bushnell backtrack gps user guide
This comprehensive guide details the operation of various Bushnell BackTrack GPS models, including the BackTrack Mini. Learn about initial setup, navigation features like marking locations, and customization. Access essential information for optimal use of your portable Bushnell BackTrack GPS device.
The Bushnell BackTrack GPS series provides portable, user-friendly navigation for marking and retracing paths. Models include the 36-0050 to 36-0055 (US) and 36-0060 to 36-0065 (EU). Known for straightforward functionality, these units offer reliable outdoor guidance, simplifying returns to marked locations.
A key innovation is the Bushnell BackTrack Mini, featuring enhanced connectivity via the Bushnell Connect app. Users connect the Mini by selecting the plus sign, then assign a unique name. This integration facilitates managing device settings and accessing trip libraries directly from a smartphone. The Mini’s modern capabilities significantly expand its utility for adventurers.
All Bushnell BackTrack GPS units allow marking and storing key locations: a parked car, a remote campsite, or a favorite spot. Once saved, the device intuitively guides the user back with a clear directional arrow and real-time distance display. This core function ensures dependable navigation and peace of mind, making every return journey straightforward and secure.
Accessing Bushnell BackTrack Manuals
To fully understand and utilize your Bushnell BackTrack GPS device, comprehensive user manuals are readily available online. These essential guides provide detailed instructions for a wide array of models, including the BackTrack 36-0050, 36-0051, 36-0052, 36-0053, 36-0055 for US markets, and the 36-0060, 36-0061, 36-0062, 36-0063, 36-0065 for EU regions. Users can easily view and download these official Bushnell BackTrack user guides in PDF format, ensuring convenient access to all necessary operational details for their specific model.
Whether you own an original BackTrack or a newer variant, these manuals are invaluable resources. They cover everything from initial setup procedures, such as battery installation and achieving GPS satellite lock, to understanding various navigation modes and troubleshooting common issues. Accessing these guides for free allows owners to confidently explore their device’s full capabilities, learn about its precise specifications, and resolve any questions without external assistance. Consulting the manual is paramount to ensure you maximize your Bushnell BackTrack GPS’s potential, thereby greatly enhancing your outdoor navigation experience and confidence in the field;
Initial Setup and Operation
This section guides you through preparing your Bushnell BackTrack GPS for its first adventure. Learn how to install batteries and power on the device, achieve a crucial GPS satellite lock for accurate positioning, and connect the BackTrack Mini with the Bushnell Connect app.
Battery Installation and Powering On
To begin using your Bushnell BackTrack GPS device, follow these essential steps for battery installation and powering on. First, locate the round battery cover on the back of the unit. Twist this cover clockwise to open it. Carefully insert two AAA alkaline or lithium batteries, ensuring they are oriented according to the polarity markings inside the compartment. Once the batteries are correctly placed, replace the cover by rotating it counterclockwise until it is securely fastened. It is crucial to monitor the display’s battery icon; when it indicates low power, replace the batteries promptly to maintain optimal device performance.
To power on the device, press and hold the MODE/Power button for a few seconds. For the best initial experience and to ensure proper GPS functionality, always power on the unit outdoors with an unobstructed view of the sky. This clear line of sight is vital for establishing good quality GPS reception. For instance, attempting to power on or use the device in an indoor parking garage or other enclosed spaces will significantly hinder its ability to acquire satellite signals, leading to poor or no functionality. Turning it on outside ensures it’s ready for immediate use and accurate tracking.
Achieving GPS Satellite Lock
For your Bushnell BackTrack GPS to function accurately, achieving a strong GPS satellite lock is paramount. After powering on your device, the BackTrack will require a few moments to establish a connection with the available GPS satellites. During this process, you will observe the satellite icon flashing on the display. This flashing indicates that the device is actively searching for and acquiring satellite signals. The BackTrack is ready for use only when this satellite icon stops flashing, confirming a successful lock.
It’s important to note that the very first time you use your BackTrack, or if it has been off for an extended period or moved a significant distance, the initial satellite lock may take slightly longer. Subsequent power-ons will generally result in a quicker lock time. To ensure the best quality GPS reception, always power on your BackTrack outdoors with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. Environments such as indoor parking garages or dense urban canyons can severely impede satellite acquisition. To optimize your experience and save time, it is advisable to turn on the BackTrack at least one or two minutes before you plan to mark your first location, allowing it ample time to acquire a stable GPS signal.
Connecting BackTrack Mini with Bushnell Connect App
Connecting your BackTrack Mini with the Bushnell Connect app streamlines device management. First, power on your BackTrack Mini. On your smartphone, open the Bushnell Connect app. Locate and tap the plus sign (+) button within the app, typically found below a device image, to begin adding your device. The app will then actively search for available BackTrack Mini units. Once detected, select your device from the list to establish the connection. After successful pairing, you will be prompted to assign a unique name to your BackTrack Mini within the Bushnell Connect app. This name helps organize your devices effectively in the app’s list. This connection grants access to the Bushnell Connect Library, enabling you to manage trips and stored data directly from your phone. This integration offers a comprehensive and convenient way to interact with your BackTrack Mini, enhancing your navigation experience via an intuitive mobile interface;
Utilizing Navigation Modes
The Bushnell BackTrack GPS offers versatile navigation. Utilize it as a digital compass displaying direction and degrees. Mark and store up to three distinct locations like home, car, or a favorite spot. Effortlessly navigate back to these saved points using the intuitive arrow and distance display.
Operating as a Digital Compass
To operate your Bushnell BackTrack as a digital compass, you need to briefly press and release the MODE/Power button. Continue to PUSH this button until you observe the distinctive compass mode icon on the display. This icon typically features an arrow positioned within a circular compass scale, often represented by a series of dots or lines. Upon successful selection of this mode, your BackTrack device will immediately display an arrow that reliably points towards North, providing an instant and intuitive directional reference. Concurrently, the screen will present the compass heading in degrees, offering a precise numerical indication of the direction you are currently facing. For example, if you are oriented towards the east, the display might show “East 90 deg.” This functionality is invaluable for general orientation in various outdoor settings, allowing users to easily maintain their bearing without needing to mark or navigate to specific locations. It serves as a straightforward tool for understanding your current direction, complementing the device’s GPS capabilities by offering immediate, real-time directional feedback. While GPS lock enhances overall accuracy, the core digital compass function provides essential orientation. This mode is perfect for quick checks of cardinal directions.
Marking and Storing Locations (Home, Car, Star)
The Bushnell BackTrack GPS allows you to conveniently mark and store up to three distinct locations using intuitive icons: Home, Car, and Star. These icons serve as memory slots, enabling you to save specific points of interest for future navigation. To mark a location, first ensure your device has achieved a stable GPS satellite lock, indicated by a non-flashing satellite icon. While standing at your desired spot, press the MODE/Power button repeatedly until one of the three location mode icons (Home, Car, or Star) appears on the display. For example, use ‘Car’ to remember where you parked, ‘Home’ for a campsite, or ‘Star’ for a scenic viewpoint. Once the desired icon is selected, you typically confirm the save by holding down the MARK button until the distance display changes to ‘0’; This action stores your current coordinates under the chosen icon. The BackTrack will retain this location in its memory, even after the device is powered off. It’s crucial to select a different icon if you intend to mark a new spot, as reusing an icon will overwrite the previously saved coordinates for that specific slot, replacing it with your current position. These stored points are essential for the device’s “Navigating Back to Marked Locations” function.
Navigating Back to Marked Locations
Once you have marked and stored locations like your car, home, or a favorite spot using the respective icons, the Bushnell BackTrack GPS makes returning to them straightforward. To begin navigation, simply power on your BackTrack. The device often defaults to the last mode and location used. If you wish to return to a different marked location, use the MODE/Power button to cycle through the stored Home, Car, or Star icons until your desired destination is selected. Once chosen, the BackTrack’s display will show an arrow indicating the general direction you need to travel, along with the distance remaining to that point. Your primary task is to follow the direction of this arrow. As you move towards the marked location, you will observe the displayed distance progressively decreasing. Continue walking in the arrow’s direction until the distance significantly diminishes, and the display changes to a full circle of arrows at its outer edge. This full circle serves as your visual confirmation that you have reached or are very close to your marked destination. At this point, you can often visually identify your objective. The BackTrack guides you effectively back to your precise saved coordinates.
Customization and Device Features
Customize your Bushnell BackTrack GPS. Easily switch between English and Metric units. Activate the display backlight for visibility; The device features automatic power-off after 10 minutes of inactivity, or manual shutdown, optimizing battery life.
Switching Between English and Metric Units
To tailor your Bushnell BackTrack GPS to your preferred measurement system, the device offers a straightforward method for switching between English and Metric units. This flexibility ensures that whether you are accustomed to yards and miles or meters and kilometers, your navigation experience remains intuitive and precise. The process for adjusting these settings is designed to be quick and accessible, allowing users to adapt their device on the go, depending on their geographical location or personal preference for distance measurement.
To initiate the unit change, users must first ensure their BackTrack GPS is operating within any of the designated Location modes. It is crucial to note that this specific unit conversion function is not available when the device is set to Digital Compass mode. Once in a compatible Location mode, the user should simultaneously press and hold both the “MARK” button and the “MODE/Power” button. Upon executing this combination, the distance units displayed on the screen will promptly switch. For instance, if the device was previously showing distances in “yd” (yards), it will then convert to “m” (meters), indicating a successful transition to the Metric system.
Furthermore, the Bushnell BackTrack GPS intelligently adapts its display for varying distances. When operating in English units, the device will automatically transition from showing distances in yards to miles for longer ranges, providing a more practical and readable measurement. Similarly, when set to Metric units, it will automatically switch from meters to kilometers as the distance increases. This automatic scaling ensures that you always see the most appropriate unit for the given distance, whether you are tracking a short path or a long journey. The device is capable of displaying a maximum distance of 999 miles or kilometers, accommodating a wide range of navigational needs. This thoughtful design feature enhances usability and prevents the need for constant manual adjustments based on proximity to a marked location.
Display Backlight and Automatic Power Off
The Bushnell BackTrack GPS units are equipped with practical features designed to enhance usability and conserve battery life, including a display backlight and an automatic power-off function. To ensure visibility in low-light conditions, users can easily activate the display backlight at any time. This is achieved by simply pressing the “MARK” button. A brief press of this button will illuminate the screen, allowing for clear readability of all navigational data, such as distance to location, compass heading, and selected location icons, regardless of ambient light. This capability is essential for outdoor enthusiasts who may find themselves navigating at dawn, dusk, or in heavily shaded areas where natural light is insufficient.
In addition to the backlight, the BackTrack devices incorporate an intelligent power management system. To prevent unnecessary battery drain, the unit features an automatic power-off function. If no buttons are pressed and the device remains inactive, it will automatically turn itself off after a period of 10 minutes; This thoughtful design helps extend the battery life, ensuring that the device is ready for use when you need it most, even if you forget to manually power it down. For immediate power-off, users can simply press and hold the “MODE/Power” button until the device shuts down. A convenient aspect of the BackTrack’s design is its memory function; upon being turned back on, the device consistently returns to the last mode and settings that were selected before it was powered off, whether automatically or manually. This preserves your previous navigational context, allowing for a seamless continuation of your outdoor adventure without needing to reconfigure your preferred settings.
Safety, Compliance, and Support
This section outlines important safety warnings, including GPS accuracy limitations and responsible use, especially while driving. It also details product compliance, such as FCC regulations, and provides comprehensive information on Bushnell’s one-year product warranty and service procedures for repairs and support inquiries.
GPS System Accuracy and Safety Warnings
The Global Positioning System (GPS), operated by the United States government, dictates the inherent accuracy limitations of the Bushnell BackTrack. Users should be aware that the displayed distance may vary by approximately 35 meters (or yards) from the actual marked location. This device serves strictly as a supplemental handheld navigation aid, and users assume full responsibility for its application. It is not designed for precise measurements of location, direction, distance, velocity, or topography, and absolutely must not be used for any aircraft navigation purposes.
Bushnell prioritizes safe outdoor enjoyment. It is critically important never to use this product while driving, as it can be a significant distraction leading to accidents, injury, or death. The driver is solely responsible for safe vehicle operation; manipulating GPS controls while driving is unsafe. If used within a vehicle, it must be mounted securely without obstructing the driver’s view or interfering with safety mechanisms like airbags. Metallic windshields or tinted films can also impair GPS reception. Bushnell disclaims liability for any incidental, special, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from the product’s use or misuse.
Product Warranty and Service Details
Your Bushnell BackTrack GPS unit is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the purchase date. This comprehensive warranty ensures product reliability and customer satisfaction, covering repair or replacement at Bushnell’s discretion, provided the unit is returned postage prepaid. It explicitly excludes damages from misuse, improper handling, incorrect installation, or maintenance by unauthorized personnel. For warranty returns, a $10.00 check or money order for postage and handling, plus your name and return address, is required. The product must be securely packed in a sturdy shipping carton, with return postage prepaid to the correct service address. For U.S. service, send to Bushnell Outdoor Products, Attn.: Repairs, 8500 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, Kansas 66214. Canadian returns go to 25A East Pearce Street, Unit 1, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 2M9. For purchases outside North America, consult your local dealer for warranty details. European customers can contact Bushnell Germany GmbH European Service Centre. This warranty grants specific legal rights; however, other consumer rights may vary significantly by country and region. Therefore, it is always crucial to understand applicable local regulations regarding consumer protection and product guarantees for your specific location.