7750 PLT Operating Hints Revision 4
This is a hypertext document. Click on a topic and it will jump to the desired page. SECTION 1: INSTALLATION 1.1 - Installation Hints SECTION 2: SYSTEM SET-UP 2.1 - Setting up a truck 2.2 - Description of weight settings 2.3 - Description of length settings SECTION 3: USING THE MAP SCREEN 3.1 - Panning 3.2 - Information Tab (travel information) SECTION 4: NAVIGATING 4.1 - Entering an address 4.2 - Entering an intersection 4.3 - Navigating to a city (no specific address) 4.
SECTION 5: POINTS OF INTEREST (POI) 5.1 - How to show / hide POI icons on the map screen 5.2 - Searching for POIs 5.3 – Search for truck stops by amenity SECTION 6: LOGS 6.1 - What is the Mileage Log? 6.2 - Viewing / resetting the Mileage Log 6.3 - Saving the Mileage Log 6.4 - Backing up the Mileage Log 6.5 - Using the Hour Log 6.6 - Resetting / Customizing the Hour Log SECTION 7: SOFTWARE & DATABASE UPDATES 7.1 - How to check the software version and update the software 7.
SECTION 9: MISC 9.1 - The STAA National Network 9.2 - Adjusting the volume 9.3 - Viewing your “current location” 9.4 - Observing satellite lock status 9.5 - Viewing the elevation 9.6 - Power light status 9.7 - Backing up the Address Book 9.8 - Saving / backing up the Mileage Log SECTION 10: OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 10.1 - SD Card Slot 10.
1.1) Installation Hints Make sure to clean the windshield and suction cup before installation. Use glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol. To attach the bracket to the windshield: 1. Make sure the locking lever is in the UP position 2. Lightly moisten the suction cup 3. Firmly hold the suction cup against the windshield 4. Push the locking lever. The 7750 PLT comes with a rubber bumper to protect your dash. If you let the unit rest on the dash, stick the rubber bumper onto the bottom of your unit.
2.1) Setting up a truck 1. Tap anywhere on the map screen. 2. Tap on SETTINGS (at the top). 3. Tap on MY TRUCK. You should now be at this screen: Scroll through the pages to find your truck. After selecting the truck you will get this screen: You can accept the default settings, or you can change them. To make a change, simply tap on one of the fields. If you are hauling hazardous material, then be sure to change the LOAD TYPE. There are a lot of numbers for weight and length.
2.2) Description of Weight Settings Gross Weight: Weight per Axle: Tandem Axle Weight: Tridem Axle Weight: Unladen Weight: The total weight of the truck when it is loaded. You must calculate this using standard, accepted methods. The weight on the double-axle at the back of the truck. The weight on the triple-axle (see images below). The total weight of the truck when the trailer is empty.
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3.1) Panning STEP 1 – Tap on the magnifier icon STEP 2 – Tap on the crosshair icon Your screen should now look similar to this: ► To pan, drag your finger across the screen. ► Tap on the + and – buttons to zoom in and out. ► To exit, tap on the X in the lower-left corner. For info about the ‘i’ (information) icon in the lower-right, please click .
3.2) Information Tab The Information tab provides handy travel information: • • • • The closest mile marker The distance to the next Rest Area along the route The distance to the next Weigh Station along the route The distance to the next Travel Center along the route Mile markers are always displayed. Rest Areas, Weigh Stations, and Travel Centers are only displayed if you are following a route.
If you tap on one of the fields (for example, the TRAVEL CENTER field), then you will get a detailed listing of the locations that you will pass along the route:
4.1) Entering an Address 1. Tap anywhere on the MAP screen. A menu should pop up. 2. Tap on ENTER ADDRESS You should now be at this screen: Tap on each field to enter the corresponding information. When entering the street, just enter the basic street name. Here are some examples: 112 S. Main St. 5716 Highway 32 1117 22nd Ave. enter Main enter 32 enter 22nd If you do not have a specific address, you can just enter the state and city.
4.2) Entering an intersection 1. Tap anywhere on the MAP screen 2. Tap on INTERSECTION You should now be at this screen: First choose the state and city. Then enter the two streets. NOTE: If one of the streets is a number (like 2nd Street or Route 12) then enter it as the second street (Street2). When you are done, tap the checkmark or − Tap on MAP to view the location on the map. − Tap on ROUTE to change the routing criteria.
4.3) Navigating to a city This lets you navigate to a city without entering a specific address. The 7750 PLT will choose an arbitrary address. NOTE: In some rare occasions the 7750 PLT might choose an arbitrary address that is unreachable due to truck restrictions. If you keep getting “Route Calculate Failure”, then try entering a specific address. You could also try using Points of Interest and choosing a business within the target city. 1. Tap anywhere on the MAP screen 2.
4.4) Preview a route (starting from your current location) Enter an address and then click on CALCULATE.
OPTION 2 – View the Map Screen If you tap on the map, you will get this screen: From here you can zoom in and out by tapping on the + and – buttons. You can also pan around by dragging your finger across the screen. When done, tap on the X in the lower-left corner.
4.5) Preview a route (starting from a different location) It is possible to preview a route that starts from somewhere besides your current location. For example maybe in a couple days you will be traveling from Nashville to Chicago, but you are not in Nashville right now. You can tell the 7750 PLT to start from Nashville. 1. Enter the destination address as you normally would, and then tap on ROUTE OPTION 2. Tap on CHANGE START 3. Now enter the starting address and then let your unit calculate a route.
4.6) Viewing the turn list The turn list is a list of all the streets that the nav unit plans to take to get you to the destination. Obviously you can only see the turn list if you have programmed a destination.
4.7) Changing the routing after you have already programmed a destination Perhaps the nav unit has calculated a route including toll roads, and now you have changed your mind. Or maybe you just don’t like the route.
4.8) How to do a detour Note: This can only be performed if you have already programmed a destination. STEP 1 – Tap on the “star” icon in the lower-right STEP 2 – Tap on “Detour” STEP 3 – Choose a particular road to avoid, or choose a range (i.e. the next 10 miles, etc.
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4.10) Adding an intermediate destination Maybe you need to pick up a load before traveling to a final destination. You can program the pickup point as an intermediate stop. Or maybe you are traveling to your home terminal, but you want to stop off at Joe’s Smokey Links for some of your favorite sausages. 1. 2. 3. 4. Enter the final destination and then tap on ROUTE OPTION. Tap on VIA LOCATION. Enter the intermediate destination. Calculate the route.
4.11) Creating a Multi-Route Multi-Route lets you make one long route that consists of multiple destinations. For example you can create a Multi-Route that takes you to a pick-up, makes an intermediate stop (truckstop, etc.) and then to a drop-off. Or you could program an entire day of activity that consists of multiple pick-ups and drop-offs. There is no limit to how many destinations you program. 1. Tap anywhere on the map screen. 2. Tap on Tools at the top. 3. Tap on Multi Route. 4.
7. To sort the destinations, tap on an address and then use the buttons at the bottom of the screen: When you are done moving the destination, tap on the arrow button in the lower-right corner. You can then move another destination if desired. Just tap on it and then you can move it. NOTE: The location at the top (with the orange flag) is your current destination, from where the Multi-Route will start. You cannot move this one! 8. The last step is to save the Multi-Route by tapping on Edit Name.
4.12) Running a Multi-Route Before running a Multi-Route, you need to create one. Click to see how to create a Multi-Route. To run a Multi-Route: 1. Tap anywhere on the map screen. 2. Tap on Tools at the top. 3. Tap on Multi Route. 4. Choose a Multi-Route that you had saved. 5. Then tap on the checkmark to run the route. 4. From the map screen, you can tap on the Stage button: You will then see the total miles to that stage of the Multi-Route.
4.13) Tap on the map screen and save the location into the address book You may tap on the map screen and then save the location into the address book. Please note that you can only tap on streets and highways. No off-roading! STEP 1 - Get into panning mode Tap on the magnifier icon in the upper right… …and then tap on the crosshair icon. STEP 2 – Adjust the zoom level Tap on the + and – buttons to adjust the zoom level. You must be at 2000 ft or closer.
STEP 4 – Save it! Tap on the “i” in the lower-right corner. Then Tap on ADD FAVORITE at the bottom of the screen.
5.1) Show / hide POI icons By default, the 7750 PLT will show all POI icons on the map screen. This can make for a very cluttered screen. 1. 2. 3. 4. Tap anywhere on the map screen. Tap on SETTINGS (at the top). Tap on MAP. Tap on DISPLAY POINTS OF INTEREST. You may now select which categories (if any) to show on the map screen. In order to see POI icons, you must be zoomed-in far enough.
5.2) Searching for POIs 1. Tap anywhere on the map screen 2. Tap on POINTS OF INTEREST When searching By Name, it is helpful to enter a state and city. POIs will be listed by distance -- nearest ones first.
5.3) Search for truck stops by amenity It is possible to search for truck stops that have certain amenities, such as showers, laundry, internet access, etc. To search by amenity: 1. Start a POI search, and for the category choose Promiles. Then tap on Truck Stops. 2. At the bottom of the screen, tap on Amenities. 3. Lastly, select the desired amenities and then tap on the checkmark . The 7750 PRO will list only those truck stops that offer the selected amenities.
6.1) What is the Mileage Log? The mileage log automatically tracks your mileage, keeping track of the date and the state. That way you can look back at how many miles you traveled, the dates, and in which state. The log can be saved to an SD card and then manipulated by a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel.
6.2) Viewing / resetting the Mileage Log To view and / or reset the Mileage Log: 1. Tap anywhere on the map screen – you should be at the menu. 2. Tap on TOOLS (at the top). 3. Tap on Mileage Log. You can list the mileage by state or by year. To toggle the display, tap on the button at the bottom. To reset the Mileage Log, tap on the reset button in the upper-left corner.
6.3) Saving the Mileage Log To save the Mileage Log, you need to plug a blank SD card into the slot on the side of your unit. The Mileage Log will be saved to the SD card. Any brand of SD card should be fine. The Mileage Log takes very little space, so even the smallest SD card that you find will be plenty big enough. It will not get filled up. Ample space will also be available for saving the Address Book. To save the Mileage Log: 1. 2. 3. 4. Tap anywhere on the map screen. Tap on TOOLS (at the top).
6.4) Backing up the Mileage Log To save a backup copy of the Mileage Log, you need to plug a blank SD card into the slot on the side of your unit. The Mileage Log will be saved to the SD card. Any brand of SD card should be fine. The Mileage Log takes very little space, so even the smallest SD card that you find will be plenty big enough. It will not get filled up. Ample space will also be available for saving the Address Book. To back up the Mileage Log: 1. 2. 3. 4. Tap anywhere on the map screen.
6.5) Using the Hour Log The Hour Log uses count-down timers to keep track of the following: On Duty Driving Day: The maximum allowable daily driving time is 11 hours. This timer starts at 11 hours and will count down from there. On Duty Day: The maximum allowable workday is 14 hours, which is a combination of driving plus other activities (loading, unloading, etc.) This timer starts at 14 hours and will count down from there. On Duty Week: The maximum allowable work week is 60 hours.
If the activation field is set to Off Duty • All timers are disabled. You should choose Off Duty when you stop working. If the activation field is set to On Duty Drive • • The On Duty Driving Day timer is activated and will count down. The On Duty Day timer is activated and will count down. You should choose On Duty Drive when you are driving. If the activation field is set to On Duty • • The On Duty Day timer is activated and will count down.
6.6) Resetting / Customizing the Hour Log 1. Tap anywhere on the map screen. 2. Tap on TOOLS at the top. 3. Tap on HOUR LOG. You can reset individual timers, or reset ALL timers. PLEASE NOTE that these are countdown timers, based on allowable work times. The factory default for these timers is as follows: ON DUTY DRIVING DAY 11:00 hours ON DUTY DAY 14:00 hours ON DUTY WEEK 60:00 hours To customize a timer, tap on the desired field.
7.1) How to check the software version and update the software Cobra offers free software updates which can be downloaded from our website. Please note that the operating software is separate from the map data. The operating software consists of all the screens and features that you see. If a software bug is discovered or if a new feature is added, you will see a new software update available to download. To view the software version: 1. 2. 3. 4. Tap anywhere on the map screen.
7.2) How to check the map version and update the maps To check the map version: 1. 2. 3. 4. Tap anywhere on the map screen. Tap on SETTINGS (at the top). Tap on DEVICE. Scroll down until you see VERSION. Tap on VERSION. The map version should now visible: The mapping database is much too large to download from the internet. Map updates are supplied on an SD memory card. To order a map update, please call Cobra Customer Service at 773-889-3087.
8.1) It says “Some of the roads on this route are not on the National Network” What this means is that part of the route is on secondary (local) roads. This is common when making pickups and deliveries. For information about the National Network, please click .
8.2) Poor routing Problem – “I know a better way” As a general rule, a navigation product will usually not take the same route that you would choose on your own. For example if you drive the same route every day, then you have learned the best way to go based on traffic patterns. The nav unit will get you there, but it will probably choose a different way. Navigation units are not designed to show you the way to familiar destinations.
8.3) “Route Calculate Failure” This error means that the nav unit cannot find a legal route based on the parameters of your truck. Here is an example: EXAMPLE In West Virginia, the maximum legal truck length is 70 feet (due to the winding mountain roads). If the you enter a length greater than 70 feet, the nav unit will not route anything into, out of, or through West Virginia. You will get a Route Calculate Failure. Recommendations 1. Double-check your truck settings. a. Tap anywhere on the map screen. b.
8.4) My unit will not turn on 1. Check the power switch on the back of the unit. Make sure it is switched ON. 2. Try plugging the AC adapter into the nav unit. If the nav unit turns on, then you know that it is good. If it does not turn on then there is a problem with the nav unit. 3. The cigarette socket may not have power. Try firmly pushing the cigarette plug into the socket and twist it a little. 4. The power cord may be faulty. Try a replacement power cord.
8.5) Observing satellite lock status 1. Tap anywhere on the map screen. 2. Tap on CONFIGURE. 3. Scroll to the next page and choose GPS STATUS. Take notice of the HEALTH status as shown above. It will tell you how many satellites are locked. At the bottom of the screen it will show individual satellite locks as follows: White bar: The nav unit has locked onto that satellite. Gray Bar: The nav unit is in the process of locking onto that satellite. No Bar: There is no satellite reception on that channel.
8.6) Auto-brightness is not working properly The 7750 PLT will adjust the display brightness based on the time of day. Your unit will not know the local time until it locks onto satellites, therefore the auto-brightness will not function until satellite lock is achieved.
8.7) I do not see POI icons on the map screen By default, the 7750 PLT will show all POI icons on the map screen. This makes for a very cluttered screen. 1. Tap anywhere on the map screen. 2. Tap on CONFIGURE (in the upper-right). 3. Tap on SHOW POI. You may now select which categories (if any) to show on the map screen. In order to see POI icons, you must be zoomed-in far enough. If you do not see any icons, try zooming in.
8.8) Trouble locking onto satellites There are several issues to check for: 1. When you purchased your nav unit, there was no satellite data stored inside. Your unit will be slow to acquire satellites until it has an opportunity to store satellite data. To let it store satellite data, simply let it run for at least 15 minutes AFTER it has locked onto satellites. After that, it should find satellites much faster. 2.
8.9) Master Reset A master reset will clear everything in your nav unit. All settings will be set to factory defaults. All saved addresses will be erased. The mileage log will be cleared. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Tap anywhere on the map screen. Tap on SETTINGS (at the top). Tap on DEVICE. Scroll down until you see RESET. Tap on RESET. Tap on ALL. Tap on OK. The nav unit should turn off.
9.1) STAA National Network In 1982, the U.S. Congress passed the Surface Transportation Assistance Act, which allows large trucks to operate on the Interstate highways and certain primary routes. This road system is called the “National Network”. When driving on the National Network, you can be reasonably assured of trouble-free road access. But to make local deliveries, you will probably need to leave the National Network and drive on secondary (local) roads.
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9.3) Current Location To view your current location: 1. Tap anywhere on the map screen. 2. Tap on FIND ON MAP (in the lower-right) 3. Tap on FIND ON MAP You should see your GPS coordinates in the upper-left corner: If you tap on the “i” in the lower-right corner, you will get some street information.
9.4) Observing satellite lock status 1. Tap anywhere on the map screen. 2. Tap on TOOLS (at the top). 3. Tap on GPS STATUS. Take notice of the HEALTH status as shown above. It will tell you how many satellites are locked. At the bottom of the screen it will show individual satellite locks as follows: White bar: The nav unit has locked onto that satellite. Gray Bar: The nav unit is in the process of locking onto that satellite. No Bar: There is no reception from that satellite.
9.5) Elevation Get to the satellite screen: 1. Tap anywhere on the map screen. 2. Tap on TOOLS (at the top). 3. Tap on GPS STATUS. Please note that the elevation reading is an undocumented feature that is not described in the manual. We do not directly support this undocumented feature. As such, the elevation only reads in meters. The elevation may or may not continue to appear in future software updates. To convert meters to feet, multiply by 3.28 Elevation accuracy is approximately ± 150 feet.
9.6) Power light status There is a power light on the top right corner of the GPS. The status of the light is as follows: MAIN POWER POWER CORD BATTERY CONDITION POWER LIGHT Off Plugged in Charging RED Off Plugged in Fully Charged OFF On Plugged in Charging RED On Plugged in Fully Charged GREEN On Not plugged in n/a GREEN The only time the power light is RED is when the battery is charging.
9.7) Backing up the Address Book The 7750 PLT has a built-in function for backing up the Address Book. To use this function, you need to plug a blank SD card into the slot on the side of your unit. The address book will be saved to the SD card. Any brand of SD card should be fine. The address book takes very little space, so even the smallest SD card that you find will be plenty big enough. It will not get filled up. Ample space will also be available for saving the mileage log. To save the address book: 1.
9.8) Saving / backing up the Mileage Log For info on saving the Mileage log, please click . For info on backing up the Mileage Log, please click .
10.1) SD Card Slot There is an SD (Secure Digital) card slot on the left-hand side of the nav unit. There are several functions for this card slot: 1. To load map updates. Click for more info. 2. To save a backup of the address book. Click for more info. 3. To save the mileage log. Click for more info. 4. To save a backup of the mileage log. Click for more info.
10.2) External antenna option There is an antenna jack on the back of the 7750 PLT, at the top. It is covered by a rubber plug. The part number of the external antenna is EXT GPS ANT. To order an external antenna, please call Customer Service at 773-889-3087. The antenna is only 1.5” x 1.75” and it has a magnetic base. The cable is 13 feet long.
