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Acquiring Satellites on the eTrex Vista C

Before you can actually use your eTrex Vista® C outdoor handheld for navigation, you must first obtain a fix on your current position. Find a location where you have a clear view of the sky. If you are starting up for the first time or you have moved over 600 miles since last using the eTrex Vista C, it must initialize (determine its location by searching for satellites that are in position over your current location).

  1. Take your eTrex Vista C to an area with a clear view of the sky.

  2. Press and hold Power/Backlight to turn the unit on. A Welcome page appears before moving to the Satellite page.

  3. An “Acquiring Satellites” message appears as the unit begins to search for satellites overhead.

  4. Your “Location Coordinates” display when four or more satellites are fixed (enough to determine an approximate elevation as well as ground location).

    eTrex Vista C Satellite Page

If the eTrex Vista C cannot get past the “Acquiring Satellites” message or you get a “Lost Satellite Signal” message, move to a new location away from tall overhead obstacles.