20
GPS Functions
The GPS (Global Positioning System) will pinpoint your location by triangulation. How does it work?
In order to pinpoint your location, the receiver (the RT-9 tablet) must be locked on to at least three
satellites, and locking on to 4 or more will add to the accuracy and allow elevation and speed to be
determined as well.
The RT-9 is compatible with Navionics Mapping Software, and for best results it is recommended that
you purchase one that is specific to the lakes in your area. The RT-9 comes with a base map that shows
only basic land and water features.
These are the Navionics Chartplotter Cards that we recommend:
o
Nav
o
Platinum Hot Maps
o
Pl
You can display the GPS on any and all of the panels, to view the map, press the panel display number[s]
you want the map on and select “Navionics Map”. If you want the map display to occupy more than one
panel, be sure to select adjacent panels.
When the RT-9 is first powered up it will have two panels open. Select Panel 1, and then select
“Navionics Map”. The map will appear with a diamond in the center; this is the cursor showing your
location (to change icon to a boat see
Mapping Settings-Arrow Picture; pg. 9
). The default location will
be shown upon activating the GPS panel; this is 0 degrees Latitude and 0 degrees Longitude, which
happens to be in the Atlantic Ocean. For the RT-9 to lock in to your location, you must be outside, away
from buildings, trees or other things that may block the satellite signal. It may take 10 minutes or more
for the GPS to lock in the first time you use it, but after the first time it should take a minute or less.
You can tell if the GPS searching for satellites if the bulls eye icon in the upper left corner of the home
screen is blinking. If you do not see the icon, go into “Settings”, and under “General” turn “Full Screen”
to “OFF”. This will allow you to view the GPS indicator, as well as the Wi-Fi indicator, Battery icon, and
Clock, when the RT-9 app is open. When the receiver is locked on to three or more satellites the icon will
stop blinking. The diamond cursor will now show your location on the map.
Some users may find it beneficial to download an App that shows the status and signal strengths of the
satellites. We have found GPSFox to work very well for this; it can be downloaded through the App
store.
