Garmin gps 500 User Guide
1 - NAV Pages
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The Satellite Status page is helpful in troubleshooting weak (or missing) signal levels due to poor
satellite coverage or installation problems. You may wish to refer to this page occasionally to monitor
GPS receiver performance and establish a normal pattern for system operation. Should problems occur
at a later date, you may find it helpful to have an established baseline from which to compare.
GPS receiver performance and establish a normal pattern for system operation. Should problems occur
at a later date, you may find it helpful to have an established baseline from which to compare.
As the GPS receiver locks onto satellites, a signal strength bar appears for each satellite in view, with
the appropriate satellite number (01-32) underneath each bar. The progress of satellite acquisition is
shown in three stages:
shown in three stages:
• No signal strength bars—the receiver is looking for the satellites indicated.
• Hollow signal strength bars—the receiver has found the satellite(s) and is collecting data.
• Solid signal strength bars—the receiver has collected the necessary data and the satellite(s) is
• Hollow signal strength bars—the receiver has found the satellite(s) and is collecting data.
• Solid signal strength bars—the receiver has collected the necessary data and the satellite(s) is
ready for use.
The sky view display, at the top left corner of the page, shows the satellites currently in view, and
where they are. The outer circle of the sky view represents the horizon (with north at top of the circle);
the inner circle 45° above the horizon; and the center point directly overhead.
the inner circle 45° above the horizon; and the center point directly overhead.
When the GPS 500 is first powered on, an
“Acquiring” status appears at the top of the page
and no signal strength bars are displayed.
“Acquiring” status appears at the top of the page
and no signal strength bars are displayed.
As satellites are received, the status changes to “2D
Navigation” or “3D Navigation”. “3D Navigation
includes altitude, whereas “2D Navigation” is only
the latitude/longitude position.
Navigation” or “3D Navigation”. “3D Navigation
includes altitude, whereas “2D Navigation” is only
the latitude/longitude position.
Satellite Status Page
Satellite Signal
Strength Bar
Present Position
Estimated Position Error /
Dilution of Precision
GPS-calculated Altitude
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