Garmin 101 Owner's Manual

1

WHAT IS GPS?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a system of 24 satellites that circle the earth 

twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit information to earth. The Forerunner must 
continuously “see” at least three of these satellites to calculate your location and track your 
movement. At times, additional satellites may be needed to determine a location. If some of 
the satellites in view get blocked or “shaded,” the receiver can simply use an alternate satellite 
to maintain the location fix.

Because the Forerunner relies on satellite signals to provide you with navigation guidance, 

the receiver needs to have an unobstructed, clear view of the sky for best performance. In a 
nutshell, the GPS receiver’s view of the sky generally determines how fast you get a location 
fix, or if you get a fix at all. GPS signals are relatively weak and do not travel through rocks, 
buildings, people or metal, so remember to keep a clear view of the sky at all times for best 
performance.

Your Forerunner needs to be given the opportunity to find or Autolocate itself (“initializa-

tion”). Once you initialize the unit to a location, it typically computes a fix within a couple 
minutes.

Longer initialization (Autolocate) is only necessary:
• The first time you use your Forerunner (new from the factory).
• After the receiver has been moved over 500 miles (with the power off from the last time  

         you used it.

Visit the Garmin web site at wwwgarmin.com for more information on GPS.