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MAN # 650466
OPERATION:
HOW IT WORKS:
The MCH-GPS17 uses the same GPS (Global Positioning System) signals that many common navigation systems use to
determine location in the world. This location data is used to determine your motorcycle’s direction of travel. Altimeter
(height above sea-level) and time data is also available from these signals and either or both can be displayed on the
MCH-GPS17.
To function properly, the GPS receiver in the gauge must have a clear view of the satellites in the sky to receive the
correct signals. This view can be blocked if the gauge is in a building, or parking garage, or in underground tunnels. Even
going under very wide overpasses can have an effect on the signal strength.
The gauge’s heading (N, NW, E etc.) is determined by the actual direction of the MOVEMENT of the gauge itself. This is
different from a conventional magnetic compass which uses the earth’s magnetic field to determine direction. Using GPS
signals for compass heading has several benefits over the magnetic method:
First, the orientation of the gauge is not critical to get a correct heading reading. The GPS compass will read correctly
even if it is mounted at an angle to the ground or the bike itself, which can often be the case in a motorcycle.
Second, the GPS compass will not be affected by the bending of the magnetic field due to close by metallic objects
(like the handle bars or motorcycle frame) or other magnetic fields from wires or speakers.
Third, the GPS compass will not need to be calibrated after it is installed, which is often the case for a magnetic
compass.
It is important to note however that the GPS compass MUST BE MOVING in order to get an accurate direction reading. If
the gauge is at a standstill, it will display the last direction calculated when it was moving, which may or may not be the
direction the vehicle is now pointed. Once the gauge is again moving, a new direction can be calculated and displayed.
POWERING UP:
When the gauge is powered on, it must first locate the satellites and determine its location. This can take some time,
especially if it has been a while since the gauge was last powered up. It can take up to a full minute depending on the
current position of the satellites and last power on time.
While the gauge is locating, the heading section of the gauge will be blank and the lower message center will read
“LOCATING…” until a GPS location is determined. Riding while the gauge is in this state will not have any negative effect
on the gauge or its location process.
Once the gauge has located enough satellites, the heading will be displayed in the heading section and the message
center will begin to show the selected data (Altimeter or clock).
TEMPERATURE DISPLAY:
The upper portion of the display shows the reading from the stock temperature sensor from the bike. This readout can be
set to display in either Fahrenheit or Celsius through the
“TEMP UNIT” option in the setup menu.
MESSAGE DISPLAY:
There are three options for the lower message display area: Altimeter, Time, or toggle between Altimeter and Time. This
is set using the “DISPLAY” option in the setup menu.
When set to display altimeter (height above sea level)
the reading can be in either meters or feet (see “ALTIM UNIT”
option in setup)
When set to display time, the hour offset from UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) must be set for your specific location
and daylight savings in order to read correctly. The offset can be set in
the “SET HOUR” option in setup.
When set to toggle between altimeter and time, the screen will switch every 2 seconds to display either the time or the
altimeter. This allows both readings to be available to view over time.
