Garmin Pilot 3 Manual

							Alarms Settings
Clock Alarmuses the internal clock to provide an ÔAlarm ClockÕ message at the time 
you set.
To enable/disable the alarm clock:
1. Highlight the ÔClock AlarmÕ field and press ENTER.
2. Select ÔOnÕ or ÔOffÕ (as desired) and press ENTER.
3. If enabling the alarm, highlight the time field (to the immediate right) and press ENTER. Enter the
alarm time using the rocker keypad and press ENTER.
NOTE: The GPS III Pilot must be turned on when the alarm time is reached. Otherwise,
the message will not occur.
Arrival Alarmprovides an alarm message once youÕve come within a set distance from
your destination waypoint. As you approach the destination waypoint, an ÔArrival at ____Õ
message occurs when you are within the alarm distance you entered.
Off Course Alarmprovides an alarm message (ÔOff Course AlarmÕ) when you deviate off
course beyond the specified limits. 
To set the arrival and/or off course alarms:
1. Highlight the ÔArrival AlarmÕ or ÔOff Course AlarmÕ field and press ENTER.
2. Select ÔOnÕ or ÔOffÕ (as desired) and press ENTER.
3. If enabling the alarm, highlight the alarm distance field (to the immediate right) and press ENTER.
Enter the alarm distance using the rocker keypad and press ENTER.
An ÔApproachingÕ message
automatically appears one
minute before reaching the
destination waypoint. The
arrival alarm allows you to set
a distance-defined message.
The ÔOff Course AlarmÕ pro-
vides an alert if you drift off
course beyond the limits you
have set.
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REFERENCE
Setup: Alarms
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							Airspace Settings
Class Bis used to enable/disable alarms for Class B or CTA (ICAO control areas) airspace. 
Class C allows you to enable/disable alarms for Class C or TMA (ICAO terminal control
areas) airspace.
Tower Zone provides an alarm within a 4.3 nm radius from airports with control towers
which are not associated with Class B or Class C airspace. (Typically referred to as Class D.)
Restricted allows you to enable/disable alarms for restricted areas.
MOAs lets you enable/disable alarms for military operations areas.
Other SUAs provides alarms for other special-use airspace categories including: training,
caution, danger, warning and alert areas.
Mode C Veils provides an alarm within the outer limit of an airspace (usually Class B or
C) where a Mode C altitude-encoding transponder is required.
Altitude Buffer expands the vertical range of an airspace, providing an added margin of
safety. For example, if the buffer is set at 500 feet, and you are more than 500 feet above
or below an airspace, you will not be notified with an alert message. If you are less than
500 feet from the floor/ceiling limits of the airspace, you will be notified with an alert
message. The default setting for the altitude buffer is 200 feet.
To turn an airspace alarm on or off and enter an altitude buffer:
1. Highlight the desired airspace category or the ÔAltitude BufferÕ field and press ENTER.
2. For airspace alarms, select ÔOnÕ or ÔOffÕ and press ENTER.
3.  For the altitude buffer, enter the desired buffer distance and press ENTER.
NOTE: Alarms for prohibited areas are always on. Disabling any of the above listed airspace
categories only removes the alert. The boundaries will still appear on the map display. 
You may enable/disable the
airspace alerts by the individ-
ual categories shown.
The altitude buffer provides
an added margin of safety
beyond the floor/ceiling limits
of a given airspace.
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REFERENCE
Setup: Airspace
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							Airspace Settings (cont.)
The airspace alarms are designed to provide message alerts in several stages, depending on
whether you are projected to enter the airspace or are just in close proximity. The alerts are:
¥ Airspace Ahead, Less Than 10 minutesÑ occurs if your projected course will 
take you inside an airspace within the next ten minutes.
¥ Airspace Near and AheadÑ is displayed when you are within two nautical miles of an airspace and your current course will take you inside the airspace.
¥ Inside AirspaceÑ occurs when you have entered the boundaries of the airspace.
¥ Near Airspace, Less Than 2 nmÑ appears when you are within two nautical 
miles of an airspace, but your current course will not take you inside the airspace.
NOTE: Some airspace altitude limits may be charted in terms of altitude above ground level
(AGL). If the actual lower limit of an airspace is charted in AGL, the GPS III Pilot will alert you
at any altitude below the upper limit. However, if the actual upper limit is also charted in AGL,
the GPS III Pilot will provide the alert at all altitudes.
Nearest Settings
Runway Surfacedetermines which surface type or types will be included when display-
ing nearest airports on the Nearest Page. Available types include: ÔAnyÕ (includes water
landing facilities), ÔHard OnlyÕ surface, ÔHard or SoftÕ surface and ÔWater OnlyÕ facilities. 
Min Runway Lengthdetermines the minimum allowable runway length when displaying
nearest airports on the Nearest Page. 
To select the nearest airport criteria:
1. Highlight the ÔRunway SurfaceÕ or ÔMin Runway LengthÕ field and press ENTER.
2. For ÔRunway SurfaceÕ, select the desired surface type and press ENTER.
3. For ÔMin Runway LengthÕ, enter the minimum allowable runway length and press ENTER.
Due to vertical airspace lim-
its, if you fly above or below
an airspace then descend or
climb into the airspace, the
ÔInside AirspaceÕ message may
be the only alert provided.
ÔHard OnlyÕ includes only
concrete, asphalt, or similar
sealed surface runways.
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REFERENCE
Setup: Nearest
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							Position Settings
Position Formatis used to change the coordinate system in which a given position
reading is displayed. The default format is latitude and longitude in degrees and minutes
(hddd¡mm.mmmÕ). The following additional formats are available:
¥ hddd.ddddd¡ Ñ latitude/longitude in decimal degrees only
¥ hddd¡mmÕss.sÓ Ñ latitude/longitude in degrees, minutes, seconds
¥ UTM/UPS Ñ Universal Transverse Mercator / Universal Polar Stereographic grids
¥ British Grid ¥ German Grid
¥ Irish Grid ¥ Swedish Grid
¥ Swiss Grid ¥ Taiwan Grid
¥ Maidenhead
Map Datumallows you to select the datum reference used to determine where a given
position is. The default setting is ÔWGS 84Õ. Although over 100 datums are available (as
listed on page 95), you should only change the datum if you are using a map or chart
that specifies a different datum. If no datum is specified, you may select each datum
applicable to your region until you find the datum that provides the best positioning at a
known point.
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.
To change the position format and/or map datum:
1. Highlight the ÔPosition FormatÕ or ÔMap DatumÕ field and press ENTER.
2. Select the desired setting (using the rocker keypad) and press ENTER.
Only the latitude/longitude,
UTM/UPS and Maidenhead
settings apply worldwide. The
additional grid settings are
only valid for a specific region.
Over 100 different datums
are provided to allow the GPS
III Pilot to correspond to vari-
ous paper charts. Use WGS
84 unless your chart specifies
otherwise.
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REFERENCE
Setup: Position
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							Interface Settings
Formatlets you control the input/output format used when connecting your GPS III Pilot
to external NMEA devices, a DGPS beacon receiver, or a personal computer, etc. Five for-
mat settings are available:
¥ Aviation InÑ allows the GPS III Pilot to communicate with a GARMIN 
panel-mounted GPS. Flight plans (or GOTO destinations) selected on the 
panel-mounted GPS will also appear on the GPS III Pilot.
¥ GARMINÑ the proprietary format used to exchange waypoint, route, track log
data with a PC or with another GPS III Pilot.
¥ NMEAÑ supports the input/output of standard NMEA 0183 version 2.0 data.
¥ NoneÑ provides no interfacing capabilities.
¥ RTCM/NMEAÑ allows Differential GPS (DGPS) input using a standard RTCM
format and also provides NMEA 0183 version 2.0 output.
¥ RTCM InÑ allows DGPS input using a standard RTCM format, without any
output capabilities.
To select an input/output format:
1. Highlight the ÔFormatÕ field and press ENTER.
2. Select the desired setting and press ENTER.
3. If the ÔGARMINÕ format is selected, highlight the ÔTransfer ModeÕ field and press ENTER. Select
the desired setting and press ENTER. The ÔTransfer ModeÕ field allows you to specify what infor-
mation to request or send to a second GPS III Pilot. The ÔHostÕ setting lets you control all data 
transfer functions from the second GPS III Pilot or from a PC.
4. If an ÔRTCMÕ format is selected, additional fields are provided to control a GARMIN differential
beacon receiver (such as GARMINÕs GBR 21) directly from your GPS III Pilot. You can enter the
beacon frequency and bit rate on the GPS III Pilot and the information will be used to tune the
beacon receiver. For more information, refer to the ownerÕs manual for your beaon receiver.
The ÔGARMINÕ option allows
the GPS III Pilot to exchange
data with a PC or another
GPS III Pilot. Use this setting
to perform database updates.
When transferring data to/
from another unit, select the
type of data and whether to
ÔrequestÕ it from or ÔsendÕ it to
the other unit. 
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REFERENCE
Setup: Interface
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							The GPS III Pilot can be mounted on any flat surface using the two Velcroª strips
provided in the standard package, or you can use the supplied mounting bracket. 
To mount the GPS III Pilot using the Velcro strips:
1. Select a location for the unit that provides a clear and unobstructed
view of the sky for the GPS antenna, but will not obstruct your field
of view while flying.
2. Make sure the surface to which youÕre adhering the Velcro is clean
and dry. Remove the paper liners from both Velcro pieces.
3. Place the adhesive side of the rough piece of Velcro on the desired
mounting surface, and press into place. 
4. Place the adhesive side of the smooth piece of Velcro on the bottom
of the unit (between the rubber anti-skid bumps), and press into place.
5. Mount the unit, placing one piece of Velcro on top of the other.
To mount the GPS III Pilot using the bracket:
1. Select a location for the unit that provides a clear and unobstructed
view of the sky for the GPS antenna, but will not obstruct your field
of view while flying.
2. Make sure the surface to which youÕre adhering the Velcro is clean
and dry. Remove the paper liners from both Velcro pieces.
3. Place the adhesive side of the rough piece of Velcro on the desired
mounting surface, and press into place. 
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APPENDIX A
Mounting Instructions
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							4. Place the adhesive side of the smooth piece of Velcro on the bottom of the bracket
(inside the large rectangular recessed area), and press into place.
5. Mount the bracket in place by placing one piece of Velcro on top of the
other.
To insert the GPS III Pilot into the bracket:
1. Remove the upper half of the mounting bracket by unscrewing the pivot knob
(shown at bottom right) and sliding the upper bracket off the pivot pins of the
lower bracket.
2. Mate the two clips (opposite the thumb tab) on the upper bracket with the
notches on the bottom of the GPS III Pilot.
3. Rotate the GPS III Pilot into place in the upper bracket and snap the thumb
tab clips into the notches on the top of the GPS III Pilot. 
4. For additional security, place the 3mm locking knob into the hole at the rear
of the upper bracket and GPS III Pilot. (Use only the knobs supplied. Using
incorrect hardware may damage the mount and/or GPS III Pilot.)
To reassemble the bracket and adjust viewing angle:
1. Match the pin holes on the upper bracket with the pins on the lower bracket
and slide together.
2. Place the pivot knob through the side of the lower bracket and the screw
into the upper bracket, but do not tighten.
3. Rotate the upper bracket to the desired viewing angle and tighten the pivot
knob.
89
APPENDIX A
Mounting Instructions
Thumb Tab
Upper Bracket
Pivot Knob
Lower Bracket
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							Specifications subject to change without notice.
* With optional GARMIN Differential GPS (DGPS) Beacon Receiver Input.
** Subject to accuracy degradation to 100m 2DRMS under the U.S. DoD-imposed Selective Availability Program.
  Alkaline batteries lose a significant amount of their capacity as temperature decreases. Use lithium batteries when operating the GPS III Pilot
in below freezing conditions. Extensive use of screen backlighting will significantly reduce battery life.
90
The GPS III Pilot is constructed of high-quality materials and should not require
user maintenance. If your unit ever needs repair, please take it to an authorized
GARMIN service center. The GPS III Pilot has no user-serviceable parts. Never
attempt any repairs yourself. To protect your GPS III Pilot, keep it in its carrying case (optional accessory) when not in
use, and never allow gasoline or other solvents to come into contact with the case. To clean the case and lens, use a soft
cloth and a household window cleaner.
PHYSICAL
Case: Fully-gasketed, high-impact plastic alloy; 
waterproof to IPX7 standards
Size:6.15ÓH x 2ÓW x 1.23ÓD (15.6 x 5.1 x 1.23 cm)
Weight:Approx. 9 ounces (255g) w/ batteries
Temperature Range:5 to 158¼F (-15¼ to 70¼C)
Memory Back Up:Internal Lithium Battery
PERFORMANCE
Receiver:Differential-ready PhaseTrac12ª 
Acquisition Time:Approx. 15 seconds (warm start)
Approx. 45 seconds (EZinit/cold start)
Approx. 5 minutes (AutoLocateª)
Update Rate:1/second, continuousPosition Accuracy:1-5 meters (3-15 ft) with DGPS
corrections*
15 meters (49 ft) RMS**
Velocity Accuracy:0.1 knot RMS steady state
Dynamics:Performs to specification to 6gÕs
Interfaces:NMEA 183, RTCM in (for DGPS corrections),
Aviation in and RS-232 for PC interface
Antenna:Detachable with standard BNC connector
POWER
Input:Four 1.5-volt AA batteries or 10-32 VDC external
Power Consumption:0.5 watts max.
Battery Life:Up to 24 hours  
Specifications
APPENDIX B
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							Interfacing formats are selected from the Setup options, described on page 87.
The input/output lines on your GPS III Pilot are RS-232 compatible allowing easy 
interface to a wide range of external devices, including PCs, differential
beacon receivers, marine autopilots and/or a second GPS receiver.
The NMEA 0183 version 2.0 interface format is supported by the
GPS III Pilot and enables the unit to drive up to three NMEA devices:
NMEA 0183 version 2.0 Approved sentences:
GPGGA, GPGLL, GPGSA, GPGSV, GPRMB, GPRMC, GPRTE,
GPWPL, GPBOD
Proprietary sentences:
PGRME (estimated error), PGRMM (map datum), PGRMZ
(altitude), PSLIB (beacon receiver control)
DGPS (Differential GPS) corrections are accepted in RTCM SC-104 
version 2.0 format through the Data In line. The GARMIN GBR 21 is the
recommended beacon receiver for use with the GPS III Pilot. Other beacon
receivers with the correct RTCM format may be used, but may not correct-
ly display status or allow tuning control from the GPS unit.
The GPS III Pilot may be hard-wired to a vehicleÕs electrical system (10-
32 VDC) using an optional power/data cable. Consult the wiring diagram to
the right for proper connections. (The male connector on the back of the
GPS III Pilot is illustrated.) A cigarette lighter adapter is also available to
power your GPS III Pilot without making permanent connections.
Additional cables are available to connect your GPS III Pilot to a PC-
compatible computerÕs serial port (PC Interface Cable) or to connect to a
second GPS III Pilot (Data Cross-Load Cable). Contact your GARMIN deal-
er for any of these accessories.
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GARMIN
GBR 21
(+)Power
(-)Ground
Data In Data Out
GPS III Pilot Connections (from back of unit)
GARMIN GBR 21 Beacon Receiver
APPENDIX C
Wiring / Interfacing
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							The GPS III PilotÕs antenna may be removed to allow attachment of an optional
remote-mounted antenna. In some applications, using a remote-mounted antenna
will dramatically increase the number of satellites received. The GPS antenna should
be mounted in a location which provides an unobstructed view of much of the sky. A minimum of four satellites are
needed to determine a three-dimensional position. Satellite coverage will vary throughout the day, but may be checked
at any time using the Satellite Status Page (see page 27). If satellite reception is limited in your particular installation,
you may want to consider one of the following options:
Remote Suction Cup MountÐ allows you to mount the standard detachable antenna up to 6 feet away from the 
GPS III Pilot unit, using a suction cup mount. This mount should only be used inside a vehicle.
GA 26 Remote AntennaÐ allows you to mount an amplified antenna outside the vehicle, up to 8 feet away, using 
supplied magnetic or suction cup mounts. Trunk lip and permanent flange mounts are also available.
GA 56 Low Profile Antenna- allows you to permanently mount an amplified antenna outside the aircraft, with 
a feed cable up to 60 feet in length. 
To remove the attached antenna:
1. Rotate the antenna toward the rear of the unit as shown. 
Note: The antenna can only be removed or installed in this position.
2. Pull the antenna gently away from the unit.
3. To install an optional external antenna, mate the BNC connector notches
with the mounting posts and turn the knurled knob one-quarter turn 
clockwise.
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Antenna / Remote Mounting
APPENDIX D
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