Garmin GPSMAP 176C, Quick Start Manual

Quick Start

13

Initializing the GPSMAP 176

Initializing the GPS Receiver

Before the GPSMAP 176 can be used for navigation the receiver has to be initialized.  This process is 

automatic and will only take a few minutes.  

Take the unit outside where it will have an unobstructed view of the sky and turn it on.  Make sure 

that the antenna is pointed up.  The unit will search for satellite signals and begin to gather and save the 
information that it needs to become operational.  This process should take no more than fi ve minutes.  
When the unit is operational the message ‘3D GPS Location’ will be displayed on the top of the GPS 
Information Page. 

If for some reason the unit is not able to gather the necessary satellite information, an options page 

will be displayed.  Select ‘New Location’ then ‘Automatic’ and allow the unit to continue initializing.  
This selection will force the unit to search for all satellites.  It may take a little longer for the unit to 
become operational using this method.

Starting to Navigate

With the unit on and displaying ‘3D GPS Location’,  mark a waypoint at your current location.  

Name this waypoint ‘HOME’, assign the ‘Residence’ symbol and save the waypoint (see pages 9-10).

Before beginning any trip you should clear the Track Log.  The Track Log is the bread crumb trail 

left on the Map and Highway Pages.

To clear the track log:

1.  Press the 

MENU

 key twice to display the Main Menu.  Highlight the Track Tab.

2.   Using the 

ARROW KEYPAD

, highlight the ‘Active’ Tab then move the highlight to the ‘Clear’ Button 

and press the 

ENTER

 key.

3.  Highlight the ‘OK’ Button then press the 

ENTER

 key. Press 

QUIT

 to return to the Map Page.

DESTINATION

START

DESTINATION

START

The GPS provides a straight 
line, direct navigation course 
to your destination.  Since 
it is not always possible to 
navigate a straight line from 
start to fi nish, as you move 
the Pointer will always point 
toward your destination 
and the Compass Ring will 
always show your current 
track.

Bearing 000° 
from START to 
DESTINATION

When you are able to turn 
toward the destination, 
navigate the Pointer until it 
points toward the top of the 
display and aligns with the 
Vertical Line in the Compass 
Ring.  When the Pointer 
and Line are aligned, your 
Track and Bearing will be 
equal and you will be headed 
toward your destination.  

Bearing 340° from current location to DESTINATION.

Current 
Track 45°