| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha 10 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Alpha 100 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Alpha 200 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Alpha 200i | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Alpha 200 Plus | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Alpha 300 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Alpha 300i | Yes | 3-Axis |
Select your product to confirm this information applies to you
Compass Options for Garmin Outdoor Handhelds
Garmin Outdoor handhelds will use one of three different compass options:
- GPS Compass - Found in handheld devices lacking an electronic compass, this compass uses GPS to determine heading. This requires you to move at approximately 2-3 miles per hour in order to get a reading. When stopped, or moving at speeds slower than 2 miles per hour, the compass may not function as intended.
- Standard Electronic Compass - The electronic compass functions more like a traditional compass. It can be used when idle, or moving at low speeds. The device must be held level in order to give a reading, and may at times require calibration.
- 3-Axis Electronic Compass - Similar to the electronic compass, the 3-axis electronic compass can be used when idle, or moving at low speeds. This compass is also tilt compensated, meaning the device can be held in any position and will still give a compass reading. At times, this compass may also require calibration.
Knowing the specifics of a handheld's compass can help enhance your experience, and ensure it is functioning as designed. If your compass is not functioning correctly, update your software, check your compass settings, and see your owner's manual for steps on calibrating the compass.
Compass Type by Garmin Product
For compass options available on your Garmin product, select your product family below.
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Astro 220 | Yes | Standard |
| Astro 320 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Astro 430 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Astro 900 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado 300 | Yes | Standard |
| Colorado 400c, 400i, and 400t | Yes | Standard |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Dakota 10 | Yes | N/A |
| Dakota 20 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| eTrex Legend® Cx and HCx | Yes | N/A |
| eTrex Venture® Cx and HC | Yes | N/A |
| eTrex Summit® and eTrex Summit HC | Yes | Standard |
| eTrex Vista® Cx and HCx | Yes | Standard |
| eTrex 10 | Yes | N/A |
| eTrex 20, 20x, and 22x | Yes | N/A |
| eTrex 30, 30x, and 32x | Yes | 3-Axis |
| eTrex Touch 25, 35, and 35t | Yes | 3-Axis |
| eTrex SE | Yes | 3-Axis |
| eTrex Solar | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Foretrex 101 | Yes | N/A |
| Foretrex 201 | Yes | N/A |
| Foretrex 301 | Yes | N/A |
| Foretrex 401 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Foretrex 601 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Foretrex 701 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Foretrex 801 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Foretrex 901 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| GPSMAP 60 | Yes | N/A |
| GPSMAP 60C | Yes | N/A |
| GPSMAP 60CS | Yes | Standard |
| GPSMAP 60Cx | Yes | N/A |
| GPSMAP 60CSx | Yes | Standard |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| GPSMAP 62 | Yes | N/A |
| GPSMAP 62s and 62st | Yes | 3-Axis |
| GPSMAP 62sc and 62stc | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| GPSMAP 64 | Yes | N/A |
| GPSMAP 64s and 64st | Yes | 3-Axis |
| GPSMAP 64sc | Yes | 3-Axis |
| GPSMAP 64x | Yes | N/A |
| GPSMAP 64sx | Yes | 3-Axis |
| GPSMAP 64csx | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| GPSMAP 65 | Yes | N/A |
| GPSMAP 65s | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| GPSMAP 66i | Yes | 3-Axis |
| GPSMAP 66s | Yes | 3-Axis |
| GPSMAP 66sr | Yes | 3-Axis |
| GPSMAP 66st | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| GPSMAP 67 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| GPSMAP 67i | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Montana 600 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Montana 650 and 650t | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Montana 610 and 610t Camo | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Montana 680 and 680t | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Montana 700, 700i, and 750i | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Montana 710, 710i, and 760i | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Monterra | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon 200 | Yes | N/A |
| Oregon 300 | Yes | Standard |
| Oregon 400c, 400i, and 400t | Yes | Standard |
| Oregon 450 and 450t | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Oregon 550 and 550t | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Oregon 600 and 600t | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Oregon 650 and 650t | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Oregon 700 | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Oregon 750 and 750t | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Model | GPS Compass | Type of Electronic Compass |
|---|---|---|
| >Rino 110 | Yes | N/A |
| Rino 120 | Yes | N/A |
| Rino 130 | Yes | Standard |
| Rino 520 and 520HCX | Yes | N/A |
| Rino 530 and 530HCx | Yes | Standard |
| Rino 610 | Yes | N/A |
| Rino 650, 650t, and 655t | Yes | 3-Axis |
| Rino 700 | Yes | N/A |
| Rino 750, 750t, and 755t | Yes | 3-Axis |
There are various compass settings that can be adjusted to meet your needs.
Display: Sets the type of directional heading shown on the compass.
Directional Letters: Sets the directional heading to letters.
Numeric Degrees: Sets the directional heading to degrees.
Mils: Sets the directional heading to milliradians.
North Reference: Sets the north reference used on the compass.
True: Sets geographic north as the heading reference.
Magnetic: Sets the magnetic declination for your location automatically.
Grid: Sets grid north (000o) as the heading reference.
User: Allows you to set the magnetic variation value manually.
Go To Line (Pointer): Sets the behavior of the pointer that appears on the map.
Bearing (Large): Large pointer that points in the direction of your destination.
Bearing (Medium): Medium pointer that points in the direction of your destination.
NOTE: This option is not available on all handhelds.
Bearing (Small): Small pointer that points in the direction of your destination.
Course (CDI): Pointer that shows your relationship to the course line leading to the destination. For more information, see - Fragmented Compass Arrow and the Difference Between Bearing and Course Pointers.
Compass: Automatically switches from an electronic compass to a GPS compass when you are traveling at a higher rate of speed for a period of time.
NOTE: This option is only available on handhelds with a built-in electronic compass.
Calibrate Compass: Allows you to calibrate the compass if you experience irregular compass behavior, for example, after moving long distances or after extreme temperature changes.
NOTE: This option is only available on handhelds with a built-in electronic compass.