250xl manual 2 7/17/98 1:26 PM Page i
G N C 2 5 0 X L
P i l o t ’ s G u i d e a n d R e f e r e n c e
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250xl manual 2 7/17/98 1:26 PM Page i
Software Version 2.01 or above
© 1997 GARMIN Corporation
1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062-3426, USA
GARMIN (Europe) LTD, Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate,
Romsey S051 9AQ, UK
Web Site Address: www.garmin.com
All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and record-
ing, for any purpose without the express written permission of GARMIN.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. GARMIN reserves
the right to change or improve their products and to make changes in the content of
this material without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes
or improvements.
INTRODUCTION
Foreword
GARMIN, GNC 250XL, Spell’N’Find, AutoLocate,
PhaseTrac12, GPSCOM and AutoStore are
trademarks of GARMIN and may only be used
with permission.
NavData® is a registered trademark of
Jeppesen, Inc.
All rights reserved.
March 1997
190-00067-60 Rev. A
Printed in USA
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INTRODUCTION
Cautions
NOTE: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
limits for Class B digital devices. This equipment gener-
ates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruc-
tions, may cause harmful interference to radio communi-
cations. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that interfer-
ence will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by relo-
cating the equipment or connecting the equipment to a dif-
ferent circuit than the affected equipment. Consult an
authorized dealer or other qualified avionics technician for
additional help if these remedies do not correct the problem.
Operation of this device is subject to the following
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful inter-
ference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
The GARMIN GNC 250XL does not contain any
user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by an
authorized GARMIN service center. Unauthorized repairs
or modifications could void your warranty and authority
to operate this device under Part 15 regulations.
ii
CAUTION
The Global Positioning System is operated by the United States government,
which is solely responsible for its accuracy and maintenance. The system is subject to
changes which could affect the accuracy and performance of all GPS equipment.
Although the GARMIN GNC 250XL is a precision electronic NAVigation AID
(NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and therefore become
unsafe.
Use the GNC 250XL at your own risk. To reduce the risk of unsafe operation,
carefully review and understand all aspects of this Owner’s Manual and thoroughly
practice using the simulator mode prior to actual use. When in actual use, carefully
compare indications from the GNC 250XL to all available navigation sources, includ-
ing the information from other NAVAIDS, visual sightings, charts, etc. For safety,
always resolve any discrepancies before continuing navigation.
The altitude calculated by the GNC 250XL is geometric height above mean sea
level and could vary significantly from altitude displayed by pressure altimeters in air-
craft. Never use GPS altitude for vertical navigation.
The Jeppesen database incorporated in the GNC 250XL must be updated regular-
ly in order to ensure that its information is current. Updates are released every 28
days. A database information packet is included in your GNC 250XL package.
Pilots using an out-of-date database do so entirely at their own risk.
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Accessories & Packing List
Congratulations on choosing the finest, most advanced panel mount VFR
GPSCOM available. The GNC 250XL represents GARMIN’s commitment to provide
an accurate, easy-to-use GPS for all of your aviation needs.
Before installing and getting started with your unit, please check to see that your
package includes the following items. If any parts are missing or damaged, please see
your GARMIN dealer immediately.
Standard Package:
• GNC 250XL Unit & NavData® Card
• GPS Antenna
• Installation Rack & Connectors
• Pilot’s Guide & Quick Reference Guide
• Database Subscription Packet
• Warranty Registration Card
Optional Accessories:
• Remote Battery Pack
• AC Adapter
• PC Software/Interface Kit
• User Data Card
• 28 to 14 volt DC converter
INTRODUCTION
Accessories and
Packing List
To obtain accessories for your GNC 250XL,
please contact your nearest GARMIN dealer.
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INTRODUCTION
Warranty
To obtain warranty service, see your local dealer
or call the GARMIN Customer Service department
for a returned merchandise tracking number. The
unit should be securely packaged with the tracking
number clearly marked on the outside of the
package, and sent freight prepaid and insured to a
GARMIN authorized warranty service facility.
GARMIN is fully committed to your satisfaction as
a customer. If you have any questions regarding
the GNC 250XL, please contact our customer
service department at:
GARMIN International, Inc.
1200 East 151st Street
Olathe, KS 66062-3426
(913) 397-8200
FAX (913) 397-8282
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Every GARMIN GPS is built to exacting standards to provide years of
trouble-free service. GARMIN warrants this product to be free from defects
in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.
GARMIN International, Inc. will at its sole option, repair or replace any
components which fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be
made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. The customer is, how-
ever, responsible for any transportation costs. This warranty does not cover
failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorized alteration or repairs.
GARMIN International, Inc. assumes no responsibility for special, incidental,
punitive or consequential damages, or loss of use.
THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE
EXCLUSIVE, AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC
LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
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PART ONE: INTRODUCTION
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i
Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii
Accessories/Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v-vi
Key and Knob Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii-viii
GNC 250XL Takeoff Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10
PART TWO: REFERENCE
Section 1: Navigation with the GNC 250XL ( N key) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Navigating and planning functions
Section 2: Communicating with the GNC 250XL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Using the GNC 250XL’s radio
Section 3: Waypoint and Database Information ( W key) . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Finding and using database and waypoint information
Section 4: Nearest Waypoints ( T key) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Finding nearest waypoints, SUAs and FSS/ARTCC frequencies
Section 5: Direct-to ( D key) & Route Navigation ( R key) . . . . . . . .62
Creating and using routes
INTRODUCTION
Table of Contents
To quickly and easily locate information
on specific tasks, please refer to the Index
on page 103.
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INTRODUCTION
Table of Contents
vi
Section 6: Messages and Unit Settings ( M key) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Appendix A: NavData® and User Data Card Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Appendix B: Installation and Maintenance of the GNC 250XL . . . . . . . .89
Appendix C: Simulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Appendix D: GNC 250XL Messages and Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
Appendix E: Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Appendix F: Map Datums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Appendix G: Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103