Garmin Marine GPS System 278 User Manual

Owner’s Manual  
®
GPSMAP 278  
chartplotter receiver  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
IntroductIon > About thIs MAnuAl  
The Automotive Mode section provides you with information about  
navigating with the GPSMAP 278 in Automotive Mode.  
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.  
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.  
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 Appendix contains specifications, optional accessories,  
maintenance information, and other product information.  
An Index is provided at the end of the manual for reference.  
The Introduction contains the Table of Contents, Care Information,  
Warnings and Cautions.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
The Marine Mode Pages section reviews the main pages in Marine  
Mode.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
IntroductIon > tAble of contents  
table of contents  
ꢀꢀ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
IntroductIon > tAble of contents  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢀꢀꢀ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
IntroductIon > cArIng for the gPsMAP 278  
Storage  
Caring for the GPSMAP 278  
The GPSMAP 278 case is constructed of high quality materials and  
does not require user maintenance except cleaning.  
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).  
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  
Water Immersion  
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.  
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.  
ꢀv  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
IntroductIon > WArnIng  
Warning  
Failure to avoid the following potentially hazardous situations could  
result in an accident or collision resulting in death or serious injury.  
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.  
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  
field of vision is  
blocked.  
Do not place  
unsecured on  
the vehicle  
dash.  
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, traffic 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. Official government charts and notices to  
mariners contain all information needed to navigate safely.  
Do not mount in front of an airbag  
field 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.  
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: 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
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
IntroductIon > WArnIng  
Battery Warnings  
Important Information  
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, fire, chemical burn, electrolyte leak, and/or injury.  
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.  
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.  
NOTICE REGARDING WINDSHIELD MOUNTING; SPECIAL  
NOTICE TO DRIVERS IN CALIFORNIAAND 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 fines, 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.)  
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.  
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.  
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 fire or explosion. To purchase a  
replacement battery, see your Garmin dealer or the Garmin Web site.  
vꢀ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
gettIng stArted > unIt overvIeW  
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.  
Detachable GPS antenna  
collapses for storage.  
Be sure the antenna  
is up (as shown  
here) to receive  
satellite signals. See  
page 108, for  
GPS antenna  
256-Color TFT display  
Battery pack. Press tab down  
to remove battery pack for  
replacement, if necessary.  
with backlighting  
instructions on  
removing the  
antenna.  
External power  
connector under  
weather cap  
USB connector  
under weather cap  
Backlit keypad for easy nighttime operation  
Serial number  
Slot for optional data card  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
gettIng stArted > chArgIng the gPsMAP 278  
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.  
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 put the GPSMAP 278 in charge mode:  
1. Connect the GPSMAP 278 to an external power supply.  
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. Press and hold the  
POWER key. Instead of completely  
turning off, the GPSMAP 278 goes into Charge Mode.  
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.  
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.  
When you turn on the GPSMAP 278 power source indicator on the  
GPS tab shows the unit is operating off battery power (  
the unit is charging ( ), or that an external power source is in  
), that  
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.  
use (  
).  
2
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
gettIng stArted > turnIng Your gPsMAP 278 on or off And AdjustIng the bAcklIght And voluMe  
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.  
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.  
The first 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 “find  
itself” anywhere in the world.  
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  
To turn the GPSMAP 278 on and off:  
adjustment window.  
1. Press and hold the  
POWER key. When the unit turns on,  
Battery time remaining and power source indicator  
a tone sounds and the Warning Page appears.  
Volume  
Backlight  
Warning Page  
adjustment slider  
adjustment slider  
2. Read the warning, and then press ENTER to continue.  
3. To turn off the GPSMAP 278, press and hold the  
POWER key again.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
   
gettIng stArted > gettIng sAtellIte sIgnAls  
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.  
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 fix, which should take  
only a few minutes. While the GPSMAP 278 is getting satellite  
signals, the GPS page shows the status as “Acquiring 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  
configuration, causing the top of the sky view to align along your  
current track heading. Press MENU to change the configuration of  
the sky view.  
Receiver  
status  
Signal  
strength bars  
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 find your current location.  
Sky view  
Power  
source  
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.  
indicator  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
gettIng stArted > gettIng sAtellIte sIgnAls  
The progress of satellite acquisition is shown in three stages:  
2D GPS Location—At least three satellites were acquired  
and a two-dimensional position fix 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.  
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.  
3D GPS Location—At least four satellites were acquired  
and a three-dimensional fix 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.  
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 fix, the status field indicates the  
status of the receiver. The unit updates the location, date, and time.  
Lost Satellite Reception—the receiver is no longer tracking  
enough satellites for a 2D or 3D fix.  
Receiver Status  
The Receiver Status field shows one of the following conditions:  
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.  
Searching the Sky—the receiver is looking for satellites.  
AutoLocate—the receiver is looking for any satellite whose  
Simulating GPS—the receiver is in Simulator Mode.  
GPS Off—the GPS receiver is turned off.  
almanac was collected, which can take up to five 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 fix.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
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.  
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 find  
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.  
Start/Stop Simulator—start and stop Simulator Mode, which is  
helpful when learning how to use your unit.  
To learn about GPS, visit www.garmin.com/aboutGPS/.  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
gettIng stArted > usIng the gPsMAP 278 keYPAd  
Using the GPSMAP 278 Keypad  
PAGE/MODE Key  
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).  
Press to cycle through main pages in sequence and  
exit a submenu page.  
Press and hold to switch between Marine and  
Automotive modes.  
ROCKER  
Press up, down, left, or right to highlight options  
QUIT Key  
Press to cycle through main pages in reverse  
sequence, revert to the previous value in a data  
entry field, or cancel an unintended function.  
and to enter data, or use to pan the arrow on the  
Map Page.  
NAV/MOB Key  
ENTER/MARK Key  
Press to show the navigation menu.  
Press to select a highlighted option.  
In Marine Mode, press and hold to activate the  
MOB function.  
Press and hold to mark your current location as a  
waypoint.  
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.  
FIND Key  
POWER Key  
Press to quickly search for and access user  
waypoints, cities, and other items used for  
navigation.  
Press and hold to turn the unit on or off.  
Press and release to adjust the backlighting and  
external speaker volume.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
7
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
gettIng stArted > usIng the gPsMAP 278  
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.  
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 specific key or highlight a field 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 field is  
selected on the screen, it is highlighted in yellow.  
Field  
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  
fields. Moving the highlight to a given location allows you to  
make a selection, begin data entry, or scroll through a list.  
Highlighted field  
On-screen buttons  
Cartography  
The GPSMAP 278 comes preloaded with City Navigator NT  
Field—the location on a page where data or an option can  
be shown and entered. Select (highlight) a field using the  
ROCKER to begin entering data or selecting options.  
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.  
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.  
See the Garmin Web site at www.garmin.com/cartography/ for  
compatible MapSource products.  
8
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
gettIng stArted > usIng the gPsMAP 278  
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.  
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 field on the screen. Use the  
ENTER key and the ROCKER to select options, enter names and  
numbers in data fields, and activate your selections.  
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.  
To select an optional feature:  
1. From any page, press MENU. The options menu shows a list  
of optional features specific to that page.  
On-screen  
button  
To mark your current location as a waypoint, press and hold  
ENTER/MARK until the New Waypoint Page appears.  
2. Use the ROCKER to move the highlight up, down, right, or  
To enter data in a data field:  
1. Use the ROCKER to highlight the data field and press  
ENTER to edit it.  
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.  
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  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
gettIng stArted > usIng the gPsMAP 278  
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 Menusection beginning on  
page 66.  
Entering  
data  
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  
TIP: To clear the entire data field, highlight the left-most  
character field and press left on the ROCKER again.  
open the options menu.  
3. Press ENTER.  
Not all fields are programmable. When you are on a page with fields  
that are not selectable, the highlight skips over them.  
Setup Tab Options Menu  
3. Highlight Restore Default, and press ENTER.  
ꢁ0  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
gettIng stArted > usIng the gPsMAP 278  
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.  
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 Menusection on  
page 66.  
To view the Main Menu icons in text only format:  
1. Highlight the Display tab, and press ENTER.  
2. Select the Main Menu field. Press ENTER.  
3. Highlight Text Only, and Press ENTER.  
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  
fields.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁꢁ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
gettIng stArted > usIng sIMulAtor Mode  
GPS tab  
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.  
Starting Simulator Mode from the GPS tab  
To turn on Simulator Mode:  
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu.  
Entering a New Location  
Use the GPS options menu to enter a new location to simulate from.  
2. Highlight the GPS tab.  
To enter a new location using the map:  
1. Highlight the GPS tab on the Main Menu.  
3. Press MENU to open the GPS tab options menu.  
4. Highlight Start Simulator, and press ENTER.  
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.  
ꢁ2  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > MArIne Mode PAges  
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 five 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.  
Map Page  
Compass Page  
Highway Page  
Active Route Page  
Position Data Page  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁꢂ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > nAvIgAtIng to A destInAtIon  
Navigate Options Menu  
Press NAV to open the Navigate options menu.  
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).  
Navigate Options Menu  
Press the NAV key to navigate a new route using the Find  
Menu, or to navigate a saved route or track (page 24).  
Go To Point—select a waypoint or point of interest from the  
Find menu to which to navigate (page 15).  
Press the FIND key to search for a particular item and create  
a route to it (see page 17).  
Navigate Route—select a route to navigate (page 24).  
Marine Mode and Automotive Mode are similar. Most of the  
features discussed here also apply to Automotive Mode.  
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).  
ꢁꢃ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > nAvIgAtIng to A destInAtIon  
To navigate (Go To) a point on the map:  
Highlight a point to navigate  
to, and press NAV.  
Follow the magenta line  
created on the Map Page.  
Highlight Go To <point  
name>, and press ENTER.  
To stop navigation:  
While navigating to a point,  
Highlight Stop Navigation,  
and press ENTER.  
Highlight Resume Navigation, and  
press ENTER to resume navigation.  
press NAV  
.
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁꢄ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > nAvIgAtIng to A destInAtIon  
2. Press ENTER to confirm and begin navigating to the MOB  
Man OverBoard (MOB)  
location.  
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.  
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.  
ꢁꢅ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > fIndIng An IteM  
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 find an item and go to it:  
Press FIND to open the  
Highlight a category, and  
press ENTER.  
Press ENTER, and then  
spell the name of the item.  
Find menu.  
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  
ꢁ7  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
   
MArIne Mode > fIndIng An IteM  
To find an item from another location on the map:  
1. Move the arrow (pointer) to the location you want on the  
map, and press FIND.  
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 find an item near another item:  
1. Follow the steps on page 17 to find an item.  
2. Press FIND to open the Find menu.  
2. Highlight a category, and press ENTER.  
3. Select a category, and press ENTER. Items near the  
previously-selected item are shown in the search results list.  
ꢁ8  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > fIndIng An IteM  
3. Highlight an item from the search results list, and press  
To find an item near another location:  
1. Press FIND.  
ENTER.  
2. Press MENU to open the options menu.  
4. Press ENTER to go to the item.  
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  
ꢁꢆ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > fIndIng An IteM  
3. Press MENU to open the options menu.  
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.  
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.  
20  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > fIndIng An IteM  
Viewing the Information Page  
Each item on the map and each item listed in the results list has an  
Information Page.  
Find Menu Options  
To view additional Find menu options, press FIND, and then press  
MENU.  
To view details about an item:  
1. Highlight a point on the map or in the search results list, and  
press ENTER.  
Enable Auto Arrange—automatically arranges the Find menu.  
When selected, Disable Auto Arrange and Restore Default  
options are available.  
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.  
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.  
Map Feature Information Page  
Near Current Route—compiles the Find items lists based on  
the active route.  
2. Press PAGE or QUIT to exit the Information Page. You  
can also highlight one of the on-screen buttons, and press  
ENTER.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
2ꢁ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng routes  
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.  
Highlight New Route, and  
press ENTER.  
Press MENU once to open  
the Route options menu.  
Press ENTER to find items  
to add to the route.  
Highlight OK, and press  
ENTER to add a route point.  
Repeat step 5 to define  
additional route points.  
22  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng routes  
To create a route using the map:  
Highlight the Route tab on  
the Main Menu.  
Highlight New Route, and  
press ENTER.  
Press MENU once to open  
the Route options menu.  
Highlight Edit on Map, and  
press ENTER.  
Highlight a location on the  
map, and press ENTER.  
Repeat step 5 to define  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
2ꢂ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng routes  
To navigate a new route using the Find menu:  
1. Press the NAV key.  
Navigating a Saved Route  
Use the Navigate Route option to select and navigate a saved route.  
2. Highlight Go To Point, and press ENTER to open the Find  
To navigate a saved route:  
1. Press the NAV key.  
menu.  
3. Highlight Waypoints, and press ENTER.  
2. Highlight Navigate Route, and press ENTER.  
3. Highlight a route, and press ENTER.  
4. Select a waypoint from the list, and press ENTER to open the  
Waypoint Review Page.  
Select a route  
from list  
Waypoint Review Page  
5. With the Go To button highlighted, press ENTER to begin  
navigation.  
2ꢃ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng routes  
To review individual route points:  
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu. Highlight the  
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.  
Route tab.  
2. From the Route List Page, use the ROCKER to highlight the  
name of the route, and press ENTER.  
To change the name of the route:  
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu. Highlight the  
Route tab.  
3. From the Route Review Page, highlight a point, and press  
ENTER.  
2. Use the ROCKER to highlight the name of the route, 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 Waypointssection beginning on  
page 28).  
3. With the Route Review Page open, highlight the route name  
field at the top of the page, and press ENTER.  
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.  
Enter a new  
Route name  
here  
Route Review Page  
4. Enter the route name, and press ENTER.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
2ꢄ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng routes  
To add points to a route:  
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu. Highlight the  
To edit the route on the map:  
1. Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu. Highlight the  
Route tab.  
Route tab.  
2. Select a route, and press ENTER.  
2. Select a route and press ENTER. Press MENU to open the  
Route Review Page options menu.  
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.)  
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.  
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.  
5. Use the ROCKER to drag the route to the new point location,  
and press ENTER.  
Editing the route on the map  
6. In the Point Review Page, highlight OK, and press ENTER to  
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all points are added to the route.  
add the new point to the route.  
Press QUIT when finished.  
2ꢅ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
   
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng routes  
You can enter information about your trip so the GPSMAP 278 can  
estimate information about your trip.  
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.  
To plan your route:  
1. Open the Route Review Page options menu.  
2. Highlight Plan Route, and press ENTER.  
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.  
Entering Speed and Fuel Flow for Trip Planning  
3. Enter the data for speed and fuel flow. You also can enter the  
date and time of your departure. Press QUIT to return to the  
Route Review Page.  
NOTE: Fuel flow rates are measured in “units per hour.” System  
setting changes for units of measure (statute, nautical or metric)  
do not affect the fuel flow measure. You should enter fuel  
flow rates based on information for your vehicle (such as the  
operator’s manual or performance specifications) and make note  
of the units of measure (gallons or liters).  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
27  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng WAYPoInts  
Marking Your Present Location  
Creating and Using Waypoints  
The GPSMAP 278 stores up to 3,000 alphanumeric waypoints with  
a user-defined icon, comment, elevation, depth, and temperature  
available for each waypoint. You can create waypoints using three  
basic methods:  
Use the ENTER/MARK key to capture your present location to  
create a new waypoint. You must have a valid position (2D or 3D)  
fix to mark your present location.  
To mark your present location:  
ENTER/MARK—use the ENTER/MARK key 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.  
Graphically—use the map display to define a new waypoint  
location.  
Manually—enter waypoint location coordinates manually.  
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 field and press ENTER. After  
entering and confirming your changes, highlight OK, and  
press ENTER.  
28  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng WAYPoInts  
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.  
Map Feature Information Page  
3. To accept the waypoint with the default information, highlight  
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.  
OK, and press ENTER.  
To change the any information on the New Map Waypoint  
Page, highlight the appropriate field and press ENTER. After  
entering your changes, highlight OK, and press ENTER.  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
2ꢆ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng WAYPoInts  
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 specific latitude/  
longitude position from a chart.  
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 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.  
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.  
2. On the New Map Waypoint Page, highlight the Location  
field, and press ENTER.  
Waypoint Review Page  
3. Use the ROCKER to enter location coordinates and press  
ENTER when finished.  
To change any of the other information on the New Waypoint  
Page, highlight the appropriate field and press ENTER. After  
entering your changes, highlight OK, and press ENTER.  
ꢂ0  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng WAYPoInts  
To access the Waypoint Edit Page:  
1. Highlight the Points tab on the Main Menu, and then select a  
waypoint from the list.  
To add a waypoint to the end of the route:  
1. Open the Waypoint Edit Page, and press MENU.  
Waypoint Options Menu  
Points Tab  
2. Select Append To Route. The Select Route window  
appears.  
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.  
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  
ꢂꢁ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
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.  
Projecting a Waypoint  
You can create a new waypoint by projecting the distance and  
bearing from a specific 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.  
NOTE: You must have a GPS satellite fix before you can  
average a waypoint’s location.  
To calculate the average location:  
1. Open the Waypoint Page, and press MENU.  
2. Highlight the Points tab on the Main Menu, and then select a  
waypoint. Press ENTER.  
2. Select Average Location, and press ENTER. The Average  
Location window appears. The fields change as the unit  
calculates the average location of the waypoint.  
3. Press MENU to open the New Waypoint Page options menu.  
4. Highlight Project Location, and press ENTER.  
Project Location Menu  
3. Press ENTER to save the location.  
ꢂ2  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng WAYPoInts  
5. To change the location from which you are projecting the new  
waypoint, highlight the From field, and press ENTER.  
6. Select the point that you will project your new waypoint from.  
For more information see the “Finding an Itemsection on  
page 17.  
7. To adjust the distance that the new waypoint will be projected  
beyond the original waypoint, highlight the Distance field,  
and press ENTER. Enter the projection distance, and press  
ENTER.  
User Points Tab  
To adjust the bearing that the new waypoint will be projected  
from the original waypoint, highlight the Bearing field, and  
press ENTER. Enter the bearing, and press ENTER.  
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.  
8. When you have adjusted all elements of the projected  
2. Highlight the waypoint you want in the list.  
location, highlight Save, and press ENTER.  
3. Press NAV to open the Navigate Menu. Highlight Go To  
<Point Name>, and press ENTER.  
9. Make any other changes to the new waypoint data (such as  
the name or symbol); highlight OK, and press ENTER.  
To edit a waypoint:  
1. Open the Waypoint Review or Waypoint Edit Page.  
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.  
2. Highlight the waypoint name, symbol, or field you want to  
change, and press ENTER.  
3. Use the ROCKER to select a symbol or enter data, and  
Press ENTER when finished.  
The number of stored and available waypoints is shown at  
the bottom of the User sub tab. Stored waypoints arranged in  
alphanumeric order.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢂꢂ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng WAYPoInts  
To create a category:  
1. From any of the waypoint pages or the Points tab, press  
MENU to open the options menu.  
Symbol field  
Name field  
2. Select Edit Categories, and press ENTER.  
3. Highlight Add, and press ENTER.  
Waypoint Page  
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.  
Entering a new category  
Organizing Waypoints into Categories  
4. Use the ROCKER to enter a name for the category.  
5. Highlight Save, and press ENTER.  
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 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 field, and press ENTER.  
3. Select the category to which you want to assign the  
waypoint, and press ENTER.  
ꢂꢃ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng WAYPoInts  
Deleting Waypoints  
Select the  
category to  
which you want  
to assign the  
waypoint.  
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.  
Waypoint Page  
To delete a category:  
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.  
1. With the Waypoint Categories window open, highlight the  
category you want to delete, and press MENU.  
2. Press MENU, highlight Delete Waypoint, and press ENTER.  
A confirmation message appears.  
2. Select Delete Category, and press ENTER.  
3. Press ENTER again to delete the category.  
3. Press ENTER to confirm.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢂꢄ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng WAYPoInts  
To delete waypoints by symbol or category:  
1. On the User sub tab, highlight a waypoint to delete, and  
press MENU.  
Proximity Points  
Use the Proximity Points tab to define 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.  
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.  
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.  
4. Highlight OK, and press ENTER to confirm. 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.  
To turn proximity alarms on or off:  
1. Highlight the Points tab on the Main Menu, and then select  
the Proximity sub tab.  
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 field 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.  
ꢂꢅ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > creAtIng And usIng WAYPoInts  
2. Use the ROCKER to highlight the field below Proximity  
Alarm, 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.  
3. Select the On or Off setting and press ENTER.  
2. Use the ROCKER to highlight the proximity waypoint to clear,  
and press MENU.  
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 field 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.  
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  
confirm.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢂ7  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > MAnAgIng Your trAcks  
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 fix. 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.  
Active Track Tab  
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.  
Record ModeWrap 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.  
IntervalDistance records track points after a specified  
distance is traveled. Time creates track points after a specified  
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.  
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.  
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 specific distance, time, or resolution.  
To access the Track tab:  
1. Press Menu twice to open the Main Menu.  
2. Use the ROCKER to highlight the Track tab.  
ꢂ8  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > MAnAgIng Your trAcks  
To clear the track log:  
1. Highlight the Track tab, on the Main Menu, and then highlight  
To save a portion of the track log:  
1. On the Active sub tab, select Save, and press ENTER.  
the Active sub tab.  
2. To save only a portion of the track, highlight No and press  
ENTER when a message appears.  
2. Highlight the Clear button, and press ENTER. A confirmation  
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.  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢂꢆ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > MAnAgIng Your trAcks  
To edit a track:  
1. Highlight the Track tab on the Main Menu, and then select  
Saved Tracks  
The Saved sub tab lists all of the saved tracks in your unit. Press  
MENU to open the Saved tab options menu.  
the Saved sub tab.  
2. Select a track to edit, and press ENTER.  
Review on Map—shows the highlighted track on the Map Page.  
3. Highlight the Name field, and press ENTER. Use the  
ROCKER to change the name, and press ENTER.  
TracBack—navigates the track. You can either navigate the  
track as it is saved, or you can navigate the track in reverse.  
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  
Delete Track—erases the highlighted track from the unit’s  
memory.  
show the track on the map.  
6. To begin a TracBack, highlight TracBack, and press ENTER.  
Delete All—erases all tracks from the unit’s memory.  
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.  
ꢃ0  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode > MAnAgIng Your trAcks  
Navigating a Saved Track  
TracBack Tips  
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.  
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 significant 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).  
To activate a TracBack using the NAV key:  
1. Press NAV, highlight Navigate Track, and press ENTER.  
The Record Mode option on the Active Track tab must be set  
to Fill or Wrap.  
2. Highlight the track you want to navigate, and press ENTER.  
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 significant points of your  
track so there are fewer changes in direction.  
Selecting a Saved Track  
3. Use the ROCKER to select the point you want to navigate to  
(TracBack to), and press ENTER.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢃꢁ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode PAges > MAP PAge  
Map Page Options Menu  
Press MENU to open the options menu.  
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.  
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 fields (page 43).  
Data fields  
Current  
location  
Map Information—review maps loaded on your GPSMAP 278  
(page 44).  
Map scale  
Map Page  
ꢃ2  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
   
MArIne Mode PAges > MAP PAge  
To change a data field display:  
1. Press MENU to open the options menu.  
Changing the Page Layout and Data Fields  
By default, five data fields appear on the right side of the Map Page.  
You can select how the fields are shown and what information each  
field contains.  
2. Highlight Change Data Fields, and press ENTER.  
3. Highlight the data field 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.  
To change the map page layout:  
1. Press MENU to open the options menu.  
2. Highlight Set Up Page Layout, and press ENTER.  
5. Press QUIT to exit.  
3. Select a page layout option, and press ENTER.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢃꢂ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
   
MArIne Mode PAges > MAP PAge  
Setting Up the Map Page  
Use the Set Up Map option to set how items appear on the Map  
Viewing Additional Map Data  
Use the Map Information page to view the data loaded on your  
Page.  
GPSMAP 278 unit and data card.  
To change a map setup option:  
1. On the Map Page, press MENU to open the options menu.  
To review/change map information:  
1. On the Map Page, press MENU.  
2. Highlight Set Up Map, and press ENTER.  
2. Highlight Map Information, and press ENTER. The first  
page shows the Map Families stored on the data card and  
unit and whether they are shown on the Map Page.  
Map Family  
highlighted.  
Press ENTER  
to view the  
individual maps  
in the family.  
Setting up the Map Page  
Map Information Page  
3. Press left or right on the ROCKER to highlight a tab; press  
up or down on the ROCKER to highlight to the field you want  
to change, and press ENTER.  
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. Press up or down on the ROCKER to highlight a setting, and  
press ENTER.  
4. To view the list of maps within a map family, highlight the  
5. Press PAGE or QUIT to exit.  
name of the map family, and press ENTER.  
ꢃꢃ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode PAges > MAP PAge  
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.  
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.  
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.  
NOTE: The scale value represents the distance from one end of  
the scale bar (  
) to the other.  
OR  
Press MENU, select one of the options (Show All, Hide All,  
or Show Defaults), and press ENTER.  
To select a map scale (zoom in and out):  
Press the OUT key to zoom out; press the IN key to zoom in.  
7. Press QUIT to exit the Map Information Page.  
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  
ꢃꢄ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode PAges > MAP PAge  
Map coverage conforms to the following conditions:  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
Map feature  
highlighted  
Using Internal Detailed Maps  
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,  
fixed coordinates appear in the position field, and the distance and  
bearing from your present location update as you move.  
ꢃꢅ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode PAges > MAP PAge  
3. Use the ROCKER to highlight the extra tabs and view the  
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.  
information.  
4. Select an on-screen button and press ENTER. Press QUIT to  
exit the Information Page.  
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.  
Map Feature Information Page  
(Optional BlueChart g2 data shown)  
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.  
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  
ꢃ7  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode PAges > MAP PAge  
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.  
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.  
End point of  
measurement,  
labeled  
2. Highlight Measure Distance, and press ENTER. An  
on-screen arrow appears on the map at your present location  
with ENT REF below it.  
Push pin  
indicating the  
beginning  
ENT REF  
point of the  
measurement  
Measure Distance  
5. Press QUIT to finish.  
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.  
ꢃ8  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode PAges > coMPAss PAge  
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.  
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.  
NOTE: You must be moving for the compass to accurately  
update and show your heading.  
Course to steer  
Rotating  
compass ring  
Turning On the Compass Page  
The Compass Page is on by default in Marine Mode but off by  
default in Automotive Mode.  
indicator  
Compass arrow  
Data fields  
To show the Compass Page in Automotive Mode:  
1. Highlight the Display tab on the Main Menu  
2. Highlight the Compass Page field, and press ENTER.  
3. Select On, and press ENTER.  
Compass Page in Marine Mode  
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.  
Turning on the Compass Page  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢃꢆ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode PAges > coMPAss PAge  
Compass Page Options Menu  
Using the Marine Timer  
Use the options menu on the Compass Page to customize the  
Compass Page. For definitions of data field options, see page 120.  
The Marine Timer, specifically designed for sail boat racing, allows  
you to easily count up or down by specified 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  
finally a one-minute final countdown. Then during the race, mariners  
might want to count up to keep track of their time.  
Press MENU to open the Compass Page options menu.  
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.  
Set Up Page Layout—select the page layout.  
3. Highlight 2 Columns With Timer, and press ENTER. The  
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.  
Marine Timer appears in the lower-right corner.  
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 fields.  
ꢄ0  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode PAges > coMPAss PAge  
To use the Marine Timer:  
1. Press the ROCKER up or down to select the time you want  
To set the Marine Timer:  
1. Highlight the Setup tab on the Main Menu, and then select  
to count. Five (5) minutes is the default.  
the Timers sub tab.  
2. Press ENTER to start the timer. Use the ROCKER during the  
2. Highlight Stop next to Marine to change the timer’s behavior.  
timing to quickly select a different length of time.  
3. Press ENTER to stop timing.  
3. Highlight the time field, press ENTER, and then enter a new  
time.  
Marine Timer on the Compass Page  
As discussed previously, the timer is set to count down five 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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢄꢁ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
MArIne Mode PAges > hIghWAY PAge  
To hide/show the Highway Page:  
1. Highlight the Display tab on the Main Menu.  
Highway Page  
The Highway Page is available in both Marine Mode and  
Automotive Mode  
2. Highlight the Highway Page field, 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.  
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 fields 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 change the highway perspective scale:  
Press IN to zoom in; press OUT to zoom out.  
ꢄ2  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode PAges > hIghWAY PAge  
Highway Page Options Menu  
Use the Highway Page options menu to define the data fields and  
select which waypoints and tracks appear on the screen. The data  
fields, 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 Highway  
Set Up Page Layout—select the page layout.  
Change Data Fields—change onscreen data fields.  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢄꢂ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode PAges > ActIve route PAge  
Active Route Page Options  
Press MENU to open the Active Route Page options menu.  
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 fields 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.  
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.  
Active Route Page  
Plan Route—enter information about your route to more  
accurately provide you with arrival times.  
Change Data Fields—customize the data fields shown on the  
Active Route Page.  
ꢄꢃ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MArIne Mode PAges > PosItIon dAtA PAge  
Position Data Page Options  
Press MENU to open the Position Data Page options menu.  
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  
fields. 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.  
Change Nearest Type—specify the type of item use as the  
nearest item (shown in the lower-left data field). 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  
ꢄꢄ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
AutoMotIve Mode > AutoMotIve Mode PAges  
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  
Current Route Page  
Active Route Page  
ꢄꢅ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
AutoMotIve Mode > nAvIgAtIng to A destInAtIon  
Navigate Options Menu  
Press NAV to open the Navigate options menu.  
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:  
Go To Point—select a waypoint other point from the Find menu  
to which to navigate.  
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.  
New Route—create a new route (page 59).  
Custom Avoids—set up roads to avoid when navigating  
(page 61).  
Press the FIND key to search for a particular item and create  
a route to it.  
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  
ꢄ7  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
AutoMotIve Mode > nAvIgAtIng to A destInAtIon  
To navigate (Go To) a point on the map:  
Highlight a point to navigate  
Highlight Go To <point  
name> and press ENTER.  
Follow the magenta line  
created on the Map Page.  
to, and press NAV.  
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,  
Highlight Stop Navigation,  
and press ENTER.  
Highlight Resume Navigation,  
and press ENTER.  
press NAV  
.
ꢄ8  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
AutoMotIve Mode > nAvIgAtIng to A destInAtIon  
To create a new route:  
1. Press NAV to open the Navigate menu.  
To go to a destination using the Find menu:  
1. Press FIND to open the Find menu.  
2. Highlight New Route, and press ENTER.  
2. Using the ROCKER, highlight a category, such as Food &  
Drink, 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.)  
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 finished.  
4. Select a waypoint from the list, and press ENTER to open the  
Waypoint Review Page.  
4. Highlight the item you want from the list, and press ENTER.  
5. Highlight the Go To button, and press ENTER.  
Waypoint Review Page  
Activating a Go To using the Find menu  
For complete information about finding an item, see the “Finding an  
Item” section on page 17.  
5. Highlight the Go To button, and press ENTER to begin  
navigation.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢄꢆ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
AutoMotIve Mode > nAvIgAtIng to A destInAtIon  
5. Highlight Follow Roads, and press ENTER to create a  
turn-by-turn route (auto-route), which appears in the Current  
Route Page.  
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.  
You can also navigate a saved route from the Route tab on the Main  
Menu.  
4. Press MENU to open the options menu.  
ꢅ0  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
AutoMotIve Mode > edItIng Your route  
Entering Custom Avoids  
Editing Your Route  
The Custom Avoids feature allows you to enter specific 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.  
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.  
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 first point in the  
avoidance area. Press ENTER to select the first point.  
Navigate Menu in Automotive Mode  
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.  
While navigating a route  
7. When finished, highlight the OK button, and press ENTER.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢅꢁ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
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.  
Add/Edit Vias Page  
3. Select a distance, and press ENTER. The GPSMAP 278  
Showing the original route without Via Points  
recalculates your course based on your detour distance.  
4. To end the detour manually, press NAV again, and select  
Cancel Detour.  
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.  
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.  
If you selected Use Find Menu, select an item from the Find  
menu as discussed in the “Finding an Itembeginning on  
page 17. Remember you can press MENU while the Find  
menu is open to find 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.  
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.  
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.  
The Add/Edit Vias window opens.  
3. Highlight Add Via Point, and press ENTER.  
ꢅ2  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
AutoMotIve Mode PAges > MAP PAge  
autoMotIve Mode PaGes  
Data fields  
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 Pagessection.  
Current  
location  
Map scale  
Map Page  
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.  
Map Page  
In Automotive Mode, by default, four user-selectable data fields  
appear on the right side of the screen that can be configured 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 fields to  
the page or select a full-screen map without data fields.  
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 fields to customize the Map  
Page.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢅꢂ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
AutoMotIve Mode PAges > current route 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.  
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 finish saving the route.  
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.  
ꢅꢃ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
AutoMotIve Mode PAges > trIP coMPuter PAge  
Trip Computer Page Options Menu  
Press MENU to open the options menu. Highlight an option, and  
press ENTER.  
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.  
Set Up Page Layout—choose the page layout and number of  
Trip Computer Page  
data fields.  
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.  
Change Nearest Type—allows you to specify the type of item  
to be used as the nearest item [shown in the lower-left data field  
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.  
Like the Map Page, the Compass Page features user-selectable data  
fields. For definitions of data field options, see to page 120.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢅꢄ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > MAIn Menu tAbs  
Main Menu Tabs  
MaIn Menu  
The Main Menu provides access to various waypoint, system,  
navigation and interface management, and setup menus.  
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—configure sonar options (page 71).  
Alarms—define alarm settings (page 71).  
Main Menu  
Calendar—view sun/moon and hunting/fishing information  
for a specific day (page 73).  
To select a tab from the Main Menu:  
1. From any page, press MENU twice to open the Main Menu.  
Celestial—view tide, hunting & fishing, and sun & moon  
information (page 74).  
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 fields.  
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).  
ꢅꢅ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > gPs tAb And route tAb  
GPS Tab  
Route 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.  
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—GPS Tab  
Main Menu—Route Tab  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢅ7  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > PoInts tAb And trAck tAb  
Points Tab  
Track Tab  
The Points tab contains two sub tabs, User and Proximity, which  
allow you to manage a large number of waypoints quickly and  
efficiently. For more information about waypoints, see the “Creating  
and Using Waypoints” section beginning on page 28.  
Use the Track tab to specify whether or not to record a track log,  
define 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—Points Tab  
Main Menu—Track 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.  
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.  
Proximity Sub Tab  
Use the Proximity sub tab to define an alarm circle around a stored  
waypoint location. See page 36 for more information.  
Saved Sub Tab  
The Saved sub tab shows a list of all saved tracks in your  
GPSMAP 278.  
ꢅ8  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > dsc tAb  
DSC Call List  
DSC Tab  
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 first call in the Call  
List. Press MENU to sort the list and delete entries.  
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 Call List  
DSC Log  
DSC Page  
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 file is removed  
when a new call is received.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢅꢆ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > dsc tAb  
2. Highlight the first 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 finished, highlight OK, and press ENTER.  
Enter the  
MMSI number,  
name, and a  
comment (if  
needed) in the  
DSC Log  
Highlight OK  
and press  
ENTER to save  
the Directory  
Entry.  
DSC Directory  
The DSC Directory is like phone book and can hold up to 50 entries.  
fields.  
DSC Directory  
entries. Press  
ENTER to  
New Directory Item Page  
Blank entry.  
Press ENTER to  
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.  
open the entry  
add a Directory  
review page.  
entry.  
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.  
DSC Directory list  
To add a new directory entry:  
1. Open the DSC Directory on the Main Menu.  
70  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > sonAr tAb And AlArMs tAb  
Sonar Tab  
Use the Sonar tab to set up and configure sonar. See the “Setting  
Up and Using Sonar” section beginning on page 90 for more  
information about Sonar setup options.  
Alarms Tab  
Use the Alarms tab to define alarm settings. When an alarm goes off,  
the alarm message appears on the GPSMAP 278 and the unit emits  
five (5) beeps.  
NOTE: You must have a GSD 20 or 21 sounder module  
connected to your GPSMAP 278 to use sonar.  
Main Menu—Alarms tab  
To set an alarm:  
1. Highlight the Alarms tab on the Main Menu.  
Main Menu—Sonar Tab  
2. Select an alarm to set, and press ENTER.  
3. Change the setting to On, and press ENTER. If necessary,  
highlight the next field to the right and press ENTER, enter  
the settings you want,  
4. Press ENTER to finish.  
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  
7ꢁ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > AlArMs tAb  
To set a persistent alarm:  
1. Highlight the Alarms tab on the Main Menu.  
System Alarms  
Clock—set an alarm based on the unit’s clock. Select On, and  
then enter a specific time that you want the alarm to sound. The  
GPSMAP 278 must be on for the clock alarm to work.  
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.  
Ext. (External) Voltage—set an alarm to sound when the  
external voltage drops below a specified amount. Select On, and  
then enter a specific voltage.  
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.  
DGPS—set an alarm to sound when the GPSMAP 278 loses a  
differential fix.  
Anchor Drag—sets an alarm to sound when you exceed a  
specified drift distance. Select On, and then enter a distance.  
Arrival—set an alarm to sound when you are a specified  
distance or time away from a destination waypoint. Select Auto  
for the unit to provide an arrival alarm at its discretion.  
Accuracy—set an alarm to sound when GPS accuracy falls  
outside of the user-set value. Select On, and then specify a  
distance.  
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  
specified drift distance. Select On, and then enter a distance.  
Custom POI—set an alarm to sound when approaching a  
custom POI.  
72  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > cAlendAr tAb  
Sonar Alarms  
Calendar Tab  
Use the Calendar tab to plan trips, view sun and moon, and hunting  
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.  
and fishing information for the day.  
Highlight an arrow and press ENTER to change the date in the view.  
Water Temp—set an alarm to indicate if the water temperature  
has exceeded or dropped below a specific temperature, or fallen  
outside/inside a specific temperature range. Select Above or  
Below and then enter a specific temperature, or select Inside  
or Outside and enter a range of temperatures. You must be  
receiving sonar NMEA data for this function to work.  
Sunrise and set  
List of points  
and routes  
added to this  
date.  
times for the  
current location  
and date.  
Drift—set an alarm to sound when you exceeded a specified  
drift distance. Select On and then enter a specific distance.  
Calendar Tab in Day View  
Fish—set an alarm to sound when fish are detected with sonar.  
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  
7ꢂ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > celestIAl 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.  
Celestial Tab  
The Celestial tab shows tide information, sun and moon information,  
and hunting and fishing 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.  
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  
Main Menu—Celestial 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.  
Optional BlueChart g2 data shown.  
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.  
7ꢃ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > celestIAl tAb  
To view a tide chart for a different tide station:  
1. From the Tide sub tab, highlight the At field, and press  
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.  
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.  
Enter the date for which you want to  
view the tide information.  
Select the tide station for which you  
want to view the information.  
Time  
Height of tide  
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.  
Smallest and  
largest tides  
for the AM  
hours  
Smallest and  
largest tides  
for the PM  
hours  
To view the tide chart for another date:  
1. From the Tide sub tab with a chart open, highlight the On  
field, and press ENTER.  
Tide Sub Tab  
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.  
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  
3. Press ENTER when finished. The unit shows the chart for the  
date you entered or selected.  
increments; the dotted vertical lines represent 1-hour increments.  
To use the current date again, highlight the Date field. Press MENU,  
highlight Use Current Date, and press ENTER.  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
7ꢄ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > celestIAl tAb  
To view a chart’s details for another time during the  
day (other than current time):  
To view sun and moon information for a different date:  
1. Highlight the Date field, and press ENTER.  
1. From the Tide sub tab with the chart you want to view, press  
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.  
MENU, and then select Move Cursor.  
2. Press the ROCKER right or left to view the chart at another  
time.  
3. Press ENTER when finished. The unit shows the sun and  
3. To return to the current time, press MENU, and select Stop  
Moving Cursor.  
moon information for the selected date.  
4. To use the current date again, highlight the Date field. Press  
MENU, highlight Use Current Date, and press ENTER.  
To automatically start pointer mode to scroll the chart:  
1. Use the ROCKER to highlight the Date field. Then press  
down to start the pointer (pan) mode.  
Select the  
date and  
location  
Moon phase  
2. Scroll the chart right to view the next day or left to view the  
previous day.  
Sun & Moon Sub Tab  
Location of the  
sun and moon  
in the sky view  
Animation  
controls for the  
sky view  
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.  
Sun & Moon Sub Tab  
7ꢅ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > celestIAl tAb  
To view sun and moon information for a different  
location:  
1. Use the ROCKER to highlight the From field, and press  
Hunt & Fish Sub Tab  
The Hunt & Fish sub tab provides you with predictions of the best  
times to hunt and fish in a selected location on a specific date.  
ENTER.  
To display the Hunt & Fish information:  
1. Highlight the Celestial tab on the Main Menu.  
2. Highlight Use Find Menu, and press ENTER. The Find menu  
automatically opens.  
2. Use the ROCKER to select the Hunt & Fish sub tab.  
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 field. Press ENTER,  
highlight Current Location, and press ENTER again.  
Hunt & Fish Sub Tab  
To view hunt and fish information for a different date:  
1. Highlight the Date field, 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 finished. The unit shows the information  
for the date you entered.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
77  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > MessAge tAb  
To use the current date again, highlight the Date field. Press MENU,  
highlight Use Current Date, 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.  
To view hunt and fish information for a different  
location:  
1. Highlight the From field, 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 field, and press ENTER.  
Main Menu—Message Tab  
2. Highlight Current Location, and press ENTER.  
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  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > dIsPlAY tAb  
To show or hide messages using the log filter:  
1. Highlight the Message tab on the Main Menu.  
Display Tab  
Use the Display tab to set display features, such as pages to show in  
2. Highlight the Log Filter sub tab. All messages appear by  
the main page sequence and how long the backlight stays on  
.
default.  
Main Menu—Display Tab  
Message Log Filter Tab  
Main Menu—indicates whether the Main Menu tabs to contain text  
and icons (default) or text tabs only.  
3. Highlight the message type you want to hide, and press  
ENTER. The message name appears in the Hide window.  
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.  
4. Highlight the message, and press ENTER to show it again.  
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  
7ꢆ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > sound tAb  
Twilight Adjustment—allows the unit to adjust the backlight for  
optimum viewing during twilight times.  
Sound Tab  
Use the Sound tab to customize the sounds made by your  
GPSMAP 278.  
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.  
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  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > setuP tAb  
Text Language—sets the unit’s on-screen language.  
Setup Tab  
To customize how your GPSMAP 278 looks, use the System tab to  
adjust certain system settings.  
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.  
System Sub Tab  
Use the System sub tab to control settings for system mode, speed  
filter, language, and external power  
.
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.  
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.  
Road Routing Sub Tab  
Speed Filter—allows the unit to average speed readings. Choose  
from Off, Auto (automatically controls filtering), or On (allows you  
to enter a value in seconds).  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
8ꢁ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > setuP tAb  
Route Preference—allows the unit to calculates routes based on:  
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.  
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.  
Custom Avoids—allows you to enter specific areas and roads  
that you would like to avoid in your navigation. See page 61 for  
information on creating custom avoids.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
Guidance Sub Tab  
Use the Guidance sub tab to set guidance information.  
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.  
Guidance Sub Tab  
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.  
82  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
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.  
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 field.  
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.  
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.  
Timers Sub Tab  
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.  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
8ꢂ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > setuP tAb  
Units Sub Tab  
Use the Units sub tab to customize measurement units.  
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 specifies a different location format  
or want to use a format you are familiar with.  
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.  
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 specifies  
a different datum.  
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.  
8ꢃ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > setuP tAb  
The default setting is WGS 84. The unit automatically selects the  
best datum depending on your chosen location format.  
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.  
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 field if you selected User Mag Var for the  
heading.  
Welcome Sub Tab  
To add a welcome message:  
1. Press up or down on the ROCKER to highlight one of the  
Welcome Message fields, and press ENTER.  
2. Use the ROCKER to enter information in the fields. You do  
not need to enter information in every field. When finished,  
press ENTER again.  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
8ꢄ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > setuP tAb  
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.  
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 field changes to  
Transfer Mode.  
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.  
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.  
COM 1 Sub Tab  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
8ꢅ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > setuP tAb  
Shows the  
status of the  
scan  
Highlight Scan  
and press  
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.  
ENTER.  
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.  
COM 1 Sub Tab with Garmin DGPS Selected  
The Status field shows one of the following:  
Tuning—the unit is attempting to tune to the specified  
frequency and bit rate.  
To have the unit automatically scan for a frequency:  
1. Set the unit to GARMIN DGPS or RTCM In/NMEA Out.  
Scanning—the unit is automatically scanning through the  
frequencies and bit rates.  
2. Highlight the Beacon field, and press ENTER.  
Receiving—the unit is receiving DGPS signal and ready for  
operation.  
3. Highlight Scan, and press ENTER. The numbers in the  
Frequency field change as the unit scans from 284 kHz to  
325 kHz, 200 bit rate, then 100, at 6-second intervals.  
Check Wiring—the unit is not making connection with  
DGPS receiver.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
87  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > setuP tAb  
To restart the scan:  
1. Press MENU.  
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.  
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 field, and press ENTER.  
2. Highlight User, and press ENTER.  
You can also set the Output Rate to Fast to output a minimum  
number of NMEA sentences at one-second intervals.  
3. Highlight the Frequency or Bit Rate field, and press ENTER  
4. Enter a frequency or bit rate. Press ENTER when finished  
When the unit is receiving a DGPS signal, the Signal to Noise Ratio)  
(SNR) and Distance fields show data. The SNR range is 0 dB to 30  
dB, with 30 being the best. The Distance field may or may not show  
data, depending on the signal being broadcast from the DGPS site.  
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 field, and press ENTER.  
4. Select NMEA In/NMEA Out, and press ENTER.  
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 find the most updated list of frequencies  
and coverage areas, contact your local USCG or see their Web site at  
88  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
MAIn Menu > setuP tAb  
5. Press MENU to open the options menu.  
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  
6. Select Advanced NMEA Setup, and press ENTER.  
Advanced NMEA Output Setup  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
8ꢆ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
settIng uP And usIng sonAr > shoWIng sonAr on the MAP PAge  
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.  
Map Page with Split Screen  
NOTE: You MUST have a GSD 21 or GSD 20 installed and  
connected to your GPSMAP 278 to use the sonar features.  
To resize the Map Page sonar split screen:  
1. After showing the Sonar and Map pages together in the split  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
ꢆ0  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
settIng uP And usIng sonAr > usIng the 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 fish  
symbol or a combination of both. When the unit is set to Dual, the  
appearance of the fish 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).  
Using the Sonar Page  
When combined with a GSD 21 or GSD 20 Sounder Module, your  
GPSMAP 278 becomes a powerful fishfinder/flasher 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 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.  
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 reflects the depth of the area being shown. The  
top-left corner shows the adjustment option, the depth, and the water  
temperature.  
Read the “Understanding Sonar” section beginning on page 99 for  
more on information about sonar.  
Sonar Page  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢆꢁ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
settIng uP And usIng sonAr > usIng the sonAr PAge  
Sonar Adjustment Options  
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.  
Range—sets the display depth range used for viewing. The unit can  
be set to automatically track the bottom or set to a user-specified  
depth range.  
Press MENU, highlight Adjustments, and press ENTER.  
Use the ROCKER to highlight the adjustment and press  
ENTER.  
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:  
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.  
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.  
Press ENTER to accept the new setting (or press QUIT to cancel)  
and return to the Sonar Page.  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢆ2  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
settIng uP And usIng sonAr > usIng the sonAr PAge  
4X Zoom—shows the 4X zoomed picture on the full screen.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
Frequency—allows you to choose a transducer frequency.  
Frequency refers to the “pitch” of the sound that the transducer  
sends and receives.  
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.  
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 filter unwanted noise from the sonar display.  
The Noise Reject can be turned Off, set to Normal (automatically  
adjusts for optimum viewing) or to a fixed 1–100% setting. When  
setting the Noise Reject, remember that a higher noise rejection  
setting is less likely to show fish or structures.  
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.  
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.  
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  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢆꢂ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
settIng uP And usIng sonAr > usIng the sonAr PAge  
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.  
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 find and use  
an object such as a stump for a future fishing 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 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.  
To mark an underwater waypoint:  
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU, highlight Show Pointer,  
and press ENTER.  
4. If you want to cancel this operation, press QUIT or press  
MENU, highlight Stop Resizing, 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 field, 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.  
ꢆꢃ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
settIng uP And usIng sonAr > settIng uP sonAr  
Depth Number—select how efficient 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.  
Setting Up Sonar  
Use the Sonar tab on the Main Menu to set up the Sonar Page.  
If the unit is unable to track the bottom for any reason, the digits in  
the depth window flash 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.  
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 fish symbol,  
to show only the information related to that symbol.  
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 reflected in the depth reading.  
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.  
Transducer—select the type of transducer that you are using. If you  
are using a speed-capable transducer/sensor, select Temp, Spd.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢆꢄ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
settIng uP And usIng sonAr > settIng uP sonAr  
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 find out your speed, divide the distance by the time.  
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.  
To calibrate the water speed:  
1. On the Setup sub tab, highlight the Calibrate Water Speed  
If you want to manually enter a calibration, press ENTER  
while the speed is highlighted, enter a new speed, and press  
ENTER again.  
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.  
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.  
ꢆꢅ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
settIng uP And usIng sonAr > settIng uP sonAr  
Temperature Graph—select On to show a temperature graph along  
the bottom of the Sonar Page.  
Setting Up the Sonar Display  
You can set up how the sonar information appears on-screen using  
the Display sub tab.  
Background Color—select the color for the Sonar Page and the  
sonar on the Map Split Page.  
Graphic Flasher  
White  
Color Bar  
Background  
Display Sub Tab  
Temperature  
Graph  
Depth Scale  
in corners  
Scale—select how and where you want the depth scale to appear.  
Sonar Page with the Sonar Display Settings Changed  
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 find this feature useful when using Fish Symbols.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢆ7  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
settIng uP And usIng sonAr > settIng uP sonAr  
Viewing the Temperature  
Changing the Temperature Display  
The graph will adjust and show the temperatures changes according  
to the Temperature Scale and Time Duration settings.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
Temperature Sub Tab  
ꢆ8  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
settIng uP And usIng sonAr > understAndIng sonAr  
Understanding the Sonar Display  
Understanding Sonar  
One of the first 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 flashlight. The beam starts small near your vessel and  
expands as it gets to the bottom. See “Transducer Coverage” for  
more detailed information.  
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 fish—sound is reflected back to the  
transducer. The transducer collects the reflected 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;  
first returned is the first on the display.  
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 fish is not directly above the tree in reality, but it might  
look like it is on the Sonar Page.  
Fish  
1'  
Sonar Page  
Generally speaking, if the only thing between the transducer and  
the bottom is water, the first 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.  
10'  
Tree  
Tree  
20'  
Aerial View of the Water  
Sonar Display  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢆꢆ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
   
settIng uP And usIng sonAr > understAndIng sonAr  
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 finding fish 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.  
Coverage  
Diameter  
Depth  
Coverage  
Diameter  
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 finding fish. 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.  
40° Cone Angle (50 kHz)  
10° Cone Angle (200 kHz)  
Dual frequency mode combines both frequencies to get the best  
coverage area and contour/depth readings.  
ꢁ00  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
settIng uP And usIng sonAr > understAndIng sonAr  
Whiteline  
Thermoclines  
The GSD 20 or GSD 21 can help you determine whether the bottom  
is hard or soft. When the sonar sound waves are reflected 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 significant objects lying on the  
bottom. The unit uses the whiteline function to make the bottom  
layer information easier to distinguish.  
A rough definition 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 fish 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 fish where they live.  
Thick  
Whiteline: Hard  
bottom  
Thermocline  
Whiteline On  
Whiteline Off  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁ0ꢁ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > sPecIfIcAtIons  
Performance  
Receiver:  
aPPendIx  
Differential-ready 12 parallel channel receiver  
Acquisition Times: Approximately 15 seconds (warm start)  
Approximately 45 seconds (cold start)  
Approximately 5 minutes (First Time/  
AutoLocate™)  
Specifications  
Physical Specifications  
Size:  
5.7" W x 3.2" H x 1.9" D  
(14.5 x 8.1 x 4.8 cm)  
Update Rate:  
1/second, continuous  
Weight:  
Display:  
14.0 oz (0.40 kg)  
Accuracy  
3.75" diagonal (9.5 cm) Transflective, 256-color  
GPS:  
15 meters (49 feet) RMS 95% typical  
3–5 meters (10–16 ft), 95% typical  
display with backlighting (480 x 320 pixels)  
DGPS (USCG):  
DGPS (WAAS):  
Case:  
Fully gasketed, high-impact plastic alloy,  
waterproof to IEC 60529 IPX7  
< 3 meters (10 ft) 95% typical with DGPS  
corrections  
Temp. Range:  
5°F to 140°F (-15°C to 60°C)  
Velocity:  
0.1 knot RMS steady state  
6 g's  
Power  
Battery:  
Dynamics:  
Rechargeable lithium-ion  
7-15 hours  
Battery Life:  
Source:  
11–35 VDC  
Fuse:  
3AG - 1.5 Amp  
ꢁ02  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > oPtIonAl AccessorIes  
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.  
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.  
USB Data Card Programmer: Programs blank data cards at high  
speed through a PC.  
WARNING: Garmin accessories have been designed and  
specifically 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.  
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.  
GA 29, GA 29F, and GA 26C Antennas: Garmin remote antennas.  
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  
Non-Skid Friction Mount: Portable vehicle mount, no installation  
required.  
Permanent and Temporary Adhesive Disks: Adhesive disks for  
using the unit in a vehicle.  
Pre-Programmed Data Cards: Data cards preprogrammed with  
BlueChart g2 or US Inland Lakes map data.  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁ0ꢂ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > InstAllAtIon InforMAtIon  
Voice (-)  
Orange  
Ground  
Black  
Data Out 1  
Blue  
Installation Information  
This section of the Appendix provides information on connecting the  
GPSMAP 278 to auxiliary devices and removing the antenna.  
Alarm  
White  
Data In 2  
Green  
Power  
Red  
Voice (+)  
Brown  
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.  
Data In 1  
Yellow  
Data Out 2  
Violet  
Power/Data Connector on the Cable  
Ground  
Black  
Voice (-)  
Orange  
Data Out 1  
Blue  
Alarm  
White  
Data In 2  
Green  
Red: Power  
Voice (+)  
Brown  
Data In 1  
Yellow  
Power  
Red  
Data Out 2  
Violet  
Black:  
Ground  
(-)  
(+)  
11–35 VDC  
RXD +  
Autopilot/  
NMEA Device  
RXD -  
Power/Data Connector on the GPSMAP 278 Unit  
Blue:  
Data Out 1  
(+)  
Switch  
Closed - On,  
White/Blue  
Orange  
GSD 20 or 21  
Open - Off  
Yellow:  
Data In 1  
Sounder  
(-)  
White/Brown  
ꢁ0ꢃ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > InstAllAtIon InforMAtIon  
To connect your GPS to your computer:  
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.  
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).  
NOTE: Fully install the supplied MapSource program, Trip &  
Waypoint Manager, on your computer before connecting the  
USB cable to the computer.  
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 first 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 find these updates at  
USB Data Port on Your PC  
USB connector  
under weather  
cap  
Serial Communications Port  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁ0ꢄ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
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.  
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.  
You can download xImage from the Garmin Web site at  
www.garmin.com/ximage/. See the Help file for complete  
instructions about using xImage.  
CAUTION: Garmin is not responsible for the consequences of  
using a custom POI database or the accuracy of third-party data.  
ꢁ0ꢅ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > InstAllAtIon InforMAtIon  
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.  
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.  
To remove a data card:  
1. Grasp the card handle. The handle expands for easy  
removal.  
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.  
2. Pull the card out of the card slot on the bottom of the unit.  
3. If the unit is on, a confirmation tone sounds when the data  
card has been removed.  
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 confirmation tone sounds. The first 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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁ07  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > InstAllAtIon InforMAtIon  
To remove the GPS antenna:  
1. Remove the external power cable from the connector on the  
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).  
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.  
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.  
3. Pull the antenna away from the GPSMAP 278 unit.  
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).  
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.  
Removing the GPS Antenna  
ꢁ08  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
   
APPendIx > WhAt Is egnos/WAAs/MsAs And lorAn td setuP  
What is EGNOS/WAAS/MSAS?  
LORAN TD Setup  
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.  
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 Confluence 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.  
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.  
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 fixes for favorite fishing 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.  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁ0ꢆ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > 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 field 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 field. If you enter a different LORAN chain number or  
change the secondary stations or offsets in the Setup TD field, the  
active waypoint information reflects 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.  
LORAN TD Setup  
5. To change the settings of any of the five fields, highlight the  
field, press ENTER, select a setting using the ROCKER, and  
press ENTER AGAIN.  
6. When finished, highlight the Save button, and press ENTER.  
The LORAN TD Setup window contains the fields to select the  
Loran GRI-Chain Number, Primary and Secondary Stations, and TD  
Offsets.  
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.  
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 field, and press ENTER.  
3. Highlight Loran TD, and press ENTER.  
4. Highlight the Setup button located on the right side of the  
Location Format field, and press ENTER. The Loran TD  
Setup window appears.  
For more information on LORAN TDs, you can download the  
LORAN TD Position Format Handbook from the Garmin Web site.  
ꢁꢁ0  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > MAP dAtuMs And locAtIon forMAts  
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.  
Map Datums and Location Formats  
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.  
Map Datums are based on a mathematical model of the Earth.  
You can choose to change the location format to use with other  
coordinate systems in Location field 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-definable grid (for the advanced  
user).  
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  
specific map datum. Every chart has a map datum reference, and you  
can set the GPSMAP 278 to match most of those commonly used.  
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/  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁꢁꢁ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > dIgItAl selectIve cAllIng (dsc)  
Understanding Distress Calls  
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)  
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.  
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.  
You can enter a caller’s name, if it is known. The caller’s name  
replaces the MMSI number as a reference once entered.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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 fields to the DSC Entry Review Page.  
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 first register their VHF radio with the FCC and  
receive a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number.  
ꢁꢁ2  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
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.  
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 first call in the Call  
List. Press MENU to sort the list and delete entries.  
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 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 file is removed when a  
new call is received. Press MENU to sort the list and delete entries.  
DSC Entry Review Page  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁꢁꢂ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > dIgItAl selectIve cAllIng (dsc)  
DSC Directory  
entries. Press  
ENTER to  
open the entry  
review page.  
Blank entry.  
Press ENTER to  
add a directory  
entry.  
DSC Log  
DSC Directory list  
To add a new Directory entry:  
1. Open the DSC Directory on the Main Menu.  
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.  
2. Use the ROCKER to highlight the first blank space in the  
directory list and press ENTER.  
OR  
Press MENU, highlight New Item, and press ENTER.  
DSC Directory  
3. Enter the MMSI number, the name, and any comments.  
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.  
4. When finished, highlight OK, and press ENTER.  
ꢁꢁꢃ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > dIgItAl selectIve cAllIng (dsc)  
Setting Up DSC  
Enter the  
MMSI number,  
name, and a  
comment (if  
needed) in the  
fields.  
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.  
Highlight OK  
and press  
ENTER to save  
the directory  
entry.  
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.  
New Directory Item Page  
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  
DSC Setup  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁꢁꢄ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > dIgItAl selectIve cAllIng (dsc)  
Non-Federal Users in the United States  
What is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)  
Number?  
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 find out if you require a Ship Station license,  
requires licensing by the FCC, you can obtain a MMSI during the  
application/licensing process when you file FCC Forms 159 and  
605.  
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 identifier 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  
Federal Users in the United States  
Federal users can obtain MMSI assignments from their agency  
radio spectrum management office. These procedures are currently  
under review by the National Telecommunications and Information  
Administration (NTIA).  
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  
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  
ꢁꢁꢅ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > declArAtIon of conforMItY (doc)  
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.  
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.  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁꢁ7  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > MessAges  
Drift Alarm—the water depth has changed by the amount entered in the Drift  
Alarm setup.  
Messages  
Accuracy Alarm—the GPS accuracy has fallen outside of user-set value.  
Fish Alarm—a fish was detected. The unit shows an icon and beeps (if  
enabled). This alarm does not display a message banner.  
Alarm Clock—the alarm clock has sounded.  
Antenna Shorted to Ground—the external GPS antenna has an electrical  
connection problem. Contact Garmin Product Support.  
Lost Satellite Reception—the unit is unable to receive satellite signals.  
Memory Full—unit memory is full, no further data can be saved.  
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.  
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.  
Basemap 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.  
Boat Is Not Moving Fast Enough to Calibrate—the boat is not moving fast  
enough for the speed wheel to provide a valid speed.  
NMEA Depth is Below Transducer—no keel offset value has been received  
from the external sonar device.  
Can’t Unlock Maps—no applicable unlock code for one or more maps was  
found. All MapSource maps are not accessible.  
No Diff GPS Location—RTCM is selected but the unit is not receiving DGPS  
data.  
Database Error—internal problem with the unit. Contact your dealer or  
Garmin Product Support to have the unit repaired.  
No Roads Near Destination—the destination for the road route you tried to  
calculate is not near any roads. Select a different destination.  
Deep Water—-the water is deeper than the amount set in the Deep Water  
Alarm.  
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.  
Detail Maps Don’t Support Routing—maps that are loaded on the data card  
do not support automatic route calculation.  
No DGPS Position—no differential connection data is available, or not enough  
data is available to calculate a DGPS position.  
Distress Call—a DSC distress call was received. Take appropriate action.  
Dragging Anchor—the distance set in the Anchor Drag Alarm was exceeded.  
No Tide Stations for that Area—no tide stations within 100 miles of the area.  
None Found—no data matched the search criteria.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁꢁ8  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
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.  
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.  
Route Memory Full—no additional routes can be saved.  
Route Truncated—uploaded route from another device has more than 300  
waypoints.  
Water Temperature Alarm—sonar has reported a temperature above, below,  
inside, or outside the specified value(s).  
Route Waypoint Memory Full—no additional route waypoints can be saved.  
Waypoint Already Exists—a waypoint with the same name already exists.  
Shallow Water—the water is shallower than the amount set in the Shallow  
Water Alarm.  
Waypoint Memory Full—the unit has stored the maximum number of  
waypoints.  
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 fit in memory. The  
oldest track log points have been deleted.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁꢁꢆ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
APPendIx > dAtA fIeld oPtIons  
ETE (Next)—Estimated Time Enroute. The estimated time required to reach  
the next point on your route.  
Data Field Options  
The following list provides a brief description of each data field  
option. Some of these options are supported only by devices  
interfaced to your GPSMAP 278.  
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.  
Accuracy—the current accuracy of your GPS determined location.  
Location (Selected)—your current location described in the selected units of  
measure (other than lat/lon).  
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.  
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)  
Course to Steer—the recommended direction to steer in order to reduce cross-  
track error and return to the course line. Shown as Steer.  
Next Course—the course your route will take you on after you reach the next  
Cross Track—the distance you are off a desired course in either direction, left  
waypoint.  
or right.  
Next Turn—the direction of the next turn on an active route.  
Next Wpt—see Waypoint (Next).  
Depth (Marine Only)—the depth of water from sonar NMEA input.  
Dest Wpt—see Waypoint (Destination).  
Odometer—the total distance traveled since the odometer was reset.  
Distance (Destination)—the entire distance of a route, from beginning to end.  
Distance (Next)—the distance to the next point on a route.  
Pointer—the arrow indicating the direction to travel to the next point on a  
route.  
ETA (Destination)—Estimated Time of Arrival. The estimated time you will  
Power—the power indicator icon: Battery, External Power, or Charging.  
reach your destination.  
Speed—your current vehicle speed can be measured in kilometers per hour,  
ETA (Next)—Estimated Time of Arrival. The estimated time you will reach the  
miles per hour, or knots.  
next point on your route.  
Steer—see Course to Steer.  
ETE (Destination)—Estimated Time Enroute. The estimated time required to  
reach your destination.  
ꢁ20  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
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.  
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.  
Time—the current time and date. It can be shown in 12-hour or 24-hour format  
in local time or universal (UTC) time.  
Vertical Speed—the rate of climb or descent.  
Track—the direction of movement relative to a ground position. Also referred  
Voltage—the direct current voltage level of an external power source.  
to as ground track.  
Water Speed (Marine Only)—the data acquired from measurement devices  
Trip Avg. Speed (Moving)—the average speed while moving since the last  
reset of the trip computer. Appears as Mov Avg Spd.  
interfaced to the unit is used to calculate your current speed over water.  
Water Temperature (Marine Only)—the temperature of water at a measured  
Trip Avg. Speed (Total)—the total average speed traveled since the last reset  
of the trip computer. Appears as Ttl Avg Spd.  
depth using measurement devices interfaced to the unit.  
Waypoint (Destination)—the last point on a route, your destination. Appears  
as Dest Wpt.  
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.  
Waypoint (Next)—the next waypoint in your route. Appears as Next Wpt.  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁ2ꢁ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
APPendIx > softWAre lIcense AgreeMent And Product regIstrAtIon  
Software License Agreement  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
ꢁ22  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > lIMIted 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.  
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.  
Online Auction Purchases: Products sold through online auctions are not eligible  
for rebates or other special offers from Garmin. Online auction confirmations are not  
accepted for warranty verification. 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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
Garmin International, Inc.  
1200 E 151st Street,  
Olathe, Kansas 66062 USA  
(913) 397.8200 or (800) 800.1020  
(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)  
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.  
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  
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.  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁ2ꢂ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
APPendIx > fcc coMPIAnce  
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 modifications could result in permanent damage to the  
equipment, and void your warranty and your authority to  
operate this device under Part 15 regulations.  
ꢁ2ꢃ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
Index  
arrival alarm 72  
categories  
find menu 17  
waypoint 34, 35  
caution vi  
CDI. See Course Deviation Indicator  
celestial tab 74  
hunt & fish sub tab 77  
sun & moon sub tab 76  
chain number 110  
charging 2  
cigarette lighter adapter 2  
cities 17  
D
Index  
ask my preference 82  
assign category 34  
attention tone 80  
AutoLocate 3, 5  
automotive mode  
following a saved route 60  
pages 5662, 6365  
auto arrange 21  
data card 107  
information 21, 44  
slot 1  
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  
data fields  
changing 43  
options 120  
date 83  
daylight saving time 83  
day view 74  
DB-9 105  
Declaration of Conformity (DoC) 117  
declutter 47  
average location 32  
avoidance button 82  
avoids 61, 82  
cleaning iv  
clear  
track log 39  
clock alarm 72  
B
deep water 73  
defaults 8, 10  
delete  
backlight 3, 80  
basic operation 13  
battery  
anchor drag 72  
arrival 72  
DSC 112, 115  
navigation 72  
next turn 72  
color mode 79  
category 35  
DSC Call 113  
DSC directory item 114  
track log 39  
waypoint 36  
level 2  
pack 1, 2  
saver mode 81  
beeper 80  
bug indicator 50  
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  
off course 72  
proximity 36  
sonar 73  
depth 84  
detour 62  
system 72  
C
cable 104  
alarms tab 71  
DGPS 86, 87, 88  
alarm 72  
digital selective calling. See DSC  
direction display 84  
display tab 79  
alerts. See alarms  
anchor drag 72  
antenna 1, 3, 108  
append to route 31  
calculation method 82  
calendar tab 73  
calibrate water speed 96  
cards, data 107  
carpool lanes 82  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁ2ꢄ  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
Index  
distance and speed 84  
distress calls 69, 112117  
drift 73  
DSC 69, 112113  
DSC Tab 69  
find current location 3  
find menu 17  
fishing 77  
fish symbols 95  
flasher 97  
celestial tab 74  
display tab 79  
DSC tab 69  
GPS tab 2, 67  
message tab 78  
points tab 68  
I
icons 79  
identifier 116  
information page 21, 47  
initialize 3  
installation 104  
interval 41  
invert 54  
fuel flow 27  
E
edit  
sonar tab 71  
track tab 68  
G
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  
getting started 1  
going to a destination 14  
go to  
manual conventions i  
Man OverBoard. See MOB  
MapSource 107  
map datum 111  
map orientation 45  
map page 42, 63  
declutter 47  
item details 21  
K
keypad 7  
distress call 114  
history 20  
position report 114  
GPS  
L
language 80, 81  
legs, track 41  
off/on 5  
options 6  
tips 6  
setup 44  
marine mode  
lithium-ion battery 2  
local time 83  
location 6, 30  
location format 84, 111  
log filter 79  
longitude 120  
pages 4246  
GRI Chain 110  
GSD 20 90  
marine pages 4255  
active route 54  
compass 49  
H
highway 52  
map 42  
F
heading 85  
LORAN TD Setup 109  
lost satellite reception 5  
faster time 82  
FCC 112, 116, 124  
field 8  
highways  
position data 55  
marine timer 50  
maritime mobile service identity.  
See MMSI  
marking a waypoint 9, 29, 30, 32  
underwater 94  
avoid 82  
M
highway page 52, 80  
hiding/showing 52  
options menu 53  
setup 53  
magnetic variation 85  
main menu  
find 17  
from a different location 18, 19  
menu 21, 24  
finding an item 1721  
alarms tab 71  
calendar tab 73  
hunt & fish sub tab 77  
ꢁ2ꢅ  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
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  
next turn 83  
power 2, 3, 104  
connector 1, 2  
S
alarm 72  
NMEA 86, 88, 108  
north up 6, 45  
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  
outlet 2  
practice mode. See simulator mode  
project waypoint location 32  
proximity 36  
O
“Off Route Recalculating” Announce-  
ment 83  
alarms 36  
points tab 36  
waypoint 37  
off course 72  
off road 82  
on-screen button 8  
overzoom 46  
N
R
searching the sky 5  
search history 20  
selecting options 9  
serial communications port 105  
serial data format 86  
serial number 1  
NAV/MOB 16  
navigate  
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  
P
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  
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  
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  
reset trip data 55  
review route 25  
road routing tab 81  
route 26, 74  
add points 26, 31  
create 2227  
edit 2527  
leg transition 27  
preference 81  
POIs 1, 106  
altitude 6  
location 6, 12  
waypoint 30, 32  
welcome sub tab 85  
set an alarm 71  
set date 83  
set fuel flow 27  
set speed 27  
custom 106  
position data page 55  
options menu 55  
position report 112117  
route tab 67  
RTCM 86, 88  
shorter distance 82  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
ꢁ27  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Index  
signal strength 5  
simulate 6, 81  
time  
delay 109  
usage mode 81  
USB 86  
proximity 37  
reviewing 30  
symbol 33  
GPS 5  
format 83  
offsets 111  
zone 83  
connector 1, 105  
data cable 105  
drivers 105  
simulator mode  
new location 12  
software license agreement 122  
sonar 90, 9194  
adjusting 9294  
alarms 72  
on the map page 90  
setting up 95, 97  
understanding 99  
sonar tab 71  
transition to next 27  
week view 74  
welcome message 85  
whiteline 93, 101  
timer 50  
toll roads 82  
TracBack 14, 41, 57  
track  
user points tab 33  
UTC 83  
UTM/UPS 111  
X
V
xImage 106  
legs 41  
log 38, 39, 41  
tab 38  
VHF 69, 112  
via points 62  
view details 47  
voice language 80  
volume 3, 80  
Z
zoom 45  
TracBack 40, 41  
track tab 68  
track up 6, 45  
sound tab 80  
speaker 80  
specifications 102  
speed filter 81  
split screen, sonar 94  
sun & moon sub tab 76  
system alarms 72  
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  
W
warning v  
warning page 3  
water immersion iv  
water speed 96  
calibrating 96  
water temp 73  
waypoint 28  
categories 34  
create 2837  
edit 33  
T
temperature 84, 98  
text language 81  
thermoclines 101  
tide  
turn unit on and off 3  
U
chart 75  
information 75  
station 75  
u-turns 82  
information page 21  
name 33  
projecting 32  
underwater waypoints 94  
unit overview 1  
unpaved roads 82  
sub tab 75  
ꢁ28  
GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
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 151st 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  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  

Evolution Technologies Home Security System MK 425C User Manual
FieldServer Computer Drive FS 8700 87 User Manual
Fisher Paykel Oven OB30 User Manual
Fisher Price Riding Toy M0409 User Manual
Fostex Printer VF 08 User Manual
Frigidaire Gas Grill Grill User Manual
GE Bread Maker 106732 User Manual
GE Clothes Dryer SE1200 User Manual
GE Oven JTP17SCSS User Manual
Global Machinery Company Trimmer LTP25SS User Manual