How to Set Up a GPS Receiver

With the use of a GPS receiver, you need never be worried about being lost again. The GPS receiver uses the known location of GPS satellites positioned around the earth as triangulation points, determining by the signal strength of nearby satellites your precise location on the planet. Knowing where you are, though, is only part of a good receiver's capabilities. With the proper setup, most receivers are capable of much more, including providing a local map that not only shows your location but helps you to find your way from wherever you are to wherever you want to be.

• 1

  Initialize the receiver to set your current location. Turn on the receiver, and input your approximate location into the system using the setup menu. Initializing the receiver cuts down on the time it takes the receiver to sync with the GPS satellite grid for the first time or after being moved 300 miles or more from its last synced location.

• 2

  Input the units of measurement you wish the receiver to display its information using. Select a distance and speed measurement, and save your selections into the receiver.

• 3

  Select the grid system for the receiver to use in displaying location information. Choices include either a traditional latitude and longitude system or the Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system which divides the Earth into 60 zones and places your location based on how far east and north you are from the 0.0 coordinate position within your current zone. Most paper maps use latitude and longitude, so choose this as the grid system if using your receiver for directional travel.

• 4

  Select the map used to provide the coordinates for the receiver. The Datum is the map used on your GPS. For North America, the one in common use is NAD27. Enter magnetic north as your north reference as well to meet with common usage.

• 5

  Enter your time zone to complete the receiver setup. Wait for the receiver to sync with at least three of the GPS satellites and determine your exact location by performing a position fix.