How to Use the Built-In GPS on your Lynx Snowmobile: Step-by-Step Guide

Lynx Snowmobiles
By Lynx Snowmobiles
October 2024

What Is the Built-In GPS with Embedded Snowmobile Maps?

The built-in GPS is a navigation system integrated into your Lynx, designed to simplify your riding experience. This must-have feature allows you view your riding buddies' live location without connecting your phone to the sled display or be connected to a cellular network. You can view your location on detailed topographic snowmobile maps, access official trails in supported areas, and record your routes with breadcrumb trails. For an enhanced navigation experience with additional features, you can connect your phone and use the free BRP GO! app.

The built-in GPS is available on models equipped with the 10.25-inch touchscreen display.

What’s the Difference Between the Built-In GPS and the BRP GO! App?

Two navigation tools are available to meet different needs. The built-in GPS allows you to view your position on maps and record rides without needing a phone connection, making it perfect for deep-snow riders who want to navigate back to their basecamp after a long day. In contrast, the BRP GO! app offers enhanced navigation features like turn-by-turn directions and points of interest when connected via USB, catering to trail riders planning detailed excursions.

The features available differ between the two systems: the built-in GPS provides essential functionality, while BRP GO! delivers a more enhanced and comprehensive navigation experience.

Features of the built-in GPS (no phone connection required):
- Access topographic maps and snowmobile trails in supported regions
- View your position on the map
- Record your current ride (tracks)
- Show or hide previous tracks
- Use a compass for orientation
- Create or join groups and locate friends offline

Features of the BRP GO! app (phone connection required):
- Includes all features of the built-in GPS (except offline friend tracking)
- Plan and follow routes with turn-by-turn directions
- Locate friends (with cellular network)
- Search for points of interest and save custom locations
- Review past rides and track riding statistics
- And more

It’s important to note that these systems work independently. Ride data recorded with the built-in GPS is stored in the vehicle display, while BRP GO! saves rides in the app. Data cannot be transferred between the two systems.

 

Preparing Your Snowmobile for the Built-In GPS

Maximize your GPS experience by completing these steps before your ride.

Ensure Your Snowmobile Has a GPS Module

 

The built-in GPS is available only on Lynx snowmobiles with the 10.25-inch display.
- If you have a 2026 model, your vehicle already comes with the GPS module with Group Ride.
- If you have a 2025 model, your vehicle already comes with the GPS module without Group Ride. To benefit from the Group Ride feature, you will have to purchase the GPS module with Group Ride and have it installed by your local dealer. You will also need to do a software update either via Wi-Fi or directly at your local dealer.
- If you have 2023 or 2024 model, you will have to purchase a GPS module and have it installed by your local dealer. You will also need to do a software update either via Wi-Fi or directly at your local dealer.

Download Maps Wirelessly

Stay ahead of the game and download snowmobile maps of your favorite regions directly to your display via Wi-Fi. This ensures you always have the latest navigation and topographic maps at your fingertips. Simply connect your display to a Wi-Fi network and select the regions you want to download.

To connect your snowmobile display to a Wi-Fi network, follow these steps:
1- Open the Applet menu on your display.
2- Navigate to Preferences.
3- From the menu on the left, select Wi-Fi.
4- Choose Add New Network, find your desired network from the list displayed, and enter the password to connect.

<em> Tip: If no Wi-Fi network is available nearby, you can use your smartphone’s hotspot to share its cellular network. Instructions are available for both Apple and Android devices. Note that standard cellular data charges may apply.

Follow these instructions to add maps to your snowmobile display:
1- Open the Applet menu on your display.
2- Go to Preferences.
3- Choose Maps from the menu on the left (scroll down if necessary). You will see the Map Regional Manager page with two columns:
- Included Regions: Lists maps already downloaded to your display. These are base layers and should not be removed.
- Other Regions: Lists additional regions available for download.
4- Click on Add New Region to access a list of countries.
5- Select a country and the specific regions you wish to download. The selected regions will appear in the Other Regions column.
6- To begin downloading, click Download update at the bottom of the screen. Once the process is complete, the downloaded region will appear in the Included Regions list.

 

While Riding Your Snowmobile

Use the built-in GPS to navigate effortlessly, whether you're exploring mountain paths or cruising established trails. Check out the guide below to make the most of your GPS' capabilities.

Using Group Ride

The new Group Ride feature allows for vehicle-to-vehicle location sharing without a phone connection or cellular network. You'll be able to see group members and other BRP vehicles around on the map within a range of 1+ mile (depending on the terrain). To make it super easy to identify your crew, group members appear as color icons and other BRP vehicles that have enabled position sharing (requires the GPS module with Group Ride) appear as black icons. Once you have created or joined a group, it is kept in the display's memory until you manually leave it, making it especially convenient for rides lasting more than a day.

1. On the map, click the "Groups" button at the bottom left of the screen (above the compass)

2. Select "Create" or "Join"

3. If "Create" was selected, the 4-digit code that appears can be shared with your riding buddies so they can join your group. If you would like, you can change the 4-digit code for the group before sharing it. If "Join" was selected, simply enter the 4-digit code of the group and press "Join".

4. To manually leave the group, click the "Groups" button and select "Leave".

1. On the map, click the "Map Options" button at the top right of the screen

2. Select the "Initials" button on the bottom left and enter your preferred initials using the keyboard.

Record Your Ride

With the ride recording feature, every move you make is tracked, ensuring you can easily follow your path. Once your snowmobile is powered on and ready, a track will automatically generate, marked by a blue line as you travel. This makes it simple to retrace your route or revisit past journeys. All recorded tracks are stored in your vehicle's display. You can also customize your experience by showing, hiding, or deleting tracks through the map options.

1- Open Map Options by selecting the button at the top right corner of the map screen.

2- Select the "Tracks" button next to "Show" to enable the function.

3- If you want your track to be hidden, select the "Tracks" button a second time

1. On the map, click the "Map Options" button at the top right of the screen.

2. Select the "🗑️Tracks" button at the bottom of the screen. A message will appear on the screen to confirm you want to erase your breadcrumbs trails.

Discover Map Features

The built-in GPS provides various map settings to suit your needs:

 - Zoom In/Out: Adjust the map view for better visibility based on your preference.

 - Compass: Orient yourself effortlessly for accurate navigation.

 - Lock North Up: Keep the map fixed with North at the top, mimicking a traditional paper map.

 - Display Mode: Switch between light and dark modes to personalize your map’s appearance.

 - Scale and altitude: Show or hide the scale of the map and current altitude.

 

Tip: For access to additional navigation features, connect your phone via USB and launch the BRP GO! app.

To zoom in or out on the map, simply use the "+" and "-" buttons.

Click the North compass button ("N") located at the bottom-left corner of the screen to lock the map orientation with North at the top. To turn off this feature, click the button again.

Navigate to Applet Menu > Preferences > Display > Appearance to toggle between light and dark modes.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Built-In GPS 

You can download up to 8 regions. If you reach this limit and wish to add another area, simply remove one of the regions you've already downloaded. For instructions on how to remove a downloaded region, please see the next question.

1- Open the Applet menu.

2- Navigate to Preferences.

3- Select Maps.

4- Tap the red circle next to the region you want to delete.

5- Confirm by selecting Remove when prompted.

You can view the list of available regions here. Please note that Ontario (OFSC) trails are only accessible through the BRP GO! app.

Group Ride is available in the following countries: 

- Canada

- USA

- Colombia

- Costa Rica

- Bolivia

- Mexico

- Panama

To update one of your regions:

1- Open the Applet menu.

2- Go to Preferences.

3- Choose Maps.

4- Tap Check for Updates at the bottom of the screen.

5- Select Download Update to begin. A progress screen will appear, and once the update is complete, the region will be listed under Included Regions.

If your vehicle display shows “Invalid GPS position”, it means the GPS is not receiving a signal from your current location. This can happen if your GPS is not properly connected or if you are in an area where the signal may be interrupted (eg: indoors). Make sure that you start your ride in a clear area. Note that it can take up to 20 to 40 seconds for the GPS to receive a signal and resolve the issue.

If your snowmobile display shows “No GPS detected,” it means the system is unable to recognize a GPS unit. This could happen if the GPS module is missing, improperly installed, requires an update, or is in an invalid location. Check that the GPS module is correctly installed and connected, ensure the software is up-to-date, and confirm that you are in an open area where the GPS can function properly.

The tracks feature is designed with ample storage to record and save trips throughout the season. However, once the storage capacity is reached, track recording will stop. To resume recording, you must clear previous track data.

Maps may take longer to load the first time you access a region. To improve performance, browse through the map before starting your ride to ensure it loads fully. Once the initial loading is complete, the system should respond more quickly.

Should you have any remaining questions regarding the 10.25" display, please refer to our FAQ page.