Features
Overview: The Garmin Approach S3 is a wrist-worn golf GPS unit combined
with a lightweight sports watch. Its memory is loaded with distance information for
more than 29,500 pre-loaded golf courses worldwide. The S3 uses a high-sensitivity GPS receiver to measure individual shot
distances and track how far you walk on the course. No subscriptions or setup fees are required. The Approach
S3 is compliant with USGA rules.
Display: The Approach S3 has a 1" x 1" monochrome
touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. The display's Hole View indicates the number of the hole being
played, the distance to the back, center, and front of the green, and the par
for the hole. On-screen icons display a low battery warning, GPS use, and alarm
active indication. The display color can be changed from black on a white
background or white on a black background.
Included Maps: The Approach S3 has CourseView map
data loaded in its built-in flash memory. The data contains distance information
to the front, back, and center of the greens for more than 29,500 golf courses
worldwide. Free map updates are available from the Garmin website,
and can be downloaded from your PC to the Approach S3 using the supplied
USB/charging cradle. Installed CourseView maps include:
- CourseView Medium US/Canada 3.40
- CourseView Medium Europe 3.00
- CourseView Medium Australia/NZ 2.50
Functionality: The Approach S3 initially takes 30-60 seconds
to acquire satellite signals and determine your location. As you play, the unit automatically updates your position, giving you the exact yardage to the
front, center, and back of the green. Because pin placement varies, you can
touch and drag the pin to the day's location. You can also measure the distance of
a particular shot. For Par 4 and 5 holes, you can view a list of layup and
dogleg distances. During the round, you can save and label up to five locations, such as water hazards or bunkers,
on each hole. Distance units can be set to yards or meters.
Digital Scorecard: During your round, you can enter your
score by entering + or - the number of strokes over or under par. Your total
score (relative to par) is updated as each hole's score is entered. If
necessary, you can select any previously played hole to change the score for
that hole. Before you start the round, you can select Stroke Play or Stableford
scoring. (Stableford points are awarded as specified by the USGA.) At the end of
your round, you can connect the Approach S3 to your computer to view and save
your scorecard.
Touchscreen and Button Controls: The S3 lets you maneuver
through the menus and settings by touching the screen. Different than most
mobile devices, the touchscreen is designed so you can operate it with your
fingertip or while wearing gloves. It is optimized to prevent accidental touches
while you play, requiring a firm press to select items or change pages. The unit has
three buttons on the sides and two touch sensitive icons on the perimeter of the
face:
- Power/Light Button: for turning on the backlight, and for turning the
device on or off
- Measure Button: for measuring the distance of a shot
- Score Button: to enter your score for the hole
- Menu Icon: to open the menu for the current screen
- Return Icon: return to the previous screen
Watch: In addition to its GPS functions, the Approach S3 is
a digital watch. By default, the watch time is set automatically when the device
acquires satellite signals. You can also set the time manually. The watch also
has an alarm, and can display 12-hour or 24-hour time formats.
Odometer: The Approach S3 has a built-in odometer to
measure your total time and walking distance as you play the round. The odometer
automatically starts and stops when you start or end a round. It can also be
started or stopped manually, as well. You can turn the
odometer off if you desire.
Power Requirements: The Approach S3 operates on a rechargeable Lithium-ion, coin cell battery. In the GPS mode, a fully charged
battery should give you up to 8 hours of continuous use while playing golf. The Power Save mode
turns off the GPS receiver after a period of inactivity, and displays only the
time and date. If you are using the unit in the Power Save mode continuously, a
fully charged battery should provide up to 4 weeks of battery life.
Battery Charging: The unit comes with a magnetic charging
cradle/USB cable, and an AC adapter with a USB port. You can charge the battery
using ordinary household current, or while the unit is plugged into your
computer's USB port.
Waterproof: The Approach S3 is waterproof to IED Standard
60529 IPX7, which means that it can withstand immersion in one meter of water for up to
30 minutes.
Optional Carrying Case: To protect your Approach S3 when not
in use, Garmin offers an accessory
carrying case. The zippered case can hold the watch, AC adapter, and
charging cradle.
