Garmin GPS 17HVS Installation Guide - Page 14

USING THE GPS 17 USING THE GPS 17 First Time Fix The first time you turn on your GPS 17, the receiver must be given an opportunity to collect satellite data and determine its present position. To ensure proper initialization, the GPS 17 is shipped from the factory in AutoLocate® mode, which allows the receiver to "find itself" anywhere in the world. When turned on, the GPS 17 searches for satellites. After it has calculated an initial position fix, the GPS 17 outputs navigation data. For more information about the data output by the GPS 17, refer to the GPS 16/17 Technical Specifications located on the Garmin Web site. WAAS Capability The GPS 17 can receive WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) satellite signals. WAAS is an FAA-funded project to improve the overall integrity of the GPS signal and increase position accuracy for users in North America. The system is made up of satellites and approximately 10 25 ground reference stations positioned across the United States that monitor GPS satellite data. Two master stations, located on either coast, collect data from the reference stations and create a GPS data correction message. Initial reception of the WAAS signal may take up to 20 minutes. According to the FAA's Web site, testing in September 2002 of WAAS confirmed an accuracy performance of 1-2 meters horizontal and 2-3 meters vertical throughout the majority of the continental United States and portions of Alaska. For more information, go to http://gps.faa.gov/Programs /WAAS/waas.htm. WAAS is just one service provider that adheres to the minimum operational performance standard for global Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS). Eventually, there will be several services of worldwide geostationary communication satellites and ground reference stations. All SBAS systems use the same receiver frequency and are capable of providing your GPS unit with increased accuracy at any location in the world. GPS 17 Installation Guide