): < 3 meters (10 ft) 95% typical with DGPS
corrections
Velocity: 0.1 knot RMS steady state
Dynamics: 6 g's
102 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
APPendIx > sPecIfIcAtIons
Optional Accessories
In addition to the standard accessories included with your
GPSMAP 278, several optional accessories are available to enhance
the operation of the GPSMAP 278.
To obtain replacement parts and optional accessories, contact
your Garmin Dealer, Garmin Product Support at 800/800.1020, or
Garmin Europe at 44/0870.8501241.
WARNING: Garmin accessories have been designed and
specically tested for use with Garmin products. Accessories
offered by other manufacturers have not been tested or approved
for use with Garmin products. Use of such accessories could
cause damage to the GPSMAP 278 and void the warranty.
GA 29, GA 29F, and GA 26C Antennas: Garmin remote antennas.
Non-Skid Friction Mount: Portable vehicle mount, no installation
required.
Permanent and Temporary Adhesive Disks: Adhesive disks for
using the unit in a vehicle.
PC Interface Cable: Connects the unit to a serial port on your PC.
Power/Data Cable: Allows you to connect the unit to the electrical
system using bare wires.
Programmable Data Cards: Blank data cards available in 16 MB,
32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, and 512 MB sizes. Download
detailed map data from MapSource CD-ROMs to a data card, either
directly through your GPSMAP 278 using the PC USB cable, the
optional PC Interface cable, or with the optional USB Data Card
Programmer.
USB Data Card Programmer: Programs blank data cards at high
speed through a PC.
Carrying Case: Protects the GPSMAP 278 when not in use; has
storage space for data cards.
Protective Cover: Snaps on the front of the unit to protect the
screen from damage.
MapSource Software CD-ROMs: enhances the basemap and
creates waypoints and routes from your computer. MapSource
offers several detailed mapping options that are compatible with the
GPSMAP 278. See www.garmin.com for more information
Pre-Programmed Data Cards: Data cards preprogrammed with
BlueChart g2 or US Inland Lakes map data.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 103
APPendIx > oPtIonAl AccessorIes
Installation Information
This section of the Appendix provides information on connecting the
GPSMAP 278 to auxiliary devices and removing the antenna.
Connecting the Power/Data Cable
The power/data cable connects the GPSMAP 278 to an 11–35 VDC
system and provides interface capabilities for connecting external
devices. The color code in the diagram below and to the right
indicates the appropriate harness connections. Replacement fuse is a
3AG - 1.5 Amp fuse.
Power/Data Connector on the GPSMAP 278 Unit
Data Out 1
Blue
Ground
Black
Voice (-)
Orange
Alarm
White
Power
Red
Voice (+)
Brown
Data In 1
Yellow
Data In 2
Green
Data Out 2
Violet
Power/Data Connector on the Cable
Data Out 1
Blue
Ground
Black
Voice (-)
Orange
Alarm
White
Power
Red
Voice (+)
Brown
Data In 1
Yellow
Data In 2
Green
Data Out 2
Violet
Yellow:
Data In 1
Black:
Ground
Red: Power
11–35 VDC
(-) (+)
Autopilot/
NMEA Device
RXD +
RXD -
GSD 20 or 21
Sounder
(-)
(+)
White/Brown
White/Blue
Blue:
Data Out 1
Orange
Closed - On,
Open - Off
Switch
104 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
APPendIx > InstAllAtIon InforMAtIon
Connecting Your GPSMAP 278 to a Computer
You can connect your GPSMAP 278 to your computer using
the supplied USB cable to connect to a USB data port or the
PC Interface cable to connect to a DB-9 serial communications port.
NOTE: Fully install the supplied MapSource program, Trip &
Waypoint Manager, on your computer before connecting the
USB cable to the computer.
USB Data Port on Your PC
Serial Communications Port
USB connector
under weather
cap
To connect your GPS to your computer:
1. Connect the small end of your cable to the lower connector
on the back of the GPSMAP 278, shown in the illustration to
the left.
2. When using the supplied USB Data Cable, connect the larger
end of the cable to an available USB data port (see the
illustration on the left).
When using a PC Interface Cable, connect the larger end of
the cable to a serial communications port on your computer
(see illustration on the bottom left).
Information About USB Drivers
The USB drivers should have been automatically installed when
you installed the MapSource program that came with your
GPSMAP 278. The rst time you connect the GPSMAP 278 to a
USB port, your computer might prompt you to locate the destination
of the drivers for the device. You only need to install the drivers
once. After the drivers are installed, your computer will always
detect your GPSMAP 278 when it is connected. USB drivers
might be updated periodically. You can nd these updates at
www.garmin.com.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 105
APPendIx > InstAllAtIon InforMAtIon
Using xImage for Customized Waypoint Icons
Use xImage to exchange images between your computer and your
GPSMAP 278. You can download and save screenshots of any
screen shown on your unit. xImage also allows you to download
customizable splash screens and waypoint symbols from compatible
GPS units, customize them (if you have an image editing program
on your computer), and send them back to your GPS unit.
You can download xImage from the Garmin Web site at
www.garmin.com/ximage/. See the Help le for complete
instructions about using xImage.
Custom POIs (Points of Interest)
Your GPSMAP 278 accepts custom POI databases, available from
various companies on the Internet. Some custom POI databases
contain alert information for points such as safety cameras and
school zones. Your GPSMAP 278 can notify you when you approach
one of these points.
After downloading your POI database, use the Garmin POI loader to
install the POIs to your unit. The POI Loader is available at
www.garmin.com/extras.
CAUTION: Garmin is not responsible for the consequences of
using a custom POI database or the accuracy of third-party data.
106 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
APPendIx > InstAllAtIon InforMAtIon
Installing and Removing Data Cards
You can use optional Garmin data cards in your GPSMAP 278 to
show digital charts and maps. Install the data card in the card slot
located on the bottom of the unit. Install or remove the data card at
any time, whether the unit is on or off.
You can load a variety of information on your data card, such as
MapSource detailed maps. You can also buy pre-programmed cards
to use with your GPSMAP 278.
NOTE: Data cards are not waterproof, should not be exposed to
moisture or excessive static charges, and should be stored in the
case supplied with the card.
To install a data card:
1. Insert the card into the slot on the bottom of the unit. Be sure
the label is facing the front of the unit.
2. Firmly push the card into the unit. It is not necessary to force
the card. The handle is still exposed when it is properly
inserted.
3. If the unit is on, a conrmation tone sounds. The rst time
you insert a programmed data card, the unit takes a few
seconds to read the card. Once the data card has been
properly installed and accepted, a summary screen noting
the card details appears. Press ENTER to acknowledge.
If you insert a data card and get a card format not recognized
message, try removing the card and reinserting it. If the card is still
not recognized, contact Garmin or your Garmin dealer.
To remove a data card:
1. Grasp the card handle. The handle expands for easy
removal.
2. Pull the card out of the card slot on the bottom of the unit.
3. If the unit is on, a conrmation tone sounds when the data
card has been removed.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 107
APPendIx > InstAllAtIon InforMAtIon
Interfacing
The following formats are supported for connection of external
devices: GARMIN proprietary Differential GPS (DGPS), NMEA
0180, 0182, 0183 (versions 1.5, 2.0, 2.3, 3.01), ASCII Text Output,
and RTCM SC-104 input (version 2.0).
The following are the Approved Sentences for NMEA 0183,
version 3.01 output: GPRMC, GPGGA, GPGSA, GPGSV, GPGLL,
GPBOD, GPRTE, and GPWPL. The following are the Proprietary
Sentences for NMEA 0183, version 3.01 output: PGRME, PGRMZ,
and PGRMM.
The GPSMAP 278 also includes NMEA input with support for
the BWC, DBT, DPT, DSC, DSE, MTW, VHW, VTG, and XTE
sentences.
Garmin’s proprietary communication protocol is available from the
Web site (www.garmin.com).
Removing the GPS Antenna
You can remove the GPS antenna to use an external antenna. After
the antenna is removed, the BNC connector is exposed and ready
for use with an external antenna. For information on connecting
an external antenna to the GPSMAP 278, refer to the installation
instructions that came with the antenna.
To remove the GPS antenna:
1. Remove the external power cable from the connector on the
back of the GPSMAP 278.
2. Rotate the antenna to approximately a seven o’clock
position. The alignment notches in the casing must line up
with the notches on the antenna.
3. Pull the antenna away from the GPSMAP 278 unit.
Removing the GPS Antenna
108 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
APPendIx > InstAllAtIon InforMAtIon
What is EGNOS/WAAS/MSAS?
The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS)
is European Space Agency developed service to improve the overall
integrity of the GPS signal and increase position accuracy for users
in Europe. In North America, EGNOS is referred to as WAAS.
The system is made up of satellites and network of ground reference
stations positioned across Europe that monitor GPS satellite data.
All SBAS systems use the same receiver frequency; therefore any
operational SBAS system should be capable of providing your GPS
unit with increased accuracy at any location in the world.
Currently, enabling EGNOS/WAAS on your Garmin GPSMAP 278
in regions that are not supported by ground stations may not improve
accuracy, even when receiving signals from an SBAS satellite. In
fact, it can degrade the accuracy to less than that provided by GPS
satellites alone. For this reason, when you enable EGNOS/WAAS
on your Garmin GPS receiver, the receiver automatically uses the
method that achieves the best accuracy. To enable EGNOS/WAAS,
see to page 6.
LORAN TD Setup
LORAN C is a radio navigation aid operated and maintained in the
United States by the United States Coast Guard. LORAN
(LOng RAnge Navigation) system covers the entire United States
and the U.S. Coastal Conuence Zone. From the perspective of a
mariner, the system is used for ocean and coastal navigation. It can
be used as a supplemental system for harbor and harbor approach
navigation, and it is used for inland navigation by recreational
vehicles.
LORAN TD Feature
The LORAN TD (Time Delay) feature eases the transition from
using LORAN to using GPS. The GPSMAP unit automatically
converts GPS coordinates to LORAN TDs for those who have a
collection of LORAN xes for favorite shing spots and other
waypoints recorded as TDs. You can display your location as a TD
or enter waypoints as TDs. The accuracy to be expected from this
conversion is approximately 30 meters. When the unit is placed
in the LORAN TD format mode, it simulates the operation of a
LORAN receiver. Position coordinates might be shown as TDs,
and all navigation functions may be used as if the unit was actually
receiving LORAN signals.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 109
APPendIx > WhAt Is egnos/WAAs/MsAs And lorAn td setuP
Using the LORAN TD Format
When creating new waypoints using LORAN TD coordinates,
you must set the correct LORAN chain number and secondary
stations in the Setup TD eld before storing the waypoint. After
the waypoint is stored in the unit’s memory, it always references
the LORAN chain number and secondary stations selected in the
Setup TD eld. If you enter a different LORAN chain number or
change the secondary stations or offsets in the Setup TD eld, the
active waypoint information reects those changes. Because the
GPSMAP 278 does not rely on the LORAN signal for navigation,
it can reference a different GRI chain and/or secondary stations and
still navigate to the location stored in memory.
The LORAN TD Setup window contains the elds to select the
Loran GRI-Chain Number, Primary and Secondary Stations, and TD
Offsets.
To set up Loran TD from the Main Menu:
1. Highlight the Setup tab on the Main Menu, and then highlight
the Location sub tab.
2. Highlight the Location Format eld, and press ENTER.
3. Highlight Loran TD, and press ENTER.
4. Highlight the Setup button located on the right side of the
Location Format eld, and press ENTER. The Loran TD
Setup window appears.
LORAN TD Setup
5. To change the settings of any of the ve elds, highlight the
eld, press ENTER, select a setting using the ROCKER, and
press ENTER AGAIN.
6. When nished, highlight the Save button, and press ENTER.
If the active GRI Chain, secondary stations, or offsets were changed
since the waypoint was created, the waypoint references the active
GRI chain and secondary stations and adjusts the TD coordinates
accordingly. Remember that the GPS is not relying on the LORAN
signal for navigation and actually converts the TD coordinate to a
useful latitude and longitude coordinate before storing the waypoint
to memory or using it for navigation. Because of this, the unit can
navigate to a TD coordinate anywhere in the world.
For more information on LORAN TDs, you can download the
LORAN TD Position Format Handbook from the Garmin Web site.
110 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
APPendIx > lorAn td setuP
Map Datums and Location Formats
Map Datums are based on a mathematical model of the Earth.
What Are Map Datums?
A datum is a mathematical model of the Earth that approximates
the shape of the Earth and enables calculations to be carried out in a
consistent and accurate manner. The datum is physically represented
by a framework of ground monuments whose positions have been
accurately measured and calculated on this reference surface. Lines
of latitude and longitude on a map or chart are referenced to a
specic map datum. Every chart has a map datum reference, and you
can set the GPSMAP 278 to match most of those commonly used.
If you are navigating and comparing the GPS coordinates to a map,
chart, or other reference, set the map datum in the GPS unit to the
same datum as the map to ensure the most accurate navigation.
What is a Location Format?
Your current location can be viewed on the GPS in the form of
coordinates. Because different maps and charts use different
location formats, Garmin GPS units allow you to choose the correct
coordinate system for the type of map you are using. The most
common format is latitude and longitude, which is used by all
Garmin units.
You can choose to change the location format to use with other
coordinate systems in Location eld of the Setup tab—Location
sub tab. UTM/UPS (Universal Transverse Mercator/Universal Polar
Stereographic) are easy-to-use metric grids that are found on most
USGS topographic quadrangle maps. You can also select one of
several other grids, including a user-denable grid (for the advanced
user).
For more information about using paper maps with your
Garmin unit, refer to Using a Garmin GPS with Paper Land
Maps, available for download at www.garmin.com/manuals/
UsingaGarminGPSwithPaperLandMaps_Manual.pdf.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 111
APPendIx > MAP dAtuMs And locAtIon forMAts
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
DSC uses marine VHF radio GPS technologies to transmit and
receive location information. DSC is used by mariners to assist them
in two major areas: distress calls and position reporting.
A non-emergency DSC position report allows mariners to exchange
and display the positions of one another. When you receive a DSC
position, you can create a waypoint or to show the received position
on an electronic map.
An emergency DSC distress call allows a vessel in trouble
to transmit a substantial amount of information in a single
transmission, or “call,” without the need for voice communication.
When any nearby rescuer receives the DSC signal, an alarm sounds,
and they immediately receive the position of the caller.
The rescuer can to navigate (Go To) the caller’s position to
assist or forward the call on to the Coast Guard. When the Coast
Guard receives the call, they can immediately access the caller’s
information in their database while in transit to the caller’s location.
Any time a vessel receives a DSC call, the vessel can store that
location and quickly navigate to that position using a Go To. This
makes DSC a time-saver, especially in an emergency situation. To
use DSC, users must rst register their VHF radio with the FCC and
receive a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number.
Understanding Distress Calls
With your GPSMAP 278 properly connected to a VHF radio with
DSC output, you can receive any DSC distress call within range.
An alert message appears and a tone sounds when a distress call is
received. The alarm only sounds on a distress call; position reports
do not sound the alarm. Distress calls are broadcast to all DSC users
in radio range and appear with a blue and white checkered icon on
the DSC Call List and Log tabs.
You can enter a caller’s name, if it is known. The caller’s name
replaces the MMSI number as a reference once entered.
Understanding Position Reports
The Position Report operates similarly to the distress call. This type
of contact is like a phone call; no emergency alarms are set off.
Position reports are not broadcast to all DSC users and appear with a
gold boat icon.
Receiving DSC Calls
Each time you receive a distress call or position report, either the
DSC Position Report Page or a Distress Call Page opens. Both pages
contain identical elds to the DSC Entry Review Page.
112 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
APPendIx > dIgItAl selectIve cAllIng (dsc)
Each entry in the Call List and Log has a corresponding DSC Entry
Review Page. This page operates similarly to the Distress Page and
Position Report Page. From the DSC Entry Review, you can Delete
the entry, Save it as a waypoint, or show the location on the map.
To review a call or log entry:
1. Open the Call List or Log from the DSC tab.
2. Highlight the call you want to review.
3. Press ENTER to open the DSC Entry Review Page.
DSC Entry Review Page
DSC Call List
The Call List shows the 50 most recent calls, even if the unit is left
unattended. The Call List only shows the most recent call from a
vessel. If a second call is received, it replaces the rst call in the Call
List. Press MENU to sort the list and delete entries.
DSC Call List
DSC Log
When DSC calls are received, they are automatically stored in the
Log, with the latest call at the top. The unit can store up to 100 calls;
after 100 calls are received, the oldest log le is removed when a
new call is received. Press MENU to sort the list and delete entries.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 113
APPendIx > dIgItAl selectIve cAllIng (dsc)
DSC Log
Receiving a Position Report or Distress Call
After you receive a Position Report or a Distress Call, you can
quickly navigate to the location. Highlight a call from the Call List
or Log and press Direct To. The top selection in the Navigate Menu
is highlighted. Press ENTER to go to the location.
DSC Directory
The DSC Directory acts much like a phone book and can hold up to
50 entries. Pressing MENU from this page allows you to add a New
Item, Delete a highlighted entry, or Delete All entries.
DSC Directory list
DSC Directory
entries. Press
ENTER
to
open the entry
review page.
Blank entry.
Press ENTER to
add a directory
entry.
To add a new Directory entry:
1. Open the DSC Directory on the Main Menu.
2. Use the ROCKER to highlight the rst blank space in the
directory list and press ENTER.
OR
Press MENU, highlight New Item, and press ENTER.
3. Enter the MMSI number, the name, and any comments.
4. When nished, highlight OK, and press ENTER.
114 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
APPendIx > dIgItAl selectIve cAllIng (dsc)
New Directory Item Page
Enter the
MMSI number,
name, and a
comment (if
needed) in the
elds.
Highlight OK
and press
ENTER to save
the directory
entry.
After creating a New Directory Item, the name created is attached
to that particular MMSI number. If you return to the Log, the new
name appears under the corresponding MMSI number.
Another way to input a name is from the Entry Review Page or the
DSC Distress Call or DSC Position Report pages. The Name and
MMSI are sent to other Garmin GPS units: Only the MMSI numbers
are sent to other non-Garmin DSC users.
Making a Distress Call
To make a Distress Call, press the MayDay (or Distress Call) button
on your VHF radio. The call transmits on an emergency channel
with the MMSI number attached to the call, if you have DSC
support. Any DSC-equipped mariner (on sea or land) within range
can receive the call.
Setting Up DSC
Use the Setup sub tab to turn DSC on and off. If you have more
than one chartplotter and only want DSC to display on another
chartplotter, turn DSC off on this unit.
This Setup sub tab also allows you to simulate Distress Calls and
Position Reports while the unit is in Simulator Mode. Simulating
calls is helpful for practice before connecting to the real system. The
Distress Call simulator also helps to check if alarms are working
properly.
DSC Setup
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 115
APPendIx > dIgItAl selectIve cAllIng (dsc)
What is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
Number?
MMSI allows a VHF radio to act like a phone. The 9-digit MMSI
number acts like a phone number when used in a position report and
as a unique identier to the Coast Guard when used in an emergency
distress call. To obtain a MMSI number, users must register their
VHF radio with the FCC (Form 605). Garmin does not supply this
number!
For more information regarding MMSI numbers, visit
www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm.
How Are MMSI Assignments Obtained?
Non-commercial users, such as recreational users, who remain
in United States waters and only carry VHF, EPIRB (Emergency
Position Indicating Radio Beacons), and Radar are not required to
have a FCC ship station license. The FCC and Coast Guard have
authorized some second and third-party vendors to assign MMSI
numbers. This service is limited to registering recreational vessels
only. To receive information on how to obtain a recreational MMSI
number, contact www.uscg.mil/rescue21/links/mmsi.htm or
http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/.
Non-Federal Users in the United States
Commercial users, or those who travel outside the United States or
Canada, must apply for a ship station license or an amendment to a
ship station license. To nd out if you require a Ship Station license,
visit http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html. If your vessel
requires licensing by the FCC, you can obtain a MMSI during the
application/licensing process when you le FCC Forms 159 and
605.
Federal Users in the United States
Federal users can obtain MMSI assignments from their agency
radio spectrum management ofce. These procedures are currently
under review by the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA).
Users Outside the United States
Users can obtain an MMSI assignment from their telecommunications
authority or ship registry, often by obtaining or amending their ship
station license.
Users In Canada
Industry Canada is responsible for assigning MMSI numbers to
commercial and recreational vessels. Information is available at the
following Web site: http://apollo.ic.gc.ca/english/mmsi.html.
116 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
APPendIx > dIgItAl selectIve cAllIng (dsc)
How Can Garmin Help You with DSC?
To receive distress calls or position reports, you must have a
DSC-equipped chartplotter as well as a VHF radio with DSC
support. During normal, non-emergency position report
communication, Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) has been set aside as
the VHF/DSC digital call channel.
For a distress call, press the MayDay button on the VHF radio. The
call transmits on an emergency channel with the MMSI number
attached to the call, if the receiver has DSC support. Any DSC-
equipped mariner (on sea or land) within range can receive the call.
When the GPSMAP 278 is connected to a VHF with DSC support,
the GPSMAP 278 shows a call list, log, and a directory. Basic wiring
is required for the Garmin unit and VHF radio to send and receive
NMEA data from each other.
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Hereby, Garmin, declares that this GPSMAP 278 is in compliance
with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of
Directive 1999/5/EC.
To view the full Declaration of Conformity, see the Garmin Web site
for your Garmin product: www.garmin.com.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 117
APPendIx > declArAtIon of conforMItY (doc)
Messages
Accuracy Alarm—the GPS accuracy has fallen outside of user-set value.
Alarm Clock—the alarm clock has sounded.
Antenna Shorted to Ground—the external GPS antenna has an electrical
connection problem. Contact Garmin Product Support.
Approaching Turn—you are nearing a turn in a route.
Arriving at Destination—you are nearing your destination.
Batteries Low—the battery needs to be recharged.
Basemap Failed Unit Needs Repair—there is an internal problem with your
unit. Contact Garmin Product Support to have the unit serviced.
Boat Is Not Moving Fast Enough to Calibrate—the boat is not moving fast
enough for the speed wheel to provide a valid speed.
Can’t Unlock Maps—no applicable unlock code for one or more maps was
found. All MapSource maps are not accessible.
Database Error—internal problem with the unit. Contact your dealer or
Garmin Product Support to have the unit repaired.
Deep Water—-the water is deeper than the amount set in the Deep Water
Alarm.
Detail Maps Don’t Support Routing—maps that are loaded on the data card
do not support automatic route calculation.
Distress Call—a DSC distress call was received. Take appropriate action.
Dragging Anchor—the distance set in the Anchor Drag Alarm was exceeded.
Drift Alarm—the water depth has changed by the amount entered in the Drift
Alarm setup.
Fish Alarm—a sh was detected. The unit shows an icon and beeps (if
enabled). This alarm does not display a message banner.
Lost Satellite Reception—the unit is unable to receive satellite signals.
Memory Full—unit memory is full, no further data can be saved.
Memory (RAM) Failed Unit Needs Repair—there is an internal problem
with your unit. Contact Garmin Product Support to have the unit serviced.
Memory (ROM) Failed Unit Needs Repair—there is an internal problem
with your unit. Contact Garmin Product Support to have the unit serviced.
Near Proximity Point—you have reached the distance set for a proximity
waypoint.
NMEA Depth is Below Transducer—no keel offset value has been received
from the external sonar device.
No Diff GPS Location—RTCM is selected but the unit is not receiving DGPS
data.
No Roads Near Destination—the destination for the road route you tried to
calculate is not near any roads. Select a different destination.
No Roads Near Starting Point—the start location for the road route you tried
to calculate is not near any roads. Select a different start location.
No DGPS Position—no differential connection data is available, or not enough
data is available to calculate a DGPS position.
No Tide Stations for that Area—no tide stations within 100 miles of the area.
None Found—no data matched the search criteria.
118 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
APPendIx > MessAges
Off Course—you are off course by the distance set in the Off Course Alarm.
Proximity Memory Full—no additional proximity waypoints can be saved.
Proximity Radius Overlaps—the radius of two proximity waypoints overlap.
Route Already Exists—you have entered a route name that already exists.
Route Calculation Error—no route can be calculated.
Route Memory Full—no additional routes can be saved.
Route Truncated—uploaded route from another device has more than 300
waypoints.
Route Waypoint Memory Full—no additional route waypoints can be saved.
Shallow Water—the water is shallower than the amount set in the Shallow
Water Alarm.
Sonar Failed Unit Needs Repair—there is an internal problem with the unit.
Contact Garmin Product Support to have the unit serviced.
Sunrise, Switching to Day Mode—the unit is switching to Day Mode.
Sunset, Switching to Night Mode—the unit is switching to Night Mode
Track Already Exists—a saved track with the same name already exists.
Track Log Full—the track log is full and track recording was turned off.
To record more track points, you need to clear the track log and turn track
recording on.
Track Memory Full—no more track data can be stored. Delete the old track
data to store the new data.
Track Truncated—a complete uploaded track will not t in memory. The
oldest track log points have been deleted.
Transducer Disconnected, Sonar Turned Off—the unit has no transducer
attached, has a bad cable/transducer, or has a disconnected transducer cable.
Transfer Complete—data transfer was completed.
USB Connected—the USB cable was recently plugged in.
User Timer Expired—the Timer Alarm value has counted down to zero.
Water Speed Sensor is Not Working—the speed sensor is not detected. Check
the connections.
Water Temperature Alarm—sonar has reported a temperature above, below,
inside, or outside the specied value(s).
Waypoint Already Exists—a waypoint with the same name already exists.
Waypoint Memory Full—the unit has stored the maximum number of
waypoints.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 119
APPendIx > MessAges
Data Field Options
The following list provides a brief description of each data eld
option. Some of these options are supported only by devices
interfaced to your GPSMAP 278.
Accuracy—the current accuracy of your GPS determined location.
Battery Timer—the time remaining on the battery before it is fully discharged.
Bearing—the compass direction from your current location to a destination.
Course—the desired path of travel from your starting location to a destination.
Course to Steer—the recommended direction to steer in order to reduce cross-
track error and return to the course line. Shown as Steer.
Cross Track—the distance you are off a desired course in either direction, left
or right.
Depth (Marine Only)—the depth of water from sonar NMEA input.
Dest Wpt—see Waypoint (Destination).
Distance (Destination)—the entire distance of a route, from beginning to end.
Distance (Next)—the distance to the next point on a route.
ETA (Destination)—Estimated Time of Arrival. The estimated time you will
reach your destination.
ETA (Next)—Estimated Time of Arrival. The estimated time you will reach the
next point on your route.
ETE (Destination)—Estimated Time Enroute. The estimated time required to
reach your destination.
ETE (Next)—Estimated Time Enroute. The estimated time required to reach
the next point on your route.
Elevation—the altitude (height) above or below mean sea level (MSL).
GPS Status—the current status of the GPS receiver, such as “3D GPS.”
Location (Lat/Lon)—your current location as latitude/longitude coordinates.
Location (Selected)—your current location described in the selected units of
measure (other than lat/lon).
Max Speed—the maximum speed the unit has moved since last reset.
Mov Avg Spd—see Trip Avg. Speed (Moving).
Move Timer—see Trip Timer (Moving)
Next Course—the course your route will take you on after you reach the next
waypoint.
Next Turn—the direction of the next turn on an active route.
Next Wpt—see Waypoint (Next).
Odometer—the total distance traveled since the odometer was reset.
Pointer—the arrow indicating the direction to travel to the next point on a
route.
Power—the power indicator icon: Battery, External Power, or Charging.
Speed—your current vehicle speed can be measured in kilometers per hour,
miles per hour, or knots.
Steer—see Course to Steer.
120 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
APPendIx > dAtA fIeld oPtIons
Sunrise—the time at which the sun rises on this day.
Sunset—the time at which the sun sets on this day.
Time—the current time and date. It can be shown in 12-hour or 24-hour format
in local time or universal (UTC) time.
Track—the direction of movement relative to a ground position. Also referred
to as ground track.
Trip Avg. Speed (Moving)—the average speed while moving since the last
reset of the trip computer. Appears as Mov Avg Spd.
Trip Avg. Speed (Total)—the total average speed traveled since the last reset
of the trip computer. Appears as Ttl Avg Spd.
Trip Odometer—the total distance traveled since the trip computer was reset.
Trip Timer (Moving)—the length of time your vehicle has been in motion,
since the trip computer was reset. Appears as Move Timer.
Trip Timer (Total)—the total time the unit has been tracking since the trip
computer was reset.
Ttl Avg Spd—see Trip Avg. Speed (Total).
Turn—the distance between Bearing (BRG) and Track (TRG). L indicates you
should turn left. R indicates you should turn right. The degrees indicates the
difference angle and the number of degrees you should turn.
User Timer—the timer you set on the Main Menu.
Velocity Made Good—the rate of closure on a destination based on your
current speed and course of travel. Appears as VMG.
Vertical Speed—the rate of climb or descent.
Voltage—the direct current voltage level of an external power source.
Water Speed (Marine Only)—the data acquired from measurement devices
interfaced to the unit is used to calculate your current speed over water.
Water Temperature (Marine Only)—the temperature of water at a measured
depth using measurement devices interfaced to the unit.
Waypoint (Destination)—the last point on a route, your destination. Appears
as Dest Wpt.
Waypoint (Next)—the next waypoint in your route. Appears as Next Wpt.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 121
APPendIx > dAtA fIeld oPtIons
Software License Agreement
BY USING THE GPSMAP 278, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE LICENSE
AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY.
Garmin grants you a limited license to use the software embedded in this
device (the “Software”) in binary executable form in the normal operation of
the product. Title, ownership rights, and intellectual property rights in and to
the Software remain in Garmin.
You acknowledge that the Software is the property of Garmin and is protected
under the United States of America copyright laws and international copyright
treaties. You further acknowledge that the structure, organization, and code
of the Software are valuable trade secrets of Garmin and that the Software in
source code form remains a valuable trade secret of Garmin. You agree not
to decompile, disassemble, modify, reverse assemble, reverse engineer, or
reduce to human readable form the Software or any part thereof or create any
derivative works based on the Software. You agree not to export or re-export
the Software to any country in violation of the export control laws of the
United States of America.
Product Registration
Help us better support you by completing our online registration
today. Go to http://my.garmin.com. Keep the original sales receipt,
or a photocopy, in a safe place.
Serial Number: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ __
Contact Garmin
Contact Garmin Product Support if you have any questions while
using your GPSMAP 278. In the USA, go to www.garmin.com/
support, or contact Garmin USA by phone at (913) 397.8200 or
(800) 800.1020.
In the UK, contact Garmin (Europe) Ltd. by phone at 0808 2380000.
In Europe, go to www.garmin.com/support and click Contact
Support for in-country support information, or contact Garmin
(Europe) Ltd. by phone at +44 (0) 870.8501241.
122 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
APPendIx > softWAre lIcense AgreeMent And Product regIstrAtIon
Limited Warranty
This Garmin product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or
workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Within this period, Garmin
will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use.
Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or
labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost.
This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident, or unauthorized
alteration or repairs.
This product is intended to be used only as a travel aid and must not be used for
any purpose requiring precise measurement of direction, distance, location, or
topography. Garmin makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of map
data in this product.
THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE
AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR
STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU
SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL GARMIN BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER
RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS
PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO
NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Garmin retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit or software or
offer a full refund of the purchase price at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY
SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF
WARRANTY.
To obtain warranty service, contact your local Garmin authorized dealer or call
Garmin Product Support for shipping instructions and an RMA tracking number.
Securely pack the unit and a copy of the original sales receipt, which is required
as the proof of purchase for warranty repairs. Write the tracking number clearly on
the outside of the package. Send the unit, freight charges prepaid, to any Garmin
warranty service station.
Online Auction Purchases: Products sold through online auctions are not eligible
for rebates or other special offers from Garmin. Online auction conrmations are not
accepted for warranty verication. To obtain warranty service, an original or copy
of the sales receipt from the original retailer is required. Garmin will not replace
missing components from any package purchased through an online auction.
International Purchases: A separate warranty is provided by international
distributors for units purchased outside the United States. This warranty is provided
by the local in-country distributor and this distributor provides local service for your
unit. Distributor warranties are only valid in the area of intended distribution. Units
purchased in the United States or Canada must be returned to the Garmin service
center in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, or Taiwan for service.
Garmin International, Inc. Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
1200 E 151st Street,
Liberty House, Hounsdown Business Park
Olathe, Kansas 66062 USA
Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9RB UK
(913) 397.8200 or (800) 800.1020 Tel. +44 (0) 870.8501241 (outside the UK)
(913) 397.8282 0808.2380000 (within the UK)
Fax +44 (0) 870.8501251
Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road,
Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel. 886/2.2642.9199
Fax 886/2.2642.9099
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 123
APPendIx > lIMIted WArrAntY
FCC Compliance
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and may cause harmful interference to radio communications
if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet that is on a different circuit from
the GPS unit.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This product does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should
only be made by an authorized Garmin service center. Unauthorized repairs
or modications could result in permanent damage to the
equipment, and void your warranty and your authority to
operate this device under Part 15 regulations.
124 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
APPendIx > fcc coMPIAnce
Index
A
accessories 103
accuracy alarm 72
acquiring satellites 5
active route page 54
options menu 54
active track tab 38, 41
AC outlet 2
add to route 22, 26, 31, 62
advanced NMEA output setup 88
alarms 80
anchor drag 72
arrival 72
DSC 112, 115
navigation 72
next turn 72
off course 72
proximity 36
sonar 73
system 72
alarms tab 71
alerts. See alarms
anchor drag 72
antenna 1, 3, 108
append to route 31
arrival alarm 72
ask my preference 82
assign category 34
attention tone 80
AutoLocate 3, 5
automotive mode
following a saved route 60
pages 56–62, 63–65
auto arrange 21
average location 32
avoidance button 82
avoids 61, 82
B
backlight 3, 80
basic operation 13
battery
level 2
pack 1, 2
saver mode 81
beeper 80
bug indicator 50
C
cable 104
calculation method 82
calendar tab 73
calibrate water speed 96
cards, data 107
carpool lanes 82
categories
nd menu 17
waypoint 34, 35
caution vi
CDI. See Course Deviation Indicator
celestial tab 74
hunt & sh sub tab 77
sun & moon sub tab 76
chain number 110
charging 2
cigarette lighter adapter 2
cities 17
cleaning iv
clear
track log 39
clock alarm 72
color mode 79
compass page 49, 80
marine timer 50
options menu 50
showing/hiding 49
connecting the power cable 2, 104
count down 83
course pointer 50
create
category 34
waypoints 28, 29
custom avoids 61, 82
D
data card 107
information 21, 44
slot 1
data elds
changing 43
options 120
date 83
daylight saving time 83
day view 74
DB-9 105
Declaration of Conformity (DoC) 117
declutter 47
deep water 73
defaults 8, 10
delete
category 35
DSC Call 113
DSC directory item 114
track log 39
waypoint 36
depth 84
detour 62
DGPS 86, 87, 88
alarm 72
digital selective calling. See DSC
direction display 84
display tab 79
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 125
Index
distance and speed 84
distress calls 69, 112–117
drift 73
DSC 69, 112–113
DSC Tab 69
E
edit
route 25, 26, 61
waypoints 33
editing a waypoint 33
EGNOS 6, 81
emergency 112
entering data 9
erase track log 39
European Geostationary Navigation
Overlay System. See EGNOS
exits 17
external power source 2
external voltage
alarm 72
F
faster time 82
FCC 112, 116, 124
eld 8
nd 17
from a different location 18, 19
menu 21, 24
nding an item 17–21
nd current location 3
nd menu 17
shing 77
sh symbols 95
asher 97
fuel ow 27
G
getting started 1
going to a destination 14
go to
distress call 114
history 20
position report 114
GPS
off/on 5
options 6
tips 6
GRI Chain 110
GSD 20 90
H
heading 85
highways
avoid 82
highway page 52, 80
hiding/showing 52
options menu 53
setup 53
hunt & sh sub tab 77
I
icons 79
identier 116
information page 21, 47
initialize 3
installation 104
interval 41
invert 54
item details 21
K
keypad 7
L
language 80, 81
legs, track 41
lithium-ion battery 2
local time 83
location 6, 30
location format 84, 111
log lter 79
longitude 120
LORAN TD Setup 109
lost satellite reception 5
M
magnetic variation 85
main menu
alarms tab 71
calendar tab 73
celestial tab 74
display tab 79
DSC tab 69
GPS tab 2, 67
message tab 78
points tab 68
sonar tab 71
track tab 68
manual conventions i
Man OverBoard. See MOB
MapSource 107
map datum 111
map orientation 45
map page 42, 63
declutter 47
setup 44
marine mode
pages 42–46
marine pages 42–55
active route 54
compass 49
highway 52
map 42
position data 55
marine timer 50
maritime mobile service identity.
See MMSI
marking a waypoint 9, 29, 30, 32
underwater 94
126 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
Index
MayDay 115, 117
measuring distance 48
messages 120
message tab 78
mils 84
MMSI 69, 116
MOB 14, 16
month view 74
moon information 76
N
NAV/MOB 16
navigate
route 14, 24, 57
track 14, 16, 41, 57
navigation
resuming 61
stopping 61
navigation alarms 72
near
destination 21
next 21
other 19, 21
new
altitude 6
location 6, 12
waypoint 30, 32
next turn 83
alarm 72
NMEA 86, 88, 108
north up 6, 45
O
“Off Route Recalculating” Announce-
ment 83
off course 72
off road 82
on-screen button 8
overzoom 46
P
page layout 43
trip computer 65
panning the map 46
PC interface cable 105
persistent alarm 72
plan route 27, 54
plan trips 73
point 74
points of interest 17. See POIs
points tab 68
POIs 1, 106
custom 106
position data page 55
options menu 55
position report 112–117
power 2, 3, 104
connector 1, 2
outlet 2
practice mode. See simulator mode
project waypoint location 32
proximity 36
alarms 36
points tab 36
waypoint 37
R
recalculating 82
receiver not usable 5
receiver status 5
receive satellite signals 3
receiving a DSC call 70, 114
record tracks 41
reference position 19
reset timer 83
reset trip data 55
review route 25
road routing tab 81
route 26, 74
add points 26, 31
create 22–27
edit 25–27
leg transition 27
preference 81
route tab 67
RTCM 86, 88
S
sail boat racing timer 50
satellite acquisition 5
satellite signals 4
save present location 28
save this route 64
saving the current route 64
saving tracks 39, 40, 41
scan for a frequency 87
scroll bar 8
searching the sky 5
search history 20
selecting options 9
serial communications port 105
serial data format 86
serial number 1
setup tab 81
guidance sub tab 82
interface sub tab 86
location sub tab 84
road routing sub tab 81
system sub tab 81
timers sub tab 83
time sub tab 83
welcome sub tab 85
set an alarm 71
set date 83
set fuel ow 27
set speed 27
shorter distance 82
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual 127
Index
signal strength 5
simulate 6, 81
GPS 5
simulator mode
new location 12
software license agreement 122
sonar 90, 91–94
adjusting 92–94
alarms 72
on the map page 90
setting up 95, 97
understanding 99
sonar tab 71
sound tab 80
speaker 80
specications 102
speed lter 81
split screen, sonar 94
sun & moon sub tab 76
system alarms 72
T
temperature 84, 98
text language 81
thermoclines 101
tide
chart 75
information 75
station 75
sub tab 75
time
delay 109
format 83
offsets 111
zone 83
timer 50
toll roads 82
TracBack 14, 41, 57
track
legs 41
log 38, 39, 41
tab 38
TracBack 40, 41
track tab 68
track up 6, 45
transducer 95, 100
trip computer page 55, 65
options menu 65
page layout 65
trip planning 27, 73
turn-by-turn route 60
turn off recalculation announcement
83
turn unit on and off 3
U
u-turns 82
underwater waypoints 94
unit overview 1
unpaved roads 82
usage mode 81
USB 86
connector 1, 105
data cable 105
drivers 105
user points tab 33
UTC 83
UTM/UPS 111
V
VHF 69, 112
via points 62
view details 47
voice language 80
volume 3, 80
W
warning v
warning page 3
water immersion iv
water speed 96
calibrating 96
water temp 73
waypoint 28
categories 34
create 28–37
edit 33
information page 21
name 33
projecting 32
proximity 37
reviewing 30
symbol 33
transition to next 27
week view 74
welcome message 85
whiteline 93, 101
X
xImage 106
Z
zoom 45
128 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
Index
For the latest free software updates (excluding map data) throughout the life of your
Garmin products, visit the Garmin Web site at www.garmin.com.
© 2009 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc.
1200 East 151
st
Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA
Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
Liberty House, Hounsdown Business Park, Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9RB UK
Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
www.garmin.com
January 2009 Part Number 190-00691-00 Rev. B Printed in Taiwan
… 118 …


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