eTrex HC series Owner’s Manual
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Using the Electronic Compass
(All of the eTrex HC series units use a GPS data
driven compass but only the Vista HCx and Summit
HC have an additional electronic compass.)
When you press and hold
QUIT
on these units, the
electronic compass turns off and stays off until you
press and hold
QUIT
again.
The electronic compass functions like a magnetic
compass when you are stationary. When you are
moving and reach a pre-set speed, it uses data from
the GPS receiver to maintain your heading. When
you stop (after a pre-set time), it again operates like a
magnetic compass.
To turn the electronic compass on or off:
1. Press and hold
QUIT
to turn the electronic
compass on or off. The compass icon
appears in the status bar when the electronic
compass is on. When you are not using the
electronic compass, turn it off to conserve
batteries. When it is turned off, the unit uses the
GPS receiver for navigation.
2. Hold the Vista HCx level to get an accurate
electronic compass reading.
Setting the speed and time for Compass
�uto On and Off:
1. Press
MENU
twice >
Setup
.
2. Select
Heading
.
3. Select
Switch to compass heading when
below...
.
4. Use the numeric keypad to enter a speed.
5. Select
for more than...
to set the time delay
from the time options list.
Calibrating the Electronic Compass
Calibrate the electronic compass outdoors when you
first use the Vista HCx or Summit HC. To ensure
continued accuracy, calibrate after installing new
batteries, after moving more than 100 miles (160 km),
or experiencing a temperature change greater than
68º F (20º C) from the last calibration. The accuracy
of the electronic compass is also adversely affected if
the unit is not held level or you are near objects that
affect magnetic fields, such as cars or buildings.
