Editorial Review:Item Description:The GPSMAP 76 is designed to provide precise GPS positioning using correction data obtained from the Wide Area Augmentation System. This unit features a built-in quad helix antenna for superior reception and can provide position accuracy to less than three meters when receiving WAAS corrections.The GPSMAP 76 has an internal memory capacity of eight megabytes. In addition, it comes with a built-in basemap of cities, coastlines, lakes, rivers, interstates, and interstate exit information and a database of nautical navaids.This unit has eight megabytes of internal user memory for storing optional MapSource - detailed maps, including marine cartography. This memory is preloaded from the factory with worldwide cities (populations greater than 200, 000) and nautical navigation aids such as lights, buoys, sound signals and day beacons. The GPSMAP 76 is also preloaded with tide data for the United States.An extra-large display measuring 1.6'W x 2.2'H gives users a clear view of information, while a waterproof case means the GPSMAP 76 will keep working well even if it has been submerged in water. Even more amazing, this unit will actually float if accidentally dropped in the water.
Amazon.com Review:The key to success in life is knowing where you are, where you've been, and where you're going. Garmin's full-featured GPSMAP 76 puts all of that information in the palm of your hand, mapping your movements off-road or on--and even afloat. Plus, its extensive features, PC connectivity, and extensive add-on map options make it powerful enough for practically any need.
About the size of a small paperback book and weighing less than 8 ounces, the GPSMAP 76 fits comfortable in the palm of your hand, but is a bit big to carry in a shirt pocket. Using the unit requires almost no setup. Just put in two AA batteries, turn it on, go outside, and wait. In about a minute or so it will determine your location. It's accurate to about three meters, thanks to the unit's support of WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System), which augments GPS signals for even greater accuracy.
Knowing your longitude, latitude, and altitude doesn't mean much without a little context. That's where GPSMAP 76's backlit LCD display comes in, displaying your location on detailed maps. The unit comes with a built-in basemap that includes major roads, railroads, rivers, and lakes for the U.S. and Canada, as well as a high-level worldwide map. The unit also has 8 MB memory for storing maps from optional CD-ROMS; available maps include topographical maps, BlueChart marine cartography maps, as well as city maps with detailed information on city streets and points of interest.
The eight buttons, directional rocker thumbpad, and menu-based interface made it simple to access all of the unit's features and customize the display. For instance, it's a simple matter to use the buttons to set and name waypoints and build planned routes. Extra features include information on tides, sunrise and sunset, and a trip computer for seeing how far you've traveled and your average speed.
To test the GPSMAP 76, we used the included serial cable, connected it to our PC, and loaded it up with topographical maps using the optional United States topographical map disc. We then hit the road and headed for Muir Beach north of San Francisco. It tracked our progress along Highway 1, and once we reached our destination, we found it very simple to use. It showed both the elevation of the hills as well as the paths we could take. The zoom-in and zoom-out function made it simple to plan out and automatically measure the distance of our intended route.
After walking for a while and enjoying the scenery, we used the TracBack mode to guide us back to our car. The unit automatically stores waypoints as you walk along, letting you display the way home clearly on the map. We even used the TracBack capability to guide us on the roads back to the freeway.
The GPSMAP 76 comes in handy almost anywhere, whether you're hiking, driving, boating, or wandering around a city as a tourist. Its easy-to-use interface makes it immediately useful to novices, and as you learn to exploit its programmability and features, it can become an extremely powerful navigation tool.
--Ken Feinstein Pros: - Large backlit LCD
- WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) support
- Automatic TracBack shows you the way back to your start location
- PC connectivity with wide variety of uploadable maps available
Cons: - 8 MB built-in memory can't be expanded
- Too large to fit comfortably in a shirt pocket
Amazon.com Item Description:About the size of a small, flat calculator, the Garmin GPSMAP 76 is a 12-parallel-channel, WAAS-enabled global positioning system GPS receiver that will go anywhere. Even with its compact style, this GPS unit boasts an extra-large display for showing more map data and the same power you've come to expect from Garmin handhelds--even while operating for up to 16 hours on two AA batteries.
The GPSMAP 76 features 500 waypoints (10 nearest, 10 proximity), 50 reversible routes with up to 50 points each, an automatic track log, and alarms for anchor drag, approach and arrival, off course, proximity waypoint, shallow water, and deep water.
The GPSMAP 76 is also compatible with Garmin's line of downloadable MapSource CD-ROMs and will store 8 MB of downloaded map detail. Always know just where you're going with preloaded maps of rivers, lakes, worldwide cities, navaids, and tide data. With a detailed base map database, users also have the ability to look up address and telephone number information for nearby services and points of interest as well as find map detail for cities, highways, and interstates.
Designed with all types of users in mind, this unit will take you from the car to the hiking trail and beach without missing a beat. This quality Garmin product comes with a one-year limited warranty.
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating:  - * Very useful and versitile ...
I bought the GPSMap 76 because of its quad helix antenna. Reviews of other GPS receivers frequently complained that the satellite signal was lost in trees or under heavy cloud cover. I have yet to lose the signal when outdoors. It can even usually get the signal in my wood frame house.
I originally just wanted an odometer for hiking but decided to get some mapping capability. I have used the GPSMap 76 for hiking, driving and biking. It's not optimized for any of those uses but is pretty good as an all-around unit. If I need a street navigator on a regular basis I would get a unit that specializes in that function. The GPSMap 76 does not calculate routes but you can use the path tool in Google Earth to draw trails, convert them to GPX files with KML2GPX then download them to the GPS receiver. I have found this invaluable when hiking or offroading in unfamiliar areas. It also traces your path which you can upload to your computer and view exactly where you went in Google Earth. When on a long drive I mount it in front of my speedometer and it becomes a map, electronic speedometer and altimeter.
I got the topo maps (pre 2008). Even though these maps are about 30 years old, the streets shown are usually useful for driving. However, when zoomed-out they are very slow to load and too cluttered (the 2008 topo map has very inaccurate street maps). I often use the built-in map for driving but that leave out some major roads.
It's a little large and could really use an SD card slot to save trails. Otherwise it's a good GPS receiver.
Rating:  - * Not what I expected ...
I bought this product to use with my boat and because the features made me believe it had all the lakes. After opening the box I discovered the lakes where I live are not included! I called the customer service and was told I needed to download the lake portion for $150.00. NO THANK YOU!Garmin GPSMap 76 Handheld GPS Navigator
Rating:  - * Review of GPSMAP 76 ...
The product was used and still had some way points in it, which I deleted. It was in like new condition and worked perfectly. All literature and cables appeared to never have been used. I did email the vendor with a question about software for this product and received a prompt response.
Rating: - * Garman 76 - A Great Workhorse GPS ...
This gps locked on to satillites even in remote Utah canyons, is intuitive and works well. I am very pleased.
Rating: - * Garmin GPSMap 76 ...
The GPSMap76 is a great unit! More functions than I'll ever be able to figure out how to use. Contrary to the what the writeup says, the unit does fit into my shirtpocket. So far, only two shortcomings. 1) Not rechargeable (2-AA batteries) and 2) the manual seems sparse on details of "how to". All-in-all 4 stars. A REALLY GOOD UNIT!!
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