GARMIN GPSMAP® 66i GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator Owner’s Manual

: June 4, 2024
: Garmin

Table of Contents

GARMIN GPSMAP® 66i GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator
Device Overview
Buttons
Charging the Device
InReach Features
Tracking
SOS
- Initiating an SOS Rescue
Contacts
Using the Main Pages
Connected Features
References
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GARMIN GPSMAP® 66i GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator

2019 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Garmin. Garmin reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content of this manual without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Go to www.garmin.com for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use of this product.
Garmin®, the Garmin logo, ANT+®, Auto Lap®, AutoLocate®, GPSMAP®, inReach®, TracBack®, VIRB®, and Xero® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. chirp™, Connect IQ™, Garmin Connect™, Garmin Explore™, Garmin Express™, MapShare™, and tempe™ are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Powered by Garmin IERCC. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission of Garmin. Android™ is a trademark of Google Inc. Apple®, iPhone®, and Mac® are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The BLUETOOTH® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license. iOS® is a registered trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. used under license by Apple Inc. Iridium® is a registered trademark of Iridium Satellite LLC. microSD® and the microSDHC logo are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC. NMEA® is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics Association. Wi‑Fi® is a registered mark of Wi-Fi Alliance Corporation. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

Getting Started

WARNING
See an Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other important information.

Device Overview

Status LED
The status LED indicates the device status.

Status Icons

Buttons

Turning On the Device

Hold .

Locking the Keys
You can lock the keys to prevent inadvertent key presses. Select > Lock Keys.

Turning On the Backlight
Select any key to turn on the backlight. The backlight turns on automatically when alerts and messages are displayed.
Adjusting the Backlight

Select to open the status page.
Use and to adjust the brightness.

TIP: You can select NV to reduce the backlight intensity for compatibility with night vision goggles.

Charging the Device

NOTICE

To prevent corrosion, thoroughly dry the USB port, the weather cap, and the surrounding area before charging or connecting to a computer.

NOTE: The device does not charge when it is outside the approved temperature range (Specifications, page 18).

Lift the weather cap .
Plug the small end of the power cable into the charging port on the device.
Plug the other end of the power cable into a compatible AC power adapter.
Plug the AC power adapter into a standard wall outlet.
Charge the device completely.

Saving Energy While Charging the Device

Connect your device to an external power source.
Hold the power button until the screen turns off. The device goes into a low power, battery charging mode, and the battery gauge appears.
Charge the device completely.

Activating the Device
Before you can use the inReach features of your GPSMAP 66i device, you must activate it.

Create an account, and select a satellite subscription at explore.garmin.com.
Turn on the device.
NOTE: You must enter the device IMEI number and AUTH code to complete the online portion of activation before heading outdoors.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
From the main menu, select Activate, and go outdoors to an open area with a clear view of the sky.
Wait while the device communicates with the Iridium satellite network.
NOTE: It may take up to 20 minutes to activate your device. The device must send and receive several messages, which takes longer than sending a single message during regular use.

Iridium Satellite Network
Your device requires a clear view of the sky to transmit messages and track points over the Iridium satellite network. Without a clear view of the sky, your device attempts to send the information until it acquires satellite signals.

TIP: For the best connection with satellites, hold the device with the antenna pointed toward the sky.

InReach Features

WARNING

Messaging, tracking, and SOS functions require an active satellite subscription. Always test your device before you use it outdoors. Ensure you have a clear view of the sky when using the messaging, tracking, and SOS functions, because these features require satellite access to operate properly. To get the most out of your GPSMAP 66i device, you should activate it. Activating the device allows you to use inReach features, including messaging, SOS, tracking, and inReach Weather.

Messages
Your GPSMAP 66i device sends and receives text messages using the Iridium satellite network. You can send messages to an SMS phone number, an email address, or another device that uses inReach technology. Each message you send includes your location details where allowed.

Sending a Preset Message
Preset messages are messages that you created at explore.garmin.com. Preset messages have predefined text and recipients.

From the Messages page, select Send Preset.
Choose a preset message, and press ENTER.
Press ENTER to send the message.

Sending a Text Message

From the Messages page, select New Message.
Select an option:
- To start with a pre-written message, select Send Quick Text.
  NOTE: You can add and edit quick text messages on the Garmin Explore™ website.
- To write a custom message, select Type Message.
Choose recipients from your contacts list, or enter a recipient’s contact information.
After you have finished your message, select Send Message.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

To select the first autocomplete option, select FIND.
To cycle through keyboards, select MARK.
To change character case, select PAGE once, and to turn on caps lock, select PAGE twice.
To insert a backspace, select .
To insert a space, select .

Replying to a Message

From the Messages page, select a conversation.
Select Reply.
Select an option:
- To write a custom message, select Type Message.
- To start with a pre-written message, select Send Quick Text and select a message.
When you have finished your message, select Send Message.

Checking for Messages
When you send a message, your device listens for replies for 10 minutes. The device also checks for new messages every hour. When you are using the inReach tracking feature, your device automatically checks for messages at your tracking interval.

NOTE: Your device must be in view of a satellite at the time of the listen to receive messages. You can force a check for messages by manually checking for messages, sending a message, or sending a track point. During a check, your device connects to satellites and receives messages waiting to be sent to your device. From the main menu, select inReach Utilities > Mail Check

Check Mailbox.

Viewing Message Details

Select Messages.
Select a conversation.
Select a message.
Select the information tab.

Navigating to a Message Location
When you receive a message from another device with inReach technology, the message may include location information. For these messages, you can navigate to the location from which the message was sent.

Select Messages.
Select a conversation with location information.
Select the map tab.
Select Go.

Including Location Coordinates in a Message
If you are sending a message to a recipient who may not have internet access, you can include your location coordinates in the message. For example, if your recipient has an older model cell phone that does not support viewing maps or is outside of a mobile data coverage area and cannot view a web page.

From the Messages page, select New Message > Send Location.
Enter one or more recipients.
If necessary, enter a message.
Select Send Message.

Deleting Messages

From the Messages page, select a conversation.
Select MENU > Delete Thread.

Messages Settings
Select Setup > Messages.

Ring Until Read: Sets the device to ring until you read a new message. This feature is helpful if you are in a noisy environment.

Notifications: Alerts you to incoming inReach messages.

Tracking

You can use the tracking feature to record track points a transmit them over the Iridium satellite network at the specified send interval. Track points appear on the Garmin Explore website and the MapShare™ tracking page.

Starting Tracking
From the main menu, select Tracking > Start Tracking.

NOTE: Starting the Tracking feature also starts the recording controls.

Stopping Tracking
From the Tracking page, select Stop Tracking.

Sharing Your MapShare Web Page
You can share a link to your MapShare web page with other people. The system automatically adds text, including link information, to the end of your message.

From the Tracking page, select Send MapShare > Share.
Choose recipients from your contacts list, or enter a recipient’s contact information.
Select Send Message.

inReach Tracking Settings

Select Setup > Tracking.

Auto Track: Sets the device to start tracking when you turn on the device.

Moving Interval: Sets the frequency at which the device records a track point and transmits it over the satellite network when you are moving. If you are a professional customer, you can specify the interval when you are stationary.

SOS

During an emergency, you can use your GPSMAP 66i device to contact the Garmin® International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) to request help. Pressing the SOS button sends a message to the Garmin IERCC, and they notify the appropriate emergency responders of your situation. You can communicate with the Garmin IERCC during your emergency while you wait for help to arrive. You should only use the SOS function in a real emergency situation.

Initiating an SOS Rescue

NOTE: While in SOS mode, the device cannot be turned off.

Lift the protective cap from the SOS button .
Hold the SOS button.
Wait for the SOS countdown. The device sends a default message to the emergency response service with details about your location.
Reply to the confirmation message from the emergency response service. Your reply lets the emergency response service know that you are capable of interacting with them during the rescue. If you do not reply, the emergency response service will still initiate a rescue. For the first 10 minutes of your rescue, an updated location is sent to the emergency response service every minute. To conserve battery power after the first 10 minutes, an updated location is sent every 10 minutes when moving, and every 30 minutes when stationary.

Sending a Custom SOS Message
After pressing the SOS button to initiate an SOS rescue, you can reply with a custom message using the SOS page.

From the main menu, select SOS > Reply.
Select Type Message to compose a custom SOS message.
Select Send Message.

Your reply lets the emergency response service know that you are capable of interacting with them during the rescue.

Canceling an SOS Rescue
If you no longer need assistance, you can cancel an SOS rescue after it is sent to the emergency response service.

Lift the protective cap, and hold the SOS button.
Select Cancel SOS.
When prompted to confirm your cancellation request, select

Cancel SOS.
Your device transmits the cancellation request. When you receive a confirmation message from the emergency response service, the device returns to normal operation.

Testing the Device
You should test the device outdoors before using it on a trip to ensure your satellite subscription is active. From the main menu, select inReach Utilities

Subscription Test > Test. Wait while the device sends a test message. When you receive a confirmation message, your device is ready to use.

Syncing inReach Data
You can sync data from your Garmin Explore account to your device using the Garmin Explore app. After you make edits to your data, such as contacts, preset messages, or quick text messages, you must sync them to your device using the mobile app.Open the Garmin Explore app.
Changes made to data such as collections, waypoints,
routes, and tracks update automatically.
You can now sync your data to your GPSMAP 66i device.

Contacts

You can add, delete, and edit contacts on the GPSMAP 66i device.

Adding a Contact

Select Setup > Contacts > New Contact.
Select an item to edit.
Enter the new information.

Editing a Contact

Select Setup > Contacts.
Select a contact.
Select an item to edit.
Enter the new information.

Deleting a Contact

Select Setup > Contacts.
Select a contact.
Select MENU > Delete Contact.

Using the Main Pages

The information needed to operate this device is found on the main menu, map, compass, and trip computer pages.

Select PAGE.
Select the active main page.

Opening the Main Menu
The main menu gives you access to tools and setup screens for waypoints, activities, routes, and more (Main Menu Tools, page 10, Setup Menu, page 14). From any page, select MENU twice.

Map
represents your location on the map. As you travel, moves and displays your path. Depending on your zoom level, waypoint names and symbols may appear on the map. You can zoom in on the map to see more detail. When you are navigating to a destination, your route is marked with a colored line on the map.

Changing the Map Orientation

From the map, select MENU.
Select Map Setup > Orientation.
Select an option:
- Select North Up to show north at the top of the page.
- Select Track Up to show your current direction of travel at the top of the page.
- Select Automotive Mode to show an automotive perspective with the direction of travel at the top.

Measuring Distance on the Map
You can measure the distance between multiple locations.

From the map, move the cursor to a location.
Select MENU > Measure Distance.
Select additional locations on the map.

Map Page Settings
From the map, select MENU.

Stop Navigation: Stops navigating the current route.
Map Setup: Enables you to open additional map settings (Map Settings, page 4).
Measure Distance: Allows you to measure the distance between multiple locations (Measuring Distance on the Map, page 4).
Restore Defaults: Restores the map to factory default settings. Map Settings From the map, select MENU, and select Map Setup. Configure Maps: Enables or disables the maps currently loaded on the device.
Orientation: Adjusts how the map is shown on the page (Changing the Map Orientation, page 4).
Dashboard: Sets a dashboard to display on the map. Each dashboard shows different information about your route or your location. Guidance Text: Sets when the guidance text is shown on the map.
Advanced Setup: Enables you to open advanced map settings (Advanced Map Settings, page 4).
Advanced Map Settings From the map, select MENU, and select Map Setup > Advanced Setup.
Auto Zoom: Automatically selects the appropriate zoom level for optimal use on your map. When Off is selected, you must zoom in or out manually.
Detail: Selects the amount of detail shown on the map. Showing more detail may cause the map to redraw more slowly. Shaded Relief: Shows detail relief on the map (if available) or turns off shading
Vehicle: Sets the position icon, which represents your position on the map. The default icon is a small blue triangle.
Zoom Levels: Adjusts the zoom level at which map items appear. The map items do not appear when the map zoom level is higher than the selected level.
Text Size: Selects the text size for map items.

Compass
When navigating, points to your destination, regardless of the direction you are moving. When points toward the top of the electronic compass, you are traveling directly toward your destination. If points any other direction, turn until it points toward the top of the compass.
Using the Compass

You can use the compass to navigate an active route.

Hold the device level.
Follow to your destination.

Course Pointer
The course pointer is most useful when you are navigating on water or where there are no major obstacles in your path. It can also help you avoid hazards near the course, such as shoals or submerged rocks. To enable the course pointer, from the compass, select MENU > Heading Setup > Go To Line (Pointer)

Course (CDI).

The course pointer indicates your relationship to the course line leading to the destination. The course deviation indicator (CDI) provides the indication of drift (right or left) from the course. The scale refers to the distance between dots on the course deviation indicator, which tell you how far off course you are.

Navigating with Sight ‘N Go
You can point the device at an object in the distance, lock in the direction, and navigate to the object.

Select Sight ‘N Go.
Point the device at an object.
Select Lock Direction > Set Course.
Navigate using the compass.

Compass Settings
From the compass, select MENU.

Sight ‘N Go: Allows you to point the device at an object in the distance, and navigate using the object as a reference point (Navigating with Sight ‘N Go, page 5).
Stop Navigation: Stops navigating the current route.
Change Dashboard: Changes the theme and information displayed on the dashboard.
Set Scale: Sets the scale for the distance between the dots on the course deviation indicator.
Calibrate Compass: Allows you to calibrate the compass if you experience irregular compass behavior, for example, after moving long distances or after extreme temperature changes (Calibrating the Compass, page 5).
Heading Setup: Allows you to customize the compass heading settings (Heading Settings, page 5).
Change Data Fields: Customizes the compass data fields.
Restore Defaults: Restores the compass to factory default settings. Calibrating the Compass Before you can calibrate the electronic compass, you must be outdoors, away from objects that influence magnetic fields, such as cars, buildings, or overhead power lines. The device has a 3-axis electronic compass. You should calibrate the compass after moving long distances or experiencing temperature changes.

1. From the compass, select MENU.
2. Select Calibrate Compass > Start.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Heading Settings
From the compass, select MENU, and select Heading Setup.

Display: Sets the type of directional heading shown on the compass.
North Reference: Sets the north reference used on the compass.
Go To Line (Pointer): Sets the behavior of the pointer that appears on the map. Bearing points in the direction of your destination. Course shows your relationship to the course line leading to the destination.
Compass: Automatically switches from an electronic compass to a GPS compass when you are traveling at a higher rate of speed for a period of time.
Calibrate Compass: Allows you to calibrate the compass if you experience irregular compass behavior, for example, after moving long distances or after extreme temperature changes (Calibrating the Compass, page 5).

Trip Computer
The trip computer displays your current speed, average speed, trip odometer, and other helpful statistics. You can customize the trip computer layout, dashboard, and data fields.

Trip Computer Settings
From the trip computer, select MENU.

Reset: Resets all the trip computer values to zero. For accurate information, reset the trip information before beginning a trip.
Change Data Fields : Customizes the trip computer data fields.
Change Dashboard: Changes the theme and information displayed on the dashboard.

NOTE: Your customized settings are remembered by the dashboard. Your settings are not lost when you change profiles (Profiles, page 16).

Insert Page: Inserts an additional page of customizable data fields.

TIP: You can use the arrow keys to scroll through the pages.

Remove Page: Removes an additional page of customizable data fields.

More Data: Adds additional data fields to the trip computer.

Less Data: Removes data fields from the trip computer.

Restore Defaults: Restores the trip computer to factory default settings.

Altimeter
By default, the altimeter displays the elevation over the distance traveled. You can customize altimeter settings (Altimeter Settings, page 5). You can select any point on the plot to view details about that point.

Altimeter Plot Settings
From the altimeter, select MENU.

Reset: Resets the altimeter data, including waypoint, track, and trip data.
Altimeter Setup: Access additional altimeter settings (Altimeter Settings, page 5).
Adjust Zoom Ranges: Adjusts the zoom ranges shown on the altimeter page.
Change Data Fields: Allows you to customize the altimeter data fields.
Restore Defaults: Restores the altimeter to factory default settings.

Altimeter Settings
From the altimeter, select MENU > Altimeter Setup.

Auto Calibration: Once allows the altimeter to automatically calibrate one time when you start an activity. Continuous allows the altimeter to calibrate throughout the duration of your activity.

Barometer Mode: Variable Elevation allows the barometer to measure changes in elevation while you are moving. Fixed Elevation assumes the device is stationary at a fixed elevation, so the barometric pressure should only change due to weather.
Pressure Trending: Sets how the device records pressure data. Save Always records all pressure data, which can be helpful when you are watching for pressure fronts.
Plot Type: Records elevation changes over a period of time or distance, records barometric pressure over a period of time, or records ambient pressure changes over a period of time.
Calibrate Altimeter: Allows you to manually calibrate the barometric altimeter (Calibrating the Barometric Altimeter, page 6).

Calibrating the Barometric Altimeter

You can manually calibrate the barometric altimeter if you know the correct elevation or the correct barometric pressure.

Go to a location where the elevation or barometric pressure is known.
From the altimeter, select MENU.
Select Altimeter Setup > Calibrate Altimeter.
Select Method to select the measurement to use in calibration.
Enter the measurement.
Select Calibrate.

Connected Features

Connected features are available for your GPSMAP 66 series device when you connect the device to a wireless network or a compatible smartphone using Bluetooth technology. Some features require you to install the Garmin Connect™ app or Garmin Explore app on your smartphone. Go to garmin.com /apps for more information.

Bluetooth sensors: Allows you to connect Bluetooth compatible sensors, such as a heart rate monitor using the Garmin Connect app.
Connect IQ™: Allows you to extend your device features with widgets, data fields, and apps using the Garmin Connect app.
EPO Downloads: Allows you to download an extended prediction orbit file to quickly locate GPS satellites and reduce the time it takes to get an initial GPS fix using the Garmin Connect app or when connected to a Wi‑Fi® network.
BirdsEye imagery: Allows you to download BirdsEye Satellite Imagery directly to your device when connected to a Wi‑Fi network.
Garmin Explore: The Garmin Explore app syncs and shares waypoints, tracks, and routes with your device. You can also download maps to your smartphone for offline access.
Live Geocache Data: Provides paid or subscription-free services to view live geocache data from www.geocaching.com using the Garmin Connect app or when connected to a Wi‑Fi network. Tracking: Allows you to record track points and transmit them over the Iridium satellite network. You can invite contacts by sending them an inReach message from the field. This feature allows your contacts to view your live data on a MapShare tracking page using your Garmin Explore account.
Phone notifications: Displays phone notifications and messages on your GPSMAP 66 series device using the Garmin Connect app.
Software Updates: Allows you to receive updates for your device software using the Garmin Connect app or when connected to a Wi‑Fi network.
Active Weather: Allows you to view current weather conditions and weather forecasts using the Garmin Connect app or when connected to a Wi‑Fi network.